To have a friend is to have one of the sweetest
     gifts that life can bring; to be a friend 
     is to have a solemn and tender education
     of soul from day to day.
A friend gives us confidence for life.
A friend makes us outdo ourselves.
A friend remembers us when we have forgotten
     ourselves or neglected ourselves; he takes
     loving heed of our health, our work, our
     aims, our plans.
A friend may praise us, and we are not embarrassed;
     he may rebuke us, and we are not angered.
     If he be silent, we understand.
It takes a great soul to be a true friend--a large,
      steadfast, and loving spirit.  One must
      forgive much, forget much, forbear much.

--Anna R. Brown Lindsay