  WELCOME, old Comrade! peeping once again; Our meeting ’minds me of a pleasant hour: Spring’s pencil pinks thee in that blushy stain, And Summer glistens in thy tinty flower. Hail, Beauty’s Gem! disdaining time nor place; Carelessly creeping on the dunghill’s side; Demeanour’s softness in thy crimpled face Decks thee in beauties unattain’d by pride. Hail, ’Venturer! once again that fearless here Encampeth on the hoar hill’s sunny side; Spring’s early messenger! thou’rt doubly dear; And winter’s frost by thee is well supplied. Now winter’s frowns shall cease their pelting rage, But winter’s woes I need not tell to thee; Far better luck thy visits well presage, And be it thine and mine that luck to see. Ah, may thy smiles confirm the hopes they tell To see thee frost-bit I’d be griev’d at heart; I meet thee happy, and I wish thee well, Till ripening summer summons us to part. Then like old mates, or two who’ve neighbours been, We’ll part, in hopes to meet another year; And o’er thy exit from this changing scene We’ll mix our wishes in a tokening tear. |
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