King St. Stephen’s Admonitions to his son Emeric Moral instructions Political heritage According to mediaval legends, written by the king himself According to historians, written by archbishop Saint Astrik of Pannonhalma

Chapter I. – Preservation of the catholic fate Belive in God, in the Creator of all creatures Believe in his son, Jesus who sacrified himself Believe in the Holy Spirit Never doubt in your faith

Chapter II. – Holding dear the religious order Guard the Holy Church Let it gain instead of wane It will support your crown to become more famous It will make your life happier and longer

Chapter III. – Respect for the prelates (high priests) The order of the prelates is the glory of the throne Beware the high priests as your own eyesight The prayer of the priests leads you to God If you favour the church, you rule the land with decency

Chapter IV. – Respect for the aristocrats and warriors The aristocrats, warriors and land stewards (comes) are pillars of the crown They beware the land and the weak, they increase the borders Never call them servants and if you were the king of peace, they will love you

Chapter V. – Of true verdict and patience Prefer only true verdict, if you aim to honour your kingdom Be patient, if you aim to save your soul Only tyrants are impatient Judge with mercy and dignity

Chapter VI. – Reception and support of strangers Guests from different countries bring different languages, customs and weapons, they increase the fame of the court The country with a single language and customs is weak and fallible Support the newcomers, let them choose your land instead of other ones

Chapter VII. – Of the role of the royal council The council crowns and dethrones kings, it saves the homeland and builds cities Don’t assemble a council of silly, swaggering or indifferent members Accept the wise advice and never let yourself influence by fools

Chapter VIII. – The sons shall follow their ancestors The biggest honour is to follow the trace of the parents, this is how the heir gains the admiration of the strangers Fathers are there to protect their sons, sons are there to obey No Greek ruled the Greeks in a Latin way and no Latin ruled the Latins in a Greek way

Chapter IX. – Of keeping the worship Constant prayer sets free of sins and absolves Pray for the gift of the virtues to defeat all your enemies, to live your life in peace, without any threats or onslaught by your foes, carefree with all your dependents

Chapter X. – Of piety, clemency and other virtues Love leads to happiness, be merciful with all who suffer Be patient, but strong and humble; sober and meek to avoid a fight against the truth Be fair and chaste to avoid lechery

The royal crown consists of all those mentioned above, no one will be able to rule without them here, or to get into the eternal kingdom. Amen.