A costly gift may seem like a bribe; a little gift is only the sign of kindly feeling.

And as a mere matter of justice, a costly gift may be unkind, for it puts the friend under an obligation which he may not be rich enough to repay.

Repeatedly we are told also that too much should not be expected of friendship.

The value of a friend is his affection, his sympathy; but favours that cost must always be returned.
I never met a man so open-hearted and free with his food, but that boon was boon to him--nor so generous as not to look for return if he had a chance.
Emerson says almost precisely the same thing in his essay on friendship--showing how little human wisdom has changed in all the centuries.

Here is another good bit of advice concerning visits: It is far away to an ill friend, even though he live on one's road; but to a good friend there is a short cut, even though he live far out.
Go on, be not a guest ever in the same house.