Semper magnae fortunae comes adest adulatio.
(P. Valleius Paterculus, Historiae Romanae 2.102.3)

Praise is always near as a friend to great fortune.

pron = SEHM-pehr MAHG-nai fohr-TOO-nai KOH-mays AH-dest ah-doo-LAH-tee-oh

Comment: This is a statement about the use of power--the power of
flattery and sweet-talk, of congratulatory back-slapping by those who
want something of what the recipient of their praise has.

Paterculus identifies it as great fortune. It could be political
appointment. It could be a job. It could be attention, or time spent
with the powerful one.

In short, this kind of power relationship means that the "friend" is
really afraid--fearful that he/she will not get what the powerful one
has, or seems to have, to offer.

It's a sober reflection on those we call friend, those we congratulate
and flatter. Are we friends, or afraid?