"Seek not to lessen the merits of others; neither give more than due praise. "Go not thither where you know not whether you shall be welcome. "Give not advice without being asked; and when desired, do it briefly. "Reprove not the imperfections of others, for that belongs to parents, masters and superiors. "Gaze not on the marks and blemishes of others, and ask not how they came. What you may speak in secret to your friend, deliver not before others. "Think before you speak; pronounce not imperfectly, nor bring out your words too hastily, but orderly and distinctly. "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. "Treat with men at right times about business, and whisper not, in the company of others. "Be not in haste to relate news if you know not the truth thereof. "Be not curious to know the affairs of others, neither approach those that speak in private. "Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise. "Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust. "Make no show of taking delight in your victuals. Feed not with greediness. Cut your food with a knife, and lean not on the table; neither find fault with what you eat. "Be not a flatterer; neither play with any one that delights not to be played with. "Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy. "It is good manners to prefer them to whom we speak before ourselves, especially if they are above us; with whom in no sort ought we to begin. "Strive not with your superiors in an argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty. "Undertake not to teach your equal in the art him self professes, for it is immodest and presumptuous. "Before you advise or find fault with any one, consider whether it ought to be in public or in private; presently, or at some other time; in what terms to do it; and, in reproving, show no sign of anger, but do it with sweetness and mildness. "Use no reproachful language against any one, neither curse nor revile. "Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the injury of any. "Play not the peacock, looking everywhere about you to see if you be well-decked; if your shoes fit well; if your pantaloons sit neatly, and clothes handsomely. "Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for it is a sign of a kindly and commendable nature; and in all cases of passion, admit reason to govern. "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."