Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/288

248 2.

I've lived as many other men live,

And yet, I think, with more enjoyment;

For could I through my days again live,

I'd pass them in the same employment.

3.

That is to say, with some exception,

For though I will not make confession,

I've seen too much of man's deception

Ever again to trust profession.

4.

Some sage Mammas with gesture haughty,

Pronounce me quite a youthful Sinner—

But Daughters say, "although he's naughty,

You must not check a Young Beginner!"

5.

I've loved, and many damsels know it—

But whom I don't intend to mention,

As certain stanzas also show it,

Some say deserving Reprehension.

6.

Some ancient Dames, of virtue fiery,

(Unless Report does much belie them,)

Have lately made a sharp Enquiry,

And much it grieves me to deny them.