It hath been an old maxim, _that when we are with the Romans, we must do as the Romans do_. And the maxim may be a good one, so far as we can comply with it, and not break over the rules of decency and propriety; but no farther. For it is no rule, neither will it be any excuse for you, to be loose, vain, or lascivious, even if you should happen to fall in company with persons of this description. But the wiser method is, to avoid all such company; for the characters of persons are often judged by the company they keep. Therefore, if you would wish to avoid the reproaches of every one, you must not only abstain from vice yourself, but you must forsake the company of the vicious. 10. Do not reveal your secrets to any one, unless it will be as much for their interest to keep, as it will be for yours to have them kept; and never reveal the secrets of others, when it will not injure you to keep them. Never make any promise that you do not mean to perform; and fulfil all your promises when you have once made them; unless you find that you were deceived when you made them, and therefore ought not to have promised. Never speak of the failings of another to a third person, but with the greatest reluctance, especially those of your own sex. If you can say no good of persons, you had better say nothing about them. For as you would not wish to have your own failings published to the world, so you must be exceeding careful not to publish the failings of others. But should you discover a failing in your friend, you may, and ought to remind him or her of it, between you and them alone, but do it with the greatest modesty. And if your friends should tell you of a fault, take it kindly of them and endeavor to reform. Never appear to slight the company of any one, while in their presence, even if it should be disagreeable; but rather endeavor to find some just occasion of absence, and avoid their company for the future. Treat every one with civility, but use no flattery nor dissimulation to any one; but let the words of your mouth be the sentiments of your heart. 11. Do not try to outvie all others in dress, &c. but let your dress be modest, and suited to your circumstances. Remember that a real character doth not consist in the outward adornings of the body, but in the inward adornings of the mind and understanding. Although a fop, or a coxcomb, might be charmed at the sight of fine ribbons, and embroidered apparel; yet the man of understanding will look for the more refined beauties; the adornments of the mind. 12. But however you may appear in company, and abroad, your real character for lasting reputation and future happiness in the world, must be formed and established at home; even in the kitchen, and in attending to your domestic concerns.