Chapter 80: Testing Fitness for Friendship
Kural 791
Nothing is more grievous than friendship formed without first
testing, for once adopted, it cannot be abandoned by the faithful.
Kural 792
Unless it begins with testing and proving,
friendship may end in mortal sorrow.
Kural 793
Before you befriend him, consider a man's character,
family background, faults and faithful allies.
Kural 794
Pay any price to possess the friendship
of well-born men who cannot bear rebuke and shame.
Kural 795
Seek out and befriend those who, speaking out, move you to repent,
reprove your wrongdoing and teach you the right ways.
Kural 796
There is a benefit even in misfortune, for it is the rod
with which a man may measure the loyalty of friends.
Kural 797
To give up friendship with fools and quit their company--
such loss is said to be a man's greatest gain.
Kural 798
Don't dwell on thoughts that dim your spirit.
Don't befriend those who flee you in affliction.
Kural 799
Even in the hour of death, the thoughts of friends
who left you in your hour of need will hurt the heart.
Kural 800
Hold tight to friendship with pure men;
let go of unfit fellows, even by paying them off.