Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/243

Rh And though myself may be the next

By critic sarcasm to be vext,

I really will not fight them.

11.

Perhaps they would do quite as well

To break the rudely sounding shell

Of such a young beginner:

He who offends at pert nineteen,

Ere thirty may become, I ween,

A very harden'd sinner.

12.

Now, Clare, I must return to you;

And, sure, apologies are due:

Accept, then, my concession.

In truth, dear Clare, in Fancy's flight

I soar along from left to right;

My Muse admires digression.

13.

I think I said 'twould be your fate

To add one star to royal state;—

May regal smiles attend you!