Imitation 1 1012 verses
1Avoid as far as thou canst the tumult of men; for talk concerning worldly things, though it be innocently undertaken, is a hindrance, so quickly are we led captive and defiled by vanity.
2Many a time I wish that I had held my peace, and had not gone amongst men.
3But why do we talk and gossip so continually, seeing that we so rarely resume our silence without some hurt done to our conscience?
4We like talking so much because we hope by our conversations to gain some mutual comfort, and because we seek to refresh our wearied spirits by variety of thoughts.
5And we very willingly talk and think of those things which we love or desire, or else of those which we most dislike.
6But alas!
7it is often to no purpose and in vain.
8For this outward consolation is no small hindrance to the inner comfort which cometh from God.
9Therefore must we watch and pray that time pass not idly away.
10If it be right and desirable for thee to speak, speak things which are to edification.
11Evil custom and neglect of our real profit tend much to make us heedless of watching over our lips.
12Nevertheless, devout conversation on spiritual things helpeth not a little to spiritual progress, most of all where those of kindred mind and spirit find their ground of fellowship in God.
