On Friendship.

ON FRIENDSHIP.

IF e'er on earth a charm was found, To heal our woe, or light up joy; The joy is brighten'd, heal'd the wound, If friendship's charm we can employ.

Love is a transient flame at best, As vivid lightnings glaring fly; And must with friendship quickly rest, Or soon with cold indifference die.

Its root is deep, its growth is slow, Its native soil the generous heart; And they can only friendship know, Who sympathy to all impart.

'Tis not to glitt'ring wealth confin'd, Or blooming beauty's smiling morn; It clings to beauties of the mind, And virtues that the heart adorn.

So cherish'd, it may only stand A numerous host of treacherous foes, That rise a mean and hostile band, Their baneful influence to oppose.

Suspicion known but to disgust, With clouded brow and squinting eye; And cold reserve and mean distrust, Their base and chilling arts employ.

Friendship! sublimest good on earth: It claims our tender constant care; But if such foes oppose its worth, No wonder it is seen so rare.