Page:Plutarch - Moralia, translator Holland, 1911.djvu/76

54 also blame him if there were cause; so we are to think well of friendship when it is pleasant, delightsome, and cheerful, if otherwhiles also it can displease and cross again; but to have in suspicion the conversation and acquaintance of such as never do or say anything but that which is pleasing, continually keeping one course without change, never rubbing where the gall is, nor touching the sore, without reproof and contradiction. We ought (I say) to have ready always in remembrance the saying of an ancient Laconian, who hearing King Charilaus so highly praised and extolled; And how possibly (quoth he) can he be good who is never sharp or severe unto the wicked? The gadfly (as they say) which useth to plague bulls and oxen, settleth about their ears, and so doth the tick deal by dogs: after the same manner, flatterers take hold of ambitious men's ears, and possess them with praises; and being once set fast there, hardly are they to be removed and chased away.

And here most needful it is that our judgment be watchful and observant, and do discern whether these praises be attributed to the thing or the person; we shall perceive that the thing itself is praised, if they commend men rather absent than in place: also if they desire and affect that themselves which they do so like and approve in others: again, if they praise not us alone, but all others, for the semblable qualities: likewise, if they neither say nor do one thing now, and another time the contrary. But the principal thing of all other is this. If we ourselves know in our own secret conscience that we neither repent nor be ashamed of that for which they so commend us; nor yet wish in our hearts that we had said or done the contrary: for the inward judgment of our mind and soul bearing witness against such praises, and not admitting thereof, is void of affections and passions, whereby it neither can be touched nor corrupted and surprised by a flatterer. Howbeit, I know not how it Cometh about, that the most part of men cannot abide nor receive the consolations which be ministered unto them in their adversities, but rather take delight and comfort in those that weep, lament and mourn with them: and yet the same men having offended or being delinquent in any duty, if one come and find fault or touch them to the quick therefore, do strike and imprint into their hearts remorse and repentance, they take him for no better than an accuser and enemy: contrariwise, let one highly commend and magnify that which they have done; him they salute and embrace, him they account their well-wilier and friend indeed.