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OR one whose heart is strong and brave,

A bitter thing it is to crave

For alms: O many a cruel thought

Is his before his lips are brought

To ask a boon. Fear ties his tongue,

Lest in his anxious face are flung

His tremulous words. But hath he found

A friend with whom his life is bound

In long-tried friendship, then he may

(Casting base fear and shame away)

Pour forth to him the grief that bites

And wears his heart, for that unites

True friends the closer; who need fear

Reproach from such an one to hear?

And when his loving friend hath heard

His secret, he need fear no third

It passeth to; nor yet afraid

Need be lest he should be a-paid

With scornful words. To keep his tongue

A wise man knows, while oft is rung

A zany’s bell. A generous man

To give his aid is readier than

His friend to ask. And if so be

He lacketh opportunity

Or means to help, he grieveth more

Than he who needs assistance, for