The Works of Lord Byron Volume I Part 19

8.

Then quit her, my friend!

Your bosom defend, Ere quite with her snares you're beset: Lest your deep-wounded heart, When incens'd by the smart, Should lead you to _curse_ the _coquette_.

October 27, 1806. [vi]

[Footnote 1: The letters "C. B. F. J. B. M." are added, in a lady's hand, in the annotated copy of 'P. on V. Occasions', p. 14 (British Museum).]

[Footnote i: _But believe me_. [4to]]

[Footnote ii: _But a partial_. [4to]]

[Footnote iii: _Nor seem_. [4to. 'P. on V. Occasions'.]]

[Footnote iv: _But if from false pride._ [4to]]

[Footnote v: _But form this design._ [4to]]

[Footnote vi: BYRON, October 27, 1806. [4to]

GRANTA. A MEDLEY.

[Greek: Argureais logchaisi machou kai panta krataese_o.] [1]

(Reply of the Pythian Oracle to Philip of Macedon.)

1.

Oh! could LE SAGE'S [2] demon's gift Be realis'd at my desire, This night my trembling form he'd lift To place it on St. Mary's spire. [i]

2.

Then would, unroof'd, old Granta's halls, Pedantic inmates full display; _Fellows_ who dream on _lawn_ or _stalls_, The price of venal votes to pay. [ii]

3.

Then would I view each rival wight, PETTY and PALMERSTON survey; Who canva.s.s there, with all their might, [iii]

Against the next elective day. [3]

4.

Lo! candidates and voters lie [iv]

All lull'd in sleep, a goodly number!

A race renown'd for piety, Whose conscience won't disturb their slumber.

5.

Lord H---[4] indeed, may not demur; Fellows are sage, reflecting men: They know preferment can occur, But very seldom,--_now_ and _then_.

6.

They know the Chancellor has got Some pretty livings in disposal: Each hopes that _one_ may be his _lot_, And, therefore, smiles on his proposal. [v]

7.

Now from the soporific scene [vi]

I'll turn mine eye, as night grows later, To view, unheeded and unseen, [vii]

The studious sons of Alma Mater.

8.

There, in apartments small and damp, The candidate for college prizes, Sits poring by the midnight lamp; Goes late to bed, yet early rises. [viii]

9.

He surely well deserves to gain them, With all the honours of his college, [ix]

Who, striving hardly to obtain them, Thus seeks unprofitable knowledge:

10.

Who sacrifices hours of rest, To scan precisely metres Attic; Or agitates his anxious breast, [x]

In solving problems mathematic:

11.