NOT to marry a young Woman.
Not to keep young Company unless they really desire it.
Not to be peevish, or morose, or suspicious.
Not to scorn present Ways, or Wits, or Fashions, or Men or War, &c.
Not to be fond of Children, or let them come near me hardly.1
Not to tell the same Story over & over to the same People.
Not to be covetous.
Not to neglect decency, or cleanlyness, for fear of falling into Nastyness.
Not to be over severe with young People, but give Allowances for their youthfull follyes, and Weaknesses.
Not to be influenced by, or give ear to knavish tatling Servants, or others.
Not to be too free of advise nor trouble any but those that desire it.
To desire some good Friends to inform me wch of these Resolutions I break, or neglect, & wherein; and reform accordingly.
Not to talk much, nor of my self.
Not to boast of my former beauty, or strength, or favor with Ladyes, &c.
Not to hearken to Flatteryes, nor conceive I can be beloved by a young woman. et eos qui hereditatem captant odisse ac vitare.2
Not to be positive or opiniatre.3
Not to set up for observing all these Rules; for fear I should observe none.
Plate 1. Title page of the Faulkner edition of The Works of Jonathan Swift (1735)