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Together, and no difference make

(For love of God and virtue’s sake)

Of thought, or speech, or worldly good,

But live in sweetest brotherhood,

With earnest purpose to fulfil

Thereby God’s high behest and will.

Each unto each should freely give

With open hand, and thus will live

Fair loyalty betwixt them both,

But lacking that, my tongue were loth

To call them friends.

In confidence

A friend should tell his friend each sense

That stirs his brain, nor doubt that he

Betray his trust. This certainty

Of faith becomes a bond to hold

With grip more firm than steel or gold,

True friends. Such perfect love unites

Those sworn in friendship, that the spites

Of Fortune move them not; though poor

One man become, his rich friend’s door

Is closed not on him, but one roof

Will cover both, in earnest proof

Their hearts are one. If one friend see

His fellow tend towards poverty,

With ready hand will he afford

Quick, generous succour, unimplored,

Nor leave unto his friend the task

Ungrateful, help or aid to ask,

For of a truth is bounty bought

Right dearly when with tears ’tis sought.