Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/290

250 12.

By Heaven! I rather would forswear

The Earth, and all the joys reserved me,

Than dare again the specious Snare,

From which my Fate and Heaven preserved me.

13.

Still I possess some Friends who love me—

In each a much esteemed and true one;

The Wealth of Worlds shall never move me

To quit their Friendship, for a new one.

14.

But Becher! you're a reverend pastor,

Now take it in consideration,

Whether for penance I should fast, or

Pray for my sins in expiation.

15.

I own myself the child of Folly,

But not so wicked as they make me—

I soon must die of melancholy,

If Female smiles should e'er forsake me.

16.

Philosophers have never doubted,

That Ladies' Lips were made for kisses!

For Love! I could not live without it,

For such a cursed place as This is.