XXXV
Herein the needy man doth stand
Before his friend, and at his hand5010
Requires that of his goods he give
Fair share, that he in ease may live.
True friends open-handed
For one whose heart is strong and brave,
A bitter thing it is to crave
For alms: O many a cruel thought
Is his before his lips are brought
To ask a boon. Fear ties his tongue,
Lest in his anxious face are flung
His tremulous words. But hath he found
A friend with whom his life is bound5020
In long-tried friendship, then he may
(Casting base fear and shame away)
Pour forth to him the grief that bites
And wears his heart, for that unites
True friends the closer; who need fear
Reproach from such an one to hear?
And when his loving friend hath heard
His secret, he need fear no third
It passeth to; nor yet afraid
Need be lest he should be a-paid5030
With scornful words. To keep his tongue
A wise man knows, while oft is rung
A zany’s bell. A generous man
To give his aid is readier than
His friend to ask. And if so be
He lacketh opportunity
Or means to help, he grieveth more
Than he who needs assistance, for
