LARA. CANTO I. I. THE Serfs are glad through Lara's wide domain, Bowls on the board, and banners on the wall; The unwonted faggots' hospitable blaze; And gay retainers gather round the hearth, 9 With tongues all loudness, and with eyes all mirth. II. The chief of Lara is returned again : And why had Lara crossed the bounding main? That fearful empire which the human breast 20 III. And Lara left in youth his father-land; But from the hour he waved his parting hand Each trace waxed fainter of his course, till all Had nearly ceased his memory to recall. 'Twas all they knew, that Lara was not there; His hall scarce echoes with his wonted name, 30 40 IV. He comes at last in sudden loneliness, us bak And whence they know not, why they need not guess; 50 The present dubious, or the past a dream. He lives, nor yet is past his manhood's prime, Though seared by toil, and something touched by time; His faults, whate'er they were, if scarce forgot, Might be untaught him by his varied lot; |