Hicks: and that friendship is prompted by our needs. One of the friends, however, must make the first advances (just as we have to cast seed into the earth), but it is maintained by a partnership in the enjoyment of life's pleasures.

Yonge: Friendship is caused by one’s wants; but it must be begun on our side. For we sow the earth; and friendship arises from a community of, and participation in, pleasures.

Mensch: Friendship is based on our needs. It has to be initiated, of course, just as we have to plant a seed in the earth; but it is maintained by a shared enjoyment of life's pleasures.

Original text: καὶ τὴν φιλίαν διὰ τὰς χρείας: δεῖν μέντοι προκατάρχεσθαι ῾καὶ γὰρ τὴν γῆν σπείρομεν̓, συνίστασθαι δὲ αὐτὴν κατὰ κοινωνίαν τοῖς ταῖς ἡδοναῖς ἐκπεπληρωμ <ένοις>.