DE CIVILITATE MORVM ON THE CIVILITY OF MANNERS

LXII.
Is it proper for a boy to sit in such a position that he dangles one leg over his knee? It is not proper: for it is a sign of those who are anxious, and to whose heads—as the saying goes—the stone of Tantalus A mythological figure cursed with a rock perpetually hanging over his head, threatening to fall. seems to hang.

LXIII.
Is it proper for a boy to stand with his legs crossed? By no means: for that is the mark of simpletons, for whom the Siculæ nugæ Sicilian trifles/nonsense—as the saying goes—are not matters of good character.

LXIIII.
Who in ancient times were accustomed to sit with the right foot resting on the left thigh? Ancient kings, whom the custom of our own times forbids us to imitate.

LXV.
Who are those who, when standing, are accustomed to press one foot against the other for the sake of honor, and to stand nearly on one leg after the manner of storks? Certain Italians, whom it is debated whether an honorable boy ought to imitate.

LXVI.
What decorum ought to be maintained in the bending of the knees? Since you will not find anyone to whom the custom of his own country does not seem the very best...