Ode To Friendship.

ODE TO FRIENDSHIP.

BY THE SAME.

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.

To-day with Friendship I'll rejoice, Whilst dear Lucinda's gentle voice Shall soften every care: O Goddess of the joy sincere! The social sigh! the pleasing tear! Thy noble bonds I'll wear.

When first, ill-fated, 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 enamell'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! whilst 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.