Chương 414: 12.ii

Those who do metalwork, when they begin to pound out gold to make it into leaf, wait for the best and most suitable day, weather, and temperature. Then the gold that they work for decoration, brilliant and sparkling even among the finest metals, may shine still more brightly. In the same way, the thought of those in council should in all matters follow the well-reasoned pattern known to the wise. For the speech of one who has good understanding is whiter than snow, sweeter than honey, purer than gold or silver.

Why? Because, as the temples say, from the mouth of a wise man comes honey. The eloquence of a great man is therefore a favor greater than silver and gold because his lips draw from the honeycomb and his words are pure words tried by the fire, purged. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. There are no riches where stupidity reigns, and nothing is wanting, nothing an obstacle, in matters where gentle speech prevails.

Whoever tries to be numbered among the wise can be welcome to both gods and men and pleasing in every way to his earthly lord. For he will be known as true as gold, seen as whiter than snow. - On Social Order and Secular Success from Lady Dhouda's Liber Manualis