You should be better-mannered than to disturb a man in the midst of a game of chess.
 Jack London, The Star Rover (1915). copy citation

add
Author Jack London
Source The Star Rover
Topic game chess
Date 1915
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1162/1162-h/1162-h.htm

Context

“Hamel, whom Chong Mong-ju divined as my brains, was executed by the paddle—in short, was promptly and expeditiously beaten to death to the delighted shouts of the Keijo populace. Yunsan was given a brave death. He was playing a game of chess with the jailer, when the Emperor’s, or, rather, Chong Mong-ju’s, messenger arrived with the poison-cup. “Wait a moment,” said Yunsan. “You should be better-mannered than to disturb a man in the midst of a game of chess. I shall drink directly the game is over.” And while the messenger waited Yunsan finished the game, winning it, then drained the cup. It takes an Asiatic to temper his spleen to steady, persistent, life-long revenge.” source