George Washington Code

George
Washington Code

Some rules George
Washington, the Father of Our Country, copied in an exercise book which he
thought were important when he was 15 years old.   Code of
conduct which he considered decent behavior in company and
conversation.  Some words are the lingo of Washington's
time.

In the presence of others
sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or
feet.

Sleep not when others
speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your peace,
walk not when others stop.

Turn not your back to
others especially in speaking, jog not the table or desk on which another reads
or writes, lean not upon any one.

Keep your nails clean and
short, also your hands and teeth clean yet without showing any great concern for
them.

When you meet one with
greater quality than yourself, stop, and retire especially if it be at a door or
any straight place to give way for him to pass.

Use no reproachful
language against any one neither curse nor revile.

Wear not your cloths,
foul, unript or dust but see they be brushed once every day at least and take
heed that you approach not to any uncleaness.

Play not the peacock,
looking everywhere about you, to see if you be well decked, if your shoes fit
well, if your stocking sit neatly, and cloths handsomely.

Gaze not on the marks and
blemishes of others and ask not how they came.  What you may speak in
secret to your friend deliver not before others.

While you are talking,
point not with your finger at him of whom you discourse nor approach (Al Gore)
too near him (George W. Bush) to whom you talk especially to his
face.

Treat with men at fit
times about business and whisper not in the company of others.

Be not curious to know
the affairs of others neither those that speak in private.

It's unbecoming to stoop
much to ones meat (food), keep your fingers clean and when foul
(dirty) wipe them on a corner of your table napkin.

In company of your
betters be not longer in eating than they are, lay not your arm but only your
hand upon the table.

If others talk at the
table be attentive but talk not with meat (food) in your mouth.

Labour to keep alive in
your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.

ALT Don't Know Much
History Series

All the President's
Women

Published 5/22/06   ALT  MSN Group

Web Page:  George Washington Code

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George Washington's false teeth was made of ivory not wood.

Recycled Web Page