Epigram 18. To my Cousin Mr. Charles Cotton, an Acrostick

Cousin, I write to you that you may know
H ow much I love you, and how much would
A ll that I can I will do, and have good (show:
R eason to do much more, and if I coo'd.
L ong time I have desired to express
E ach thought I have of my own happiness;
S uch you have made me by your love, and do

C ompel me each day more to honour you.
O 'tis a noble part in you to make
T rue friendship wheresoe're you undertake.
T hus you do live, and living so you may
O mit the care of your departing day;
N o death can raze your memory away.