1 As By The Fix'D Decrees Of Heaven, 'Tis Vain To Hope That Joy Can Last; The Dearest Boon That Life Has Given, To Me Is - Visions Of The Past. 2. For These This Toy Of Blushing Hue I Prize With Zeal Before Unknown, It Tells Me Of A Friend I Knew, Who Loved Me For Myself Alone. 3. It Tells Me What How Few Can Say Though All The Social Tie Commend; Recorded In My Heart 'Twill Lay, [2] It Tells Me Mine Was Once A Friend. 4. Through Many A Weary Day Gone By, With Time The Gift Is Dearer Grown; And Still I View In Memory'S Eye That Teardrop Sparkle Through My Own. 5. And Heartless Age Perhaps Will Smile, Or Wonder Whence Those Feelings Sprung; Yet Let Not Sterner Souls Revile, For Both Were Open, Both Were Young. 6. And Youth Is Sure The Only Time, When Pleasure Blends No Base Alloy; When Life Is Blest Without A Crime, And Innocence Resides With Joy. 7 Let Those Reprove My Feeble Soul, Who Laugh To Scorn Affection'S Name; While These Impose A Harsh Controul, All Will Forgive Who Feel The Same. 8 Then Still I Wear My Simple Toy, With Pious Care From Wreck I'll Save It; And This Will Form A Dear Employ For Dear I Was To Him Who Gave It.