Classic Poem

I ASK ; but not the glittering pomp
Of wealth and pageantry;
Nor splendid dome; a rural cot
My domicile shall be.

'Tis not to mingle with the gay,
The opulent, and proud;
'Tis not to court the flattering smile
Of an admiring crowd.

I ask a heart—a faithful heart—
Congenial with mine own,
Whose deep, unchanging love shall burn
For me, and me alone.

A heart in sorrow's cheerless hour,
To soften every care;
To taste with me the sweets of life,
And all its ills to share.

Thus linked by friendship's golden chain,
Ah! who more blessed than we;
Unruffled as the pearly stream,
Our halcyon days would be.