Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/422

380 And, quite content, no more shall interpose

To stun the public ear—at least with Prose.

Thus far I've held my undisturbed career,

Prepared for rancour, steeled 'gainst selfish fear;

This thing of rhyme I ne'er disdained to own—

Though not obtrusive, yet not quite unknown:

My voice was heard again, though not so loud,

My page, though nameless, never disavowed;

And now at once I tear the veil away:—

Cheer on the pack! the Quarry stands at bay,

Unscared by all the din of house,

By 's resentment, or by 's spouse,

By 's harmless pistol, 's rage,

Edina's brawny sons and brimstone page.

Our men in buckram shall have blows enough,

And feel they too are "penetrable stuff:"

And though I hope not hence unscathed to go,

Who conquers me shall find a stubborn foe.