Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/166

126 TO GEORGE, EARL DELAWARR.

1.

! 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.

2.

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.

3.

Full oft have we wander'd through Ida together,

And blest 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.

4.

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.