Page:Plutarch - Moralia, translator Holland, 1911.djvu/262

240 cases, which in the common opinion of the world are reputed matters of honour and credit, a man ought to render the dignity, honour, and reward which is beseeming and due to blood by the course of nature. For in these things the advantage and prerogative will not purchase so much glory and reputation to a friend, as the repulse and putting-by bring disgrace, discredit, and dishonour unto a brother.

Well, as touching this old said saw and sentence of Hesiodus, I have treated more at large elsewhere; but the sententious saying of Menander full wisely set down in these words: putteth us in mind and teacheth us to have good regard and care of our brethren, and not to presume so much upon the obligation of nature, as to despise them. For the horse is a beast by nature loving to a man, and the dog loves his master; but in case you never think upon them nor see unto them (as you ought), they will forego that kind affection, estrange themselves and take no knowledge of you. The body also is most nearly knit and united to the soul by the greatest bond of nature that can be; but in case it be neglected and contemned by her, or not cherished so tenderly as it looketh to be, unwilling shall you see it to help and assist her, nay, full untowardly will it execute, or rather give over it will altogether every action. Now to come more near and to particularise upon this point, honest and good is that care and diligence which is employed and shewed to thy brethren themselves alone; but better it would be far if thy love and kind affections be extended as far as to their wives' fathers and daughters' husbands, by carrying a friendly mind and ready will to pleasure them likewise, and to do for them in all their occasions; if they be courteous and affable in saluting their servants, such especially as they love and favour; thankful and beholding to their physicians who had them in cure during sickness and were diligent about them; acknowledging themselves bound unto their faithful and trusty friends, or to such as were willing and forward to take such part as they did in any long voyage and expedition, or to bear them company in warfare. And as for the wedded wife of a brother whom he is to reverence, repute and honour no less than a most sacred and holy relique or monument, if at any time he happen to see her, it will become him to speak all honour and good of her husband before her; or