They may safely spend the day pleasantly, at night securè dormiunt in utramque aurem,
O my Damon, if choice were offered me, I would choose to be Pithias,
As I am Damon’s friend, rather than to be king Dionysius.
Stephano. And good cause why; for you are entirely beloved of one,
And as far as I hear, Dionysius is beloved of none.
Damon. That state is most miserable; thrice happy are we,
Whom true love hath joined in perfect amity:
Which amity first sprung—without vaunting be it spoken, that is true—
Of likeness of manners, took root by company, and now is conserved by virtue;
Which virtue always though[44] worldly things do not frame,