Epistle to a Friend

They are not, sir, worst owers that do pay
Debts when they can: good men may break
their day,
And yet the noble nature never grudge;
'Tis then a crime, when the usurer is judge,
And he is not in friendship: nothing there
Is done for gain; if 't be, 'tis not sincere.
Nor should I at this time protested be,
But that some greater names have broke with me,
And their words too, where I but break my band;
I add that BUT, because I understand
That as the lesser breach: for he that takes
Simply my band, his trust in me forsakes,
And looks unto the forfeit. If you be
Now so much friend, as you would trust in me,
Venture a longer time, and willingly:
All is not barren land doth fallow lie;
Some grounds are made the richer for the rest;
And I will bring a crop, if not the best.