On An Unlooked-For Separation From A Friend.

ON AN UNLOOKED-FOR SEPARATION FROM A FRIEND.

TRANSIENT proves our sweetest pleasure, Short our moments of delight; While we grasp the darling treasure, O how rapid is its flight?

Oft at morn ourselves we flatter, That our comforts wont decay: Fortune lavish seems to scatter Fairest flowers along our way.

But the change by night is galling; We lament our doom severe: Joys, like snows on Ailsa falling, In a moment disappear.

Such the plague of human nature, Fond to trifle with our smart, While we do escape the greater, Little evils rend our heart.

I have lost no valu'd charter, Nor lament a fickle swain; But, alas! a friend's departure, Fills my heart with piercing pain.

Pond'ring sharpens ev'ry arrow, Sighing but augments my grief: Now I mourn, o'erwhelm'd with sorrow, But next hour may bring relief.