Conscientious Companionship

Flouting conscience, loathing it,

saying “I’m on your side”,

but not following up in deeds—

know they’re not on your side.

Some say nice things to their friends

without following it up.

The wise will recognize

one who talks without doing.

No true friend relentlessly

suspects betrayal, looking for fault.

One on whom you rest, like a child on the breast,

is a true friend, not split from you by others.

One whose reward is the fruit

of bearing the burden of service

develops a happy state,

producing joy and attracting praise.

One who has drunk the nectar of seclusion

and the nectar of peace,

free of stress, free of evil,

drinks the joyous nectar of Dhamma.