Page:Plutarch - Moralia, translator Holland, 1911.djvu/329

Rh would not desire to have that, that is to say, one friend, and no more; but surely, I could wish that with other he were , yea, and , that is to say, long and late first ere he be gotten, like as a son which is born toward the latter days of his parents, yea, and such a one as (who according to that proverb so common in every man's mouth) hath eaten with me a measure of salt. And are not many nowadays called friends? what else? if they have but drunk once together at the tavern, or met in the tennis court, or else turned into a tabling-house, and played at dice and hazard one with the other, or haply light in company at one hostelry and lodged together, and in one word, they do contract and gather friends in this manner out of common inns, wrestling-places and ordinary walks in the markets or public galleries. And verily, the common sort, when they see every morning in the houses of rich men and mighty rulers a great multitude and concourse of people, with much ado and hurry, giving attendance there to salute them and bid them good-morrow, kissing their right hands, and glad if they may touch them, accompanying them in manner of a guard when they go out of their lodging; oh, they imagine and repute such potentates wondrous happy, as being furnished with such numbers of friends; and yet surely, as many as they be, they shall see more flies ordinarily in their kitchens: and to say a troth, like as these flies will be gone if no cates and viands be stirring, so these friends will tarry no longer than gain and profit is to be gotten.

Certes, true and perfect friendship requireth these three things especially; Virtue, as being honest and commendable; Society, which is pleasant and delectable; and Profit, which is needful and necessary: for a man must admit and receive a friend upon judgment and after trial made, he ought to delight and joy in his company, and he is to make use of him as occasion serveth: all which three are contrary unto plurality of friends, but especially that which is principal, to wit, judgment upon a trial: and to prove this to be true, see first and foremost whether it be possible in a small time to make proof and trial of singing men or quiristers, that they may keep a good consent and harmony together in their song; or to make choice of oarmen, who shall agree in their rowing, to rise and fall with their oars just together; or of household servants such as we purpose to make the bailiffs and stewards of our goods, or the governors and bringers-up of our children? much more unlikely then is it, that we should have proof of many friends in a little space who