Ch 05 On Love And Youth Story 05

A schoolboy was so perfectly beautiful and sweet-voiced that the teacher, in accordance with human nature, conceived such an affection towards him that’ he often recited the following verses:

    I am not so little occupied with thee, O heavenly face,  
    That remembrance of myself occurs to my mind.  
    From thy sight I am unable to withdraw my eyes  
    Although when I am opposite I may see that an arrow comes.  

Once the boy said to him: ‘As thou strivest to direct my studies, direct also my behaviour. If thou perceivest anything reprovable in my conduct, although it may seem approvable to me, inform me thereof that I may endeavour to change it.’ He replied: ‘O boy, make that request to someone else because the eyes with which I look upon thee behold nothing but virtues.’

    The ill-wishing eye, be it torn out  
    Sees only defects in his virtue.  
    But if thou possessest one virtue and seventy faults  
    A friend sees nothing except that virtue.