6 + 

They were my close companions many a year, + 

A portion of my mind and life, as it were, + 

And now their breathless faces seem to look + 

Out of some old picture-book; + 

I am accustomed to their lack of breath, + 

But not that my dear friend’s dear son, + 

Our Sidney and our perfect man, + 

Could share in that discourtesy of death. + 