Nor think, from favours past a friend to gain, -

’Tis but by duties we our posts maintain:

I read her novels, gossip through the town,

And daily go, for idle stories down;

I cheapen all she buys, and bear the curse

Of honest tradesmen for my niggard purse;

And, when for her this meanness I display,

She cries, ‘I heed not what I throw away;’

Of secret bargains I endure the shame,

And stake my credit for our fish and game;