Book 2
2.19
And they are angry with friends, if they neither speak well of nor treat them well, and in an even greater degree, if they do the opposite. And if they fail to perceive that they want something from them, as PlexippusPlexippus was the uncle of Meleager. The allusion is obscure. It may refer to Meleager giving the skin of the Calydonian boar to Atalanta, which his uncle wanted. One of Antiphon's tragedies was named Meleager (T.G.F. p.792). in Antiphon's tragedy reproached Meleager; for failure to perceive this is a sign of slight; since, when we care for people, these things are noticed.Literally, for the things which (= the persons whom) one respects, do not escape notice.
2.20
And they are angry with those who rejoice, or in a general way are cheerful when they are unfortunate; for this is an indication of enmity or slight. And with those who do not care if they pain them; whence they are angry with those who bring bad news.
2.21
And with those who listen to the tale of their faults, or look on them with indifference, for they resemble slighters or enemies;
2.22
for friends sympathize and all men are pained to see their own faults exposed.The real friend, therefore, would feel as much pain as the other whose faults are exposed. And further, with those who slight them before five classes of persons: namely, their rivals, those whom they admire, those by whom they would like to be admired, those whom they respect, or those who respect them; when anyone slights them before these, their anger is greater.
2.23
They are also angry with those who slight such persons as it would be disgraceful for them not to defend, for instance, parents, children, wives, and dependents.Cope translates rulers and governors; but can ἄρχεσθαι be used in a middle sense? And with those who are ungrateful,To avoid the apparent tautology ( 2.17), Roemer (Rhein. Mus. 39 p. 503) boldly conjectures χαίρειν: not to return another's greeting. for the slight is contrary to all sense of obligation.
