We aim at the infinite, and when our arrow falls to earth it is in flames. [...] You have given me the companionship of dear friends who have helped to keep alive the fire in my heart. If I could think that I had sent a spark to those who come after, I should be ready to say goodbye.

But friendship is the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold.

Don't flatter yourself that friendship authorizes you to say disagreeable things to your intimates. The nearer you come into relation with a person, the more necessary do tact and courtesy become. Except in cases of necessity, which are rare, leave your friend to learn unpleasant things from his enemies; they are ready enough to tell them.

But friendship is the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold.

Sweet is the scene where genial friendship plays the pleasing game of interchanging praise.

Don't flatter yourselves that friendship authorizes you to say disagreeable things to your intimates. On the contrary, the nearer you come into relation with a person, the more necessary do tact and courtesy become.