177 
Zinnia. — ‘ Absent Friends' 
Every one has felt the absence of friends, and experienced the 
heart “Sickness that steals upon us at twilight, while memory brings 
forward the forms and faces of those who are afar. 
Guided by Memory’s magic power, 
Or led by Hope’s delusive star, 
Fond Fancy loves at evening hour 
With a free wing to range afar; 
To by-gone times and scenes, away 
She captive bears the willing mind, 
Or paints some happier, future day, 
Leaving realities behind, 
And each wild vision fondly lends 
To view, the forms of absent friends. 
How doth the wanderer’s bosom swell, 
When such dreams light the lonely scene, 
Recalling those he loves so well, 
Though mountains—oceans—rise between; 
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