The Game of Chess

...that a conquered kingdom held without justice is not enduring. And for that reason, kings should patiently listen to those who rebuke German: straff. In this context, it means to offer moral correction or disciplinary advice. them. For so writes Salernus This likely refers to a medieval source or a corruption of a name like Valerius Maximus, who recorded historical anecdotes used for moral teaching. to King Alexander: that on a certain day, one of his knights rebuked him for his greed, because his lord’s desire could not be satisfied. He spoke with these words:

"King, if our gods had wished to make your body equal to your greedy spirit, the whole world could not contain you. For you reach out with one hand to where the sun rises and with the other to where it sets. Since your body is not equal to your spirit, you must be either a god, or a man, or merhcmert? Likely "beast" or "nothing," based on the following logic.. If you wish to be a god, then act as God does: give the people glorious gifts and take nothing from them that is theirs. But if you are a man, then remember that you are mortal and cease your greed. But if you are nothing, then consider that nothing is so strong that a weaker thing cannot harm it; for one often sees the lion, who is the lord of all beasts, and it happens that small birds eat him." This is a common medieval metaphor suggesting that even the most powerful tyrant can be brought low by the small or the weak after death, or through persistent small troubles.

The second reason why the game Refers to the game of chess, which Xerxes is using as a framework for his lecture. was invented was to avoid idleness. Regarding this, Seneca says to Lucilius: "Idleness without letters Original Latin: Otium sine litteris mors est. In the medieval view, "letters" or "art" referred to study, literacy, and meaningful mental work. or without art is death, or the burial of a living man." Also says Varro, a great master: "Wheels are not there [simply] so that they turn, for unless they turn, they never avoid rust." Varro’s metaphor suggests that human life, like a wagon wheel, stays "clean" and functional only through constant, purposeful motion/activity. So also is our life not for its own sake, but rather so that something praiseworthy may be adorned by it...