Sometimes, two pilgrims, they go
different routes in service of the same saint, and remember
one another as they give alms, learn wisdom, or pray in
shrines along the road. Sometimes, two knights, they bid
farewell with mailed hand of truth and honor all unstained,
as they ride forth on their chosen path to test the spirit of
high emprise, and free the world from wrong,--to meet again
for unexpected succor in the hour of peril, or in joyful
surprise to share a frugal banquet on the plat of greensward
opening from forest glades. Sometimes, proprietors of two
neighboring estates, they have interviews in the evening to
communicate their experiments and plans, or to study together
the stars from an observatory; if either is engaged he simply
declares it; they share enjoyments cordially; they exchange
praise or blame frankly; in citizen-like good-fellowship they
impart their gains.
'All these views of friendship are noble and beautiful, yet
they are not enough for our manifold nature. Friends should
be our incentives to Right, yet not only our guiding, but our
prophetic stars. To love by sight is much, to love by faith
is more; together they make up the entire love, without which
heart, mind, and soul cannot be alike satisfied.
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