ABSTRACT
1 The utmost care must be exercised in regard to the king’s private watchmen, guards and porters. Those who are responsible for these people must know them all personally and find out about all their affairs private and public; for they are mostly men of mean estate and covetous, and they are quickly seduced by gold. When a newcomer is seen in their ranks let enquiries be made about his circumstances, and every night when they come on guard and sentry duty, they must all be inspected; this important matter must not be neglected, night or day, for it is a delicate business.
