Explore "Unkindness" by Alice Meynell on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
LORD, make me coy and tender to offend:
In friendship, first I think if that agree
Which I intend
Unto my friend's intent and end;
I would not use a friend as I use Thee.
If any touch my friend or his good name,
It is my honour and my love-to free
His blasted fame
From the least spot or thought of blame; / I could not use a friend as I use Thee.
My friend may spit upon my curious floor; / Would he have gold? I lend it instantly; / But let the poor, / And Thee within them, starve at door; / I cannot use a friend as I use Thee.
When that my friend pretendeth to a place, / I quit my interest, and leave it free; / But when Thy grace / Sues for my heart, I Thee displace; / Nor would I use a friend as I use Thee.
Yet can a friend what Thou hast done fulfil? / O, write in brass, ‘My God upon a tree / His blood did spill, / Only to purchase my good-will'; / Yet use I not my foes as I use Thee.