All girls, everywhere, First should learn to cultivate1 virtue.2 Of cultivating virtue’s methods, The most important is
To be pure and upright in morals; If pure, you are clean inside and outside; Chastity3 is your body’s glory; Having it, all your acts shine. When walking, look straight, turn not your head;
Talking, restrain your voice within your teeth; Sitting, don’t shake your knees – common fault with men; Standing, keep quiet your skirts; When pleased, laugh not aloud; If angry, still make no noise;
Inner and outer rooms’ duties Fully understand. Boys and girls must not together be. With outside business you have no concern; Therefore, go not beyond the court.
If necessary outside to go, Exhibit not your form,5 But screen your face with fan or veil. To men who are not with you related you may not speak. With women and girls of not careful conduct you may not associate. Following virtue, decorum,6 and uprightness, you so accomplish the end of your being
All girls, everywhere, Should learn woman’s work. In weaving cloth, Distinguishing between the coarse7 and fine;
When sitting at the loom8 work carefully; When boiling the silk cocoons,9 Collecting for them the mulberry and chia leaves,10 In all be very diligent.11 Protect the worms12 from wind and rain.
If cold, warm them by the fire; Keep them in a clean place; As the young ones grow, Transfer them to baskets, but crowd them not; Provide them leaves, not too many nor too few.
Making silk, be careful of the straight and cross threads, so you will make a perfect piece
All girls, everywhere, Should learn woman’s work. When women guests are expected, You should the chairs arrange in order.
Let your own dress be neat and suitable. Slowly and lightly walk; Move not your hands about; And let your voice be gentle and low. With such deportment
Invite your guests to enter: Present your salutations,14 Inquiring after their welfare15 since last you met. In conversation with them, Talk not at random.
When they questions ask, or answer, Give most polite attention. In asking of their welfare. Or talking of yourself, in a low voice speak; The tea and refreshments carefully prepare
