ause, as I understand, you love fair play and no favour. It would
not be fair to let some begin before others. They might feel it, you
know, and quarrel."

"Very well, so be it," returned the king, and gave orders that no one
was to go near the baths until they were quite full, when he would give
the signal.

The chiefs and warriors entering into the spirit of the thing, took
quite a boyish delight in stripping themselves and preparing for a rush.

"Now, are you ready?" said the king.

"Ay, all ready."

"Away, then!"

The warlike host rushed to the brink of the largest bath and plunged
in--some head, others feet, first. But they came out almost as fast as
they went in--yelling and spluttering--for the water was much too hot!

"Ah! I see now," growled the king, turning to Gadarn--but Gadarn was
gone. He found him, a minute later, behind a bush, in fits!

Pacifying the warriors with some difficulty--for they were a hot-headed
generation--the king, being directed by Bladud, ordered the water from
the cold lake to be turned on until the bath became bearable. Then the
warriors re-entered it again more sedately. The warm water soon
restored their equanimity, and ere long the unusual sight was to be seen
of bearded men and smooth chins, rugged men and striplings, rolling
about like porpoises, shouting, laughing, and indulging in horse-play
like veritable boys.

Truly warmth has much to do with the felicity of mankind!

Towards afternoon the warriors were ordered to turn out, and, after the
water had been allowed to run till it was clear, King Hudibras descended
into it with much gravity and a good deal of what was in those ages
considered to be ceremonial effect. This was done by way of taking
formal possession of the Hot Springs. He was greatly cheered during the
process by the admiring visitors, as well as physically by the hot
water, and it is said that while his son Bladud was dutifully rubbing
him down in the neighbouring booth, he remarked that it was the best
bath he ever had in his life, that he would visit the place periodically
as long as he lived, and that a palace must be built there for his
accommodation.

From that day the bath was named the "King's Bath," and it is so named
at the present day.

Soon after that the queen visited the Swamp and, with her ladies, made
use of the bath which had been specially prepared for women; and this
one went by the name of the "Queen's Bath" thereafter.