Though a man from virtue strays
To keep from slander brings him praise.
Who bite behind, and before smile
Are worse than open traitors vile.
Virtue thinks it better to die
Than live to backbite and to lie.
Though harsh you speak in one's presence
Abuse is worse in his absence.
Who turns to slander makes it plain
His praise of virtue is in vain.
His failings will be found and shown
Who makes another's failings known.
By pleasing words who make not friends
Sever their hearts by hostile trends.
What will they not to strangers do
Who bring their friends' defects to view?
The world in mercy bears his load
Who rants behind words untoward.
No harm would fall to any man
If each his own defect could scan.
AGAINST SLANDER
