Early Friendship

The half-seen memories of childish days

When pains and pleasures lightly came and went;

The sympathies of boyhood rashly spent

In fearful wanderings through forbidden ways;

The vague, but manly, wish to tread the maze

Of life to noble ends; whereon intent,

Asking to know for what man here is sent,

The bravest heart must often pause, and gaze ---

The firm resolve to seek the chosen end

Of manhood's judgment, cautious and mature:

Each of these viewless bonds binds friend to friend

With strength no selfish purpose can secure;

My happy lot is this, that all attend

That friendship which first came,

and which shall last endure.

 ~ Stephen E. Spring Rice