[First published, _Murray's Magazine_, February, 1887, vol. i. p. 146.] ON THIS DAY I COMPLETE MY THIRTY-SIXTH YEAR.[133] 1. 'T IS time this heart should be unmoved, Since others it hath ceased to move: Yet, though I cannot be beloved, Still let me love! 2. My days are in the yellow leaf; The flowers and fruits of Love are gone; The worm, the canker, and the grief Are mine alone! 3. The fire that on my bosom preys Is lone[iii] as some Volcanic isle; No torch is kindled at its blaze-- A funeral pile. 4. The hope, the fear, the jealous care, The exalted portion of the pain And power of love, I cannot share, But wear the chain. 5. But 't is not _thus_--and 't is not _here_--[iv] Such thoughts should shake my soul, nor now Where Glory decks the hero's bier,[v] Or binds his brow. 6. The Sword, the Banner, and the Field,[vi] Glory and Greece, around me see! The Spartan, borne upon his shield,[134] Was not more free. 7. Awake! (not Greece--she _is_ awake!) Awake, my spirit! Think through _whom_ Thy life-blood tracks its parent lake,[vii] And then strike home! 8. Tread those reviving passions down,[viii] Unworthy manhood!--unto thee Indifferent should the smile or frown Of Beauty be. 9. If thou regret'st thy youth, _why live_? The land of honourable death Is here:--up to the Field, and give Away thy breath! 10. Seek out--less often sought than found-- A soldier's grave, for thee the best; Then look around, and choose thy ground, And take thy Rest. Missolonghi, _Jan_. 22, 1824. [First published, _Morning Chronicle_, October 29, 1824.] FOOTNOTES: