Much beautiful, and excellent, and fair,
Was seen beneath the sun; but nought was seen
More beautiful, or excellent, or fair,
Than face of faithful friend,-fairest when seen
In darkest day. And many sounds were sweet
Most ravishing and pleasant to the ear;
But sweeter none than voice of faithful friend, -
Sweet always, sweetest heard in loudest storm
* * * * *
all are friends in heaven, all faithful friends
and many friendships, in the days of time
begin, are lasting here and growing still.