We wear the mask that grins and lies, 
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,
This debt we pay to human guile; 
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile, 
And mouth with myriad subtleties. 

Why should the world be over-wise, 
In counting all our tears and sighs? 
Nay, let them only see us, while 
We wear the mask.

Paul Laurence Dunbar

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