89

87
I'll David like rise up and eat,
With patience I'll yield to my fate
I spending a social retreat. --
T. B.

I've often wished to have a friend,
With whom my choicest hours to spend,
To whom I safely might impart
Each wis and weakness of my heart;
Who might in every sorrow cheer
And mingle with my gruss (?) a tear
For whom alone I wish to be
And who would only live for me;
And to secure my bliss for life,
I'd wish that friend to be-a w-fe
Aug. 28th 1805 Tho. Brevard

-----
Tho. Brevard
That friend at length I hope I've found
With whom for life time I am bound
Nor have I found, nor friend nor brother
So near a friend in any other,
Who knows my strength and weakness too
My heart is open to her view
In confidence our joys and grief
We trust and find mutual relief
And who would live an spend their life
Without the friend called a good wife
June 5th 1809 T. B.

Transcribed dated & subscribed as seen on the author's papers by John J. Brevard