65. Eloquence

Among a man's many good possessions,
none can equal having a good tongue.

Prosperity and ruin issue from the power of the tongue.
Therefore, guard yourself against thoughtless speech. 

The substance of artful speech holds friends spell-bound, 
and its eloquence enchants even enemies. 

Judge the nature of your listeners and speak accordingly.
There is nothing more virtuous or valuable than this. 

Speak out your speech after ascertaining that
no speech can be spoken to refute that speech.

To speak so that listeners long to hear more and to listen so that
others' meaning is grasped are ideals of the impeccably great. 

In a war of words, none can defeat a persuasive man
who never succumbs to fear or forgetfulness.

Upon finding men whose forceful speech is couched
in cogent and enchanting ways, the world swiftly gathers around.

Unaware of the artful use of a few flawless words,
men become enamored with excessive verbiage.

Men who cannot communicate their knowledge to others
resemble a bouquet of unfragrant flowers in full bloom.