Sonnet, to Genevra (Occasional Pieces)
The poem is a lamentation of lost love and the speaker's regret over his decision to leave Genevra. It begins with the speaker describing the beauty of Genevra and how he was drawn to her, but ultimately left her due to societal pressures. Throughout the sonnet, the speaker expresses his longing for Genevra and his desire to return to her, but acknowledges that it is impossible. The poem ends with a sense of resignation and acceptance, as the speaker comes to terms with the fact that he will never be reunited with Genevra.
By Lord Byron · First published 1815 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Lyric · 170 words
First lines
Thine eyes' blue tenderness, thy long fair hair, / And the wan lustre of thy features caught / From contemplation-where serenely wrought, / Seems Sorrow's softness charm'd from its despair - / Have thrown such speaking sadness in thine air / That - but I know thy blessed bosom fraught / With mines of unalloy'd and stainless thought - / I should have deem'd thee doom'd to earthly care.
With such an aspect, by his colours blent, / When from his beauty-breathing pencil born ( / Except that thou hast nothing to repent), / The Magdalen of Guido saw the morn - / Such seem'st thou - but how much more excellent! / With nought Remorse can claim - nor / Virtue scorn.
December 17, 1813.
What this Textopian page supports
Sonnet, to Genevra (Occasional Pieces) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Lord Byron, dated 1815 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Lord Byron
- Date: 1815 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Lyric, Classical
- Length: 170 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Sonnet, to Genevra (Occasional Pieces) by Lord Byron
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Similar titles
- Sonnet To Genevra by Lord Byron
- Ode by John Keats
- To G A W by John Keats
- Stanzas To The Po by Lord Byron
- Farewell If Ever Fondest Prayer by Lord Byron
- To E by Lord Byron
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a sonnet, a traditional poetic form, and employs rhyme and meter.
- Romantic — The themes of beauty, emotion, and contemplation align with Romantic literary characteristics.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyric poetry.
- Classical — The use of classical references and formal structure reflects classical influences.
Tags
Poem · Sonnet · Romanticism · Love · Nature · Beauty · Femininity · Genevra · Byronic Hero · Passion · Longing · Yearning