the perpetual talk about food and drink. Above all avoid speaking of
persons, either in way of praise or blame, or comparison.

If you can, win over the conversation of your company to what it should
be by your own. But if you find yourself cut off without escape among
strangers and aliens, be silent.




CLXV

Laughter should not be much, nor frequent, nor unrestrained.




CLXVI

Refuse altogether to take an oath if you can, if not, as far as may be.




CLXVII

Banquets of the unlearned and of them that are without, avoid. But
if you have occasion to take part in them, let not your attention be
relaxed for a moment, lest you slip after all into evil ways. For you
may rest assured that be a man ever so pure himself, he cannot escape