Early Friendship

Aubrey Thomas de Vere (1814–1902)

THE HALF-SEEN memories of childish days,

When pains and pleasures lightly came and went;

The sympathies of boyhood rashly spent

In fearful wanderings through forbidden ways;

The vague, but manly wish to tread the maze

Of life to noble ends,—whereon intent,

Asking to know for what man here is sent,

The bravest heart must often pause, and gaze;

The firm resolve to seek the chosen end

Of manhood’s judgment, cautious and mature,—

Each of these viewless bonds binds friend to friend

With strength no selfish purpose can secure:

My happy lot is this, that all attend

That friendship which first came, and which shall last endure.