Nestor Demeure

This is a great lazy dish.

This was my favorite dish as a child, oozing with melted butter, cheese, and finely sliced ham.

When reading an assertion, consider the following: the main message, the number of points made, the specific words used and their order, what can be inferred, and how the assertion is proven.

First, when arriving in a new region, avoid keeping records that are easily readable by the locals.

If you notice that someone has accused you, conceal your knowledge of the accusation and do not immediately change your behavior.

Avoid being the first to accuse, and refrain from bringing a lawsuit against someone you know the judge favors more than you.

To get an honest opinion about your actions, pretend that someone else is describing them, or read about your own deeds as if they were performed by another person.

When lending items, instruct the servant who is delivering them to provide a detailed receipt.

If you openly display strong emotions or personal feelings for too long, people will eventually oppose your actions.

Avoid criticizing someone when they expect praise or are expressing gratitude.

When dealing with a serious matter, let others focus on trivial aspects like applause and glory.

Never reveal how much money you have to anyone.

If you want to remove someone from their position, start by withholding the funds necessary for them to perform their key responsibilities.

Read the section titled Gaining Favor, Avoiding Offense, and Acting Cautiously.

When sympathizing with someone’s suffering, console them using common expressions of support, without touching on anything that may offend them.

People are most deceitful when it comes to giving praise or mockery, flattery or taunts.

Avoid setting strict deadlines for accomplishing tasks, as unforeseen circumstances may arise, causing you to either neglect other matters or become distressed if you are unable to meet your goal.

Be cautious not to let praise lead to comparisons or claims of being unique, even if true, as such statements are rarely believed.

When dealing with a group, never allow more than one person to address you at a time.

Do not strike with your own hand, lest you be seen as cruel.

Carry acid, such as burnt wine, and use it to drench clothes stuffed with straw.

Do not be quick to anger at anyone.

If the person objects or makes an excuse, assure them that you will respect their wishes if it becomes evident that assigning them this duty was not in their best interest.

Pretend to be frank, acting as if you speak and act based solely on your own judgment and for the public good, hating nothing more than flattery.

When ending a friendship, never abruptly break it off, as if you suddenly hate the person due to a perceived slight or offense.

When in the presence of someone whose favor your target seeks or enjoys, praise your target in a way that may turn into an offense to their benefactor.

If you stumble in speech or act thoughtlessly, pretend it was deliberate, to test the judgment of others, or that you misspoke while trying to express something else.

When betting on an outcome, place an equal bet with another person on the opposite result.

Consider four things before acting in a novel way: Consider whether it will be more beneficial or harmful to you?

Pay attention to even the smallest issues.

When hosting a feast, focus on items that can be preserved, such as candied fruits, decorative wax figurines, ornate fountains, artificial mountains, and self-playing musical instruments.

Compile examples of emotions and expressions from poetry, such as those found in the Palatium Eloquentiae1, and practice the ones you need until you have mastered them.

When presented with a request, do not refuse immediately.

First, advise that it would be necessary to bestow offices to someone who fits the description of your accomplishments and circumstances.

Do not despise small gifts and be attentive to losses.

Stage a quarrel with a friend to trick your enemy into believing that you are genuinely at odds with each other.

Avoid obscene words or actions, as these are the habits of foolish people.

Know yourself and from what background you come.

Arrange a signal with your servant beforehand.

Being cautious involves two aspects: cautious trust and a certain generosity.

As much as possible, be silent, listen to the advice of others, and carefully weigh it in your mind.

To encourage someone to act, take responsibility for any potential losses, such as goods or property, and offer specific rewards in return.

If you have been reluctant or less generous in granting someone’s request, be careful not to be overly generous to others in a similar situation for some time afterward, even if it seems minor.

First, examine a person’s motives and assess whether they are consistent with their claimed actions, typical behavior, or the actions they are suspected of committing.

Engage even people of low status in conversation.

December Romance Unfortunately, the stars indicate a lull in your love life this month.

Avoid acting as a witness in disputes.

Avoid eating too little or too much, and ensure that your food is of good quality.

December Romance Your charms have been working overtime lately, and lucky for you, it hasn’t been for nothing; someone special is taking extra notice of you.

“The more the poem is read, the less it is read except in translation” — John D.