IX.

This only grant me, that my means may lie

Too low for envy, for contempt too high.

Some honour I would have,

Not from great deeds, but good alone.

The unknown are better than ill known.

Rumour can ope the grave;

Acquaintance I would have, but when it depends

Not on the number, but the choice of friends.

Cowley's Essays · 第 82 / 90 题