Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, EGOISM, by GEORGE GORDON BYRON


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EGOISM, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: If fate should seal my death to-morow
Last Line: For, faith, I can't withstand temptation.
Alternate Author Name(s): Byron, Lord; Byron, 6th Baron


(A LETTER TO J. T. BECHER)

IF fate should seal my Death to-morrow
(Though much I hope she will postpone it),
I've held a share of Joy and Sorrow,
Enough for Ten; and here I own it.

I've lived, as many other men live,
And yet, I think, with more enjoyment:
For could I through my days again live,
I'd pass them in the same employment.

That is to say, with some exception,
For though I will not make confession,
I've seen too much of man's deception
Ever again to trust profession.

Some sage Mammas with gesture haughty,
Pronounce me quite a youthful Sinner --
But Daughters say, 'although he's naughty,
You must not check a Young Beginner!'

I've loved, and many damsels know it --
But whom I don't intend to mention,
As certain stanzas also show it,
Some say deserving Reprehension.

Some ancient Dames, of virtue fiery
(Unless Report does much belie them),
Have lately made a sharp Enquiry,
And much it grieves me to deny them.

Two whom I loved had eyes of Blue,
To which I hope you've no objection;
The Rest had eyes of darker Hue --
Each Nymph, of course, was all perfection.

But here I'll close my chaste Description,
Nor say the deeds of animosity;
For silence is the best prescription,
To physic idle curiosity.

Of Friends I've known a goodly Hundred --
For finding one in each acquaintance,
By some deceived, by others plunder'd,
Friendship, to me, was not Repentance.

At School I thought like other Children;
Instead of Brains, a fine Ingredient,
Romance, my youthful Head bewildering,
To Sense had made me disobedient.

A victim, nearly from affection,
To certain very precious scheming,
The still remaining recollection
Has cured my boyish soul of Dreaming.

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.

Still I possess some Friends who love me --
In each a much esteem'd and true one;
The Wealth of Worlds shall never move me
To quit their Friendship, for a new one.

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.

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.

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.

Say, Becher, I shall be forgiven!
If you don't warrant my salvation,
I must resign all Hopes of Heaven!
For, Faith, I can't withstand Temptation.





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