My Virtual Reading Room

Philippe. In spite of the way we've drifted apart these two years, I'm still your friend.

Frantz. Yes, but all you can offer me is intelligent advice, and that's what I need least. It's a luxury. Any stranger could give it to me. What I was hoping you could do for me--just for tonight--was what the truest and simplest friends do--take some of my unhappiness on yourself. It's too much for me to bear alone.

(From Jean Anouilh's "The Ermine")