TESTING FRIENDSHIP

Than testless friendship nought is worse
For contacts formed will scarcely cease.

Friendship made without frequent test
Shall end in grief and death at last.

Temper, descent, defects and kins
Trace well and take companions.

Take as good friend at any price
The nobly born who shun disgrace.

Who make you weep and chide wrong trends
And lead1 you right and worthy friends.

Is there a test like misfortune
A rod to measure out kinsmen?

Keep off contacts with fools; that is
The greatest gain so say the wise.

Off with thoughts that depress the heart
Off with friends that in woe depart.

Friends who betray at ruin's brink
Burn our mind even at death to think.

The blameless ones as friends embrace;
Give something and give up the base.