TO I. F.
THE star which comes at close of day to shine More heavenly bright than when it leads the morn, Is friendship’s emblem, whether the forlorn She visiteth, or, shedding light benign Through shades that solemnize Life’s calm decline, Doth make the happy happier. This have we Learnt, Isabel, from thy society, Which now we too unwillingly resign Though for brief absence. But farewell! the page Glimmers before my sight through thankful tears, 10 Such as start forth, not seldom, to approve Our truth, when we, old yet unchilled by age, Call thee, though known but for a few fleet years, The heart-affianced sister of our love! RYDAL MOUNT, Feb. 1840.