The version just alluded to purports to be by a child in his eighth year.  It was first printed in 1640 (London), but the earliest edition in the British Museum, where alone I have been able to find a copy, is that of 1646, which is described as the fourth edition.[1] The cover is stamped in gilt, “Gift of G. III.”  The translations are indeed rude, and sometimes inaccurate as to the sense, but that they were the unaided work of a child under eight is one of the “things hard to be believed” which a Maxim admonishes us not to tell.  In the edition of 1651 there is a portrait of Master Hawkins at the age of eight, and the same picture appears in 1672 as the same person at ten.  Moreover, in an edition of 1663 the “Bookseller,” in an address “to the reader,” seems rather vague in several statements.  “A counsellor of the Middle Temple, in 1652, added twenty-five new Precepts marked thus (*) at which time a Gentleman of Lincoln’s-Inn turned the Book into Latine.”  There are, however, in this edition thirty-one Precepts not in the French work, and of these twenty-six are in the edition of 1646.  The Latin version appended (signed H.B.) is exactly that of Father Perin, with the exception of a few words, considerable omissions, and the additional Precepts.  The additions are all evidently by a mature hand.

[Footnote 1:  “Youth’s Behaviour, or Decency in Conversation amongst men.  Composed in French by grave persons for the Use and benefit of their youth.  Now newly translated into English by Francis Hawkins.  The fourth edition, with the addition of twenty-sixe new Precepts (which are marked thus *) London.  Printed by W. Wilson for W. Lee, and are to be sold at the Turks-head neere the Miter Taverne in Fleetstreet. 1646.”  There are some lines “In laudem Authoris” by J.S., and the following:—­“Gentle Reader,—­Thinke it not amisse to peruse this Peece, yet connive at the Style:  for it hath neede thereof, since wrought by an uncouth and rough File of one greene in yeares; as being aged under eight.  Hence, worthy Reader, shew not thy self too-too-rigid a Censurer.  This his version is little dignified, and therefore likely will it appears to thee much imperfect.  It ought to be his own, or why under the Title is his name written?  Peradventure thou wilt say, what is it to me? yet heare:  Such is it really, as that I presume the Author may therein be rendred faithfully:  with this courteously be then satisfied.—­This small Treatise in its use, will evidently appear to redound to the singular benefit of many a young spirit, to whom solely and purposely it is addressed.  Passe it therefore without mistake and candidly.”]

With the Hawkins volume of 1663 is bound, in the British Museum Library, a companion work, entitled, “The second Part of Youth’s Behaviour, or Decency in Conversation amongst Women. 1664.”  This little book is apparently by Robert Codrington, whose name is signed to its remarkable dedicatory letter:  “To the Mirrour of her Sex Mrs. Ellinor Pargiter, and the most accomplished with all reall Perfections Mrs. Elizabeth Washington, her only Daughter, and Heiress to the truly Honourable Laurence Washington Esquire, lately deceased.”