GEORGE GORDON, LORD

BYRON

(1788-1824)
WHEN WE TWO PARTED

(1808)
When we two parted

In silence and tears,
Half broken-hearted,

To sever for years,
Pale grew thy cheek and cold,

Colder thy kiss;
Truly that hour foretold

Sorrow to this.
The dew of the morning

Sunk chill on my brow-
It felt like the warning

Of what I feel now.
Thy vows are all broken,

And light is thy fame:
I hear thy name spoken,

And share in its shame.
They name thee before me,

A knell to mine ear;
A shudder comes o'er me

Why wert thou so dear?
They know not I knew thee,

Who knew thee too well:
Long, long shall I rue thee,

Too deeply to tell.
In secret we met

In silence I grieve,
That thy heart could forget,

Thy spirit deceive.
If I should meet thee

After long years,
How should I greet thee? -

With silence and tears.

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STANZAS FOR MUSIC

(1815) с There's not a joy the world can give like

that it takes away, When the głow of early thought declines

in feeling's dull decay; 'Tis not on youth's smooth cheek the blush

alone, which fades so fast, But the tender bloom of heart is gone, ere

youth itself be past.

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30

SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY

(1814) She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes: Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

Though wit may flash from fluent lips,

and mirth distract the breast, Through midnight hours that yield no

more their former hope of rest;