Page:Plutarch - Moralia, translator Holland, 1911.djvu/241

Rh whiles in others they are never offended nor discontented therewith, but are willing enough daily to frequent and haunt their company. Thus much in general terms by way of preamble or proem of this whole treatise.

It remaineth now that I should enter into the doctrine and instructions thereto belonging: wherein I will not begin as other have done at the partition of their heritage or patrimony; but at the naughty emulation, heart-burning and jealousy which ariseth between them during the life of their parents. Agesilaus, King of Lacedaemon, was wont always to send as a present unto each one of the ancients of the city, ever as they were created senators, a good ox, in testimony that he honoured their virtue: at length the lords, called Ephori, who were the censurers and overseers of each man's behaviour, condemned him for this in a fine to be paid unto the state, subscribing and adding a reason withal; for that by these gifts and largesses he went about to steal away their hearts and favours to himself alone, which ought indifferently to regard the whole body of the city; even so a man may do well to give this counsel unto a son, in such wise to respect and honour his father and mother, that he seek not thereby to gain their whole love, nor seem to turn away their favour and affection from other children wholly unto himself; by which practice many do prevent, undermine, and supplant their brethren, and thus under a colourable and honest pretence in shew, but in deed unjust and unequal, cloak and cover their avarice and covetous desire; for after a cautelous and subtle manner they insinuate themselves and get between them and home, and so defraud and cozen them ungentlemanly of their parents' love, which is the greatest and fairest portion of their inheritance, who espying their time, and taking the opportunity and vantage when their brethren be otherwise employed, and least doubt of their practices, then they bestir them most, and shew themselves in best order, obsequious, double-diligent, sober and modest, and namely in such things as their other brethren do either fail or seem to be slack and forgetful. But brethren ought to do clean contrary, for if they perceive their father to be angry and displeased with one of them, they should interpose themselves and undergo some part of the heavy load, hey ought to ease their brother, and by bearing a part, help to make the burden lighter: then (I say) must they by their service and ministry gratify their brother so much as to bring him in come sort in grace and favour again with their father, and when he hath failed so far forth in neglecting the opportunity of time,