Part 24

When thou art come where thy parents do dwell,

Thy leave then taking, bid thy fellows farewell;

The house then entering, in thy parents’ presénce,

Humbly salute them with all reverénce.

HOW TO BEHAVE THYSELF IN SERVING THE TABLE

When thy parents down to the table shall sit,

In place be ready, for the purpose most fit:

With sober countenance looking them in the face,

Thy hands holding up, thus begin grace:

“Give thanks to God with one accord

For that shall be set on this board.

And be not careful what to eat;

To each thing living the Lord sends meat;

For food he will not see you perish,

But will you feed, foster, and cherish;

Take well in worth what he hath sent,

At this time be therewith content Praising God.”

So treatably as possible thou can, speaking

That the hearers thereof may thee understand.

Grace being said, low curtsey make thou,

Saying, “Much good may it do you!”

Of stature then if thou be able,

It shall become thee to serve the table,

In bringing to it such meat as shall need,

For thy parents upon that time to feed.

Dishes with measure thou oughtest to fill,

Else may’st thou happen thy service to spill,

On their apparel, or else on the cloth,