Basilikon Doron

The "Basilikon Doron" is a treatise on government written by King James VI of Scotland, later King James I of England, in 1599. "Basilikon Doron" in Greek language means royal gift. It was written in the form of a private and confidential letter to the King's eldest son, Henry, Duke of Rothesay, born 1594. After Henry’s death in 1612, James gave it to his second son, Charles, born 1600, later King Charles I. It was printed in Edinburgh in 1599 and in London in 1603.

This document is separated into three books, serving as general guidelines to follow in order to be an efficient monarch. The first describes a king’s duty towards God as a Christian, the second focuses on the roles and responsibilities in office and the third concerns proper behaviour in the daily lifestyle.

As the first part is concerned with being a good Christian, James VI and I of Scotland and England instructed his son to love and respect God as well as to fear Him. Furthermore, it is essential to closely study the Scripture (the Bible) and especially specific books in both the Old and New Testaments. Lastly, he must pray often and always be thankful for what God has given him. All of these directions describe the behaviour of a devoted Christian.

In the second book, James encouraged his son to be a good king, as opposed to a ‘Tyrant’, by establishing and executing laws as well as governing with justice and equality. To boost the economy, it is important to invite foreign merchants into the country and base the currency on gold and silver. According to James, a good monarch must be well acquainted with his subjects and therefore it would be wise to visit all kingdoms every three years. During war, he should choose old but good Captains to lead an army composed of young and agile soldiers. In the court and household, he should carefully select loyal gentlemen and servants to surround him. When the time would come to choose a wife, it would be best if she were of the same religion and have a generous estate. However, she must not meddle with government politics, but perform her domestic duties. As for the inheritance, the kingdom should be left to the eldest son and not divided among all the children in order to ensure stability. Lastly, it is most important to James that his son would know well his own craft, which is to properly govern over his subjects. In order to do this, he must study the laws of his own kingdom and actively participate in the Council. Furthermore, he must be acquainted with mathematics, for military purposes, and world history, for foreign policy. These guidelines are more or less a universal model for a good ruler, which James chose to offer his son to closely study, thereby preparing himself for the throne.

The final portion of the "Basilikon Doron" focuses on the daily lifestyle of a monarch. For instance, James advised his son to eat meat in order to be strong for travelling and during war time. He must also beware not to drink and sleep excessively. Furthermore, his wardrobe should always be clean and proper and he must never allow his hair and nails to grow long. In his writing and speech, he should use honest and plain language. This last set of advice describes the basic manners every gentleman should follow, especially a king.

All of these guidelines composed a basic code of conduct to be followed by all monarchs and heads of state to rule and govern efficiently. James VI and I of Scotland and England assembled these directions as a result of his own experience and upbringing. He therefore offered the "Basilikon Doron" to his son with the hopes of rendering him an effective and competent ruler, and perhaps, to pass it down to future generations.

The "Basilikon Doron" repeats the argument for the divine right of kings, as set out in "The True Law of Free Monarchies", which was also written by James. It too warns against "Papists" and derides Puritans. It advocates removing the Apocrypha from the Bible. The published "Basilikon Doron" may well have been intended to portray the king in a favourable light. James Sempill assisted James in composing it. Robert Waldegrave, who was bound to secrecy, printed seven copies at the king's behest. Henry Taylor said that he printed it on Waldegrave's press. Richard Royston, and later William Dugard, printed further copies.

The "Basilikon Doron" criticises both Roman Catholics and Puritans. This is in keeping with the king’s philosophy of following a 'middle path', as reflected in the preface to the 1611 King James Bible.

See also Eikon Basilike.

Reference for the original text (Basilikon Doron By James VI and I):Sommerville, John. "Basilikon Doron" in "Political Writings" Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, 1994. pp. 1-61.