print-friendly version	ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, WINTER 2003, LOS ANGELES

In Other Words...
Mistress Goody’s Column of Advice on subjects other than politics and war.
Respectfully based on the Rules of Civility
—by t. powell harris

	Mistress Goody

In 1745, in the colonial frontier town of Fredericksburg, Virginia, thirteen-year-old George Washington recorded The Rules of Civility in his workbook, probably as a dictation exercise. These "guidelines for the respectable gentleman" would influence him throughout his life. The rules stress etiquette, chivalry, and courtesy. Does that sound like something from the Dark Ages?

Fortunately, there is one who understands the rules well; in fact, she still recommends their use today. Let us recall a character from the past to help with our everyday problems. We give you the "Toast of George Town," our own Mistress Goody, always informed, always respectable, and very, very good.

MistressGoody,
My brother has a toothache every week. I'm getting tired of him complaining so much. He eats chocolate, candy, and ice cream all the time, and I know that's what the problem is. Don't you think if he stops eating junk food his toothaches will go away?

Rule 38: In visiting the sick, do not presently play the physician if you be not knowing therein.

In other words . . . stop playing doctor and suggest that he see a dentist without delay.

MistressGoody,
There's this really cool group of kids that I want to hang out with. Sometimes they do mean things to people. Like once I know they broke into a teacher's car. They didn't take anything. It was just a practical joke, sort of. My mom says I shouldn't want to be associated with anyone who might lead me into trouble one day, but I think it's all about a little fun. What do you say?

Rule 56: Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation. For 'tis better to be alone than in bad company.

I think you get Mistress Goody's point!

Mistress Goody,
At the lunch table most everyone eats and talks at the same time. I think that's pretty gross. What do you think?

The rules of dining etiquette are quite clear; let them guide your acquaintances in all their culinary endeavors (and in the cafeteria!).

90th: Being set at meat, scratch not neither spit, cough nor blow your nose, except when there is a necessity for it.

100th: Cleanse not your teeth with the tablecloth, napkin, fork, knife; but if others do it, let it be done with a pick tooth. [i.e., a toothpick]

Questions? Problems? Too much homework? Write to Mistress Goody for all the answers to love and life. PatriotPapers@npg.si.edu

Actor William Sommerfield Photograph by Jack Manning, New York Times

Guess who's coming to town—direct from Mount Vernon on the banks of the Potomac? It's George Washington and you can shake his hand. For 3 days he'll be visiting a museum near you,* waiting to share his stories and dance the minuet. He looks like George Washington. He has white powdered hair. He's almost 6'3" tall. He walks like George and talks like George. He even signs his name like George. Come see for yourself! It's time to take a walk with Washington.

*Parents, check local museum for dates and details.