CHAPTER I. Generall and mixt Precepts as touching Civility among Men.

1. EUery Action done in the view of the world, ought to bee accompanied with some signe of reverence, which one beareth to all who are pre­sent.

2 It is ill beseeming to put one in mind of any uncleane, or ill-savored thing.

3 Take heed as much as thou canst in the presence of others, to put thy hand to any part of thy body, which is not ordinarily discovered; as are, the hands and face: and to accustome thy selfe thereunto, it is well done to ab­staine from so doing, yea, being alone.

4 Doe not thou shew any thing to thy companion, which may affright him.

5 Sing not within thy mouth, hum­ming to thy selfe, unlesse thou be a­lone, in such sort as thou canst not be heard by others. Strike not up a Drum with thy fingers, or thy feet.

6 Rub not thy teeth, nor crash them, nor make any thing crack, in such man­ner, that thou disquiet any body.

7 It is an uncivill thing to stretch out thine armes at length, and writhe them hither and thither.

8 In coughing, or sneezing, make not great noise, if it bee possible, & send not forth any sigh, in such wise that others observe thee, without great occasion.

9 In yawning, howle not, and thou shouldst abstaine as much as thou canst [Page 3]to yawne, especially when thou speak­est, for that sheweth one to be weary, and that one little accounted of the company: but if thou be'st constrained to yawne, by all meanes for that time being, speak not, nor gape wide mouth'd but shut thy mouth with thy hand, or with thy handkerchiefe, if it bee need­full, readily turning thy face to another side.

10 When thou blowest thy nose, make not thy nose sound like a trum­pet, and after, looke not within thine handkercher. Take heed thou blow not thy nose as children doe with their fin­gers, or with their sleeves: but serve thy selfe of thy handkercher.

11 To sleepe when others speake, to sit when others stand, to walke on when others stay, to speake when one should hold his peace or heare others; are all things of ill manners: but it is permit­ted to a superiour to walke in certaine places, as, to a Master in his Schoole.

12 It is a thing unseemly to leave ones bed out of order, and one ought [Page 4]not to put off ones cloathes in the pre­sence of others, nor goe out of ones Chamber half unready, or with a night­cap. Let not thy Chamber, nor thy Table where thou studiest, be unhandsome, e­specially in the sight of another, and if so be that thou hast one to make thy bed, leave it not uncovered when thou goest out thence.

13 During the time thou should'st study, if thou be'st in the company of o­thers, it is not fit to make a noise, or read so loud that thou be'st understood by o­thers who study: Likewise it is mis-be­seeming to study, or read other bookes unseasonably, while the Master expli­cateth a lesson, as also to hinder thy fel­lows attentions.

14 Hearing thy Master, or likewise the Preacher; wriggle not thy selfe, as seeming unable to containe thy selfe within thy skinne, making shew to be the knowing, and sufficient, to be mis­price of others.

15 At play, and at fire; good man­ners will, that one give place to them who are newly come.

16 Take heed, that in playing thou do not over-heat thy selfe; Contest not, nor speake lowder than thou maist with moderation. Drink not when thou art hot, be it that it cometh by play, or by walking a pace, or other labour: for it is a thing very prejudiciall to health, to drinke at such a time.

17. It is not decent to spet upon the fire; much lesse to lay hands upon the embers, or put them into the flame to warme ones selfe, nor is it beseeming to stoope so low as even to crouching, and as if it were one sat on the ground. If there be any meat on the fire, thou ought'st not to set thy foot thereon, to heat it. In the presence of a well bred company, it is uncomely to turne ones back to the fire, or to approach nigher than others: for the one, and other sa­voureth of preheminence. It is not per­mitted but to the cheife in quality, or to him who hath charge of the fire, to stirre up the fire with the fire-forke, or to kindle it, take it a way, or put fuell on it.

18 When thou settest, put not unde­cently one legge upon the other, but keepe them firme and settled, and joyne thy feet even, crosse not them one up­on the other.

19 Gnaw not thy nailes in the pre­sence of others, nor bite them with thy teeth.

20 Spet not on thy fingers, and draw them not as if it were to make them longer: also sniffle not in the sight of o­thers.

21 Neither shake thy head, feet, or legges, Rowle not thine eyes. Lift not one of thine eye-browes higher than thine other. Wry not thy mouth, Take heed that with thy spettle thou bedew not his face with whom thou speakest, and to that end, approach not too nigh him

22 Kill not a flea, or other uncleane virmine in the presence of others. And if thou seest any filth on the ground, as some thick spettle, or the like, put thy foot thereon dexterously, if thou canst: if that were upon the cloathes of thy [Page 7]companion; shew it not to others: but if thou canst, put it off neatly, yet without his taking notice thereof, if it may so be: and if another doe for thee, the like of­fice, shew thy selfe unto him with tender of thanks.

23 Spet not far off thee, nor behinde thee, but a-side, a little distant, and not right before thy companion: but if it be some grosse flegme, one ought if it may bee, tread upon it. Be-spet not the win­dowes in the streets, nor spet on the fire, nor on a Bason, nor on any other place where the spettle cannot bee taken a­way, by putting thy foot thereon.

24 Turne not thy backe to others, e­specially in speaking. Jogge not the Ta­ble, or Deske, on which another doth read, or write; Leane not upon any one; pull him not by his cloak to speake to him; push him not with thine elbow.

25 Set not in order, at every hand­while, thy beard or thy stockings. Keepe not thy nailes foule, or too long, and keepe thy hands, and thy teeth cleane, yet without overmuch attendance ther­on, or curiositie.

26 Puffe not up thy cheekes: Lall not out thy tongue; Rub not thy beard, nor thy hands. Thrust not out thy lips, or bite them, and keepe them neither too open nor too shut.

27 Take heed thou be'st not a flat­terer: for such an one sheweth to have little opinion of the judgment of him whom hee flattereth, holding him for a simple fellow. Play not with him who taketh no pleasure therein.

28 It be commeth not to read Let­ters, Books, or other Writings, whilst one is in company, unlesse there bee some necessity, & as it were in passing by; & then also thou should'st crave leave of the company, be it not that thou art the cheife of them all. No more may'st thou touch the writings, Bookes, or such like things of others, nor go neare them nor fix thine eyes upon them, unlesse thou be'st invited thereunto, by him who is the owner of them: and thou shouldst not blame them, or praise them, until one asketh thy advice therein. Al­so thou ought'st not to approach, or [Page 9]looke nigh, when another readeth a Let­ter, or such like thing.

29 Let not thy countenance be like that of a phantasticall, or haire-brai­ned, sterne, amazed, melancholique, pen­sive, inconstant man, in such sort that one thereby may discerne some passion, or unruly affection: rather shew a good countenance, and pleasant cheere, a­voyding too much mirth in serious af­faires, and too much gravitie in things familiar and ordinary.

30 ⋆ Let the gestures of thy body, be agreable to the matter of thy discourse, For it hath been ever held a solaesime in oratory, to poynt to the Earth, when thou talkest of Heaven.

31 ⋆ Scorne not any, for the infir­mityes of nature, which by no Art can be amended, nor do thou, delight to put them in minde of them, since it very oft procures envye, and promotes malice e­ven to Revenge.

32 ⋆ When thou shalt heare the misfortunes of an other, shew not thy [Page 10]selfe gladed for it, though it happ to thy enemy, for that wil argue a mind mische­vous, and will convict thee of a desire, to have executed it thy selfe, had either power or opertunity seconded thy will.

33 ⋆ When thou seest justice execu­ted on any, thou maist inwardly take delight in his vigillancy, to punish of­fenders, because it tends to publique quiet, yet shew pity to the offender, and ever Constitute the defect of his mora­lity, thy precaution.

34 ⋆ Laugh not too much, or too Loud, in any publique spectacle, least for thy so doing, thou present thy selfe, the only thing worthy to be laughed at.

CHAP. II. Of the first duties, and Ceremonies in Conversation.

ALthough superfluous comple­ments, and all affectation in cere­monies are to be eschewed, yet thou ought'st not to leave them which are [Page 11]due, otherwise thou displeasest the per­son with whom thou dost converse.

2 Put off thy cap, or hatt, to persons of desert, as are Churchmen, Justices, and the like, turning thy cap, or hat, to thy selfe-wards, make them a reverence, bowing thy selfe more or lesse, accor­ding to the qualitie ofthe persons, and the custome of the better-bred. So in like sort, it is an undecent thing, not to do reverence to whō it appertaineth, & among thy equals, to expect that thy companion prevent thee in that dutie. Also to put off ones hat when there is no necessitie, appeareth to have of affecta­tion; in like manner it is reproveable, to observe whether one doth re-salute thee: For the rest, in manner of saluting, or resaluting by word; keep the most common custome of the best-trained up.

3 It is ill said, Sir bee covered, or put on your hat, to one of more eminency than thy selfe, as also not to say so much, to whom it is due. Likewise he who maketh too much hast to put on his hat, and he who at the first putteth not on, [Page 12]or after some few intreaties; doe not well: and therefore one ought to bee covered after the first, or for the most part after the second time; if so that in some Countryes, the contrary custome be not received, and among equals, or superiours, who are of the selfe same house, the inferiour may cover himselfe at the first request. True it is, that equals, at the instant, or immediatly after, are wont to enterchange a signe of covering themselves joyntly. Now what herein is spoken of qualification in behaviour, ought likewise to be conceived, in what concerneth taking of place, and sit­ting downe: for ceremonies without bounds are too troublesome.

4 He who being inferiour, or held for such an one, would put on his hat, his companion being uncovered, ought to demand leave of the other: then in good time let him do so; upon condition, that he may presume, that nothing will of­fend the other.

5 If any one come to speake with thee whilst thou sittest; stand up: espe­cially [Page 13]if the person do merit it, be it that he be greater than thy selfe, or for that he is not thy familiar, or though for the rest he were thy equall, or thy inferiour: and if there be any thing for one to sit on, be it a chaire, be it a stoole, give to each one his due.

6 When thou shalt meet any one of greater rank than thy self, thou oughtest to stay thy selfe, yea, and even retire a little; especially if the meeting bee at a doore, or other straight passage, giving way that hee may passe.

7 Walking in Company of the like, thou shalt give them the more worthy hand (according to the custome of the countrey) in which speaking in gene­rall, it seemeth to be the most common use, that the more noble place is on the right hand, the right, I say, in such sort, that hee, who doth honour to any o­ther, placing himselfe on his left hand, giveth him the right. But if three walke together, the cheifest place in rank is for the most part, that of the middest; then that which is on the right hand: and the [Page 14]last that of the left. Yet, in France, for so much as the place neer the wall is ordinarily more high, more sure for easie walking, and cleaner, com­monly one giveth it to the more wor­thy, namely, where there are but two.

8 Being with thy equals, bee not the first to take the best place: but if one present it unto thee, bee not wilfull in refusing it: thou mayest well expresse some act of civill courtesie, shewing that thou exceptest it rather to obey them, or for that thou wouldest not enter into importunate striving, than for any me­rit of thine; at least let it appeare, that thou rendrest thanks.

9 If any one farre surpassing others, either in age or in desert, would give place to a meaner than himselfe in his owne lodging, or elsewhere; even as hee ought not to accept of it, so hee on the other part, should not use much earnest­nesse, nor offer it unto him more than once, or twice; to the end he be not sus­pected of incivilitie.

10 But to him who is ones peere, or [Page 15]almost the same, one ought to give the cheivest place in ones own lodging; & he ought gently to refuse it: then at the se­cond offer to accept it, with thanksgi­ving, and recognizance.

11 In walking to, and fro an house, thou oughtest to observe the same, but it is enough that one put ones selfe on the left hand at the first, and afterwards continue where one is. Which may likewise bee observed, being with ones superiours; yet use the most common custome of the Country.

12 They who are in dignitie, or in office, have precedence in all places: but whilst they are young, they ought to respect them who are their equals in birth, or other qualities, although they have not any publique charge, if they be much more aged, principally if they have the degree of Doctership: nay, when they give to them, the chiefest place, they ought notwithstanding at the first to refuse it, afterwards to take it civilly with thanksgiving.

13 It is good manners to preferre [Page 16]them to whom one speaketh, before ones selfe, especially if they be farre a­boue us, with whom in no sort ought one to contend.

14 Meeting by the way the Bishop of the Citie, the soveraigne Lord, or o­ther person of like qualitie, it is the du­ty of each one to do them the reverence which appertaineth to them, staying ones selfe untill they are passed by.

15 For that which concerneth cere­monies, or complements; we ought to have respect of time, place, age, and con­dition of persons: and with them who are much imployed wee must bee briefe, nay rather wee should make them un­derstand by signe, that which we would say unto them.

16 Even as Artificers, and other per­sons of low conditions, ought not to trouble themselves to use many cere­monies to them who are great, & Lords; but respect them and humbly honour them: so likewise on the other part, they ought to treat with them in all sort of affabilitie, and courtesie, keeping them­selves [Page 17]from each action, or sine of arro­gancy.

17 Speaking to men of qualitie; leane not, and looke not them wistly in the face. Approach not too neere them, and at the least keepe thy selfe a pace from them, or thereabout.

18 Visiting any sick body, doe not play suddenly the Doctor of Physicks part, if thou therin understand nothing.

19 Writing Letters, or speaking to any person of honour, and qualitie; thou shalt give to each one the title which belongeth unto him, answerable to his degree, and the custome of the Country: and it will not bee to ill pur­pose to read over again that which thou hast written, to the end thou mayest correct the faults, if any therein bee found.

20 ⋆ Strive not with thy superiours, in argument or discourse, but alwayes submit thy opinion to their riper judg­ment, with modesty; since the possibi­lity of Erring, doth rather accompany greene than gray haires.

20 ⋆ Doe not undertake to teach thy equall, in the Art himself professeth, for that will savour of Arrogancy, and serve for little other than to brand thy judgment with Rashnesse.

21 ⋆ Let thy Seremonyes in Cour­tesy be proper to the dignity and place, of him with whom thou conversest. For it is absurd to honour a Clown, with words covrtly and of magnificence.

22 ⋆ Do not thou expresse joy be­fore one sick, or in paine: for that con­trary passion, will easily aggravate his misery. But do thou rather Sympathize his infirmityes, for that will afford a gratefull easement, by a seeming parti­cipation.

23 ⋆ Shew thy self humbly, tractable, to thy Superiours, especially to Ma­gistrates, and men in Authority, let thy demeanour towards thy equals be such as may argue thee free from arro­gancy. And be thou assured, that gen­tle affability towards thy inferiours, will fix to thy name the Epithite of courte­ous.

CHAP. III. Of the fashion of qualifing, or titling of Persons to whom one speaketh; to ad­vise them; to breake a jest,

1 TOuching the Titles, and Attribu­tes which comomonly one giveth to great persons; it is needfull to observe the use of times, and of the Country, and to take counsell of them, who are versed and experienced in such things. Also one ought to take heed in speaking to such an one, that one change not his Ti­tle, giving unto him sometimes one, sometimes another, if one be not mista­ken at the first.

2 To persons of lesser ranck; one saith, you, without thou-ing any body, bee it not some little childe, and that thou wert much more aged, and that the custome it selfe amongst the more cour­teous, and better bread, were to speake in such manner. Yet, Fathers to their Children, untell a certaine age, as in [Page 20]France untill they bee set at libertie; Masters, to their little, Schollers; and o­thers of a like command, seeme accor­ding to the more common use, to have power to say, Thou, Thee, even plainly: for, what concerneth familiar friends, amongst them the custome doth com­port in certaine places, that they (Thou) one another more freely; in other places one is more reserved.

3 When a man doth the uttermost hee can, and ought, although it succee­deth not to thy wishes; take heed to blame him: for in it, hee rather deser­veth praise.

4 Having whereof to advise, or re­prehend any one, take good heed whe­ther it ought to be done in publique, or in private; or indeed, whether it bee fit to remit it to another time: consider in what termes thou shouldst doe it, espe­cially when hee who should bee coun­selled, seemeth not to give hope of re­medy to his passed, or future faults: a­bove all, in reproving any one, shew no signe of choler, nor speake to him with [Page 21]too high an accent: but doe it with all sweetnesse.

5 Being admonished of any whoso­ever, and in what time, and place so­ever; shew to take it in good part, thank­ing him who hath done thee such an of­fice; but if afterwards, being not culpa­ble, it seeme to thee necessary to justifie thy selfe; thou mayst doe it in time, and place, and with decency, rather to con­tent him who adviseth thee, than to excuse thy selfe, especially, if hee bee thy superiour.

6 Reproach not anyes imperfections, although they bee naturall. Take not pleasure to make any body blush, either by thy deed, or word.

7 Neither mock, nor scoffe in a thing of importance, nor be reproachfull; nor also breake a jest, in biting like a dogge: but if thou deliverest any conceit which is ready, and not too much permedita­ted, and without offence to any body, thou mayest do well. Wittie con­ceits, and passages of the tongue, ought not to be in base and mis-beseeming [Page 22]things such as are those of jesters: and when so it falleth out that thou deliver some happy, lively, an jolly conceit; abstaine thou, and let others laugh.

8 ⋆ Be sure thy conversation be in that poynt vertuous, wherein thou art desirous to retaine another, least thy Actions render thy advice unprofitable; Since the ratification of any advice, is the serious prosecution of that virtue, For example hath ever been more pre­valent than precept.

9 * In writing, or speaking to any deprive then not of their acquired Ti­tles, least thou seeme Censorious of their deserts.

10 * Thou oughtest not too suden­ly to be seen a flying Rumour of a freind, or any other. But let charity guid thy judgment, untill more certanty: for by this meanes thou securest his Reputation, And free's thy self of rash­nesse.

11 * Use no reproachfull language against any man, nor Curse, or Revile, For improperations and imprecations; [Page 23]will rather betray thy affections to cen­sour than in any manner, hurt him a­gainst whom thou utters them.

CHAP. IV. Of Cloaths, and Arraying the Body.

1 BE not too solicitous in setting thy bands, thy haire, or thy beard. Car­ry not about thee any sweet smell. Weare not thy hat too high on thy head, nor too cloase on thine eyes, nor in the fashion of swaggerers, and jesters.

2 Untrusse not thy selfe, nor make thy selfe ready for the cloase stoole in the presence of others: afterwards if thou be to touch any meat, first, wash thine hands: but if it may bee, not in the sight of any whosoever.

3 It is a poynt of cleanlinesse, and of wholesomnes, to wash ones hands and face as soone as one is up; and to combe ones head in time, and season; yet not too curiously.

4 Weare not thy cloathes foule, un­sowed [Page 24]dusty, nor old; looke that they be brushed commonly once a day. Take heed where thou sittest, or kneelest, and whom thou approachest, for feare that there be dust or some uncleannes. Carry not thy Cloake, under thine arme, like a Braggadoche. If thou layest by thy Cloake, or thy Gowne, wrap it up, take­ing heed where thou puttest it.

5 For what concerneth cloathes; ac­commodate thy selfe to the fashion of thy equals, civill and orderly men, ac­cording to the use of times, and places: Yet thy Cloathes ought to bee rather more plaine, and grave, regard had to others, than richer and beter.

6 ⋆ Ever be modest in thy apparell, rather seeking to Accommodate na­ture, then curious by Art to pro­cure admiration: Cloathes may give thee ornament, but the juditious will ne­ver seeke thy perfection on thy outside. And I'me sure if decency be thy only aime, thou wilt be sure to shoulder off the censure of a Phantastick.

7 ⋆ Admire not thy selfe in thy ap­parrell, [Page 25]for that will so farr monstrate thy defects, as thou art willing to seeke perfection, in the skill of a Taylour.

CHAP. V. Of walking, be it alone or in Company

1 RUnne not in the streets, also goe not too slowly, nor with thy mouth open: Move not to and fro in walking, goe not like a ninnie, nor hang thy hands downwards: Shake not thine armes: kick not the earth with thy feet: Throw not thy leggs a-crosse here and there, and walking, draile not thy feet after thee: Trusse not up thy breeches at every hand-while: goe not upon the top of thy toes, nor in a dauncing fashi­on, nor in a stooping, nor in a capering or in a tripping manner with thy heeles.

2 Play not the Peacock, looking e­very where about thee, whether thou beest well decked, and trimme, if thy shooes sit well, if thy stocking bee fitly drawn up, and thy other clothes hand­some, [Page 26]and well accommodated. Goe not out of thy chamber with thy pen in thine eare, cap, or hat; carry not thy handkerchiefe in thy hand, nor in thy mouth, nor hang it at thy girdle, nor under thine arme, nor upon thy shoul­ders, or under thy gowne: but put it in a place where others see it not, and from whence thou mayst take it out when thou needest. Beware, although thou hadst scarcely made use thereof, to pre­sent it to others.

3 Eat not in the streets, principally in the Towne, beest thou alone, nor in company; nor in the house out of sea­son, and in the presence of strangers.

4 Laugh not, nor speake not thou being alone; for it is not the part of a man. Walking alone, sing not in such manner, that thou be over-heard. Make not any signe of admiration, as if thou thoughtest of some great businesse: Also throw not in the streets a stone, a stick, or any other thing. Tread not purpose­ly one the pebble stones, and remove them not out of their places, for it is the [Page 27]act of a foole; Goe not with thy head too high, nor too low, nor hanging to the right, or left, and looke not giddily here and there.

5 Above all things, if thou esteemest of thy reputation, associate thy selfe with men of good qualitie: but if it can­not be, because thou knowest none, or for some other reason; it were better, as one saith, to bee alone, than ill ac­companied.

6 If thou goest with one of thy rank, take not the upper hand, and amuse not on points of precedence; and having not the place which belongeth to thee, let it not trouble thee, but goe on roundly. It indignitie he be more emi­nent than art thou; give him the right hand, or the most worthy place, and be­ware thou goe not before him.

7 Walking up and downe an house with one only, if he be greater than thy selfe; at first give him the right hand, and stop thou not then, when he stay­eth; bee not thou the first to returne; and turne not thy back to him, but thy selfe to­wards [Page 28]him. If he bee a man of great qua­litie, walke not at all by him cheeke by joule, but somewhat behind him; yet in such manner, that he may easily speak to thee. If he bee thy equall, carry thy selfe so that thou turne proportionably with him, and make him not alwayes the first: Likewise stop not too often at mid-way, if there bee not great neces­sitie: for that savoreth of superioritie, & is accounted troublesome. Hee, in the middest walking with equals, or as it were equals, ought to turne himselfe, now to the right, then to the left hand: and if so bee that they be not equals, let him turne for the most part towards him who deserveth best. Finally, they who are on the side, ought alwayes to turne themselves towards him who is in de midst, neither before him nor be­hinde him.

8 ⋆ In thy walkings alone, expresse no passion in thy gesture, lest by that meanes thou shouldst turne thy breast into Cristall, and let others reade thy minde at a distance.

9 ⋆ Let thy conversation be with­out malice or envye, for that is a signe of a tractable and commendable nature. And in all causes of passion, admit rea­son for thy governesse, so shall thy Re­putation be either altogether inviolable, or at the least not stayned with common Tinctures.

10 ⋆ Never expresse any thing un­beseeming, nor act against the Rules morall, before thy inferiours, For in these things, thy owne guilt will multiply Crimes by example, and as it were, confirme Ill by authority.

11 ⋆ Be not imumodest in urging thy friend to discover his secrets; lest an accidentall discovery of them, worke a breach in your amitye.

CHAP. VI. Of Discourse.

1 VTter not frivolous things amongst grave and learned men, nor any very difficult question or subject, a­mongst [Page 30]the ignorant, nor things which are hard to bee beleeved. Farce not thy language with Sentences, especially amongst thy equals, and much lesse a­mongst thy betters. Speake not of mis­chances, and dolefull things inoppor­tunely, and to the company: In time of mirth, or at the Table, speake not of melancholick things, of wounds, of sculls, of death; and if others speake in that kind, change the discourse, if thou canst, dexterously. Tell not thy dreames, if it bee not to thy intimatest friends, when they might seeme to bee of great and notable presage; to which notwithstanding thou shalt not give credit.

2 A man well bred ought not to vaunt himselfe of his brave atchieve­ments, or rare qualities of wit, of vertue, or of the like; much lesse speake of his noblenesse, honour, riches, or his kin­dred, if hee bee not more than constrai­ned; also he ought not to depresse him­selfe too much without occasion.

3 It is to no purpose to breake a jest [Page 31]there where one taketh no pleasure in mirth. Laugh not aloud, and to the dis­figuring of thy countenance, or with­out subject, onely be custome. Deride not the mis-fortune of any one, al­though there seeme to bee some cause why.

4 Speake not an injurious word; bee it in jest, or in earnest. Nip not any by word: Likewise one ought not to scoffe any body; especially, if they be greater than thy selfe, although they give occa­sion.

5 Be not froward, but friendly, and courteous, and the first to salute others: heare, and answer, and bee not pensive, when it is a time to converse and dis­course.

6 By no meanes detract from any o­ther, nor speake of things which belong unto him; also bee not too excessive in praysing.

7 Go not thither, where thou know­est not whether thou shalt bee welcome. Give not thy advice, except one aske it of thee, bee it not that thou art the best [Page 32]there, principally out of season, and where there is no hope of profiting: and being intreated to deliver what thou thinkest, be briefe, and come quickly to to the point.

8 If two contend amongst themselves, take not the part of either, if thou be'st not compelled: and take heed that thou bee not obstinate in thine opinion. In things indifferent, bee thou on the part of the most of the Company, who deli­ver thereon their opinions.

9 Reprehend not the imperfections of others, for that is the part of Fathers, Masters, and Superiours: thou mayest well shew, notwithstanding, that they distast thee: Likewise may'st thou now and then sagely give some good coun­sell in time, and place.

10 Stay not to gaze on the markes or blemishes appearing on others, although they be naturall, principally, if they bee in the face: and aske not from whence they come; and that which thou well mayest speake in secret to thy friend, de­liver not in the presence of orhers.

11 Speake not in an unknown lang­uage, or in what thou knowest not well, be it not in case of necessitie to be better understood: but use thine own naturall tongue, as men of qualitie of the Town speake it; not like the meane sort. es­pecially, take thou heed to utter words which savour of immodestie, although in secret, or to move mirth. Use not homely, and clownish words, when things sublime and serious are treated of

12 Speake not before thou thinkest what thou would'st deliver, and in the vulgar language. And make not a shew of nimble conceits, and clinches. Pro­nounce not imperfectly, nor hastily bring forth thy words: Likewise utter not thy words so slowly, that thou trouble the hearers.

13 When another speaketh, take heed that through thee hee bee not neg­lected by his auditors; and be attentive, turning not thine eyes here and there, nor busie thy selfe in ought else. If any drawl forth his words, help him not [Page 34]therein, nor prompt him, bee it not that hee intreat thee so to doe, or that it were in private, or that thou hadst great familiaritie with him. Likewise inter­rupt him not, nor answer him, untill hee have brought his speech to a period.

14 Being in the midst of a discourse, aske not of what one treateth, since that it is a draught of authoritie; but thou mayst well intreat gently, that hee proced, if thou perceivest that for thee hee hold his peace. On the contrary, if any one come on a sudden whilst thou talkest, especially if hee bee a person of qualitie, it is seemely to make a little E­pilogue, and briefe collection of what thou deliveredst, & then afterwards go on with thy discourse.

15 Thou ought'st not to make face, or use any other action of undecency with thy mouth, eyes, or thy hands, to expresse what thou wouldest deliver; neither ought'st thou to hold thy hand behind thy back, either clasped, ar a­crosse; for that savoureth of ones pre­heminence: but place thy hands before [Page 35]thee, one over the other, somewhat un­der thy brest, or under thy girdle. When thou talkest, be circumspect how thou carriest thy body. Shake not thy head, nor move thy hands much, and hold thy feet still.

16 Whilst thou speakest, put not on thy hat, nor ought else before thy mouth. Chew not paper, nor other thing. Shake not thy head. Deale not blowes with thy elbowes. Stand not tit­tertatter, on one foot. Put not one legg overthwart the other.

17 Point not with thy finger at him of whom thou speakest. Approach not too nigh his person; lesse, his face, to whom thou talkest.

18 If thou be'st in Company, speake not in secret with whomsoever, but re­ferre it to another time, if so bee that thou hast no authoritie over them.

19 To treat with men at an unfit time, is to do nothing, or rather to an­ger them with whom thou wouldst speake.

20 Take thou heed that thou make [Page 36]no comparisons; and if any body hap­pen to be praised, for some brave act, or verture; praise not another for the same vertue in his presence: for every com­parison is odious.

21 Be not apt to relate newes, if thou knowest not, that for the most part they bee true. Discoursing of things which thou hast heard, say not; who told them unto the, if thou thinkest not that he will take it well, What hath been told thee in secret; relate it not to another.

22 Be not tedious in thy speech, rea­ding, discourse: principally when the thing is of small importance, or when thou perceivest that the company doth not well like of it.

23 Be not curious to know the af­faires of others: and approach not to that side where one speaketh in secret.

24 Undertake not that which thou canst not performe; but keepe thy pro­mise.

25 When thou dost a message, deli­verest a relation or manifestation of a businesse; indeavour to doe it without [Page 37]Passion, and with discretion: although it be thou treatest with persons of mean rank or quality.

26. When those that are thy Tu­tors talk to any body, or other; be thou aware to speak, to laugh, or to hearken to them.

27. Take heed to mumble, or make a noise within thy teeth.

28. Assure not that which thou knowest not, to be true.

29. Being with persons of more qua­lity than art thou, principally if they have power over thee; speak not untill thou art asked: and then stand upright, put off thy hat, and answer in few words, if so be they give thee not leave to sit, or to put on thy hat.

30. In disputes which occurre, espe­cially in conversation; be not so desirous to win, that thou leave no liberty to each one to deliver his opinion: and be it that thou art in the wrong, or right, thou ought'st to give way to the judge­ment of the major part, or at the least to the most cholerick and peevish, and [Page 38]farre rather to them under whom thou art, or who are Judges of the dis­pute.

31. Although thou be'st bitten, or injured by words, answer not; and en­deavour not to defend thy selfe; but make shew to take them in jest, and that thou carest not for them; although o­thers do move thee to defend thy selfe; for, as the Proverb saith, Each question doth not deserve an answer.

32. Contradict not at every hand-while, that which others say, contending and saying, It is not so; it is as I say: but apply thy self therein to the opinion of others; principally, when the things are of small consequence.

33. Being in company also even with them of thy condition, play not the Mountebanke and pratler, but speake with measure, and in due time, having wherewithall to talke to the purpose of that which is handled, and with cer­tainty of truth: For, to speak, or rehearse a thing, not knowing it, and afterwards to excuse ones-self, in saying, I do not re­member [Page 39]it well, I know well that I have read it; that becommeth not.

34. If any one had begun to rehearse a History; say not, I know it well: and if he relate it not a-right, and fully; shake not thy head, twinkle not thine eyes, and snigger not thereat; much lesse maist thou say, It is not so, you deceive your selfe.

35. Speake not very loud, as would the Cryer of Proclamations. Nor speake so low, that one cannot under­stand thee.

36. Let thy carriage bee beseeming a man moderately grave, setled, and at­tentive to that which is spoken: to the end thou hast not occasion to say at eve-discourse; What say you? How happened that? I understand you not; and the like.

37. In discourses, walking, hold not back thy companion, as it were by a bridle, staying him at every three words. Approach not so nigh unto him, that thou justle him. Keep not thy selfe further from him than a span, or there­about.

38. Be not a yeare in the beginning of a Discourse, and in certaine long ex­cuses, or ceremonies, saying; Sir, excuse me, if I know not to deliver my selfe well, &c. yet to obey you, &c. and other-like troublesome and sottish drawlings, and nice curiosities: but enter readily into the matter; as much as may bee, with moderate boldnesse: then proceed without being troubled, even to the end. Be not tedious; make not many di­gressions, nor repeat often-times the same manner of speeeh.

39. He who hath an unready speech, let him not alwayes take upon him the Discourse: but let him endeavour to correct the default of his tongue by si­lence, and good attention.

40. ⋆ Speak not evill of one absent, for it is unjust to detract from the worth of any, or besmeare a good name by condemning, where the party is not present, to cleare himselfe, or un­dergoe a rationall conviction.

41 ⋆ It is a thing very improper, if not altogether ridiculous, to treat of matters about [Page 41] [...]bove the capassitie of thy Auditours, for by so doing though thou should'st purchase admiration from their igno­rance; yet, it will procure derission from the wise, since by that meanes: thy discourse will become common ayre, and they who here thee, will be altogether unsatisfied in thy Conclusions.

CHAP. VII. Of Carriage at the Table.

1 BEing set at the Table, scratch not thy selfe, and take thou heed as much as thou canst, to spet, cough, and to blow thy nose; but if it bee needfull, do it dexterously without much noise, turning thy face sideling.

2 Take not thy repast like a glutton.

3 Breake not bread with thy hands; but cut it with a knife, if it bee not ve­ry little, and very new, and that all the others did the same, or the major part.

4 Cast not thy selfe upon the Table with thine armes stretched out, even to [Page 42]the elbowes. And leane not thy shoul­ders, or thine armes, on thy chaire un­decently.

5 Eat not with thy cheekes full, and with full mouth.

6 Sop not in Wine, if thou be'st not the Master of the house, or hast some in­disposition or other.

7 Make not shew to take great de­light in thy Meat, or in thy wine; but if hee who feasteth thee, aske of thee, how thou likest it, thou may'st answer him with modestie, and prudence, much lesse should'st thou finde fault with the meat, or procure others or more.

8 Taking salt, beware that thy knife bee not greazy, when it ought to be wi­ped, or the fork. One may doe it neatly with a little peece of bread or as in cer­taine places with a Napkin; but never with a whole loafe.

9 Entertaining any one, it is decent to serve him at the Table, and present him with meats, yea, even those which are nigh him: but if one bee invited by another, it is better to attend untill that [Page 43]the Master or other do carve him meat, than that he take it himselfe, were it not that the Master intreat him to take freely, or that one were in the house of a familiar friend. Also one ought scarce offer ones selfe, as undesired, to serve o­thers out of ones house, where one might have little power; bee it not that the number of the guests were great, and that the Master of the house could not have an eye on all the company; then one may carve them who are neer ones selfe.

10 Blow not upon thy meat; but if it bee hot, stay untill it bee cold: Broath may bee cooled, turning it gently with a spoone; but it is not comly to sup ones broth at Table, it ought to bee eaten with a spoone.

11 Smell not to the meat; and if thou holdest thy nose to it, set it not af­terwards before another.

12 Be-smeare not thy bread round about with thy fingers, but when thou wilt cut some bread, wipe them first, if they bee greazy. Therefore take heed [Page 44]as nigh as thou canst of fouling thy hands, or of greazing thy fingers. And having a spoone, or forke, make use of it, as becometh thee, according to the custome of the best bread.

13 If thou soakest thy bread or meat in the sauce; soake it not againe, after that thou hast bitten it, dip therein at each time a reasonable morsall which may be eaten at one mouthfull.

14 One ought not to cast under the Table, or on the ground, bones, parings, wine, or such like things; notwithstand­ing, if one bee constrained to spet some­thing, which was to hard to chew, or which causeth irksomnesse, then may one throw it forth dext'rously up­on the ground, taking it decently with two fingers, or with the left hand halfe shut; so that it be not a liquid thing; in such case one may more freely spet it on the ground, turning ones selfe, if it bee possible, somewhat aside, as hath beene said here above.

15 Likewise it appeareth not a seem­ly thing, to spet forth the stones of [Page 45]Plummes, Cherries, or such like on a dish; but one ought first to gather them neatly, as it hath beene said, in the left hand, bearing it to ones mouth, and then lay them upon the brimme of a trencher.

16 Put not thy meat in thy mouth, holding thy knife in thy hands, as doe the Cuntrey clounes.

17 Cast not thine eyes upon the tren­chers of others, and fix them not wistly upon the meat on the table & lift them not up whilst thou drinkest, or whilst thou puttest the meat in thy mouth.

18 Cut not much bread at once, and make not too great shives; but of a small, or middle size. Cut thy bread even, without framing a tub thereof, taking unto thee onely the crumme thereof; also flaw it not, solely taking the crust thereof. Cut not morsels of bread upon thy trencher.

19 If thou hast bad teeth, in such manner that thou canst not eat a crust of bread, or bread burned, or too hard; it seemeth better to pare the peece thou [Page 46]cuttest; than the whole loafe.

20 It is mis-beseeming to stoope much to ones dish, or meat; it sufficeth to bow a little then when one carrieth the morsell which is sauced to ones mouth, to the end that one foule not ones selfe, and afterwards to sit up right againe.

21 One ought sometimes to looke off the meat; yet without gazing to and fro, or wistly looking upon the guests, or them who wait, or on the meat which is before others.

22 In like manner it is undecent to soyle the Table cloth; and that which is worse, to cleane ones face, or wipe away ones sweat with the Napkin, or with the same to cleane ones nose, ones trencher, or the dish.

23 Present not to others that where­of thou hast first tasted, bee it Wine or other thing.

24 Wipe not thy hands on thy bread if it bee a whole loafe: yet if they be greazy, it seemeth that thou may'st cleane them first with a peece of bread, [Page 47]which thou art to eate forwith; then with a Napkin, to the end that thou foule it not much.

25 When thou eatest or drinkest, make not much noise with thy teeth, neither in supping, nor in grinding too hard, nor in any other manner.

26 Suck no bones, at least in such wise that one may heare it: Take them not with two hands, but with one sole­ly, and properly. Gnaw them not, nor teare the flesh from the bones with thy teeth, as dogs doe: but make use of thy knife, holding them with one hand, or rather with two fingers, as nigh as thou canst. Knock no bones upon thy bread, or trencher, to get out the marrow of them, but get out the marrow with a knife. To speake better, it is the coun­sell of the most wise, that it is not fit to handle bones, and much lesse to mouth them

27 Make not use of a knife to breake bones, plum-stones, or other hard thing; also breake them not with thy teeth, or other thing, but let them alone.

28 Take not from the common dish, that which is before thy companion, but onely that which is on thy side, and also no more than others. And if they be fruits, or such like, handle them not to take the best: yet, if any one eat of thy dish, take no heed what hee doth.

29 Put not a bit in thy mouth, untill the former bee swallowed: let them bee such that puffe not up thy cheekes notably. Serve not thy selfe with both thy hands, to carry a mor­sell to thy mouth, but make use of the customary way, that is the left.

30 Fill not thy glasse in such man­ner that the wine run over, and fall up­on the Table-cloath.

31 Drink not with meat in thy mouth; Call not for drink then, speake not then; Fill not thy glasse to drinke, and drinke not, whilst thy next compa­nion drinketh, or he who sitteth at the upper end of the Table.

32 When thou drinkest, gaze not here and there.

33 Drinke not too leisurely, nor too hastily, nor as chawing the wine, nor too often. Before and after that thou hast drunke, wipe thy lips, and breathe not with too great a noise then, nor ever: for it is an uncivill thing.

34 Cleanse not thy teeth with the Table-cloath, or Napkin, nor with thy finger, forke, or knife: much worse would it be to do so with thy nailes; but use thy picktooth. It seemeth likewise uncomely to cleane them at the Table, were it so that the others doe not the same, and that it were the custome of the best bread.

35 Rince not thy mouth with wine, to spet it out before others, but when thou shalt be risen from the Table, usu­ally wash thy hands with the others. For the mouth, it seemeth unfit to wash it in mens presence; and therefore, when water is given at the Table, one ought to wash onely ones hands.

36 It is a thing litile praise-worty, and now adayes almost out of use, to [Page 50]call upon the company to eat; prin­cipally too often, and with impor­tunitie, for it seemeth that one berea­veth them of their libertie: much lesse shouldst thou drinke to others every time thou drinkest; but if one drinke to thee, thou mayst refuse it civilly, ren­dring him thanks for his courtesie, and acknowledging that thou yeeldest, or rather tast a little of the Wine, especi­ally with men who are accustomed to it, and take a deniall in ill part.

37 When others have left eating, dispatch also, and hold not thine armes upon the Table, but rest thy hands only on the edge thereof.

38 It is peculiar to the chiefest of the company, to bee the first to unfold his Napkin, and fall to the meat; and there­fore it is the dutie of others, to attend patiently, without setting hand on any thing before him.

39 On the contrary part, he ought to be solicitous to begin in time to pro­vide all, and entertaine the guests, and finish all with such dexteritie, that he [Page 51]may give time to the slowest to eate at their leisure, entertaining himselfe, if it bee needfull, in slightfull tasting meats, or when it is lawfull to dis­course at the Boord, intermingling some little Relation, untill the compa­ny might make an end.

40. Bee not angry at the Table whatsoever happeneth, or if so bee thou bee vexed, make no shew there­of, especially there being strangers at the Table: a cheerefull Countenance makes one dish a Feast.

41. Set not thy selfe at the upper end, but if it bee thy due, or that the Master of the house would have it so, contend not mcuh for thy going thither, that thou trouble all the Com­pany.

42 If one read, or talke at the Table, be thou attentive; and if it be expe­dient that thou speake, talke not with meat in thy mouth.

43. ⋆ Let thy Speeches be seriously reverent, when thou speakest of God [Page 52]or his Attributes, for to jest or utter thy selfe lightly in matters divine, is an unhappy impiety, provoking hea­ven to justice, and urging all men to su­spect thy beliefe.

44. ⋆ In all things which are to be learned, whether it bee in the contem­plation of humane actions, let not pre­cept bee neglected: for what at the first view, may seem uselesse upon thy second thoughts, thou mayst finde worth observing.

45. ⋆ Since Wisedome is the per­fection of understanding, let Pru­dence to practise be the end of all thy Science; for the knowledge of Pre­cepts, teaching thee what is good, is not of sufficiency to entititle thee ver­tuous, no more then thy body in thy soules absence can expresse thee a man: Therefore neglect not to adorn thy in­tellect with knowledge directive, nor be thou wanting in such actions as may truely crowne thee happy.

46. ⋆ Content not thy selfe with the bare knowledge of these Precepts: but when thou hast imprinted them in thy minde, expresse them in thy conversation; for vertue consists in Action, not in Contemplation.

Laus Deo trino-uni.