De civilitate morum puerilium libellus

Elbow

To lean upon the table with one elbow or both, or with one, is forgiven to those who are weary with old age or illness; the same in certain delicate courtiers, who think that whatever they do is becoming to them, is to be dissimulated, not imitated. Meanwhile, care must be taken that you are not a nuisance to the person reclining next to you with your elbow, nor to the one reclining opposite you with your feet. To fidget in your seat and to sit now on one buttock and now on another in turn has the appearance of someone suddenly emitting wind from the belly, or trying to emit it.

Body.

Napkin.

Therefore, let the body be held erect with an even balance. If a napkin is provided, place it either on your left shoulder or your left arm. When about to recline with those of higher honor, with hair combed, leave your cap behind, unless the custom of the region suggests otherwise, or the authority of someone commands it, to whom it would be indecorous not to obey. Among certain nations, it is the custom that boys eating at the table of their elders take their food in the last place, with head uncovered. There, let the boy not approach unless commanded, nor linger until the end of the banquet, but having taken what is sufficient, with his platter removed, let him salute the guests with a bent knee, especially those who are among the...