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In many respects, Demonicus, we shall find that much disparity exists between the principles of good men and the notions of the base; but most of all by far have they parted company in the quality of their friendships.1 The base honor their friends only when they are present; the good cherish theirs even when they are far away; and while it takes only a short time to break up the intimacies of the base, not all eternity can blot out the friendships of good men.
1 For the sentiment that bad men make poor friends cf. Theog. 101 ff., and Socrates in Xen. Mem. 2.6.19.