Eriu Volume 3-4 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 edition. Excerpt: ...called his book Speculum Regale, not boastfully, but because it was to be as a mirror to men, and because, among other things, rules for the conduct of kings are set forth therein. Lastly, he says that for the reader or hearer of the book it is not necessary to know the writer's name and rank, lest from animosity, envy, or enmity towards the author, he should despise whatever useful things may be found in it. The book then takes the form of a dialogue between the father and son, and begins in this way: --The Son: 'Good-day, sir. I have come to see you as it behoves an obedient and humble son to approach a loving and distinguished father, and I desire to ask you to have patience in listening to my questions, and kindness in answering them.' The Father: 'Since thou art my only son, it pleases me well that thou shouldst often come to see me, for we have many things to talk about, and I promise thee that I shall willingly listen to thy questions, and answer whatever thou mayst reasonably ask me.' The Son: 'I have heard that common report, which I believe to be true, says that there are few wiser men in this land than you. 1. Reprinted with additions and corrections from "Folklore," vol. v., pp. 299 ff. (December, 1894). 2 See Vigfusson and Powell, Icelandic Prose Rentier, p. 425. I have used the editions of Halfdan Einersen, 1768, and of Oscar Brenner, Munich, 1881. Besides, you have spent your life with kings, and are an authority on questions of government and of law. Now, as I am to be the heir of your worldly possessions, I should also like to become the heir of your wisdom; wherefore I would ask you to impart to me, as it were, the alphabet or elements of knowledge, so that I may benefit by your further instruction and follow in...