Sruithiu feb áes.

Sruithiu feb áes.

(more esteemed * excellence * than age)

Excellence is more honored than age.

This maxim is found in “Bretha Nemed Toísech” (CIH 2214.2). A gloss on it says “is uaisle inti occa mbi eolus, cid ócc, oldas in sen ocna bia” (one who has knowledge, although young, is more noble than an old person who does not). A modern quatrain (“Dánfhocail”, p. 23) expresses the idea in these words:

Ná meas m’eagna ar m’óige,
’s go meallfainn fear féasóige;
mo chridhe gan baois im bruinn,
is sine ná m’aois m’fhoghluim.

Topics: Maxims & Wise Counsel