Classic and Contemporary Poetry
LINES ADDRESSED TO THE REV. J.T. BECHER, by GEORGE GORDON BYRON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dear becher, you tell me to mix with mankind Last Line: Why waste upon folly the days of my youth? Alternate Author Name(s): Byron, Lord; Byron, 6th Baron Subject(s): Conduct Of Life | ||||||||
DEAR Becher, you tell me to mix with mankind; I cannot deny such a precept is wise; But retirement accords with the tone of my mind, I will not descend to a world I despise. Did the senate or camp my exertions require, Ambition might prompt me at once to go forth; When infancy's years of probation expire, Perchance I may strive to distinguish my birth. The fire in the cavern of Etna conceal'd, Still mantles unseen in its secret recess; At length, in a volume terrific reveal'd, No torrent can quench it, no bounds can repress. Oh! thus, the desire in my bosom for fame Bids me live but to hope for posterity's praise: Could I soar with the phoenix on pinions of flame, With him I would wish to expire in the blaze. For the life of a Fox, of a Chatham the death, What censure, what danger, what woe would I brave! Their lives did not end when they yielded their breath, Their glory illumines the gloom of their grave. Yet why should I mingle in Fashion's full herd? Why crouch to her leaders, or cringe to her rules? Why bend to the proud, or applaud the absurd? Why search for delight in the friendship of fools? I have tasted the sweets and the bitters of love; In friendship I early was taught to believe; My passion the matrons of prudence reprove; I have found that a friend may profess, yet deceive. To me what is wealth? -- it may pass in an hour, If tyrants prevail or if Fortune should frown; To me what is title? -- the phantom of power; To me what is fashion? -- I seek but renown. Deceit is a stranger as yet to my soul, I still am unpractised to varnish the truth: Then why should I live in a nateful control? Why waste upon folly the days of my youth? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD by MATTHEA HARVEY SLOWLY: I FREQUENTLY SLOWLY WISH by LYN HEJINIAN MY LIFE: YET WE INSIST THAT LIFE IS FULL OF HAPPY CHANCE by LYN HEJINIAN CHAPTER HEADING by ERNEST HEMINGWAY PUNK HALF PANTHER by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA A CERTAIN MAN by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA GREEN-STRIPED MELONS by JANE HIRSHFIELD LIKE THE SMALL HOLE BY THE PATH-SIDE SOMETHING LIVES IN by JANE HIRSHFIELD ALL IS VANITY, SAITH THE PREACHER' by GEORGE GORDON BYRON |
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