The Verses on Friends

Aññadatthu haro mitto

One who makes friends only to cheat them,

Yo ca mitto vacī-paramo,

one who is good only in word,

Anupiyañca yo āhu,

one who flatters & cajoles,

Apāyesu ca yo sakhā,

and a companion in ruinous fun:

Ete amitte cattāro

Iti viññāya paṇḍito

These four the wise know as non-friends.

Ārakā parivajjeyya

Avoid them from afar,

Maggaṃ paṭibhayaṃ yathā.

like a dangerous road.

Upakāro ca yo mitto,

A friend who is helpful,

Sukha-dukkho ca yo sakhā,

one who shares in your sorrows & joys,

Atthakkhāyī ca yo mitto,

one who points you to worthwhile things,

Yo ca mittānukampako,

one sympathetic to friends:

Etepi mitte cattāro

Iti viññāya paṇḍito

These four, the wise know as true friends.

Sakkaccaṃ payirupāseyya

Attend to them earnestly,

Mātā puttaṃ va orasaṃ.

as a mother her child.