in all cases of passion admit
reason to govern.

Be not immodest in urging your friend to discover a secret.

Utter not base and frivolous things amongst grown and learned men, nor
very difficult questions or subjects amongst the ignorant, nor things
hard to be believed.

Speak not of doleful things in time of mirth nor at the table; speak not
of melancholy things, as death and wounds; and if others mention them,
change, if you can, the discourse. Tell not your dreams but to your
intimate friends.

Break not a jest when none take pleasure in mirth. Laugh not aloud, nor
at all without occasion. Deride no man's misfortunes, though there seem
to be some cause.

Speak not injurious words, neither in jest nor earnest. Scoff at none,
although they give occasion.

Be not forward, but friendly and courteous, the first to salute, hear
and answer, and be not pensive when it is time to converse.

Detract not from others, but neither be excessive in commending.

Go not thither where you know not whether you shall be welcome or not.
Give not advice without being asked; and when desired, do it briefly.

If two contend together, take not the part of either unconstrained, and
be not obstinate in your opinions; in things indifferent be of the major
side.

Reprehend not the imperfection of others, for that belongs to parents,
masters and superiors.

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.

Speak not in an unknown tongue in company, but in your own language; and
that as those of quality do, and not as the vulgar. Sublime matters
treat seriously.

Think before you speak; pronounce not imperfectly, nor bring out your
words too heartily, but orderly and distinctly.

When another speaks, be attentive yourself, and disturb not the
audience. If any hesitate in his words, help him not, nor prompt him
without being desired; interrupt him not, nor answer him till his speech
be ended.

Treat with men at fit times about business, and whisper not in the
company of others.

Make no comparisons; and if any of the company be commended for any
brave act of virtue, commend not another for the same.

Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth thereof. In
discoursing of things that you have heard, name not your author always.
A secret discover not.

Be not curious to know the affairs of others, neither approach to those