Page:Poems - Southey (1799) volume 1.djvu/89

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73

To a FRIEND.



Oh my faithful Friend!
Oh early chosen, ever found the same,
And trusted and beloved! once more the verse
Long destin'd, always obvious to thine ear,
Attend indulgent.
Akenside.



And wouldst thou seek the low abode
Where Peace delights to dwell
Pause Traveller on thy way of life!
With many a snare and peril rife
Is that long labyrinth of road:
Dark is the vale of years before;
Pause Traveller on thy way!
Nor dare the dangerous path explore
Till old Experience comes to lend his leading ray.