The friend 
Who smiles when smoothing down the lonely conch, 
And does kind deeds, which any one can do 
Who has a feeling spirit,—such a friend 
Heals with a searching balsam. 
Percival . 
Delightful is an evening’s cheerful chat 
With pleasant friends, especially to one 
Who has been long away. The minutes run 
With speed that all the talkers marvel at. 
So much to talk about—so much to tell— 
So many sleeping memories to awaken— 
The various fates that absent friends befell— 
Whom time has spared, and whom the grave has taken; 
The tear to shed for those who’ve passed away— 
The sigh to breathe for those who’ve gone astray— 
Our times of darkness, and our days of light— 
Our purposes and plans for coming years— 
Our heavenly hopes, our earthly human fears— 
And lo! ; tis time to say, “Good-night, dear friends, 
good-night!” v 
MacKellar. 
