Classic Poem

“Give me the friend,” exclaims a youth,
“That's gen'rous, bold and free,
“Who dares defend the cause of truth,
“Even tho' it injures me!

“Whilst treach'ry spreads its artful snares,
“And malice forms its jest,
“Give me the noble friend, who wears
“A window on his breast!

“A window?” stern Acasto says,
“I'm sure in times of plunder,
“If prudence shou'd such windows glaze
“It is indeed a wonder!

“Sooner than be detraction's mark
“Or mischief's joke presuming,
“I'd set for ever in the dark
“A midnight torch consuming”—

“No give the window!—give me air,”
Exclaims a sprightly stranger,
“Oh wou'd I lose my comfort there
“Because sometimes there's danger?

“The gen'rous window I must prize,
“And yet—when folly flutters
“Or malice aims—I think the wise
“Wou'd sometimes shut the shutters!”

But not oh not when misery's theme
Demands compassion's care,
Then shou'd the windows gentle gleam
Declare that pity's there!