University of Virginia Library

Verses on friendship.

Vnder the Cope and glittering hue of heauen,
Are all the ioyes allotted by decree:
Yet is there none, that may compared be,
Unto a friend that neuer is vneuen:
But doth remaine all one in constancie.
But for such friendes, as are but friends in sight,
They doe deceiue, incertaine is their trust,
They proue vntrue, they moulder like the dust:
But ah, a friend that standes in friendly right.
He is a friend, as needes confesse I must.
Now if one finde a faithfull friend in deede,
Then keepe him still, as Ieuell that is rare,
Be sure on this, to haue on him a care:
For why? he will remaine a friend at neede:
As Triall telles, and Trueth doth well declare.