LINES ON RETURNING A BORROWED STICK OF SLENDERISH SIZE,

Dear Billy, with thanks, I return thee thy switch,

Which has many times kept me out of the ditch.

I have found oft when stumbling o'er hillock or stone,

A slender supporter is better than none!

When the stars were beclouded and darkness prevail'd,

And the rain was descending, its aid never fail'd;

For it grop'd out my way, and assisted my sight,—

When my foot would have slipp'd, it kept me upright.

It never forsook me, or broke my command,

Unless it was when it slipt out of my hand;

Then myself it might blame, for not taking more care,

For when duty demanded it always was there.

It is rare upon earth to find such a friend,

On which one can always so safely depend;—

When help was most needed it paid most regard,

And never reprov'd me for using it hard!