473 J Hawkins, Francis, trans. (1628-1681) 
 
Youths behaviour, or, Decency in conversation amongst men.

In laudem Authoris.

Though here be wonder when ’tis knowne,
A Child should make this worke his owne,
(Since he that can translate and please,
Must needs command two Languages:)
Yet this is nothing to the rest
Of treasure, which this little Chest
Containes, and will in time breake forth
To call just Volumens of his worth.
If thus, a Branch! what will he bee
When he is growne to be a Tree?
So glorious in the bud, let men
Looke for th’ Hesperides agen,
And gather fruit, nor think’t unfit,
A Child should teach the world more wit.

J. S.

473 J Hawkins, Francis, trans. (1628-1681) 

Youths behaviour, or, Decency in conversation amongst men. Composed in French by grave persons, for the use and benefit of their youth. Now newly turned into English, by Francis Hawkins, nephew to Sir Thomas Hawkins, translator of Caussin’s Holy court. With the addition of twenty six new precepts, written by a grave author, which are marked thus (+) and some more additions. The ninth impression. Whereunto is added Lilies rules, translated out of the Latin into English verse. There is likewise added the first entrance of a youth into the university; together with English and Latin proverbs, and a very useful table, for expounding of hard words in the English tongue, much enlarged. All which new additions may be sold by themselves.  
(Translation of Bienséance de la conversation entre les hommes.)
      

PART TWO

Second part has special title page: New additions unto youths behavour 1650. Of some letters. As also A discourse upon some innovations of habits and dressings; against powdering of hair, naked-breasts, black spots, and other unseemly customs.” With imprint: “London, printed for William Lee, and are to be sold at his shop next door to the Kings-head Tavern in Chancery-lane, 1668.”

(Robert Codrington translated the Second part Youths Behaviour, or, Decency in Conversation amongst Women in 1664)

This also contains
 
London: S. Griffin for William Lee, 1668.        ON HOLD

“GENTLE YOUTH,
Thinke it not amisse to peruse this Peece, yet connive at the Style: for it hath neede thereof, since wrought by an uncouth & rough File of one in greene yeares; as being aged under eight. Hence, worthy Reader, shew not thy self too-too rigid a Censurer.

Hawkins is notable for two translations he made while quite young. He later had a long career among the English speaking Jesuits in exile. His father was the grammarian and physician John Hawkins; Sir Thomas Hawkins and the Jesuit leader Henry Hawkins were his uncles.[ As a young man and adult, Hawkins lived at Anglophone centers of Jesuit learning and service in Europe: he went between the Jesuit College at Watten, the English college at Liège, and the college of Saint Omer. He took his vows in 1662, and then served in multiple college positions.[DNB]

Hawkins finally settled at Liège in 1675. He died of unknown causes in 1681

FROM THE INTRODUCTION

“This his version is little disgui∣sed, and therefore likely will it appeare to thee much imperfect. It ought to be his owne, or why under the Title is his name writ∣ten? Peradventure thou wilt say, what is it to me? yet heare: Such is it really, as that I presume the Author may therein be clearely seene to be rendred faithfully: with this courteously be thou sa∣tisfied.

This small Treatise in its use, will evidently appeare to re∣dound to the singular benefit of many a young spirit, to whom solely, and purposely it is addres∣sed. Passe it therefore without mistake, and candidly.”

THIS BOOK WAS copied out by hand as a young man aspiring to the status of Gentleman,

George Washington’s 110 rules were based on a set of rules composed by French Jesuits in 1595. The first English edition of these rules was available in Francis Hawkins’ Youths Behavior, or Decency in Conversation Amongst Men, which appeared in 1640, and it is from work that Washington seems to have copied. The rules as Washington wrote them out are a simplified version of this text. However much he may have simplified them, these precepts had a strong influence on Washington, who aimed to always live by them. The rules focus on self-respect and respect for others through details of etiquette. The rules offer pointers on such issues as how to dress, walk, eat in public, and address one’s superiors

 
Wing (CD-ROM, 1996), Y209A   ESTC System No. 006169231.  ESTC Citation No.  R42970;

See Allison & Rogers #387

George WashingtonYouthFrench & Indian WarRevolutionary WarConstitutionFirst PresidentMartha WashingtonSlaveryNative AmericansReligionFamily

George Washington wrote out a copy of the 110 Rules of Civility in his school book when he was about 14-years old. As a young man aspiring to the status of Gentleman, George Washington’s 110 rules were based on a set of rules composed by French Jesuits in 1595. The first English edition of these rules was available in Francis Hawkins’ Youths Behavior, or Decency in Conversation Amongst Men, which appeared in 1640, and it is from work that Washington seems to have copied. The rules as Washington wrote them out are a simplified version of this text. However much he may have simplified them, these precepts had a strong influence on Washington, who aimed to always live by them. The rules focus on self-respect and respect for others through details of etiquette. The rules offer pointers on such issues as how to dress, walk, eat in public, and address one’s superiors.