An absent friend gives us ...

An absent friend gives us friendly company when we are well assured of his happiness.
An absent friend gives us friendly company when we are well assured of his happiness.

Quotes from the same author

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.
Just trust yourself, then you will know how to live.
The really unhappy person is the one who leaves undone what they can do, and starts doing what they don't understand; no wonder they come to grief.
What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.
A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart.