Perfect love is rare indeed - for to be a lover will require that you continually have the subtlety of the very wise, the flexibility of the child, the sensitivity of the artist, the understanding of the philosopher, the acceptance of the saint, the tolerance of the scholar and the fortitude of the certain.

If we deny love that is given to us, if we refuse to give love because we fear pain or loss, then our lives will be empty, our loss greater.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood."

Once Love grew bold and arrogant of air, Proud of the youth that made him fresh and fair; So unto Grief he spake, "What right hast thou To part or parcel of this heart?" Grief's brow Was darkened with the storm of inward strife; Thrice smote he Love as only he might dare, And Love, pride purged, was chastened all his life.

Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and be loved is the greatest happiness of existence.