The Book of Chess

One named Demetrius Likely referring to a story associated in the Middle Ages with Democritus or a similar philosopher, though here named Demetrius.
of whom this book tells us—
so it is read in the book—
was so very just
that he could not bear to see
good things happen to the wicked
while the good suffered such evil.
He allowed himself to be blinded for this reason,
so that he would not have to look upon
it when the wicked prospered;
so greatly did he love justice.
This book also tells of a son
whom people praised thereafter.
Then his wife Anatas Possibly a corruption of a name from the stories of Valerius Maximus, perhaps related to Anaxarchus or a similar martyr for philosophy. died,
and they also wanted to kill him
without any guilt. And so,
because of the law and justice,
his life was at stake, and she lamented him greatly.
She said, "Now may God have mercy,
that they make such a mockery of you
and wish to destroy you for the sake of justice!"
And she had many bitter complaints.
Then he comforted her and said to her:
"Desist, my dear,
I would rather die before my old age
than have people speak of me
and give a shameful report,
saying that I was found to be false.
Whether I myself die or live,
tell me what praise would be earned
by those who come after me,
as you have heard of them."

Very, very much did he love justice!
Therefore the master has spoken of them.
It is as if one stood before the wall A metaphor for being at the brink of death or facing an insurmountable obstacle....
and at that same hour,
he heard his life being weighed in the balance,
to see if anyone would betray him.
Now hear more of this game The game of chess, or "schachzabel.";
let us proceed, for I perceive
there are three reasons why
the master first produced
this Book of Chess.
Now I may say this much,
as I have taken the task upon myself,
I will do the best I can,
as I have told you.
Whoever he was who [invented it],
I will tell you at once:
it was sought out and found
in those very hours
because sweet and good words
comfort the poor human spirit.
He devised it for a good purpose
and turned it into a game for the poor original: "arme spil"; likely meaning a simple or humble pastime that carries deep moral weight..
It began in his youth.
Whoever speaks for pastime term: "kurtze wile" (pastime) refers to productive leisure that avoids the sin of idleness.
or does something in jest term: "schimpf" (jest/play); in this context, it refers to a game that is not merely for fun but carries a serious underlying message.,
he fares all the better for it.
My followers,
even if things afterwards become difficult,
one suffers them all the better.
So does a person play their part.