Classic and Contemporary Poetry
VERSES, RESPECTFULLY & AFFECTIONALLY INSCRIBED TO PROFESSIONAL FRIEND, by BERNARD BARTON Poet's Biography First Line: Thou art not one of those, who, by retreating Last Line: A wreath more deathless far than I have woven thee? Alternate Author Name(s): Quaker Poet Subject(s): Advice; Professions | ||||||||
THOU art not one of those, who, by retreating Far from the tumult of life's busy throng, Have foster'd feelings, fair; but, oh how fleeting! Fraught with delight to every child of song: Yet should I do thee, sure, ungrateful wrong, Did I not feel a poet's warmest pride In styling thee my patron: since among The few, whose partial smiles have hope supplied, Thine, dear for friendship's sake, have never been denied. Yet when at first I met thee, (pardon me, I did not know thee then as now I do,) I scarcely dar'd to hope that there might be One rallying point between us: well I knew, By common fame, thy life to honour true; Integrity unquestion'd, warm good-will; And yet I could but think how very few Can mingle with the world, and cherish still That genuine love of song which worldly feelings chill. The panting pilgrim, who on Arab's sands Plods wearily along the sterile scene, Where far and wide a dreary waste expands; When on his eye a glimpse of living green Glances at distance, with what alter'd mien He journeys on: hope in his bosom glows, And fancy's eye beholds the bickering sheen Of the fair streamlet, as it freshly flows, Beside whose brink ere long he gladly shall repose. And such the feeling was, by thee excited, When first this volume ask'd thy friendly aid: All I could ask was given, though unrequited, Except as far as feeble thanks repaid Thy generous efforts; still more grateful made By that unpatronising grace, which cast O'er kindnesses conferr'd a partial shade As wishing them to be unheeded past; Despite that delicate veil their memory long shall last. To thee, and one like thee, whose honour'd name Could not be honour'd more by verse of mine, These fleeting pages owe their right to claim Existence; and if here and there a line, Worthy a votary of the tuneful Nine, Be found to nature's better feelings true; Or in my verses aught of genius shine, Or passion's genuine tone, or fancy's hue; Much of their meed of praise is justly due to you. Enough of this:'tis time such theme should end, Yet more might be forgiven: could he say less, Who in a stranger finds a steadfast friend? No, surely not: the warm heart will express What generous bosoms easily may guess Is glowing in it: it will entertain Wishes most ardent for the happiness Of those who've foster'd it: nor can refrain E'en when expression gives a sense of transient pain. One of the purest blessings life can give, Is felt by those, who, ere its final close, Have given decided proof they did not live For themselves only: this the parent knows, Who, ere he sink to Nature's last repose, Sees round him those who owe their all to him; While the warm smile that in each visage glows Lends buoyant vigour to the languid limb, And keeps the cup of joy still mantling to its brim. Nor less his pure delight, though far more rare, Who lonely, not unlov'd;by ties unbound, Except by choice impos'd, and free as air, Attaches to him those whose hearts have found Much in the world to inflict that rankling wound Which disappointment deals. Oh! does not he, (If ever bard his benefactor crown'd,) Deserve that round his brows entwin'd should be A wreath more deathless far than I have woven thee? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO F.A.B., A VIRTUOUS YOUNG PHYSICIAN ABOUT TO PRACTISE by CHARLES WILLIAM BRODRIBB MEDICAL TYRO WAITING FOR PATIENTS by C. S. ELDRIDGE THE RECANTATION by HORACE SMITH PURSUING A CAREER: 2. WORD PROCESSING by LAWSON FUSAO INADA ABANDONING MY PROFESSION by NICHOLAS KOLUMBAN BRUCE AND THE SPIDER by BERNARD BARTON |
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