"Yes, several; but you should remember that these are rules of behavior in company and conversation alone, and not our religious duties. But here is one rule that lies in that direction":
"Labor to keep in your heart that little spark of celestial fire called conscience."
"If you speak of God or His attributes, let it be seriously, in reverence; and honor and obey your parents."
"George has done that to perfection," remarked Lawrence. "Profanity and disobedience, even in their least offensive form, he was never guilty of. And here is still another rule having reference to our higher obligations, which he has observed with commendable carefulness":
"Let your recreations be manful, not sinful."
"I think it is remarkable, as you say, that one so young as George should make such a collection of rules," said Mrs. Washington. "May it not be that a remarkable future is before him?"
"It may be, and I am inclined to think it will be," answered Lawrence. "If a bright spring-time is the harbinger of an ample harvest, such a youth must foreshadow noble manhood."
Thus were George's "Rules of Behavior in Company and Conversation" discussed at Mount Vernon, and the young author of them was more admired in consequence.
We will furnish our readers with more of his "Rules," since all of them are important, and had much to do, doubtless, with the formation of George's character.
"Speak not of doleful things in time of mirth, nor at the table; speak not of melancholy things, as death and wounds; and if others mention them, change, if you can, the discourse. Tell not your dreams but to your intimate friend.
"Break not a jest when none take pleasure in mirth; laugh not loud, nor at all, without occasion; deride no man's misfortune, though there seem to be some cause.
"Speak not injurious words, neither in jest nor earnest; scoff at none, although they give occasion.
"Seek not to lessen the merits of others; neither give more than due praise.
"Go not thither where you know not whether you shall be welcome.
"Give not advice without being asked; and when desired, do it briefly.
"Reprove not the imperfections of others, for that belongs to parents, masters and superiors.
"Gaze not on the marks and blemishes of others, and ask not how they came. What you may speak in secret to your friend, deliver not before others.