John Dovaston - To Mr John Hamilton Reynolds, Author of "Safie" and Other Poems lyrics

Reynolds, no more as erst two frolic boys By Severn's side our school-day tricks we try, For me now holds the love of rural joys, Thee city pomp, light sock, and buskin high. Yet distance dares not bid us leave to ply The social sheet, or court our mutual muse, For distance cannot time-tied souls untie Nor dim the long horizon of their views. But never let my woods their leaf*ge lose Till thou hast there admired ripe August glow; Nor shall in turn my friendly foot refuse To beat thy threshold with December's snow. So shalt thou love my rural joys: and I Approve thy scenic pomp, light sock, and buskin high.