To a Lady, on being Asked my Reasons for Quittin
The poem is a reflection of the speaker's disillusionment with society and his desire for freedom and adventure. He expresses frustration with the conventions and restrictions of English life, particularly in regards to women, and feels stifled by the societal expectations placed upon him. He longs for the excitement and passion of Italy, where he can escape the monotony of English routine and indulge in the beauty and romance of the Italian landscape. The poem is a expression of the Romantic ideals of freedom, individuality, and the pursuit of one's passions.
By Lord Byron · First published 1816 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Personal Reflection · 170 words
First lines
When Man, expell'd from Eden's bowers, / A moment linger'd near the gate, / Each scene recall'd the vanish'd hours, / And bade him curse his future fate.
But, wandering on through distant climes, / He learnt to bear his load of grief; / Just gave a sigh to other times, / And found in busier scenes relief.
Thus, lady! will it be with me, / And I must view thy charms no more; / For, while I linger near to thee, / I sigh for ail I knew before.
In flight I shall be surely wise, / Escaping from temptation's snare; / I cannot view my paradise / Without the wish of dwelling there.
What this Textopian page supports
To a Lady, on being Asked my Reasons for Quitting England in the Spring is listed on Textopian as a poem by Lord Byron, dated 1816 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: 1816 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Personal Reflection, Pastoral
- Length: 170 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for To a Lady, on being Asked my Reasons for Quitting England in the Spring by Lord Byron
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Romantic — The themes of longing, emotion, and nature align with Romantic literary characteristics.
- Personal Reflection — The poem reflects personal emotions and introspection regarding departure and temptation.
- Pastoral — References to Eden and nature evoke pastoral imagery and themes.
Tags
Poem · Sonnet · English Literature · Romanticism · Travel Poem · Exile · Nature · Seasonal Change · Spring · England · Escape · Freedom