192 An Ode.
If that one be prodigall,
Bountifull, they will him call:
And with such-like flattering,
Pitty but hee were a King.
If he bee adict to vice,
Quickly him, they will intice.
If to Woemen hee be bent,
They haue at Commaundement.
But if Fortune once doe frowne,
Then farewell his great renowne:
They that fawnd on him before,
Vse his company no more.
Hee that is thy friend indeed,
Hee will helpe thee in thy neede:
If thou sorrowe, hee will weepe;
If thou wake, hee cannot sleepe:
Thus of euerie griefe, in hart
Hee, with thee, doeth beare a Part.
These are certaine signes, to knowe
Faithfull friend, from flatt'ring foe.
WRITTEN, AT THE REQUEST OF A GENTLEMAN, VNDER A GENTLEWOMANS PICTURE.
Even as Apelles could not paint Campaspes face aright.
Because Campaspes Sun-bright eyes did dimme Apelles sight:
Euen so, amazed at her sight, her sight, all sights excelling,
Like Nyobe the Painter stoode, her sight his sight expelling:
Thus Art and Nature did contend, who should the Victor bee.
Till Art by Nature was supprest, as all the worlde may see.