The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 79
CHAPTER 79
FRIENDSHIP
781. What is there in the world that is so difficult to acquire as friendship? and what other armour equalleth it as a defence against the machinations of foes ?
782. Like unto the waxing of the moon is the friendship of the worthy : but the alliance of fools is like the waning thereof.
783. The friendship of the worthy is like the studying of great books : the more thou approachest them, the more charms thou wilt discover in them.
784. The object of friendship is not merrymaking : but the restraining and reproving of oneself when one goeth astray.
785. Constant meeting and companionship are superfluous : it is the union of hearts that maketh strong the bond of friendship.
786. Friendship is not the comradeship that smileth to the face : it is rather the love that delighteth the heart.
787. That man alone is thy friend who turneth thee aside from wrong, directeth thee toward the right, and beareth thee company in misfortune.
788. Behold the hand of the man whose garment hath been blown aside, how it hurrieth to re-cover his limbs : that is the symbol of the true friend that hasteneth to succour a man in his misfortune.
789. Where doth friendship hold its court ? It is where two hearts beat in perfect unison and combine to lift each other up in every possible way.
790. There is beggary in the friendship that can be reckoned, though it boasteth saying, Thus much do I love him and thus much he loveth me.
