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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO ANNE (1) by GEORGE GORDON BYRON

Poet Analysis

First Line: OH, ANNE! YOUR OFFENCES TO ME HAVE BEEN GRIEVOUS
Last Line: BE FALSE, MY SWEET ANNE, WHEN I CEASE TO ADORE YOU!
Subject(s): HOUSON, ANNE; LOVE - COMPLAINTS;

OH, Anne! your offences to me have been grievous;
I thought from my wrath no atonement could save you;
But woman is made to command and deceive us --
I look'd in your face, and I almost forgave you.

I vow'd I could ne'er for a moment respect you,
Yet thought that a day's separation was long:
When we met, I determined again to suspect you --
Your smile soon convinced me suspicion was wrong.

I swore, in a transport of young indignation,
With fervent contempt evermore to disdain you:
I saw you -- my anger became admiration;
And now, all my wish, all my hope 's to regain you.

With beauty like yours, oh, how vain the contention,
Thus lowly I sue for forgiveness before you; --
At once to conclude such a fruitless dissension,
Be false, my sweet Anne, when I cease to adore you!



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