"Pale are the words I build for my delight"

Pale are the words I build for my delight

To house in; pale as the chill mist that holds

An ardent morn. My fire to others' sight

But dimly burns through the frail speech it moulds;

I cast but shadows from my inward light.

But, O my Joy, thou understandest well

Both what I can and what I cannot tell.