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Norman and Saxon Kipling

The Norman Baron gives his dying advice to his Norman son who will inherit his English lands. He warns his son to be wary of the Saxon peasants and to treat them well. The Baron advises his son to learn their language and customs to understand their grievances. He says to attend their community events and not to oppress or lie to the Saxons, as they will revolt if mistreated. The Baron tells his son that the Saxons must be handled delicately to maintain control of the lands.

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128 views1 page

Norman and Saxon Kipling

The Norman Baron gives his dying advice to his Norman son who will inherit his English lands. He warns his son to be wary of the Saxon peasants and to treat them well. The Baron advises his son to learn their language and customs to understand their grievances. He says to attend their community events and not to oppress or lie to the Saxons, as they will revolt if mistreated. The Baron tells his son that the Saxons must be handled delicately to maintain control of the lands.

Uploaded by

kanga2010
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as ODT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Norman and Saxon A.D.

1100
"My son," said the Norman Baron, "I am dying, and you will be heir To all the broad acres in England that William gave me for share When he conquered the Saxon at Hastings, and a nice little handful it is. But before you go over to rule it I want you to understand this:-"The Saxon is not like us Normans. His manners are not so polite. But he never means anything serious till he talks about justice right. When he stands like an ox in the furrow--with his sullen set eyes on your own, And grumbles, 'This isn't fair dealing,' my son, leave the Saxon alone. "You can horsewhip your Gascony archers, or torture your Picardy spears; But don't try that game on the Saxon; you'll have the whole brood round your ears. From the richest old Thane in the county to the poorest chained serf in the field, They'll be at you and on you like hornets, and, if you are wise, you will yield. "But first you must master their language, their dialect, proverbs and songs. Don't trust any clerk to interpret when they come with the tale of their own wrongs. Let them know that you know what they are saying; let them feel that you know what to say. Yes, even when you want to go hunting, hear 'em out if it takes you all day. They'll drink every hour of the daylight and poach every hour of the dark. It's the sport not the rabbits they're after (we've plenty of game in the park). Don't hang them or cut off their fingers. That's wasteful as well as unkind, For a hard-bitten, South-country poacher makes the best man-at-arms you can find. "Appear with your wife and the children at their weddings and funerals and feasts. Be polite but not friendly to Bishops; be good to all poor parish priests. Say 'we,' 'us' and 'ours' when you're talking, instead of 'you fellows' and 'I.' Don't ride over seeds; keep your temper; and never you tell 'em a lie!"

Rudyard Kipling

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