To offer water for washing the hands before dinner.
Not to plump into a seat at table at haphazard.
To sit at table decorously and in good humour.
Not to tilt oneself forward on the table.
Not to gorge or bolt one’s food.
To subordinate talking to eating.
Not to drink with one’s mouth full.
To remain seated at table, even though fresh guests should
arrive.
Not to suck at solid food eaten with a spoon.
To use up one’s bread.
To abstain from raising objections to the dinner.
Not to scrutinize one’s neighbour’s plate.
To cut bread as it comes, not in all sorts of ways.
To carve for the ladies.
To give the guests prime cuts.
To make the guests thoroughly welcome, without oppressive
urgencies.
To abstain at dinner from stroking cats and dogs.
Not to speak with one’s mouth full.
To abstain from imparting bad news at dinner.
To keep down any symptoms of pain or illness.
To avoid calling attention to anything disagreeable which may
accidentally be in the dishes.
The attendants to hold the dishes by their rims.
Not to hand round the bowl by its upper edge.
Not to overload the dishes, goblets, &c.
Not to hurry through with one’s eating, so that others, who are
left behind, would feel uncomfortable.
To wash hands and drink the best wine after dinner.