176 THE KING'S MIRROR 



the one unfair toward the other, except those alone to 

 A /"whom God has given wisdom and rectitude; but they 

 w (^are few only and not the mass. However, as there are 

 certain matters relating to the service and manners at 

 court that are still unexplained, I should like to hear 

 you discuss these further, lest I continue ignorant about 

 subjects that I desire to know. 



Father. We must now speak about those of the king's 

 housecarles who, if they give proper attention, are best 

 able to acquire knowledge as to what is counted good 

 manners in royal circles. They too, however, differ in 

 character, and those are very often the fewer who should 

 be the more numerous. These kingsmen that we are now 

 to discuss have, in addition to the housecarle name, the 

 title of hirdmen. Some bear that title rightfully, but to 

 many it is a nickname. The one who originated the 

 -^name placed it on a sound basis ;[for hirdman means the 

 same as keeper and guardian^ and those who wish to 

 possess this title rightfully should be true keepers and 

 guardians both of the king's person and of all his king- 

 ship. They should guard the bounds of equity among all 

 the men of the realm, wherever they are present when 

 suits at law are heard. They should also observe good 

 and courtly behavior and every useful custom, for they 

 are at all times nearest the king in all matters. They 

 guard the king's life and person both night and day; 

 they are always about the king at the table when he 

 eats and drinks, at public assemblies, and at all general 

 gatherings, like near kinsmen. 



These men ought of right to be addressed as lords by 

 all men who bear lesser titles than they do; for they are, 



