Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HOW TO LOOK WHEN SPEAKING by ELIZABETH TURNER (1755-1846)

First Line: LOUISA, MY LOVE,' MRS. MANNERS BEGAN
Last Line: "TO SPEAK AND TO LOOK AS YOU OUGHT!"
Subject(s): ETIQUETTE; MANNERS; COURTESY;
"LOUISA, my love," Mrs. Manners began,
"I fear you are learning to stare;
To avoid looking bold, I must give you a plan,
Quite easy to practise with care.

It is not a lady's or gentleman's eyes
You should look at whenever address'd,
Whilst hearing them speak, or in making replies,
To look at the @3mouth@1 is the best.

This method is modest, and easy to learn
When children are glad to be taught;
And ah! what a pleasure it is in return,
To speak and to look as you ought!"



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