104 FABLES. 



APPLICATION. 



WE cannot reasonably expect those to bear a 

 part in our ill-fortune, whom we never permitted to 

 share in our prosperity ; and whoever is so over- 

 selfish and narrow-minded, as to exclude his friend 

 from a portion of the benefits to which an intimate 

 connection entitles him, may, perhaps, engross 

 some petty advantages to himself, but he must lay 

 his account on being left to do as well as he can for 

 himself in times of difficulty and distress. The 

 very life and soul of friendship subsist upon mutual 

 benevolence, and in conferring and receiving obli- 

 gations on either hand, with a free, open, and 

 unreserved behaviour, without the least tincture of 

 jealousy, suspicion, or distrust, guided by a strict 

 observance of the rules of honour and generosity; 

 and as no man includes within himself every thing 

 necessary for his security, defence, preservation, 

 and support, these rules are the requisites of 

 friendship, to make it firm and lasting, and the 

 foundation on which it must be built. 



