Sonnets, Sonnet XII

W *, whose dear friendship in the dawning years Of undesigning Childhood first began, Through Youth's gay morn with even tenor ran, My noon conducted, and my evening chears,

Rightly dost thou, in whom combin'd appears Whate'er for Public Life completes the Man, With active Zeal strike out a larger plan, No useless friend to Senators and Peers:

Me moderate talents and a small estate Fit for Retirement's unambitious shade, Nor envy I who near approach the throne; But joyful see thee mingle with the Great, See thy deserts with due distinction paid, And praise thy lot, contented with my own.