On the Endlessness of Interpretation

Take this old adage:

"A friend in need is a friend indeed."

Perhaps the word "indeed" first catches our attention. How do we interpret this word? Is it meant in irony?" As if the one seeking our help comes to us as a friend only when in need of something. That leads us to take a second look at the word "friend," but from whose perspective? The "friend" here means the one in need. Or does it mean one whose "helpfulness" is taken for granted. Indeed, which friend are we talking about? Oh, there's that word "indeed" again, this time with emphasis. We recall that it literally means "in fact." But does it mean that here? As we move ever closer to "indeed," we move ever farther from "indeed." And vice-versa. In truth, we see no end to interpretation . . .