Byron's Poetical Works, Volume 1

1

  As by the fix’d decrees of Heaven,
  ’Tis vain to hope that Joy can last;
  The dearest boon that Life has given,
  To me is—­visions of the past.

2.

  For these this toy of blushing hue
    I prize with zeal before unknown,
  It tells me of a Friend I knew,
    Who loved me for myself alone.

3.

  It tells me what how few can say
    Though all the social tie commend;
  Recorded in my heart ’twill lay,

    It tells me mine was once a Friend.

4.

  Through many a weary day gone by,
    With time the gift is dearer grown;
  And still I view in Memory’s eye
    That teardrop sparkle through my own.

5.

  And heartless Age perhaps will smile,
    Or wonder whence those feelings sprung;
  Yet let not sterner souls revile,
    For Both were open, Both were young.

6.

  And Youth is sure the only time,
    When Pleasure blends no base alloy;
  When Life is blest without a crime,
    And Innocence resides with Joy.

7

  Let those reprove my feeble Soul,
    Who laugh to scorn Affection’s name;
  While these impose a harsh controul,
    All will forgive who feel the same.

8

  Then still I wear my simple toy,
    With pious care from wreck I’ll save it;
  And this will form a dear employ
    For dear I was to him who gave it.

? 1806.

[Footnote 1:  From an autograph MS. at Newstead, now for the first time printed.]

[Footnote 2:  For the irregular use of “lay” for “lie,” compare “The Adieu” (st. 10, 1. 4, p. 241), and the much-disputed line, “And dashest him to earth—­there let him lay” (’Childe Harold’, canto iv. st. 180).]