EDWARD.
Yet, many think him not to blame, he only spoke the truth. Captain Fiery’s character is generally known, and he is as generally despised.
CHARLES.
Believe me, brother, we are not always to say what is true, when it tends to the prejudice of another we must be silent; it is more to our credit to soften the faults we must mention, and better still, perhaps, not to mention them at all. Dr. Bartlett has often told me, that those who accustom themselves to tell all they know of others, will imperceptibly deviate from truth, and, forgetting compassion, will become unjust.
WILLIAM.
I agree with you, and think it possible that those who build their virtues on the vices of others, will soon have only comparative virtue.
CHARLES.
It is chiefly to tell some news, or to appear of consequence, that people retail scandalous anecdotes; yet, those who listen to such stories with malignant pleasure, despise and fear the slanderer; though murder should not happen, many disagreeable consequences may follow, and we should never mention the faults of others without a chance of reclaiming them.
The conversation was interrupted, and so I must bid you adieu.
WILLIAM.