Do not throw yourself out of a good place for a slight affront. “Come when you are called, and do what you are bid.” Place yourself in your mistress’s situation, and consider what you would expect from her, if she were in yours; and serve, reverence, and obey her accordingly.
Although there may be “more places than parish-churches,” it is not very easy to find many more good ones.
- “A rolling stone never gathers moss.”
- “Honesty is the best policy.”
- “A still tongue makes a wise head.”
Saucy answers are highly aggravating, and answer no good purpose.
Let your master or mistress scold ever so much, or be ever so unreasonable; as “a soft answer turneth away wrath,” “so will SILENCE be the best a servant can make”.
One rude answer, extorted perhaps by harsh words, or unmerited censure, has cost many a servant the loss of a good place, or the total forfeiture of a regard which had been growing for years.
“If your employers are hasty, and have scolded without reason, bear it patiently; they will soon see their error, and not be happy till they make you amends. Muttering on leaving the room, or slamming the door after you, is as bad as an impertinent reply; it is, in fact, showing that you would be impertinent if you dared.”
“A faithful servant will not only never speak disrespectfully to her employers, but will not hear disrespectful words said of them.”
Apply direct to your employers, and beg of them to explain to you, as fully as possible, how they like their victuals dressed, whether much or little done.[50-*]
Of what complexion they wish the ROASTS, of a gold colour, or well browned, and if they like them frothed?