I have often admonished my pupils to count ten before speaking. Were I you, Mr. Philander, I should count at least a thousand, and then maintain a discreet silence.
 Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzan of the Apes (1912). copy citation

edit
Author Edgar Rice Burroughs
Source Tarzan of the Apes
Topic silence students speaking
Date 1912
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/78/78-h/78-h.htm

Context

“"It is Mr. Canler. I had hoped, er—I had thought or—er—how very happy we should be that he was not caught in the fire," he ended lamely.
"Tut, tut! Mr. Philander," said Professor Porter. "Tut, tut! I have often admonished my pupils to count ten before speaking. Were I you, Mr. Philander, I should count at least a thousand, and then maintain a discreet silence."
"Bless me, yes!" acquiesced Mr. Philander. "But who is the clerical appearing gentleman with him?"
Jane blanched.
Clayton moved uneasily in his chair.
Professor Porter removed his spectacles nervously, and breathed upon them, but replaced them on his nose without wiping.” source

Meaning and analysis

write a note
report