The above description referred to the upper classes; but, with some modification, it would also apply to the lower. The manners of the common people were more coarse, but they were also exceedingly fond of fine clothes and display; and, when the occasion required, could be very amiable and pleasing in their manners.
Among the higher classes there was the same feeling for a point of honor as among other nations, and also carried to ridiculous extremes. If a man’s “honor” was touched, he felt justified in resorting to arms, and committing no end of depredations and murders. The only favorable feature in this was, that, during war, the given word was held sacred. Thus a man whose honor in this respect was unsullied was regarded as “good,” this referring not to any moral qualities, but to his birth, his bravery, and his faithfulness in dealing with others.
The author who gives us the most trustworthy account of this age, is Peter Čelčicky. Some citations will therefore be given, both to show his style, and because the facts could not be told as well in some other phraseology.
EXTRACTS FROM THE WRITINGS OF ČELČIČKY.
On Jealousy or High Birth.—The people, full of pride, warred with each other for honor and goods, shedding much blood, so they might sit in high places, proving their high birth from four corners—two grandfathers and two grandmothers. If one could prove this, he was regarded ‘good,’ if not, he was a knave, and a ‘good man’ would not sit with him as with one lean.”
