Part 1

Produced by Turgut Dincer, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE:

Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: italics.

THE BABEES’ BOOK

THE BABEES’ BOOK

MEDIEVAL MANNERS FOR THE YOUNG

DONE INTO MODERN ENGLISH FROM DR. FURNIVALL’S TEXTS BY EDITH RICKERT

NEW YORK PRIVATELY PRINTED CHRISTMAS 1913

DEDICATED TO E. T. F. AND E. T. F.

A Matter of Manners

In this present day, when chivalry has achieved at last its perfect bloom, it is hard to realize that but a scant four centuries ago the children of even the very best families in England had to be taught their table manners.

Today the graces of deportment come by nature to our youth; and the generation that has produced the immortal Rollo can not comprehend the rude manners of the “bela babee,” or beautiful well-born boy of Queen Elizabeth’s time.

O, tempora! O, mores! How the times change and manners multiply! But throughout the centuries--on the lengthening road of which we shall plant another milestone presently with feasting and merry-making--good manners and bad have ever gone hand in hand. And ever has he of the mind conscious of virtue looked smugly down on the artless and indifferent vulgarian.

“The Babees’ Book,” from which some quaint extracts are here reprinted, is from old Dr. Furnivall’s collection of “Divers treaties touching the Manners and Meals of Englishmen in former days.” It gives a moving picture of the domestic life of the Middle Ages. The present translation out of the archaic language of the Fifteenth Century into intelligible English has been made by Edith Rickert, who seems to have preserved with skill and fidelity the spirit and form of the antiquated original.

It will perhaps amuse the good little Rollo of today to know just how his ancient cousin was taught to behave at table; and it will interest his elders to observe that the fundamental basis of good manners lay then as now in cleanliness, self respect, reverence and consideration for the feelings of others.

C. M. F.

Christmas 1913.

THE BABEES’ BOOK

A LITTLE REPORT OF HOW YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD BEHAVE

May He who formed mankind in His image, support me while I turn this treatise out of Latin into my common language, that through this little comment all of tender years may receive instruction in courtesy and virtue.

Facet saith that the Book of Courtesy to teach the practice of virtue is the most helpful thing in the world, so I will not shrink from this labour or refuse it; but for mine own learning will say something that touches upon the matter.

But oh, young babies, whom blood royal hath endowed with grace, comeliness, and high ability, it is on you I call to know this book, for it were great pity but that ye added to sovereign beauty virtue and good manners. Therefore I speak to you specially, and not to old men expert in governance, decorum, and honest manners, for what need is to give pangs to Hell, joy to Heaven, water to the sea, or heat to fire already hot?

And so, young babies, my book is only for your instruction; wherefore I pray that no man reprehend it, but amend it where it is at fault, and judge it not, for your own sake. I seek no other reward but that it may please men and give you some ease in learning. Also, sweet children, if there be in it any word that ye ken not, speer while ye may, and when ye know it, bear it in mind; and so by asking you may learn of wise men. Also, think not too strangely that my pen writes in this metre; for such verse is commonly used, therefore take heed.

And first of all, I think to show how you babies who dwell in households, should ’have yourselves when ye be set at meat, and how when men bid you be merry, you should be ready with lovely, sweet and benign words. In this, aid me, O Mary, Mother Revered; and eke, O lady mine, Facetia, guide thou my pen and show unto me help. For as A is the first of all letters, so art thou mother of all virtue. Have pity, sweet lady, of my lack of wit, and though untaught I speak of demeanour, support my ignorance with thy goodly aid.

Ah, “bele babees,” hearken now to my lore.

When you enter your lord’s place, say “God speed,” and with humble cheer greet all who are there present. Do not rush in rudely, but enter with head up and at an easy pace, and kneel on one knee only to your lord or sovereign, whichever he be.

If any speak to you at your coming, look straight at them with a steady eye, and give good ear to their words while they be speaking; and see to it with all your might that ye jangle not, nor let your eyes wander about the house, but pay heed to what is said, with blithe visage and diligent spirit. When ye answer, ye shall be ready with what ye shall say, and speak “things fructuous,” and give your reasons smoothly, in words that are gentle but compendious, for many words are right tedious to the wise man who listens; therefore eschew them with diligence.

Take no seat, but be ready to stand until you are bidden to sit down. Keep your hands and feet at rest; do not claw your flesh or lean against a post, in the presence of your lord, or handle anything belonging to the house.