Pignus Amoris
As by the fix'd decrees of Heaven,'Tis vain to hope that Joy can last;The dearest boon that Life has given,To me is--visions of the past.
For these this toy of blushing hueI prize with zeal before unknown,It tells me of a Friend I knew,Who loved me for myself alone.
It tells me what how few can sayThough all the social tie commend;Recorded in my heart 'twill lay,It tells me mine was once a Friend.
Through many a weary day gone by,With time the gift is dearer grown;And still I view in Memory's eyeThat teardrop sparkle through my own.
And heartless Age perhaps will smile,Or wonder whence those feelings sprung;Yet let not sterner souls revile,For Both were open, Both were young.
And Youth is sure the only time,When Pleasure blends no base alloy;When Life is blest without a crime,And Innocence resides with Joy.
Let those reprove my feeble Soul,Who laugh to scorn Affection's name;While these impose a harsh controul,All will forgive who feel the same.
Then still I wear my simple toy,With pious care from wreck I'll save it;And this will form a dear employFor dear I was to him who gave it.
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