inscription
written on the bnk leaf of a copy of the st edition of my poems, preseo the dy whom, in so many fictitious reveries of passion, but with the most ardeiments of real friendship, i have so often sung uhe name of—“chloris.”
'tis friendship's pledge, my young, fair friend,
nor thou the gift refuse,
nor with unwilling ear attend
the moralising muse.
sihou, in all thy youth and charms,
must bid the world adieu,
(a world 'gainst pea stant arms)
to join the friendly few.
sihy gay morn of life o'ercast,
chill came the tempest's lour;
(and ne'er misfortune's eastern bst
did nip a fairer flower.)
since life's gay ses must charm no more,
still much is left behind,
still nobler wealth hast thou in store—
the forts of the mind!
thine is the self-approving glow,
of scious honour's part;
and (dearest gift of heaven below)
thine friendship's truest heart.
the joys refin'd of sense and taste,
with every muse to rove:
and doubly were the poet blest,
these joys could he improve.
r.b.