The Temple: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations/Unkindnesse
¶ Unkindnesse.
LOrd, make me coy and tender to offend.In friendship, first I think, if that agree,Which I intend,Unto my friends intent and end.I would not use a friend, as I use Thee.
If any touch my friend, or his good name,It is honour and my love to freeHis blasted fameFrom the least spot or thought of blame.I could not use a friend, as I use Thee.
My friend may spit upon my curious floore:Would he gave gold? I lend it instantly;But let the poore,And thou within them starve at doore.I cannot use a friend, as I use Thee.
When that my friend pretendeth to a place,I quit my interest, and leave it free:But when thy graceSues for my heart, I thee displace;Nor would I use a friend, as I use Thee.
Yet can a friend what thou hast done fulfill?O write in brasse, My God upon a treeHis bloud did spillOnely to purchase my good-will:Yet use I not my foes, as I use thee.