THE BABEES’ BOOK
ELIZABETH TINGLE FAIRBANKS
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 achievedat last its perfect bloom, it is hard to realizethat but a scant four centuries ago the childrenof even the very best families in England hadto be taught their table manners.
Today the graces of deportment come by natureto our youth; and the generation that has producedthe immortal Rollo can not comprehendthe rude manners of the “bela babee,” or beautifulwell-born boy of Queen Elizabeth’s time.
O, tempora! O, mores! How the timeschange and manners multiply! But throughoutthe centuries—on the lengthening road of whichwe shall plant another milestone presently withfeasting and merry-making—good manners andbad have ever gone hand in hand. And ever hashe of the mind conscious of virtue looked smuglydown on the artless and indifferent vulgarian.
“The Babees’ Book,” from which some quaintextracts are here reprinted, is from old Dr.Furnivall’s collection of “Divers treaties touchingthe Manners and Meals of Englishmen informer days.” It gives a moving picture of thedomestic life of the Middle Ages. The presenttranslation out of the archaic language of theFifteenth Century into intelligible English hasbeen made by Edith Rickert, who seems to havepreserved with skill and fidelity the spirit andform of the antiquated original.
It will perhaps amuse the good little Rollo oftoday to know just how his ancient cousin wastaught to behave at table; and it will interesthis elders to observe that the fundamental basisof good manners lay then as now in cleanliness,self respect, reverence and consideration for thefeelings of others.
C. M. F.
Christmas 1913.
THE BABEES’ BOOK
OR
A LITTLE REPORT OF HOW YOUNG PEOPLE
SHOULD BEHAVE
MAY He who formed mankind in Hisimage, support me while I turn thistreatise out of Latin into my common language,that through this little comment allof tender years may receive instruction incourtesy and virtue.
Facet saith that the Book of Courtesy toteach the practice of virtue is the most helpfulthing in the world, so I will not shrinkfrom this labour or refuse it; but for mineown learning will say something that touchesupon the matter.
But oh, young babies, whom blood royalhath endowed with grace, comeliness, andhigh ability, it is on y