A _Man_ had a Mind to try his _Friends_.
There was a Generous Rich Man that kept a Splendid and an Open Table, and
Consequently never Wanted Guests. This Person found All People came to
him Promiscuously, and a Curiosity took him in the Head to try, which of
’em were _Friends_, and which only _Trencher-Flies_ and _Spungers_. So he
took an Occasion One Day at a Full Table, to tell them of a Quarrel he
had, and that he was just then a going to Demand Satisfaction. There must
be so many to so many, and he made no doubt, but they’d stand by him with
their Swords in their Hands. They All Excus’d themselves save only Two;
which Two he reckon’d upon as his _Friends_, and All the Rest no better
then _Hangers-on_.
The MORAL.
_We may Talk of Many Friends; but not One Man of a Thousand will Stand
the Test._