Sometimes occasion brings to light
Our friend's defect long hid from sight,

And even from suspicion.

150

Then judge yourself, and prove your man
As circumspectly as you can,

And, having made election,
Beware no negligence of yours,
Such as a friend but ill endures,

Enfeeble his affection.

155

205

The noblest Friendship ever shown
The Saviour's history makes known,

Though some have turn’d and turn'd it;
And whether being craz'd or blind,
Or seeing with a bias'd mind,

Have not, it seems, discern'd it.

210

O Friendship! if my soul forego
Thy dear delights while here below

To mortify and grie ve me,

May I myself at last appear
Unworthy, base, and insincere,

Or may my friend deceive me!

215

The motto, “Amicitia nisi inter bonos esse non potest" (Friendship cannot exist except among good people), is from Cicero's “De Amicitia."

107. Gog and Magog in Guildhall. Gog and Magog are the names by which two effigies in the Guildhall, or council hall, of London are known. The figures are made of wood, and have been replaced from time to time with new ones.

ON THE LOSS OF THE ROYAL GEORGE

“On the Loss of the Royal George” was written in September, 1782. On August 29 of that year the Royal George, an English man-of-war, which had just returned from service in the American Revolution, was being refitted at Spithead, when she suddenly heeled over and sank. Admiral Kempenfelt and about eight hundred sailors, marines, and visitors were drowned.

SONG ON PEACE

The “Song on Peace” was written in 1783, at the request of Lady Austen, who suggested the sentiment.

ON THE SHORTNESS OF HUMAN LIFE

“On the Shortness of Human Life" was written in 1784.

EPITAPH ON JOHNSON

The “Epitaph on Johnson” was written in January, 1785. Samuel Johnson, the celebrated lexicographer, essayist, and poet, died on December 13, 1784.