Friendship - Via Tim Eriksen. Complete lyrics by Mr. Bidwell of Connecticut, as published in the Philadelphia Songster, 1789
FRIENDSHIP (by Mr. Bidwell of Connecticut)
Friendship to every willing mind Opens a heavenly treasure: There may the sons of sorrow find Sources of real pleasure. See what employments men pursue, Then you will own my words are true: Friendship alone presents to view Sources of real pleasure.
Poor are the joys that fools esteem,? Fading and transitory;? Mirth is as fleeting as a dream,? Or a delusive story;? Luxury leaves a sting behind,? Wounding the body and the mind;? Only in Friendship can we find? Pleasure and solid glory.
Beauty, with all its gaudy shows,? Is but a painted bubble;? Short is the triumph wit bestows,? Full of deceit and trouble;? Fame like a shadow flees away,? Titles and dignities decay;? Nothing but Friendship can display? Joys that are free from trouble.
Learning (that boasted glittering thing)? Scarcely is worth possessing;? Riches, forever on the wing,? Cannot be called a blessing;? Sensual pleasures swell desire,? Just as the fuel feeds the fire;? Friendship can real bliss inspire:? Bliss that is worth possessing.
Happy the man who has a friend? Formed by the God of nature;? Well may he feel and recommend? Friendship for his Creator:? Then let our hearts in Friendship join,? So let our social powers combine,? Ruled by a passion most divine:? Friendship with our Creator