A sober kind, in common service known, Not such as is in death and peril shown; Such as will give or ask a helping hand, But no important sacrifice demand; In fact, a friendship that will long abide, If seldom rashly, never strongly, tried. 40 Yes! these are sober friendships, made for use, And much convenience they in life produce: Like a good coat, that keeps us from the cold, The cloth of frieze is not a cloth of gold; But neither is it pyebald, pieced, and poor; ’Tis a good useful coat, and nothing more. Such is the Friendship of the world approved, And here the Friends so loving and so loved.— DANVERS and RAYNER, equals, who had made Each decent fortune, both were yet in trade; 50 While sons and daughters, with a youthful zeal, Seem’d the hereditary love to feel; And ev’n their wives, though either might pretend To claim some notice, call’d each other friend. While yet their offspring boys and girls appear’d, The fathers ask’d, “What evil could be fear’d?” Nor is it easy to assign the year, When cautious parents should begin to fear. The boys must leave their schools, and, by and by, The girls are sure to grow reserved and shy; 60 And then, suppose a real love should rise, It but unites the equal families. Love does not always from such freedom spring; Distrust, perhaps, would sooner cause the thing. “We will not check it, neither will we force”— Thus said the fathers—“Let it take its course.” It took its course:—young Richard Danvers’ mind In Phœbe Rayner found what lovers find— Sense, beauty, sweetness; all that mortal eyes Can see, or heart conceive, or thought devise. 70 And Phœbe’s eye, and thought, and heart could trace In Richard Danvers every manly grace— All that e’er maiden wish’d, or matron prized— So well these good young people sympathised. All their relations, neighbours, and allies, All their dependants, visitors, and spies, Such as a wealthy family caress, Said here was love, and drank to love’s success. ’Tis thus I leave the parties, young and old, Lovers and Friends. Will Love and Friendship hold? 80 Will Prudence with the children’s wish comply, And Friendship strengthen with that new ally? II.