Early English Meals and Manners

by Unknown

Ley not þyne Elbowe nor thy fyst

Vpon the tabylle whylis þat thow etist.

Bulk not as a Beene were yn þi throte,

[As a ka]rle þat comys oute of a cote.

[[†]And thy mete be o]f grete pryce,

[Be ware of hyt, or þou arte n]ot wyse.

nor] Eg. nothyr Elbowe ... fyst] Cam. Elbowhes ... fystys whylis þat thow etist] Eg. whyle þou este whylis þat] Cam. wheyle Bulk not as a Beene were yn þi throte] Cam. Bolk not as a bolle yn the crofte karle þat] Cam. charle cote] Cam. cotte of hyt or þou art] Cam. the or ye be

[Speke noo worde stylle ne sterke;

And honowre and curtesy loke þou kepe,

And at the tabylle loke þou make goode chere;