Dear Becher, you tell me to mix with mankind; <br />I cannot deny such a precept is wise; <br />But retirement accords with the tone of my mind: <br />I will not descend to a world I despise. <br />Did the senate or camp my exertions reuire, <br />Ambition might prompt me, at once, to go forth <br />When infancy's years of probation expire, <br />Perchance I may strive to distinguish my birth <br /> <br />The fire in the cavern of Etna conceal'd <br />Still mantles unseen in its secret recess; <br />At length, in a volume terrific reveal'd, <br />No torrent can quench it, no bounds can repress. <br /> <br />Oh! thus, the desire in my bosom for fame <br />Bids me live but to hope for posterity's praise. <br />Could I soar with the phoenix on pinions of flame <br />With him Iwould wish to expire in the blaze. <br /> <br />For the life of a Fox, of a Chatham the death, <br />What censure, what danger, what woe would I brave! <br />Their lives did not end when they yielded their breath; <br />Their glory illurnines the gloom of their grave. <br /> <br />Yet why should I mingle in Fashion's full herd? <br />Why crouch to her leaders, or cringe to her rules? <br />Why bend to the proud, or applaud the absurd? <br />Why search for delight in the friendship of fools? <br /> <br />I have tasted the sweets and the bitters of love; <br />In friendship I early was taught to believe <br />My passion the matrons prudence reprove; <br />I have found that a friend may profess, yet deceive. <br /> <br />To me what is wealth? - it may pass in an hour, <br />If tyrants prevail, or if Fortune should frown: <br />To me what is title? - the phantom of power; <br />To me what is fashion? - I seek but renown. <br /> <br />Deceit is a stranger as yet to my soul: <br />I still am unpractised to varnish the truth: <br />Then why should I live in a hateful control? <br />Why waste upon folly the days of my youth?<br /><br />George Gordon Byron<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lines-addressed-to-the-rev-j-t-becher-on-his-advising-the-author-to-mix-more-with-society/
