ODE III. To Friendship

No more fond Love shall wound my Breast; In all his Smiles deceitful drest, I scorn his coward Sway; And now with Pleasure can explore The galling Chains I felt before, Since I am free To-day.

Today with Friendship I'll rejoice, While dear Lucinda's gentle Voice Shall soften every Care: O Goddess of the Joy sincere! The social Sigh! the pleasing Tear! Thy nobler Bonds I'll wear.

When first, illfated, hapless Hour! My Soul confest Amintor's Power Lucinda shar'd my Grief; And leaning on her faithful Breast, The fatal Passion I confest, And found a soft Relief.

My Steps she oft was wont to lead Along the fair enamel'd Mead, To soothe my raging Pain; And oft with tender Converse strove To draw the Sting of hopeless Love, And make me smile again.

O much-lov'd Maid! while Life remains To thee I'll consecrate my Strains, For thee I'll tune my Lyre; And echoing with my sweetest Lays, The vocal Hills shall speak the Praise Of Friendship's sacred Fire.