Discord Not Disadvantageous.

Discreet and prudent we that discord call
That either profits, or not hurts at all.

Love is maintain'd by wealth; when all is spent,
Adversity then breeds the discontent.

Words beget anger; anger brings forth blows;
Blows make of dearest friends immortal foes.
For which prevention, sociate, let there be
Betwixt us two no more logomachy.
Far better 'twere for either to be mute,
Than for to murder friendship by dispute.

All are not ill plots that do sometimes fail;
Nor those false vows which ofttimes don't prevail.

Whatever men for loyalty pretend,
'Tis wisdom's part to doubt a faithful friend.

Among disasters that dissension brings,
This not the least is, which belongs to kings:
If wars go well, each for a part lays claim;
If ill, then kings, not soldiers, bear the blame.