The Three Sorts of Friends

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Though friendships differ endless in degree,

The sorts, methinks, may be reduced to three.

Acquaintance many, and Conquaintance few;

But for Inquaintance I know only two—

The friend I've mourned with, and the maid I woo!



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       &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbspIf fair by Nature

She honours the fair Boon with fair adorning,

And graces that bespeak a gracious breeding,

Can gracious Nature lessen Nature's Graces?

If taught by both she betters both and honours

Fair gifts with fair adorning, know you not

There is a beauty that resides within;—

A fine and delicate spirit of womanhood

Of inward birth?—