AN EPISTLE ΤΟ JOSEPH HILL, Esq. DEAR JOSEPH-five and twenty years agoAlas how time escapes!-'tis even soWith frequent intercourse, and always sweet, And always friendly, we were wont to cheat A tedious hour-and now we never meet! As some grave gentleman in Terence says, ('Twas therefore much the same in ancient days) Good lack, we know not what to-morrow brings→→→ Strange fluctuation of all human things! True. Changes will befall, and friends may part, But distance only cannot change the heart: And, were I call'd to prove the assertion true, One proof should serve a reference to you. Whence comes it then, that in the wane of life, Though nothing have occurr'd to kindle strife, We find the friends we fancied we had won, Though numerous once, reduced to few or none? Can gold grow worthless, that has stood the touch? No; gold they seem'd, but they were never such. Horatio's servant once, with bow and cringe, Swinging the parlour-door upon its hinge, Dreading a negative, and overawed Lest he should trespass, begg'd to go abroad. Go, fellow!-whither?-turning short aboutNay. Stay at home-you're always going out. 'Tis but a step, sir, just at the street's end.For what?-An please you, sir, to see a friend. 398 AN EPISTLE TO JOSEPH HILL, Esq. I knew the man, and knew his nature mild, Perhaps his confidence just then betray'd, Some few, that I have known in days of old, |