578
Faults.—Every man has a bag hanging before him, in which he puts his neighbors' faults, and another behind him in which he stows his own.
—Shakespeare.
579
Better find one of our own faults,
Than ten
Of our neighbor's.
580
A GREAT MAN'S FAULTS.
Lord Bolingbroke was one evening at a large party. Political subjects were talked of, and the conversation finally turned on the famous Duke of Marlborough. Every one had something to say against him, many blaming his avarice. Bolingbroke was silent. One of the company inquired, "How is it that you say nothing? You knew him better than all of us, and could tell us a good deal about him." Bolingbroke replied, "He was a great man, and I have forgotten all his faults."
581
Each should be sure of an untarnished name,
Before he ventures others' faults to blame.