AN EPISTLE TO JOSEPH HILL, ESQ.* EAR Joseph-five and twenty years ago Alas, how time escapes!-'tis even so With frequent intercourse, and always sweet, 5 And always friendly, we were wont to cheat 11 Whence comes it then, that in the wane of life, Though nothing have occurred to kindle strife, 15 We find the friends we fancied we had won, Though numerous once, reduced to few or none? Can gold grow worthless that has stood the touch? No; gold they seemed, but they were never such. Horatio's servant once, with bow and cringe, 20 Swinging the parlour door upon its hinge, Dreading a negative, and overawed 66 Lest he should trespass, begged to go abroad. "Go, fellow !-whither ?"-turning short about— Nay-stay at home-you're always going out.” ""Tis but a step, sir, just at the street's end.""For what? "An please you, sir, to see a friend." 26 "A friend!" Horatio cried, and seemed to start "Yea marry shalt thou, and with all my heart. "And fetch cloak; my for, though the night be raw, "I'll see him too-the first I ever saw.' 31 I knew the man, and knew his nature mild, And was his plaything often when a child; But somewhat at that moment pinched him close, Else he was seldom bitter or morose. Perhaps his confidence just then betrayed, 35 His grief might prompt him with the speech he made; Perhaps 'twas mere good humour gave it birth, But not to moralize too much, and strain 40 45 50 55 That all was naught within, and all found out. 61 |