George Herbert, 1593-1633
was an English clergyman and metaphysical poet
The best mirror is an old friend.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882
was an US essayist and poet
A friend might well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.
(Marcus Tullius) Cicero, 106 BC-43 BC
was a Roman author, orator, and politician
A friend is, as it were, a second self.
( De Amicitia )