The schoole of good manners. Or, A new schoole of vertue. Teaching children & youth how they ought to behaue themselues in all companies, times, and places. / Translated out of French. By W.F..

¶ A Schoole of good manners for Children and youth .

THe feare of the Lorde , is the beginning of wisedome , saide Salomon the wise most truelie : wherfore he iudged those to bee alreadie in a great forwardnes to knowledge , and right vnderstanding , that séeke diligently to learne how they may walke rightly in the feare of god : For that feare doth not terrifie , but teach : it with holdeth not from weale , but forewarneth howe to flie from euill : yea , it is a nurse that nurtureth , but therewith giueth most holsome nourishment . Let Children therefore , first and principallie learne to walke in this feare : and let them know , that the first poynt of good manners , is to shewe most dutifulnes vnto him , who is most of Maiestie , honour and worthinesse , and to whome for benifits receiued they are most bound . Consider then ( O Childe ) that in regard of honour and maiestie , all Nobles , Princes , and greatest Emperours , are but inferiour vnderlings in comparison of God Almightie , holding their states but during his pleasure : yea , in respect of his excellencie , they are but as the shadowe of a man is in respect of the man himselfe : and all the pompe and glorie that thou canst sée in this world , is but as a thing of naught in comparison of Gods perfect true honor and eternal glorie in heauen : whereof thou shalt be partaker in the life to come , if ( walking in his feare ) thou indeuourest to doe well .

If thou also consider , how infinitelie thou art bound vnto God Almightie for benefits receiued , thou shalt haue iust cause to desire , that thy whole life might bee nothing els but a continuall praysing and glorifiyng of Gods name . For what good thing hast thou or euer hadst thou , which thou hast not fréely receiued of his bounteous liberalitie ? Nay what good thing could be wished , whereof he hath not most gratiously made thée partaker ? Hée hath not onlie made thée a liuing creature , whereas thou hadst no béeing , but hath made thée a reasonable and euerliuing soule ; euen a Semblance or Image of his owne excellent Maiestie , a partaker of reason & diuine knowledge in heauenly things , with the Angels . Hee hath also ordained thée ( if thou walke in his feare ) to bée an heire of his euerlasting kingdome , and a fellow heire with his owne Son Christ Iesus ; where shall bee ioy without ceasing , true glorie neuer failing , plenty without wanting , and all happines without harme for euermore . God hath also sent his Son Iesus Christ to redéeme thée , by his merits , and suffrings , hee hath accepted him as a Sacrifice for thy sins and for all those that shall be saued , whereas otherwise thou wast accursed , and like to haue bin damned for euer . This did hée of méere mercie and loue : wherefore thou art most bound to feare and loue him .

God hath also giuen thée the comfortable vse & enioying of his holy spirite , if by earnest and faithfull praier thou craue the same : That spirit regenerateth thée , and yéeldeth thée alwaies present comfortes against all feares , safetie against dangers , strength against assaults , warranteth thee harmlesse against all thy wauering doubts ; and is to thée a sure Bulwarke of defence , against all the sleightes of Sathan , the malice of enemies , and whatsoeuer might hurt or trouble thée . Séeke diligently then for the aid of this holy spirit , by daylie fearing and obeying God .

If thou wouldst weigh thy dutie toward God , by consideration of the outward benefits that thou receiuest of him in this life , I saie it againe , what hast thou or euer hadst thou , but thou receiuest the same of Gods frée benefit . He conioyned thy Parents together in wedlocke : & afterward gaue them both will and power to beget and conceiue thée : that done , he powred into thée a liuing and reasonable soule , hee formed thée into a right shape , and nourished thée miraculously , euen in thy mothers wombe . He gaue vnto thy parents after thy birth , a tender louing care ouer thée , to cherish thée in thy helplesse infancie : he hath giuen and still giueth vnto things growing from the earth , vertue and power to nourish and sustaine thée . He maketh thy hands and diuers parts of thée delighted with féeling , thy mouth with tasting , thy nose with smelling , thyne eyes with séeing , and thine eares with hearing . Thy hart also , he maketh full of ioy and gladnes : and ( that which passeth all the residue ) hee giueth vnto thy soule ( if thou walke in his feare ) a taste in this life of the endlesse and vnspeakeable ioyes of heauen . Consider with the aforesaid benefites , how he hath reléeued thée from time to time , and made thée grow stronger and stronger , and wiser and wiser ; and still assureth thée ( thorough hope ) that he will daily more & more multiply his graces in thée , if thou endeuor to doo well .

If then thou meditate wel on Gods wonderfull wisedome and power , shewed in hys benefites bestowed vppon thee ; thou shalt finde in thy selfe ( as it were ) a little beautifull world of Gods glorious workmanship . To God therefore , to whom thou art most bound : nay , to whom thou owest thy selfe , and all that thou hast , yeeld all dutie , studying to liue according to his lawes , so as thou maist best please him , that is best manners . But forasmuch as thou must learne in euerie particular action how to liue godly , partly by hearkening to good instructions of parents and teachers , partly by hearing , reading and meditating on Gods word , & chiefly by the inspiration and direction of Gods holy spirit , which must daily bee craued for , by earnest praier : all which cannot be sufficiently handled in this short Treatise , I will now hasten to my purposed instruction touching thy manners and behauiour among men .

Vnderstand therefore ( O childe ) that , by reason of original sin corrupting thy nature , thou art but as an vntilled péece of ground , apt to bring forth nothing that is good . Daily experience sheweth thée , how the Earth yéeldeth itselfe a most bountifull and kinde mother , in bringing forth brambles and vnprofitable wéedes , nourishing the same most liberally : but corne , and hearbes , best for mens vse and necessitie , it hardly reléeueth & nourisheth , after much painfull plowing or digging , diligent and carefull sowing , setting or planting , and continuall wéeding , showing it selfe vnto them an vnkinde and cruell stepmother . Euen so , thy corrupt nature , most plentifully bringeth forth , & willingly nourisheth and cockereth in thée , all vices and euill manners : but vertuous and right commendable manners , it hardly admitteth to be planted in thée , and practised of thée , after much carefull tilling and digging vp by the rootes , of the weedes of wickednes and ill behauiour ; and the diligent sowing , setting and planting of ciuill and good behauiour , endeuoured by thy tender parents , and vigilant teachers .

Let then , thy industrious diligence concurre with the sage instructions of thy teachers ; and knowing thy selfe to be ignorant of manie things which they know , be readie to heare , and diligent to practise , what good they shall propose : so shall theyr documents doo thee good : and thou shalt bee delighted in that which is good and seemely , forsaking filthie , rude , and corrupt manners and fashions .

The chiefest cause that hindereth manie Children from the practise of good manners , is , for that they esteeme themselues to know sufficiently how to behaue themselues , when as indeed they know not at all , or at least regard not , to obserue that which for their tender yeres is comely , or to flye that which in them is most vnseemely in anie poynt . But reiecting such head-strong carelesnesse , suspend thou thine owne iudgement , and submit thy selfe dutifully to the good direction of thy discreets aduised Gouernours , and skilfull learned Teachers : and still bee sure to eschue ( with all diligence ) whatsoeuer thou shalt be admonished to be ill beséeming thee , or hearest or seeest to be noted vnseemely in other .

And see thou marke héedfully , and imitate rightly , all good manners taught thée , or whatsoeuer behauiour praise-worthie that thou shalt sée in another . Beware therefore of vngodly and ill mannered children , how thou accompanie thy selfe with them : but with the vertuous and well nurtured let thy fellowship bee : for of a vertuous and industruous yong age , commeth an honourable , or at least a commendable olde age . But now to our purpose .

The tung is called the interpreter of the minde , and the behauiour may bee rightly tearmed the true image of a man : for by the manners are liuely represented the habit of the minde , and disposition of man . And according to the behauiour , so is the partie iudged of : and by the same he getteth either credite or discredite . Learne thou then in childhood so to behaue thy selfe , as with the best thou maist winne praise . Which manners , although they cannot bee so largelye taught by preceptes in each perticular , as by an industrious practise of him that will bee diligent to obserue , they maye bee learned perfectly : yet for the instruction of those that haue willing mindes to learne , and small meanes to attaine , I haue thought good to set downe these few rules to be followed .

In méeting with anie person that is thy better ( as thou art to estéeme all thine Elders thy betters ) , sée thou giue him the way ; and putting off thy hat , vse a reuerent show in countenance or maner of gréeting to him . And if he bee some Man of authoritie , a Minister of Gods word , any of thy Parents , thine Vncle or Aunt , or thy Schoolemaster , looke that thou boow also thy right knée somwhat in thy saluting of them .

Let it be farre from thée to reason thus : What should I shew duetie or reuerence to one that I knowe not , or to him that neuer did , nor is like to doo me anie good ? For God ( by Salomon ) commaundeth thée to rise vp , and make obeysaunce before thine Elders . Age is honorable , and commaunded of God to bee honoured : nay , it is a signe of Gods great lasting fauour , and of euerlasting life in heauen . To despise it , is then to despise Gods fauorable mercie and louing kindnes toward thy selfe and others .

God by S. Paule commandeth also , that double honour bee giuen to the Ministers of his Word . And as for those in authoritie , as Princes and all Magistrates , &c. S. Paule saith plainly , that to despise them , is to despise Gods ordinance : he speaking of heathen & vnchristian Princes and Magistrates . How much dutie then owe wee to those Princes & Magistrates that indeuour to shewe themselues the faithfull lieuetenants of God on earth , commanding and ruling according to Gods owne will , and séeking our good both of soule and bodie .

The nerest dutie that thou in thy childhood owest priuately next vnto God , is to thy parents , which are the instrumentall causes of thy beeing : without them thou hadst neuer been begotten nor borne : without their tender loue and carefull prouiding for thée , thou hadst neuer béen reléeued nor fostered in thy infansie , when thou wast of thy self quite helples : they still prouide thée of all necessaries , and labour so to mainteine thée , and bring thée vp in learning , and knowledge of good arts that thou maiest be able heareafter to lyue in credit as a man among men : Which benefits receiued of thy parents thou canst neuer be able in any sort to recompence them .

Bee then diligent to please , and readye to be ruled by them of whome thou hast thy being and all thou hast , & whom God hath made so able and willing to bring forth , to helpe and doo thée good : and whose kindenes so farre excedeth all that thou canst deserue .

Next to thy parents , thou art nearely bound in duetie to thy Schole-maisters and teachers , who are as spirituall Parents , to beget and bring forth in thée vertues and all Godlines ; and who indeuor to nourish thée , and to make thée grow vp stronger & stronger in knowledge , learning and wisedome , vntill thou become a perfect man .

A certain duetie and reuerence , saint Paul also willeth to be vsed to equals : thou then beeing a childe must bee carefull to vse good behauiour in manners and curtesie euen towardes thy equals and companions . And know , that hee that sheweth himselfe most curteous and well mannered among his equalls , is so farre from sustaining anie discredite thereby , that he getteth thereby the good-will and commendations of all his familiars .

In speaking to thy superiors , vse not manie words : and let those words thou speakest , be vttered with reuerence , both of speach and countenance . When thou speakest to thine equalls , let thy countenance be amiable , and thy speach familiar and frendly .

Shamefastnes is a Vertue beséeming a childe , so as it be moderate : for , as to be brazen-faced and shameles , is a vice ; so , to bee ouer bashfull and ashamed to shew his face , is a fault also .

If anie honorable man , or one of great account offer to take thée by the hand , before thou deliuer him thy hand , kisse lightly the fore-finger of thy right hand , then deliuering him thy hand , boow modestly first thy right knée , after thy left , and humblye boow thy bodie withall : & alwaies when he speaketh to thée , or thou art about to aunswere him , boow thy right knée once modestly . If he continue talking with thée , looke thou stil modestly on him , not moouing thine eyes much : but beware thou stare not too much in his face , for that were a shameles and most vnmannerly part . Neither let thy lookes be too much hanging downe , for that were péeuish , and a signe of one hauing a guilty conscience .

To looke askew with thine eyes cast aside , were a signe of one imagining some mischiefe .

To tosse thy sight , or turne thy face thys way and that way , were a signe of a foolish and vnconstant minde .

It is also a fowle and vnséemely thing for thée to make faces , in wrything thy visage into diuers formes : or , to rub one while thy nose , another while thy forhead : or , one while to lift vp thine eye browes , another while to pull them down too much , or to patter with thy lips ; or , one while to thrust out thy mouth too much , another while to pul it in ouer-much , or to shake thy head , or to cough , vnles thou be there too inforced : or to spet oft , or to scratch thy head , to picke thine eares , or to blow thy nose , or to smoothe thy face with thine hand , as if thou wouldest wype away shamefastnes from thée : to bee picking or rubbing thy neck , as if thou wert lowsie : or to clyng in thy shoulders , as some Italians vse . All these are euill .

In standing thus before thy betters , hold thy hat in thy left hand , with both thy hands mannerly before thée : for to hold thy hat or booke vnder thine arme-pit in standing so , were clownish .

As thou art thus standing in talke , thou maist not winke with thine eyes , nod at anie bodie , nor turne away thy head .

If were an ill fauoured thing , thus standing , to play with thine armes , to vse apish toyes with thy fingers : or , to be short , not to séeme for to speake with thy tung , but with thy whole bodie .

Let thy voice be gentle and soft , and therewith deliberate not too quicke nor too slow : nor too high , for that were clownish , nor too low , but it may easilie be vnderstood .

Let not thy spéech be too hastie , ( as I said ) but let it goe with thy vnderstanding , and be vttered so leysurely as it may well be vnderstood : for manie are so rash in speaking , that they make themselues soone windlesse , and forget halfe of that which they should haue spoken : besides that , it bringeth them to an ill habit of stutting and stammering , which might haue bin avoided , if héedefull deliberation had béene vsed in their childhood .

In speaking to any Honorable or Worshipfull person , it is good manners to repeat nowe and then the title of his Honour or Worship .

There is no name should bee of greater account , nor more deare than that of Father and Mother : nor none more louing and friendlie than the name of brother & sister .

If thou be ignorant of the titles of dignities of each estate , know that Lordes are honourable , Knights & chiefe Gentlemen , worshipfull , and vse to anie man séeming of anie good account , this title , Sir , &c.

It is a most shamefull thing for a childe to bee heard sweare either in test , or in earnest . A like shame it is for them to vtter any word of ribandrie or filthie spéech : nay they must not abide to heare anie such filthinesse . But in manie places now a daies , ( all feare of God , and care of modestie set a side ) children euen from their infancie , are delighted in these abhominable euils , which they ought most of all things to abhorre .

If thou bee driuen to name anie vncleane or dishonest thing in spéech , vse first this preamble , sauing your honour , sauing your worship ; or to meane persons , sauing your reuerence .

Beware that thou once name not , much les that thou shew any secret part of thy bodie , which nature willeth to be kept hidden and secret .

Beware howe thou gainesay anie thing spoken by thy elders , & if thou hearest them affirme anie thing that thou knowest to bée contrarie to their saying , if thou bee driuen to reply vnto their spéeches ; denie not flatlye their spéeches but curteouslie first say : with your fauoure , Sir , I knowe the matter to stand thus , or thus : or , I haue heard Sir , that it is thus , or so . Nay , it is euill and vnséemely for thée to giue the lye to thine equalls or fellowes .

A well mannered childe will neuer quarrell nor brabble with anie : but will rather , either put vp wrong , or commit the matter to arbitrement .

Thou must not boast nor extoll thy self aboue other , thou must not finde fault wyth the dooings of another . Be not hastie to reproue other . Tattle not abroad whatsoeuer thou hearest . Backbite no bodie . Disdaine not another for whatsoeuer infirmity or vncomelines Nature affoordeth him : knowing that God could also haue made thée more vgly than a toad : but thanke God for shaping thée aright in all parts , and comely to sée too ; whereas hee hath made diuers ill fauoured , lame , blinde , &c.

To interrupt anie bodie while he is speaking , and breake off his tale , is an vnmannerly part .

Be not angrie , nor quarrelling with any bodie : vse gentlenes and frendly behauiour to euerie bodie . But make choyce of such for thy neerest familiars , to bee conuersaunt withall , as thou findest to be most vertuous and well mannered .

Say nothing to anie bodie , that thou woldest not haue knowen abroad to al : for it becommeth not children to bee talkers or medlers in anie thing , but those things that concerne their learning or profiting in goodnes .

It is a folly for thee , to looke to haue kept that secret by telling it another , which thou couldest not kéepe secret thy selfe .

The surest way for thée to eschue blame and reproach , is , that thou neuer doo nor say anie thing , whereof thou maist bee iustly ashamed , or haue cause to repent .

Be no medler in other mens matters : and if thou hast séene or knowen anie thing of their dooings , make as though thou knewest nothing .

To looke aside ouer another mans shoulder , while he is reading his letters , is an vnmannerly part .

If a man open his coffer or deske whyle thou art by , goe aside : for it is no good manners for thée to looke therein , much more vnséemly is it for thée to handle any thing that is therein .

If any men nere thée enter into any secret talke , get thée aside , and intermeddle not thy selfe with their speach , vnles thou be called .

The manners ( as I said before ) are liuelie representations of the dispositions of the mynde and those doe shine principally in the good order of the visage , let therfore thine eyes be modestly , yet pleasantly disposed : shamefast and stedfast , and also peaceable ; not too much lifted vp , or disdainfully cast aside , for that were a signe of pride and crueltie : not wauering , and affraide to looke vp ; for that betokeneth follie and want of witt : not be amishly hanging doune for that betokeneth sullennes : not with an eager sullen show for that betokeneth one practising som treason : not too open staring , for that sheweth a blockhead and shamelesse foole : not twinkeling , for that betokeneth cowardise and in constancie : not looking wildly , for that is like mad folke , and men amased : not sharply as if thou were angrie : not beckoning and as it were speaking to the partie with thy looke , for that were want of shamfastnes : but let thy looke be so ordered , as thereby may thy minde appeare to he quiet , setled , amiable and curteous , with all reuerence , And surely not without cause did the auncient philosophers call the eyes the seate of the soule .

Paintings made in olde time doe shewe , that in times past it was counted especiall good manners , for to looke with the eyes half shut , as among some Spaniards it séemeth yet to bee estéemed comely to looke with the eyes somewhat wincking . Also we finde it by the saide paintings , to haue bin estéemed a valorous and manlie part to go somewhat backe and to close the lips : But that which is comely by nature , will be accounted faire and séemely among all people : yet , in these matters we must some times doe as the fish doeth , which changeth the colour according to the thing that it méeteth .

There are certaine countenances of eyes , which nature hath giuen to one after one sort , to another after another fashion : the ordering of which cannot in euerie point , be sufficiently handled in precepts : but this I say , that euill and vncomely behauiours , doo spoile not only the fashion of the countenance but also of all the bodie : whereas contrariwise , well ordered and séemely behauiours , make that which is comely by nature , to bee most well beséeming and commendable : and whereas is anie vncomelinesse or imperfection of nature , it taketh away , or at least , maketh to séeme lesse the blemish thereof .

It is vnséemly to looke vpon anie man holding one of thine eyes shut , as if thou were shooting in a gunne .

Let thine ey-browes stand also stretched right forth , not rimpled together by beeing turned back again , which betokeneth fiercenes : not staring vp on high , which is sign of pride : not hanging downe ouer the eyes , which is a signe of one meditating mischiefe .

Let thy forhead be merry and plain , shewing chéerfulnes , and a resolute quiet minde , not wrinkled and turned vp againe like an olde man , not going vp and downe like a hedge-hog , not casting thy forehead a crosse like a bull .

Let not thy nose be snottie , for that is a most filthie and loathsome thing to behold : neither maist thou wipe the same vppon thy hat , cap , clothes , hand or sléeue : for , that is too slouenly : neither maist thou blowe thy nose with thy hand , and straight way wype thy hand vpon thy clothes : but blow thy nose on thy napkin , turning thy head aside from the companie : if thou want a napkin , goe into a corner , and blowing thy nose with thy forefinger and thumbe , tread out quickly that which fell from thée .

To snuffle or make a rutling in the nose is filthie : to speake also in the nose is vnséemly and ridiculous .

To blow thy nose verie lowd , is vnmannerly .

If thou be driuen to néese in companie , it is manners for thée to turn a little aside , and afterward to put off thy hat , and to thanke them that haue bid , God blesse thée . But let the violence of thy néesing be first past : for néesing and yawning do take away the sense of thine eares vtterly . It is holden also for good manners , after thy néesing to put off thy hat , and to say , With your leaue .

When thou art driuen to yawne goe aside , or els , if thou canst not put thy hand before thy mouth .

It is good manners to salute another when hee neeseth , saying , Christ helpe you .

When as thine Elders or betters shall salute anie man that neeseth , it is manners for thee to put off thy hat .

To straine thy selfe for to make much noyse in neesing , or to neese oftener than necessitie forceth , is vnmannerly . Neither take I it healthie for to restraine thy selfe from neesing , when thou art mooued violently theretoo : and health is commonly to be preferred before too nice manner lines .

Let thy chéekes bee died with naturall shamefastnes , and not with painting . To blush when thou art reprooued , or charged with euill ( though vndeserued of thée ) it is a signe of grace , and good manners . Beware thou show not too bold a face : and take like héed , that thou be not too bashfull .

To puffe vp the chéekes is a signe of foolish pride . And to pluck in the same too much showeth one of minde forlorne , and despayring of himselfe . The one betokeneth a proud foole hauing too high a conceat of himselfe : the other betokeneth a Iudas like traitour .

Let not thy mouth be too close shut , as if thou fearedst to take breath : nor yet let it be gaping open ; for that is like a foole : but let thy lippes be euen as it were gently kissing one another .

Take héed thou powt not out thy mouth for that is ill fauoured , and beastly . Neyther make a pohing with thy mouth in companie , as men doo passing by some stinking place .

To laugh at euery thing , betokeneth a foole : neither maist thou laugh a lowd at any thing : nor stirre and shake thy body in laughing in a cause of greate laughter , thou must smile and shewe a modest ioyfullnes . But , beware thou laugh not at any ribawdrie or filthie knauerie , nor once smile thereat . Too earnest & violent laughter , is séemly for no age : but most vnséemly for children .

Some laugh so vnreasonably , that therewith they set out their téeth like grinning dogs : make wry mouths and disfigure their faces . But flie thou such dissolute and vnmannerly fashions .

These are wordes of fooles to say : I was like to be pisse my selfe with laughing : I had almost burst with laughing : I was like to haue died with laughing : or I had almost sounded with laughing . If so great a cause of laughter bee offered , that thou cannot choose but laugh out , thou must hide thy face with a napkin , or with thy hand . To laugh alone or without cause is accounted foolishnes : yet if at some conceit thou smile to thy selfe , it is the more tollerable , if thou canst readilie yéeld a sufficient cause therefore .

To bite the nether lip is a vile vnmannerly part : for that is the signe of a furious man , or such a one that is spitefull & threatning , & like euil is it to bite the vpper lip : and as vnmannerly is it to lick out the tung aboue or below the lips , or on ether side of the mouth .

It was in times past holden a grace or good fashion amongst the Dutchmen , to put out their lips somwhat , as if they were readie to kisse : but that is holden for a bad fashion now a dayes .

To mocke anie bodie by blabbering out the tung , is the part of wag-halters & leand boyes , not of well mannered children .

When thou spittest , turne thy face aside : and beware that thou spittest not vpon anie bodie , nor before any bodies sight .

If thou hast spet anie thing vppon the ground , that is fowle to be séene , tread it out quickly , least it offend anie bodies sight .

If thou be where thou canst not turne from the companie , receiue thy spettle with thy hand-kerchiefe from thy mouth verye closely .

It is a beastly thing to vse spitting often , as some doo by a lewd custome , not for néed . Some likewise vse still coughing and humming almost at euerie word they speake , as if they were still forging a lye that wold not frame . All such fowle fashions must thou warily eschew .

Some others get a filthy custome in theyr childhood , to rospe , and make as though they would breake winde vpward still in theyr talke & vse the same vntill their age : whereof Clitipho in Terence was reprooued by a seruant . But if thou bee forced to cough , cough a side : and beware thou cough in no bodies face , neither rospe , nor breake wind in any companie , as neare as thou can , especially eschew it in talke .

If thou be driuen to vomit , get thée aside out of companie least thou make the stomacks of other to loath thée : and they iudge thée a glutton or drunkard .

Kéepe thy téeth cleane by rubbing them , and thy Gummes euerie morning afore thou rise with a linnen cloth , for that is most holsome . As for powder to make them white , leaue that to nise maides . To vse rubbing much with salt or allume , doth fret the gummes . And as for washing them with Vrine , leaue that to the Spaniards .

If there bee any thing hanging in thy téeth , get it not out with thy knife , nor with thy nailes , like Cats and Dogs , nor with a napkin , but with the point of a toothpicker , made either of some fine piece of woode , or of a quill , or of the little bones taken out of a Capons legge .

It is estéemed comely and holsome , to wash the mouth with faire water once in the morning : but to vse the same oft in a day , is foolish and vnséemelie . Of vsage of the tung we will speake in another place .

It is both a thing clownish and vnholsome to goe vnkembd . I speake of kembing for cleanlynesse , for auoyding lice and nits , &c. not of chrisping , curling and laying our locks like wanton yong women .

To vse to scratch the head in presence of others , is both slouenly and euill : and so is it to vse scratching or rubbing thy bodie . Let not the haire of thy head hang in thine eies , nor on thy shoulders .

Shake not much thy head , nor strout it not too much out with bridling in thy chin : for that is more comely for great Horses than for thée : yet must thou remember to carry thy head vpright in a modest sort .

To pull in thy head & thrust vp thy shoulders , were the part of a slouthfull slouen .

To bowe in thy backe thrusting out thy bellie , is foolish proud gesture and verie vnséemely : but to goe with thy body strait vp is comely and commendable .

Let not thy heade hang lolling on one side nor other : for that sheweth either a foole or an hypocrite .

Thou must beare thy shoulders euen , with an equall counterpois , not thrusting vp the one and downe with the other like Antikes , for many children practising such Apish and vnséemely toyes , make their bodies grow crooked for euer , & become thereby deformed and ill fashioned in their whole bodie beyond nature . Some also by crooking out their shoulders , and stooping with their backs get such a custome in their childhoode , as they growe crooked for euer , and cannot by any meanes goe strait againe when they would .

The bodies of children are like tender plants , which may bee made to grows strait with héede and propping : But without regard had , those that by nature are disposed to be most strait will soone grow crooked , or some waies deformed .

When thou sittest , let thy knées be neare together , and thy féete not farre asunder . But whether thou sittest or standest , beware thou settest not thy féete too wide at the toes : for the vse thereof will make thée splay-footed . Neither vse to tread thy shooes awry .

Sit not , nor stand with thy legs a crosse : nor with one legge cast ouer the other . It was indéede an auncyent fashion of Kings , to sit with the right foot cast ouer the lefte thigh , but that is reproued in children .

In Italy some vse to set one foot vpon the other , like a Storke , but that is not comely for children .

To make a leg , bowing thy knée handsomly vnto thy beters , thou art bound of dutie : but if it be not doon orderly it disgraceth thée . Some vse to bow both knées togither , holding their bodies straight : but that is for women & girles : for a aman or boy it is holden , in England , for the best manners when they make obeysance to their superiors , to bow modestly first the right knée and then the left . And this obeisance must thou obserue as ofte as thou méetest , or talkest with or receyuest any thing at the hands of thyne elders and betters .

The frenchmen vse to bow only the right knée , with a gentle mouing and bowing of the bodie .

But if thou bee conuersant with straungers , or with thy betters , delighted in the manners of straungers , it will not be amis , if thou sometime frame thy selfe to vse the manners of them best pleasing .

Let not thy going bee either too slowly , & dreamingly , like one that cared not whether he went or not , nor yet too hastily , as if thou were rash & headlong in thy dooings . The one is like effeminate persons : the other like mad folke . Neither goe trauersing the way vnconstantly ; as doth the Switzer Souldiers , who take it a great glorie to weare great plumes of fethers in their hats .

Neither goe as though thou didst halfe halt ; nor yet nicely tripping with thy féete : the one is like counterfeite rogues ; the other like harlots .

To shake with the legges as thou sittest , or to make much stamping and toying with thy féete , is the propertie of a foole . And to ●●mble or shewe a number of Apish toyes with thy hands and fingers , is a signe of one not hauing a sound and stable wit .

Of Apparrell .

WEE haue spoken of the bodie alreadie , and the ordring of it : now we will speake a few words of apparell : for apparell may be called the body of the body : & by it and wearing thereof , may partly bée coniectured , and iudged what is the nature and quallitie of the minde .

Yet thereof can be no certaine fashion prescribed , in as much as diuersities of Countries , honors , dignities , and riches , make some kind of apparrell well or ill beseeming one Country or calling , and some other like to another . Againe times change the fashions in many Countries : whereto somewhat must be yéelded , but I would not haue thée follow euery fond and strange deuise .

Bee thou content with such apparrell as thine estate and the bountie of thy friendes affoordeth : knowing it is not the outwarde gorgeous apparrell , but the inward vertues of the minde , that maketh one estéemed . What apparrell so euer thou hast , sée thou doo not ware it torne , or fowle , and slouenly : but kéepe it cleane and handsome , brushed & and rubbed : Sée thy pointes bee tyed , thy girdle on , thy hat cleane , thy shirt bande rightly set about thy necke , thy clothes fitte about thy bodie , thy stockinges cleane and close gartered , and thy shooes made cleane also .

Party coloured and too gawdy cloathes , are fitter for fooles and Apes , than for discret and well nurtured folke .

Fine apparrell is to be desired none otherwise but for comlines , and according to the dignitie and riches of thy friends .

Children must not be curious of gay clothing , but carefull to please their Parentes and Teachers , and studie to learne vertuous Arts.

There are some children so slouenly , that they wet and perfume the lower partes of their shirts and cloathes with vrine : Some other that bespotte and all to dawbe their breastes and sléeues filthily , with dropping of drinke and Pottage and so foorth : Nay which is most loathsome , with sniueling of their nose , and driueling of their mouth , but in any wise beware thou of this beastlines .

Others let their clothes hang about them like a sacke , like such as are all carelesse of credit , and cleanlines .

If thy friendes haue giuen thée any trim cloathes , goe not thou when thou wearest them , casting thine eyes still on thy gay clothes , in a foolish iollitie and pride , like the peacocke beholding his taile . Neither shew thy cloathes to other bragging thereof : for so much the more as thou art partaker of worldly commodities , so much the more good manners and modestie it is for thée to shewe humilitie .

Let poore folke and such as haue escaped out of Captiuitie or any great miserie , reioyce for their better estate and deliuerance : ( so it be modestly , and with attributing the praise vnto God : ) But , for a rich bodie to glorie insolently in his riches or costly apparell ; is estéemed a reproch vnto those that want such plentie : and the readie way to get hatred .

Of manners at Schoole .

WHen thou goest to the Schoole , remember that the Schoole is the very nurserie of all vertues : the worke-house of framing thy minde and body to a right fashion : the pathway to knowledge and the very direct entrance into a happy & well ordered course of life .

Estéeme of thy teachers , as of spirituall Parents , knowing that all their studies and indeuours is to doo thée good : And knowe that to them thou owest most great duty , loue and reuerence next vnto God , and to thy naturall Parentes : For surely vnto thy Parents and faithfull Schoolemasters , thou canst neuer be able to make sufficient amends .

Be it far from thée to go vnto the Schoole with as ill a will as wicked dooers goe vnto the Stockes , or to the Gallowes : Neither account it an intollerable toyle and labour , to apply thy selfe daily to learning , for learning is but a sport and play to such as haue willing minds , and therefore in Latine it is called , ludus literarius . And indéede , how soeuer the corruption of mans nature misliketh of , and striueth against Learning and knowledge , yet knowledge and learning ( beeing rightly applyed ) is the foode of the soule , the best delight of the minde , & bringeth with it ( if it be well sought ) the greatest and surest honor and happines .

Pray therefore earnestly to God euery morning , that he would suppresse in thée all rebellious , stubborne and careles affections : that hee would lighten thine vnderstanding , make thy minde willing , dilligent and tractable ; readie to conceiue and able to carrie away whatsoeuer shall be taught thée . These things if thou craue vnfainedly , God is able to giue , and will readily bestow on thée .

When thou art at Schoole , bee studious in thy lectures learning , attentiue to thy Masters wordes and documents , what soeuer thy Master shall teach , mark it héedfully , and meditate thereon earnestly vntill thou haue learned the same perfectlye . At voide times be sure to get all those rules , phrases and lectures without booke , which thou must render againe or maiest make vse of , to haue them in readinesse .

Be ashamed that any of thy equals should learne faster than thou : but indeuour thou to learne faster than al those in lecture with thée .

In matters of doubt , aske helpe earnestly by intreatie or rewardes , at the hands of other schollers better learned than thou . And be thou most readie and willing to helpe any thy equals or inferiours in learning .

Flie all fighting and wrangling with thy fellowes . But be curteous , gentle & lowlie , among all both rich and poore .

Make no noyse nor vse any meane , whereby thou maiest disturbe thy schoolefellowes : much lesse thy schoolemaster .

Be a patterne of good manners , industry , curtesie , and obeying thy Master vnto all in the Shoole . So shall thy praise be great , and thy profit greater .

Of manners at Church .

WHen thou commest into the Church , remember that it is the house of God-Almightie , consecrated to his seruice who is the King of Kings , Lord of Lordes , Father of thy Father and thee , gouernour of thy gouernours and of thée : he giueth all things vnto them that giue any thing to thée : hée giueth that nourishment vnto meate , drinke and clothing , which doth nourish thee : hee maketh pleasant those thinges that delight thée : all thy reléefe , comfort , and defending from euill , commeth by his mercifull bountie , and inuincible power . And albeit his glorie filleth euerie place , his eyes sée all thinges in all places : his eares heare all that is saide or intended : and hée vnderstandeth all the thoughts : so as thou can thinke , saie , nor do any thing neuer so secretly but it is knowen to him : he therfore is to be prayed vnto , obeyed , reuerenced and pleased in all places . Yet the Church is a place apointed especially for all people to méete of al sorts and ages , and there ( as it were ) with one heart and voice to call vpon Gods name : to praise him for benifits receiued , for he onely giueth all good things : To pray for wants to be reléeued , for hee hath the storehouse of all plentie , and giueth most bountifullie , and is most liberall to all that faithfullie aske to craue his aide against all perrills : For hee is an impregnable bulwarke and fort of defence to all his : And to conclude all spirituall as well as corporall graces are for al estates to be sought for by earnest praier in generall , and Gods name is there to be heartily glorified , by Psalmes , spirituall Hymnes , and singing praises . And this ought to be each Saboth daies whole indeuour and worke onely .

When thou art in the Church , sée thou bée not idle , much lesse giuen to play or tattle : but let thy whole meditation be on heauenly thinges , lifting vp ( with the Minister and ( people ) deuoutly thy heart by prayer , to him that sitteth in the throne of endles Maiestie in heauen for euermore .

When the Minister readeth the worde of God or preacheth , be attentiue to marke all that is read and preached , meditating on the same afterward : that thou mayest still carry in minde the effect of that which was spoken , and profit by it . So shalt thou amend thy memory , growe in knowledge , & learne to liue as becommeth a Christian , if thou wilt obserue what sin is reprooued in Gods worde , and flie the same , and marke what vertue is commended , and indeuourest to practise the same .

Of manners at the Table .

AT the table thou must shew a cheareful & modest countenance , neither is it fit for thée to vse pratling there : nor to speak much in the companie of thy betters ; vnles thou be asked questions , or some matters of importance necessarie to be vttered , lyeth in thy minde & not that , if before or after it might as well or better bee by thée vttered . Before thou sit downe , sée that thy face & hands be cleane washed , and thy nailes pared , so as no foulenes bee séene left , for that would be holden for a slouenlie part .

When thou hast wiped them , cast off all pensiuenes and griefe before thou sit downe : for thou must not at the Table shewe a heauie countenance , nor make others sadde and heauie .

If thou be to say Grace , set thy face in a modest order , and holding thy hands vp deuoutlie , then fastning thine eyes mannerly on the worthiest person at the Table , bowe thy knée and beginne and say distinctly and plainely : if some other say Grace , stand thou with like modestie and deuotion .

Place not thy selfe too high , but first giue all thine elders leaue to sit downe : If for thy birth , or some especiall friendship , the chiefe of the company , offer to place thée aboue , refuse it shamefastly once or twise : but if they still force thée , refuse it not obstinately .

When thou art set , hold both thy hands on the table , not ioyned together , nor on the table napkin , but on each side of the trencher , but lay not thy handes on thy lappe , nor in thy bosome .

Leane not with thine elbowes vpon the table , for that is onely lawfull for olde féeble persons : Notwithstanding some Courtiers vse it , iudging all that they doo is to bée tollerated .

Take héede that thou trouble none of them that sit next thée with thine elbowes , nor those on the other side of the table with thy féete .

To sit rocking on thy stoole is foolish wantonnes , and too vnséemely for children : or to sit hitching from one side of the stoole to another is a most slouenly part : But sitte thou as vpright and still with thy bodie as thou canst .

If thou haue a table-napkin , lay it on thy lappe , or hang it on thine arme , or as some will haue it on thy left shoulder : and wipe thy fingers therewith when they are fowle , and not on thy cloathes nor on the tablecloth .

It becommeth thée not to bee couered on thy head , sitting at table with thy Parents or men of account , vnlesse they commaunde thée to put on thy Cap or Hat .

Some vse to haue their children stande at their meate at the tables ende , and not there to abide all Dinner or Supper , but hauing eaten somewhat , to take away their trenchers and napkins , and so making a curtesie looking towards the worthiest of the company , to goe their way , and then to wait at the table .

Others haue their children sit vntill the meate be taken away , and when frute is brought in , then they rise and wait . Let children each way bee diligent to please their Parents , and euery way carefull to vse good manners .

Breake not thy bread at the table , neither pare it about , nor féele it thrusting with thy hands , but cut it crust and crumme together , a péece and away .

Folke in olde time did at all their meales vse to eate bread with very great reuerence , as a sacred thing : thereupon grew a custome to kisse the bread , when one had let a péece of it fall . And surely it is to bee receiued with great reuerence and thankesgiuing to God , for God giueth it force to nourish and sustaine our life .

To begin the meale with drinke , is a fashion of Dronkardes , which drinke for custome and not for thirst : and that custome is both vnholsome and vnséemely .

It is also both vnhealthy and vnmannerly , to drinke presently after eating of pottage or milke .

It is neither healthy nor séemely for a child to drinke aboue twise or thrise at a meale . And when thou drinkest , guzzle not gréedily but let it goe downe softly and quietly , not powring like a gutter .

Wine and strong drinkes are both hurtfull for the health and memories of children : and a discredite for them to vse . Wine and strong drinkes are fittest for old age which is colde . Let children drinke small drinke , or small wine mingled with water , and that not too much of it , for their bloud will soone be inflamed , and they in danger to surfet , besides the weakening of their braine , and spoile of their wits .

Sée here what profits they reape that are delighted in wine and strong drinks : their téeth soone waxe yeallow and hoarie , their chéekes puffing hang flabbing : their eyes staring and ill fauoured , their wits and memorie quite dulled , their body subiect to the palsey , dropsie , gowt , and infinite other diseases , their bodies drowsie and vnapt to all goodnesse , they waxe olde in young age , and are in daunger of destroying both body and soule euerlastingly .

Swallowe downe that which is in thy mouth before thou drinke , and before thou put also the cup to thy mouth , wipe the same well with thy table napkin : and after thou hast done doo the like .

It is an vnmannerly part to looke aside , or backward when thou drinkest .

Thanke him gently that drinketh to thée , and make semblance to pledge him , setting the cuppe to thy mouth , and making as though thou didst drinke , though thou drinke little or nothing .

But if any bee so rude and voide of good manners , that he would force thée to pledge him more than is necessarie : refuse it modestly , desiring him to pardon thée .

In drinking , let thy drinke goe downe leysurely and easily , not gulping it in , or swallowing it gréedily like a brute beast .

When thou eatest pottage , thou maiest not bite thy bread , and so put it in , neither wring it a péeces in with thy hands , for that is clownish , but cut it on thy trencher in small morsels , and then put it into the pottager . And beware thou soupe not thy pottage , but eate it leisurely with a spoone , without taking it into thy mouth gréedily , forcibly drawing thy breath with it , as some clownes do vse , sounding at the receipt of euery spoonefull Slurrop . Beware also that thou spill no pottage nor sauce , either on the table cloth , or on thy clothes .

Some there be , that can scarce abide , till they be set at the table , but they will fall to their meate , like gréedie wolues , or cormorants : but be not thou too hastie , though it be among thy equals , for so thou maiest be noted of arrogancie and immodestie : and by putting a morsell too hoate in thy mouth , thou maiest be driuen quickly to voide out the same againe : than the which nothing can be more slouenly , and make thée more laughed to scorne .

A childe must stay a while , before he begin to eate , though he be hungrie , that he may learne to moderate his affections : therfore Socrates , when he was olde , would not drink assoone as his cup was filled , although he were very thirstie . If a childe sit at table with his betters , he must be the last that shall put his hand in the dish , and scant do that vnlesse he be bidden : but must be contented with that is giuen him .

A childe must not vse dipping his hand in the sauce : but if he be willed to vse sauce with his meate , let him take the meat on his knifes point , and dip it therin . To turne the dish , & choose where to cut , is a lickerish and vnmannerly part : but cut on that part next thée , how euer it fall . Leauing the daintiest morsels alwaies for thy betters .

Thou must neither lick nor pick the meat nor lick the sugar from about the platters side . Beware thou offer not to eate of any dish whereof thy betters haue not first eaten . Much lesse maiest thou presume to touche those dishes first , which should be last .

Whensoeuer thy betters shall offer thée any meate , reach out thy trencher and take it , but remember that presently thou bow thy body reuerendly to him that gaue it thée . If a dainty péece of meat be offred thée , make a reuerend shew of refusall , as if thou hadst rather that the partie should kéepe it to himselfe : but if thou bee earnestly willed to take it , receiue it with like modestie as is aforesaide : and of such dainty péece giue alwaies part to him next thée , or to two or thrée by thée , if the portion will extend so largely .

That which being offred , thou canst not receiue conueniently , according to manners with thy fingers , receiue the same with thy trencher or plate .

If a peece of Pye or of Tart bee offered thée , receiue that on thy plate or trencher , & not with thy fingers .

If Custard or such like meate bee offered thée , receiue it on thy plate or trencher , and wiping the spoone ( wherewith it was deliuered thée ) with thy table napkin , deliuer it againe with humble bowing of thy body to him that gaue it thée , if he be thy superior .

It is vnmannerly and euill to licke thy fingers being moistned with the fat of meat , or to wipe them on thy clothes : and as vnséemely and also vnholsome is it to swallow downe whole morsels without chewing like Storkes and Herons .

If thou séest one cutting meate that thou likest , it is ill manners for thée to offer thy trencher before he make any offer thereof to thée : for thou shouldst so bee iudged a lickorish gréedy gut .

When thou receiuest any thing at the table with thy hande , lay holde of it with no more but thy thumbe and two forefingers , the hinder fingers being bowed in mannerly .

In eating thou must put thy morsels of bread and meate beeing cutte , leysurely and modestly into thy mouth with the thumbe and forefinger of thy left hande , the other thrée fingers beeing bowed in , one beneath the other .

If one offer thée meate that thou louest not , or goeth against thy stomacke deny it not churlishly as Clitipho answered his mother , saying : I will none of it . But giue him thanks shamefastly : if hee still offer it , say : Pardon mee Sir I loue it not : or it is not good for me .

Let Children also learne howe to carue meate : for there is one manner of caruing the leg of flesh , another of the shoulder , another of the brest , &c. one manner of cutting vp a Capon , another of a Fesant , another of a Partridge , another of a Ducke , another of a Conie , &c. all which must bee learned by daylie experience .

Beware that in cutting thy meate at the table , thou handle or tutch no parte of the meate , more than thou cuttest for thy selfe . For auoiding of which euill the Italians and Germanes vse little forkes of siluer or stéele with their kniues in cutting meate .

It is a most slouenly thing to offer to gnaw anie bread or meate at the table . And as euill is it to offer vnto another , that which thou hast alreadie halfe eaten .

To bite meate or bread and then dip it in the sawce , is verie clownish : and as vnmannerly to take anie thing chewed out of thy mouth , and lay it on thy trencher .

If by chance thou haue got into thy mouth anie stinking or vnsauerie morsell of meate , which thou canst not swalow , turne thy face aside , and with thy napkin couer thy face : and so rid it away secretly , that it be not séen or perceiued .

To take vp againe to eate the fragments from thy trencher , is no good manners .

Throw not downe thy bones to file the house , or make dogs fight : nor lay them on the cloath , but put them on a voyder , or on a corner of thy trencher .

Picke not the meate out of an egge wyth thy fingers , nor licke it with thy tung .

Let no grease hang about thy lips , but kéep thy mouth clean with thy table napkin .

To gnaw bones is dog-like , but to picke the meat off with thy knife , is good maners .

Thou must take salt with thy knife out of the salt-seller , not with thy fingers : if it be too farre off , desire some others helpe .

To licke the dish or trencher whereon anie swéete thing hath béen , is rather the propertie of a cat , than of a well nurtured childe .

Cut thy meate in pretie morsels , and to euerie morsell of meate , eat a morsel of bread : that is both wholsome and good manners .

Some rauenously deuoure their meat , rather than eate it , as if they should neuer againe come to meate : but these rather steale their meat , than receiue it thankfully .

Some thrust so much into their mouthes at once that their chéeks swel like bag-pipes . Other open their iawes so wide , that they smacke like hogs : some blow at the nose . All which are beastly fashions .

To drinke or speake when thy mouth is full , is not only slouenly , but dangerous .

Some eate and drinke all the while they sit at the table , glutton-like . Others scratch their heads , picke their nose and eares , or playe some apish toyes wyth theyr handes , or shake their heads , or wincke , or looke awry with their eies , or play with their knife or cough , or spit : but all these are signes of Clownish fooles .

Though children be not permitted to talke at the table , in presence of their betters ; yet they may marke the wise and pleasant discourses of other : And if they be asked any question , they must haue a regarde to aunswere discréetly , yet chearefullie . And if they be willed to discourse of any thing , they must not be too bashfull , as they may not bée too sawcie .

It is not good manners to sit at the table looking heauie and sad , but to shewe a lightsome and cheareful countenance , is requisite and commendable .

There be some so blockish that sitting at the table , they marke nothing what is done or saide : Nay if a man speake to them , they are as it were halfe a sléepe , and can scarce tell what they eate . These are rather like senceles stones than like men . But a héedfull childe may get much profit , aswell by marking the wise sayings of others , as by obseruing the manners of those that best behaue themselues at the Table .

It is no good manners to gaze about the Table , marking what euerie one eateth : neyther maiest thou looke long vppon anye that sit at the Table , or that stands by : and it is lesse good manners to looke a squint still vpon any that is beside thée .

It is a dishonest parte to report abroade whatsoeuer hath bin spoken at the Table in secrecie : or as one friend may vtter to another , things which he would not haue published .

A childe sitting at table with onely his equalls may talke , but let his talke be seasoned with modestie and wisedome . But if he sit with those that bée farre his superiors he must not talke at all , except it bee that a question be asked him .

When merrie talke is vsed of his superiours , hee may not laugh a loud : but must smile a little modestlie .

If anie his superiours chance to vtter any spéeches of of ribawdrie , hee may in no wise laugh thereat , but must make semblance , as though heard them not .

Silence is counted a vertue in women : and much more séemelie is it in Children .

Beware thou answere not , before he that speaketh to thée , hath ended his spéech : for so shalt thou be but mocked .

Salomon the wise accounted it foolishnes to answere before the tale were heard : and it it were necessarie to pause a little after the question .

If thou vnderstand not well what hee spake , and he expect an answere , pray him to beare with thée , and tell him the cause .

When thou vnderstandest his demaund , answere discréetly , briefly and chéerfully .

Thou maist not there speake anie thing gainst a mans credit , nor to renue his gréefe .

Thou maist not dispraise any victuals set before thée : but those thou louest féed on modestly & thankfully , leauing the other .

If any at the table behaue himselfe vndecently , séeme thou rather not to sée than to mocke him .

Be not thou readie to finde fault with others follies , but indeuour to be thy selfe vnreprouable : imitating those that best behaue themselues .

It were not good for children to sit ouer long at the table : for that both hindreth helth and dulleth the wits . But children must obey their parents wills .

Those that would suffer children to be pinched with hunger , are merciles : and they that would haue them eate and drinke vntill they be readie to burst , are lesse their frends .

Children should be fed , and not crammed : for some thinke that they are neuerfull , vnlesse the belly be thrust so full , that they hee like to burst , or to spue . But a measure should be learned from the infancie .

Some thinke to loue , but hate their children so , that they suffer them to be banquetting almost all night .

If the banquet bee so long that thou canst not well sit it out , arise , take away thy trencher and scraps with thy napkin , making obeysance toward him that séemeth the worthiest in the companie , and come and waite by the table mannerly .

In taking off or setting on anie dish to the table , beware thou spill no broth nor such like vpon anie bodies clothes .

In reaching or taking any thing , vse thy right hand , and not thy left .

If thou wilt snuffe the candle , take it from the table , & being snufft , tread out the snuffe plucked off quickly , least the smell thereof offend any bodie ,

The manner of voyding the table : like as also of furnishing the same , and of spreading the cloth is sundry waies vsed , according to the dignitie of persons that are to eat : for the seruice of princes is of one sort ; that of great Lords is of another sort ; of worshipfull persons is otherwise : all which fashions are farre aboue this subiect , which is but a short instruction for certaine obseruations to bee marked of the ruder sort . Yet forasmuch as some Gentlemen and other , will haue their children to take away the table commonlye after meate , I thinke it not amisse to speake a few woordes of the manner how to take away the Table .

When thou therefore art appointed by thy parents or betters to that function , looke that in taking off the dishes , thou take them off in the same order that they were serued to the table , the grosest meates ( which were first serued ) being first taken away , and the daintiest ( that were last serued ) take last away : and in taking away the dishes , beware that thou spill no broth or sawce on the table cloth , or on the clothes of anie that sit at table . And if thou bee willed to fill any wine or béere to the table , fill not the cup too full , least thou spill in deliuering it .

But forasmuch as children are not troubled with anye more than with voyding of the last furniture of the table , namely , with the chéefe and frute , let vs speake thereof .

If in wayting this while at the table ther be giuen thée an apple or such like , thou maist not stand eating the same before the table , but bestow it till afterward : neither mayst thou gaze stedfastly on such iunkets as thou séest and likest there , much lesse mayst thou stare on those that sit and eate : but be attentiue and readie to serue what shall bee called for .

When dinner is done , and thou willed to take away , first couer the salt , ( if it bee not couered before ) then take away the frute dishes in order , the last serued first , and so on , and lastly the chéese . But beware of catching for figs , comfets , or such daintie things , before the table bee voyded , and grace said . When chéese and all is voyded , set on the table a faire voyding charger , making therewith a legge : then with thy trencher-knife take vp the trenchers , putting them into the voyder one after another , beginning at the vpper part of the messe first : and with the same trencher-knife gather al the crummes and fragments into the voyder , and still lay or deliuer away the table napkins , as thou gettest them , all saue one , which thou shalt hang on thy left arme . When thou hast thus gathered into the voyder all the crums and scraps , bring downe the voider lower , and with the table napkin that hanged on thine arme , holding the one end thereof in thy right hand , and the other in the left , take with thy right hand the loues from the salt , one by one , & put them in the voider , but so as the end of the table napkin be betwéene the bread and thy hand , & lastly take the salt as thou diddest the loaues with thy right , and holding the same on the right side of the voider with that end of thy table napkin , and hauing before laide the voiding knife on the top of the voider , draw ouer the other end of the napkin with thy left hand , and so lifting vp the voider with both hands , make obeisance and carry it away : then returne and folde vp first both the sides of the table cloth , then the ends , and so turning it thrée or foure double , drawing it towarde thée downeward , take it of , making a lowe leg , looking toward the cheefe at the table .

In honorable and some worshipfull houses , the salt and voiding knife is taken away solemnly alone after the voider . But , this shall suffice for the meaner sort . After the table cloth is taken away , attend till the companie be silent , then with a sober countenance and iesture after thou hast made obeisance , begin to say grace .

A grace or praier before meate .

O Lord God almightie and father most mercifull , which giuest all good things , and blessest all that is blessed , blesse vs we beséech thée , and all thy good benefits ordained by thée to our comfort . Giue vs grace thankfully to receiue them , moderately to vse them , and to be bettered by inioying of them . Vouchsafe also to saue , prosper and preserue thy Church vniuersall , our Quéene and this realme : and send vs true peace both of conscience and of bodily state , and a right vnity in religion , thorough Iesus Christ our Lord and Sauiour . Amen .

A grace or thankesgiuing after meate .

WE yéelde thée most humble and hearty thankes O God of all graces , and father most fauourable , for this our good refreshing , and all other thy infinite bounties bestowed most mercifully on vs . Féed vs also we pray thée , with the foode of thy holy spirite , that we may dayly grow stronger and stronger in true faith , godlinesse and vertue . Vouchsafe also to saue , prosper and preserue thy Church vniuersall , our Quéene and this Realme , and send vs true peace both of conscience and of bodily state , and a right vnity in religion , through Iesus Christ our Lord . Amen .

Of manners at play .

PLay is to be vsed for sport at some times , and for to refresh the spirites , and make the bodie more healthie and actiue : it is not to be vsed as an occupation .

It is said that the naturall disposition of a childe is most easily to be séene in play , whether he be giuen to pride , lying , anger , strife , selfe will , deceipt , or what other vertue , or vice .

Be thou therefore in play gentle , plesant iust and frendly , remembring , that thou playest to exercise thy bodie and delight thy minde : and by contention and wrangling thou shouldest distemper thy bodie , and disquiet thy minde .

Play not for great wagers , but for frendly familiaritie . Striue not so much for the wager , as to win victorie , yet rather than thou shouldest séeme contentious , yéeld ouer the victorie to the vanquished , and flie al falshood or fraud .

Of manners in the chamber .

WHen thou commest into thy chamber at euening , remember that thou art now going to bed , which is a figure of thy graue , and that sléepe is an image of death . Call to minde therefore , how thou hast spent the day past : examine thy conscience , whether thou haue committed anie euil thing : if thou haue , crie God heartely mercie therefore , & praye him for Christes sake to forgiue thée . That done , look ouer héedfully once or twice that which thou hast to repeate next morning . Afterward , knéeling on thy knées deuoutly , pray that God would lighten thine vnderstanding with his holy spirit , which may lead thée into all truth : that he would protect thée and kéepe thée from all euill both of soule and bodie . Pray also for all in authoritie , for thy frends , and for al whom God wold haue prayed for : and concluding with the Lordes prayer , commit thy selfe into the handes of God almightie .

In putting off , or putting on thy cloathes , beware that thou vncouer not anie part of thée which Nature would haue hidden .

In lying with another , touch him not , nor be anie way troublesome vnto him .

Make no noyse , shouting , nor foolish laughter in the chamber , but remember , that euen there where thou thinkest thy selfe most priuate , God almightie beholdeth all thy dooings : to whom thou owest more dutie and reuerence , than to all the men in the world .

Be cleanly and neate in thy chamber , auoyding all sluttishnes .

In the morning when thou risest , call to thy remembrance also , how thou art to enter into the course of that day , as into a long and dangerous iourney : for the diuell wil be readie to assault thée diuers wayes , the examples of the wicked to allure thée , the lusts of the flesh to entice thée to euil : and all these are enimies to the true happines of thy soul and bodie ; besides manie mischaunces that may befall thée . Pray therefore earnestlye vnto God , to safe-conduct , guide and defend thée , so shalt thou bee safe vnder his shield . And remember in the day to vse as occasion shal serue the manners before in this Treatise spoken of .

Now the Lord of life , and Author of all goodnes , graunt thée grace to walke in true godlines and good manners , that thou maist grow to be a perfect man in Christ Iesus .

Amen .

A praier for children to vse in the Morning .

O Lord God , most holie , most high , mightie and glorious : that by thine vnspeakable wisedome and omnipotencie hast made all things , and placed them in their beings : and which gouernest all thy creatures according to thy good plesure . Looke mercifully I beseech thee on mee , that am the work of thine own hands . And as it hath pleased thee of thy great louing kindnes , to keepe , saue , and defend me from the manifold dangers of this night past : for the which I yeeld vnto thine excellent Maiestie , all due humble and heartie thankes : so let it bee thy good pleasure to keepe and defend me this daye and euermore from all euils both of soule and bodie . Be thou my protector , my guide , and my soueraigne Lord and Gouernor . Graunt O Lord , that as the night of darknes is now past , and the cleare day-light doth appeare ; so I maie by thy gracious assistaunce learne to cast off all darknes of wickednes , error and ignorance , and haue my soule and vnderstanding more and more lightned with true faith , wisedome , & godlie knowledge . Let thy holie spirite bee my instructer and chiefe teacher : which is able to lead me into all truth . Make mee , deere father , apt to conceiue , and diligent to practise whatsoeuer good and vertuous documents shall be taught me by my parents , schoolmasters , or wise elders . Keepe stubbornnes and disobedience farre from me : but make me delighted in that which is good , that I maie with all patience and dutifulnes be readie to encline my heart to all wise and godlie precepts .

And forasmuch , as both naturall dutie bindeth me to be mindfull of the weale and prosperitie of the Prince and Magistrates , vnder whose protection I liue in safetie , as also for my parents and frends , whome thou hast giuen to be the authors of my life , nourishment , and maintenance : and for that also Christian charitie bindeth me , to be carefull of the good of all Christians in generall , yea , and to praie , that still moe maie dailie be added to the Church : I therfore for them all euen as for my selfe , doo beseech thee to extend forth thine aboundant mercies to euerie one in his place , that they maie liue & die to thy glorie , & their owne saluation , concluding with that holie and perfect praier , which thine onelie sonne Christ Iesus hath taught vs , saying , Our Father , &c.

A praier to be said of children at euening before they goe to bed .

O Lord God , our most gracious heauenly Father , I most humbly thanke thee for thine vnspeakable mercies & bountie shewed me at al times hitherto , and namely for keping me this daie past in thy fatherly protection , defending me from all euills , and bestowing on me conforts necessarie both for my soule & bodie . O Lord , now that the darke night is come , which is a signe of horrour , death , and woe , and that I am to lye & sleepe on my bed , which is an image of the graue wherein my bodie after thys life is like to rest , let thy holye spirite so guard , protect , direct , and comfort me , that neither terrours of conscience , assaults of Sathan , suggestions to sin , fleshly concupiscence , idle sloathfulnes , nor fearfull dreames may trouble me : but that sleeping & waking my soule , minde and spirit may wholly be meditating on thy precepts , and maye still awaite to attend to doo thy will : that I may learne to die vnto sinne , and liue vnto righteousnes , & my rising in the morning may put me in hope of the rising to euerlasting life . Grant this to mee and to all thy Church , for Christes sake . In whose name , &c.

Euerie creature of God is made holie vnto vs by his word and praier . 1. Ti. 4.5 . A Praier before meate .

WE humbly beséech thée , O heauenlie Father , to forgiue vs all our sinnes , and to blesse vs and these thy good giftes which we receiue from thée , through Iesus Christ .

When thou hast eaten & art full , thou shalt blesse the Lord thy God . A praier or a grace after meate .

O Lord we beséech thée to make vs thankfull for these and all other thy benefites bestowed vppon vs miserable sinners , but specially for thy holy word , and our redemption by Iesus Christ . Amen .

Two other praiers , for morning and euening , made by a zealous and learned minister of Gods word .

Morning praier . Watche and pray , least yee enter into temptation . Mat. 26.41 .

O Most mightie God our heauenly & merciful father , we most wretched sinners humbly confesse vnto thy Maiestie , that all good things we haue , do come from thy onely mercy , that we are most vnworthy of them , & yet altogether vnable heartily to pray for the continuance thereof , yet seeing thy deare sonne Iesus Christ hath commaunded vs in his name , to pray , and that with assurance to speede , and to be heard : we beseech thee for his sake to prepare our hearts by thy holy spirite , to put out of our mindes all wordly things and vaine fansies , and to stirre vs vp earnestly to consider what great neede we haue of thy continuall help both in our soules and bodies . O Lorde we haue through our manifolde sinnes deserued thy wrath , and eternall damnation of body and soule , yet by the vertue of the great sufferings of Iesus Christ , and the shedding of his precious bloud , forgiue & wash away al our offences : we are vnworthy of thy fauour , either in this life or in the life to come , yet through his holinesse receiue vs vnto mercy , and make vs heires of thy blessed kingdome , and so increase in our hearts euery day vnfained repentance for our former wickednesse , in that we haue neither worshipped thy Maiestie , nor liued towards others according to thy worde . Strengthen our faith ( O Lord ) in Iesus Christ , for the forgiuenes of our sinnes ; and for thy tender mercy sake , powre into our hearts the grace of thy holy spirite , which may stir vp in vs a more hartie loue vnto thee and thy blessed word , that by it we may learne to worship thee aright , & to liue faithfully and truly towards all men in our callings , striuing continually against all sinne , chiefly in our selues , and then also in others , so that whensoeuer it shall please thee to call any of vs out of this short and sinfull life , we may willingly deliuer vp our soules into thy blessed kingdome , and may come with ioy ( as louing children ) to thee our heauenly and mercifull father . O Lord make vs thankefull for all thy corrections , giuing vs grace by them to feare thee more carefully , and to sorrow for our sinnes more hartily . Make vs also thankefull for all thy benefits , namely for the sweete sleepe and quiet rest whereby thou hast this night refreshed vs , we beseech thee now in like maner ( O gracious God ) for Christes sake , to receiue vs this day into thy blessed keeping , preserue vs from all perils and dangers , from sinne , from the wicked cares of this life , and the vaine desires of the flesh , shining into our hearts by the grace of thy holy spirit , and the true knowledge of Iesus Christ , the true light of the world , that we may guide all our thoughts , words and deeds , according to the same , and walke painefully and truely in our callings , to the glory of thy blessed name , the good example of all others , and the great assurance of our owne saluation , through thy deare sonne Iesus Christ our onely Sauiour , in whose name we pray for these and all other graces , as he hath taught vs saying , Our Father , &c.

Euening praier . The Lord is nigh vnto all them which call vpon him , euen vnto all such as call vpon him faithfully . Psal. 145.18 .

WE most humbly beseech thee , O gratious God and heauenly father , euen for thy deare sonne Iesus Christes sake , to pardon & forgiue vs all our sinnes , in thought , worde , and deed committed against thy holy lawes and commandements , to turne away from vs gratiously all those plagues which we most iustly haue deserued for them , both in this life & in the life to come , working in our hearts euery day by thy holy spirite more true and vnfained sorow for them , with greater care euer hereafter to know thy blessed will reuealed in thy worde , and to order all our opinions and doings according to the same , and so much the rather , O Lord , because of thy manifold blessings wherby thou dost daily moue vs herevnto , for the which ( O heauenly father ) make vs more heartily thankefull , specially for our creation at the first after thy owne holinesse and righteousnesse , for our redemption by Iesus Christ when we were vtterly lost , for that knowledge of our Sauiour , which by the preaching of thy blessed Gospell through thy holy spirite thou hast wrought in our hearts , for true repentance , for faith , hope , & loue , for watchfulnesse in our doings , and all other gifts of thy grace perteining to our saluation , all which graces ( O Lord ) are very weake in vs , because of the great wickednes of our harts striuing against thy holy spirite , so as in thy wrath thou mightest iustly forsake vs vtterly : yet ( O Lorde ) let it be thy gratious pleasure to increase them in our harts euery day , euen so long as we liue in this world , as of thy goodnes thou hast begun , that therby the assurance of our saluation may be more certainely sealed vp vnto our owne consciences , that so we may also learne to be more truely thankfull vnto thy maiestie for the benefits of this life : namly , that thou hast hitherto euer since we were borne , giuen vs those things that were needfull for our bodies , as health , foode , apparrell , and such like , that thou hast kept vs from many dangers , comforted vs in all our troubles , and strengthned vs in all our weaknes , and giuen vs grace this day to labour faithfully and truely in our callings , hauing brought vs safely past all the dangers thereof , vnto this present houre . O Lord forgiue vs the sinnes of this day and of our whole life , and specially our great vnthankfulnes for these thy manifold blessings , and in Iesus Christ thy deare sonne continue them towards vs euer hereafter both in soules and bodies , & specially this night receiue vs into thy blessed keeping , preserue vs from all dangers , from sin , from all vngodly dreames and fansies , granting vnto vs comfortable rest , so as we may be the better strengthened to serue thee faithfully in our calling , and giuing vs grace alwaies both sleeping and waking to be ready when thou shalt call vs out of this miserable world . Last of all , because thou hast commanded vs to pray for others also , we beseech thee good Lord be mercifull to all nations , specially to those churches where thy gospell is truly preached , continue thy mercy towards this realme , preserue our Queene , blesse her counsaile , and all in authority with necessary graces , increase the number of faithfull preachers , strengthen the godly , lighten the ignorant , conuert the wicked , be mercifull to all schooles and places of learning , to all our friends and kinsefolkes , and others , afflicted in body or in soule , graunting to euery one of them , as to our selues , those necessary graces which thou knowest to be needfull for euery one of vs in our seuerall estates and callings , to the glory of thy name , and the better assurance of our saluation through Christ Iesus , in whose name we aske of thy maiestie as he hath taught vs . Our Father which , &c.

FINIS .