Classic Poem

Will you, my absent friend, accept
The tribute of a Muse sincere?
This simple chaplet she has wove
To grace for you the new-born year.

My lov'd Eliza, never Muse
That sung of friendship's sacred flame,
Inspir'd a warmer breast than mine,
Nor honour'd e'er a dearer name.

In early youth's fair op'ning spring,
What pure delights from friendship flow,
When first the heart awakes to feel,
How fervent then th' affections glow.

Blest were those early days to me,
Happy each social hour we pass'd,
While your sweet converse charm'd my soul,
Till, much too quickly, came the last.

How blest was I to find a friend
Whose heart congenial feelings warm'd,
Whose fancy, ardent as my own,
With nature's lovely scenes was charm'd.

But ah! no sooner found than lost,
And to a distant spot remov'd,
Yet never can you be forgot,
Nor ever cease to be belov'd.

To you may each succeeding year
With pleasing hopes and prospects rise!
Your bosom may no cares invade,
No sorrow dim your beaming eyes!

And may the happy youth ordain'd
The partner of your life to be,
Of every virtue be possess'd,
From ev'ry vice and folly free!

Securely as the vessel sails
Upon the lake's unruffled breast,
Along life's current may you glide,
Still in each other truly blest.