"_Arbeau_:--A well-trained lady never refuses him who so honours
her as to lead her to the dance.

"_Capriol_:--I think so too, but in the meantime the shame of the
refusal remains with me.

"_Arbeau_:--If you feel sure of another lady's graciousness, take
her and leave aside this graceless one, asking her to excuse you
for having been importunate; nevertheless, there are those who
would not bear it so patiently. But it is better to speak thus
than with bitterness, because in so doing you acquire a
reputation for being gentle and humane, and to her will fall the
character of a 'glorieuse' unworthy of the attention paid her."

"When the instrument player has ceased" continues our good Canon
"make a deep bow by way of taking leave of the young lady and
conduct her gently to the place whence you took her, whilst
thanking her for the honour she has done you." Another extract is
not wanting in flavour: "Hold the head and body straight, have a
countenance of assurance, spit and cough little, and if necessity
compels you, turn your face the other side and use a beautiful
white handkerchief. Talk graciously, in gentle and honest speech,
neither letting your hands hang as if dead or too full of
gesticulation. Be dressed cleanly and neatly 'avec la chausse
bien tirée et Pescarpin propre.'

"And bear in mind these particulars."
]