"When we Two Parted" by Lord Byron (poetry reading)

He parted with a lover he used to meet in secret, the most plausible reason being that he was leaving England, and they made mutual vows about conduct and a reunion. The lover went on to lead a life of shame and broke the vows they had made. Now he feels anger, shame, sorrow, regret especially when his lover's name is mentioned, although nobody knows about their relationship. There is also the impression, though unstated, that he doesn't want to be damned by association. The emotion he feels is chagrin - not a common word these days.

The strict secrecy and the reason that compelled Byron to go abroad make it possible that this was addressed to a man. However it is sometimes claimed that it was addressed the Lady Frances Webster who was a married woman, because Byron gave another stanza in a private letter to his cousin:

Then --- fare thee well --- Fanny ---
Now doubly undone ---
To prove false unto many ---
As faithless to One ---
Thou art past all recalling
Even would I recall ---
For the woman once falling
Forever must fall.

However, this could be an afterthought and deceptive It isn't in keeping with the sentiments of the rest of the poem, with it's essential core of secrecy and the fact that it is complete in itself.

The portrait is of Lady Caroline Lamb, the most well-known of Byron's lovers, who was responsible for characterising him as, "mad, bad and dangerous to know".

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• Two
• Parted
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• Byron

[dodicmilica505]

Play this poetry reading with sad violin on youtube. Enjoy.

[DwiteTheSpriteKnight]

You've disabled the ratings but I would have given it a thumbs up. Some are more flamboyant readers but I think you've done this poem justice nonetheless.

[blinxxworld]

This is a fantastic poem, however it was written by Byron because he was deeply in love with his step sister. That is why the poem is written the way it is. hence the use of the word 'shame'.......... 'I knew thee too well' Still a great poem though.

[TheJackyyy]

This is possibly my favourite poem by Byron, a brilliant poem for those sad days we all have

[Kosovare4eva]

I came back to listen to this poem after a year or so. I read my comment from a year ago and it is so interesting that now I listen to this and my heart does not tremble anymore as it did when I wrote those comments. I am now completely pain-free of the broken heart. Time is wonderful, and such a great medicine.

[gypsyqueen1964]

Oh how I can identify with this poem. Beautiful reading, thank you.

[wasteland70]

@Kosovare4eva I just recently found the woman I've been in love with for 16 years. It was a long road and one I honestly thought with she and I together. I was wrong. I send you my undertanding, a little bit of my heart and friendship.

[AgingFishwife]

I didn't use to like Byron - I thought he was just a shallow writer of high class doggerel. But recently I've found myself starting to appreciate him. A good reading like this helps a lot.