Is there, or do enthusiasts dream —
Of Friendships power an airy Scheme —
Form'd only in the brain. —
Or does the feeling mind impart —
The Spark that vibrates in the heart —
And thrils thro every vein. —
Inform'd by virtues Sacred light —
Can Souls in Sympathy unite —
And tread the magic Ground,
or is our race so far deprav'd —
That we by forms must be enslav'd —
Nor pass the frigid bound. —
If it be so why do — I feel —
That Secret power I should repel —
Pervading all my heart.
It is Elizas merits claim —
A tribute which I cant refrain —
And truth must bow to art. —
For she's posses'd of every charm —
The most unfeeling heart to warm —
With Friendships purest flame —
In native elegance array'd —
With Sweetness on her brow portray'd —
That dignify's my Theme.
The soul, that beaming in her eyes —
Takes every heart by sweet surprize —
Unable to restrain —
The mix'd emotions of the mind,
With Joy esteem and love refin'd
Enebriating pain.
Then friendship Come in all thy Charms
And sheild me from the false alarms —
That Customs laws enforce
Thy Sacred Code disclaim the rules
Prescrib'd by ceremonious fools
And lead to virtuous Source —
But will Eliza not disdain
The offer'd gift as light and vain
Unequal to inspire
In her the Sympathy divine
Which kindred Souls must ever Join
And warm with mutual fire. —
Oh could I boast instrinsic worth
Or call the brighter virtues forth
To animate my breast
It might a grateful tribute prove
And in her noble bosom move
A wish to make me bles'd
That bliss this widow'd heart would cheer
And heal the poignant anguish here
Tis all that earth can give
On some lov'd prop the Soul relies
And friendship all of good Supplies
That I could now recieve. —