On Friendship

And a youth said, Speak to us ofFriendship.

And he answered, saying:

Your friend is your needs answered.

He is your field which you sow with loveand reap with thanksgiving.

And he is your board and your fireside.

For you come to him with your hunger,and you seek him for peace.

When your friend speaks his mind youfear not the “nay” in your own mind, nordo you withhold the “ay.”

And when he is silent your heart ceasesnot to listen to his heart;

For without words, in friendship, allthoughts, all desires, all expectationsare born and shared, with joy that isunacclaimed.

When you part from your friend, yougrieve not;

For that which you love most in himmay be clearer in his absence, as themountain to the climber is clearerfrom the plain.

And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepeningof the spirit.

For love that seeks aught but thedisclosure of its own mystery is notlove but a net cast forth: and only theunprofitable is caught.

And let your best be for your friend.

If he must know the ebb of your tide,let him know its flood also.

For what is your friend that you shouldseek him with hours to kill?

Seek him always with hours to live.

For it is his to fill your need, but notyour emptiness.

And in the sweetness of friendshiplet there be laughter, and sharing ofpleasures.

For in the dew of little thingsthe heart finds its morning and isrefreshed.