NOTE: 36

But if his going is a repayment for that person’s visit and coming to see [him], he must, with humble words, show himself indebted for the visit of him who first humbled himself and came to see him. 3. If those seated were conversing, it is not fitting to be curious and ask: “What were you speaking of?” or to meddle in their speech himself; rather, [he should] only listen in silence until he is well acquainted with the reality of the matter, so that when they ask him as well, only then may he speak what he knows. 4. If it becomes necessary to go before a dignitary, after stating the reason for his coming, he must remain silent and not open a new topic of conversation; and when the dignitary begins to speak or ask something, only then [should he] give the answer with few words and with modesty. 5. Furthermore, [his] stay must also be moderate; for it is not proper to stay long and cause weariness, but rather after a short time, or as is customary, [after] coffee...