Plutarch's essays and miscellanies, Vol. 1 (of 5) : $b Comprising all his works collected under the title of "Morals"Plutarch
Philosophy
Plutarch's essays and miscellanies, Vol. 1 (of 5) : $b Comprising all his works collected under the title of "Morals"
Plutarch
Classical literature; Essays; Ethics; Philosophy
the scoffs, outrages, and affronts of enemies, than to be stirred up to
choler or revenge by the worst they can say or do.
9. Thus we may show a meek and gentle temper and a submissive bearing
of evil in our enmities; and even integrity, magnanimity, and goodness
of disposition are also more conspicuous here than in friendship. For
it is not so honorable and virtuous to do a friend a kindness, as it is
unworthy and base to omit this good office when he stands in need; but
it is an eminent piece of humanity, and a manifest token of a nature
truly generous, to put up with the affronts of an enemy when you have a
fair opportunity to revenge them. For if any one sympathizes with his
enemy in his affliction, relieves him in his necessities, and is ready
to assist his sons and family if they desire it, any one that will
not love this man for his compassion, and highly commend him for his
charity, “must have a black heart made of adamant or iron,” as Pindar
says.
When Caesar made an edict that the statues of Pompey which were
tumbled down should be rebuilt and restored to their former beauty and
magnificence, Tully tells him that by setting up again Pompey’s statues
he has erected one for himself, an everlasting monument of praise and
honor to after ages. So that we must give to every one his due, to an
enemy such respect and honor as he truly deserves. Thus a man that
praises his enemy for his real deserts shall himself obtain the more
honor by it; and whenever he shall correct or censure him, he will be
credited in what he does, because every one will believe that he does
it out of a dislike and just abhorrence of his vice and not of his
person.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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