did not concern him. He likewise refrained from three things regarding other people: he would neither revile anyone, nor fault him, nor seek to uncover his private matters. He spoke only about that from which he hoped to attain a reward.

Whenever he spoke, his companions would lower their heads as though birds were perched upon them; and when he became silent, they would speak. They never disputed over the conversation in his presence. Whoever spoke before him was listened to attentively until he had finished; in his assemblies their speech proceeded in order, beginning with the first speaker.

He laughed at what they laughed at and marveled at what amazed them. He showed patience toward a stranger’s roughness in speech and questioning, to the point that his Companions would actually bring such outsiders to him, and he would say: ⦗25⦘