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But, on the contrary, it is fitting perhaps to go to one's

friends in their misfortunes unasked and with alacrity (because

kindness is the friend's office and specially towards those who

are in need and who do not demand it as a right, this being more

creditable and more pleasant to both); and on occasion of their

good fortune to go readily, if we can forward it in any way

(because men need their friends for this likewise), but to be

backward in sharing it, any great eagerness to receive advantage

not being creditable.

One should perhaps be cautious not to present the appearance of

sullenness in declining the sympathy or help of friends, for this

happens occasionally.

It appears then that the presence of friends is, under all

circumstances, choice-worthy.

Chapter XII.

May we not say then that, as seeing the beloved object is most

prized by lovers and they choose this sense rather than any of

the others because Love

"Is engendered in the eyes, With gazing fed,"