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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TO GEORGE, EARL DELAWARR, by GEORGE GORDON BYRON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh yes, I will own we were dear to each other Last Line: I ask no atonement but days like the past. Alternate Author Name(s): Byron, Lord; Byron, 6th Baron Subject(s): Friendship | |||
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 cherish'd for you. 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. Full oft have we wander'd through Ida together, And bless'd were the scenes of our youth, I allow: In the spring of our life, how serene is the weather! But winter's rude tempests are gathering now. 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. 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. I will not complain, and though chill'd is affection, With me no corroding resentment shall live: My bosom is calm'd by the simple reflection, That both may be wrong, and that both should forgive. You knew that my soul, that my heart, my existence, If danger demanded, were wholly your own; You knew me unalter'd by years or by distance, Devoted to love and to friendship alone. You knew, -- but away with the vain retrospection! The bond of affection no longer endures; Too late you may droop o'er the fond recollection, And sigh for the friend who was formerly yours. For the present, we part, -- I will hope not for ever; For time and regret will restore you at last: To forget our dissension we both should endeavour, I ask no atonement but days like the past. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...YOU & I BELONG IN THIS KITCHEN by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA JASON THE REAL by TONY HOAGLAND NO RESURRECTION by ROBINSON JEFFERS CHAMBER MUSIC: 17 by JAMES JOYCE CHAMBER MUSIC: 18 by JAMES JOYCE THE STONE TABLE by GALWAY KINNELL ALMSWOMAN by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN TO AN ENEMY by MAXWELL BODENHEIM SONNET: 10. TO A FRIEND by WILLIAM LISLE BOWLES ALL IS VANITY, SAITH THE PREACHER' by GEORGE GORDON BYRON |
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