ABSTRACT
A LBERT Krantz, that notable writer on peoples and their histories, has some such words as these to say: Though all the most northerly. peoples are famous for their hospitable entertainment, this applies to the Swedes in particular, and the Götar, their kinsmen. For these folk it is a greater disgrace than any other to refuse generosity to passing travellers, with the result that there is rivalry as to who shall give lodging to a stranger newly arrived. He is granted all the rights of hospitality for as many days as he stays there, liberally and without payment, and when he departs they recommend him to friends of theirs who live on the route he has undertaken.’ 1 That is his statement. Indeed they freely allow a hard-pressed traveller to use their beasts of burden for as far as he wishes, and are happy to guide him at crossroads. 2 They earnestly beg him to make use of their services, for they are aware that to give support to wayfaring people in this manner, without charge, is a work full of piety. Nor are they ignorant of the value to be placed on good, trustworthy guests, who they can believe are reporting truthfully the upright ways, practices, customs, and the other virtues of other races, to all of which they willingly give ear. Friendships, too, that have been spoilt by the crafty pretences of whisperers, they can restore to their former vigour by conscientious measures, and strengthen with kind instances and proofs. Apart from this, those who know how to tell a great deal from their experience, being asked about architecture and the properties of other things, may bring lasting benefit to their practical-minded hosts. For this reason they generously lavish on their departing guests gifts that are not to be despised, valuable pelts or silver bowls. The outcome is that, conscious of the services they have received, they promise and guarantee every kindness whenever their patrons should stand in need of a similar favour. 3
