FRIENDSHIP 163

worthy object, and dwells and broods on the eternal; and when the poor interposed mask crumbles, it is not sad, but feels rid of so much earth, and feels its independency the surer. Yet these things may hardly be said Without a sort of treachery to the relation. The essence of friendship is entireness, a total mag- nanimity and trust. It must not surmise or provide for infirmity. It treats its object as a god, that it may deify both.