1] ‘O grandson of Conn, Cormac,’ said Carpre, ‘what is best
for a king?’ ‘Not hard to tell,’ said Cormac. ‘Best for him
for it is through the truth of a ruler that God gives all that.’
- Firmness without anger,
Patience without strife,
5] Affability without haughtiness,
Taking care of ancient lore,
Giving truth for truth,
Hostages in fetters,
Hosting with reason,
10] Truth without addition,
Mercifulness with consolidation of law,
Peace to tribes,
Manifold sureties,
True judgments,
15] Fasting upon neighbouring territories,
Exalting privileged persons,
Honouring poets,
Worshipping great God,
Fertility during his reign
20] Taking cognizance of every wretch,
Many alms,
Mast upon trees,
Fish in river-mouths,
Earth fruitful,
25] Inviting barks into harbour,
Importing treasures from over sea,
Forfeiture of sea-waifs,
Silken raiment,
A sword-smiting troop to protect every tribe,
30] Raids across borders,
Let him attend to the sick,
Let him benefit the strong,
Let him possess truth
Let him chide falsehood,
35] Let him love righteousness,
Let him beat down fear,
Let him crush criminals,
Let him give true judgments,
Let him foster every science,,
40] Let him consolidate every peace,
Let him buy treasures,
Let him improve his soul,
Let him make known every clear judgment,
Abundance of wine and mead,
45] Let him utter every truth,