The Greek idea of friendship is represented by the figure of
a girl, with uncovered head; one hand on her heart, the other
resting on an elm struck by a thunderbolt, and about which a
vine, heavy with grapes, is entwined. Her dress was high and
close fitting, her attitude chaste. The Roman conception of
friendship was more complicated and modern. The girl’s dress
was cut _á la vierge_, her head crowned with myrtle and
pomegranate flowers; she held in her hand two hearts enchained.
On the fringe of her tunic was written, “Life and death”; on her
forehead were the words, “Summer and winter.” With her right
hand she pointed to her left side; exposed over heart and on
it was written, “From far and near.”--DORA MELEGARI,
“Makers of Sorrow and Makers of Joy.”
(1164)