As all our brackets collapse and March becomes even madder, socially, politically, and weatherwise, it might be well to keep in mind, or close at hand, or both, a copy of a late 16th century Jesuit pamphlet, made famous in the United States by a sixteen year old boy, who once copied them out as part of an exercise in penmanship. The pamphlet? 110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior. The young American copyist? A kid from a place just south of Alexandria named George Washington. A few favorite passages, appropriate to the season (with thanks to the Foundations Magazine website at http://www.foundationsmag.com/civility.html):

1. Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.
2. When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usually Discovered.
6. Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop.
17. Be no Flatterer, neither Play with any that delights not to be Play'd Withal.
24. Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Public Spectacle.
40. Strive not with your Superiors in argument, but always Submit your Judgment to others with Modesty.
44. When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it.
47. Mock not nor Jest at any thing of Importance break [n]o Jest that are Sharp Biting and if you Deliver any thing witty and Pleasant abstain from Laughing thereat yourself.
49. Use no Reproachful Language against any one neither Curse nor Revile.
50. Be not hasty to believe flying Reports to the Disparagement of any.
58. Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy, for 'is a Sign of a Tractable and Commendable Nature: And in all Causes of Passion admit Reason to Govern.
63. A Man ought not to value himself of his Achievements, or rare Qualities of wit; much less of his riches Virtue or Kindred.
67. Detract not from others neither be excessive in Commanding.
68. While you are talking, Point not with your Finger at him of Whom you Discourse nor Approach too near him to whom you talk especially to his face.
79. Be not apt to relate News if you know not the truth thereof. In Discoursing of things you Have heard Name not your Author always A Secret Discover not.
87. Let thy carriage be such as becomes a Man Grave Settled and attentive to that which is spoken. Contradict not at every turn what others Say.
89. Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust.
110. Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.