Classic Poem

" Say, what is Friendship, but a name, "
When friend can ne'er on friend rely?
'Tis chaos, built on airy same,
That wants the Sympathizing Sigh!

I hate the fiend, whose vaulted praise
Can prosfer all, yet all deny;
Whose deeds dissimulation sways,
And seigns the Sympathizing Sigh.

But he who scorns the mean deceit,
And sheds a tear when Sorrow 's by,
His friendship is supremely sweet,
And sweet's the Sympathizing Sigh.

I love the noble-minded girl,
Whose bosom heaves, yet knows not why!
Whose pride ne'er checks the downy swell,
Nor stems the Sympathizing Sigh.

Like you, my friend, I hate the love
That spurns distress when mis'ry's near;
Whose torpid views can soar above
The humble Sympathizing Tear.

And should my friend and fair one vie,
Who most despondency could chear!
From him , I'd claim the friendly sigh —
From her , the Sympathizing Tear.

No greater treasures would I crave,
Should Heav'n my wishes thus supply;
To ev'ry tear which friendship gave,
I'd add the Sympathizing Sigh.