Unkindness
LORD, make me coy and tender to offend:In friendship, first I think if that agreeWhich I intendUnto my friend’s intent and end;I would not use a friend as I use Thee.
If any touch my friend or his good name,It is my honour and my love-to freeHis blasted fameFrom the least spot or thought of blame;I could not use a friend as I use Thee.
My friend may spit upon my curious floor;Would he have gold? I lend it instantly;But let the poor,And Thee within them, starve at door;I cannot use a friend as I use Thee.
When that my friend pretendeth to a place,I quit my interest, and leave it free;But when Thy graceSues for my heart, I Thee displace;Nor would I use a friend as I use Thee.
Yet can a friend what Thou hast done fulfil?O, write in brass, ‘My God upon a treeHis blood did spill,Only to purchase my good-will’;Yet use I not my foes as I use Thee.