Of a FRIEND

If I to Love would be inclin'd, And without seeking, knew to find One, whose unblemish'd outward Case, Princely Deportment, comely Grace, Might unto each observant Eye, Denote the true Nobility Of an heroick Heart and Mind, From sordid Vanity sublim'd Sincerely pious, loyal, chaste, And with such inward Peace possest, That blust'ring Storms could ne'er prevent True inward Solace and Content: Whom prosp'rous Lot exalts not high, Nor can a cross Adversity Much discompose; observing well That all Things here are mutable: Who rightly knows to prize a Friend, Without a base sinister End. And though a Competency here Of needful Things, without much Care Enjoying, knows Treasure laid up, Secur'd from Theft, and Moths corrupt; Yet here, in Visibles, can see The Wisdom of Eternity; And knowing Rule, and ruling know, In true Dominion Things below; Meek, though Majestick; Valiant, and That Self and Passion can command: Rich in all Virtues, to compleat A noble Heart, more good than great; 'Tis such an one as this shall be Much honour'd, and esteem'd by me.