Chapter 65: Eloquence

Verse 643
A man is giving an eloquent discourse in the public plaza. Friends and citizens have gathered to enjoy his speech, for he is known as an eloquent lecturer. Even his enemies, standing behind the curtain, want to know what he has to say.

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Weaver’s Wisdom

Verse 641

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

Verse 642

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

Verse 643

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

Verse 644

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

Verse 645

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

Verse 646

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

Verse 647

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

Verse 648

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

Verse 649

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

Verse 650

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