Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, FAIR-WEATHER FRIEND, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

FAIR-WEATHER FRIEND, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Because I mourned to see thee fall
Last Line: Where'er they turn, fair-weather friend!
Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord
Subject(s): Friends, Fair-weather


BECAUSE I mourned to see thee fall
From where I mounted thee,
Because I did not find thee all
I feigned a friend should be;
Because things are not what they seem,
And this our world is full of dream, --
Because thou lovest sunny weather,
Am I to lose thee altogether?

I know harsh words have found their way,
Which I would fain recall;
And angry passions had their day,
But now -- forget them all;
Now that I only ask to share
Thy presence, like some pleasant air,
Now that my gravest thoughts will bend
To thy light mind, fair-weather friend!

See! I am careful to atone
My spirit's voice to thine;
My talk shall be of mirth alone,
Of music, flowers, and wine!
I will not breathe an earnest breath,
I will not think of life or death,
I will not dream of any end,
While thou art here, fair-weather friend!

Delusion brought me only woe,
I take thee as thou art;
Let thy gay verdure overgrow
My deep and serious heart!
Let me enjoy thy laugh, and sit
Within the radiance of thy wit,
And lean where'er thy humours tend,
Taking fair weather from my friend.

Or, if I see my doom is traced
By fortune's sterner pen,
And pain and sorrow must be faced, --
Well, thou canst leave me then;
And fear not lest some faint reproach
Should on thy happy hours encroach;
Nay, blessings on thy steps attend,
Where'er they turn, fair-weather friend!





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