Classic Poem

TO A FRIEND, PLANTING .

Proceed , my Friend, pursue thy healthful toil,
Dispose thy ground, and meliorate thy soil;
Range thy young plants in walks, or clumps, or bow'rs,
Diffuse o'er sunny banks thy fragrant flow'rs,
And, while the new creation round thee springs,
Enjoy uncheck'd the guiltless bliss it brings:
But hope no more. Though Fancy forward stray
There scenes of distant pleasure to survey,
To' expatiate fondly o'er the future grove,
The happy haunt of Friendship and of Love;
Know, each fair image form'd within thy mind,
Far wide of truth thy sickening sight shall find!