‘O grandson of Conn, Cormac,’ said Carpre, ‘what were your habits when you were a lad?’ ‘Not hard to tell,’ said Cormac.
‘for it is through those habits that the young become old and kingly warriors.’
- I was a listener in woods,
5] I was a gazer at stars,
I was blind where secrets were concerned,
I was silent in a wilderness,
I was talkative among many,
I was mild in the mead-hall,
10] I was stern in battle,
I was ready to watch,
I was gentle in friendship,
I was a physician of the sick,
I was weak towards the strengthless,
15] I was strong towards the powerful,
I never was hard lest I be satirised,
I never was feeble lest I should have my hair stript off,
I was not close lest I should be burdensome,
I was not arrogant though I was wise,
20] I was not given to promising though I was strong,
I was not venturesome though I was swift,
I did not deride old people though I was young,
I was not boastful though I was a good fighter,
I would not speak about anyone in his absence,
25] I would not reproach, but I would praise,
I would not ask, but I would give,