The works of Lord Byron A new, revised and enlarged edition, with illustrations. Edited by Ernest Hartley Coleridge and R. E. Prothero |
I. |
TO GEORGE, EARL DELAWARR. |
II. |
III. |
IV. |
V. |
7. |
The works of Lord Byron | ||
TO GEORGE, EARL DELAWARR.
1
Oh! yes, I will own we were dear to each other;The friendships of childhood, though fleeting, are true;
The love which you felt was the love of a brother,
Nor less the affection I cherish'd for you.
2
But Friendship can vary her gentle dominion;The attachment of years, in a moment expires:
Like Love, too, she moves on a swift-waving pinion,
But glows not, like Love, with unquenchable fires.
3
Full oft have we wander'd through Ida together,And blest were the scenes of our youth, I allow:
In the spring of our life, how serene is the weather!
But Winter's rude tempests are gathering now.
4
No more with Affection shall Memory blending,The wonted delights of our childhood retrace:
When Pride steels the bosom, the heart is unbending,
And what would be Justice appears a disgrace.
127
5
However, dear George, for I still must esteem you—The few, whom I love, I can never upbraid;
The chance, which has lost, may in future redeem you,
Repentance will cancel the vow you have made.
6
I will not complain, and though chill'd is affection,With me no corroding resentment shall live:
My bosom is calm'd by the simple reflection,
That both may be wrong, and that both should forgive.
7
You knew, that my soul, that my heart, my existence,If danger demanded, were wholly your own;
You knew me unalter'd, by years or by distance,
Devoted to love and to friendship alone.
8
You knew,—but away with the vain retrospection!The bond of affection no longer endures;
Too late you may droop o'er the fond recollection,
And sigh for the friend, who was formerly yours.
128
9
For the present, we part,—I will hope not for ever;For time and regret will restore you at last:
To forget our dissension we both should endeavour,
I ask no atonement, but days like the past.
The works of Lord Byron | ||