Maxim 12

Speak between two enemies in a way that, if they become friends, you won't be left ashamed. The quarrel between two people is like a fire, and the wretched gossip is the one who hauls the firewood. The two of them make peace and grow fond of each other again, while he is left in the middle, luckless and disgraced. Lighting a fire between two people is foolish, especially when you end up burning in the middle of it yourself. Keep your voice down when you talk with friends, so a bloodthirsty enemy can't overhear. Be careful what you say in front of a wall, in case there are ears behind it.