FROM THE INSTRUCTIONS OF KING CORMAC
'O Cormac, grandson of Conn,' said Carbery, 'what are the dues of a chief and of an ale-house?'
'Not hard to tell,' said Cormac.
'Good behaviour around a good chief,
Lights to lamps,
Exerting oneself for the company,
A proper settlement of seats,
Liberality of dispensers,
A nimble hand at distributing,
Attentive service,
Music in moderation,
Short story-telling,
A joyous countenance,
Welcome to guests,
Silence during recitals,
Harmonious choruses.'
'O Cormac, grandson of Conn,' said Carbery, 'what were your habits when you were a lad?'
'Not hard to tell,' said Cormac.
'I was a listener in woods,
I was a gazer at stars,
I was blind where secrets were concerned,
I was silent in a wilderness,
I was talkative among many,
I was mild in the mead-hall,
I was stern in battle,
I was gentle towards allies,
I was a physician of the sick,
I was weak towards the feeble,
I was strong towards the powerful,
I was not close lest I should be burdensome,
I was not arrogant though I was wise,
I was not given to promising though I was strong,
I was not venturesome though I was swift,
I did not deride the old though I was young,
I was not boastful though I was a good fighter,
I would not speak about any one in his absence,
I would not reproach, but I would praise,
I would not ask, but I would give,—
for it is through these habits that the young become old and kingly warriors.'
'O Cormac, grandson of Conn,' said Carbery, 'what is the worst thing you have seen?'