Read "To a Lady, on being Asked my Reasons for Quitting England in the Spring" by Lord Byron online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
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.
December 2, 1808