The author of youth is an honest mirror. An Honest Mirror of Youth or Indications for Everyday Conduct - Alphabetical Catalog - Runiverse Electronic Library

YOUTH HONEST MIRROR

Young man! That is, a boy of about thirteen years old! You and I came across this book, “An Honest Mirror of Youth.” Let's read it together from beginning to end. Maybe we'll become a little wiser, or maybe we'll learn something new.

For example, I immediately learned something new. It turns out that the word MIRROR does not mean mirror, but in in this case means collection pedagogical councils and wishes.

To start…

To begin with, imagine, my young friend, that you are a nobleman, a young landowner from a good family.

You have two villages and three hundred souls of serfs.

And that soon you need to go to work or study in the city. You have already been allocated uncle Savrasy, who will serve you in the city. A horse and driver who will take you there.

And letters are already being written to the relatives in the capital with whom you will live. All that remains is to educate yourself a little, prepare civilian clothes and read some of the rules of good manners. This is what we will do now.

So, let's go!

Did you read the first paragraph?

1. “First of all, the children of their father and mother should be supported with great honor. And when their parents tell them to do something, they should always hold their hat in their hands...”

It seems to me that there is nothing to add or subtract here. Indeed, when your parents make comments to you, you should listen to them standing, holding your hat in your hands, and you should not lean out of the window up to your waist in order to properly examine the serf girl passing by.

The Mirror advises:

“Do not command anything in the house with your name, but with the name of your father or mother... unless you have special servants who are subject to it yourself...”

As for the servants, the issue with them is not very acute now. Almost no one has servants these days.

2. “Children do not have the right to scold anyone without a parent’s express order, or to reproach anyone with abusive words, and if this is necessary, they must do this politely and courteously.”

I absolutely agree with the second point. And if your parents do ask you to scold someone with “vilifying words,” this should be done politely and courteously.

Suppose that your parent, a dark tyrant landowner, commanded you very threateningly:

Go and tell this cattleman Vasily that he is a crafty pig, that there is manure up to the roof in his barn, and that tomorrow they will take off his trousers and flog him.

Since there is no other way out, do it as gently as possible.

Uncle Vasya, my dad said that you are very similar to one smart mammal. That you need to remove excess fertilizer as soon as possible. Otherwise, tomorrow they will take off your jeans and rip them open.

3. At this point, as you have already read, “Mirror” convinces us that the speeches of parents “should not be interrupted, and below contradicting and their other peers should not fall into speech, but wait until they speak.”

What am I going to tell you here? That's right. Just judge for yourself, your parents are serious adults of thirty years old, and their peers are the same, not some idiots. The fate of the country depends on them. They talk about elections, or about the Soviets, or about the Congress of People's Deputies, and you “fall in” and tell them that your rabbit has given birth to eight rabbits. It is clear that they will not be happy.

And Peter I also advises to behave strictly, “not to lean on a table, bench or anything else, and not to be like to a village man, which is lying in the sun, but must stand straight.”

Let's move to these days.

Let's say a foreigner, for example the Chilean ambassador, came to see your dad for a minute. Dad is talking to him, and during the conversation you just collapsed on the bench. You understand that your behavior will damage Chilean-Russian relations.

“We’re having a very important conversation,” the Chilean ambassador will think, “and this guy on the bench doesn’t care about it: he’s fallen apart like a Chilean alcoholic in the sun. This means that the entire Russian people don’t care about Chile. After this we will not be friends with Russia.”

4. At this point, Peter I called on young people not to interfere in the conversation of adults without asking. And if young people interfered, they had to tell only the truth, without adding or subtracting anything, and politely, as if speaking to foreigners.

You see how much attention Peter I paid to foreigners. The fact is that Russia has always lagged behind Europe in science, technology, and education. I think things are the same now. To illustrate, I’ll tell you children's joke. One black comrade approaches two schoolchildren in Moscow and asks them English language: “Dear guys, how to get to the Bolshoi Theater?” The guys are silent, they don’t understand. Then he asks German: “How to get to the Bolshoi Theater?” They are silent again, they don’t understand. Then he asks them in French: “Hey, cute guys, how to get to the Bolshoi Theater?” They are silent again. And the foreign comrade sadly moved on.

The girl says to the boy: “Yes, you need to know foreign languages.” The boy replies: “He knows, but what’s the point.”

5. “It’s indecent... to wander around the table with your hands or feet, but eat quietly. And don’t draw with forks and knives on the plates, on the tablecloth, or on the dish...”

Everything is clear about this: you should not wave your arms and legs at the table. I would also add that you should not get into your neighbors’ plates, or put scarce foods, sweets and spoons, and especially forks, into your pocket. This is ugly and dangerous - the owners may notice.

6. Here Peter I once again calls on young people to be polite. He suggests answering parents: “What do you want, sir father?” Or say, I will do everything, Madam Mother, as you order.

Maybe now we shouldn’t answer so solemnly: “Yes, Monsieur Papa, I will certainly wash the floor before Empress Mama comes from the factory.” Or: “Yes, Empress Mother, I will never call my sovereign names again.” younger brother a stoeros club and a horn-eater.” But no person in the world has ever been harmed by politeness. And the junior sovereign is, in principle, your most important comrade.

And this point also advises you to first listen to the instructions carefully, and then carry them out.

To me at literary circle There was one young sovereign priest from the third grade. Terribly active and careless. I'm asking:

Guys, who...

He is screaming:

Who will go to the store?

He’s already running... A minute later he comes running:

Oh, Eduard Nikolaevich, what should I buy?

Something tasty for tea.

Yeah, I see.

And he runs again. A minute later he comes running:

Well, it's delicious. It contains vitamins!!!

7. This point is clear. Of course, you need to listen to people first, and then express your opinion. And of course, when talking about sad things, you shouldn’t smile from ear to ear. And when there is fun around you, you shouldn’t spoil it with your sourness. (Although there are some children of landowners for whom a thoughtfully sour look just suits them very well.)

And I also absolutely agree with “Mirror” that it is very important not to dismiss other people’s opinions! And what a very worthy thing is doubt! Take my word for it, the one who has stopped doubting and has known everything for a long time is, in fact, the biggest fool.

I have a boy I know who has known everything for a long time and has no doubts about anything. And the most interesting thing is that he knows everything wrong. They tell him:

Yesterday over the village of Tarasovka there was a big ball lightning flew. Huge. Two trolleybuses in diameter.

He answers:

I know it was aliens who arrived.

How? Why?

Because they brought oxygen cylinders to the general store.

What do oxygen cylinders have to do with it? Why do aliens need oxygen?

He knows everything again:

They eat it. Along with cylinders.

Yes, I’m just coming from the general store. There are no cylinders there. And the store is closed.

Because no, they took them out. And everything else was taken away.

On what?

How on what? On these very trolleybuses that were inside. In diameter.

And the last part of the seventh point:

“And if anyone wants advice or believes something, then they should advise as much as possible, and keep the entrusted matter secret.”

That is, you shouldn’t tell everyone:

My flatmate Anna Ivanovna consulted with me about who she should marry. For the doctor Nikolai Nikolaevich or for the military man Yegor Vasilyevich. So I advised her for a military man.

Annotation

Russian literary and pedagogical monument early XVIII century, prepared from the writings different authors as instructions of a general moral and specific etiquette nature for young people of that time on the instructions of Tsar Peter I and commented on for children of the 20th century by the writer Eduard Uspensky.

YOUTH HONEST MIRROR

To start…

What should a young boy do when he sits in conversation with others?

How to behave between strangers

Maiden's crown of honor and virtues

Maiden chastity

Girlish humility

LEONID KAMINSKY

YOUTH HONEST MIRROR

For example, I immediately learned something new. It turns out that the word MIRROR does not mean a mirror, but in this case means a collection of pedagogical advice and wishes.

To start…

To begin with, imagine, my young friend, that you are a nobleman, a young landowner from a good family.

You have two villages and three hundred souls of serfs.

And that soon you need to go to work or study in the city. You have already been allocated uncle Savrasy, who will serve you in the city. A horse and driver who will take you there.

So, let's go!

Did you read the first paragraph?

The Mirror advises:

“Do not command anything in the house with your name, but with the name of your father or mother... unless you have special servants who are subject to it yourself...”

As for the servants, the issue with them is not very acute now. Almost no one has servants these days.

I absolutely agree with the second point. And if your parents do ask you to scold someone with “vilifying words,” this should be done politely and courteously.

Suppose that your parent, a dark tyrant landowner, commanded you very threateningly:

Go and tell this cattleman Vasily that he is a crafty pig, that there is manure up to the roof in his barn, and that tomorrow they will take off his trousers and flog him.

Since there is no other way out, do it as gently as possible.

And Peter I also advises to behave strictly, “don’t lean on a table, bench or anything else, and don’t be like a village peasant lying around in the sun, but you should stand straight.”

Let's fast forward to today.

You see how much attention Peter I paid to foreigners. The fact is that Russia has always lagged behind Europe in science, technology, and education. I think things are the same now. To illustrate, I’ll tell you a children’s joke. One black friend approaches two schoolchildren in Moscow and asks them in English: “Dear guys, how to get to the Bolshoi Theater?” The guys are silent, they don’t understand. Then he asks in German: “How to get to the Bolshoi Theater?” They are silent again, they don’t understand. Then he asks them in French: “Hey, cute guys, how to get to the Bolshoi Theater?” They are silent again. And the foreign comrade sadly moved on.

The girl says to the boy: “Yes, you need to know foreign languages.” The boy replies: “He knows, but what’s the point.”

5. “It’s indecent... to wander around the table with your hands or feet, but eat quietly. And don’t draw with forks and knives on the plates, on the tablecloth, or on the dish...”

6. Here Peter I once again calls on young people to be polite. He suggests answering parents: “What do you want, sir father?” Or say, I will do everything, Madam Mother, as you order.

Maybe now we shouldn’t answer so solemnly: “Yes, Monsieur Papa, I will certainly wash the floor before Empress Mama comes from the factory.” Or: “Yes, Empress Mother, I will never again call my sovereign younger brother a steros cudgel and a razor-eater.” But no person in the world has ever been harmed by politeness. And the junior sovereign is, in principle, your most important comrade.

And this point also advises you to first listen to the instructions carefully, and then carry them out.

A young sovereign, a priest from the third grade, came to my literary club. Terribly active and careless. I'm asking:

Guys, who...

He is screaming:

Who will go to the store?

He’s already running... A minute later he comes running:

Oh, Eduard Nikolaevich, what should I buy?

Something tasty for tea.

Yeah, I see.

And he runs again. A minute later he comes running:

Well, it's delicious. It contains vitamins!!!

I have a boy I know who has known everything for a long time and has no doubts about anything. And the most interesting thing is that he knows everything wrong. They tell him:

Yesterday a large ball lightning flew over the village of Tarasovka. Huge. Two trolleybuses in diameter.

He answers:

I know it was aliens who arrived.

How? Why?

Because they brought oxygen cylinders to the general store.

What do oxygen cylinders have to do with it? Why do aliens need oxygen?

He knows everything again:

They eat it. Along with cylinders.

Yes, I’m just coming from the general store. There are no cylinders there. And the store is closed.

Because no, they took them out. And everything else was taken away.

On what?

How on what? On these very trolleybuses that were inside. In diameter.

And the last part of the seventh point:

“And if anyone wants advice or believes something, then they should advise as much as possible, and keep the entrusted matter secret.”

That is, you shouldn’t tell everyone:

My flatmate Anna Ivanovna consulted with me about who she should...

An honest mirror of youth,

or Indication for everyday manners, collected from various authors

1. General rules

1. First of all, the children of their father and mother should be supported in great honor. And when what happens to them from their parents is to always hold their hat in their hands, and not to lift it up in front of them, and not to sit next to them, and not to sit before them, not to look out of the window with their whole body, but all in a secret way with great respect, not with them, but to stand a little behind them to the side, like some page or servant. Do not command anything in the house with your name, but with the name of your father or mother; To demand from servants in a pleading manner, unless they have special servants who are themselves subject to it. Because usually servants and servants willingly serve not two masters and mistresses, but only one master. And besides this, quarrels often occur and great riots arise between them in the house, so that they themselves do not recognize what should be done by whom. […]

5. It is not proper for them to wander around the table with their hands or feet, but to eat quietly. And do not draw, stab or knock on plates, tablecloths or dishes with forks and knives; but you must sit quietly and quietly, straight, without bending your shoulders.

6. When parents or someone else asks (calls) them, they must respond to them and answer as soon as they hear the voice. And then say what you please, sir; or Empress Mother, or whatever you order me, sir; and not so, what, what, what, as you say, what you want and don’t answer impudently; yes, so, and below he suddenly says in refusal, no, but to say: so, my sir, I hear, sir, I have understood, sir, I will do as you, sir, ordered. And not to laugh, as if despising them, and not listening to their commands and words.

But everything that they are told happens correctly, and don’t run back many times, and don’t suddenly ask the same again. […]

18. A young nobleman, or nobleman, if he is perfect in exercision (in equipment), and especially in languages, in horse riding, dancing, in sword fighting, and can carry out a good conversation, besides being eloquent and learned in books, he can with such leisure time, to be a direct court person. […]

22. The youth must be very courteous and polite, both in words and in deeds: he is not impudent and not pugnacious, he also has to meet those who meet him three steps short, and take off his hat in a pleasant manner, and not look back to congratulate those who passed by . For it is not unprofitable to be polite in words, but to hold a hat in your hands, and it is worthy of praise and it is better when they say about someone: he is polite, a humble gentleman and a fine fellow, than when they say about someone, he is an arrogant fool. […]

27. Young boys should always speak foreign languages among themselves, so that they can become proficient: and especially when they happen to say something secret, so that the servants and maids cannot find out, and so that they can be recognized from other ignorant fools: for every merchant praises his own goods sells as best he can. […]

55. Also, when in a conversation or in a group you happen to stand in a circle: either sitting at the table, or talking to each other, or dancing with someone, you should not spit indecently on anyone in the circle, but on the side. And if you are in a chamber where there are many people, then take the harkotins in a handkerchief; and in an unpolite manner, in a closet, or in a church, don’t put your swords on the floor, so as not to make it dirty for others, or move to the side so that no one can see, and wipe it with your feet as cleanly as possible. […]

59. It is also very indecent for someone to clean his nose with a handkerchief or finger, as if applying some kind of ointment, and especially in front of other honest people.

2. What should a young boy do when he is sitting in conversation with others?

When you decide to sit at the table with others, keep yourself in order according to this rule:

First, trim your nails, lest they appear as if they were lined with velvet. Wash your hands and sit down decently, sit up straight, and don’t grab first into the dish, don’t eat like a pig, and don’t blow in your ear so that it splashes everywhere, don’t sniffle when you eat. Don’t drink first, be abstinent, and avoid drinking, drinking and eating as much as you need, be the last in the dish. When they offer you something, take some of it, give the rest to someone else, and thank him. Don’t let your hands lie on the plate for a long time, don’t shake your legs everywhere when you drink, don’t wipe your lips with your hand, but with a towel, and don’t drink until you have swallowed food. Do not lick your fingers, and do not gnaw the bones, but cut with a knife. Don’t brush your teeth with a knife, but use a toothpick, and cover your mouth with one hand when you brush your teeth, don’t cut bread to your breasts, eat whatever is in front of you, and don’t grab anything else. If you want to lay it before someone, do not touch it with your fingers, as some peoples are now accustomed to do. Don’t slurp over your food like a pig, and don’t scratch your head, don’t speak without swallowing a piece, for that’s what peasants do. Frequently sneezing, blowing your nose and coughing is not good. When you eat an egg, don’t cut the bread first, and be careful that it doesn’t leak, and eat quickly, don’t break the eggshell, and while you’re eating the egg, don’t drink, don’t stain the tablecloth, and don’t lick your fingers. Don’t make a fence of bones, bread crusts, etc. around your plate.

First of all, the children of their father and mother should be supported in great honor. And when from parents, as they are ordered to do, always hold your hat in your hands, and do not raise it in front of them, and do not sit near them, not in a row with them, but stand a little behind them to the side, like a page or servant. In the house, do not command anything in your name by the name of your father or mother, unless you have special servants, so that servants usually willingly serve not two masters, but only one master.

2. Children do not have the right to scold anyone or reproach anyone with derogatory words without a parent’s express order. And if it is necessary, they must do it politely and courteously.

3. You shouldn’t interrupt your parents’ speeches, or contradict them below, and don’t fall into speeches of their other peers, but wait until they speak out. Often do not repeat one task, do not lean on a table, bench or anything else and do not be like a village peasant who is lying in the sun, but you must stand straight.

4. Do not speak without asking, and when it happens to them to speak, they should speak favorably, and not shout or with fervor, and not supposedly be extravagant. But everything that they say must be true, without adding or subtracting anything. Offer your needs gracefully in pleasant and polite words, like supposedly with some foreign tall face it happened so that they would get used to it.

5. It is not proper for them to wander around the table with their hands or feet, but to eat quietly. And do not draw, stab or knock with forks and knives on the plates, tablecloth or dish, but should sit quietly and quietly, straight, and not with your hips on your shoulders.

6. When parents or anyone else asks them, they must respond to them and answer as soon as they hear the voice. And then say: whatever you please, Sir Father or Madam Mother. Or whatever you order me, sir; and not so - what, what, as you say, what you want. And don’t be arrogant to answer.

7. When they speak to people, they should be decent, courteous, polite, reasonable, and not talk a lot. Then listen and don’t interrupt other people’s speeches, but let everyone speak out and then present your opinion. If a sad thing happens and a sad speech happens, then you should be sad and have regret. On a joyful occasion, I will be joyful. But in direct action and in constant practice, to be constant and not to despise or brush aside other people’s senses. If someone’s opinion is worthy and suitable, then praise it and agree with it. If something is doubtful, it is not worthy for him to argue about it. And if something can be disputed, then do so with courtesy and give your reasoning. And if anyone wants to believe something, then keep the entrusted matter secret.

8. Children should constantly and politely talk to spiritual people, and not show any nonsense, but offer spiritual things and spiritual questions.

9. No one should praise himself too much or humiliate or bring shame on himself, and never elevate his family and nickname unnecessarily, for this is what people always do who have recently become famous.

11. Always praise your enemies in absentia, when they are not listening, and honor them in their presence; also, do not speak any evil about the dead.

12. Always spend time in pious deeds, but never be idle or idle.

13. A young boy should be cheerful, hardworking, diligent and restless, like a pendulum in a clock.

15. The boy, above all other people, has to be diligent in making himself pious;

for it is not his glorious surname or high family that brings him into the nobility, but his pious and praiseworthy actions.

18. A young nobleman, or nobleman, if he is perfect in exercise (in training), and especially in languages, in horse riding, dancing, in sword fighting, and can carry out a good conversation and is learned in books, he can be a direct court person.

19. A courtier must be bold, courageous and not timid. He can present his case himself, but he cannot rely on others. For where can you find someone who could be as faithful to someone as to himself? Whoever is bashful at court leaves the court empty-handed, for when someone serves his master faithfully, he also needs a reliable reward.

20. An intelligent courtier does not announce his intentions and will to anyone, lest he be forestalled by another, who sometimes has the desire to do so.

22. The youth must be very courteous and polite both in words and in deeds; he is not pugnacious, he also has the person who met him, three steps short of reaching him and taking off his hat in a pleasant manner, and not those who passed by, looking back, congratulating him. For to be polite in words, but to hold a hat in your hands is not unprofitable, but worthy of praise. And it is better when they say about someone: he is a humble gentleman, than when they say about whom: he is an arrogant fool.

23. The youth must be sober and self-controlled, and not get involved in other people’s affairs. Unless someone touches his honor, then in this case there is no concession, but according to need, the application of the law is given.

27. Young youths should speak foreign languages among themselves: so that they can get used to it, and especially when they happen to say something secret, so that the servants cannot find out and so that they can be recognized from other ignorant fools.

31. Those who have never been to foreign lands, but are either accepted into the court from school or from some other place, have to humiliate and humble themselves before everyone, wanting to learn from everyone.

40. Although at the present time immeasurable stinginess has been accepted by some as a custom and they want to regard it as domination, just so that they can save money, despite their honor, the youths should know that in this way they can come to dishonor.

44. Let the youth serve willingly and zealously, for as one serves, so he is paid, and accordingly he receives happiness for himself.

45. In church, he turns his eyes and heart to God, and not to the female sex.

47. No one has to walk down the street with their head hanging down and their eyes downcast, or look askance at people, but walk straight, and not bent over, and keep their head straight, and look at people cheerfully.

55. When in a conversation or in a company you happen to be standing in a circle, or sitting at the table, or talking to each other, or dancing with someone, no one should indecently spit in the circle, but to the side, and if there are a lot of people, then take harkotins in a handkerchief, and in an impolite manner, do not put your swords on the floor, or move to the side so that no one can see, and wipe it with your feet as cleanly as possible.

57. Do not do burping, coughing and similar rude actions in the face of another, but always either cover it with your hand, or turn your mouth to the side, or cover it with a tablecloth, or a towel, so as not to touch anyone, thereby spoiling it.

58. And this is no small vile thing when someone blows his nose, supposedly blows a trumpet, or sneezes loudly and thereby frightens other people or small children.

59. It is also extremely indecent when someone cleans his nose with a handkerchief or finger, and especially in front of other honest people.

When you happen to sit at the table with others, then keep yourself in order according to this rule: first, cut your nails, so that they don’t appear to be lined with velvet, wash your hands, sit up straight and don’t grab the first thing in the dish, don’t eat like a pig, and don’t blow so that it splashes everywhere, don’t sniffle, be abstinent and avoid drunkenness, be the last one in the dish, when they offer you, then take a part, give the rest of it to someone else, don’t wipe your lips with your hand, but with a towel, don’t lick your fingers and don’t gnaw on bones, but cut them with a knife; don’t clean your teeth with a knife, but use a toothpick and cover your mouth with one hand; when you brush your teeth, eat what lies in front of you, but don’t grab anything else. Don’t chomp like a pig and don’t scratch your head; don’t speak without swallowing a piece, for that’s what peasants do. Don't stain the tablecloths or lick your fingers. Don’t make a fence of bones or anything around your plate.

If you find anything, no matter what, give it back. Take care of your clothes and books diligently, and do not scatter them in the corners.

Don’t tell yourself twice about the same thing. Be willing to go to churches and schools, and not past them.

Reader on the history of Russia: 4 volumes / Comp. I.V. Babich, V.N. Zakharov, I.E. Ukolova. M., 1995. T. II. pp. 214 - 218.

Notes

* The reforms of Peter I intensified book publishing activities. In accordance with the pragmatic spirit of the era, first of all, “useful” books were published - various kinds manuals and instructions (on military affairs, navigation, crafts, etc.), textbooks, dictionaries. Special place Among them is the “Honest Mirror of Youth, or Indications for Everyday Conduct, Collected from Various Authors,” published in 1717, containing rules of conduct for youth. In compiling the book, similar foreign works, mainly German, were used. This book was extremely popular in the 18th century; even under Peter I it was published three times. Many of her instructions are still quite relevant today.

Obviously, this book was intended for the education of young people from noble families ("honest" in the terminology of that period). It constantly emphasizes that the manners of noble young people should distinguish them from commoners. Some of the promoted norms were adopted back in pre-Petrine Rus' and were known to readers from Domostroi, the principles of general Christian morality are also set forth here. But many of the ideas in the book could only appear under the conditions of the reforms of Peter I: encouraging the personal merits of a young nobleman, aspirations for service, propaganda certain types

occupations and sciences, etc. "The Honest Mirror of Youth..." is published in abridged form, those released etiquette standards

, which have lost their relevance for modern youth.

1. Most of all - especially, most of all.

2. It is a great honor to support - to provide a great honor.

3. Chelyadins are servants.

4. Believe - trust.

5. They fix - they act, they act.

6. Add - spend (time).

7. Be diligent, as it were, to make yourself pious - strive to behave decently, well-behaved.

8. Direct - worthy, as it should be.

9. Will be able to present his case himself - he is able to express his needs himself, take care of his interests.

10. Shy - timid, shy.

11. Congratulate - greet, say hello.

12. Humiliate - behave modestly.

13. Domocracy - caring about the economy and family prosperity.

14. Whimsical - various whims that the compilers of the book consider unnecessary and excessive.

15. At the table - at the table, at the table.

16. Let it not appear that they are supposedly lined with velvet - so that it does not seem as if they (nails) are lined with velvet.

17. Be the last one in a dish - take a piece from the common dish last.

18. Inde - anywhere else.

Current page: 1 (book has 1 pages in total)

1. First of all, the children of their father and mother should be supported in great honor. And when they are ordered by their parents, to always hold their hat in their hands, and not to lift up in front of them, and not to sit near them, and not to sit before them, not to look out of the window with their whole body, but all in a secret way with great respect, not with them, but give way a little behind them and stand on the side, like some page or servant. Do not command anything in the house in your name, but in the name of your father or mother, demand it from the servants in a pleading manner, unless you have special servants who are subject to it yourself. Because usually servants and servants willingly serve not two masters and mistresses, but only one master. And besides that, quarrels often occur and great riots arise between them in the house, so that they themselves do not recognize what should be done by whom.

2. Children do not have the right to scold anyone or reproach anyone with reproachful words without a parent’s express order. And if it is necessary, they should do it politely and courteously.

3. You shouldn’t interrupt your parents’ speeches, or contradict them below, and don’t fall into speeches of their other peers, but wait until they speak out. Often do not repeat one task, do not lean on a table, on a bench, or anything else, and do not be like a village peasant lying in the sun, but you must stand straight.

4. Do not speak without asking, and when it happens to them to speak, they should speak favorably, and not with a cry and lower from the heart, or with enthusiasm, not as if they were extravagant. But everything that they say must be true, without adding or subtracting anything. It is appropriate to offer your need in pleasant and courteous words, just like they supposedly happened to talk to some foreign high-ranking person, so that they get used to it.

5. It is not proper for them to wander around the table with their hands or feet and eat quietly. And when drawing with forks and a knife on the plates, on the tablecloth or on the table, do not poke or knock, but you must sit quietly and quietly, straight, and not with your hips on.

6. When parents or anyone else asks them, you must respond to them and answer as soon as they hear your voice. And then say. whatever you wish, sir father; or the sovereign mother. Or whatever you order me, sir; and not like this: what, what, what, what, as you say, what do you want. And it is not impudent to answer: yes, yes, and then suddenly say in refusal, no; but to say: so, sir, I hear, sir: I have understood, sir, I will do as you, sir, ordered. And not to laugh, as if despising them, and not listening to their commands and words. But it’s important to take note of everything that happens to them, and not to run back many times and suddenly not ask the same questions again.

7. When they speak to people, they should be decent, courteous, polite, but not talk a lot. Then listen, and don’t interrupt others’ speeches, but let them all speak out and then present your opinion, which is worthy, to present. If something happens and you cry sadly, then you should be sad and have regret. On a joyful occasion, be joyful and show yourself joyful with the joyful.

8. And in direct action and in constant work, be constant and do not at all despise or reject other people’s senses. But if the opinion is worthy and suitable, then the person who agrees should be praised. If something is doubtful, he should incriminate himself in that, because it is not worthy for him to reason about it. And if you can challenge something, then do it with courtesy and polite words, and give your reasoning for why. And if anyone wants advice or believes something, then they should advise as much as possible and keep the entrusted matter secret. (...)

9. No one praises or humiliates himself too much (do not be ashamed) and do not disgrace, and when exalting your work below, expand more than what it consists of in real action, and never elevate your family and nickname without need, for this is how they do it people are always the kind that were only glorified not long ago. And especially in a land where someone is familiar, you should not do this, but wait until others praise you.

10. Do not communicate much with your own servants or with outsiders. But if they are diligent, then love such servants, and do not trust them in everything, because they, being rude and ignorant (unreasonable), do not know how to keep moderation. But on occasion they want to rise above their master, and having gone away, they divulge to the whole world what was entrusted to them. For this reason, be careful when you want to say anything about others, be careful that there are no servants and maids. And don’t mention names, but speak in roundabout terms so that it would be impossible for an investigator to find out, because such people are skillful at adding and adding a lot.

11. Always praise your enemies in absentia, when they do not hear, and in their presence, honor and serve them in their need; also, do not speak any evil about the dead.

12. Always spend time in pious deeds, and never be idle or idle, for it happens that some people live lazily, not cheerfully, and their minds become clouded and stunted, then from that nothing good can be expected except a decrepit body and wormhole, which becomes fat due to laziness.

13. A young youth should be cheerful, hardworking, diligent and restless, like a pendulum in a clock, so that a cheerful master encourages his servants: just as a cheerful and playful horse makes its rider diligent and careful. Therefore, it is possible, in part, by looking at the diligence and cheerfulness or zeal of the servants, to recognize what kind of government the master consists of and maintains. For it is not in vain that the proverb says, like the abbot, so are the brethren.

14. From the oath of alienation (fornication), gambling and drunkenness, the lad must restrain himself and run away from it. For from this nothing else arises except great misfortune and adversity of body and soul, from which comes the destruction of his house and the destruction of his belongings. (...)

16. A straight (real) pious gentleman has to be humble, friendly and courteous. For pride does (brings) little good, and whoever does not have these three virtues cannot surpass, and shine lower among others, like a light in a dark place or chamber. (...)

24. A young person should not be frisky and less likely to find out (find out) other people’s secrets. And what someone does is not to be known. So, do not touch or read letters, money or goods without permission, but when you see two or three talking quietly among themselves, approach them, but move away to the side while they talk to each other.

26. An honest youth must guard himself against unequal brotherhood in drinking, so that he will not repent about it later. And so that sometimes a new brother does not attack him with dishonest and unusual words, which often happens. For when someone drinks fraternity with someone, then through it a reason and a way is given for the loss of his honor, so that another is forced to be ashamed of his brother. And especially when he renounces or attacks with unbearable slanderous words.

27. Young boys should always talk to each other foreign languages, so that they can get used to it, and especially when he told them something secret, it will happen that the servants and maids cannot be found out and so that they can be recognized from other ignorant fools: for every merchant, praising his goods, sells as best he can.

28. Young people should not talk bad about anyone. And below everyone divulge what they hear. And especially what can cause harm, damage and diminishment of honor and glory to one’s neighbor. For in this world there is no other person more sensitive than this, with whom God would be extremely angry, and his neighbor would be embittered.

29. Young youths should not snore with their noses, and blink their eyes, and rub their necks and shoulders below, supposedly out of habit, and should not play pranks with their hands, grab, or engage in similar frenzy, lest mockery may lead to the truth of habits and customs: for such the adopted habits, the young boy is very disfigured and cooled down so that later in the houses, laughing at them, they are teased. (...)

32. The young boy is not invited to weddings and dances in order to receive great honor and glory, although such a custom is accepted. For in the first place, although unmarried wives see it willingly, wedding people do not always come for this reason. And those who come unexpectedly cause disturbances, and there is little benefit from them, but often quarrels arise from such discordant actions, because either they cannot tolerate excessive wine and control themselves, or, without knowing the limits, their indecent ignorance gives rise to a quarrel. , or the uninvited one will want to sit down with the invited one and will cause great unrest: for it is said that he who goes uninvited does not leave the door. (….)

34. There is no small beauty for a youth when he is humble, and is not invited to a great honor, but waits until he dances, or is invited to the table with others, for it is said: humility is a necklace for a young man. (...)

36. Young youths always have their superiors, both at court and outside the court, with great respect and honor. Just as they themselves want to be exalted in such service. For the honor they now show them, in time the same will be shown to them.

37. When it is necessary to appear at court or in other matters, then in such ceremonies, in which they have not previously attended or studied, one must diligently supervise how those to whom this task is ordered act. And note whether they are praised or blamed, and whether they acted well or badly. Listen and note where they sinned or what they overlooked.(…)

44 Let the boy also be diligent in all his services, and let him serve with such zeal. For as someone serves, so he is paid. That's why happiness

gets it for himself. (..-)

47. No one should walk down the street with their head down and their eyes downcast, or look askance at people, but walk straight, and not bent over, and keep their head straight, and look at people cheerfully and pleasantly, with decorous constancy, no matter what they say : He looks at people slyly.

48. When you are in doubt about something, do not say it as the real truth, but either remain very silent, or declare it doubtful, so that later, when it turns out otherwise, you will not be held guilty.

49. One should not give one’s butts of gold to one’s servants and servants, and one should not create any temptation in front of them, nor should one allow them to flatter their master with all sorts of nonsense, as such people usually do, but one should keep them in fear, and one should not let go of guilt more than twice , but get kicked out of the house. For the crafty fox will not change his character.

50. When someone keeps his household in fear, he becomes decent and served, and the servant can learn from him, and his other peers will regard him as wise. Because slaves, by their nature, are impolite, stubborn, shameless, and proud, for this reason they must be humbled, punished, and humiliated.

51. You should not tolerate a servant talking or snapping like a dog, for servants always want to have more rights than the master: for this reason there is no need to allow them to do so.

52. When someone among his servants notices one rebel and conspirator (negotiator), then he must be sent away soon. For one scabby sheep can cause the whole flock to suffer, and there is nothing more disgusting than a wretched, proud, impudent, and nasty servant, from which the proverb originated: the devil has his joy in beggarly pride.

53. To those who serve regularly, I should be inclined and faithful, and in their affairs to help, protect and love them, to raise them before others and to pay the contractual salary regularly on time, then on the contrary, he will have more happiness and blessings from God and will not give a reason for him to be reproached, as is their custom to do otherwise. And especially when someone withholds their well-known bribe as some have little conscience.

54. It is indecent to wear boots and spikes (boots with pointed toes ~ Comp.) at a wedding, and dance like that, so that the clothes of the female sex are torn off and a great ringing is caused by the spikes, besides, the husband is not so hasty in boots than without boots.

55. Also, when in a conversation or in a company you happen to be standing in a circle, or sitting at the table, or talking to each other, or dancing with someone, no one should indecently spit in the circle, but to the side, and if in a chamber where there are many people , then take the harkotins in a handkerchief, and also in an impolite manner in a closet or in a church, do not put swords on the floor, so as not to make it dirty for others, or move them to the side (or throw them out the window), so that no one sees, and wipe the “ogami like this” as clean as possible.

56. No one of honest breeding sucks (snot. - Comp.) into the nose like someone who winds a watch, and then swallows it in a vile manner, but politely, as mentioned above, defecates and vomits in a decent way.

57. Do burp, cough and similar such rude actions in the face of another, or so that the other can feel the breath and phlegm of the stomach that rises, but always either cover it with your hand, or turn your mouth to the side, or cover it with a tablecloth, or cover it with a towel. So as not to touch anyone and thereby ruin it.

58. And this is no small vile thing when someone often blows his nose, as if blowing a trumpet, or sniffs loudly, as if shouting, and thus frightens and frightens small children when other people arrive or in church.

59. It is also extremely indecent when someone cleans his nose with a handkerchief or finger, as if applying some kind of ointment, and especially in front of other honest people. (...)

61. You must, when you are in a church or on the street, never look into people’s eyes, as if you wanted to see right through someone, and they will stare everywhere below, or walk with a rotten mouth like a lazy donkey. But one must walk in a decorous manner, constantly and peacefully, and with such prayerful attention, as if standing before a monarch above this world.

62. When congratulating someone, you should not nod your head and wave, as if to demand mutual honor from the person being congratulated, but especially when you are far away, but you should wait until someone closer comes together. And if the other one does not give you mutual honor then, then never congratulate him again, for the honor is the one who congratulates you and is not yours. {…}

What should a young boy do when he sits in conversation with others?

When you happen to sit at the table with others, then keep yourself in order according to this rule: first, cut your nails so that they don’t appear to be lined with velvet, wash your hands and sit decently, sit up straight and don’t grab the first one into the dish, don’t eat like pig, and don’t blow in your ear so that it splashes everywhere, don’t sniffle when you eat, don’t drink first, be abstinent, avoid drunkenness, drink, and eat as much as you need, be the last in the dish, when they often offer it to you, then take part of it , give the rest to the Other, and thank him. Don’t let your hands lie on the plate for a long time, don’t shake your legs everywhere. When you drink, do not wipe your lips with your hand, but with a towel, and do not drink until you have swallowed food. Do not lick your fingers or gnaw the bones, but cut with a knife. Don’t brush your teeth with a knife, but use a toothpick, and cover your mouth with one hand. When you brush your teeth, don’t cut bread against your breasts, whatever lies in front of you, and don’t grab anything else. If you want to lay it in front of someone, do not touch it with your fingers, as some peoples are now accustomed to do. Don’t slurp over your food like a pig, and don’t scratch your head; don’t speak without swallowing a piece, for that’s what peasants do. It is not good to sneeze and blow your nose often. When you eat an egg, cut off the bread in advance, and be careful that it doesn’t leak out, and eat it soon. Do not break the eggshell, and while you are eating the egg, do not drink; meanwhile, do not stain the tablecloth, and do not lick your fingers; do not make a fence of bones, bread crusts, etc. near your plate. When you stop eating, thank God, wash your hands and face and rinse out your mouth.

How should a child act among strangers?

Let no unprofitable word or obscene speech come out of your mouth. Let all anger, rage, enmity, quarrels and malice be kept away from you. And do not sing or prepare any quarrels: do everything you do with diligence and discernment, and you will be praised. When you have behaved correctly, it is favorable to God, and so it will be well for you. And if you do not act correctly, then you will not escape God’s punishment, for he sees all your deeds. Don’t learn how to deceive people, for this evil is disgusting to God, and give a serious answer for this: do not despise old or crippled people, be truthful in all matters. For there is no greater vice in a youth than a lie, and from a lie comes theft, and from theft comes a rope around the neck. Do not leave your house without the knowledge and will of your parents and superiors, and if you are sent, then return again soon. Don’t slander anyone falsely, don’t carry news from the yard or into the yard. Don’t look at other people, what they do or how they live; if you see any vice in someone, beware of it yourself. And if you see something good in someone, then do not be ashamed to follow it yourself.

Whoever punishes you, thank him and honor him for being the one who wishes you all the best.

Where two people are talking secretly to each other, do not proceed, for eavesdropping is shameless ignorance.

When you are ordered to do something, then manage it yourself with all diligence, and do not rely on your good friends or rely on anyone.