Friendship to every gen'rous mind

Friendship to every gen'rous mind Opens a heavenly treasure: There may the sons of sorrow find Sources of real pleasure. See what employments men pursue, Then you will own my words are true: Friendship alone unfolds to view Sources of real pleasure.

Poor are the joys which fools esteem, Fading and transitory: Mirth is as fleeting as a dream, Or a delusive story: Luxury leaves a sting behind, Wounding the body and the mind: Only in friendship can we find Pleasure and solid glory.

Beauty with all its gaudy shows, Is but a painted bubble: Short is the triumph, wit bestows, Full of deceit and trouble: Fame, like a shadow, flees away, Titles and dignities decay; Nothing but friendship can display Joys, that are free from trouble.

Learning (that boasted glittering thing) Scarcely is worth possessing: Riches, for ever on the wing, Cannot be call'd a blessing: Sensual pleasures swell desire, Just as the fuel feeds the fire: Friendship can real bliss inspire, Bliss that is worth possessing.

Happy the man, who has a friend Form'd by the God of Nature; Well may he feel and recommend. Friendship for his Creator. Then as our hands in friendship join, So let our social powers combine, Rul'd by a passion most divine, Friendship with our Creator.