An host's invitation is expensive. [ Proverb ]

Friends need no formal invitation. [ Proverb ]

True friends visit us in prosperity only when invited, but in adversity they come without invitation. [ Theophrastus ]

In life, woman must wait until she is asked to love; as in a salon she waits for an invitation to dance. [ A. Karr ]

Beauty or unbecomingness is of more force to draw or deter invitation than any discourses which can be made to them. [ Locke ]

Nature does not capriciously scatter her secrets as golden gifts to lazy pets and luxurious darlings, but imposes tasks when she presents opportunities, and uplifts him whom she would inform. The apple that she drops at the feet of Newton is but a coy invitation to follow her to the stars. [ Whipple ]

Your invitation honors me, and pleases me because you still keep me in your remembrance, but I am seventy; seventy, and would nestle in the chimney-corner, and smoke my pipe, and read my book, and take my rest, wishing you well in all affection; and that when you in your return shall arrive at pier No. 70 you may step aboard your waiting ship with a reconciled spirit, and lay your course toward the sinking sun with a contented heart. [ Mark Twain, Seventieth Birthday speech ]