Page:Plutarch - Moralia, translator Holland, 1911.djvu/251

Rh but also by that means the rather have mutual help one by the other: thus Demosthenes and Chares sorted well together; Æschines likewise and Eubulus accorded; Hyperides also and Leosthenes were lovers and friends; in every which couple the former employed themselves in pleading and speaking before the people, and were writers and pen-men, whereas the other conducted armies, were warriors and men of action. Brethren therefore who cannot communicate in glory and credit together without envy, ought to set their desires and ambitious minds as far remote one from another, and turn them full as contrary as they can, if they would find comfort, and not receive displeasure by the prosperity and happy success one of another: but above all, a principal care and regard they must have of their kindred and alliance, yea, and otherwhiles of their very wives, and namely, when they be ready with their perilous speeches many times to blow more coals, and thereby enkindle their ambitious humour. Your brother (quoth one) doth wonders; he carrieth ill before him; he beareth the sway; no talk there is but of him; he is admired, and every man maketh court to him: whereas there is no resort to you; no man cometh toward you; clothing is there in you that men regard or set by. When these suggestions shall be thus whispered, a brother that is wise and veil minded may well say thus again: I have a brother indeed whose name is up and carrieth a great side; and verily the greater part of his credit and authority is mine and at my commandment. For Socrates was wont to say, that he would choose rather to have Darius his friend, than his darics, And a brother who is of sound and good judgment will think hat he hath no less benefit when his brother is placed in great state of government, blessed with rickes, or advanced to credit and reputation by his gift of eloquence, than if himself were ruler, wealthy, learned, and eloquent. Thus you may see the best and readiest means that are to qualify and mitigate this inequality between brethren.

Now there be other disagreements besides, that grow quickly between, especially if they want good bringing up and are not well taught, and namely, in regard of their age. For commonly the elder, who think that by good right they ought to have the command, rule, and government of their younger brethren in everything, and who held it great reason that they should be honoured, and have power and authority always above them,