VI

The Compasses that stand above
Express this great immortal Love;
For Friends, like them, can prove this true,
They are, and yet they are not, two.

VII

And in their posture is exprest
Friendship's exalted Interest:
Each follows where the other leans,
And what each does, this other means.

VIII

And as when one foot does stand fast,
And t'other circles seeks to cast,
The steddy part does regulate
And make the wandrer's motion straight:

IX

So Friends are only two in this,
T'reclaim each other when they miss:
For whosoe're will grosly fall,
Can never be a Friend at all.

X

And as that useful Instrument
For Even lines was ever meant;
So Friendship from good Angels springs,
To teach the world Heroick things.

XI

As these are found out in design
To rule and measure every Line;
So Friendship governs actions best,
Prescribing unto all the rest.

XII

And as in Nature nothing's set
So just as Lines in number met;
So Compasses for these b'ing made,
Do Friendship's harmony perswade.

XIII

And like to them, so Friends may own
Extension, not Division:
Their Points, like Bodies, separate;
But Head, like Souls, knows no such fate.

Friendship in Embleme, or the Seal: To my dearest Lucasia, ll. 21-52.
(Saintsbury 1: 529)