They drop through mere desire to prate, How bright soe'er the prospect seems, All thoughts of friendship are but dreams, 75 On points which God has left at large, Then judge yourself, and prove your man And having made election, Beware no negligence of yours, Such as a friend but ill endures, 155 Enfeeble his affection. That secrets are a sacred trust, That friends should be sincere and just, That constancy befits them, Are observations on the case 160 The man that hails you Tom or Jack, Is such a friend that one had need Be very much his friend indeed, To pardon or to bear it. As similarity of mind, Or something not to be defined, 170 175 Shall win my confidence again; These samples-for alas! at last Pursue the search, and you will find And, after summing all the rest, A principal ingredient. 190 195 200 |