busy"If a deaf man is present, do not multiply words; it is better thou keep silent"
That is, instead of expecting deaf people to accommodate a hearing culture -- as is often expected today -- the hearing were asked to respect the deaf. It makes me wonder if they had a sign language going back then. Like, shut up with your mouth when someone is trying to talk with his hands.
EDIT: Dreamwidth user Gehayi found me a source for historic sign languages. I love my audience so much.
