Note A — III A FORTNIGHT IN BATH
Reading edition
BATH.
Rules laid down by Richard Nash, Esq., M.C., put up by Authority in the Pump Room and observed at Bath Assemblies during his reign.
I.
“That a visit of ceremony at coming to Bath, and another going away, is all that is expected or desired by Ladies of Quality and Fashion—except Impertinents.
II.
“That Ladies coming to the Ball appoint a Time for their Footmens coming to wait on them Home, to prevent Disturbances and Inconveniences to Themselves and Others.
III.
“That Gentlemen of Fashion never appearing in a Morning before the Ladies in Gowns and Caps shew Breeding and Respect.
IV.
“That no Person take it ill that any one goes to another’s Play or breakfast and not to theirs;—except Captious by Nature.
V.
“That no Gentleman give his Tickets for the Balls to any but Gentlewomen;—N. B. Unless he has none of his Acquaintance.
VI.
“That Gentlemen crowding before the Ladies at the Ball, shew ill Manners; and that none do so for the Future;—except such as respect nobody but themselves.
VII.
“That no Gentleman or Lady take it ill that another Dances before them;—except such as have no Pretence to dance at all.
VIII.
“That the Elder Ladies and Children be contented with a Second Bench at the Ball, as being past, or not come to Perfection.
IX.
“That the younger Ladies take notice how many Eyes observe them;—This don’t extend to the Have-at-all’s.
X.
“That all whisperers of Lies and Scandal be taken for their Authors.
XI.
“That all Repeaters of such Lies and Scandal be shun’d by all Company;—except such as have been guilty of the same Crime.
“N. B.—Several Men of no Character, Old Women and Young Ones of Questioned Reputation, are great Authors of Lies in this place, being of the sect of LEVELLERS.”
Date 1707.