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Ecclesiastes, otherwise called the Preacher

Containing Salomons Sermons or Commentaries (as it may probably be collected) vpon the 49. Psalme of Dauid his father. Compendiously abridged, and also paraphrastically dilated in English poesie, according to the analogie of Scripture, and consent of the most approued writer thereof. Composed by H. L. Gentleman [i.e. Henry Lok]. Whereunto are annexed sundrie Sonets of Christian Passions heretofore printed, and now corrected and augmented, with other affectionate Sonets of a feeling conscience of the same Authors
  
  

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38

9. Not thinking, two do more deserue then one, and haue more hire,
10. A readier helpe (if foot do slip) do find, if need require.

9.

Two are better then one: for they haue better wages for their labour.

Ne knowes he truly (as it should appeare)

The blessings that his wealth depend vpon,
For did he, he would hold no wealth too deare
To be bestowd in gaine of such a one,
As might his comfort breed, with whom alone
He might recount the secrets of his state,
And partner make, of good and aduerse fate.
For by the lawes of friendship and of loue,
Such mutuall frutes doth kindnesse counterchange,
That two as one, like tast of state do proue,
And eithers thoughts do in the other range,
With such a sympathy as seemeth strange,
Whilst gaine of both, to each one doth remaine,
And eithers kindnesse, kindnesse payes againe.

10.

For if they fall, the one will lift vp his fellow: but woe vnto him that is alone: for he falleth, & there is not a second to lift him vp.

If one of them an inconuenience haue,

The other readie is to yeeld reliefe,
His perill shall the others perill saue,
And with his yeelding shoulders beare his griefe,
And (which indeed of all is comfort chiefe)
His weale and woe, on th'others shall depend,
And loue in both, both ascend and descend.
Whilst that this wretched solitary wight,
Vnknowne and vnregarded quite of all,
Shall liue the obiect vnto all despight,
And helplesse perish, if he hap to fall,
No pittie finding, or but very small:
For who by gratitude, is bound to mone
His case, who carelesse seekes to liue alone?