Classic Poem

C LARISSA now was past her Youth,
And careless was she drest:
It came into her Mind one day,
That she would be a Guest.

And visit now her absent Friends,
Whom long she had not seen;
And like a Stranger she became,
Drest in Apparel mean.

So unexpected did she come,
To where those Friends did live;
To see if then, as formerly,
They'd entertainment give.

The Mistress of that House her knew,
And met her at the Door;
And as she did so mean appear,
They thought her very poor.

She's come unto the Parish, sure,
The Master streight did say;
The Wife began to make excuse, —
That Night she should not stay.

Oh! happy for Clarissa now,
No Lodging was her care;
It's good to try a Friend sometimes,
To see how we should fare.

Methinks when Poverty does pinch,
A slight we harder take;
And if in Circumstance we bend,
Some Friends will with us break.

Oh! may we love the Friend of Friends,
Which is the Saviour kind!
The poorer we in Spirit are,
More Friendship in him, find.