But it is hard to know them from friends, they are so obsequious and full of protestations; for a wolf resembles a dog, so doth a flatterer a friend.

Summary

This quote suggests that it is often difficult to discern genuine friends from those who only pretend to be friends for personal gain. The use of "obsequious" and "protestations" implies that these individuals are overly complimentary and insincere in their behavior, similar to how a wolf may outwardly appear similar to a dog. The comparison of a flatterer to a friend implies that flatterers often mask their true intentions behind their flattering words, highlighting the need for caution and discernment when evaluating the authenticity of others.

Topics