George Gordon Noel Byron ( 10 of 329 )
'Twas blow for blow, disputing inch by inch,
For one would not retreat, nor t'other flinch.
'Twas blow for blow, disputing inch by inch,
For one would not retreat, nor t'other flinch.
Of all tales 'tis the saddest--and more sad,
Because it makes us smile.
Of all tales 'tis the saddest--and more sad,
Because it makes us smile.
. . . Years steal
Fire from the mind, as vigor from the limb;
And life's enchanted read more
. . . Years steal
Fire from the mind, as vigor from the limb;
And life's enchanted cut but sparkles near the brim.
And these vicissitudes come best in youth;
For when they happen at a riper age,
People are read more
And these vicissitudes come best in youth;
For when they happen at a riper age,
People are apt to blame the Fates, forsooth,
And wonder Providence is not more sage.
Adversity is the first path to truth:
He who hath proved war, storm, or woman's rage,
Whether his winters be eighteen or eighty,
Has won experience which is deem'd so weighty.
Most glorious night!
Thou wert not sent for slumber!
Most glorious night!
Thou wert not sent for slumber!
Ah! were I sever'd from thy side,
Where were thy friend and who my guide?
Years have read more
Ah! were I sever'd from thy side,
Where were thy friend and who my guide?
Years have not seen, Time shall not see
The hour that tears my soul from thee.
Hereditary bondsmen! Know ye not
Who would be free themselves must strike the blow?
Hereditary bondsmen! Know ye not
Who would be free themselves must strike the blow?
Oh, who can tell, save he whose heart hath tried?
Oh, who can tell, save he whose heart hath tried?
On the ear
Drops the light drip of the suspended oar.
On the ear
Drops the light drip of the suspended oar.
His heart was one of those which most enamour us,
Wax to receive, and marble to retain.
His heart was one of those which most enamour us,
Wax to receive, and marble to retain.
