A friend in need is a friend indeed

A model of this proverb was identified by the third century BC. Quintus Ennius wrote: ‘Amicus certus in re incerta furnishings. This interprets from the Latin as ‘a certain good friend is thought when in issue’.

The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations notes it as current in English from the eleventh century. The earliest model I can discover is from Caxton’s Sonnes of Aymon, 1489:

“It’s sad, that on the need the friend is known.”

The morality play Everyman additionally comprises related strains. The play’s date is unsure and students place it as ‘late fifteenth century. This may very well be earlier than Caxton’s work:

Fellowship: Sir, I say as I’ll do indeed.

Everyman: Then be you an excellent good friend at want;

So, what does that proof point out by way of unique that means? Ennius’ textual content is ambiguous and, being a later translation, cannot be thought of the unique supply of the phrase in English.

Caxton’s model can also be unhelpful. The Everyman play is clearer in its intent and helps interpretation 2.

Heywood’s verse cannot be thought of the unique that means as the opposite citations pre-date it. However, it’s value considering as Heywood was an inexhaustible recorder of proverbs as experienced in England within the sixteenth century.

It’s secure to say that, no matter the view we now have, in 1562, both 1 or 2 was the accepted that means.

Neither interpretation 3 nor 4 seems to be supported by early texts and, as neither is extensively accepted as we speak, it appears secure to low cost them.

On the steadiness of proof, interpretation 2 has the most effective declare to be the unique that means of the phrase.

So, the entire above factors to the that means being a good friend, (when you’re in want) is somebody ready to show their friendship (by their deeds)’.

A search of web-based materials reveals that a good friend in want is a good friend certainly’ has about twice the general public foreign money than does a good friend in want is a good friend in deed’.

Those that rise up for the latter are most likely right, however, they are going to have a tough time altering the thoughts of the ‘certainly’ contingent.

John C. Crawford

I am John C. Crawford. I am the founder of EnjoyWiki.com. I am a professional freelancer, blogger and content writer. I have several blogs and EnjoyWiki.com is one of them. I always love to share my experience on my blogs.