Fugitive Poetry. 1600–1878/To a Pretended Friend and Real Enemy

To a Pretended Friend and Real Enemy.

Thy hesitating tongue and doubtful face,
Show all thy kindness to be mere grimace.
Throw off the mask; at once be foe or friend;
'Tis base to soothe when malice is the end.
The rock that's seen gives the poor sailor dread,
But double terror that which hides its head.