Early English Meals and Manners

by Unknown

Thañ draw streight þy clothe, & ley þe bouȝt[44] oñ þe vttur egge of þe table,

take þe vpper part / & let hyt hange evyñ able:

þanñ take þe .iij. clothe, & ley the bouȝt oñ þe Inner side plesable,

and ley estate with the vpper part, þe brede of half fote is greable.

Cover þy cuppeborde of thy ewery with the towelle of diapery;

[ take] a towelle abowt thy nekke / for þat is curtesy,

lay þat ooñ side of þe towaile oñ þy lift arme manerly,

an oñ þe same arme ley þy soueraignes napkyñ honestly;

þañ lay oñ þat arme viij. louys bred / with iij. or iiij. trenchere lovis;

Take þat oo ende of þy towaile / in þy lift hand, as þe maner is,