127. Certainly, if it is necessary to give witness, then, when one knows of any fault in a friend, one ought to rebuke him secretly—if he does not listen, one must do it openly. For rebukes are good, Cic. de Off. I. 17. and often better than a silent friendship. Even if a friend thinks himself hurt, still rebuke him; and if the bitterness of the correction wounds his mind, still rebuke him and fear not. “The wounds of a friend are better than the kisses of flatterers.” Prov. xxvii. 6. Rebuke, then, thy erring friend; forsake not an innocent one. For friendship ought to be steadfast Cic. de Amic. 19, § 67. and to rest firm in true affection. We ought not to change our friends in childish fashion at some idle fancy.