n at thy hands, O my dearest friend?' The other
answered and said unto him, 'Man, I am not thy friend: I know not who
thou art. Other friends I have, with whom I must needs make merry
to-day, and so win their friendship for the time to come. But, see, I
present thee with two ragged garments, that thou mayest have them on
the way whereon thou goest, though they will do thee no manner of good.
Further help from me thou mayest expect none.' The other, hearing
this, despaired of the succour whereon he had reckoned, and went to his
second friend, saying, 'Friend, thou rememberest how much honour and
kindness thou hast enjoyed at my hands. To-day I have fallen into
tribulation and sorrow, and need a helping hand. To what extent then
canst thou share my labour? Tell me at once.' Said he, 'I have on
leisure today to share thy troubles. I too have fallen among cares and
perils, and am myself in tribulation. Howbeit, I will go a little way
with thee, even if I shall fail to be of service to thee. Then will I
turn quickly homeward, and busy myself with mine own anxieties.' So
the man returned from him too empty-handed and baulked at every turn;
and he cried misery on himself for his vain hope in those ungrateful
friends, and the unavailing hardships that he had endured through love
of them. At the last he went away to the third friend, whom he had
never courted, nor invited to share his happiness. With countenance
ashamed and downcast, he said unto him, 'I can scarce open my lips to
speak with thee, knowing full well that I have never done thee service,
or shown thee any kindness that thou mightest now remember. But seeing
that a heavy misfortune hath overtaken me, and that I have found
nowhere among my friends any hope of deliverance, I address myself to
thee, praying thee, if it lie in thy power, to afford me some little
aid. Bear no grudge for my past unkindness, and refuse me not.' The
other with a smiling and gracious countenance answered, 'Assuredly I
own thee my very true friend. I have not forgotten those slight
services of thine: and I will repay them to-day with interest. Fear
not therefore, neither be afraid. I will go before thee and entreat
the king for thee, and will by no means deliver thee into the hands of
thine enemies. Wherefore be of good courage, dear friend, and fret not
thyself.' Then, pricked at heart, the other said with tears, 'Wo is me!
Which shall I first lament, or which first deplore?