Page:Journal of Conversations with Lord Byron.pdf/115
deep feelings of pain, and should be judged as the outpourings of a wounded spirit, demanding pity more than anger. I subjoin the verses, though not without some reluctance. But while to the public they are of that value that any reasons for their suppression ought to be extremely strong, so, on the other hand, I trust they cannot hurt either her feelings to whom they are addressed, or his memory by whom they are written; -to her, because the very bitterness of reproach proves that unconquerable affection which cannot but heal the wound it causes; to him, because who, in the shattered feelings they betray, will not acknowledge the grief that hurries into error, and (may we add in charity!) atones for it.
TO -
And thou wert sad - yet I was not with thee;
And thou wert sick, and yet I was not near;
Methought that joy and health alone could be
Where I was not - and pain and sorrow here!
And is it thus ? - it is as I foretold,
And shall be more so; for the mind recoils
Upon itself, and the wreck'd heart lies cold,
While heaviness collects the shatter'd spoils.
It is not in the storm nor in the strife
We feel benumb'd, and wish to be no more,
But in the after-silence on the shore,
When all is lost, except a little life.
I am too well avenged! - but 'twas my right:
Whate'er my sins might be, thou wert not sent