Could those few pleasant days again appear, 80 Might one wish bring them, would I wish them here? I would not trust my heart-the dear delight Thou, as a gallant bark from Albion's coast (The storms all weather'd and the ocean cross'd) Shoots into port at some well-haven'd isle, 90 Where spices breathe, and brighter seasons smile, There sits quiescent on the floods, that show, So thou, with sails how swift! hast reach'd the shore, "Where tempests never beat nor billows roar,"" And thy lov'd consort on the dang'rous tide 110 By contemplation's help, not sought in vain, Without the sin of violating thine; And, while the wings of Fancy still are free, Thyself remov'd, thy pow'r to soothe me left. FRIENDSHIP. WHAT virtue, or what mental grace, But men unqualified and base Will boast it their possession? Profusion apes the noble part And dulness of discretion. 121 If ev'ry polish'd gem we find, Illuminating heart or mind, Provoke to imitation; No wonder friendship does the same, That jewel of the purest flame, Or rather constellation. No knave but boldly will pretend Nor any fool, he would deceive, But prove as ready to believe, And dream that he had found one. Candid, and generous, and just, Boys care but little whom they trust, An errour soon corrected— For who but learns in riper years, That man, when smoothest he appears, Is most to be suspected? 10 20 But here again a danger lies, Lest, having misapplied our eyes, A mere Utopian pleasure. An acquisition rather rare Nor is it wise complaining, If either on forbidden ground, We sought without attaining. No friendship will abide the test, Or mean self-love erected; For vicious ends connected. 30 40 |