Sometimes the fault is all our own, Some blemish in due time made known By trespass or omission; Sometimes occasion brings to light Our friend's defect long hid from sight, And even from suspicion. Then judge yourself, and prove your man As circumspectly as you can, And, having made election, Beware no negligence of yours, Such as a friend but ill endures, Enfeeble his affection. That secrets are a sacred trust, That friends should be sincere and just, Are observations on the case, That savour much of common place, But 'tis not timber, lead, and stone, An architect requires alone, To finish a fine building The palace were but half complete, If he could possibly forget The carving and the gilding. The man that hails you Tom or Jack, Is such a friend, that one had need As similarity of mind, Or something not to be defin'd, First fixes our attention; So manners decent and polite, The same we practis'd at first sight, Must save it from declension. Some act upon this prudent plan, So barren sands imbibe the show'r, The man I trust, if shy to me, These samples for alas! at last Pursue the search, and you will find Good sense and knowledge of mankind To be at least expedient, And, after summing all the rest, Religion ruling in the breast The noblest Friendship ever shown Though some have turn'd and turn'd it; And, whether being craz'd or blind, Have not, it seems, discern'd it. O Friendship! if my soul forego ON A MISCHIEVOUS BULL, WHICH THE OWNER OF HIM SOLD AT THE AUTHOR'S INSTANCE. Go--Thou art all unfit to share The pleasures of this place With such as it's old tenants are, Creatures of gentler race. The squirrel here his hoard provides, And wood-peckers explore the sides Of rugged oaks for worms. The sheep here smooths the knotted thorn And here I wander eve and morn, Ah!-I could pity thee exil'd I would not lose it to be styl'd But thou canst taste no calm delight; Thy magnanimity in fight, Thy prowess-therefore go I care not whether east or north, And claps the gate behind thee. |