Ann Plato (Энн Плато)

The True Friend

Young persons, it is true, admire
The heart that burns with ardent fire--
Where comes no sob or sigh,
They bear the summer's heat in measure,
If they enjoy it all with pleasure,
Fatigue and trouble fly.

She is precisely like yourself--
In habits, principles, and wealth,
In beauty's opening prime;
Her eyes and voice are of the same,
And like you is array'd in name,
Useful alike in time.

Our dearest friends on earth do die,
We mourn disconsolate--and why!
Their bodies are at rest!
But now the friend of whom I speak,
Is one whom all of you should seek,
This friend is really best.

In language beautiful, might she
From Ruth and Time address thee;
"With thee, I ever go,
Where thou diest, I will die,
Where thou art buried I will lie;
Lord deal with me thus so."

An introduction to this friend,
So surely ought you to attend,
Strive daily to improve;
Are you industrious, pious, good?
If true--the same is understood--
By friendship ne'er to move.

If you persist in wrongful deeds,
She has a way in which she heeds;
The heart has weight of stone:
'Tis said by some a punishment,
Severe to wrongful sentiment,
The feelings never won.

Be punctual to appointed time,
Frank to the questions that are mine,
Agree as I propose:
Set down at slumber, wait for me,
And answer what I say to thee,
And unto me disclose!

She, several questions you will ask,
Happy if you say yes, in task,
This Friend most true in heart;
That gold most pure, that rust cannot,
That thief nor robber, can't corrupt,
This Friend is ne'er to part.

1. Lines, Written upon Being Examined in School Studies for the Preparation of a Teacher
2. On the Dismission of a School Term
3. The Residence of My Father
4. Advice to Young Ladies
5. Memory of Mary

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