Though Love be deeper, Friendship is more wide;
Like some high plateau stretching limitless,
It may not feel the ultimate caress
Of sun-kissed peaks, remote and glorified,
But here the light, with gentler winds allied,
The broad horizon sweeps, till loneliness,
The cruel tyrant of the Soul's distress,
In such sweet company may not abide.
Friendship has vision, though dear Love be blind,
And swift and full communion in the fair
Free flights of high and sudden ecstasy,
The broad excursions where, mind knit to mind,
And heart by heart renewed, can all things dare,
Lit by the fire of perfect sympathy.