Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/202

Love of friends Together, and no difference make
(For love of God and virtue’s sake)4980
Of thought, or speech, or worldly good,
But live in sweetest brotherhood,
With earnest purpose to fulfil
Thereby God’s high behest and will.

Each unto each should freely give
With open hand, and thus will live
Fair loyalty betwixt them both,
But lacking that, my tongue were loth
To call them friends.
In confidence
A friend should tell his friend each sense4990
That stirs his brain, nor doubt that he
Betray his trust. This certainty
Of faith becomes a bond to hold
With grip more firm than steel or gold,
True friends. Such perfect love unites
Those sworn in friendship, that the spites
Of Fortune move them not; though poor
One man become, his rich friend’s door
Is closed not on him, but one roof
Will cover both, in earnest proof5000
Their hearts are one. If one friend see
His fellow tend towards poverty,
With ready hand will he afford
Quick, generous succour, unimplored,
Nor leave unto his friend the task
Ungrateful, help or aid to ask,
For of a truth is bounty bought
Right dearly when with tears ’tis sought.