Look
at that clever calumniator! He begins by fetching a deep sigh, he
affects to be humble, and puts on a modest look, and with a voice
choking with sobs tries to gloss over the slander which is on the tip
of his tongue One would fancy that he expressly assumed a calm and
easy demeanor; for when he speaks against his brother, it is in a
tender and compassionate tone. I am really hurt, says he, to find
that our brother has fallen into such a sin; you all know how much I
love him, and how often I have tried to correct him. It is not today
that I have noticed his failing; for I should always be on my guard
to speak of others, but others have spoken of it too. It would be in
vain to disguise the fact; it is only too true, and with tears in my
eyes I tell it to you. This poor unfortunate brother has talent, but
it must be confessed that he is very guilty, and however great may be
our friendship for him, it is impossible to excuse him.
--
Saint
Bernard of Clairvaux from a
sermon on The Canticles
