THE KING'S MIRROR 213 



proper for all kingsmen to master this art and, more- 7 

 bver, it must be mastered if it is to be of servicejlf the -5 

 drill tires you and makes you thirsty, drink a little now 

 and then, enough to quench your thirst; but while the 

 game is on, be careful not to drink till you are drunk or 

 even merry. 



If you should like to try a variety of drills and pas- 

 times, there are certain sports that one can take up out 

 of doors, if that is thought more diverting. For one 

 thing, you may have a pole prepared, somewhat heavier 

 than a spear shaft, and put up a mark some distance 

 away for a target; with these you can determine how far 

 and how accurately you can throw a spear and do it effec- J cc / 

 tively. It is also counted rare sport and pastime to take N ~^f> i 

 one's bow and go with other men to practice archery. / 

 Another pleasant and useful diversion is to practice 

 throwing with a sling both for distance and for accuracy, 

 and with a staff sling * as well as with a hand sling, and 

 to practice throwing stone missiles. Formerly the cus- 

 tom was for all who wished to become expert in such 

 arts and thoroughly proficient in war and chivalry to / 

 train both hands alike to the use of weapons. Strive 

 after the same skill, if you find yourself gifted for it, / 

 inasmuch as those who are trained in that way are the / 

 most perfect in these activities and the most dangerous / 

 to their enemies. 



You should abhor and avoid manslaying in every 

 form except as a lawful punishment or in common war- 

 fare. But in ordinary warfare on the lawful command 



* The staff sling was a sling fastened to the end of a stick; it was an earlier 

 form which was not used much in the thirteenth century. 



