LXXXIII
False Friendship
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The friendship that an enemy pretendeth is only an anvil whereon to hammer thee when he seeth his opportunity.
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Behold the men who look like friends but are enemies at heart: their friendship will alter even as the heart of a woman.
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Even if his studies are great and godly, it is impossible for an enemy to cast off the hate in his heart.
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Fear thou the hypocritical ruffians that smile to the face but nurse their spite within their bosom.
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Behold the men whose hearts are not with thee: though their words tempt thee, place not the slightest faith in them.
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An enemy will be revealed in a moment though he speak the tender language of friendship.
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Trust not an enemy though he bendeth low in his speech: for the bending of the bow forebodeth nothing but harm.
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Even in his joined hands thy enemy will have a weapon concealed: nor put thou more faith in his tears.
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Behold the men that make much of thee in public but laugh thee to scorn in secret: humour thou them openly but crush them even in the embrace of friendship.
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When thou canst not yet break openly with thy foe, feign friendship to his face but keep him off from thy heart.