SPECTATOR, Vol. II. No. 100.




_Friendship_.


1. One would think that the larger the company is in which we are
engaged, the greater variety of thoughts and subjects would be started
in discourse; but instead of this, we find that conversation is never so
much straitened and confined as in numerous assemblies.

2. When a multitude meet together upon any subject of discourse, their
debates are taken up chiefly with forms; and general positions; nay, if
we come into a more contracted assembly of men and women, the talk
generally runs upon the weather, fashions, news, and the like public
topics.

3. In proportion as conversation gets into clubs and knots of friends,
it descends into particulars, and grows more free and communicative; but
the most open, instructive, and unreserved discourse, is that which
passes between two persons who are familiar and intimate friends.

4. On these occasions, a man gives a loose to every passion, and every
thought that is uppermost discovers his most retired opinions of persons
and things, tries the beauty and strength of his sentiments, and exposes
his whole soul to the examination of his friend.