Two

Two friends, alike in dignity, in fair Verona nurtured loyalty. Since boys they shared both joy and strife, as truest confidants, forging trust. Beneath sun's light or moon's soft glow, whate'er befell, they helped onward go.

Trials arose, fortune turned foul, one friend fell victim, bloodied cowl. Foe's false witness sealed unjust fate. The gallows waited, no room for debate. Head hung low, hope started to sink, Whenfootsteps approached the river's brink.

"Friend, take my cloak, walk free from this plight! I pledge my name to make yours right." "But they'll think you perished instead of I! You'll be exil'd from all you hold dear!" "For your life, I'd risk far and wide, No distance nor time breeds fear inside. Our bond is iron, true loyalty resides, In your heart mine ever abides."

The accused shed tears of awe, At such selfless gesture, greater than law. He clutched his friend with fervent might, Promising honor, fealty and right.

Thus, loyalty and trust indeed prove, Bonds stronger than hate, mightier than power's reprove. Forsooth, when all else fades like morning mist, True friendship shall endure, love's sacred gift.