{"id":354,"date":"2012-08-23T08:25:19","date_gmt":"2012-08-23T08:25:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/labs.stefanschleifer.com\/codex\/?p=354"},"modified":"2013-03-22T12:15:03","modified_gmt":"2013-03-22T12:15:03","slug":"how-to-govern-a-town","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/de.everycodextellsastory.eu\/?p=354","title":{"rendered":"How to Govern a Town"},"content":{"rendered":"

Geraardsbergen Manuscript<\/a>, Text 23 <\/strong>(fols. 112v-113r)<\/p>\n

\"Brussels<\/a>

Brussels – KBR – 837-45, fol. 112v: Heading and beginning of Text 23 (by courtesy of KBR Brussels)<\/p><\/div>\n

In this twenty line verse text some general guidelines for good government are listed. Most of these suggestions are still valid today (on national level): a town should be governed harmoniously; the public welfare should be taken into account; justice should be equal for the rich and poor; one should be friends with the neighbouring towns; its freedom should not be violated; and those who misbehave should be \u2018thrown out\u2019. The text ends with a warning: \u2018(Pay attention to this, because) it is an old lesson. If these guidelines are not followed, the town will be in fear! And (then) everyone should take a good look at himself, because he will die one day (and should better have confessed his sins by then).\u2019<\/p>\n

\"Wedding<\/a>

Wedding room of the City Hall in Brussels (image published in Hogenelst and Van Oostrom 2002, see: Further reading)<\/p><\/div>\n

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This reminder for governours to do an honest and a good job is a kind of short verse text that could be found posted on a town hall wall. Several examples of this and similar texts can still be seen in the Low Countries, painted on the beams supporting ceilings of large rooms:<\/p>\n

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