Kautilya's Arthashastra 7.9.13

7.9.13

vaśyayor api mahābhogam anityam alpabhogaṃ vā nityam iti // mahābhogam anityaṃ śreyaḥ, mahābhogam anityam alpakālena mahadupakurvan mahānti vyayasthānāni pratikaroti" ity ācāryāḥ //

Which is the better of two submissive friends: a temporary friend of large prospects, or a longstanding friend of limited prospects?

My teacher says that a temporary friend of large prospects is better inasmuch as such a friend can, in virtue of his large prospects, render immense service in a very short time, and can stand undertakings of large outlay.