Poetry Selections
Excerpt from Early Welsh Precepts
From Daniel Berrigan, No Gods But One (2009), p. 91
The THREE who are first in point of precedence according to politeness: the most infirm, the poorest, and he who does not know the language.
THREE THINGS which, according to politeness, should be prepared for guests: a kind and affectionate reception, a ready and handsome provision, and a friendly conversation.
THREE THINGS which, according to politeness, should not be asked of a guest: where he came from, his worldly condition, and the place of his destination.
THREE THINGS which are indecorous over meat: gossiping, coquetting, and praising or blaming the meat, since it should be received as God sent it.