VI And now Childe Harold was sore sick at heart,° And from his native land resolved to go, And visit scorching climes beyond the sea: With pleasure drugged, he almost longed for woe, And e'en for change of scene would seek the shades below. VII The Childe departed from his father's hall: So old, it seemed only not to fall, Yet strength was pillared in each massy aisle. Now Paphian girls were known to sing and smile; VIII Yet oft-times in his maddest mirthful mood° Strange pangs would flash along Childe Harold's brow, As if the memory of some deadly feud Or disappointed passion lurked below: But this none knew, nor haply cared to know; 50 55 60 65 For his was not that open, artless soul That feels relief by bidding sorrow flow, Nor sought he friend to counsel or condole, Whate'er this grief mote be, which he could not control. 70 IX And none did love him: though to hall and bower Yea! none did love him — not his lemans dear X Childe Harold had a mother° - not forgot, Though parting from that mother he did shun; If friends he had, he bade adieu to none. Yet deem not thence his breast a breast of steel: Ye, who have known what 'tis to dote upon A few dear objects, will in sadness feel Such partings break the heart they fondly hope to heal. XI His house, his home, his heritage, his lands, The laughing dames in whom he did delight, Whose large blue eyes, fair locks, and snowy hands, Might shake the saintship of an anchorite, And long had fed his youthful appetite; His goblets brimmed with every costly wine, Without a sigh he left, to cross the brine, And traverse Paynim shores, and pass Earth's central line. 95 90 85 89 75 XII The sails were filled, and fair the light winds blew, 100 105 XIII But when the sun was sinking in the sea He seized his harp, which he at times could string, 110 And now his fingers o'er it he did fling, And tuned his farewell° in the dim twilight. And fleeting shores receded from his sight, Thus to the elements he poured his last 'Good Night.' 115 120 My native Land - Good Night! 125 V 'My father blessed me fervently, VI 'Come hither, hither, my staunch yeoman,° Why dost thou look so pale? 150 155 'My spouse and boys dwell near thy hall, And when they on their father call, But I, who am of lighter mood, Will laugh to flee away.' 170 |