I own not that, nor any kindred creed;
Nor do I like the sentimental fustian,
Which modern fashionables so much read.—
Now he who honestly professes thus, can
By law poetic, ne’er be an offender,
Though, now and then, he seem a little over-tender.
From friends long loved how hard it is to part!
How hard, indeed, from one but briefly known—
From thee, sweet bird of passage, as thou art—
Charming awhile, but oh, how quickly flown!