The Scarlet Gown Being Verses by a St. Andrews Man (R. F. Murray): Second Edition with Additional Poems, and an Introduction by Andrew Lang |
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 | The Scarlet Gown |  |
102
One Way of Friendship
When a friend performs a favour,
It would have a sweeter savour
If he did it in the way that you desired.
He would make you more his debtor,
If he did not know, far better
Than the person who requires it, what's required.
It would have a sweeter savour
If he did it in the way that you desired.
He would make you more his debtor,
If he did not know, far better
Than the person who requires it, what's required.
He contrives, with zeal officious,
Plans more safe and expeditious
Than the method you would like to see employed;
And you find, when all is ended,
He has missed what you intended,
And has done what you were anxious to avoid.
Plans more safe and expeditious
Than the method you would like to see employed;
And you find, when all is ended,
He has missed what you intended,
And has done what you were anxious to avoid.
If you thank him somewhat coldly,
He will turn and tell you boldly
That ingratitude becomes you very ill.
Should you wish again to use him,
Will it please you to excuse him?
And you answer with conviction that it will.
He will turn and tell you boldly
That ingratitude becomes you very ill.
Should you wish again to use him,
Will it please you to excuse him?
And you answer with conviction that it will.
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