Would that breast were bared before thee Every inmost thought could show ! 'Twas not well to spurn it so. Though the world for this commend thee—1 Founded on another's woe: Though my many faults defaced me, Than the one which once embraced me, To inflict a cureless wound? Yet, oh yet, thyself deceive not- i. Thou my breast laid bare before thee.—[MS. erased.] ΙΟ · 20 first, for it is incomplete, and every line (almost) tortured with alterations. "Fare Thee Well!" was printed in Leigh Hunt's Examiner, April 21, 1816, at the end of an article (by L. H.) entitled "Distressing Circumstances in High Life." The text there has two readings different from that of the pamphlet, viz.— Examiner: "Than the soft one which embraced me." —MS. Notes taken by the late J. Dykes Campbell at Sotheby's, April 18, 1890, and re-transcribed for Mr. Murray, June 15, 1894. A final proof, dated April 7, 1816, was endorsed by Murray, "Correct 50 copies as early as you can to-morrow."] 1. [Lines 13-20 do not appear in an early copy dated March 18, 1816. They were added on the margin of a proof dated April 4, Still thine own its life retaineth Still must mine, though bleeding, beat ;↳ And the undying thought which paineth" Is-that we no more may meet. Think of him whose prayer shall bless thee- Should her lineaments resemble Those thou never more may'st see, Pride-which not a world could bow-.-vih Bows to thee-by thee forsaken,viii. Even my soul forsakes me now. i. Net result of many alterations. ii. And the lasting thought—.—[MS. erased.] iii. of deadlier sorrow.-[MS. erased.] iv. Every future night and morrow.—[MS. erased.] v. Still thy heart -[MS. erased.] vi. All my follies -. -.-[MS. erased.] vii. which not the world could bow.-[MS.] 30 40 50 But 'tis done all words are idle-- Torn from every nearer tie— Seared in heart-and lone-and blighted- 60 [First draft, March 18, 1816. First printed as published, April 4, 1816.] A SKETCH.. 1 "Honest-honest Iago! If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thec." SHAKESPEARE. BORN in the garret, in the kitchen bred, iv. i. Tears and sighs are idler still.-[MS. erased.] ii. Fare thee well—thus lone and blighted.—[MS. erased.] iii. A Sketch from Life.-[MS. M.】 iv. Promoted thence to comb -. -.—[MS. M. erased.] 1. ["I send you my last night's dream, and request to have 50 copies (for private distribution) struck off. I wish Mr. Gifford to look at them; they are from life."-Letter to Murray, March 30, 1816. "The original MS. of Lord Byron's Satire, 'A Sketch from Private Life,' written by his Lordship, 30th March, 1816. Given by his Lordship to me on going abroad after his separation from Lady Byron, John Hanson. To be carefully preserved." (This MS. omits lines 19-20, 35-36, 55-56, 65-70, 77-78, 85-92.) A copy entitled, “A sketch from private Life," dated March 30, 1816, is in Mrs. Leigh's handwriting. The corrections and additions are in Byron's handwriting. A proof dated April 2, 1816, is endorsed by Murray, "Correct with most particular care and print off 50 copies, and keep standing."] Raised from the toilet to the table,-where She taught the child to read, and taught so well, None know-but that high Soul secured the heart," With longing breast and undeluded ear. Foiled was perversion by that youthful mind,. Which Flattery fooled not, Baseness could not blind, Indulgence weaken, nor Example spoil,iv. Nor Genius swell, nor Beauty render vain, Nor Envy ruffle to retaliate pain," Nor Fortune change, Pride raise, nor Passion bow, Serenely purest of her sex that live,vi i. ii. early governess.—[MS. M.] 10 20 30 but that pure spirit saved her heart.-[MS. M. erased.] iii. Vain was each effort.—[MS. M.] iv. Much Learning madden-when with scarce a peer She soared through science with a bright careerNor talents swell V. --[MS. M.] bigotry provoke.-[MS. M. erased.] vi. Serenely purest of the things that live.-[MS. M.] But wanting one sweet weakness-to forgive; But to the theme, now laid aside too long, iii. To make a Pandemonium where she dwells, 40 50 While mingling truth with falsehood-sneers with smiles— A thread of candour with a web of wiles ;" i. The trusty burthen of my honest song.—[MS. M.] ii. At times the highest -. .—[MS. M.] iii. of her evil will.—[MS. M.] iv. What marvel that this mistress demon works Eternal evil wheresoeer she lurks.-MS. M.] v. A gloss of candour of a web of wiles.-[MS. M.] |