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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[PIGNUS AMORIS.] |
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 | The works of Lord Byron |  |
[PIGNUS AMORIS.]
1
As by the fix'd decrees of Heaven,'Tis vain to hope that Joy can last;
The dearest boon that Life has given,
To me is—visions of the past.
232
2
For these this toy of blushing hueI prize with zeal before unknown,
It tells me of a Friend I knew,
Who loved me for myself alone.
3
It tells me what how few can sayThough all the social tie commend;
Recorded in my heart 'twill lay,
It tells me mine was once a Friend.
4
Through many a weary day gone by,With time the gift is dearer grown;
And still I view in Memory's eye
That teardrop sparkle through my own.
5
And heartless Age perhaps will smile,Or wonder whence those feelings sprung;
Yet let not sterner souls revile,
For Both were open, Both were young.
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6
And Youth is sure the only time,When Pleasure blends no base alloy;
When Life is blest without a crime,
And Innocence resides with Joy.
7
Let those reprove my feeble Soul,Who laugh to scorn Affection's name;
While these impose a harsh controul,
All will forgive who feel the same.
8
Then still I wear my simple toy,With pious care from wreck I'll save it;
And this will form a dear employ
For dear I was to him who gave it.
? 1806.
| The works of Lord Byron | |