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Ficino, Marsilio – Selected Letters

From a letter from Marsilio Ficino to Andrea Cambini.

Now what is pitiable in love? For it not to be requited.

What is impious?

To love on account of oneself what should be cherished for the sake of another; and contrarily, to cherish for the sake of something other, that which should be loved for its own sake.

What is most disgraceful?

To hate someone you have loved.

In this respect we are much at fault, for although we do not abandon other things, however trifling, unless compelled to do so for a serious cause, yet we forsake and abuse a friend, a priceless treasure, led into it by any cause, often a very light one.

Pythagoras commands that we should not lightly discard a friend, whatever the cause; rather we should bear with him for as long as we are able; and we are able until we are compelled to leave him wholly against our will.

To throw away money appears to be serious indeed, but to cast aside a man is most serious.

Nothing in human life is more rarely acquired, or more dearly possessed. No loss bodes more ill or is more perilous than that of a friend.