Unknown to sight! for more than twenty years

Have we, by written interchange of thought

And feeling— been into communion brought

Which friend to friend insensibly endears!

In various joys and sorrows, hopes and fears,

Befalling each; and serious subjects— fraught

With wider interest, we at times have sought

To gladden this— yet look to brighter spheres !

We never yet have met! and never may,

Perchance, while pilgrims upon earth we fare:

Yet as we seek each other's load to bear ,

Or lighten , and that law of love obey,

May we not hope in heaven's eternal day

To meet, and happier intercourse to share?