Poems and Essays

by Joseph Howe

 

WHAT IS A FRIEND?

 
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]