Lines To An Old Sweetheart

Once fondly lov'd, and still rememb'red dear,
Sweet early Object of my youthful vows,
Accept this mark of friendship, warm, sincere,
Friendship - 'tis all cold duty now allows.

And while you read the simple, artless rhymes,
One friendly sigh for him - he asks no more,
Who, distant, burns in flaming torrid climes,
Or haply lies beneath th' Atlantic roar.