A set of code of laws to live by:
I won't be wronged,
I won't be insulted,
I won't be laid a hand on.
I don't do these things to other people,
I require the same from them.
Spoken by John Wayne in one of his films
Though the "Code of the West" was always unwritten, here is a partial list of some of the guidelines:
*Don't inquire into a person's past. Take the measure of a man for what he is today.
*Never steal another man's horse. A horse thief pays with his life.
*Defend yourself whenever necessary.
*Look out for your own.
*Remove your guns before sitting at the dining table.
*Don't make a threat without expecting dire consequences.
*Never pass anyone on the trail without saying "Howdy".
*When approaching someone from behind, give a loud greeting before you get within shooting range.
*Don't wave at a man on a horse, as it might spook the horse. A nod is the proper greeting.
*After you pass someone on the trail, don't look back at him. It implies you don't trust him.
*Riding another man's horse without his permission is nearly as bad as making love to his wife. Never even bother another man's horse.
*A cowboy doesn't talk much; he saves his breath for breathing.
*No matter how weary and hungry you are after a long day in the saddle, always tend to your horse's needs before your own, and get your horse some feed before you eat.
*Cuss all you want, but only around men, horses and cows.
*Complain about the cooking and you become the cook.
*Do not practice ingratitude.
*A cowboy is pleasant even when out of sorts. Complaining is what quitters do, and cowboys hate quitters.
*Always be courageous. Cowards aren't tolerated in any outfit worth its salt.
*A cowboy always helps someone in need, even a stranger or an enemy.
*Never try on another man's hat.
*Be hospitable to strangers. Anyone who wanders in, including an enemy, is welcome at the dinner table. The same was true for riders who joined cowboys on the range.
*Give your enemy a fighting chance.
*Never wake another man by shaking or touching him, as he might wake suddenly and shoot you.
*Real cowboys are modest. A braggert who is "all gurgle and no guts" is not tolerated.
*Be there for a friend when he needs you.
*A cowboy is loyal to his "brand," to his friends, and those he rides with.
*Never shoot an unarmed or unwarned enemy. This was also known as "the rattlesnake code": always warn before you strike. However, if a man was being stalked, this could be ignored.
*Consideration for others is central to the code, such as: Don't stir up dust around the chuckwagon, don't wake up the wrong man for herd duty, etc.
*Honesty is absolute - your word is your bond, a handshake is more binding than a contract.
*Live by the Golden Rule.
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A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty Hi Yo Silver.
With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains lead the fight for law and order in the early western United States.
Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse, Silver.
The Lone Ranger rides again!
Come on Silver! Come on big fellow, Hi Yo Silver.
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