Of men; and I clung close unto his strength.

Our friendship might have ripened slow like wine,

To be a cheer and comfort to our age,

Mellow with wisdom, tranquil, tolerant;

Yet is it but a shadow. Happiness

Is not the nurture of a steadfast soul;

But sorrow binds us with the bonds of love.

Love is a suffering, a sacrifice;

A hand put out toward all human pain;

A fellowship, through danger and the dark: