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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ON THIS DAY I COMPLETE MY THIRTY-SIXTH YEAR. |
The works of Lord Byron | ||
ON THIS DAY I COMPLETE MY THIRTY-SIXTH YEAR.
1
'T is time this heart should be unmoved,Since others it hath ceased to move:
Yet, though I cannot be beloved,
Still let me love!
2
My days are in the yellow leaf;The flowers and fruits of Love are gone;
The worm, the canker, and the grief
Are mine alone!
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3
The fire that on my bosom preysIs lone as some Volcanic isle;
No torch is kindled at its blaze—
A funeral pile.
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The hope, the fear, the jealous care,The exalted portion of the pain
And power of love, I cannot share,
But wear the chain.
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But't is not thus—and't is not here—Such thoughts should shake my soul, nor now
Where Glory decks the hero's bier,
Or binds his brow.
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The Sword, the Banner, and the Field,Glory and Greece, around me see!
The Spartan, borne upon his shield,
Was not more free.
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Awake! (not Greece—she is awake!)Awake, my spirit! Think through whom
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And then strike home!
8
Tread those reviving passions down,Unworthy manhood!—unto thee
Indifferent should the smile or frown
Of Beauty be.
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If thou regret'st thy youth, why live?The land of honourable death
Is here:—up to the Field, and give
Away thy breath!
10
Seek out—less often sought than found—A soldier's grave, for thee the best;
Then look around, and choose thy ground,
And take thy Rest.
Missolonghi, Jan. 22, 1824.
The works of Lord Byron | ||