Emerson

Thick waters show no images of things;
Friends are each other's mirrors, and should be
Clearer than crystal, or the mountain-springs,
And free from clouds, design, or flattery.
For vulgar souls no part of friendship share;
Poets and friends are born to what they are.

Catherine Philips


Choice of Friendship

First on thy friend deliberate with thyself,
Pause, ponder, sift; not eager in the choice,
Nor jealous of the chosen: fixing, fix;—
Judge before friendship, then confide till death.

Young

The highest friendship must always lead us to the highest pleasure.