Tractatus duo

"Between two," it is added: because friendship is either never, or very rarely, safe between more than two. For a third is not to be admitted as a companion if it is to remain stable and unharmed. And what is written about Dionysius, the king of Sicily, wishing to add himself as a third into the friendship of Pythias and Damon, does not contradict this. For that was not a conjunction of minds with him such as there was between those two, but rather it was an admiration of such great benevolence among men, which seemed desirable and happy even to a most powerful king, and far safer and happier than his own royal condition. Thus, Jonathan and David were alone, and became two friends. For friendship becomes worthless or is neglected among many, and does not retain its strength.

It follows in the definition, "regarding loving and preserving one another." For these are the two chief effects of true friendship: that those who are friends truly, not feignedly, love one another, and because they love one another mutually, they protect one another in turn.

What is added finally, "Insofar as it is permitted without harming the majesty and glory of God," defines and establishes the limits up to which friendship progresses, which it is a sin to violate. From this it follows that these three things are primarily necessary to explain the force and nature of friendship:

1. What the goal of friends is.
2. What the effects of friendship are.
3. Finally, what the limits and boundaries to be established are.

I approach these three chapters, if I first explain whether the contracted continues to next page