'TIS Friendship's pledge, my young, fair Friend, <br />Nor thou the gift refuse, <br />Nor with unwilling ear attend <br />The moralising Muse. <br /> <br /> <br />Since thou, in all thy youth and charms, <br />Must bid the world adieu, <br />(A world 'gainst Peace in constant arms) <br />To join the Friendly Few. <br /> <br /> <br />Since, thy gay morn of life o'ercast, <br />Chill came the tempest's lour; <br />(And ne'er Misfortune's eastern blast <br />Did nip a fairer flower.) <br /> <br /> <br />Since life's gay scenes must charm no more, <br />Still much is left behind, <br />Still nobler wealth hast thou in store— <br />The comforts of the mind! <br /> <br /> <br />Thine is the self-approving glow, <br />Of conscious Honour's part; <br />And (dearest gift of Heaven below) <br />Thine Friendship's truest heart. <br /> <br /> <br />The joys refin'd of Sense and Taste, <br />With every Muse to rove: <br />And doubly were the Poet blest, <br />These joys could he improve.<br /><br />Robert Burns<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/inscription-to-chloris/
