the giver and the receiver, it will neither leave the one nor reach
the other as it ought. If we have to do with a practised and
skilled player, we shall throw the ball more recklessly, for
however it may come, that quick and agile hand will send it back
again; if we are playing with an unskilled novice, we shall not
throw it so hard, but far more gently, guiding it straight into his
very hands, and we shall run to meet it when it returns to us. This
is just what we ought to do in conferring benefits; let us teach
some men how to do so, and be satisfied if they attempt it, if they
have the courage and the will to do so. For the most part, however,
we make men ungrateful, and encourage them, to be so, as if our
benefits were only great when we cannot receive any gratitude for
them; just as some spiteful ball-players purposely put out their
companion, of course to the ruin of the game, which cannot be
carried on without entire agreement Many men are of so depraved a
nature that they had rather lose the presents which they make than
be thought to have received a return for them, because they are
proud, and like to lay people under obligations: yet how much
better and more kindly would it be if they tried to enable the
others also to perform their parts, if they encouraged them in
returning gratitude, put the best construction upon all their acts,
received one who wished to thank them just as cordially as if he
came to repay what he had received, and easily lent themselves to
the belief that those whom they have laid under an obligation wish
to repay it. We blame usurers equally when they press harshly for
payment, and when they delay and make difficulties about taking
back the money which they have lent; in the same way, it is just as
right that a benefit should be returned, as it is wrong to ask any
one to return it. The best man is he who gives readily, never asks
for any return, and is delighted when the return is made, because,