AN 7.

35 
PTS: A iv 31

Mitta Sutta: A Friend

translated from the Pali by

Thanissaro Bhikkhu
© 2004

"Monks, a friend endowed with seven qualities is worth associating with. Which
seven? He gives what is hard to give. He does what is hard to do. He endures what is
hard to endure. He reveals his secrets to you. He keeps your secrets. When
misfortunes strike, he doesn't abandon you. When you're down & out, he doesn't look
down on you. A friend endowed with these seven qualities is worth associating with."

He gives what is beautiful,

hard to give,
does what is hard to do,
endures painful, ill-spoken words.

His secrets he tells you,

your secrets he keeps.

When misfortunes strike,

he doesn't abandon you;
when you're down & out,
doesn't look down on you.

A person in whom these traits are found,

is a friend to be cultivated
by anyone wanting a friend.

  Anguttara Nikaya Sevens