Friendship tryed in times of Affliction. [ 1217]
IT is reported of Herodius, Wife to Herod the Tetrarch, who when the Emperor had deprived her husband of the Tetrarchy,* 1.1 and banished him into France, understanding that Herodias was Agrippa's Sister, gave her all her husbands estate, supposing, that she would not go along with him; but she answered the Emperour, saying, There is a cause that hinders me from partaking the benefit of your bounty, The affection I bear to my husband, because I have shared with him in his Feli∣city: Whereupon the Emperour being displeased with her answer, banished her likewise. Memorable is that also of David's brethren, and those of his Fathers house,* 1.2 who when they heard of his being in the Cave of Adullam, sleighted the forfeiture of their goods, and venturing the displeasure of Saul,* 1.3 went down to comfort him: And thus it is, that true Friendship is best tryed in times of Affliction and distress;* 1.4 A brother, a Friend, a Wife, is, for the time of Adversity. Away then with those Summer-birds, those false-hearted Friends, that like ditches are full in the Winter-season, but dry in the heat of Summer when we have most need of them.