On the Sickness of a Friend

Shall fond expectance lean on earthly friends,
Since earthly friends, alas! are born to die;
And disappointment waits, and grief attends
The best, the dearest joys below the sky?

Why will this wretched, this deluded heart
So fast to earth's uncertain comforts cleave?
'Tis but to cherish pain, to treasure smart,
And teach the unavailing sigh to heave.

Great source of good, attend my plaintive cries?
My weakness with indulgent pity see,
And teach this restless, anxious heart to rise,
And centre all its hopes and joys in thee.

Then, should my dearest earthly comforts die,
Should ev'ry friend (distressing thought!) depart;
My refuge, my unfailing friend on high,
Will never, never leave this trembling heart.

Should sorrow like a whelming deluge roll,
And gloomy death appear on ev'ry wave;
Then hope, blest anchor, shall sustain my soul,
And faith shall rise and triumph o'er the grave,

Then shall I meet my much-lov'd friends above.
Safe landed on the ever-peaceful shore,
The blissful regions of immortal love,
Where happiness and friendship part no more,