Silentium

Withdraw, be silent and conceal

The dreams you hold and what you feel.

Within your soul in stillness let

Your inner visions rise and set

Like stars at night in their commute:

Pay homage to them—and be mute.

How can the soul its truth impart?

How can another know your heart

Or comprehend the path you ply?

A thought once uttered is a lie;

Disturb the wells and you pollute:

Drink deeply of them—and be mute.

To live within yourself aspire;

Your soul contains a world entire,

Where hidden mystic thoughts abound;

In noise abroad such thoughts are drowned,

And daylight will their force dilute:

Attend their singing—and be mute!

—Author Unknown—