propriety of such friendships must be estimated a good deal by the manner
in which public opinion regards them; they must be reconciled with the
ordinary duties of life; and they must be justified by the result.

Yet another question, 10). Admitting that friendships cannot be always
permanent, we may ask when and upon what conditions should they be
dissolved. It would be futile to retain the name when the reality has
ceased to be. That two friends should part company whenever the relation
between them begins to drag may be better for both of them. But then
arises the consideration, how should these friends in youth or friends of
the past regard or be regarded by one another? They are parted, but there
still remain duties mutually owing by them. They will not admit the world
to share in their difference any more than in their friendship; the memory
of an old attachment, like the memory of the dead, has a kind of sacredness
for them on which they will not allow others to intrude. Neither, if they
were ever worthy to bear the name of friends, will either of them entertain
any enmity or dislike of the other who was once so much to him. Neither
will he by 'shadowed hint reveal' the secrets great or small which an
unfortunate mistake has placed within his reach. He who is of a noble mind
will dwell upon his own faults rather than those of another, and will be
ready to take upon himself the blame of their separation. He will feel
pain at the loss of a friend; and he will remember with gratitude his
ancient kindness. But he will not lightly renew a tie which has not been
lightly broken...These are a few of the Problems of Friendship, some of
them suggested by the Lysis, others by modern life, which he who wishes to
make or keep a friend may profitably study. (Compare Bacon, Essay on
Friendship; Cic. de Amicitia.)


LYSIS, OR FRIENDSHIP