NOTE: 38

...to quiet [one's] heart. 2. In the presence of the sick, one must beware of speaking in a loud voice, of laughing, [and] of recounting things concerning death or bringing fear; but rather one must speak sensible words, giving heart to the sick. And it is not fitting, like a physician, to prescribe medicine and diet to the sick, and to disparage the physician’s prescriptions. But above all, one must beware of lingering long and wearying the sick with vain and useless talk. 3. If a foul and loathsome odor be found in the room of the sick, it is not proper instantly to close one’s nose and go out, saying, "I could not abide the foul odor"; but rather [one ought] with gentleness to make an excuse, so that it may not cause vexation to the sick.

CHAPTER XI: Rules for one who cometh on a visit.

a. When one comes to a friend’s house for a visit, [he] ought not [stay] too [long]...