Shall spoil our ancient friendship sure.

--_Lang_.

* * * * *

Every young man is the better for cherishing strong friendships with the
wise and good; and he whose soul is knit to one or more chosen
associates with whom he can sympathize in right aims and feelings, is
thereby the better armed against temptation and confirmed in paths of
virtue.

--_Carlyle_.

* * * * *

Believing hear, what you deserve to hear:
Your birthday, as my own, to me is dear.
Blest and distinguished days! which we should prize
The first, the kindest, bounty of the skies.
But yours gives most; for mine did only lend
Me to the world, yours gave to me a friend.

--_Martial_.

* * * * *

Choose for your friend him that is wise and good, and secret and just,
ingenious and honest, and in those things which have a latitude, use
your own liberty.