When We Two Parted
When We Two Parted - fact Summary
Linked to Augusta Byron
A brief, elegiac lyric of private betrayal and lasting grief, the poem records a speaker’s mute anguish at a love ended by infidelity and social shame. Its persistent refrain of “silence and tears” frames a memory both intimate and ostracizing. Written and published in 1816 in Hebrew Melodies, the poem is widely believed to be inspired by Lord Byron’s relationship with his half-sister, Augusta Byron, which shaped its personal intensity.
Read Complete AnalysesWhen 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.
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