From Songs, hymns, and psalms, by Jonas Hanway, p11, 1783.

listen to the tune (midi file)

On Friendship

 The World, my dear Messmate, is full of deceit,
 And Friendship's a Jewel we seldom can meet;
 How strange does it seem that in searching around,
 This source of Content is so rare to be found:
 O Friendship thou Balm and rich sweetner of Life,
 Kind Parent of Ease and composer of Strife,
 Without thee alas! what are Riches and Pow'r,
 But empty delusion, The Joys of an Hour
 But empty delusion, the Joys of an Hour.
 
 How much to be priz'd an esteem'd is a friend,
 On whom we with safelty may always depend!
 Our joys, when extended, will always increase;
 And griefs, when divided, are hush'd into peace.
 
 When fortune is smiling, what crouds will appear,
 Their kindness to offer, and friendship sincere!
 Yet change but the prospect, and point out distress,
 No longer to court you they eagerly press.