Not only does friendship introduce daylight in the understanding out of
darkness and confusion of thoughts; it maketh a fair day in the
affections from storm and tempests; in consultation with a friend a man
tosseth his thoughts more easily; he marshalleth them more orderly; he
seeth how they look when they are turned into words; finally, he waxeth
wiser than himself; and that more by an hour's discourse than by a day's
meditation.

--_Bacon_.

* * * * *

Nothing is more common than the name of friend; nothing is more rare
than friendship.

--_Phaedrus_.

O, friendship! thou fond soother of the human breast, to thee we fly in
every calamity.

--_Goldsmith_.

Of all felicities the most charming is that of a firm and gentle
friendship. It sweetens our cares, dispels our sorrows, and counsels us
in all our extremities.

--_Seneca_.

Old friends are the greatest blessings of one's later years.