sertions make men not merely heretics, but atheists, and thus open the door to all kinds of wickedness. Another class of evil words regards detraction, which is eagerly listened to, but which destroys fraternal charity. Holy David, who was a man according to God's own heart, says in the Psalms: " Instead of making me a return of love, they detracted me: but I gave myself to prayer." And since detraction is often heard at table, St. Augustine placed these verses over his dining-table:
" Quisquis amat dictis absentftm rodero vitam, Hanc mensam iiidignam noverit esse sibi."[1]
The third species of evil words consists in flattery, which is willingly heard by men; and yet it produces pride and vanity, the former of which is the queen of vices, and is most hateful to God. A fourth kind consists in using immodest and amatory words in lascivious songs: to the lovers of this world nothing is sweeter, though no thing can be more dangerous than such words and songs. Lascivious songs are the songs of syrens, who enchant men, and then plunge them into the sea and devour them.
Against all these dangers there is a salutary remedy, to keep with good company, but most carefully to avoid evil company. Men, when in the presence of those whom
- ↑ " This board allows no vile detractor place, Whose tongue doth love the absent to disgrace."
