Not to speak evil of the dead.

There's a convention that one doesn't speak ill of the dead. That's stupid, I think. The truth's always the truth. On the whole it's better to keep your mouth shut about living people. You might conceivably injure them. The dead are past that. But the harm they've done lives after them sometimes.

Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

If you must speak ill of another, do not speak it . . .

Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.

89th: Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.

We should keep silent about those in power; to speak well of them almost implies flattery; to speak ill of them while they are alive is dangerous, and when they are dead is cowardly.

A talking plenty cannot let dead man hear you.

The dead should not rule the living.

None but the dead have free speech.

Be cautious," said the other. "Do not offend the gods.

Whoever shall find the interpretation of these words shall not taste of death. (1)

It is our duty never to speak ill of others, you know; least of all when we know that to do so will be the cause of much pain and trouble.

They say you shouldn't say nothin' about the dead unless it's good. He's dead. Good!