Oftimes to the sluggard and the dull, flattery hath done good service, Quickening the mind to emulation, and encouraging the heart that failed. Even so, a stimulating poison, wisely tendered by the leech, Shall speed the pulse, and rally life, and cheat astonished death. For, as a timid swimmer ventureth afloat with bladders, Until self-confidence and growth of skill have made him spurn their aid, Thus commendation may be prudent, where a child hath ill deserved it; But praise unmerited is flattery, and the cure will bring its cares: For thy son may find thee out, and thou shalt rue the remedy: Yea, rather, where thou canst not praise, be honest in rebuke. I have seen the objects of a flatterer mirrored clearly on the surface, Where self-love scattereth praise, to gather praise again. This is a commodity of merchandize, words put out at interest: A scheme for canvassing opinions, and tinging them all with partiality. He is but a harmless fool; humour him with pitiful good-nature: If a poetaster quote thy song, be thou tender to his poem: Did the painter praise thy sketch? be kind, commend his picture; He looketh for a like return; then thank him with thy praise. In these small things with these small minds count thou the sycophant a courtier, And pay back, as blindly as ye may, the too transparent honour. Also, where the flattery is delicate, coming unobtrusive and in season, Though thou be suspicious of its truth, be generous at least to its gentility. The skilful thief of Lacedæmon had praise before his judges, And many caitiffs win applause for genius in their callings. Moreover, his meaning may be kind,--and thou art a debtor to his tongue; Hasten well to pay the debt, with charity and shrewdness: He must not think thee caught, nor feel himself discovered, Nor find thine answering compliment as hollow as his own. Though he be a smiling enemy, let him heed thee as the fearless and the friendly; A searching look, a poignant word, may prove thou art aware: Still, with compassion to the frail, though keen to see his soul, Let him not fear for thy discretion: see thou keep his secret, and thine own.