Chapter vii. 23.  Si vous racontez, ou lisez, ou entreprenez d’en prouuer par raisonnements quoy que ce soit, tranchez-le-court, & particulierement quand le suiet en est peu important, ou quand vous reconnoissez les degousts qu’en ont les Auditeurs.

     If you are relating or reading anything, or arguing any point, be
     brief,—­particularly when the subject is of small importance, or if
     you detect weariness in the listeners.

81st.  Be not Curious to Know the Affairs of Others neither approach to those that Speak in Private

     Chapter vii. 24.  Ne temoignez pas de curiosite dans les affaires
     d’autruy, & ne vous approchez de la ou l’on parle en secret.

     Do not show any curiosity about other people’s affairs, and do not
     go near the place where persons are talking in private.

82d.  Undertake not what you cannot Perform but be Carefull to keep your Promise

     Chapter vii. 25.  Ne vous chargez point d’vne chose dont vous ne
     vous pouuez acquiter; maintenez ce que vous auez promis.

     Do not undertake anything that you cannot perform; keep your
     promise.

83d.  When you deliver a matter do it without Passion & with Discretion, however mean y’e Person be you do it too

Chapter vii. 27.  Quand vous faites vne ambassade, vn rapport, ou donnez l’ouuerture de quelque affaire, taschez de le faire sans passion & auec discretion, soit que vous ayez a traitter auec personnes de peu, ou personnes de qualite.

When you fulfil a mission, deliver a report, or undertake the opening of any matter, try to do it dispassionately and discreetly, whether those with whom you have to treat be of humble or high position.

84th.  When your Superiours talk to any Body hearken not neither Speak nor Laugh

     Chapter vii. 27.  Quand ceux qui out sur vous commandement, parlent
     a quelqu’vn, gardez vous bien de parler, de rire, ou de les
     escouter.

     When your Superiors talk to any one, do not speak, laugh, or
     listen.

85th.  In Company of these of Higher Quality than yourself Speak not till you are ask’d a Question then Stand upright put of your Hat & Answer in few words

Chapter vii. 30.  Estant auec de plus grands que vous, principalement s’ils ont du pouuoir sur vous, ne parlez pas deuant que d’estre interroge, & alors leuez-vous debout, decouurez-vous, & repondez en pen de mots, si toutesfois l’on ne vous donne conge de vous asseoir, ou de vous tenir couuert.

Being with persons of higher position than yourself, and especially if they have authority over you, do not speak until you are interrogated; then rise, remove your hat, and answer in few words,—­unless indeed you are invited to remain seated, or to keep your hat on.

86th.  In Disputes, be not so Desirous to Overcome as not to give Liberty to each one to deliver his Opinion and Submit to y’e Judgment of y’e Major Part especially if they are Judges of the Dispute.