Enraged against a quondam friend,
 To Wisdom once proud Fortune said
"I'll give thee treasures without end,
 If thou wilt be my friend instead."

"My choicest gifts to him I gave,
 And ever blest him with my smile;
And yet he ceases not to crave,
 And calls me niggard all the while."

"Come, sister, let us friendship vow!
 So take the money, nothing loth;
Why always labor at the plough?
 Here is enough I'm sure for both!"

Sage wisdom laughed,--the prudent elf!--
 And wiped her brow, with moisture hot:
"There runs thy friend to hang himself,--
 Be reconciled--I need thee not!"