80 THE KING'S MIRROR 



/<L yWhen you are in a market town, or wherever you are, 

 / /be polite and agreeable; then you will secure the friend- 

 \ship of all good men. Make it a habit to rise early in the 



\ morning, and go first and immediately to church wher- 

 \ ever 'it seems most convenient to hear the canonical 

 \ hours, and hear all the hours and mass from matins on. 

 J Join in the worship, repeating such psalms and prayers 

 as you have learned. When the services are over, go out 

 \ to look after your business affairs. If you are unac- 

 quainted with the traffic of the town, observe carefully 

 how those who are reputed the best and most prominent 

 ' I merchants conduct their business. [You must also be 

 careful to examine the wares that you buy before the 

 purchase is finally made to make sure that they are 

 sound and flawless. And whenever you make a purchase, 

 \ call in a few trusty men to serve as witnesses as to how 

 \ the bargain was made.J 

 Arvn should keep occupied with your business till 



breakfast or, if necessity demands it, till midday;] after 

 that you should eat your meal. [Keep your table well 

 provided and set with a white cloth, clean victuals, and 

 good drinks. Serve enjoyable meals, if you -can afford it.] 

 After the meal you may either take a nap or stroll about 

 a little while for pastime and to see what other good 

 merchants are employed with, or whether any new wares 

 have come to the borough which you ought to buy. On 

 returning to your lodgings examine your wares, lest they 

 suffer damage after coming into your hands. If they are 

 found to be injured and you are about to dispose of 

 themjjdo not conceal the flaws from the purchaser: show 

 him what the defects are and make such a bargain as you 



