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
Yet afterwards, being wrought upon through his bashfulness to grant
her but one day longer, he ruined himself and family by it. For the
same reason, some, suspecting designs against them of murder or
poisoning, have neglected to provide for their safety. Thus Dion could
not be ignorant of the treachery of Callippus, yet thought it unfit
to entertain such thoughts of his pretended friend and guest, and so
perished. So again, Antipater, the son of Cassander, having entertained
Demetrius at supper, and being engaged by him for the next night,
because he was unwilling to distrust one who had trusted him, went, and
had his throat cut after supper. Polysperchon had promised Cassander
for an hundred talents to murder Hercules, the son of Alexander by
Barsine. Upon this he invites him to sup; but the young man, having
some suspicion of the thing, pretends himself indisposed. Polysperchon
coming to him said: Sir, above all things endeavor after your father’s
courteous behavior and obliging way to his friends, unless haply you
look on us with suspicion as if we were compassing your health. The
young man out of mere modesty was prevailed upon to go, and was
strangled as he sat at meat. It is not therefore (as some will have us
believe) insignificant or ridiculous, but on the contrary very wise
advice, which Hesiod gives,—
Welcome a friend, but never call thy foe.[34]
Be not bashful and mealy-mouthed in refusing him that you are satisfied
has a pique against you; but never reject him that seemeth to put his
trust in you. For if you invite, you must expect to be invited again;
and some time or other your entertainment will be repaid you, if
bashfulness have once softened or turned the edge of that diffidence
which ought to be your guard.
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