• 31st If any one far Surpasses others, either in age, Estate, or Merit yet would give Place to a meaner than himself in his own lodging or elsewhere the one ought not to [sic] except it,

Finishing Touches tm

• so he on the other part should not use much earnestness nor offer it above once or twice.

31. In his own home, a distinguished host should offer a place of honor to the guest who should

refuse;

but, the host is not required to make the offer with much earnestness more than once or twice unless the host really wants the guest to be in the place of

honor.

• 32nd To one that is your equal, or not much inferior you are to give the chief Place in your Lodging and he to who ‘tis offered ought at the first to refuse it but at the Second to accept though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness.

32. A host who is neither more or less distinguished than the guest should offer a place of

honor to the guest who should refuse;

and, if the host offers a second time, the guest is

not obligated to accept;

however, if the guest wishes to accept, he should not accept without acknowledging his

unworthiness.

• 33rd They that are in dignity or in office have in all places Precedency but whilst they are Young they ought to respect those that are their equals in Birth or other Qualitys, though they have no Publick charge.

33. Those in office and those of accomplishment

deserve precedence for the place of honor;

but while they are young, and have not yet reached the legal age,

they should give respect to their peers,

and they should give respect to those who are equal in accomplishments and in responsibilities

unless a specific individual is being honored.

• 34th It is good Manners to prefer them to whom we Speak before ourselves especially if they be above us with whom in no Sort we ought to begin.

34. It is good manners to allow a more distinguished person to speak first.

• 35th Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive.

35. In conducting business matters, keep the conversation short and on the topic of business.

• 36th Artificers (tricksters) & Persons of low Degree ought not to use many ceremonies to Lords, or Others of high Degree but Respect and highly Honour them, and those of high Degree ought to treat them with affability & Courtesies, without Arrogancy.

36. Each person should be treated respectfully;

however, those who are less distinguished should

not mock those who are more distinguished;

and those who are more distinguished should be affable and courteous without being arrogant, aggressively haughty, or disdainfully proud.

• 37th In Speaking to men of Quality do not lean nor Look them full in the Face, nor approach too near them at least Keep a full Pace from them.

37. When those who are less distinguished are speaking to those who are more distinguished,

those of less distinction should not lean toward the

more distinguished person,

nor look them full in the face so as to appear to be glaring at them, nor approach them too closely.

• 38th In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physician if you be not knowing therein.

38. When visiting a sick person, do not give advice unless you are medically knowledgeable

about the subject.

• 39th In writing or Speaking, give to every Person his due Title According to his Degree & the Custom of the Place.

39. When writing and when speaking, recognize each person’s title according to his degree of

accomplishment and according to the custom of the place.

• 40th Strive not with your Superiors in argument, but always Submit your Judgment to others with Modesty.

40. When having a disagreeable discussion with

your superiors, do not argue;

but always express your opinion with modesty while repetitiously rephrasing issues,

as much as, in your judgment, is necessary in

order to get your point across.