Hayley, thy tenderness fraternal shown <br />In our first interview, delightful guest! <br />To Mary and me for her dear sake distressed, <br />Such as it is has made my heart thy own, <br />Though heedless now of new engagements grown, <br />For threescore winters make a wintry breast, <br />And I had purposed ne'er to go in quest <br />Of Friendship more, except with God alone. <br />But thou hast won me; nor is God my foe, <br />Who, ere this last afflictive scene began, <br />Sent thee to mitigate the dreadful blow, <br />My brother, by whose sympathy I know <br />Thy true deserts infallibly to scan, <br />Not more to admire the bard than love the man.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-addressed-to-william-hayley-esq/
