—The Book of Proverbs

Veritable friends enjoy, in moral order, the perfection of scent that dogs do; they thus divine the chagrins of their comrades; they see the causes and concern themselves with them.

—Balzac

I have loved my friends, as I do virtue, my soul, my God.

—Sir Thomas Browne

The most certain fortress against evil is that of friendship.

—Cicero

Charity itself commands us, where we know no ill, to think well of all; but friendship, that always goes a pitch higher, gives a man a peculiar right and claim to the good opinion of his friend.

—Robert South

Therefore example take by me,
For friendship parts in poverty.
—English Ballad