Such was Cicero's to Octavius, who was thought to be descended from an African slave; for when Cicero spoke something, and Octavius said he did not hear him, Cicero rejoined, Remarkable, for you have a hole through your ear.

And Melanthius, when he was ridiculed by a comedian, said, You pay me now something that you do not owe me.

And upon this account jeers vex more; for like bearded arrows they stick a long while, and gall the wounded sufferer.

Their smartness is pleasant, and delights the company; and those that are pleased with the saving seem to believe the detracting speaker.

For according to Theophrastus, a jeer is a figurative reproach for some fault or misdemeanor; and therefore he that hears it supplies the concealed part, as if he knew and gave credit to the thing.