The Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius - College of Stoic Philosophers

314 UELIUS; OR,
ought to be particularly on his guard. A flatterer of this
insidious and concealed kind will frequently gain his
point even by opposition ; he will affect to maintain
opinions which he does not hold, and dispute in order to
give you the credit of a victory. But nothing
is more
humiliating than to be thus egregiously duped. It is
necessary, therefore, to exert the utmost attention against
falling into these covert snares, lest we should have reason
to say, with one of the characters in the Heiress, Never
was old dotard on the stage so finely played upon as I
have been by you to-day. This, indeed, would be to
exhibit the mortifying personage of one of those ridiculous
old men in our comedies, who listen with easy faith to
every specious tale contrived to impose on their credulity.
But I
have insensibly wandered from the principal object
I had in view, and instead of proceeding to consider
Friendship as it appears in perfect characters (perfect, I
mean, as far as is consistent with the frailty of human
nature), am I talking of it as it is seen in the vain
and frivolous connexions of the world. I return
therefore to the original subject of our conversation,
and which it is now time to draw tow r ards a conclu
sion.
It is virtue, yes, let me repeat it again, it is virtue alone
that can give birth, strength, and permanency to friend
ship. For virtue is a uniform and steady principle ever
acting consistently with itself. They whose souls are
warmed by its generous flame not only improve their
common ardour by communication, but naturally kindle
into that pure affection
of the heart towards each other
which is distinguished by the name of amity, and is
wholly
unmixed with every kind and degree of selfish considera
tions. But although genuine friendship is solely the
offspring of pure goodwill, and no motive of advantage
or utility has the least share in its production, yet many
very beneficial consequences result from it, how little