If two friends are equally rich, they treat each
other as equals; there is peace in one spot
between them. When, however, there is no spring
of sympathy in their hearts, but only artificial
courtesy on each side, friendship is like a pool of
stagnant water which may vanish. The magic
stone changes the nature of iron, as the wise change
the nature of fools; but the change is only one in
name, the stone remains a stone. Tuka says, As
long as there is not a spirit in men that recognizes
their two souls as one, nothing passes between
them but idle amusement.
other as equals; there is peace in one spot
between them. When, however, there is no spring
of sympathy in their hearts, but only artificial
courtesy on each side, friendship is like a pool of
stagnant water which may vanish. The magic
stone changes the nature of iron, as the wise change
the nature of fools; but the change is only one in
name, the stone remains a stone. Tuka says, As
long as there is not a spirit in men that recognizes
their two souls as one, nothing passes between
them but idle amusement.