Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/135

Rh The woods of danc'd before my eyes;

I saw the sprightly wand'rers pour along,

I saw, and join'd again the joyous throng;

Panting, again I trac'd her lofty grove,

And Friendship's feelings triumph'd over Love.

Yet, why should I alone with such delight

Retrace the circuit of my former flight?

Is there no cause beyond the common claim,

Endear'd to all in childhood's very name?

Ah! sure some stronger impulse vibrates here,

Which whispers friendship will be doubly dear

To one, who thus for kindred hearts must roam,

And seek abroad, the love denied at home.

Those hearts, dear, have I found in thee,

A home, a world, a paradise to me.

Stern Death forbade my orphan youth to share

The tender guidance of a Father's care;

Can Rank, or e'en a Guardian's name supply

The love, which glistens in a Father's eye?

For this, can Wealth, or Title's sound atone,

Made, by a Parent's early loss, my own?

What Brother springs a Brother's love to seek?

What Sister's gentle kiss has prest my cheek?

For me, how dull the vacant moments rise,

To no fond bosom link'd by kindred ties!

Oft, in the progress of some fleeting dream,

Fraternal smiles, collected round me seem;