Someone has finally written a novel about Balty: THE JUDGE HUNTER by Christopher Buckley, up for an Historical Novel Society award in 2018. Part of their review reads, "Peppered with historical characters—Peter Stuyvesant, John Winthrop II—and cleverly using Samuel Pepys’ famous diaries, Buckley masterfully weaves a fictional story with historical fact. Two subplots, involving Samuel Pepys getting arrested for sneaking a peek at a secret document and a young Quaker woman needing rescue from zealous Puritan authorities, help to create a rich story ripe for Buckley’s humor and pointed satire on Puritan ideals, royal peccadilloes, and political intrigue."
One detail I found provocative was the use of the codpiece as a pocket.
The paragraph I thought Pepsians would like was about the content of sailors' pockets on the Mary Rose when she sank in 1545:
"The proximity of a pocket to the body not only implies a potential emotional attachment to its contents, but references to what people stored in their pockets also provide a sense of what they believed to be important or necessary to carry on their person at that time. This can be seen in the archaeological remains found on the Mary Rose. Although many objects were moved by the sea or have been lost, the separation between items which were stored away in chests and those which were found next to bodies indicates differing priorities for objects — what was wanted on the body or close at hand during the working day? Books, dice and money had been stowed away in chests, whereas rosaries and paternosters were found on bodies. Some items were located both in chests and on people's persons, such as knives, combs and pocket sundials, with one comb being found in the lining of a jerkin in what is thought to have been a pocket, showing a sense of individual choice and agency."
"Would he have a key, or did a servant have to get rousted out of bed to open the door for him?"
Keys had been invented, but they and locks were big and unwieldy. We know Pepys had one locked room in his house, the wine cellar.
The front door of a well-built home probably had a large log slotted into brackets on the inside. The houseboy or a maid would remove it when an expected guest arrived. Since Pepys intended to be late he probably sent his boy ahead to alert the household, and to wait up for him.
Pepys probably knew Col. Richard Norton MP (1615-1691), the former governor of Portsmouth, who owned the former monastic estate of Southwick, seven miles away, as a result of his first marriage.
Norton was also Lt. for Alice Holt and Woolmer forests in 1657-1659, and July 1660-1662. After handing over the crown forests to someone named Legge in 1662, Norton supplied the navy with timber from his own woodlands, and joined with two other Hampshire Members, Lord St.John (Charles Powlett I) and Sir Robert Howard, in raising a loan of £20,000 for the second Dutch war, for which he returned briefly to sea.
By Col. Richard Norton MP’s second marriage to Elizabeth, the daughter of William, 1st Visct. Saye and Sele, he had 3 sons, and 2 daughters, but no surviving sons from his first marriage, so I think we can assume Daniel was a result of the second marriage.
Oliver Cromwell called Norton ‘Idle Dick,’ as he was not an active Member of any Parliament. That’s not a nice name for the man who arranged Richard Cromwell’s marriage. So we know Norton was well connected: for instance, he was the guardian of Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper from 1631 to his death (hard to believe the Earl of Shaftsbury needed a guardian in 1683 when he died, don’t you think?).
In Ireland the Restoration proceeded independently of, and even a little before, that in England. Having secured power at the end of 1659, a group of Cromwellian army officers, Sir Theophilus Jones, Sir Charles Coote, and Roger Boyle, Lord Broghill, opened negotiations with Charles II well before Gen. Monck.
In February 1660 the officers called a convention in Dublin. It declared for Charles, who was proclaimed King on 14 May 1660.
Despite its early commitment to Charles' Restoration, Charles' chief interest in Ireland was as a source of revenue for his government and his favorites.
For more information, see http://www.oxforddnb.com/ (sorry, I can't figure out their filing system either, but this is where it came from)
In Ireland the Restoration proceeded independently of, and even a little before, that in England. Having secured power at the end of 1659, a group of Cromwellian army officers, Sir Theophilus Jones, Sir Charles Coote, and Roger Boyle, Lord Broghill, opened negotiations with Charles II well before Gen. Monck.
In February 1660 the officers called a convention in Dublin. It declared for Charles, who was proclaimed King on 14 May 1660.
Despite its early commitment to Charles' Restoration, Charles' chief interest in Ireland was as a source of revenue for his government and his favorites.
For more information, see http://www.oxforddnb.com/ (sorry, I can't figure out their filing system either, but this is where it came from)
In Ireland the Restoration proceeded independently of, and even a little before, that in England. Having secured power at the end of 1659, a group of Cromwellian army officers, Sir Theophilus Jones, Sir Charles Coote, and Roger Boyle, Lord Broghill, opened negotiations with Charles II well before Gen. Monck.
In February 1660 the officers called a convention in Dublin. It declared for Charles, who was proclaimed King on 14 May 1660.
Despite its early commitment to Charles' Restoration, Charles' chief interest in Ireland was as a source of revenue for his government and his favorites.
Sir Ralph Freeman MP, 1589-1667, held many posts, including commr. for revenues of Henrietta Maria 1627; gent. of the Bedchamber by 1628; and joint master of the Mint with Sir Thomas Aylesbury from 1635-1643.
These two men of at the Mint were not noblemen, but were involved in many things:
Sir Ralph Freeman married Catherine Brett, a Lincolnshire relative of George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, on August 1617, and became destined for higher things.
And Sir Thomas Aylesbury became the grandfather of Anne Hyde, Duchess of York.
As master of Requests, Sir Ralph Freeman joined King Charles at Oxford in the first winter of the Civil War. He remained there for the duration of the war, and on 1 Oct. 1646 petitioned to compound for his delinquency on the Oxford articles.
He paid his whole fine of £1,330 on 6 June 1650, and, although under suspicion, lived as an obedient citizen of the Commonwealth.
He was reappointed as master of the Mint in 1660 until he died in 1667.
Deborah Swift has a new novel out, called "A Plague on Mr. Pepys" -- written from the points of view of Elizabeth Pepys and William Bagwell. I haven't read it yet.
A guest post today shares her research on marriage attitudes which she needed to understand in order to write the book:
"I have often sought an answer, so far without success ..."
Which, Colin, says it all. My guess is politics and timing. He had a long career, but James abdicated when it would have been Pepys' "turn" (since it hadn't occurred before) and by then the Popish Plot and a spin in the Tower had sullied his reputation. He was too much of a hot-potato for William and Mary to employ, so he retired -- but I don't really know the possible answers to your question.
My question is whether or not knighthoods can be bestowed post humorously, in which case, what do we have to do to spearhead this just cause? If we start now, it could coincide with the 350th anniversary of his being elected as a member of Parliament in 1670?
"Marriage be a human system to provide a way to get the species to go forth and multiply."
Don't think so, CGS. Marriage is the way dynasties denote which child/children get the money, houses, titles, estates, etc. The species goes forth and multiplies quite successfully without religion, ceremonies, banns, lifetime pledges, etc.
In Scotland formal marriages amongst the lesser sort in the highlands were still sporadic; in England the power of organized religion and the parish system had the populace under control by now. In the 1690's fundraising adds taxes to the celebration.
100. Cleanse not your teeth with the tablecloth, napkin, fork or knife, but if others do it, let it be done with a pick tooth. 101. Rinse not your mouth in the presence of others. 102. It is out of use to call upon the company often to eat. Nor need you drink to others every time you drink. 103. In company of your betters be not longer in eating than they are. Lay not your arm but only your hand upon the table. 104. It belongs to the chiefest in company to unfold his napkin and fall to meat first. But he ought then to begin in time and to dispatch with dexterity that the slowest may have time allowed him. 105. Be not angry at table whatever happens, and if you have reason to be so, show it not but on a cheerful countenance especially if there be strangers, for good humor makes one dish of meat a feast. 106. Set not yourself at the upper of the table but if it be your due, or that the master of the house will have it so. Contend not, lest you should trouble the company. 107. If others talk at table be attentive, but talk not with meat in your mouth. 108. When you speak of God or His attributes, let it be seriously and with reverence. Honor and obey your natural parents although they be poor. 109. Let your recreations be manful not sinful. 110. Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.
85. In company of those of higher quality than yourself, speak not 'til you are asked a question, then stand upright, put off your hat and answer in few words. 86. In disputes, be not so desirous to overcome as not to give liberty to each one to deliver his opinion and submit to the judgment of the major part, especially if they are judges of the dispute. 87. Let your carriage be such as becomes a man grave, settled and attentive to that which is spoken. Contradict not at every turn what others say. 88. Be not tedious in discourse, make not many digressions, nor repeat often the same manner of discourse. 89. Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust. 90. Being set at meat, scratch not, neither spit, cough or blow your nose, except there's a necessity for it. 91. Make no show of taking great delight in your victuals. Feed not with greediness. Eat your bread with a knife. Lean not on the table, neither find fault with what you eat. 92. Take no salt or cut bread with your knife greasy. 93. Entertaining anyone at table it is decent to present him with meat. Undertake not to help others undesired by the master. 94. If you soak bread in the sauce, let it be no more than what you put in your mouth at a time, and blow not your broth at table but stay 'til it cools of itself. 95. Put not your meat to your mouth with your knife in your hand; neither spit forth the stones of any fruit pie upon a dish nor cast anything under the table. 96. It's unbecoming to heap much to one's meal. Keep your fingers clean and when foul, wipe them on a corner of your table napkin. 97. Put not another bite into your mouth 'til the former be swallowed. Let not your morsels be too big for the jowls. 98. Drink not nor talk with your mouth full; neither gaze about you while you are drinking. 99. Drink not too leisurely nor yet too hastily. Before and after drinking wipe your lips. Breathe not then or ever with too great a noise, for it is uncivil.
65. Speak not injurious words neither in jest nor earnest; scoff at none although they give occasion. 66. Be not forward but friendly and courteous, the first to salute, hear and answer; and be not pensive when it's a time to converse. 67. Detract not from others, neither be excessive in commanding. 68. 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. 69. If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrained, and be not obstinate in your own opinion. In things indifferent be of the major side. 70. Reprehend not the imperfections of others, for that belongs to parents, masters and superiors. 71. 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. 72. 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. 73. Think before you speak, pronounce not imperfectly, nor bring out your words too hastily, but orderly and distinctly. 74. When another speaks, be attentive yourself and disturb not the audience. If any hesitate in his words, help him not nor prompt him without desired. Interrupt him not, nor answer him till his speech be ended. 75. In the midst of discourse ask not of what one treats, but if you perceive any stop because of your coming, you may well entreat him gently to proceed. If a person of quality comes in while you're conversing, it's handsome to repeat what was said before. 76. While you are talking, point not with your finger at him of whom you discourse, nor approach too near him to whom you talk, especially to his face. 77. Treat with men at fit times about business and whisper not in the company of others. 78. Make no comparisons and if any of the company be commended for any brave act of virtue, commend not another for the same. 79. Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth thereof. In discoursing of things you have heard, name not your author. Always a secret discover not. 80. Be not tedious in discourse or in reading unless you find the company pleased therewith. 81. Be not curious to know the affairs of others, neither approach those that speak in private. 82. Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise. 83. When you deliver a matter, do it without passion and with discretion, however mean the person be you do it to. 84. When your superiors talk to anybody hearken not, neither speak nor laugh.
Comments
Second Reading
About Balthasar St Michel ('Balty', brother-in-law)
San Diego Sarah • Link
Someone has finally written a novel about Balty: THE JUDGE HUNTER by Christopher Buckley, up for an Historical Novel Society award in 2018. Part of their review reads, "Peppered with historical characters—Peter Stuyvesant, John Winthrop II—and cleverly using Samuel Pepys’ famous diaries, Buckley masterfully weaves a fictional story with historical fact. Two subplots, involving Samuel Pepys getting arrested for sneaking a peek at a secret document and a young Quaker woman needing rescue from zealous Puritan authorities, help to create a rich story ripe for Buckley’s humor and pointed satire on Puritan ideals, royal peccadilloes, and political intrigue."
What more can one ask for a beach read???
About Links to sites
San Diego Sarah • Link
Pockets ... in-seam pockets have apparently been around from at least the 15th century.
An excellent thesis on the subject:
https://www.euppublishing.com/doi…
One detail I found provocative was the use of the codpiece as a pocket.
The paragraph I thought Pepsians would like was about the content of sailors' pockets on the Mary Rose when she sank in 1545:
"The proximity of a pocket to the body not only implies a potential emotional attachment to its contents, but references to what people stored in their pockets also provide a sense of what they believed to be important or necessary to carry on their person at that time. This can be seen in the archaeological remains found on the Mary Rose. Although many objects were moved by the sea or have been lost, the separation between items which were stored away in chests and those which were found next to bodies indicates differing priorities for objects — what was wanted on the body or close at hand during the working day? Books, dice and money had been stowed away in chests, whereas rosaries and paternosters were found on bodies. Some items were located both in chests and on people's persons, such as knives, combs and pocket sundials, with one comb being found in the lining of a jerkin in what is thought to have been a pocket, showing a sense of individual choice and agency."
About Saturday 8 July 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
"Would he have a key, or did a servant have to get rousted out of bed to open the door for him?"
Keys had been invented, but they and locks were big and unwieldy. We know Pepys had one locked room in his house, the wine cellar.
The front door of a well-built home probably had a large log slotted into brackets on the inside. The houseboy or a maid would remove it when an expected guest arrived. Since Pepys intended to be late he probably sent his boy ahead to alert the household, and to wait up for him.
About Col. Richard Norton
San Diego Sarah • Link
Pepys probably knew Col. Richard Norton MP (1615-1691), the former governor of Portsmouth, who owned the former monastic estate of Southwick, seven miles away, as a result of his first marriage.
Norton was also Lt. for Alice Holt and Woolmer forests in 1657-1659, and July 1660-1662. After handing over the crown forests to someone named Legge in 1662, Norton supplied the navy with timber from his own woodlands, and joined with two other Hampshire Members, Lord St.John (Charles Powlett I) and Sir Robert Howard, in raising a loan of £20,000 for the second Dutch war, for which he returned briefly to sea.
By Col. Richard Norton MP’s second marriage to Elizabeth, the daughter of William, 1st Visct. Saye and Sele, he had 3 sons, and 2 daughters, but no surviving sons from his first marriage, so I think we can assume Daniel was a result of the second marriage.
Oliver Cromwell called Norton ‘Idle Dick,’ as he was not an active Member of any Parliament. That’s not a nice name for the man who arranged Richard Cromwell’s marriage. So we know Norton was well connected: for instance, he was the guardian of Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper from 1631 to his death (hard to believe the Earl of Shaftsbury needed a guardian in 1683 when he died, don’t you think?).
For more information, see http://www.historyofparliamentonl…
About Sir Theophilus Jones
San Diego Sarah • Link
In Ireland the Restoration proceeded independently of, and even a little before, that in England. Having secured power at the end of 1659, a group of Cromwellian army officers, Sir Theophilus Jones, Sir Charles Coote, and Roger Boyle, Lord Broghill, opened negotiations with Charles II well before Gen. Monck.
In February 1660 the officers called a convention in Dublin. It declared for Charles, who was proclaimed King on 14 May 1660.
Despite its early commitment to Charles' Restoration, Charles' chief interest in Ireland was as a source of revenue for his government and his favorites.
For more information, see http://www.oxforddnb.com/ (sorry, I can't figure out their filing system either, but this is where it came from)
About Roger Boyle (Baron Broghill, Earl of Orrery)
San Diego Sarah • Link
In Ireland the Restoration proceeded independently of, and even a little before, that in England. Having secured power at the end of 1659, a group of Cromwellian army officers, Sir Theophilus Jones, Sir Charles Coote, and Roger Boyle, Lord Broghill, opened negotiations with Charles II well before Gen. Monck.
In February 1660 the officers called a convention in Dublin. It declared for Charles, who was proclaimed King on 14 May 1660.
Despite its early commitment to Charles' Restoration, Charles' chief interest in Ireland was as a source of revenue for his government and his favorites.
For more information, see http://www.oxforddnb.com/ (sorry, I can't figure out their filing system either, but this is where it came from)
About Monday 14 May 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
In Ireland the Restoration proceeded independently of, and even a little before, that in England. Having secured power at the end of 1659, a group of Cromwellian army officers, Sir Theophilus Jones, Sir Charles Coote, and Roger Boyle, Lord Broghill, opened negotiations with Charles II well before Gen. Monck.
In February 1660 the officers called a convention in Dublin. It declared for Charles, who was proclaimed King on 14 May 1660.
Despite its early commitment to Charles' Restoration, Charles' chief interest in Ireland was as a source of revenue for his government and his favorites.
For more information, see http://www.oxforddnb.com/
Remember these gentlemen, as they will show up again in the Diary.
About Thursday 1 March 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... and out of the box where my Lord’s pamphlets lay, I chose as many as I had a mind to have for my own use and left the rest."
Has Montagu had some flyers printed, and Pepys takes some? Anyone know what these papers were about?
About Wednesday 28 June 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
Thanks ... and you are correct; spell check got the better of me.
About Sir Ralph Freeman (Master of the Mint)
San Diego Sarah • Link
Sir Ralph Freeman MP, 1589-1667, held many posts, including commr. for revenues of Henrietta Maria 1627; gent. of the Bedchamber by 1628; and joint master of the Mint with Sir Thomas Aylesbury from 1635-1643.
These two men of at the Mint were not noblemen, but were involved in many things:
Sir Ralph Freeman married Catherine Brett, a Lincolnshire relative of George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, on August 1617, and became destined for higher things.
And Sir Thomas Aylesbury became the grandfather of Anne Hyde, Duchess of York.
As master of Requests, Sir Ralph Freeman joined King Charles at Oxford in the first winter of the Civil War. He remained there for the duration of the war, and on 1 Oct. 1646 petitioned to compound for his delinquency on the Oxford articles.
He paid his whole fine of £1,330 on 6 June 1650, and, although under suspicion, lived as an obedient citizen of the Commonwealth.
He was reappointed as master of the Mint in 1660 until he died in 1667.
For more information, see http://www.historyofparliamentonl…
About Wednesday 28 June 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
For more on Pepys' political career and the pitfalls of his times, see
http://www.historyofparliamentonl…
About Thursday 6 July 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
Deborah Swift has a new novel out, called "A Plague on Mr. Pepys" -- written from the points of view of Elizabeth Pepys and William Bagwell. I haven't read it yet.
A guest post today shares her research on marriage attitudes which she needed to understand in order to write the book:
https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&…
About Wednesday 28 June 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
"I have often sought an answer, so far without success ..."
Which, Colin, says it all. My guess is politics and timing. He had a long career, but James abdicated when it would have been Pepys' "turn" (since it hadn't occurred before) and by then the Popish Plot and a spin in the Tower had sullied his reputation. He was too much of a hot-potato for William and Mary to employ, so he retired -- but I don't really know the possible answers to your question.
My question is whether or not knighthoods can be bestowed post humorously, in which case, what do we have to do to spearhead this just cause? If we start now, it could coincide with the 350th anniversary of his being elected as a member of Parliament in 1670?
About Wednesday 28 June 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
"my man William" ... back at work, good. Is this a note of pride, or patronizing?
About Globes
San Diego Sarah • Link
Globe making -- made the old fashioned way today:
http://spitalfieldslife.com/2018/…
About Thursday 6 July 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
"Marriage be a human system to provide a way to get the species to go forth and multiply."
Don't think so, CGS. Marriage is the way dynasties denote which child/children get the money, houses, titles, estates, etc. The species goes forth and multiplies quite successfully without religion, ceremonies, banns, lifetime pledges, etc.
In Scotland formal marriages amongst the lesser sort in the highlands were still sporadic; in England the power of organized religion and the parish system had the populace under control by now. In the 1690's fundraising adds taxes to the celebration.
About Thursday 6 July 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
"Henry will not marry a girl with the wrong accent or parents, whatever else he may get up to"
Well, Australian Susan, did he give you a surprise???
About Wednesday 4 July 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
100. Cleanse not your teeth with the tablecloth, napkin, fork or knife, but if others do it, let it be done with a pick tooth.
101. Rinse not your mouth in the presence of others.
102. It is out of use to call upon the company often to eat. Nor need you drink to others every time you drink.
103. In company of your betters be not longer in eating than they are. Lay not your arm but only your hand upon the table.
104. It belongs to the chiefest in company to unfold his napkin and fall to meat first. But he ought then to begin in time and to dispatch with dexterity that the slowest may have time allowed him.
105. Be not angry at table whatever happens, and if you have reason to be so, show it not but on a cheerful countenance especially if there be strangers, for good humor makes one dish of meat a feast.
106. Set not yourself at the upper of the table but if it be your due, or that the master of the house will have it so. Contend not, lest you should trouble the company.
107. If others talk at table be attentive, but talk not with meat in your mouth.
108. When you speak of God or His attributes, let it be seriously and with reverence. Honor and obey your natural parents although they be poor.
109. Let your recreations be manful not sinful.
110. Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.
About Wednesday 4 July 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
85. In company of those of higher quality than yourself, speak not 'til you are asked a question, then stand upright, put off your hat and answer in few words.
86. In disputes, be not so desirous to overcome as not to give liberty to each one to deliver his opinion and submit to the judgment of the major part, especially if they are judges of the dispute.
87. Let your carriage be such as becomes a man grave, settled and attentive to that which is spoken. Contradict not at every turn what others say.
88. Be not tedious in discourse, make not many digressions, nor repeat often the same manner of discourse.
89. Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.
90. Being set at meat, scratch not, neither spit, cough or blow your nose, except there's a necessity for it.
91. Make no show of taking great delight in your victuals. Feed not with greediness. Eat your bread with a knife. Lean not on the table, neither find fault with what you eat.
92. Take no salt or cut bread with your knife greasy.
93. Entertaining anyone at table it is decent to present him with meat. Undertake not to help others undesired by the master.
94. If you soak bread in the sauce, let it be no more than what you put in your mouth at a time, and blow not your broth at table but stay 'til it cools of itself.
95. Put not your meat to your mouth with your knife in your hand; neither spit forth the stones of any fruit pie upon a dish nor cast anything under the table.
96. It's unbecoming to heap much to one's meal. Keep your fingers clean and when foul, wipe them on a corner of your table napkin.
97. Put not another bite into your mouth 'til the former be swallowed. Let not your morsels be too big for the jowls.
98. Drink not nor talk with your mouth full; neither gaze about you while you are drinking.
99. Drink not too leisurely nor yet too hastily. Before and after drinking wipe your lips. Breathe not then or ever with too great a noise, for it is uncivil.
About Wednesday 4 July 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
65. Speak not injurious words neither in jest nor earnest; scoff at none although they give occasion.
66. Be not forward but friendly and courteous, the first to salute, hear and answer; and be not pensive when it's a time to converse.
67. Detract not from others, neither be excessive in commanding.
68. 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.
69. If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrained, and be not obstinate in your own opinion. In things indifferent be of the major side.
70. Reprehend not the imperfections of others, for that belongs to parents, masters and superiors.
71. 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.
72. 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.
73. Think before you speak, pronounce not imperfectly, nor bring out your words too hastily, but orderly and distinctly.
74. When another speaks, be attentive yourself and disturb not the audience. If any hesitate in his words, help him not nor prompt him without desired. Interrupt him not, nor answer him till his speech be ended.
75. In the midst of discourse ask not of what one treats, but if you perceive any stop because of your coming, you may well entreat him gently to proceed. If a person of quality comes in while you're conversing, it's handsome to repeat what was said before.
76. While you are talking, point not with your finger at him of whom you discourse, nor approach too near him to whom you talk, especially to his face.
77. Treat with men at fit times about business and whisper not in the company of others.
78. Make no comparisons and if any of the company be commended for any brave act of virtue, commend not another for the same.
79. Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth thereof. In discoursing of things you have heard, name not your author. Always a secret discover not.
80. Be not tedious in discourse or in reading unless you find the company pleased therewith.
81. Be not curious to know the affairs of others, neither approach those that speak in private.
82. Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise.
83. When you deliver a matter, do it without passion and with discretion, however mean the person be you do it to.
84. When your superiors talk to anybody hearken not, neither speak nor laugh.