Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/154

114 7.

I have tasted the sweets, and the bitters, of love,

In friendship I early was taught to believe;

My passion the matrons of prudence reprove,

I have found that a friend may profess, yet deceive.

8.

To me what is wealth?—it may pass in an hour,

If Tyrants prevail, or if Fortune should frown:

To me what is title?—the phantom of power;

To me what is fashion?—I seek but renown.

9. Deceit is a stranger, as yet, to my soul;

I, still, am unpractised to varnish the truth:

Then, why should I live in a hateful controul?

Why waste, upon folly, the days of my youth? 1806.

ANSWER TO SOME ELEGANT VERSES SENT BY A FRIEND TO THE AUTHOR, COMPLAINING THAT ONE OF HIS DESCRIPTIONS WAS RATHER TOO WARMLY DRAWN.

compels me, Becher! to commend

The verse, which blends the censor with the friend;