ABSTRACT
A king cannot do without suitable boon-companions with whom he can enjoy complete freedom and intimacy. The constant society of nobles such as margraves and generals tends to diminish the king’s majesty and dignity because they become too arrogant. As a general rule people who are employed in any official capacity should not be admitted as boon-companions nor should those who are accepted for companionship be appointed to any public office, because by virtue of the liberty they enjoy in the king’s company they will indulge in high-handed practices and oppress the people. Officers should always be in a state of fear of the king, while boon-companions need to be familiar; if a boon-companion is not familiar the king will not find any pleasure in his company. With boon-companions the king can relax; they should have a fixed time for their appearance; after the king has given audience and the nobles have retired, then comes the time for their turn.
