The works of Lord Byron A new, revised and enlarged edition, with illustrations. Edited by Ernest Hartley Coleridge and R. E. Prothero |
I. |
TO M. S. G. |
II. |
III. |
IV. |
V. |
7. |
The works of Lord Byron | ||
TO M. S. G.
1
Whene'er I view those lips of thine,Their hue invites my fervent kiss;
Yet, I forego that bliss divine,
Alas! it were—unhallow'd bliss.
2
Whene'er I dream of that pure breast,How could I dwell upon its snows!
Yet, is the daring wish represt,
For that,—would banish its repose.
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3
A glance from thy soul-searching eyeCan raise with hope, depress with fear;
Yet, I conceal my love,—and why?
I would not force a painful tear.
4
I ne'er have told my love, yet thouHast seen my ardent flame too well;
And shall I plead my passion now,
To make thy bosom's heaven a hell?
5
No! for thou never canst be mine,United by the priest's decree:
By any ties but those divine,
Mine, my belov'd, thou ne'er shalt be.
6
Then let the secret fire consume,Let it consume, thou shalt not know:
With joy I court a certain doom,
Rather than spread its guilty glow.
7
I will not ease my tortur'd heart,By driving dove-ey'd peace from thine;
Rather than such a sting impart,
Each thought presumptuous I resign.
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8
Yes! yield those lips, for which I'd braveMore than I here shall dare to tell;
Thy innocence and mine to save,—
I bid thee now a last farewell.
9
Yes! yield that breast, to seek despairAnd hope no more thy soft embrace;
Which to obtain, my soul would dare,
All, all reproach, but thy disgrace.
10
At least from guilt shalt thou be free,No matron shall thy shame reprove;
Though cureless pangs may prey on me,
No martyr shalt thou be to love.
The works of Lord Byron | ||