791 To make an untried man your friend is ruin sure; For friendship formed unbroken must endure.

792 Alliance with the man you have not proved and proved again, In length of days will give you mortal pain.

793 Temper, descent, defects, associations free From blame: know these, then let the man be friend to thee.

794 Who, born of noble race, from guilt would shrink with shame, Pay any price, so you as friend that man may claim.

795 Make them your chosen friends whose words repentance move, With power prescription's path to show, while evil they reprove.

796 Ruin itself one blessing lends: 'Tis staff that measures out one's friends.

797 'Tis gain to any man, the sages say, Friendship of fools to put away.

798 Think not the thoughts that dwarf the soul; nor take For friends the men who friends in time of grief forsake.

799 Of friends deserting us on ruin's brink, 'Tis torture e'en in life's last hour to think.

800 Cling to the friendship of the spotless ones; whate'er you pay, Renounce alliance with the men of evil way.