Classic Poem

What is a Friend? A being who
Through all the changes Time may bring,
E'en though our joys may be but few,
Will still around us fondly cling.

Who on Youth's bright and brilliant morn,
A dearer charm to pleasure lends;
Whose smile can sweeten and adorn
Each gift that Heaven so kindly sends.

Whose approbation onward cheers
Our souls in Manhood's busy strife,
Through scenes of toil, and woe, and tears,
Gilding the darkest shades of Life.

Who shares our joys if Fortune smiles,
And shrinks not should she darkly low'r,
But with a hallowed balm beguiles
The anguish of each trying hour.

And if we win a wreath from Fame,
Whose heart with joy and pride will thrill;
And e'en through guilt, and sin, and shame
Will shield, excuse, and love us still.

And when by Death we're called away
From all our joys and sorrows here,
Will often to our Mem'ry pay
The tribute of a burning tear.

What is a Friend? A being who
Through all the changes Time may bring,
E'en though our joys may be but few,
Will still around us fondly cling.

Who on Youth's bright and brilliant morn,
A dearer charm to pleasure lends;
Whose smile can sweeten and adorn
Each gift that Heaven so kindly sends.

Whose approbation onward cheers
Our souls in Manhood's busy strife,
Through scenes of toil, and woe, and tears,
Gilding the darkest shades of Life.

Who shares our joys if Fortune smiles,
And shrinks not should she darkly low'r,
But with a hallowed balm beguiles
The anguish of each trying hour.

And if we win a wreath from Fame,
Whose heart with joy and pride will thrill;
And e'en through guilt, and sin, and shame
Will shield, excuse, and love us still.

And when by Death we're called away
From all our joys and sorrows here,
Will often to our Mem'ry pay
The tribute of a burning tear.