The narrator addresses the children and wishes that they may receive instruction in “courtesy and virtue” through this book. He states that he writes the book for the little ones and not the old men who are already experts in decorum and manners because, in his opinion, it is futile to give “pangs to hell, joy to heaven, water to the sea and heat to fire that is already hot.” He states that his book is only to ease learning for the young and hopefully, no man will reprimand or judge it, but revise it where it needs revision.
The narrator starts by showing the children how they are to behave in their homes. He says that the children should always have friendly and sweet words when someone addresses them. He suggests that when they enter their lord's place, they should always say "God speed" and greet those who are present. He instructs them to not rush, walk with their head high and bend on one knee in front of their lord. If anyone addresses them, the children are to give them their full attention and listen intently to their words. When the children do answer, they are to speak using words that are gentle but compendious.
He instructs the children to stand still until they are asked to sit. If their lord is drinking, they are to keep absolute silence. The children are to always speak honestly and have a blithe and merry disposition. They are to not interfere in the discussion of household matters between the lord and the lady of the house. He gives the children a suggestion by saying that if they were to ask God for a blessing, nothing would be more desirable than being blessed with good manners.
At noon, when the lord of the house is ready to eat his meat, the children are to fetch him clear water and not sit down until prayer has been said and be ready to serve him with clean hands. The children are to keep their own knife clean and ready and are to dwell in silence. The narrator offers suggestions on how the children are to behave at the table while eating food. He instructs them on how to eat, the proper ways to use the cutlery, table manners and also how to consume water in a proper way. He orders them to not be caught leaning off the table and not to hang their heads over their dishes. He advises them against picking their nose, teeth or nails and suggests that they should only take small bites of their food so they can speak when spoken to.
He counsels them by saying that they are not to cut their meat like field workers who have an ungodly appetite. They are to act courteously, indulge in gentleness and avoid boisterousness at all costs. When the cheese is brought out, the children are to possess clean trenchers on which they may cut the cheese with a clean knife. They are to appear neat and godly while consuming the same and then they would receive a name for gentleness and advance themselves in virtue.
At the end of the meal, they are to clean their knives and make sure they put them in their place. When they are done, the children are to get up without laughter or amusement and are to wait at their lord's table till he says grace and brings the meal to an end. Then the children should fetch water, hold a cloth and pour the water on their lord's hands.
The narrator has more commands for the children but he doesn’t include them in his little report as his time is brief. He welcomes people to add to the book. He writes to the children out of his love for them and urges them to know this book and become such an expert in courtesy that they achieve everlasting bliss through their governance.
