This is an excerpt from a Book of Courtesy [a 15th century English treatise on manners]
The First Book.
In this book you may learn
Courtesy. Every one needs it.
On reaching a Lord’s gate, give
the Porter your weapon, and ask leave to go in.
If the master is of low degree,
he will come to you; if of high, the Porter will take you to him.
At the Hall-door, take off your hood and gloves.
If the first meal is beginning, greet the Steward, bow to
the Gentlemen on each side of the hall, both right and left; notice the
yeomen, than stand before the screen till the Marshal or Usher leads
you to the table.
Be sedate and courteous if you are set with the gentleman.
Cut your loaf in two, the top from the bottom; cut the top
crust in 4, and the bottom in 3.
Put your trencher before you, and don’t eat or drink till
your Mess is brought from the kitchen, lest you be thought starved or a
glutton.
Have your nails clean.
Don’t bite your bread, but break it.
Don’t quarrel at table, or make grimaces.