What stamp is on this coin? Trajan's stamp. Show it to me. Wait, it's Nero's stamp. Throw it away. I can't accept it — it's fake. The same thing applies to people. What stamp do his opinions carry? Is it gentleness? A friendly nature? Tolerance? A loving disposition? Show me these qualities. If they're there, I accept them. I'll consider this person a citizen. I'll accept him as a neighbor and traveling companion. Just make sure he doesn't carry Nero's stamp. Is he hot-tempered? Full of anger? Always finding fault? When he gets upset, does he hurt anyone who gets in his way?
What is the stamp on this sestertius? The stamp of Trajan. Present it. It is the stamp of Nero. Throw it away; it cannot be accepted, it is counterfeit. So also in this case: What is the stamp of his opinions? It is gentleness, a sociable disposition, a tolerant temper, a disposition to mutual affections. Produce these qualities. I accept them: I consider this man a citizen, I accept him as a neighbor, a companion in my voyages. Only see that he has not Nero's stamp. Is he passionate, is he full of resentment, is he fault-finding? If the whim seizes him, does he break the heads of those who come in his way?