Childe Harold had a mother—not forgot,[ac]

Though parting from that mother he did shun;

A sister whom he loved, but saw her not[31]

Before his weary pilgrimage begun:

If friends he had, he bade adieu to none.[ad]

Yet deem not thence his breast a breast of steel:[ae] [32]

Ye, who have known what 'tis to dote upon

A few dear objects, will in sadness feel

Such partings break the heart they fondly hope to heal.