When you are not listened to, sit still,

Letting your boss take his own course--

Do not strive with him; otherwise,

When you strive with your superior,

You thus bring on yourself the mutilation

Of your good person in this or that way.

On the other part, if you're not so striven,

You hardly acquire your fame

Of the truth pursuer and man of loyalty.

For you, is it really good or is it not?

Furthermore, if perchance your boss

Takes pleasure in men of worth

And hates those of an opposite character,

What is the use of your seeking

To make yourself out to be different

From such men about him?

Therefore, before you have begun

To announce your point of view,

Your boss will take advantage of you

And immediately contend with you

For his superiority. At this, your eyes

Will be dazed and full of perplexity;

You will try to look pleased with him;

You will frame your words with care;

Your manner will be conformed to his;

You will confirm him in all his views. . .

In this way you will be adding fire to fire

And water to water, increasing,

As it may be expressed, the evils

Which you deplore. To these signs

Of deferring to him at the first

There will be no end. You'll be in danger,

Seeing he does not believe you,

Of making your words more strong,

And you are sure to die at the hands

Of your superior, who is such a tyrant--

You should know that beforehand.