Around the king his arms he threw

And thus began his speech anew:

“Whate'er a friend most wise and true,

Who counsels for the best, should do,

Whate'er his gentle part should be,

Has been performed, dear friend, by thee.

Taught by thy counsel, O my lord,

I feel my native strength restored.

A friend like thee is hard to gain,

Most rare in time of grief and pain.