c:iA?. It.] v.'isr. condult crEMPLiFiEO. 313 



XXVIT. — Rt tclio conceals a fault seeks friend-Mp, hrU he itfto repeats a 

 matter separates fiiends.^ 



There are two ways of composing differences and recon- 

 ciling the minds ot men ; the one beginning -svith oblivion 

 and forgiveness, the other with a recollection ot the injuries, 

 interweaving it with apologies and excuses. I remember it 

 is the opinion of a very wise politician, " That he who treats 

 of peace without repeating the conditions of the difference, 

 rather deceives the mind with the sweetness of reconciliation 

 tlian equitably makes up the matter." But Solomon, a still 

 wiser man, is of a contrary opinion, and approves of forget- 

 ting, but forbids a repetition of the difference, as being 

 attended with these inconveniences: 1. That it rakes into the 

 old sore ; 2. that it may cause a new difference ; 3. and 

 lastly, that it brings the matter to end in excuses ; whereas 

 both sides had rather seem to forgive the injury than allow 

 of an excuse. 



XXVIII. — In every good worTc is plenty; hut where words alound, 

 t/ie}'e is commonly a want° 



Solomon here distinguishes the fruit of the labour of the 

 tongue, and that ot the labour oi the hand, as if from the 

 one came want, and from the other abundance. For it almost 

 constantly happens that they who speak much, boast much, 

 and promise largely, are but barren, and receive no fruit 

 from the things they talk of; being seldom industrious or 

 diligent in works, but feed and satisfy themselves with dis- 

 course alone as with wind ; whilst, as the poet intimates, "he 

 who is conscious to himself that he can really effect," feels 

 the satisfaction inwardly, and keeps silent : 



" Qui sllet est firmus:"^ 

 whereas, he who knows he grasps nothing but empty air, is 

 full of talk and strange stories. 



XXIX. — Open reproof is better than secret affection.* 



This aphorism reprehends the indulgence of those who use 



not the privilege of friendship freely and boldly to admonish 



tneir friends as well of their errors as their dangers. "What 



ihall I doT' says an easy, good-natured friend, "or what 



■ Prov. XV ii. 9. • Prov. xir. 28. 



f Ovid, Remedia Amoris, 697. *• Pror. xxvii. S 



