such things, before we do either embrace ourselves or transmit unto
others any story concerning our neighbour; lest unadvisedly we do
him irreparable wrong and mischief. Briefly, we should take his
case for our own, and consider whether we ourselves should be
content that upon like grounds or testimonies any man should
believe, or report, disgraceful things concerning us. If we fail to
do thus, we do, vainly, or rashly, or maliciously, conspire with the
slanderer to the wrong of our innocent neighbour; and that in the
psalmist, by a parity of reason, may be transferred to us, "Thou
hast consented unto the liar, and hast partaken with the" author of
calumny.

4. Of kin to this way is the assenting to popular rumours, and
thence affirming matters of obloquy to our neighbour. Every one by
experience knows how easily false news do rise, and how nimbly they
scatter themselves; how often they are raised from nothing, how soon
they from small sparks grow into a great blaze, how easily from one
thing they are transformed into another; especially news of this
kind, which do suit and feed the bad humour of the vulgar. 'Tis
obvious to any man how true that is of Tacitus, how void of
consideration, of judgment, of equity, the busy and talking part of
mankind is. Whoever therefore gives heed to flying tales, and
thrusts himself into the herd of those who spread them, is either
strangely injudicious, or very malignantly disposed. If he want not
judgment, he cannot but know that when he complieth with popular
fame, it is mere chance that he doth not slander, or rather it is
odds that he shall do so; he consequently showeth himself to be
indifferent whether he doeth it or no, or rather that he doth
incline to do it; whence, not caring to be otherwise, or loving to
be a slanderer, he in effect and just esteem is such; having at