Song "I am wearing away"

I am wearing away like the snow in the sun,

I am wearing away from the pain in my heart;

But ne'er shall he know, who my peace has undone,

How bitter, how lasting, how deep is my smart.

I know he would pity—so kind is his soul,

To him my affliction would agony be;

But never, while I can my feelings control,

The youth whom I love shall know sorrow through me.

Though longing to weep, in his presence I'll smile,

Call the flush of my cheek the pure crimson of health;

His fears for my peace by my song I'll beguile,

Nor venture to gaze on his eyes but by stealth.

For conscious I am, by my glance is exprest

The passion that faithful as hopeless will be,

And he, whom, alas! I can ne'er render blest,

Shall never, no never, know sorrow through me.