On Benefits Chapter 9

Praecipiunt itaque omnes auctores sapientiae quaedam beneficia palam danda, quaedam secreto. Palam, quae consequi gloriosum, ut militaria dona, ut honores et quidquid aliud notitia pulchrius fit; rursus, quae non producunt nec honestiorem faciunt, sed succurrunt infirmitate egestati, ignominiae, tacite danda sunt, ut nota sint solis, quibus prosunt.

Accordingly, all writers on ethical philosophy tell us that some benefits ought to be given in secret, others in public. Those things which it is glorious to receive, such as military decorations or public offices, and whatever else gains in value the more widely it is known, should be conferred in public; on the other hand, when they do not promote a man or add to his social standing, but help him when in weakness, in want, or in disgrace, they should be given silently, and so as to be known only to those who profit by them.

Aussi est-ce l’avis de tous les maîtres de la sagesse, que telles grâces doivent se faire publiquement, que telles autres veulent le mystère. Le grand jour convient à celles qu’il est glorieux de mériter : tels sont les dons militaires, les distinctions honorifiques, enfin tout ce que relève la publicité. Mais ce qui ne procure ni avancement ni relief, les secours qui soulagent l’infirmité, l’indigence ou l’ignominie, doivent être des œuvres muettes et ne se révéler qu’à celui qu’elles consolent. Parfois même, près de ceux qu’on aide, il faut user de subterfuge ; il faut qu’ils reçoivent sans savoir de quelle main .