NOTE: 29

what thing he ought to speak, or what deed he ought to do. He also weigheth in his mind of what rank of man he himself is, and what [rank] the one before [him]—whether ecclesiastic or secular, a person of authority or a commoner, wise or ignorant. After that, he considereth where and in what place he is—whether in a house of joy or of mourning, among friends or among strangers, in a populous place or in private. He considereth also the time [and occasion], in what condition the person met with is—whether of prosperity or of adversity, of sickness or of health, amidst occupations or at leisure. Thinking well upon all other circumstances such as these, he regulateth his every word and deed. For it happeneth ofttimes that such an awkward word or rude gesture is accounted a pardonable shortcoming if one should commit it with a common person; but the very same word and gesture, if [committed before] a Patriarch, or a prelate, or an honorable person of authority...