De civilitate morum puerilium libellus

...nor excessively sharp, which is a sign of irascibility; not winking and loquacious, which is a sign of immodesty, but presenting a mind that is calm and reverently friendly. For it was not said in vain by the Paintings. ancient wise men that the seat of the soul is in the eyes. Indeed, the ancient paintings tell us that it was once a sign of a certain singular modesty to look with half-closed eyes, just as among certain Spaniards, to look with half-shut eyes is seen to be considered gentle and friendly. Likewise, we learn from paintings that it was once a mark of integrity to keep the lips contracted and tight. But what is by its own nature decorous will be considered decorous among all. Although in these matters too, it is fitting for us to become like polyps at times and adapt ourselves to the custom of the region. Now, there are certain habits of the eyes which nature adds to some and not others, which do not fall under our prescriptions, except that uncomposed gestures not rarely spoil not only the eyes, but also the habit and form of the whole body. Composed gestures. Conversely, composed gestures, which nature deems decorous...