ON FRIENDSHIP

Politics must have been fairly advanced' to bring out the need for such advice as in this verse.

Learning and culture have no effect on hatred. They do not help to remove enmity.

How true! The mind has a capacity of dividing itself into compartments, so that unreasoned hatred persists along with learning and philosophy.

Do not be misled by politeness or courtesy of language on the part of enemies. The enemy bends his words as he bends his bow, which is not lot your good.

An enemy's hands clasped in salutation may conceal a weapon. So also are his tears (of pretended grief or sympathy) not to be trusted, i.e., be on your guard and do not be deceived by external signs of friendship.

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