speak in clear, distinct words that those sitting with him could remember.” (1) He would often repeat a statement three times so that it would be understood, and when he greeted others, he would do so three times.

He would remain silent for long periods and speak only when necessary. He began and ended his speech (2) with his mouth fully open. He spoke in concise words rich in meaning; his speech was clear and distinct (3), neither excessive nor deficient. He did not speak about matters that did not concern him, and spoke only of things for which he hoped to be rewarded.

When he disliked something, it showed on his face. He was neither vulgar nor deliberately indecent, nor was he loud and boisterous.

Most of his laughter—indeed, all of it—consisted of smiling. At most, his laughter would reveal his back teeth. He laughed at things that naturally provoke laughter: things that inspire wonder, whose occurrence seems surprising and unusual.

Laughter has several causes, of which this is one. The second is laughter from joy, when a person sees or experiences something that pleases him. The third is laughter from anger, which often comes over an angry person when his anger becomes intense. It arises from his astonishment at what has provoked his anger and his sense that he has power over his adversary and holds him in his grasp. His laughter may also arise from his self-control (4) in moments of