Etiquette at a Banquet

32 If they make you master of the feast, do not exalt yourself;

be among them as one of their number.

Take care of them first and then sit down;

2 when you have fulfilled all your duties, take your place,

so that you may be merry along with them

and receive a wreath for your excellent leadership.

3 Speak, you who are older, for it is your right,

but with accurate knowledge, and do not interrupt the music.

4 Where there is entertainment, do not pour out talk;

do not display your cleverness at the wrong time.

5 A ruby seal in a setting of gold

is a concert of music at a banquet of wine.

6 A seal of emerald in a rich setting of gold

is the melody of music with good wine.

7 Speak, you who are young, if you are obliged to,

but no more than twice, and only if asked.

8 Be brief; say much in few words;

be as one who knows and can still hold his tongue.

9 Among the great do not act as their equal;

and when another is speaking, do not babble.

10 Lightning travels ahead of the thunder,

and approval goes before one who is modest.

11 Leave in good time and do not be the last;

go home quickly and do not linger.

12 Amuse yourself there to your heart’s content,

but do not sin through proud speech.

13 But above all bless your Maker,

who fills you with his good gifts.