all, when he has faith and trust that neither dereliction,[37] nor
loss of beauty through sickness, nor aught else, will diminish their
affection.

[35] Or, "perfection."

[36] Lit. "the boy."

[37] Reading {en para ti poiese}. Al. "come what come may," lit. "no
alteration"; or if reading {parebese} transl. "although his May of
youth should pass, and sickness should mar his features, the tie
of friendship will not be weakened."

If, then, they own a mutual devotion,[38] how can it but be, they will
take delight in gazing each into the other's eyes, hold kindly
converse, trust and be trusted, have forethought for each other, in
success rejoice together, in misfortune share their troubles; and so
long as health endures make merry cheer, day in day out; or if either
of them should fall on sickness, then will their intercourse be yet
more constant; and if they cared for one another face to face, much
more will they care when parted.[39] Are not all these the outward
tokens of true loveliness?[40] In the exercise of such sweet offices,
at any rate, they show their passion for holy friendship's state, and
prove its bliss, continuously pacing life's path from youth to eld.

[38] For beauty of style (in the original) Zeune cf. "Mem." II. vi. 28
foll.; III. xi. 10.

[39] "Albeit absent from one another in the body, they are more
present in the soul." Cf. Virg. "Aen." iv. 83, "illum absens