Real friendship, like real poetry, is extremely rare - and precious as a pearl.

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.

But friendship is the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold.

Caring for but never trying to own may be a further way to define friendship.

Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them.

True friendship can afford true knowledge. It does not depend on darkness and ignorance.

Friendship with ones self is all important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.

Never explain - your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.

Without wearing any mask we are conscious of, we have a special face for each friend.

Friendship multiplies the good of life and divides the evil.