Chapter 72: The Knowledge of the Council Chamber

711.
Men pure in heart, who know of words the varied force,
Should to their audience known adapt their well-arranged discourse.

712.
Good men to whom the arts of eloquence are known,
Should seek occasion meet, and say what well they 've made their own.

713.
Unversed in councils, who essays to speak,
Knows not the way of suasive words, — and all is weak.

714.
Before the bright ones shine as doth the light!
Before the dull ones be as purest stucco white!

715.
Midst all good things the best is modest grace,
That speaks not first before the elders' face.

716.
As in the way one tottering falls, is slip before
The men whose minds are filled with varied lore.

717.
The learning of the learned sage shines bright
To those whose faultless skill can value it aright.

718.
To speak where understanding hearers you obtain,
Is sprinkling water on the fields of growing grain!

719.
In councils of the good, who speak good things with penetrating power,
In councils of the mean, let them say nought, e'en in oblivious hour.

720.
Ambrosia in the sewer spilt, is word
Spoken in presence of the alien herd.