Oh! might I kiss those eyes of fire,
A million scarce would quench desire;
Still would I steep my lips in bliss,
And dwell an age on every kiss;
Nor then my soul should sated be,
Still would I kiss and cling to thee:
Nought should my kiss from thine dissever,
Still would we kiss and kiss for ever;
E'en though the numbers did exceed ii
The yellow harvest's countless seed;
To part would be a vain endeavour:
Could I desist? - ah! never - never.
November 16, 1806.
Footnote 1: From a note in Byron's copy of Catullus (now in the possession of Mr. Murray), it is evident that these lines are based on Carm. xlviii., 'Mellitos oculos tuos, Juventi'.
Footnote i:'To Anna'.
Footnote ii: 'E'en though the number'.. 'Three first Editions'.
