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334 CURIOSITIES OF MUSIC. |
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The muse of some of them seems to have taken a most curious turn, for there are still in existence some " Essenhamens," or books of etiquette for young ladies, which emanated from these lyrical pens, which are of the quaintest desciiption. We reproduce a quotation from one, written by " Amanieus des Escas, called God of Love."*
In this treatise we are supplied with a minute account of the accomplishments expected from a well educated young lady, and of the bad habits most prejudicial to her character. The poet is supposed to be addressing a noble damsel living at the court of some great baron, as a sort of ' lady help' to his wife; this being a not unusual, and undoubtedly a most efficient method of polite education in Provence. The young lady has accosted Amanieus on a lonely walk, asking for his advice in matters fashionable. This the poet at first refuses to tender, alleging that "you (the damsel) have ten times as much sense as I, and that is tne truth! " But after his modest scruples are once overcome, he launches forth into a flood of good counsel He systematically begins with enforcing the good old doctrine of ' early to rise,' touches delicately on the mysteries of the toilet, such as lacing, washing of arms, hands, and head, which, he sententiously adds, ought to go before the first mentioned process, and, after briefly referring to the especial care required by teeth and nails, he leaves the dressing room for the church, where a quiet undemonstrative attitude is
•Uueffier.') 274-6. |
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