Byron's poem (If Sometimes in the Haunts of Men)

Hi

Does anyone know the exact meaning of the last two lines of the following verse by Lord Byron:

Nor deem that memory less dear,
That then I seem not to repine;
I would not fools should overhear
One sigh that should be wholly thine.

Thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by krm

Hi

Does anyone know the exact meaning of the last two lines of the following verse by Lord Byron:

Nor deem that memory less dear,
That then I seem not to repine;
I would not fools should overhear
One sigh that should be wholly thine.

Thanks

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The literal meaning is that he would rather that no one heard even the slightest sound that only you should hear.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PeterL

The literal meaning is that he would rather that no one heard even the slightest sound that only you should hear.

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Hi
Thanks for your reply

Interpretations of this verse are different! Here’s one of them posted in the internet: “I don't regard your memory as inconsequential my dear that makes me regret guilt. I believe only fools do not comprehend the special regard I have for you.”

So, which one!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by krm

Hi
Thanks for your reply

Interpretations of this verse are different! Here’s one of them posted in the internet: “I don't regard your memory as inconsequential my dear that makes me regret guilt. I believe only fools do not comprehend the special regard I have for you.”

So, which one!

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No, that is definitely wrong.

The poem is addressed by the speaker to a dead lover, and in the first part of the stanza you quote he says to the dead lover not to think her memory is not important to him if by chance she spots him smiling in a group of people when he forgets her for a moment, and he turns that around by saying he does not sigh/mourn when in a group of people because those sighs should just be for her.