Poems and Essays

by Joseph Howe

 

FRIENDSHIP’S GARDEN.

 
’Twas on a lovely summer day
    Folly, Philosophy, and Reason,
To Friendship’s Garden took their way,
    Where fruits and flowers were in season.

All that the nicest taste could please,
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    All that the eye could fancy fair,
Was hanging on the bending Trees,
    Or sprung in rich profusion there. [Page 146]

Philosophy, with cautious eye,
    Could neither fancy fruit or flower—
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In all the last, he thorns would spy,
    And all the first, he fear’d were sour.

And Folly rambled on the while,
    Each gaudy flow’ret heedless choosing;
Plucking each fruit that seem’d to smile,
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    Unconscious she her time was losing.

But gentle Reason smiling went
    And chose the flowers that grew retired;
Whose leaves a pleasing perfume lent,
    To heighten what their charms inspired.
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When Friendship mark’d them onward straying,
    Her arm round Reason’s neck she threw,
And press’d her to her bosom, saying
    My bowers are only meant for you. [Page 147]