Stanzas on Friendship

O, FRIENDSHIP! source of every good! How seldom art thou understood; How oft for interest, or for fame, We prostitute thy sacred name.

'Tis not Ambition's pageant hour, The proud parade of empty pow'r; 'Tis not the Monarch's scepter'd hand, Thy faithful service can command;

The heartfelt joy, the social sigh, No power can force, no wealth can buy, Nor pride, nor avarice e'er can know, Exalted Frindship's fervent glow.

When haughty great-ones condescend, To patronize the humble friend, Who every feeling must resign— The servile contract is not thine.

When venal age, in hopes of gain, Would bind the mercenary chain; Each generous purpose there unknown The sordid motive thou'lt disown.

Nor pleas'd with Youth's unaw'd career, Amid the gust of transient cheer; Where Folly forms the short-liv'd tye, Wilt thou the slender cord supply.

Averse to Guile, tho' gilded o'er, Thou shun'st the midnight loud uproar; And seeking Virtue's peaceful cell, With calm content delight'st to dwell.

Yet, should asslicted worth entreat, Thou'lt fearless quit thy tranquil seat, To pierce the dungeon's dreary gloom, Or mourn at midnight round the tomb.

In life's unwelcome, cheerless hour, When all around misfortunes lour; Thou'lt seek the Wanderer in distress, And sharing sorrows, make them less.

When affluence crowns successful toil, And Fate propitious wears a smile; Thy influence aids the sweet employ, And gives a zest to every joy:

For what are all delights below, Which fortune, Honours, Fame bestow; Unless with these we strive to blend The social solace of a friend?

The flow of youth, the charms of Love, But momentary transports prove; Friendship alone secures Content, More placid, but more permanent.