© 
I 
EARLY FRIENDSHIP. 
179 
PERIWINKLE. 
Vinca Minor. 
Language — EARLY FRIENDSHIP. 
Thanks to my stars, I have not ranged about 
The wilds of life ere I could find a friend; 
Nature first pointed out my brother to me, 
And early taught me, by her sacred force, 
To love thy person ere I knew thy merits, 
Till what was instinct grew up into friendship. 
Ours has severest virtue for its basis, 
And such a friendship ends not but with life. 
, Addison. 
Friendship is no plant of hasty growth ; 
Though planted in esteem’s deep-fixed soil, 
The gradual culture of kind intercourse 
Must bring it to perfection. 
Joanna Baillie. 
True happiness 
Consists not in the multitude of friends, 
But in the worth and choice; nor would I have 
Virtue a popular regard pursue : 
Let them be good that love me, though but few. 
JONSON. 
A friend is gold; if true, he’ll never leave thee; 
Yet both, without a touchstone, may deceive thee. 
Randolph. 
