Fare Thee Well - Lord Byron
A Heartfelt Lament on Parting and Devotion
Fare thee well! and if for ever,
Still for ever, fare thee well:
Even though unforgiving, never
’Gainst thee shall my heart rebel.
Would that breast were bared before thee
Where thy head so oft hath lain,
While that placid sleep came o’er thee
Which thou ne’er canst know again:
Would that breast, by thee glanced over,
Every inmost thought could show!
Then thou wouldst at last discover
’Twas not well to spurn it so.
Though the world for this commend thee—
Though it smile upon the blow,
Even its praises must offend thee,
Founded on another’s woe.
Though my many faults defaced me,
Could no other arm be found
Than the one which once embraced me,
To inflict a cureless wound?
Yet, oh yet, thyself deceive not;
Love may sink by slow decay,
But by sudden wrench, believe not
He can wholly pass away.
There’s a warmth in this farewell
Which must melt who receive it;
But a feeling strong as this
Must from truth derive its pivot.
I could say it was thy beauty
That had thus ensnared my breath;
But the vow were all untruth—
’Twas not that awakened love’s sweet death.
But thine own dear self, beloved so well
By me—my life, my all.
Yet, oh yet, as thou art leaving,
Let me bless thee ere we part.
Trust me, love was ne’er deceiving,
But it leaps from soul to heart.
Fare thee well! and if for ever,
Still for ever, fare thee well!
Even though unforgiving, never
’Gainst thee shall my heart rebel.
“Fare Thee Well,” composed by Lord Byron in 1816, stands as an emotionally charged farewell to his estranged wife, Annabella Milbanke. The poem expresses a profound mix of sorrow, regret, and devotion following the collapse of their marriage. Through its repeated refrain—“Fare thee well! and if for ever, still for ever, fare thee well”—Byron underscores the enduring nature of his love, even in the face of heartbreak and separation.
Byron juxtaposes the world’s judgments and commendations against the raw personal anguish he feels. He laments that society’s praise of his wife’s actions may wound her conscience, reinforcing that public opinion does not always align with private sorrow. Central to the poem is the idea that authentic love does not vanish in an instant, even under the strain of estrangement. He insists love may fade by gradual decay, but cannot be wholly extinguished by sudden parting.
In its core, “Fare Thee Well” reveals Byron’s capacity for self-blame and vulnerability, as he admits his own faults yet questions whether anyone else’s hand should have inflicted the final blow. The poem appeals to universal feelings of regret and longing, making it relatable beyond its specific biographical context. Ultimately, the speaker grants a heartfelt blessing as he bids farewell, honoring the love they once shared while acknowledging the necessity of parting. Byron’s lines remain a deeply personal testament, reminding readers that while love may alter or end, its powerful imprint lingers in memory.
Key points
• Highlights the tension between private grief and public judgment.
• Suggests love cannot be entirely erased by sudden separation.
• Exemplifies Byron’s emotional vulnerability and openness.
• Underscores the lasting poignancy of parting, even when necessary.
