VII
If thou art among the persons seated at meat in the house of a greater man than thyself, take that which he gives thee, bowing to the ground.[1] Regard that which is placed before thee, but point not at it; regard it not frequently; he is a blameworthy person who departs from this rule. Speak not to the great man more than he requires, for one knows not what may be displeasing to him.[2] Speak when he invites thee and thy worth will be pleasing.[3]
As for the great man who has plenty of means of existence, his conduct is as he himself wishes. He does that which pleases him; if he desires to repose, he realizes his intention. The great man stretching forth his hand does that to which other men do not attain. But as the means of existence are under the will of God, one can not rebel against it.
VIII
If thou art one of those who bring the messages of one great man to another, conform thyself exactly to that wherewith he has charged thee; perform for him the commission as he hath enjoined thee. Beware of altering in speaking the offensive words which one great person addresses to another; he who perverts the trustfulness of his way, in order to repeat only what produces pleasure in the words of every man, great or small, is a detestable person.
IX
If thou art an agriculturist, gather the crops in the field which the great God has given you, fill not thy mouth in the house of thy neighbors;[4] it is better to make oneself dreaded by the possessor.[5] As for him who, master of his own way
- ↑ Literally, "put thyself on thy nose."
- ↑ "That which is bad to the heart."
- ↑ "Is thy word for being good to the heart."
- ↑ That is, do not steal to live.
- ↑ See vi, where those are condemned who "fleece" men by terrifying them. It seems that theft is here considered more blameworthy even than these extortions.
