1.
'Tis Friendship's pledge, my young, fair Friend,
Nor thou the gift refuse;
Nor with unwilling ear attend
The moralising Muse.
2.
Since thou in all thy youth and charms
Must bid the world adieu
(A world 'gainst peace in constant arms),
To join the friendly few;
3.
Since, thy gay morn of life o'ercast,
Chill came the tempest's lour
(And ne'er Misfortune's eastern blast
Did nip a fairer flower);
4.
Since life's gay scenes must charm no more:
Still much is left behind,
Still nobler wealth hast thou in store --
The comforts of the mind!
5.
Thine is the self-approving glow
Of conscious honor's part;
And (dearest gift of Heaven below)
Thine Friendship's truest heart;
6.
The joys refin'd of sense and taste,
With every Muse to rove:
And doubly were the Poet blest,
These joys could he improve.

It is Friendship's pledge, my young, fair Friend,
Nor you the gift refuse;
Nor with unwilling ear attend
The moralizing Muse.

Since you in all your youth and charms
Must bid the world adieu
(A world against peace in constant arms),
To join the friendly few;

Since, your gay morn of life overcast,
Chill came the tempest's threat
(And never Misfortune's eastern blast


Since life's gay scenes must charm no more:
Still much is left behind,
Still nobler wealth have you in store -
The comforts of the mind!

Yours is the self-approving glow
Of conscious honor's part;
And (dearest gift of Heaven below)
Your Friendship's truest heart;

The joys refined of sense and taste,
With every Muse to rove:
And doubly were the Poet blessed,
These joys could he improve.