1But if the power of uprightness is so great that we love it in those we have never seen, and, what is more, even in an enemy, what wonder is it if men's hearts are moved when they seem to see clearly the virtue and goodness of those with whom they can be joined by intimacy? 1And yet love is strengthened by a kindness received, by devotion observed and by familiarity added, and when these are joined to that first impulse of the heart and of love, a wonderful greatness of goodwill blazes up. 1If any think that this springs from weakness, so that there may be someone through whom each may obtain what he wants, they leave friendship a lowly and, so to speak, most ignoble origin, wanting it to be born of poverty and need.
1If that were so, then the less each man thought there was in himself, the better suited he would be to friendship; 1which is far from the case. 30For the more each man trusts in himself, and the more he is so fortified by virtue and wisdom that he needs no one and judges all that is his to rest within himself, the more he excels in seeking out and cultivating friendships. 30What then? 30Did Africanus need me? 30Not at all, by Hercules! 30Nor indeed did I need him; but I loved him from a kind of admiration of his virtue, and he in turn loved me, perhaps from some good opinion he had of my character; 30familiarity increased our goodwill.
30But although many great advantages followed, yet the causes of our affection did not spring from the hope of them. 31For just as we are kind and generous not in order to demand gratitude (for we do not lend out kindness at interest, but are by nature inclined to generosity), so we think friendship worth seeking not because we are led by hope of reward, but because all its profit lies in the love itself. 32From those who, like cattle, refer everything to pleasure, the holders of this view differ widely; 32and no wonder; 32for they can look up to nothing lofty, nothing magnificent and divine, who have cast down all their thoughts to a thing so lowly and so contemptible.
32Therefore let us remove these men from this conversation, and let us ourselves understand that the feeling of love and the affection of goodwill arise from nature, once a sign of uprightness has been given; and those who have sought this draw close and move nearer, so that they may enjoy both the company and the character of the one they have begun to love, and be equal and alike in love and more inclined to do a service than to demand one in return, and so that there may be this honourable rivalry between them. 32In this way the greatest advantages will be gained from friendship, and its origin from nature rather than from weakness will be more dignified and more true.
32For if advantage cemented friendships, a change in it would dissolve them; 32but because nature cannot be changed, therefore true friendships are everlasting. 32You see the origin of friendship, then, unless perhaps you wish to say something in reply to this. 32FANNIUS. 32Do go on, Laelius! 32For I answer for him here, who is younger, by my own right. 33SCAEVOLA. 33You are quite right: so let us listen.