Of thrice three thousands, two, perhaps, or three,

Are left me now, which (yet) as Friends I prize;

But, none of them, of that great number be,

With whom I had my youthfull Iollities.

If, therefore, thou desire a Friend, on Earth,

Let one pure-faith betwixt you bee begot,

And, seeke him not, in vanities, or mirth,

But, let Afflictions tye your true-love-knot:

For, they who to the Crosse, are firmely tyde,

Will fast, and everlasting Friends, abide.