The same person who told you bad things about your friend won't repeat his story if he has to prove it. "Don't call me as a witness," he says. "If you do, I'll deny everything I told you. And unless you promise not to drag me into this, I'll never tell you anything again." He pushes you to get angry, then runs away from any real confrontation. Someone who will only whisper accusations is barely telling you anything at all. What could be more unfair than believing secret rumors while showing your anger in public?
This very man who has informed against your friend, will say no more if he be obliged to prove what he says. "You need not," says he, "bring me forward as a witness; if I am brought forward I shall deny what I have said; unless you excuse me from appearing I shall never tell you anything." At the same time he spurs you on and withdraws himself from the strife and battle. The man who will tell you nothing save in secret hardly tells you anything at all. What can be more unjust than to believe in secret, and to be angry openly?