Such was that of Aufidius Modestus, who, when our friend Quinitus in an ague complained his hands were cold, replied, Sir, you brought them warm from your province; for this made Quintius laugh, and extremely pleased him; yet it had been a reproach and abuse to a covetous and oppressing governor.

Thus Socrates, pretending to compare faces with the beauteous Critobulus, rallied only, and not abused.

And Alcibiades again was smart on Socrates, as his rival in Agatho's affection.

Kings are pleased when jests are put upon them as if they were private and poor men.

Such was the flatterer's to Philip, who chided him: Sir, don't I keep you?
For those that mention faults of which the persons are not really guilty intimate those virtues with which they are really adorned.