Courtesy is gentle politeness and courtly manners. In the Middle Ages in Europe, the behaviour expected of the gentry was compiled in courtesy books. The greatest of these wasIl Cortegiano (The Courtier) which not only covered basicetiquette anddecorum but also provided models of sophisticatedconversation and intellectual skill.
A moral, sensible, and well-bred man Will not affront me, and no other can.
Cowper,Conversation (1782), line 193.
Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy.
Emerson,Social Aims.
How sweet and gracious, even in common speech, Is that fine sense which men call Courtesy! Wholesome as air and genial as the light, Welcome in every clime as breath of flowers, It transmutes aliens into trusting friends, And gives its owner passport round the globe.
James T. Fields,Courtesy.
Their accents firm and loud in conversation, Their eyes and gestures eager, sharp and quick Showed them prepared on proper provocation To give the lie, pull noses, stab and kick! And for that very reason it is said They were so very courteous and well-bred.
John Hookham Frere,Prospectus and Specimen of an Intended National Work.
When the king was horsed thore, <Launcelot lookys he upon, How courtesy was in him more Than ever was in any mon.
Morte d'Arthur,Harleian Library. (British Museum.) Manuscript 2,252.
In thy discourse, if thou desire to please; All such is courteous, useful, new, or wittie: Usefulness comes by labour, wit by ease; Courtesie grows in court; news in the citie.
Herbert,Church. Church Porch, atanza 49.
Shepherd, I take thy word, And trust thy honest offer'd courtesy, Which oft is sooner found in lowly sheds With smoky rafters, than in tap'stry halls, And courts of princes.
