A young man who was an inveterate talker was sent by his parents
to Socrates to learn oratory. On being presented to Socrates the
young man spoke so much that Socrates was out of patience. When
the bargain came to be struck, Socrates asked him double the
price. “Why charge me double?” asked the young man. “Because,”
said Socrates, “I must teach you two sciences; the one to hold
your tongue, and the other how to speak.”
Silence may be as eloquent as speech. The art of the matter is
practise, each at the right time and in the right place.
(2945)
=Silence Under Provocation=--See PROVOCATION, SILENCE UNDER.