Where Lovers Fitly Matched Be, In Mutuall-Duties, They Agree
WOuld God, I could as feelingly infuse
A good effect of what this Emblem shewes,
As I can tell in words, what Moralls bee,
The life of that, which here you pictur’d see.
Most Lovers, minde their Penny, or their Pleasure;
Or, painted Honors; and, they all things measure,
Not as they are, but as they helpfull seeme,
In compassing those toyes, they most esteeme.
Though many wish to gaine a faithfull Friend,
They seldome seeke one, for the noblest end:
Nor know they (should they finde what they had sought)
How Friendship should be manag’d, as it ought.
Such, as good Husbands covet, or good Wives
(The deare companions of most happy lives)
Wrong Courses take to gaine them; yet, contemne
Their honest love, who rightly counsell them:
And, lest, they unawares the Marke may hit,
They blinde their judgements, and befoole their wit.
He, that will finde a Friend, must seeke out one
To exercise unfeigned love upon;
And, mutuall-duties, must both yield, and take,
Not for himselfe; but, for his Friendship sake.
Such, as doe rightly marry, neither be
With Dowries caught, nor wooe a Pedigree;
Nor, meerely come together, when they wed,
To reape the youthfull pleasures of the Bed:
But, seeke that fitnesse, and, that Sympathy,
Which maketh up the perfect’st Amity.
A paire, so match’d; like Hands that wash each other,
As mutuall-helpes, will sweetly live together.