Classic Poem

My fireside friend, the moon to-night,
Moore says, is near the full;
My ingle-nook is warm and bright,
If I be cold and dull.

But, that I may resemble it,
I need a guest like thee
Beside its cheerful blaze to sit
And share its warmth with me.

Iron sharpens iron — the kindling touch
Of steel strikes fire from stone;
That friend for friend can do as much
We both of us have known.

Then come, and let us try once more
On topics grave, or gay,
How converse, or the muse's lore,
Can while an hour away.