Human Affairs

Respect for Honor is Universal

“Hardly could he speak, but when he did, [craving] pardon for putting off the fulfillment of his promise, all were filled with wonder and sympathy, and the king himself, appeased by the good faith of his prisoner, let him go free.” […]

Eastern Europe

Translation: The Huns are Trash

“There the unclean spirits, who beheld them as they wandered through the wilderness, bestowed their embraces upon them and begat this savage race, which dwelt at first in the swamps — a stunted, foul and puny tribe, scarcely human, and having no language save one which bore but slight resemblance to human speech.” […]

Human Affairs

A Dead Man With a Message

“he way in which the emissary was dispatched was as follow: certain of them held a number of sharp spears pointing upwards, and others, seizing the hands and feet of the man who was fated to be sent, threw him on top of them.” […]

Human Affairs

A Icelandic Marital Spat

“You have a choice – either you take me in and act as if nothing has happened or I will call witnesses this minute, divorce you and have my father reclaim my bride-price and my dowry. Then you wouldn’t have to worry about my taking up room in your bed ever again.” […]

Human Affairs

A Knight Begs for Sex

“He kissed her and henceforth was at peace. They lay together and talked, kissing and embracing. May the final act, which others are accustomed to enjoy, give them pleasure.” […]

Britons and Celts

Intimate as the Devil

He marked me in the shoulder, and sucked out my blood at that mark, and spouted it in his hand, and, sprinkling it on my head, said, “I baptize thee, Janet, in my own name!” […]