Classic Poem

TO AN ADMIRED FRIEND OF THE OTHER SEX

A NOTHER year on Friendship's book
With steadfast eye begins to look;
The heart, with pride of honest pleasure,
Explores the jewels of its treasure,
Finds not a lustre to condemn,
And glows at each unfading gem.
Sure they are pictures, I exclaim,
That from a Titian's pencil came,
Which years with mellow tints improve,
And with whose evening Time 's in love.
The ardent bosom's glowing zeal,
And polish'd honour's brilliant seal;
The commerce of enchanting verse,
And partial judgment, Fancy's nurse,
Enlivening dreams of youthful joy,
Which no records of birth destroy.
Blush, idiot Love! and, vanquish'd, own
The guards of thy inferior throne!
'Tis Friendship that, in league with Time,
Shall above all the Passions climb,
And, firm as adamant, sustain
The champions of her blissful reign.