Among superiors, speak not till you are spoken to, or are asked to
speak.
Hold not your hand, nor anything else before your mouth when you speak.
Come not very near the one you speak to.
If your superior speak to you while you sit, stand up before you give
an answer.
Speak not very loud, nor too low. Answer not one who is speaking to
you, till he is done.
Strive not with your superiors, in argument or discourse; but easily
submit your opinion to their assertions.
If your superior speak anything wherein you know he is mistaken,
correct not, nor contradict him, nor laugh at the hearing of it; but
pass over the error, without notice or interruption.
Speak not, without Sir, or some other title of respect, which is due to
him to whom you speak.
Mention not frivolous or little things among grave persons or superiors.
If your superior hesitate in his words, pretend not to help him out.
Come not very near to two that are whispering, neither ask what they
converse upon.
When your parent or master speaks to any person, speak not, nor hearken
to them.
If immodest words be used in your hearing, smile not, but settle your
countenance, as if you did not hear it.
Boast not in discourse of your own wit or doings.
If your superior be relating a story, say not, “I have heard it
before,” but attend to it as if it were altogether new to you. Seem not
to question the truth of it. If he tell it not right, suggest not, nor
endeavor to help him out, or add to his relation.
Beware how you utter anything hard to be believed.
Interrupt no one in speaking, though he be your intimate.
Coming into company when any topic is being discussed, ask not what was
the preceding conversation, but listen to the remainder.
Laugh not in, or at, your own story, wit or jest.
Speaking of any distant person, it is rude and unmannerly to point at
him.
Be not over earnest in talking, to justify your own words.
Let your words be modest, about those things which concern only
yourself.
Repeat not the words of a superior, who asks you a question, or talks
with you.
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