540
POEMS OF THE SEPARATION.
But 'tis done—all words are idle—
Words from me are vainer still;[1]
But the thoughts we cannot bridle
Force their way without the will.
Fare thee well! thus disunited—[2]
Torn from every nearer tie—
Seared in heart—and lone—and blighted—
More than this I scarce can die.60
[First draft, March 18, 1816.
First printed as published, April 4, 1816.]
First printed as published, April 4, 1816.]
"Honest—honest Iago!
If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee."
Shakespeare.
Born in the garret, in the kitchen bred,
Promoted thence to deck her mistress' head;[5]
Next—for some gracious service unexpressed,
- ↑ Tears and sighs are idler still.—[MS. erased.]
- ↑ Fare thee well—thus lone and blighted.—[MS. erased.]
- ↑ A Sketch from Life.—[MS. M.]
- ↑ ["I send you my last night's dream, and request to have 50 copies (for private distribution) struck off. I wish Mr. Gifford to look at them; they are from life."—Letter to Murray, March 30, 1816. "The original MS. of Lord Byron's Satire, 'A Sketch from Private Life,' written by his Lordship, 30th March, 1816. Given by his Lordship to me on going abroad after his separation from Lady Byron, John Hanson. To be carefully preserved." (This MS. omits lines 19-20, 35-36, 55-56, 65-70, 77-78, 85-92.) A copy entitled, "A sketch from private Life," dated March 30, 1816, is in Mrs. Leigh's handwriting. The corrections and additions are in Byron's handwriting. A proof dated April 2, 1816, is endorsed by Murray, "Correct with most particular care and print off 50 copies, and keep standing."]
- ↑ Promoted thence to comb ——.—[MS. M. erased.]
