The pure in thought and eloquence
Adapt their words to audience.
Who know the art of speech shall suit
Their chosen words to time in fact.
They speak in vain at length who talk
Words unversed which ears don't take
Before the bright be brilliant light
Before the muff be mortar white.
Modest restraint all good excels
Which argues not before elders.
Tongue-slip before the talented wise
Is like slipping from righteous ways.
The learning of the learned shines
Valued by flawless scholar-minds.
To address understanding ones
Is to water beds of growing grains.
O ye who speak before the keen
Forgetful, address not the mean.
To hostiles who wise words utters
Pours ambrosia into gutters.
JUDGING THE AUDIENCE
