que l’on ne vous l’ait demande, si
toutesfois vous n’estes le premier en authorite,
& que ce ne soit point a contre-temps, ou sans
apparence de quelque auantage. Quand vous
en estes prie, abregez vostre discours, & prenez
de bonne heure le noeud de l’affaire a demesler.
Do not force yourself into interviews or consultations at which you are not sure of being welcome. Never give your advice on matters when it has not been asked, unless you happen to be the highest in authority; and do not let it be done out of place or without prospect of any benefit. When your opinion is requested, be brief, and reach quickly the knot of the matter under discussion.
69th If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrained, and be not obstinate in your Opinion, in Things indiferent be of the Major side.
Chapter vii. 8. Si deux personnes out quelque chose a decider ensemble, ne prenez le party ny de l’vn, ny de l’autre, si quelque grade raison ne vous y oblige. Ne soustenez pas vos sentiments auec vne trop grande obstination. Dans les matieres ou les opinios sont libres, prenez tousiours le party qui est le plus appuye.
[Sidenote: Walker says: ’Thrust not your self to be Moderator or Umpire in Controversies, till required’]
If two persons have anything to decide between themselves do not take the part of either unless some pressing reason obliges you to do so. Do not maintain your ideas too obstinately. In matters in which opinions are free, always take the side which has the most support.
70th Reprehend not the imperfections of others for that belongs to Parents Masters and Superiors.
Chapter vii. 9. Ne faites pas le censeur & le juge des fautes d’autruy, car cela n’appartient qu’aux maistres, aux peres, & a ceux qui out quelque superiorite. Il vous est toutesfois permis de faire paroistre l’auersion que vous en coceuez. Et vous pouuez bien quelquesfois doner aduis avantageux au defaillants.
Do not be the censor and judge of other peoples’ faults, for that only belongs to masters, fathers, and those who have some superiority. But it is nevertheless allowable for you to show an aversion you have conceived. And at times you may give advantageous advice to those who are in the wrong.
71st. Gaze not at 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
Chapter vii. 10. Ne vous amusez pas a considerer curieusement les defauts ou les taches, quoy que naturelles, particulierement si elles se rencontrent au visage, & ne vous enquerez pas d’ou elles out precede. Ce que vous diriez bien volontiers en l’oreille a vn amy, doit estre conserue sous la clef du sil[e]ce, lors que vous vous trouuez en cempagnie
Take no pleasure in examining curiously