Be no Flatterer, neither Play with any
that delights not to be Play'd Withal.
* * * * *
Mock not nor Jest at any thing of Importance
break [n]o Jest that are Sharp Biting
and if you Deliver any thing witty and Pleasent
abtain from Laughing thereat yourself.
* * * * *
Wherein wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself;
for example is more prevalent than Precepts.
* * * * *
Use no Reproachfull Language against any one
neither Curse nor Revile.
* * * * *
Be not hasty to beleive flying Reports to the Disparag[e]ment of any.
* * * * *
In walking up and Down in a House, only with One in Compan[y]
if he be Greater than yourself, at the first give him the Right hand
and Stop not till he does and be not the first that turns,
and when you do turn let it be with your face towards him,
if he be a Man of Great Quality, walk not with him Cheek by Joul
but Somewhat behind him; but yet in Such a Manner
that he may easily Speak to you.
* * * * *
Be not immodest in urging your Freinds to Discover a Secret.
* * * * *
Utter not base and frivilous things amongst grave and Learn'd Men
nor very Difficult Questians or Subjects,
among the Ignorant or things hard to be believed,
Stuff not your Discourse with Sentences
amongst your Betters nor Equals.
* * * * *
Reprehend not the imperfections of others
for that belong[s] to Parents Masters and Superiours.
* * * * *
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.
| Our interpretation of this rule includes the following:
|