Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO MARY, ON RECEIVING HER PICTURE, by GEORGE GORDON BYRON


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TO MARY, ON RECEIVING HER PICTURE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: This faint resemblance of thy charms
Last Line: And meet my fond expiring gaze.
Alternate Author Name(s): Byron, Lord; Byron, 6th Baron
Subject(s): Beauty


THIS faint resemblance of thy charms,
Though strong as mortal art could give,
My constant heart of fear disarms,
Revives my hopes, and bids me live.

Here I can trace the locks of gold
Which round thy snowy forehead wave,
The cheeks which sprung from beauty's mould,
The lips which made me beauty's slave.

Here I can trace -- ah, no! that eye,
Whose azure floats in liquid fire,
Must all the painter's art defy,
And bid him from the task retire.

Here I behold its beauteous hue;
But where's the beam so sweetly straying,
Which gave a lustre to its blue,
Like Luna o'er the ocean playing?

Sweet copy! far more dear to me,
Lifeless, unfeeling as thou art,
Than all the living forms could be,
Save her who placed thee next my heart.

She placed it, sad, with needless fear,
Lest time might shake my wavering soul,
Uneonscious that her image there
Held every sense in fast control.

Through hours, through years, through time, 't will cheer;
My hope in gloomy moments raise;
In life's last conflict 't will appear,
And meet my fond expiring gaze.





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