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SOSPIRI VOLATE.
How can I guide ? thou, only, know'st the way ;
I am but as the staff within thy hand —
A trusty staff, — lean on me, dear, I pray ;
But oh, my friend, how shall I comfort thee ?
I can but weep with thee, O friend of friends,
And bid thee use me even as thou wilt.
Dost wish for smiles ? they come at thy command :
For song ? that, bird-like, only waits thy call.
Will dying serve thee ? let me quickly die.
Will living serve thee ? let me live for aye.
Such as my being is, 'tis wholly thine ;
But still, O friend, how shall I comfort thee ?
