Leopoldina’s ‘Vademecum’

Leopoldina’s ‘Vademecum’ – a set of self-imposed rules of conduct:

I will try always to have a regular hour at which I get up and go to bed in order to avoid an excess of sensuality during my period of rest.

On religious holidays and Sundays I will impose a number of small mortifications upon myself, such as denying myself one course during a meal, or maintaining silence for a certain period of time, or to deprive myself of a pleasure, doing all of this, however, in such a way that others will not notice it.

On the last day of the year I will conduct a general examination of my behaviour.

General behaviour:

I will avoid dressing in a manner that draws attention to myself.

I will indulge in no unnecessary expenses that interfere with the household budget, but I shall give as many alms as possible and shall avoid trivialities so that I may help the poor.

Any excess of income I shall use primarily to support institutions dedicated to educating the young or helping the sick.

May my heart ever remain closed to corrupting worldly thoughts; let me avoid harmful indulgence, unseemly finery, ambiguity or scandalous dress.

Striving to be virtuous:

May my indispensable virtue ever be modesty, to preserve the purity of my heart.

I will never cease to struggle against my own failings starting with the most serious:

I will always regard lying as the work of the devil and a plague on society.

May I never have a haughty or arrogant countenance, but be serious and modest, honest and clement, gracious and polite to people both great and small. In conversation I shall choose my words carefully and will never speak simply to bring advantage to myself.

Conduct after marriage:

After 13 May, my wedding day, I charge myself thus:

1. To tame my vehement manner, and to be good to my people so that I may accustom myself to gentleness and compliance,

2. I will avoid any unchaste thoughts, for from that day forth I belong to my husband,

3. I will work diligently to improve my education,

4. I will make every effort always to speak the truth.