A Third Letter to Counsin F. R

Can I be silent, tho' I seem t' intrude 'Mongst such a throng'd important Multitude? Can I forget that Heart, that seem'd to me Firmly engag'd in mutual Sympathy, And Bonds of sacred Friendship, which were then Suppos'd Immortal? Can my sluggish Pen Forget its useful Office, though it want That influencing fair Encouragement, Which once was wont so freely to distil In copious Lines, from thy more pregnant Quill? Nay, nor although I own Realities, May I in curled Strains Hyperbolize, That innate Vertue, which in thee doth lye, Needs no such varnishing, vain Sophistry: This naught avails, but, like Adventures, toss'd On boistrous Seas, may well be reck'ned lost, If no Return be made: Yet may there be A better Trassick 'twixt my Friend and me, If she'll but deign to step from out the Crowd Of those Incumb? rances, which so be-cloud And intercept that Converse, which should be Not too too long confin'd in such as thee; Who, by Example and good Converse, may Lead on Associates in an happy Way. Should then this fading World again e'er find So great a place in that Heroick Mind, Which heretofore so prudently deny'd Its Grandure, Pomp, and all its swelling Pride, To treasure up a far more Noble Prize, Than can be well observ'd by common Eyes. Which dote on Toys, and can admire the Blaze Of transitory Honours, but soon daze At the Appearance of that glorious Light, Which to th' Immortal Soul gives perfect Sight And Prospect of the New Jerusalem, Where the Redeemed wear the Diadem Of endless Glory, and rejoyce to sing Melodious Songs of Praise to Sion's King? Should then this World's inferiour Trifles be Of such Regard, as to prevail with thee To look aside: Ah! nay; for thou hast learn'd To pass by all her Triumphs unconcern'd. Now therefore, persevere, my worthy Friend, In that where Friendship never knoweth end.