When first I knew the world, (and was untaught By tryde experience, what true _Friendship_ meant) That I had many _faithfull friends_, I thought; And, of their Love, was wondrous confident. For, few so young in yeares, and meane in fortune, Of their _Familiars_, had such troopes, as I, Who did their daily fellowship importune; Or, seeme so pleased in their company. In all their friendly meetings, I was one; And, of the _Quorum_, in their honest game: By day or night, I seldome sate alone; And, welcome seemed, wheresoere I came. But, where are now those multitudes of _Friends_? Alas! they on a sudden flasht away. Their love begun, but, for some sensuall ends, Which fayling them, it would no longer stay. If I to vaine expences, would have mov’d them, They, nor their _paines_, nor _purses_, would have spared; But, in a reall need, if I had prov’d them, Small showes of kindnesse, had bin then declared. Of thrice three thousands, two, perhaps, or three, Are left me now, which (yet) as _Friends_ I prize; But, none of them, of that great number be, With whom I had my youthfull Iollities. If, therefore, thou desire a _Friend_, on Earth, Let one _pure-faith_ betwixt you bee begot, And, seeke him not, in _vanities_, or _mirth_, But, let _Afflictions_ tye your _true-love-knot_: For, they who to the _Crosse_, are firmely tyde, Will fast, and everlasting _Friends_, abide. _A =Candle= that affords no =light=, What profits it, by Day, or Night?_ [Illustration: CVI BONO? ILLVSTR. XIIII. _Book. 2_]