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 Fionn's Instructions to Mac Lugach
Mac Lugach... if it is to adulthood that you aspire,
then be peaceful in the household of a powerful man.
Be tough in a difficult situation.
Do not strike your dogs without cause.
Do not accuse your wife of misconduct unless you are sure.
Mac Lugach, do not strike a fool in battle, even if he is an idiot.
Do not taunt a holy man.
Do not get involved in strife.
Do not argue with a hag or a bad person.
Two-thirds of your good manners should go to women, servants, and poets.
Do not be curt with common folk.
Do not be the first one in bed, before your intimates.
Avoid perversion and incest.
Do not treat everyone with the same amount of deference.
Do not "talk big" or say that you will not give what is due, for it is shameful to brag
and not fulfill your boast.
Do not abandon your king for so long as you are in this bright world.
For neither gold nor any treasure should you abandon your pledge of protection.
Do not revile a good lord's company in his presence,
for it is not the business of a good man to complain to a lord about his retinue.
Do not always be gossiping or lying.
Do not be verbose or reckless.
Even if your enemies are many, do not be a defendant in the assembly.
Do not be going always to the drinking house.
Do not be critical of the elderly
(the judgement you are hearing is the right one),
do not strike an insignificant person.
Listen closely in the forest and be watchful on the plain,
for you do not know (great is the deed) if the enemy is on your trail.
Do not be stingy with food.
Let not a selfish person be your companion.
Keep your clothes and arms on until the savage fight is over.
Do not hesitate to share your good fortune --
and mind your manners, Mac Lugach. |
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