Ramayana 1.229

Ramayana · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith

The great Vasishtha, thus addressed, Arch-hermit of the holy breast, To Visvamitra answer made, The king whom all the land obeyed: "Not for a hundred thousand,--nay, Not if ten million thou wouldst pay, With silver heaps the price to swell,-- Will I my cow, O Monarch, sell. Unmeet for her is such a fate. That I my friend should alienate. As glory with the virtuous, she For ever makes her home with me. On her mine offerings which ascend To Gods and spirits all depend: My very life is due to her, My guardian, friend, and minister. The feeding of the sacred flame,(223) The dole which living creatures claim.(224) The mighty sacrifice by fire, Each formula the rites require,(225) And various saving lore beside, Are by her aid, in sooth, supplied. The banquet which thy host has shared, Believe it, was by her prepared, In her mine only treasures lie, She cheers mine heart and charms mine eye. And reasons more could I assign Why Dapple-skin can ne'er be thine."

Ramayana 1.229 · Ramayana · 1

Themes in this passage

Friendship Dharma Faith Leadership Nature Strength Truth Wealth

Friendship in other traditions

The same theme, as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Hellenism address it.

Do not have evil-doers for friends, do not have low people for friends: have virtuous people for friends, have for friends the best of men.

Dhp 6.78 · Dhammapada · The Wise Man (Pandita)

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24 · Bible · Proverbs

And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend

Quran 70:10 · Quran

With that, the chiefs beneath his roof he led, And placed in seats with purple carpets spread. Then thus—“Patroclus, crown a larger bowl, Mix purer wine, and open every soul. Of all the warriors yonder host can send, Thy friend most honours these, and these thy friend.”

Iliad 9.16 · Iliad · 9

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