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Title: Epigrams [Assume A Friend's Face When A Foeman You Spy]
Author: George Borrow [
More Titles by Borrow]
1
Assume a friend's face when a foeman you spy,
For his hatred you'll turn into friendship thereby.
Deal gentle words round you when threats are outpoured,
For not against silk do we use the sharp sword.
By means of caresses and promises fair,
The elephant fierce you may guide with a hair.
2
The lion in woods finds prey of noble kind,
In fields of air the hawk sufficient meat;
He who would hunt within a house confined,
Must needs possess the spider's hands and feet.
3
Though God provides our daily bread
Yet all must seek that bread, I ween;
Though all must die, there is no need
To rush the dragon's jaws between.
4
To trust a man I never feel inclined,
Unless I know his very inmost mind;
Better an open foe your flesh should rend,
Than you should deem a secret foe your friend.
5
A hunter who was always seeking game
In evil hour upon a tiger came;
Chance to the hunter is not always kind,
Instead of game he may a tiger find.
6
The plans of men of shrewdest wit
To fail are known,
Whilst beardless lads the mark will hit
By chance alone.
7
Well was it said, long years ago,
Never trust him whom you've given a blow;
Trust not the heart you have caused to ache,
For thine, if it can, it will surely break.
Fling not a stone at the wall of a town,
Lest one from the rampart should strike you down.
8
Who roams the world by many wants beset,
Is quickly glad his own name to forget;
Unless you've gold you cannot do much harm,
And if you've gold you need no other arm.
Gold if you lack you cannot cross the brine;
Better than ten men's strength is one man's coin.
[The end]
George Borrow's poem: Epigrams [Assume A Friend's Face When A Foeman You Spy]
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