THOU! whose name too often is profaned; <br />Whose charms celestial, few have hearts to feel; <br />Unknown to Folly--and by Pride disdain'd! <br />--To thy soft solace may my sorrows steal! <br />Like the fair moon, thy mild and genuine ray <br />Through life's long evening shall unclouded last; <br />While pleasure's frail attachments fleet away, <br />As fades the rainbow from the northern blast! <br />'Tis thine, O Nymph! with 'balmy hands to bind' <br />The wounds inflicted in misfortune's storm, <br />And blunt severe affliction's sharpest dart! <br />--'Tis thy pure spirit warms my Anna's mind, <br />Beams through the pensive softness of her form, <br />And holds its altar--on her spotless heart!<br /><br />Charlotte Smith<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-xxviii-to-friendship/
