641.

A tongue that rightly speaks the right is greatest gain,

It stands alone midst goodly things that men obtain.

642.

Since gain and loss in life on speech depend,

From careless slip in speech thyself defend.

643.

'Tis speech that spell-bound holds the listening ear,

While those who have not heard desire to hear.

644.

Speak words adapted well to various hearers' state;

No higher virtue lives, no gain more surely great.

646 Charming each hearer's ear, of others' words to seize the sense, Is method wise of men of spotless excellence.

647 Mighty in word, of unforgetful mind, of fearless speech, 'Tis hard for hostile power such man to overreach.

648 Swiftly the listening world will gather round, When men of mighty speech the weighty theme propound.

649 Who have not skill ten faultless words to utter plain, Their tongues will itch with thousand words men's ears to pain.

650 Like scentless flower in blooming garland bound Are men who can't their lore acquired to others' ears expound.