Fare Thee Well (poem)

Background

Lord Byron married and fathered a child with Annabella Milbanke in 1815, but they separated in 1816. In March of that year, Byron composed "Fare Thee Well" and enclosed a note that said, "Dearest Bell --- I send you the first verses that ever I attempted to write upon you, and perhaps the last that I may ever write at all."

In April he signed a Deed of Separation and added the following notation . . .

A year ago, you swore, fond she !"To love, to honour," and so forth:Such was the vow you pledged to me,And here's exactly what 'tis worth.

Byron left England and never saw his wife or daughter again.