Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/150

110 2.

In vain, with endearments, we soothe the sad heart,

In vain do we vow for an age to be true;

The chance of an hour may command us to part,

Or Death disunite us, in Love's last adieu!

3.

Still Hope, breathing peace, through the grief-swollen breast,

Will whisper, "Our meeting we yet may renew:"

With this dream of deceit, half our sorrow's represt

Nor taste we the poison, of Love's last adieu!

4.

Oh! mark you yon pair, in the sunshine of youth,

Love twin'd round their childhood his flow'rs as they grew;

They flourish awhile, in the season of truth,

Till chill'd by the winter of Love's last adieu!

5.

Sweet lady! why thus doth a tear steal its way,

Down a cheek which outrivals thy bosom in hue?

Yet why do I ask?—to distraction a prey,

Thy reason has perish'd, with Love's last adieu!

6.

Oh! who is yon Misanthrope, shunning mankind?

From cities to caves of the forest he flew: