To shake my gray hairs over the last chief

Of the house of Sigismund. And such a death!
Alone we know not how-unshrived-untended
With strange accompaniments and fearful signs
I shudder at the sight but must not leave him.
Manfred. (speaking faintly and slowly.) Old man 't is
not so difficult to die.

[MANFRED, having said this, expires.

He is gone.

Her. His eyes are fix'd and lifeless.
Manuel. Close them.- My old hand quivers.

parts

Whither? I dread to think -But he is gone!

He de

OCCASIONAL PIECES.

OCCASIONAL PIECES.

TO MY DEAR MARY ANNE.

[THE FOLLOWING LINES ARE THE EARLIEST WRITTEN BY LORD BYRON. THEY WERE ADDRESSED TO MISS CHAWORTH, AFTERWARDS MRS. MUSTERS, IN 1804, ABOUT A YEAR BEFORE HER MARRIAGE.]

ADIEU to Sweet Mary for ever!

From her I must quickly depart;

Though the fates us from each other sever,
Still her image will dwell in my heart.

The flame that within my heart burns
If unlike what in lovers' hearts glows;

The love which for Mary I feel

Is far purer than Cupid bestows.

I wish not your peace to disturb,
I wish not your joys to molest;
Mistake not my passion for love,

"T is your friendship alone I request.

Not ten thousand lovers could feel

The friendship my bosom contains;

It will ever within my heart dwell,

While the warm blood flows through my veins.

May the Ruler of Heaven look down,
And my Mary from evil defend !
May she ne'er know adversity's frown,
May her happiness ne'er have an end!

Once more, my sweet Mary, adieu!
Farewell! I with anguish repeat,

For ever I'll think upon you

While this heart in my bosom shall beat.