HISTORY OF MEXICO. 



117 



cc finefs to correal him, keep filence ; but if it does con- 

 " cern thee, confider firft what thou art to fay, and do 

 " not fpeak arrogantly, that thy correction may be well 

 " received. 



" When any one difcourfes with thee, hear him at- 

 " tentively, and hold thyfelf in an eafy attitude ; neither 

 " playing with thy feet, nor putting thy mantle to thy 

 " mouth, nor fpicting too often, nor looking about you 

 " here and there, nor riling up frequently if thou art 

 M fitting ; for fuch actions are indications of levity and 

 <c low-breeding. 



cc When thou art at table do not eat voracioufly, nor 

 " {hew thy difpleafure if any thing difpleafes rhee. If 

 w any one comes unexpectedly to dinner with thee, (hare 

 " with him what thou hall ; and when any perfon is en- 

 " tertained by thee, do not fix thy looks upon him. 



" In walking, look where thou goeft, that thou mayft 

 " not puih againft any one. If thou feed another com- 

 " ing thy way, go a little afide to give him room to pafs. 

 " Never ftep before thy elders, unlefs it be neceffary, or 

 m that they order thee to do fo. When thou fitteft at 

 " table with them, do not eat or drink before them, but 

 " attend to them in a becoming manner, that thou mayft 

 " merit their favour. 



" When they give thee any thing, accept it with to- 

 " kens of gratitude : if the prefent is great, do not be- 

 " come vain or fond of it. If the gift is fmall do not 

 " defpife it, nor be provoked, nor occafion difpleafure 

 " to them who favour thee. If thou becomeft rich, do 

 " not grow infolent, nor fcorn the poor ; for thofe very 

 " gods who deny riches to others in order to give them 

 " to thee, offended by thy pride, will take from thee 

 " again to give to others, Support thyfelf by thy own 



labours ; 



