But now to the matter. Hengist perceiuing that his people were
highlie in Vortigernes fauour, began to handle him craftilie, deuising
by what means he might bring him in loue with his daughter Ronix, or
Rowen, or Ronowen (as some write) which he beléeued well would easilie
[Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
be brought to passe, bicause he vnderstood that the king was much
giuen to sensuall lust, which is the thing that often blindeth wise
mens vnderstanding, and maketh them to dote, and to lose their perfect
wits: yea, and oftentimes bringeth them to destruction, though by such
pleasant poison they féele no bitter taste, till they be brought to
the extreame point of confusion in déed.

[Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
A great supper therefore was prepared by Hengist, at the which
it pleased the king to be present, and appointed his daughter, when
euerie man began to be somewhat merrie with drinke, to bring in a cup
of gold full of good and pleasant wine, and to present it to the king,
saieng; Wassail. Which she did in such comelie and decent maner, as
she that knew how to doo it well inough, so as the king maruelled
greatlie thereat, and not vnderstanding what she ment by that
salutation, demanded what it signified. To whom it was answered by
[Sidenote: Wassail, what it signifieth.]
Hengist, that she wished him well, and the meaning of it was, that he
should drinke after hir, ioining thereto this answer, Drinke haile.
Wherevpon the king (as he was informed) tooke the cup at the damsels
hand, and dranke.

Finallie, this yoong ladie behaued hir selfe with such pleasant
woords, comelie countenance, and amiable grace, that the king beheld
hir so long, till he felt himselfe so farre in loue with hir person,