"Do not keep on with a mockery of friendship after the substance is gone - but part, while you can part friends. Bury the carcass of friendship: it is not worth embalming"

This quote by William Hazlitt is a caution versus attempting to maintain a relationship after the compound of it has actually gone. He is recommending that it is much better to part methods while you can still be pals, instead of trying to maintain the exterior of a relationship when the feelings of closeness and trust have gone. He is also suggesting that it is not worth attempting to preserve a relationship that has died, as it is like trying to embalm a carcass. This quote is a reminder that it is better to accept completion of a friendship and move on, instead of attempting to keep up a relationship that has no substance. It is a tip that it is much better to part ways while you can still be pals, instead of trying to keep up a relationship that has no real significance.