The Way of the World

The Way of the World

Some years ago, when I was young,

And filled with hope and pride and folly,

Ere sorrow came, and o'er me flung

Its gloomy pall of melancholy,

I had a friend of just my years,

I loved him with deep devotion;

His griefs and joys, his hopes and fears,

Produced on me a like emotion.

I toiled for years to win a name,

Thro' sleepless nights and days of trouble,

To learn this truth at last, that fame

Is but a empty, air-blown bubble.

My friend sought wealth, and often wrote

That he was rich, and loved me dearly;

And always closed his friendly note

With. "Yours most truly and sincerely."

And once he wrote, "My dear old chum,

If you are short—now, don't be silly—

Just drop a line, and name the sum

To me, your friend and crony, Willie"

But still I had a foolish pride

To keep from him my little pinches;

We like, if possible, to hide

Our wants from one who never flinches.

And thus I labored late and long,

Until my hopes and nerves were shattered,

Until my health, which, never strong,

Gave out, and then my friends soon scattered,

For they had learned that I was poor.

Now, penury is not disgraceful,

But to the rich it shuts the door,

And makes its victim seem distasteful.

And now, I thought, since health has flown,

My ancient, wealthy friend will aid me;

A small amount, a trifling loan,

From one so true, will not degrade me:

For still he wrote that better far

He loved me than a blood relation;

He talked about his "lucky star,"

His wife and means, his wealth and station.

Then, with a faltering pen, one day;

(I had not nerve to do it boldly,)

I wrote, "I have my rent to pay,"

Nor dreamed that he would take it coldly.

I waited long; I watched the mail

Till all my clothes were growing seedy;

It came at last—I read; (in jail,)

"I've nearer friends just twice as needy!"

Thus-ended one of boyhood's dreams,

As many a dream before has ended;

Friendship is rarely what it seems—

With money often closely blended.

I left my book, and earned my bread

By earnest, patient, healthy labor,

And sleep serenely in my bed,

Nor owe a dime to friend or neighbor.

The moral here is easy shown,

If they who read will only heed it:

To test a friend, just ask a loan

Of money when you really need it.

Another lesson may be learned,

Unaided by the light of science—

That gold and fame are only earned

By patient toil and self-reliance.

Unattributed

1:36, p. 4

3.24.1860