It will be all very
stupid."
In a short time an attendant summoned them to breakfast, and here they sat
down with the other thanes, Harold's wing of the palace being distinct from
that of the king. The earl sat at the head of the table, and talked in
undertones to his brother Gurth and two or three of his principal thanes.
The personal retainers of the nobles stood behind their seats and served
them with food, while Harold's pages waited on him and those sitting next
to him.
"We were a merrier party in the pages' room," Beorn whispered to Wulf, for
but few words were spoken as the meal went on.
"I think there is something in the air," Wulf said, "the earl looks more
serious than usual. Generally the meals are cheerful enough."
As soon as it was finished Harold said, "The king will receive you all in
half an hour, he desires to express to you his pleasure at your return
home. After that I beg that you will again gather here, as I have occasion
to speak to you."
The court was a more formal one than usual, the king's Norman functionaries
were all present as were several ecclesiastics. Among them the Bishop of
London, behind whom stood Wulf's old adversary, Walter Fitz-Urse. Earl
Harold introduced his companions in captivity, the king receiving them very
graciously.
"I am glad to see that you have all returned safely," he said. "The earl
tells me that you have all borne yourselves well in the battles you have
fought under the banner of my friend and ally Duke William of Normandy, and
that you have proved to his countrymen that the English are in no whit
inferior to themselves in courage.
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