To Lesbia by Lord Byron (1817)
The poem is a lamentation of the speaker's unrequited love for a woman named Lesbia. The speaker expresses his deep passion and longing for her, but acknowledges that she does not return his affections. He laments the fact that he cannot be with her, and that their love remains unfulfilled.
By Lord Byron · First published 1817 · Genre: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Elegy · 402 words
First lines
Lesbia! since far from you I've ranged, / Our souls with fond affection glow not; / You say 'tis I, not you, have changed, / I'd tell you why,- but yet I know not.
Your polish'd brow no cares have crost; / And, Lesbia! we are not much older, / Since, trembling, first my heart I lost, / Or told my love, with hope grown bolder.
Sixteen was then our utmost age, / Two years have lingering past away, love! / And now new thoughts our minds engage, / At least I feel disposed to stray, love!
'Tis I that am alone to blame, / I, that am guilty of love's treason; / Since your sweet breast is still the same, / Caprice must be my only reason.
What this Textopian page supports
To Lesbia is listed on Textopian as a poem by Lord Byron, dated 1817 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: 1817 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Confessional Poetry
- Length: 402 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for To Lesbia by Lord Byron
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Genres
- Romantic Poetry — The poem explores themes of love, affection, and emotional change, characteristic of romantic poetry.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on the end of a romantic relationship, a common theme in elegiac poetry.
- Confessional Poetry — The speaker reveals personal feelings and introspection, aligning with confessional poetry.
Tags
Poem · Ode · Love Poem · Romantic Poetry · Classical Influence · Ancient Greek Inspiration · Lesbian Theme · Same-Sex Love · Elegy · Lyric Poetry · 18th Century Literature · English Literature