EARLY FRIENDSHIP

THE half-seen memories of childish days,
When pains and pleasures lightly came and went;
The sympathies of boyhood rashly spent
In fearful wanderings trough forbidden ways;
The vague, but manly wish to tread the maze
Of life to noble ends,-whereon intent,
Asking to know for what man here is sent,
The bravest heart must often pause, and gaze;
The firm resolve to seek the chosen end
Of manhood’s judgement, cautious and mature,-
With strength no selfish purpose can secure:
My happy lot is this, that all attend
That friendship which first came, and which shall last endure.

Aubrey Thomas de Vere.