The laws of friendship are austere and eternal, of one web with the laws of nature and of morals.
—Emerson.
* * * * *
To he only an admirer is not to be a friend of a human being. Human nature wants something more, and our perceptions are diseased when we dress up a human being in the attributes of divinity. He is our friend who loves more than admires us, and would aid us in our great work.
—Channing.
* * * * *
True, active, productive friendship consists in keeping equal pace in life, in the approval of my aims by my friend, while I approve his, and thus moving forward together steadily, however much our way of thought and life may vary.
—Goethe.
* * * * *
The man, that comforts a desponding friend
With words alone, does nothing. He's a friend
Indeed, who proves himself a friend in need.