SMIL FLASkA

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Smil

is by no means devoid of worldly wisdom ; witness the following passage : " Be liberal as far as is seemly — Do not by shabbiness injure your soul — Neither must you come to ruin by too great liberality — Dignified

measure (moderation) is honourable in all things. — To your poor friends be amiable — And take special heed to be generous to them — Visit them in their distress — These are honourable and knightly debts (duties). — Reward

those who serve you faithfully — Who heartily strive for your glory — Who wish to raise you higher — Than your

own power (alone) could reach ; — To these your hand should not be niggardly. — To be too haughty, O my son — To impose your will on the people — That I by no means advise. — For he who is too proud — Haughty more than is well — He cannot be beloved of the people. — Even if by his bravery in battle he could penetrate victoriously through all ramparts — Yet by his haughtiness he vexes — Every one in every way — Too great haughtiness, therefore, does not become a great lord. . . ." In the last part of the counsel the father advises his son with regard to his duties towards ladies, repeatedly He writes: inculcating chivalrous devotion to them. " Dear son, nearly all have I said — (To my best knowledge) — That is truly necessary for your fame — But carefully will I give you — Yet one more token of knightly honour. — You should honour all good ladies — Defending with true faith their fair name — Should any one by evil speech against women attempt to curry favour — You should declare — That evil speech ever remains evil — And that honest words should contradict it. — According to honour and wise advice — You should everywhere spread their {i.e. the ladies') glory — You should ever obey their will — Be constantly in their service — And be grateful