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Poem
August 12, 1737
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Poem imitating Horace's 22nd Ode, extolling a true friend's unwavering loyalty and protection amid ocean voyages, war, street attacks by Mohocks, and haunts of vice, providing security against scandal and danger.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
On FRIENDSHIP.
In Imitation of the 22d Ode, of the First Book of Horace.
Integer vitæ scelerisque purus, &c.
THE Friend, who proves sincere and true,
Nor is by private Int'rest sway'd,
Needs never dread the babbling Crew,
Nor of their Scandal be afraid;
His Character shall stand secure, and none
Shall reach him with that deadly Shaft, the Tongue.
Whether we pass the Ocean far,
Hence to some distant, barren Land,
Or, in the noisy Field of War,
Obey the valiant Chief's Command,
His Loving Friend with him the Toil shall share,
And in the Battle's Heat his Spirits cheer.
A Mohock once of frightful Mein,
Attackt me with his naked Sword,
And with a horrid Look and Grin,
He gave aloud the dreadful Word:
My Friend appear'd, the bloody Villain fled.
And left me pleas'd, before with Fear half dead.
An uglier Rascal ne'er was seen,
In any Cell in D--l's Lane,
Nor could the worst of Houses screen
A Villain who was more profane:
If brought before the Bar, his very Look
Would write his Name upon Jack Ketch's Book.
Tho' I should lodge where saucy Whores,
With Cullies, haunt th' unhappy Inn,
Who, with their oft repeated Scores,
Allow no Sleep to those within;
I'll love my Friend, his Presence shall inspire
My drooping Soul, amongst the noisy Choir.
In Imitation of the 22d Ode, of the First Book of Horace.
Integer vitæ scelerisque purus, &c.
THE Friend, who proves sincere and true,
Nor is by private Int'rest sway'd,
Needs never dread the babbling Crew,
Nor of their Scandal be afraid;
His Character shall stand secure, and none
Shall reach him with that deadly Shaft, the Tongue.
Whether we pass the Ocean far,
Hence to some distant, barren Land,
Or, in the noisy Field of War,
Obey the valiant Chief's Command,
His Loving Friend with him the Toil shall share,
And in the Battle's Heat his Spirits cheer.
A Mohock once of frightful Mein,
Attackt me with his naked Sword,
And with a horrid Look and Grin,
He gave aloud the dreadful Word:
My Friend appear'd, the bloody Villain fled.
And left me pleas'd, before with Fear half dead.
An uglier Rascal ne'er was seen,
In any Cell in D--l's Lane,
Nor could the worst of Houses screen
A Villain who was more profane:
If brought before the Bar, his very Look
Would write his Name upon Jack Ketch's Book.
Tho' I should lodge where saucy Whores,
With Cullies, haunt th' unhappy Inn,
Who, with their oft repeated Scores,
Allow no Sleep to those within;
I'll love my Friend, his Presence shall inspire
My drooping Soul, amongst the noisy Choir.
What sub-type of article is it?
Ode
What themes does it cover?
Friendship
War Military
Satire Society
What keywords are associated?
Friendship
Horace Imitation
True Friend
Mohock Attack
War Battle
Vice Whores
Loyalty Protection
Poem Details
Title
On Friendship.
Subject
In Imitation Of The 22d Ode, Of The First Book Of Horace.
Form / Style
Rhymed Stanzas Imitating Horatian Ode
Key Lines
The Friend, Who Proves Sincere And True,
Nor Is By Private Int'rest Sway'd,
My Friend Appear'd, The Bloody Villain Fled.
I'll Love My Friend, His Presence Shall Inspire
My Drooping Soul, Amongst The Noisy Choir.