Better an open enemy, than a false and deceitful friend, or than a friend who is too soft and easy, and too readily assents to whatever you propose, was frequently in the mouth of Cato. An enemy, by being a spy upon our actions, and by severely censuring our slightest errors, may make us cautious, and even lead us to reform any follies or vices we may have accustomed ourselves to, or indulged ourselves in. Philip of Macedon said the Athenian orators, who were incessant in their endeavours to excite the Grecians against him, had by the severity of their censures, conferred on him a lasting obligation, for they had taught him to look into and regulate his conduct in such a manner, as would conduce materially to the success of his enterprizes.
Fuente: Erasmo, 3276.
