[28] These are among the things
which are found in it, of the wisdom of Cormac:--
[28] _The Instructions of Cormac_ (Tecosa Cormaic) have been
edited with a translation by Dr. Kuno Meyer in the Todd Lecture
Series of the Royal Irish Academy, vol. xv., April 1909.
"Let him (the king) restrain the great,
Let him exalt the good,
Let him establish peace,
Let him plant law,
Let him protect the just,
Let him bind the unjust,
Let his warriors be many and his counsellors few,
Let him shine in company and be the sun of the mead-hall,
Let him punish with a full fine wrong done knowingly,
and with a half-fine wrong done in ignorance."
Cairbry said, "What are good customs for a tribe to pursue?" "They are
as follows," replied Cormac:--
"To have frequent assemblies,
To be ever enquiring, to question the wise men,
To keep order in assemblies,
To follow ancient lore,
Not to crush the miserable,
To keep faith in treaties,
To consolidate kinship,
Fighting-men not to be arrogant,
To keep contracts faithfully,
To guard the frontiers against every ill."
"Tell me, O Cormac," said Cairbry, "what are good customs for the
giver of a feast?" and Cormac said:--
"To have lighted lamps,
To be active in entertaining the company,
To be liberal in dispensing ale,
To tell stories briefly,
To be of joyous countenance,
To keep silence during recitals.
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