Lord, make me coy and tender to offend:
In friendship, first I think, if that agree,
Which I intend,
Unto my friends 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 free
His blasted fame
From the least spot or thought of blame.
I could not use a friend, as I use Thee.
My friend may spit upon my curious floore:
Would he have gold? I lend it instantly;
But let the poore,
And thou within them starve at doore.
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 grace
Sues for my heart, I thee displace;
Nor would I use a friend, as I use Thee.
Yet can a friend what thou hast done fulfill?
O write in brass, My God upon a tree
His bloud did spill,
Onely to purchase my good will:
Yet use I not my foes, as I use Thee.
