Who wrote or what is the origin of "a friend in need is a friend in deed" ?

Question

Is this a proverb or a quote? and where was it first recorded/used?

(Can I just add that I'm well aware I made a typo error at the end - it was late at night and I'm asking on behalf of my insomniac brother so give me a break, it's only one little accidental space ffs and once you hit the submit button you're stuffed aren't you)
Thank you to everyone else who has responded very politely.

Answer 1

A version of this proverb was known by the 3rd century BC. Quintus Ennius wrote: 'Amicu certus in re incerta cernitur'. This translates from the Latin as 'a sure friend is known when in difficulty'.

Answer 2

I concur with Mcfifi and would add, The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations lists it as existing in English from the 11th century. The earliest version I can find is from Caxton's Sonnes of Aymon, 1489:

"It is sayd, that at the nede the frende is knowen."

The morality play Everyman also contains similar lines. The play's date is uncertain and scholars place it as 'late 15th century', which could be before Caxton's work:

Fellowship: Sir, I say as I will do in deed.
Everyman: Then be you a good friend at need;

Answer 3

It's a dreadful misquote - it should be:
"A friend in need is a pain in the butt"

Answer 4

MISQUOTED
a friend in need is a friend in deed
so obviously it is you
it should read as
"a friend in need is a friend indeed"

Answer 5

i think it is the moral at the conclusion of one of aesop's fables. not sure which one though, sorry.

Answer 6

placebo. "a friend with with weed is better!"