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SONNET TO W-- P--, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: If genuine love of freedom, testified
Last Line: Honour'd, rever'd, and lov'd; but utter'd not by me.
Alternate Author Name(s): Quaker Poet
Subject(s): Friendship


IF genuine love of freedom, testified
Alike by words and deeds; if sterling sense,
Pure taste, directed by intelligence,
And candidly to liberal arts applied;
If, with such high acquirements, be allied
A heart replete with true benevolence;
Who will assert I have not just pretence
To call their owner "Friend," with honest pride?
None would dispute it, might I, unrestrain'd
By scruples, which but add redoubled strength
To all I feel, inscribe thy name at length,
But not by me thy feelings shall be pain'd.
Cost what it will, that cherish'd name shall be
Honour'd, rever'd, and lov'd; but utter'd not by me.





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