I never yet cast a true affection on a woman; but I have loved my friend as I do virtue, my soul, my God. I love my friend before myself, and yet methinks I do not love him enough; some few months hence my multiplied affection will make me believe I have not loved him at all. When I am from him I am dead till I be with him; when I am with him I am not satisfied, but would be still nearer him.
—Browne.
In all holiest and most unselfish love, friendship is the purest element of the affection. No love in any relation of life can be at its best if the element of friendship is lacking. And no love can transcend, in its possibilities of noble and ennobling exaltation, a love that is pure friendship.
A true friendship is as wise as it is tender.
—Thoreau.