"On This Day I Complete My Thirty-Sixth Year," by Lord Byron
I hasten to assure anyone reading this that I do not in any way identify with the sentiments described in the poem, but I feel obligated to post it as a fan of the younger Romantics turning 36.
1.
'T is time this heart should be unmoved,
Since others it hath ceased to move:
Yet, though I cannot be beloved,
Still let me love!
2.
My days are in the yellow leaf;
The flowers and fruits of Love are gone;
The worm, the canker, and the grief
Are mine alone!
3.
The fire that on my bosom preys
Is lone[2] as some Volcanic isle;
No torch is kindled at its blaze-
A funeral pile.
4.
The hope, the fear, the jealous care,
The exalted portion of the pain
And power of love, I cannot share,
But wear the chain.
5.
But 't is not thus-and 't is not here-[3]
Such thoughts should shake my soul, nor now
Where Glory decks the hero's bier,[4]
Or binds his brow.
6.
The Sword, the Banner, and the Field,[5]
Glory and Greece, around me see!
The Spartan, borne upon his shield,[6]
Was not more free.
7.
Awake! (not Greece-she is awake!)
Awake, my spirit! Think through whom
Thy life-blood tracks its parent lake,[7]
And then strike home!
8.
Tread those reviving passions down,[8]
Unworthy manhood!-unto thee
Indifferent should the smile or frown
Of Beauty be.
9.
If thou regret'st thy youth, why live?
The land of honourable death
Is here:-up to the Field, and give
Away thy breath!
10.
Seek out-less often sought than found-
A soldier's grave, for thee the best;
Then look around, and choose thy ground,
And take thy Rest.
1.
'T is time this heart should be unmoved,
Since others it hath ceased to move:
Yet, though I cannot be beloved,
Still let me love!
2.
My days are in the yellow leaf;
The flowers and fruits of Love are gone;
The worm, the canker, and the grief
Are mine alone!
3.
The fire that on my bosom preys
Is lone[2] as some Volcanic isle;
No torch is kindled at its blaze-
A funeral pile.
4.
The hope, the fear, the jealous care,
The exalted portion of the pain
And power of love, I cannot share,
But wear the chain.
5.
But 't is not thus-and 't is not here-[3]
Such thoughts should shake my soul, nor now
Where Glory decks the hero's bier,[4]
Or binds his brow.
6.
The Sword, the Banner, and the Field,[5]
Glory and Greece, around me see!
The Spartan, borne upon his shield,[6]
Was not more free.
7.
Awake! (not Greece-she is awake!)
Awake, my spirit! Think through whom
Thy life-blood tracks its parent lake,[7]
And then strike home!
8.
Tread those reviving passions down,[8]
Unworthy manhood!-unto thee
Indifferent should the smile or frown
Of Beauty be.
9.
If thou regret'st thy youth, why live?
The land of honourable death
Is here:-up to the Field, and give
Away thy breath!
10.
Seek out-less often sought than found-
A soldier's grave, for thee the best;
Then look around, and choose thy ground,
And take thy Rest.