Classic Poem

Ill fated Wretch! oh whither wilt thou fly!
To shun impending Destiny?
Where wilt thou centre next? on what new (Friend rely?
Once did I think, O foolish and prophane!
A solid Good on Earth to find;
And Friendship! sacred Friendship was my Aim!
Joy of my Heart, and Blessing of my Mind.
Beyond Desert I soon was blest,
And great Sulpitia warm'd my Breast:
Her sweet Address, the Muse inspir'd,
Her pious Life by all admir'd,
My Heart with constant Emulation fin'd.
Bright Musidora! Soul of Harmony,
What grateful Songs are due to thee,
Who gen'rously didst condescend,
To be both Patroness and Friend?
Divine Marissa! last in Time, not Place,
But first in ev'ry God-like Grace.
With kind Affection did me bless,
Ah Gracious Heav'n! what Happiness
Did I in Three such Friends posses!
Proud of my Joys, I grew secure,
Nor fear'd a Turn of Fate;
For oh! what could I not endure,
When by Experience I was sure,
My Friends would ease the Weight?
Such Love, such Tenderness, in each was shewn,
As ev'ry Joy, or Grief of mine, pertain'd to them alone.