Poetry Catalog

Of all the barbarous middle ages, thatWhich is most barbarous is the middle ageOf man! it is—I really scarce know what;But when we hover between fool and sage,And don't know justly what we would be at—A period something like a printed page,Black letter upon foolscap, while our hairGrows grizzled, and we are not what we were;— Too old for Youth,—too young, at thirty-five,To … [Read more...] about Don Juan: Canto the Twelfth, By: Lord Byron

When Bishop Berkeley said "there was no matter,"And proved it—'t was no matter what he said:They say his system 't is in vain to batter,Too subtle for the airiest human head;And yet who can believe it? I would shatterGladly all matters down to stone or lead,Or adamant, to find the World a spirit,And wear my head, denying that I wear it. What a sublime discovery 't was to … [Read more...] about Don Juan: Canto the Eleventh, By: Lord Byron

When Newton saw an apple fall, he foundIn that slight startle from his contemplation—'T is said (for I'll not answer above groundFor any sage's creed or calculation)—A mode of proving that the Earth turned roundIn a most natural whirl, called "gravitation;"And this is the sole mortal who could grapple,Since Adam—with a fall—or with an apple. Man fell with apples, and with … [Read more...] about Don Juan: Canto the Tenth, By: Lord Byron

Oh, Wellington! (or "Villainton"—for FameSounds the heroic syllables both ways;France could not even conquer your great name,But punned it down to this facetious phrase—Beating or beaten she will laugh the same,)You have obtained great pensions and much praise:Glory like yours should any dare gainsay,Humanity would rise, and thunder "Nay!" I don't think that you used … [Read more...] about Don Juan: Canto the Ninth, By: Lord Byron

Oh, blood and thunder! and oh, blood and wounds!These are but vulgar oaths, as you may deem,Too gentle reader! and most shocking sounds:—And so they are; yet thus is Glory's dreamUnriddled, and as my true Muse expoundsAt present such things, since they are her theme,So be they her inspirers! Call them Mars,Bellona, what you will—they mean but wars. All was prepared—the fire, … [Read more...] about Don Juan: Canto the Eighth, By: Lord Byron