To George, Earl Delawarr
by George Gordon, Lord Byron
(From Hours of Idleness - 1807)
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 cherishd 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 wanderd 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 winters 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.
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 chilld is affection,
- With me no corroding resentment shall live:
- My bosom is calmd 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 unalterd by years or by distance
- Devoted to love and to friendship alone.
8
- You knewbut away with the vain retropection!
- The bond of affection no longer endures;
- Too late you may droop oer the fond recollection,
- And sigh for the friend who was formerly yours.
9
- For the present, we part,I will hope not for ever;
- For time and regret will restore you at last:
- To forget our dimension we both should endeavour,
- I ask no atonement, but days like the past.
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