Lord Byron - The Works of Lord Byron. Vol. 3 (Stanzas Written In Pa**ing The Ambracian Gulf) lyrics

Stanzas Written In Pa**ing The Ambracian Gulf[i] 1. Through cloudless skies, in silvery sheen, Full beams the moon on Actium's coast: And on these waves, for Egypt's queen, The ancient world was won and lost. 2. And now upon the scene I look, The azure grave of many a Roman; Where stern Ambition once forsook His wavering crown to follow Woman. 3. Florence! whom I will love as well (As ever yet was said or sung, Since Orpheus sang his spouse from Hell) Whilst thou art fair and I am young; 4. Sweet Florence! those were pleasant times, When worlds were staked for Ladies' eyes: Had bards as many realms as rhymes,[j] Thy charms might raise new Antonies.[k] 5. Though Fate forbids such things to be,[l] Yet, by thine eyes and ringlets curled! I cannot lose a world for thee, But would not lose thee for a World.[6] November 14, 1809. [MS. M. First published, Childe Harold, 1812 (4to).] Footnotes [i] {11} Stanzas.—[1812.] [j] {12} Had Bards but realms along with rhymes.—[MS. M.] [k] Again we'd see some Antonies.—[MS. M.] [l] Though Jove——.—[MS. M.] [6] [Compare [A Woman's Hair] stanza 1, line 4, "I would not lose you for a world."—Poetical Works, 1898, i. 233.]