When times go hard, and hopes are few.
Then live apart and dwell alone,
Nor make a prop of any one,
I’ve given a gift in that I’ve said,
Will stand thy friend in every stead.”
And what another saith:—
Men are a hidden malady; ✿ Rely not on the sham in them:
For perfidy and treachery ✿ Thou’lt find, if thou examine them.
And yet a third saith:—
Cònverse with men hath scanty weal, except ✿ To while away the time in chat and prate: