Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Hawkins, Francis (1628-1681)
HAWKINS, FRANCIS (1628–1681), jesuit, born in London in 1628, was son of John Hawkins, M.D. [q. v.], by Frances, daughter of Francis Power, esq., of Bletchington, Oxfordshire. Before he was eight he translated ‘Youth's Behaviour,’ which at his father's request was first printed by the publisher, William Lee, about 1641 (cf. Address to Reader in 1663 ed.). The edition of 1654 contains an engraved portrait of the boy, inscribed ‘François Hawkins tirant a l'aage d'huict ans,’ with four lines of English verse on his precocity. In 1649 he entered the Society of Jesus abroad, and was professed of the four vows on 14 May 1662. In 1665 he was socius to the master of novices at Watten; in 1672 confessor at Ghent; and in 1675 professor of holy scripture at Liège College, where he died on 19 Feb. 1680–1.
He is the author of ‘Youth's Behaviour, or Decency in Conversation amongst Men. Composed in French by grave persons, for the use and benefit of their youth. Now newly turned into English by Francis Hawkins,’ 2nd edition, London, 1646, 8vo. In his address to the reader the publisher apologises for ‘the Style … wrought by an uncouth and rough File of one in greene yeares.’ The 4th edition appeared at London, 1650, 12mo; other editions followed in 1652, 1653, 1654, and 1663; 9th edition, London, 1668, 8vo. A second part, entitled ‘Youth's Behaviour; or Decency in Conversation amongst Women,’ London, 1664, 12mo, with a portrait of Lady Ferrers, was added by the puritan bookmaker, Robert Codrington [q. v.]