Classic Poem

Must I quit so old a Friend?
And for what? a venal End?
Rather let Relations fleer,
'T is the Way of World, my Fair;
Have I not a Right to claim,
As well as they, the Choice of Flame?

And I will assert my Right,
Reason's sweetly, beaming Light,
Come propitious to my Aid;
Haste! and tell my fav'rite Maid,
Ev'ry Bar may yet away,
Rest th' Event of coming Day.