April 11 [1841]. Sunday. A greater baldness my life seeks, as the crest of some bare hill, which towns and cities do not afford. I want a directer relation with the sun.
FRIENDSHIP'S STEADFASTNESS True friendship is so firm a league That's maintenance falls into the even tenor Of our lives, and is no tie, But the continuance of our life's thread.
If I would safely keep this new-got pelf, I have no care henceforth but watch myself, For lo! it goes untended from my sight, Waxes and wanes secure with the safe star of night.
See with what liberal step it makes its way, As we could well afford to let it stray Throughout the universe, with the sun and moon, Which would dissolve allegiance as soon.
Shall I concern myself for fickleness, And undertake to make my friends more sure, When the great gods out of sheer kindliness, Gave me this office for a sinecure? _____________________________________________
Death cannot come too soon Where it can come at all, But always is too late, Unless the fates it call.
FRIENDSHIP'S STEADFASTNESS
True friendship is so firm a league
That's maintenance falls into the even tenor
Of our lives, and is no tie,
But the continuance of our life's thread.
If I would safely keep this new-got pelf,
I have no care henceforth but watch myself,
For lo! it goes untended from my sight,
Waxes and wanes secure with the safe star of night.
See with what liberal step it makes its way,
As we could well afford to let it stray
Throughout the universe, with the sun and moon,
Which would dissolve allegiance as soon.
Shall I concern myself for fickleness,
And undertake to make my friends more sure,
When the great gods out of sheer kindliness,
Gave me this office for a sinecure?
_____________________________________________
Death cannot come too soon
Where it can come at all,
But always is too late,
Unless the fates it call.