Classic Poem

1

While you the double joy obtain
Of what you give, and what you gain:
Friendship, who owes you so much Fame,
Commands my Tribute to your Name.

2

Friendship that was almost forlorn,
Sunk under every Critick's scorn;
But that your genius her protects,
Had fled the World, at least the Sex.

3

You have restored them and us,
Whence both are happy; Caesar thus
Ow'd Rome the glories of his Reign,
And Rome ow'd him as much again.

4

You in your friend those Joys have found
Which all Relations can propound;
What Nature does 'mong them disperse,
You multiply in her Converse.

5

You her Enjoyment have pursu'd
In Company, and Solitude;
And wheresoever she'l retire,
There's the Diversion you desire.

6

Your Joys by this are more immense,
And heat contracted grows intense;
And friendship to be such to you,
Will make these Pleasures, Honours too.

7

Be to each other that Content,
As to your Sex y'are Ornament;
And may your hearts by mixture lost,
Be still each others Bliss and Boast.

8

Impossible your Parting be
As that you e're should disagree;
And then even Death your friend will prove,
And both at once (though late) remove.

9

But that you may severely live,
You must th'offending World forgive,
And to employ your Charity,
You have an Object now in me.

10

My Pen, so much for you unfit,
Presents my Heart, though not my Wit;
Which Heart admires what you express,
More than what Monarchs do possess.

11

Fear not infection from my Fate,
Though I must be unfortunate,
For having paid my Vows due, I
Shall soon withdraw, wither and die.