H. C. Bailey

“ If I had fuel for it, then I might serve two more fineries and another chafery."
"Now he talks Hebrew. God is my life, I must learn this craft of yours that breeds such content in men and maids. Will you make me a hammerman, Siward?"
"Every man must be bred to his craft, my lord," Siward smiled. "Why, who comes so late?"
For some one beat, on the door and shouted his name, and when he opened there stood young Walter: "Siward, man, have any of your folk had sight—God be thanked, my lord. All our men are beating the woods for you." ”

“ He kissed Siward's wife, Elfrida, a large calm woman, he kissed the daughter Ursula and led Elfrida back to her chair, took Siward's, thrust Siward dovm on the bench at his side and vowed that neither man nor woman should lose a supper for him, and fell to.
It was a large household, large as Sir Walter's own, for below the salt sat Siward's workmen and their wives, a sturdy, jolly company, in no awe of master or King, but mannerly enough. "God's my life," said the King, "you are like a lord in his castle, friend Siward. You make good cheer for a goodly band."
"Who work hard must live well. ”

“ Tell him I have found consolation," the King laughed and when he was gone turned to Ursula. "That is a well-bred colt, sweetheart."
"The gentleman is a merry gentleman," said she. And then the King, though still he kept her by him, talked of iron and the making of iron till Bran curled himself up by the fire like a dog and among the dogs went to sleep. ”