"2d. If a ceorl thrived, so that he had fully five hides (600
acres) of land, church and kitchen, bell-house and back gatescal,
and special duty in the king's hall, then he was thenceforth of
thane-right worthy.

"3d. And if a thane thrived so that he served the king, and on his
summons rode among his household, if he then had a thane who him
followed, who to the king utward five hides, had, and in the king's
hall served his lord, and thence, with his errand, went to the
king, he might thenceforth, with his fore oath, his lord represent
at various needs, and his and his plant lawfully conduct
wheresoever he ought.

"4th. And he who so prosperous a vicegerent had not, swore for
himself according to his right or it forfeited.

"5th. And if a 'thane' thrived so that he became an eorl, then was
he thenceforth of eorl-right worthy.

"6th. And if a merchant thrived so that he fared thrice over the
wide sea by his own means (or vessels), then was he thenceforth of
thane-right worthy."

The oath of fealty, as prescribed by the law of Edward and Guthrum,
was very similar to that used at a later period, and ran thus:

"Thus shall a man swear fealty: By the Lord, before whom this relic
is holy, I will be faithful and true, and love all that he loves,
and shun all that he shuns, according to God's law, and according
to the world's principles, and never by will nor by force, by word