The Jolly Roger

Every man has in himself virtues & vices enow to make a good or a wicked man & so they are called according to the Light in which we view them. The Friend and the Enemy give 'em their Names. -- Alexander Pope

Although it has not always been the case, for many centuries, the Jolly Roger  has been commonly associated with pirates. The flag with the black background is best known, but it was not viewed with as much trepidation as the red flag, which meant that no quarter would be given in battle - no mercy shown, no prisoners taken.

Lesser known are the reasons for its dread reputation ...

If vacillation dwell with the heart the soul will rue it. Shame and honor clash where the courage of a steadfast man is motley like the magpie. But such a man may yet make merry, for Heaven and Hell have equal part in him. Infidelity's friend is black all over and takes on a murkey hue, while the man of loyal temper holds to the white.

This winged comparison is too swift for unripe wits. They lack the power to grasp it. For it will wrench past them like a startled hare! So it is with a dull mirror or a blind man's dream. These reveal faces in dim outline: but the dark image does not abide, it gives but a moment's joy…

On the other hand I have yet to meet a man so wise that he would not gladly know what guidance this story requires, what edification it brings. The tale never loses heart, but flees and pursues, turns tail and wheels to the attack and doles out blame and praise. The man who follows all these vicissitudes and neither sits too long nor goes astray and otherwise knows where he stands had been well served by mother wit.

These manifold distinctions do not all relate to men. I shall set these marks as a challenge to women. Let any who would learn from me beware to whom she takes her honor and good name, beware whom she makes free of her love and precious person, lest she regret the loss of both chastity and affection. With God as my witness I bid good women observe restraint. The lock guarding all good ways is modesty - I need not wish them any better fortune. - Parzival

 

 

                 

Of course, nothing you read on this site is "true" ... not even this statement.
Shiver me timbers!