A Little Pretty Pocket-book/Rules for Behaviour in Children/Chapter II/In Company
Behaviour when in Company.
1Enter not into the Company of thy Superiours without command or calling, nor without a Bow.
2 Sit not down in Presence of Superiours without bidding.
3 Put not thy Hand in the Presence of others to any Part of thy Body, not ordinarily discovered.
4 Sing not nor hum in thy Mouth, while thou art in Company.
5 Stand not wriggling with thy Body hither and thither, but steady, and upright.
6 Play not wantonly like a Mimick, with thy Fingers or Feet.
7 In coughing or sneezing, make as little Noise as possible.
8 If thou canst not avoid Yawning, shut thy Mouth with thine Hand or Handkerchief before it, turning thy Face aside.
9 When thou blowest thy Nose, let thy Handkerchief be used, and make not a Noise in so doing.
10 Gnaw not thy Nails, pick them not, nor bite them with thy Teeth.
11 Spit not in the Room, but in the Corner, and rub it with thy Foot, or rather go out and do it abroad.
12 Lean not on the Chair of a Superiour standing behind him.
13 Spit not upon the Fire, nor sit too wide with thy Knees at it.
14 Sit not with thy Legs crossed, but keep them firm and settled and thy Feet even.
15 Turn not thy Back to any, but place thyself so that none may be behind thee.
16 Read not Books, Letters nor other Writings in Company, unless there be necessity, and thou askest leave.
17 Touch not; nor look upon the Books or Writings of any one, unless the Owner invite or desire thee.
18 Come not near when another reads a Letter or any other Paper.
19 Let thy Countenance be moderately cheerful, neither laughing nor frowning.
20 Laugh not loud, but silently smile upon any Occasion.
21 Stand not before Superiours with thine Hands in thy Pockets; scratch not thy Head, wink not with thine Eyes, but modestly be looking strait before thee.
22 Walking with thy Superiour in the House or Garden, give him the right, or Upper Hand, and Walk not even with him, Cheek by Jole; but a little behind him, yet not so distant as that it shall be troublesome to him to speak to thee, or hard for thee to hear.
23 Look not boldly or wishfully in the Face of thy Superiour.
24 To look upon one in Company and immediately whisper to another, is unmannerly.
25 Whisper not in Company.
26 Be not among Equals forward and fretful, but gentle and affable.
