So thou, with sails how swift! hast reach'd the shore, 100 "Where tempests never beat nor billows roar," And now, farewell-Time unrevok'd has run • Garth. 110 By contemplation's help, not sought in vain, Without the sin of violating thine; And, while the wings of Fancy still are free, Thyself remov'd, thy pow'r to soothe me left. 121 FRIENDSHIP. WHAT virtue, or what mental grace, But men unqualified and base Will boast it their possession? And dulness of discretion. If ev'ry polish'd gem we find, Illuminating heart or mind, Provoke to imitation; No wonder friendship does the same, That jewel of the purest flame, Or rather constellation. No knave but boldly will pretend A real and a sound one; Nor any fool, he would deceive, But prove as ready to believe, And dream that he had found one. Candid, and generous, and just, 10 Boys care but little whom they trust, 20 An errour soon corrected For who but learns in riper years, That man, when smoothest he appears, Is most to be suspected? But here again a danger lies, Lest, having misapplied our eyes, A mere Utopian pleasure. An acquisition rather rare Nor is it wise complaining, No friendship will abide the test, That stands on sordid interest, Or mean self-love erected; Nor such as may awhile subsist Between the sot and sensualist, For vicious ends connected. 30 40 Who seek a friend should come dispos'd T'exhibit in full bloom disclos'd The graces and the beauties, That form the character he seeks, Reciprocated duties. Mutual attention is implied, And equal truth on either side, "Tis senseless arrogance t' accuse Our own as much distorted. But will sincerity suffice? It is indeed above all price, And must be made the basis: But ev'ry virtue of the soul Must constitute the charming whole, All shining in their places. 50 60 |