I remember watching one of those PBS shows back in the 80's (or maybe late 70's) discussing the writings of a certain French author, whose name I do not remember.i believe he was from the 19th Century. His dissertation was somewhat like that of Ovid in which he described in detail his strategy for stealing his friend's lover. It was something like this, he would talk to his friend about his lover praising her, knowing that he would unwittingly send those compliments to her, so he would indirectly flatter her. He would also relate how lonely he was, knowing full well that this would get back to her as well. Consequently, her heart went out to him, and she ended up seeking him out. In short he manipulated his friend to get what he wanted. That's as I remember it. Those of you more well versed in French Lit may know who this is.
His dissertation was somewhat like that of Ovid in which he described in detail his strategy for stealing his friend's lover. It was something like this, he would talk to his friend about his lover praising her, knowing that he would unwittingly send those compliments to her, so he would indirectly flatter her. He would also relate how lonely he was, knowing full well that this would get back to her as well. Consequently, her heart went out to him, and she ended up seeking him out. In short he manipulated his friend to get what he wanted.
That's as I remember it. Those of you more well versed in French Lit may know who this is.