41. With raiment and arms shall friends gladden each other, so has
one proved oneself; for friends last longest, if fate be fair who give and
give again.
Friends should give gifts to each other occasionally. Continually giving
each other gifts helps friendships last longer.
42. To his friend a man should bear him as friend, and gift for gift
bestow, laughter for laughter let him exchange, but leasing pay for a
lie.
Stay loyal to your friends. A person is no friend if they lie to you.
43. To his friend a man should bear him as friend, to him and a friend
of his; but let him beware that he be not the friend of one who is
friend to his foe.
Be loyal to your friends and their friends, but be certain their friendship is
true.
44. Have you a friend whom you trust well, that you want to treat you
well? Share your mind with him, gifts exchange with him, fare to find
him often.
If you find a friend you trust completely, exchange thoughts and gifts and
seek to see them often.
45. But have you one whom you trust ill, yet from whom you want
good treatment? You should speak him fair, but falsely think, and
leasing pay for a lie.
If you want someone you don’t trust to be friendly to you, speak politely
to them even though you don’t trust them. Watch what you say. Terminate
your contact with them if they lie to you.
46. Yet further of him whom you do not trust, and whose mind you
have doubts about; You should laugh with him but withhold your
thought, for gift with like gift should be paid.
Continue speaking politely to this person while not revealing your true
thoughts and repay any kindness they show you.
47. Young was I once, I walked alone, and bewildered seemed in the
way; then I found me another and rich I thought me, for man is the
joy of man.
It is better to have companions than to be alone.
48. He is most blessed who lives free and bold and nurses never a
grief, for the fearful man is dismayed by aught, and the mean one
mourns over giving.
Live freely and boldly express yourself. A fearful man often remains
lonely. Mean people refuse to share.
49. My garments once I gave in the field to two land-marks made as
men; heroes they seemed when once they were clothed; it is the naked
who suffer shame!
Do not be overly generous with people, giving all you have. Rather, give
what you can but keep enough to tend to your own needs.
50. The pine tree wastes which is perched on the hill, nor bark nor
needles shelter it; such is the man whom none doth love; for what
should he longer live?
People that are friendless often live lonely and short lives. They see no
point in living.