1. Is this estrangement serious or jesting?
Your aloofness and separation are secured with rope.

2. Or is the other reason resentment you resented
Against some who bid peace and advise sincerely?

3. My way with remoteness has always been
To push affection until affection ebbs away.

4. Nor does sincere friendship cease with an absent friend,
Or whisperer creeping, kindling sparks and fires.

5. The king has authority, and love has awe
When ribs of zealots guard it, so it thrives.

6. Do not spurn all time one you've adored with love,
And know your people when you grant and give.

7. The best love is old covenant, and the worst
Weak powers and lying beggar craving gifts.

8. My friend said when he saw a lively doe
On a pleasant lofty dune: “Why do you gaze?”

9. Heavy upon the litter's side, but light
Upon its enemies when it stamps away.

10. If it dies, no friend replaces it,
And if it lives, it is the wont to roam.

11. For the keeper of one absent wrings his heart
Repeatedly, and the lover is too shy to greet.

12. If you do not help in time of need or quench
A foe, and you do not suffice, then death is rest.