as as rocin N forfeimdi N Muig Hi N Muig Hith H. 1.15 ma biasam N ma riadsim ar n-eacha N ricsam andechi L Lethæ N Leithi L ase docoid N fria N isin N co nderrna an dam fria N
[232.] Three that are most difficult to talk to: a king about his booty, a viking in his hauberk, a boor who is under patronage.
[233.] Three whose spirits are highest: a young scholar after having read his psalms, a youngster who has put on man's attire,[114] a maiden who has been made a woman.
[114] Literally, 'who has doffed his (boy's) clothes.'
234. Four on whom there is neither restraint nor rule: the servant of a priest, a miller's hound, a widow's son, and a stripper's calf.
[235.] Three hard things[115]: to go security on behalf of a king or highly privileged person, for a king's honour is wider than any claim; to go security for battle, for no one is capable of any security for a battle save a king under whose yoke are seven tribes; to go security for captivity, except one who owns a serf.
Seven prohibitions: to go security for an outlaw, for a jester and for a madman, for a person without bonds, for an unfilial person, for an imbecile, for one excommunicated. Troublesome moreover is every security, for it is necessary for it to give sudden notice as regards every pledge which he gives, now beforehand, now afterwards.
[115] I do not understand the force of dóib, 'to them,' either here or below after secht n-aurgarta.