Poems
and Essays
by
Joseph Howe
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WHAT
IS A FRIEND?
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What
is a Friend? A being who
Through all the changes
Time may bring,
E’en though our joys may be but few,
Will still around us fondly
cling.
Who on Youth’s bright and brilliant morn
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A
dearer charm to pleasure lends;
Whose smile can sweeten and adorn
Each gift that Heaven so
kindly sends.
Whose approbation onward cheers
Our souls in Manhood’s
busy strife,
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Through
scenes of toil, and woe, and tears,
Gilding the darkest shades
of Life. [Page 138]
Who shares our joys if Fortune smiles,
And shrinks not should she
darkly low’r,
But with a hallowed balm beguiles
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The
anguish of each trying hour.
And if we win a wreath from Fame,
Whose heart with joy and
pride will thrill;
And e’en through guilt, and sin, and shame
Will shield, excuse, and
love us still.
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And when by Death we’re called away
From all our joys and sorrows
here,
Will often to our Mem’ry pay
The tribute of a burning
tear. [Page 139]
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