sang in turn or told tales, each as he was best able to amuse the
rest. There was a little bustle while this clearance went on, and
men changed their seats to be nearer friends and the like, for the
careful state of the beginning of the feast was over in some
degree; but at last all was ready, and the great door, which had
been open for a few minutes as the servants took out into the
courtyard the great cauldrons and spits, was closed, and then there
fell a silence, for we waited for a custom of the king's.

Here at Ina's court we kept up the old custom of drinking the first
cup with all solemnity, and making some vows thereover. This cup
was, of course, to be drunk by the host, and after him by any whom
he would name, or would take a vow on him. In the old heathen days
this cup was called the "Bragi bowl," and the vows were made in the
names of the Asir, and mostly ended in fighting before the year was
over. We kept the old name yet, but now the vows were made in the
name of all the Saints, and if Ina or any other made one it was
sure to be of such sort that it would lead to some worthy deed
before long, wrought in all Christian wise. Maybe the last of the
old pattern of vow was made when Kentwine our king swore to clear
the Welsh from the Parrett River to the sea, and did it.

So when the time came we sat waiting, each with his horn or cup
before him, brimming with ale or cider or mead, as he chose, and
men turned in their seats that they might see the pleasant little
ceremony at the high place the better. As for me, I just turned in
my bench end so that my feet were clear of the table, on which my
arm and cup rested, and faced right down the hall, with, of course,
no one at all between me and the steps of the high place. For now
all had taken their seats except one cup bearer, who waited at the