【正确答案】
Ladies and gentlemen,
First of all, I'd like to express my heart-felt gratitude to all of you present for your coming to the discussion.
As you know, a man may usually be known by the books he reads as well as by the company he keeps; for there is a companionship of books as well as of men. And one should always live in the best company, whether it might be of books or of men.
A good book may be among the best of friends. It is the most patient and cheerful of your companions. It does not turn its back upon us in time of adversity or distress. It always receives us with the same kindness, amusing and instructing us in youth, and comforting and consoling us in age.
I sincerely hope our discussion will be a success.
Thank you.