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But because, as it has been before observed, reproofs
usually carry something of trouble and vexation along with
them, we must imitate skilful physicians, who, when they
have made an incision in the flesh, leave it not open to the
smart and torment that attends it, but chafe and foment it
to assuage the pain. So he who would admonish dexterously must not immediately give a man over to the sting
and anguish of his reprehensions, but endeavor to skin
over the sore with a more mild and diverting converse;
like stone-cutters, who, when they have made a fracture in
their statues, polish and brighten them afterwards. But if
we leave them in pain with their wounds and resentments,
and (as it were) with the scars of our reproofs yet green
upon them, they will hardly be brought to admit of any
lenitive we shall offer for the future. And therefore they
who will take upon them to admonish their friends ought
especially to observe this main point, not to leave them
immediately upon it, nor abruptly break off the conference
with disobliging and bitter expressions.
Plutarch. Plutarch's Morals. Translated from the Greek by several hands. Corrected and revised by. William W. Goodwin, PH. D. Boston. Little, Brown, and Company. Cambridge. Press Of John Wilson and son. 1874. 2.
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