Sonnet II was published in Byron’s most popular tale, The Corsair in 1814.
To Genevra.
Thy cheek is pale with thought, but not from woe,
๏ปฟAnd yet so lovely, that if Mirth could flush
๏ปฟIts rose of whiteness with the brightest blush,
My heart would wish away that ruder glow:โ
And dazzle not thy deep-blue eyesโbut oh!
๏ปฟWhile gazing on them sterner eyes will gush,
๏ปฟAnd into mine my mother’s weakness rush,
Soft as the last drops round heaven’s airy bow;
For, through thy long dark lashes low depending,
๏ปฟThe soul of melancholy Gentleness
Gleams like a seraph from the sky descending,
๏ปฟAbove all pain, yet pitying all distress;
At once such majesty with sweetness blending,
๏ปฟI worship more, but cannot love thee less.
