Podczaszy, Kartoniert / Broschiert

Blurb

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Podczaszy (Polish: deputy cup-bearer) was since the 13th century a court office in Poland and later in Lithuania. Podczaszy was the deputy of Czenik, with the time more important than his superior. Since the 14th-16th century an honorable district office in Crown of Poland and Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and later Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. A cup-bearer was an officer of high rank in royal courts, whose duty it was to serve the drinks at the royal table. On account of the constant fear of plots and intrigues, a person must be regarded as thoroughly trustworthy to hold this position. He must guard against poison in the king's cup, and was sometimes required to swallow some of the wine before serving it. His confidential relations with the king often gave him a position of great influence. The position of cup bearer is greatly valued and given to only a select few throughout history. Qualifications for the job were not held lightly but of high esteem valued for their beauty and even more for their modesty, industriousness and courage.