FRIENDS

Through life’s desert, lone and weary,
Scattered roses cheer the way;
On a pathway, dark and dreary,
Gladdening falls the sunbeam’s ray.
Friends those gentle flowers are flinging-
Love’s bright ray the bosom warms-
Vines their tendrils closely clinging,
Are not rudely torn by storms.HHHH 103.1

Oh! What sweet emotions waken-
Strike the soul’s harp-strings divine,
When with confidence unshaken
Hearts responsive beat to thine!
Many a grief, its tears revealing-
Many a pang that else might rend,
‘Reft of half its sting, is healing
By this sacred balm-a friend.HHHH 103.2

Has thou found the precious treasure?
Prize the jewel-ne’er betray!
Choicest blessing without measure-
Guardian angel round thy way.
Act or speak, oh! Coldly never-
Kindred spirits keenest feel-
Silver links the blow may sever,
Time the wound may never heal.HHHH 103.3