'Dialogue of the Dogs'

Cervantes is best known for Don Quixote, but also penned The Exemplary Novels. One better-known is The Dialogue of the Dogs, with a protracted conversation between dogs Scipio and Berganza.

Here Berganza discusses finding a master: 

"You are aware that humility is the base and foundation of all virtues, and that without it there are none. It smooths inconveniences, overcomes difficulties, and is a means which always conducts us to glorious ends; it makes friends of enemies, tempers the wrath of the choleric, and abates the arrogance of the proud: it is the mother of modesty, and sister of temperance. I availed myself of this virtue whenever I wanted to get a place in any house, after having first considered and carefully ascertained that it was one which could maintain a great dog."

Having humility as a player serves many 'masters'. It credits the skill and work of both teammates and opponents. It helps one after both victory and defeat. During sessions with both print and electronic media, it deflects credit to others - family, coaches, teammates. As Berganza says, "it tempers the wrath of the choleric." Envy is everywhere in sport. The humble player who shines light upon others appears even brighter in reflected light. 

Although Exemplary Novels was written over 400 years ago, its truths endure. 

Benjamin Franklin espoused thirteen virtues. Although he included humility, he said that he would never master it - because if he did he would surely be proud of it. 

Lagniappe. Training the outside wipe.