When We Two Parted

    by George Gordon Byron

    When we two parted

    In silence and tears，

    Half broken-hearted，

    To sever¹ for years，

    Pale grew thy cheek and cold，

    Colder thy kiss；

    Truly that hour foretold²

    Sorrow to this！

    The dew of the morning

    Sunk chill on my brow；

    It felt like the warning

    Of what I feel now.

    Thy vows³ are all broken，

    And light is thy fame：

    I hear thy name spoken

    And share in its shame.

    They name thee before me，

    A knell⁴ to mine ear；

    A shudder⁵ comes o'er me-

    Why wert thou so dear？

    They know not I know thee

    Who know thee too well：

    Long，long shall I rue⁶ thee

    Too deeply to tell.

    In secret we met：

    In silence I grieve

    That thy heart could forget，

    Thy spirit deceive.

    If I should meet thee

    After long years，

    How should I greet thee？-

    With silence and tears.