Dissimulation and double dealing are among the most odious vices,
and a hollow friend is worse than an open enemy; for in the full
confidence of friendship, we are led to depend upon the man who uses
that confidence to betray us. To pretend to keep another’s council, and
appear in his interest, while underhand we are giving intelligence to
his enemies, is treacherous, knavish, and base. Truth is a plain and
open virtue, and cannot be practised in part; and truth and sincerity
are the same; wherefore he that equivocates and adheres to his promise
in one sense, without preserving it inviolably in its full extent and
meaning, departs as much from truth and sincerity as the most direct
liar.
“And be those juggling friends no more believ’d,
That palter with us in a double sense;
That keep the word of promise to the ear,
And break it to our hope.”
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