Kind companion of my youth,
Lov’d for genius, worth, and truth!
Take what friendship can impart,
Tribute of a feeling heart;
Take the muse’s latest spark,
Ere we drop into the dark.
He, who parts and virtue gave,
Bade thee look beyond the grave:
Genius soars, and virtue guides,
Where the love of God presides.
There’s a gulph ‘twixt us and God;
Let the gloomy path be trod:
Why stand shivering on the shore;
Why not boldly venture o’er;
Where unerring virtue guides
Let us brave the winds and tides:
Safe, thro’ seas of doubts and fears,
Rides the bark which virtue steers.
From: http://www.eighteenthcenturypoetry.org/works/o4984-w0680.shtml
Date: c1762
By: George Bubb Dodington (1691-1762)