Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/112

72 8.

But thou, perhaps, may'st now reject

Such expiation of my guilt;

Come then—some other mode elect?

Let it be death—or what thou wilt.

9.

Choose, then, relentless! and I swear

Nought shall thy dread decree prevent;

Yet hold—one little word forbear!

Let it be aught but banishment.

TRANSLATION FROM CATULLUS.

AD LESBIAM.

to Jove that youth must be—

Greater than Jove he seems to me—

Who, free from Jealousy's alarms,

Securely views thy matchless charms;

That cheek, which ever dimpling glows,

That mouth, from whence such music flows,

To him, alike, are always known,

Reserv'd for him, and him alone.

Ah! Lesbia! though 'tis death to me,

I cannot choose but look on thee;