FRIENDSHIP

 Words by Mr. Bidwell of Connecticut, Philadelphia Songster, 1789
 Tune: G.F. Handel, Viva la face, viva l'amor, in Atalanta, 1736,
  Christian Harmony, page 282
 Video, sung by Tim Eriksen, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsmsmXbzSog

 Friendship to ev'ry willing mind
  Opens a heav'nly treasure:
 There may the sons of sorrow find
  Sources of real pleasure.
 See what employments men pursue,
 Then you will own my words are true:
 Friendship alone presents to view
  Sources of real pleasure.

 Poor are the joys that fools esteem,
  Fading and transitory;
 Mirth is as fleeting as a dream,
  Or a delusive story;
 Luxury leaves a sting behind,
 Wounding the body and the mind;
 Only in Friendship can we find
  Pleasure and solid glory.

 Beauty, with all its gaudy shows,
  Is but a painted bubble;
 Short is the triumph wit bestows,
  Full of deceit and trouble;
 Fame like a shadow flees away,
 Titles and dignities decay;
 Nothing but Friendship can display
  Joys that are free from trouble.
 
 Learning (that boasted glitt'ring thing)
  Scarcely is worth possessing;
 Riches, forever on the wing,
  Cannot be called a blessing;
 Sensual pleasures swell desire,
 Just as the fuel feeds the fire;
 Friendship can real bliss inspire:
  Bliss that is worth possessing.

 Happy the man who has a friend
  Form'd by the God of nature;
 Well may he feel and recommend
  Friendship for his Creator:
 Then let our hearts in Friendship join,
 So let our social pow'rs combine,
 Rul'd by a passion most divine:
  Friendship with our Creator.



Original words in Atalanta, act 3 (librettist unknown)
   
Coro (Gavotta):
 Viva la face, viva l'amor!
  Viva, su, festeggiate!
 Viva la face, viva l'amor!
  Viva, su, festeggiate!
 Rendete a sposi un alto onor.
 Viva la pace ne' due cor!
 Viva la face, viva l'amor!
  Viva, su, festeggiate!