1830 FMN


To My Dear Mary Anne.

By Lord Byron
[38]
 
The lines addressed "To my dear Mary Anne" were written about a year or less before my marriage, and when Lord Byron left Annesley. -- Mary Anne Musters.
 

[The following schoolboy rhymes are not inserted as an example for youthful imitation, but as a literary curiosity. Innumerable specimens of Byron’s transcendent and original powers are already before the public; but the dawning impulses of superior minds have been rarely disclosed: consequently they possess a novel interest, as well as afford a clue to the dominant feelings which have ruled their destinies. To the philosophic eye, that deficiency of mere poetic interest, which might disgrace an inferior writer, invests the timid steps of the uncultivated muse with a peculiar charm, as it proves, in a striking degree, the ultimate triumph of perseverance and the omnipotent force of genius. To those who construe the fitful and wayward flights of an untamed imagination into a settled and desperate malignity of temper, it may be useful to submit a document which bears the genuine impress of generous feeling and simple piety. Minds of a more tender and enthusiastic temperament will learn to pardon the insensibility of Lord Byron’s favourite "Mary," when they learn that every crevice of her youthful heart was preoccupied, and that her warmest affections centred upon the man of her choice. {F. Shoberl}]

[39]
Adieu to sweet Mary for ever!
From her I must quickly depart.
Though the fates us from each other sever,
Still her image will dwell in my heart.
 
The flame that within my breast burns
Is unlike what in lovers' hearts glows;
The love which for Mary I feel
Is far purer than Cupid bestows.
 
I wish not your peace to disturb,
I wish not your joys to molest:
Mistake not my passion for love,
'Tis your friendship alone I request.
 
Not ten thousand lovers could feel
The friendship my bosom contains;
It will ever within my heart dwell,
While the warm blood flows through my veins.
 
May the Ruler of Heaven look down,
And my Mary from evil defend!
May she ne'er know adversity's frown,
May her happiness ne'er have an end!
 
Once more, my sweet Mary, adieu!
Farewell! I with anguish repeat--
For ever I'll think upon you,
While this heart in my bosom shall beat.