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On This Day I Complete My Thirty-Sixth YearOn This Day I Complete My Thirty-Sixth Year
On This Day I Complete My Thirty-Sixth Year
`Tis time this heart should be unmoved,
Since others it hath ceased to move:
Yet, though I cannot be beloved,
Still let me love!
My days are in the yellow leaf;
The flowers and fruits of love are gone;
The worm, the canker, and the grief
Are mine alone!
The fire that on my bosom preys
Is lone as some volcanic isle;
No torch is kindled at its blaze -
A funeral pile.
The hope, the fear, the jealous care,
The exalted portion of the pain
And power of love, I cannot share,
But wear the chain.
But `tis not thus - and `tis not here -
Such thoughts should shake my soul, nor now,
Where glory decks the hero`s bier,
Or binds his brow.
The sword, the banner, and the field,
Glory and Greece, around me see!
The Spartan, borne upon his shield,
Was not more free.
Awake! (not Greece - she is awake!)
Awake, my spirit! Think through whom
Thy life - blood tracks its parent lake,
And then strike home!
Tread those reviving passions down,
Unworthy manhood! - unto thee
Indifferent should the smile or frown
Of beauty be.
If thou regret`st thy youth, why live?
The land of honourable death
Is here: - up to the field, and give
Away thy breath!
Seek out - less often sought than found -
A soldier`s grave, for thee the best;
Then look around, and choose thy ground,
And take thy rest.
At Missolonghi, January 22, 1824.
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