Pignus Amoris.[1]

1     As by the fix'd decrees of Heaven,     'Tis vain to hope that Joy can last;     The dearest boon that Life has given,     To me is - visions of the past. 2.     For these this toy of blushing hue     I prize with zeal before unknown,     It tells me of a Friend I knew,     Who loved me for myself alone. 3.     It tells me what how few can say     Though all the social tie commend;     Recorded in my heart 'twill lay, [2]     It tells me mine was once a Friend. 4.     Through many a weary day gone by,     With time the gift is dearer grown;     And still I view in Memory's eye     That teardrop sparkle through my own. 5.     And heartless Age perhaps will smile,     Or wonder whence those feelings sprung;     Yet let not sterner souls revile,     For Both were open, Both were young. 6.     And Youth is sure the only time,     When Pleasure blends no base alloy;     When Life is blest without a crime,     And Innocence resides with Joy. 7     Let those reprove my feeble Soul,     Who laugh to scorn Affection's name;     While these impose a harsh controul,     All will forgive who feel the same. 8     Then still I wear my simple toy,     With pious care from wreck I'll save it;     And this will form a dear employ     For dear I was to him who gave it.