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 through 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 judgment, cautious and mature,— Each of these viewless bonds binds friend to friend 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.

Collection: 
English
Aubrey Thomas de Vere
Sub Title: 
Poems of Friendship

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