How sweet the task to shield an absent friend!
I ask but this of mine to--not defend.

How sweet the task to shield an absent friend!
I ask but this of mine to--not defend.

Look here, he cries (to give him words):
Thou feathered clay, thou scum of birds!
Look here, read more

Look here, he cries (to give him words):
Thou feathered clay, thou scum of birds!
Look here, thou vile, predestined sinner,
Doomed to be roasted for a dinner.

Turning these jests out of service, let us talk in good earnest.

Turning these jests out of service, let us talk in good earnest.

A sly piece of good luck, which nobody knows of is delightful.

A sly piece of good luck, which nobody knows of is delightful.

Hee that hath right, feares; he that hath wrong, hopes.

Hee that hath right, feares; he that hath wrong, hopes.

That is never too often repeated which is never sufficiently
learnt.

That is never too often repeated which is never sufficiently
learnt.

A holy habit clenseth not a foule soule.

A holy habit clenseth not a foule soule.

He that once deceives is ever suspected.

He that once deceives is ever suspected.

To persevere
In obstinate condolement is a course
Of impious stubbornness: 'tis unmanly grief.

To persevere
In obstinate condolement is a course
Of impious stubbornness: 'tis unmanly grief.