The honored guest sleeps in the best bed in the house; drinks and eats of the finest fare. The host takes the couch, and — like Bilbo Baggins — goes without if there is not enough. Honorable gifts are likewise among the truly honorable.
Or consider the Beowulf: Hrothgar gives him great riches for defeating Grendel and his mother. Beowulf takes them home, and bestows them on his lord. They were the best things to ever pass through his hands, and his first thought was to give them away to show honor to one he valued.
Indeed I agree magnanimity is a virtue, but in this case, it's not only his to hold or give, but his people's. Not saying it's inappropriate at all, but that it's surprising that such a fine example of a cultural heritage piece would be gifted out of country. I suppose Ike earned it fairly enough though.
5 comments:
That's a beauty, and in pretty good condition.
Surprisingly good for something gifted away.
The honored guest sleeps in the best bed in the house; drinks and eats of the finest fare. The host takes the couch, and — like Bilbo Baggins — goes without if there is not enough. Honorable gifts are likewise among the truly honorable.
Or consider the Beowulf: Hrothgar gives him great riches for defeating Grendel and his mother. Beowulf takes them home, and bestows them on his lord. They were the best things to ever pass through his hands, and his first thought was to give them away to show honor to one he valued.
Indeed I agree magnanimity is a virtue, but in this case, it's not only his to hold or give, but his people's. Not saying it's inappropriate at all, but that it's surprising that such a fine example of a cultural heritage piece would be gifted out of country. I suppose Ike earned it fairly enough though.
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