To George Earl Delawarr

1. 1Oh! yes, I will own we were dear to each other;
2. 2The friendships of childhood, though fleeting, are true;
3. 3The love which you felt was the love of a brother,
4. 4Nor less the affection I cherish'd for you.

1. 5But Friendship can vary her gentle dominion;
2. 6The attachment of years, in a moment expires:
3. 7Like Love, too, she moves on a swift-waving pinion,
4. 8But glows not, like Love, with unquenchable fires.

1. 9Full oft have we wander'd through Ida together,
2. 10And blest were the scenes of our youth, I allow:
3. 11In the spring of our life, how serene is the weather!
4. 12But Winter's rude tempests are gathering now.

1. 13No more with Affection shall Memory blending,
2. 14The wonted delights of our childhood retrace:
3. 15When Pride steels the bosom, the heart is unbending,
4. 16And what would be Justice appears a disgrace.

1. 17However, dear George, for I still must esteem you--
2. 18The few, whom I love, I can never upbraid;
3. 19The chance, which has lost, may in future redeem you,
4. 20Repentance will cancel the vow you have made.

1. 21I will not complain, and though chill'd is affection,
2. 22With me no corroding resentment shall live:
3. 23My bosom is calm'd by the simple reflection,
4. 24That both may be wrong, and that both should forgive.

1. 25You knew, that my soul, that my heart, my existence,
2. 26If danger demanded, were wholly your own;
3. 27You knew me unalter'd, by years or by distance,
4. 28Devoted to love and to friendship alone.

1. 29You knew,--but away with the vain retrospection!
2. 30The bond of affection no longer endures;
3. 31Too late you may droop o'er the fond recollection,
4. 32And sigh for the friend, who was formerly yours.

1. 33For the present, we part,--I will hope not for ever;
2. 34For time and regret will restore you at last:
3. 35To forget our dissension we both should endeavour,
4. 36I ask no atonement, but days like the past.