Mairg abélaiges do dháinib.

(woe betide * (he) that flatters * to * people)

Woe to the one who flatters people.

This line was jotted by a scribe in the lower margin of page 12 of An Leabhar Breac, and is quoted in DIL s.v. “aipélaigid”. The sentiment may be admirable, but it is completely at odds with the workings of the venerable poetic professional in medieval Ireland.

Topics: Maxims & Wise Counsel