The text discusses how discipline, particularly concerning ears, is a common practice for school children and apprentices. It debates myths about people with large ears, suggesting that observation of human behavior and ear characteristics can provide insights into personality traits. The writing claims that small ears are associated with negative attributes, while moderate-sized ears are seen as signs of wisdom and teachability.
Nurture and Service of the
...it was rare for a school child, or an apprentice boy, to leave his master without scrubbed ears, returning home to receive more. Parents, schoolmasters, taskmasters, journeymen, yes, the boys among themselves, spoke often of Slapping the Ears, Pulling the Ears; Giving Ear-Figs, and suchlike; Even for the smallest mistake, a warning blow must fall: Or at least be threatened. It was then more than reasonable, that ears, which suffer so much, close to the head, of tough substance, yet not too delicate to feelings, were made to hear quickly.
It is a myth that in Sicily people were found who had ears so large that they could cover their whole body, although this is recorded in books.
Those who observe human behavior find, in many cases, that the physiognomers do not always misjudge: It is often certain that very large ears are a sign of wisdom, and they are very sharp. Indeed, Aristotle may be believed when he says, they commonly live long; For the foolish live without worry. Yet whether they have a vast memory as Porta noted, that can be doubted.
It often occurs that those with small, monkey-like ears, are street rogues, and would gladly play thefts, as their images are not seen. They are often greedy eaters and somewhat promiscuous: Those who have narrow long ears are envious people. Round, unfashioned flap-ears signify unlearned, while moderately hollowed or cut ears, indicate teachable and perceptive people.