A companion, ever poetic, will give heart (5)

I believe the answer is:

cheer

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'poetic will give heart' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'a companion ever' is the wordplay.
'a companion' becomes 'ch' (Companion of Honour).
'ever' becomes 'e'er' (synonyms).
'ch'+'eer'='CHEER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cheer that I've seen before include "Buck up" , "provisions for feast" , "Encourage - applaud" , "Shout of praise or joy" , "Merriment" .)

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