Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CHARITY BALL by GEORGE GORDON BYRON

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHAT MATTERS THE PANGS OF A HUSBAND AND A FATHER
Last Line: AS THE SAINT KEEPS HER CHARITY BACK FOR 'THE BALL!'
Subject(s): CHARITY; PHILANTHROPY;
WHAT matter the pangs of a husband and father,
If his sorrows in exile be great or be small,
So the Pharisee's glories around her she gather,
And the saint patronizes her 'Charity Ball.'

What matters -- a heart which, though faulty was feeling,
Be driven to excesses which once could appal --
That the sinner should suffer is only fair dealing,
As the saint keeps her charity back for 'the Ball!'



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