TO A FRIEND.

I fear to name thee. If I were To do so, I could never tell What virtues crown thy nature rare; 'Twould pain thy heart—I know it well.

Thou dost not ask for thy reward In words that all the world may hear, For thoughtful acts and kind regard By thee for others everywhere.

Thou seek'st alone for grateful thought From those to whom thy worth is known; So for much good thine heart hath wrought Find gratitude within mine own.