Friends

I fell among the thieves awhile ago,
Who beat and stripped me; and, thus used, I fled
For comfort to the arms of one I know
Who is to me a sister, being wed
To my heart’s kinsman. But “Alas,” she said,
“Your nakedness will bring our house to woe.
Prithee begone.” She blushed and turned her head,
And left me doubting with which foot to go.

Friends in the street beheld me, old and new.
The new friends nodded; but the older stepped
In haste from my reproachful eyes and me.
They feared a creditor for sympathy,
And so fled. One only of the crew,
A harlot, stopped me, kissed my wounds and wept.