The works of Lord Byron A new, revised and enlarged edition, with illustrations. Edited by Ernest Hartley Coleridge and R. E. Prothero |
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 | The works of Lord Byron |  |
68
TO M---
1
Oh! did those eyes, instead of fire,With bright, but mild affection shine:
Though they might kindle less desire,
Love, more than mortal, would be thine.
2
For thou art form'd so heavenly fair,Howe'er those orbs may wildly beam,
We must admire, but still despair;
That fatal glance forbids esteem.
3
When Nature stamp'd thy beauteous birth,So much perfection in thee shone,
She fear'd that, too divine for earth,
The skies might claim thee for their own.
4
Therefore, to guard her dearest work,Lest angels might dispute the prize,
She bade a secret lightning lurk,
Within those once celestial eyes.
69
5
These might the boldest Sylph appall,When gleaming with meridian blaze;
Thy beauty must enrapture all;
But who can dare thine ardent gaze?
6
'Tis said that Berenice's hair,In stars adorns the vault of heaven;
But they would ne'er permit thee there,
Thou wouldst so far outshine the seven.
7
For did those eyes as planets roll,Thy sister-lights would scarce appear:
E'en suns, which systems now controul,
Would twinkle dimly through their sphere.
Friday, November 7, 1806.
| The works of Lord Byron | |