LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP. 139 



pleasing and inexhaustible theme, Love and Friend- 

 ship. Two lovely sisters, greatly resembling each 

 other, so much so, that I was apt to think you con- 

 founded them together, from their similarity of features ; 

 and pronounced them the same affection, called by 

 different names, as they respected one or other of the 

 sexes. It was above me then, to draw an exact picture 

 of these two kindred affections, yet I think the prin- 

 cipal outlines of each lovely form, would shew that 

 there is a real and essential difference between them, 

 and that one might apply with little variation the words 

 of the Poet. 



Twixt Love and Friendship what a nice barrier, 



For ever separate yet for ever near. 



Love generally enters at the eye, and spreads like 

 a flame ; Friendship is formed by frequent conver- 

 sation and mutual intercourse of kind offices. Love 

 rules the heart like a tyrant, treats it like a conquered 

 country, burning and laying waste wherever it spreads ; 

 Friendship is a mild and gentle Prince, whose only care 

 is to make his subjects happy. Many have exclaimed 

 against the tyranny of Love, have felt its chains 

 and vainly wished to throw them off; No one who 

 has felt the power of Friendship ever wished to be re- 

 leased from his gentle sway. Love is like lightning in 

 a stormy night ; Friendship the mild radiance of a sum- 

 mer's evening. Love has a cruel but childish eye, 

 stormy as March, fickle as April, and scorching as the 

 Dog-days ; brought up amidst jealousies, doubts, quar- 

 rels, upbraidings, and dissimulation, fed with sighs and 

 tears, and is most worshipped by those who suffer most ; 

 Friendship has an open countenance, a mild eye, serene 

 look, pleasing manner, she delights in smiles, and is 

 nursed by the milk of human kindness. Love is the 

 darling of the young ; Friendship the consolation of the 

 old. Love is but the flower of a season ; Friendship a 

 perennial plant, which braves the winter's storm. 

 Youth, health, gaiety and pleasure are necessary to 

 relish Love ; sickness, distress, mature age, mutual 

 toils, dangers, and a long train of recollected ideas 



