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George Gordon Byron - Lines Addressed To The Rev. J. T. Becher, On His Advising The Author To Mix More With Society
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Dear Becher, you tell me to mix with mankind;
  I cannot deny such a precept is wise; 
But retirement accords with the tone of my mind:
  I will not descend to a world I despise. 
Did the senate or camp my exertions reuire,
  Ambition might prompt me, at once, to go forth
When infancy`s years of probation expire, 
  Perchance I may strive to distinguish my birth 

The fire in the cavern of Etna conceal`d 
  Still mantles unseen in its secret recess;
At length, in a volume terrific reveal`d, 
  No torrent can quench it, no bounds can repress.

Oh! thus, the desire in my bosom for fame 
  Bids me live but to hope for posterity`s praise.
Could I soar with the phoenix on pinions of flame
  With him Iwould wish to expire in the blaze.

For the life of a Fox, of a Chatham the death,
  What censure, what danger, what woe would I brave!
Their lives did not end when they yielded their breath;
  Their glory illurnines the gloom of their grave.

Yet why should I mingle in Fashion`s full herd?
  Why crouch to her leaders, or cringe to her rules?
Why bend to the proud, or applaud the absurd?
  Why search for delight in the friendship of fools?

I have tasted the sweets and the bitters of love;
  In friendship I early was taught to believe
My passion the matrons prudence reprove; 
  I have found that a friend may profess, yet deceive.

To me what is wealth? - it may pass in an hour,
  If tyrants prevail, or if Fortune should frown:
To me what is title? - the phantom of power;
  To me what is fashion? - I seek but renown.

Deceit is a stranger as yet to my soul:
  I still am unpractised to varnish the truth:
Then why should I live in a hateful control?
  Why waste upon folly the days of my youth?
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