Lord Byron — When We Two Parted

When we two parted      In silence and tears, Half broken-hearted      To sever for years, Pale grew thy cheek and cold      Colder thy kiss; Truly that hour foretold      Sorrow to this. The dew of the morning      Sunk chill on my brow-- It felt like the warning      Of what I feel now. Thy vows are all broken,      And light is thy fame; I hear thy name spoken,      And share in its shame. They name thee before me,      A knell to mine ear; A shudder comes o'er me--      Why wert thou so dear? They know not I knew thee,      Who knew thee too well-- Long, long shall I rue 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.