Grym. No, but to a real fire.
Flex. If you wish to cleave anything in two, will you use a picture of a sword depicted on tapestry?
Grym. No, an iron sword.
Flex. Is there not the same strength with real things as with artificial ones?
Grym. Apparently there is a difference.
Flex. Nor wilt thou effect the same with a simulated moderation as with real modesty, for falsity at some time or other shows itself for what it is; truth is always the same. In fictitious modesty you say something sometimes or do something, publicly or privately, when you forget yourself (for you are not able always and everywhere to be on your guard), whereby you are caught in your pretences. And as formerly men loved you, since they did not yet know you, afterwards, and for a long time afterwards, they hate you when they have got to know you.
Grym. How shall I note this modesty so as to be able to appropriate it as thou teachest?
Flex. If thou wilt persuade thyself of what is actually the case, that other people are better than thou art.
Gorg. Better indeed! Where are these people? I suppose in Heaven, for on earth there are very few equal; better, no one!
Grym. So I have heard often of my father and my uncle.