Tecosca Cormaic

Tecosca Cormaic (Teachings of Cormac), a 9th-cent. gnomic text in Old Irish attributed to the legendary King Cormac mac Airt. A dialogue between the King and his son, Cairbre, it is largely concerned with the proper behaviour of kings. One section advocates an acquaintance with law and other branches of learning, as well as patronage of craftsmen. The text castigates women for silliness and vanity, and even for reacting tearfully to music.