Classic Poem

L'Amitie

On beds of roses Love reposes;
But when dark clouds hang round,
Sing we to Friendship, who on watch
At prison-doors is found.

A tyrant too, Love costs us tears,
That Friendship's aid restrains:
He makes more heavy, she more light,
The burden of our chains.

On beds of roses Love reposes;
But when dark clouds hang round,
Sing we to Friendship, who on watch
At prison-doors is found.

Bastilles we have, a hundred-fold;
My Muse in one was locked:
But scarcely had they drawn the bolts,
Ere Friendship gently knocked.

On beds of roses Love reposes;
But when dark clouds hang round,
Sing we to Friendship, who on watch
At prison-doors is found.

Ah! blest, who from his fetters freed
Can hate and pity dare;
And to remembrance of his pains
Add that of Friendship's care!

On beds of roses Love reposes;
But when dark clouds hang round,
Sing we to Friendship, who on watch
At prison-doors is found.

What can Fame do for him who falls?
Friends, strive no more for show;
But let the price of marble tombs
To stuff our pillows go!

On beds of roses Love reposes;
But when dark clouds hang round,
Sing we to Friendship, who on watch
At prison-doors is found.

In quiet met, let us, loved friends,
The murderous winters cheat:
He, who has jailers dared, may dare
Old Time himself to meet.

On beds of roses Love reposes;
But when dark clouds hang round,
Sing we to Friendship, who on watch
At prison-doors is found.