XXI. 4. On points, which God has left at large. 1. To prove at last my main intent,

XXII.

Needs no expence of argument

219

Seeking

Seeking a real friend we seem,
T'adopt the chemist's golden dream
With still less hope of thriving.

23.

Then judge before you chuse your man,
As circumspectly as you can,

And, having made election,

See, that no disrespect of yours,
Such, as a friend but ill endures,
Enfeeble his affection.

24.

It is not timber, lead, and stone,
An architect requires alone,

VARIATIONS.

Sometimes the fault is all your own,

Some blemish in due time made known
By trespass or omission:

Sometimes occasion brings to light

Our friend's defect, long hid fromsight,
And even from suspicion.

XXIII.1. Then judge yourself, and prove your man.

4. Beware, no negligence of

yours

That secrets are a facred trust,

That friends should be sincere and just,

That constancy befits them,

Are observations on the case,

That savor much of common-place,

And all the world admits them.

XXIV. 1. But 'tis not timber, lead, and stone,

To