Intrude not where you’re not desired, Nor stay till every one is tired. Writhe not your limbs in every shape Of awkward gesture, like an ape, Nor twirl your hands, nor hit your toes – Nor hum a tune – nor pick your nose – Nor keep in motion as you sit, Nor on the floor or carpet spit, But in the first with prudent care. Nor lean upon another’s chair. If you must cough, or sneeze, be still In doing it, if possible. If you must yawn, just turn aside, And with your hand the motion hide. And when you blow your nose, be brief, And neatly use your handkerchief. All whispering, giggling, squinting shun, Don’t turn your back on any one. Nor bite your nails, nor lolling stand, Nor in your pockets keep your hand. Do not allow yourself to look In letters, papers, or a book, Till you have leave. If one is reading, Don’t overlook him; ’tis ill breeding. Don’t wear a frown upon your face; Let cheerfulness your aspect grace. To your superiors always strive, In walking, your right hand to give. A proper distance keep in mind, Crowd not too near, nor lag behind. To equals let your conduct be Marked with sweet affability.
- In Company by Nancy Sproat, The School of Good Manners (1822)
Amongst my late grandmother’s diaries and papers was found this poem written in a little pamphlet as something presumably handed down her maternal line. The reprinted copy in her possession was from 1888.
The entire pamphlet was written entirely in verse and is titled The School of Good Manners. It is dated 1822. The author was Nancy Sproat; the cover claims she also wrote the “Good Girls’s Soliloquy, Poetic Tales, Little Ditties for Little Children, and other such children themed guff.
I have no clue who Nancy Sproat was other than she was from Boston and was a well regarded writer for children from 6 years upwards. She thought it best to teach manners to children through witty ditties. She seemed to have a poem or a ditty for everything a child could induldge in from how to eat pudding to the dangers of having too much fun.
However dated her prose may be, her wisdom is timeless. It’s actually a very good guide on how manners really do maketh woman.
