Skip to content
1788–1824

WELL! THOU ART HAPPY.

George Gordon Byron

Well! thou art happy, and I feel That I should thus be happy too; For still my heart regards thy weal Warmly, as it was wont to do.

Thy husband's blest — and‘ twill impart Some pangs to view his happier lot: But let them pass — Oh! how my heart Would hate him if he loved thee not!

When late I saw thy favourite child, I thought my jealous heart would break; But when the unconscious infant smil'd, I kiss'd it for its mother's sake.

I kiss'd it,— and repress'd my sighs Its father in its face to see; But then it had its mother's eyes, And they were all to love and me.

Mary, adieu! I must away: While thou art blest I'll not repine; But near thee I can never stay; My heart would soon again be thine.

I deem'd that Time, I deem'd that Pride, Had quench'd at length my boyish flame; Nor knew, till seated by thy side, My heart in all,— save hope,— the same.

Yet was I calm: I knew the time My breast would thrill before thy look; But now to tremble were a crime — We met,— and not a nerve was shook.

I saw thee gaze upon my face, Yet meet with no confusion there: One only feeling couldst thou trace; The sullen calmness of despair.

Away! away! my early dream Remembrance never must awake: Oh! where is Lethe's fabled stream? My foolish heart be still, or break.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
WELL! THOU ART HAPPY. · George Gordon Byron · Poetry Cove