reputation for wisdom mentioned just now by Fannius-especially
as it happens to be groundless-that I find my happiness so much, as
in the hope that the memory of our friendship will be lasting. What
makes me care the more about this is the fact that in all history
there are scarcely three or four pairs of friends on record; and it is
classed with them that I cherish a hope of the friendship of Scipio
and Laelius being known to posterity.

_Fannius_. Of course that must be so, Laelius. But since you have
mentioned the word friendship, and we are at leisure, you would
be doing me a great kindness, and I expect Scaevola also, if you
would do as it is your habit to do when asked questions on other
subjects, and tell us your sentiments about friendship, its nature,
and the rules to be observed in regard to it.

_Scaevola_. I shall of course be delighted. Fannius has anticipated
the very request I was about to make. So you will be doing us both
a great favour.

5. _Laelius_. I should ccrtainly have no objection if I felt
confidence in myself. For the theme is a noble one, and we are (as
Fannius has said) at leisure. But who am I? and what ability have
I? What you propose is all very well for professional philosophers,
who are used, particularly if Greeks, to have the subject for
discussion proposed to them on the spur of the moment. It is a
task of considerable difficulty, and requires no little practice.
Therefore for a set discourse on friendship you must go, I think, to
professional lecturers. All I can do is to urge on you to regard
friendship as the greatest thing in the world; for there is nothing
which so fits in with our nature, or is so exactly what we want in