Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/51

Rh 8.

Your image fills my anxious breast,

Till day declines adown the West,

And when at night, I sink to rest,

In dreams your fancied form I view.

9.

'Tis then your breast, no longer cold,

With equal ardour seems to burn,

While close your arms around me fold,

Your lips my kiss with warmth return.

10.

Ah! would these joyous moments last;

Vain ! the gay delusion's past,

That voice!—ah! no, 'tis but the blast,

Which echoes through the neighbouring grove.

11.

But when awake, your lips I seek,

And clasp enraptur'd all your charms,

So chill's the pressure of your cheek,

I fold a statue in my arms.

12.

If thus, when to my heart embrac'd,

No pleasure in your eyes is trac'd,

You may be prudent, fair, and chaste,

But ah! my girl, you do not love.