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[77]
But if, on the other hand, as usually happens, a
mere change of disposition and of tastes should
occur, or if a difference in political views should
arise (for I am talking now, as I said a moment ago,
[p. 187]
not of friendships existing between wise men, but
of those of the ordinary kind), care must be taken
lest it appear, not only that friendship has been put
aside, but that open hostility has been aroused.
For nothing is more discreditable than to be at war
with one with whom you have lived on intimate
terms. Scipio, as you both know, had severed his
friendship with Quintus Pompeius on my account;1
and, moreover, because of a disagreement in politics,
was estranged from my colleague, Metellus; he
acted with deliberation and moderation in each
instance, and without any bitter feeling of resentment.
1 He won his election over Laelius by pretending that he was not a candidate, thus throwing Laelius off his guard.
Cicero: De Senectute De Amicitia De Divinatione. With An English Translation. William Armistead Falconer. Cambridge. Harvard University Press; Cambridge, Mass., London, England. 1923.
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