yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem
your reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad
company.

"20. Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for it is
a sign of a kindly and commendable nature; and, in all causes
of passion, admit reason to govern.

"21. Be not immodest in urging a friend to make known a secret.

"22. Utter not base and frivolous things amongst grave and
learned men, nor very difficult questions or subjects among the
ignorant, nor things hard to believe.

"23. Speak not of doleful things in time of mirth, nor at the
table; speak not of melancholy things, as death and wounds;
and, if others mention them, change, if you can, the discourse.
Tell not your dreams but to your intimate friend.

"24. Break not a jest, when none take pleasure in mirth; laugh
not loud, nor at all, without occasion; deride no man's
misfortune, though there seem to be some cause.

"25. Speak not injurious words, neither in jest nor earnest;
scoff at none, although they give occasion.

"26. Seek not to lessen the merits of others; neither give more
than due praise.

"27. Go not thither where you know not whether you shall be
welcome. Give not advice without being asked; and, when
desired, do it briefly.

"28. Reprove not the imperfections of others; for that belongs
to parents, masters, and superiors.

"29. Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of others, and ask not
how they came. What you may speak in secret to your friend,
deliver not before others.

"30. Think before you speak; pronounce not imperfectly, nor
bring out your words too hastily, but orderly and distinctly.

"31. When another speaks, be attentive yourself, and disturb
not the audience. If any hesitate in his words, help him not
nor prompt him without being desired; interrupt him not nor
answer him until his speech be ended.

"32. Treat with men at right times about business, and whimper
not in the company of others.

"33. Be not in haste to relate news, if you know not the truth
thereof.

"34. Be not curious to know the affairs of others; neither
approach those that speak in private.

"35. Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to
keep your promise.

"36. When your masters or superiors talk