Because a speech is kind it is not of necessity a lie, nor does a remark gain in truth in direct ratio as it loses its politeness.

Often the blunt criticism is the outcome of a savage instinct on the part of the perpetrator.

In America, men and women (always excepting Italians) do not carry poniards concealed in their breasts, or swords at their sides.

In lieu of these the tongue is used to revenge an evil.
The Psalmist exclaims: "Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness; and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil," but the average representative of the nineteenth century will not echo his sentiment.

It may be that the "righteous" of that day had a more agreeable way of offering reproof than have the modern saints.