Two fine interpretations of a Byron poem
Not sure what to make of this setting of another Byron lyric
Here's the text of his last poem, a poem that Yannis Ritsos read in Greek translation, at my request, in 1984
ON THIS DAY I COMPLETE MY THIRTY-SIXTH YEAR
ON THIS DAY I COMPLETE MY THIRTY-SIXTH YEAR
- 'IS time the 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 regrett'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.
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