The Game of the Chesse (Caxton, facsimile)

...makes the soul, he ought always think on the government of the realm original: "royame" and who has the administration of justice; and this should be handled by himself principally. This signifies the golden apple The "apple of gold" refers to the sovereign's orb, a symbol of the world and the king's responsibility to govern it. that he holds in his left hand. And because it pertains to him to punish rebels, he has the scepter in his right hand.

Because mercy original: "mysericorde" and truth preserve the king upon his throne, a king ought to be merciful and gracious original: "debonair". For when a king or prince desires to be beloved by his people, let him be governed by graciousness. Valerius Referring to Valerius Maximus, a Roman author known for his collection of historical anecdotes. says that graciousness pierces the hearts of strangers and softens the hearts of his enemies.

Regarding this, he recounts that Philostratus Likely a reference to the historical ruler of Athens, Peisistratus., who was the Duke of Athens, had a daughter. A man loved her so ardently that once, when he saw her with her mother, he suddenly ran up and kissed her. The mother was so angry and sorrowful that she went and demanded of her lord the Duke that the man's head be struck off. The prince answered her and said, "If we should slay those who love us, what shall we do to our enemies who hate us?"

Certainly, this was the answer of a noble and gracious prince who endured that insult original: "vylonye" done to his daughter, and even more to himself. This prince also had a friend named Arisse, who once said as many insulting things to the prince as any man might say. And that did not satisfy him, for he even scratched the prince’s face. The prince endured him patiently, in such a way as though the man had shown him courtesy rather than an insult. And when his sons wanted to avenge this outrage, he commanded them...