The "Origin of Love!"—Ah, why

That cruel question ask of me,

When thou mayst read in many an eye

He starts to life on seeing thee?

And shouldst thou seek his end to know:

My heart forebodes, my fears foresee,

He'll linger long in silent woe;

But live until—I cease to be.

[First published, Childe Harold, 1814 (Seventh Edition).]