Page:Plutarch - Moralia, translator Holland, 1911.djvu/114

92 not, I say, be done in the view of the world (as if some shew or pomp were to be exhibited unto the people) with calling witnesses or spectators thereto. For it is not the part of a friend, but a trick of some sophister, to seek for glory in other men's faults, and affect outward shew and vain ostentation in the presence of others: much like to these mountebank chirurgeons, who for to have the greater practice, make shew of their cunning casts and operations of their art in public theatres, with many gesticulations of their handiwork. Moreover, besides that there should no infamy grow to him that is reproved (which indeed is not to be allowed in any cure or remedy), there ought also to be some regard had of the nature of vice and sin, which for the most part of itself is opinionative, contentious, stubborn, and apt to stand to it, and make means of defence. For as Euripides saith,

We daily see not only wanton love Doth press the more when one doth it reprove.

But any vice whatsoever it be and every imperfection, if a man do reprove it in public place before many, and spare not at all, putteth on the nature of impudence and turneth to be shameless: like as therefore Plato giveth a precept, that elder folk, if they would imprint shame and grace in their young children, ought themselves first to shew shamefast behaviour among them; even so, the modest and bashful liberty of speech which one friend useth, doth strike also a great shame in another. Also to come and approach by little and little unto one that offendeth, and after a doubting manner with a kind of fear to touch him, is the next way to undermine the vice that he is prone and given unto, whiles he cannot choose but be modestly disposed, who is so modestly and gently entreated. And therefore it would be always very good in those reprehensions to observe what he did, who in like case reproving a friend.

Held head full close unto his ear. That no man else but he might hear.

But less seemly and convenient it is for to discover the fault of the husband before his wife; of a father in the presence of his sons; of a lover before his love; or of a schoolmaster in the hearing of his scholars: that were enough to put them beside their right wits for anger and grief when they shall see themselves checked and discredited before those of whom they desire to be best esteemed.

And verily of this mind I am, that it was not the wine so