entertainment, blushed at the disgrace, and yet smothering
his grief with a smile, he turned to the gentlemen, and desired them
to hold his brother excused, for he did not this upon any malicious
intent or niggardize, but being brought up in the country, he absented
himself as not finding his nature fit for such youthful company. Thus
he sought to shadow abuses proffered him by his brother, but in vain,
for he could by no means be suffered to enter: whereupon he ran his
foot against the door, and broke it open, drawing his sword, and
entering boldly into the hall, where he found none, for all were fled,
but one Adam Spencer, an Englishman, who had been an old and trusty
servant to Sir John of Bordeaux. He for the love he bare to his
deceased master, favored the part of Rosader, and gave him and his
such entertainment as he could. Rosader gave him thanks, and looking
about, seeing the hall empty, said:

"Gentlemen, you are welcome; frolic and be merry: you shall be sure to
have wine enough, whatsoever your fare be. I tell you, cavaliers, my
brother hath in his house five tun of wine, and as long as that
lasteth, I beshrew him that spares his liquor."

With that he burst open the buttery door, and with the help of Adam
Spencer covered the tables, and set down whatsoever he could find in
the house; but what they wanted in meat, Rosader supplied with drink,
yet had they royal cheer, and withal such hearty welcome as would have
made the coarsest meats seem delicates.[1] After they had feasted and
frolicked it twice or thrice with an upsee freeze,[2] they all took
their leaves of Rosader and departed. As soon as they were gone,
Rosader growing impatient of the abuse, drew his sword, and swore to
be revenged on the discourteous Saladyne; yet by the means of Adam
Spencer, who sought to continue friendship and amity betwixt the
brethren, and through the flattering submission of Saladyne, they were
once again reconciled, and put up all forepassed injuries with a
peaceable agreement, living together for a good space in such
brotherly love, as did not only rejoice the servants, but made all the
gentlemen and bordering neighbors glad of such friendly concord.
Saladyne, hiding fire in the straw, and concealing a poisoned hate in
a peaceable countenance, yet deferring the intent of his wrath till
fitter opportunity, he showed himself a great favorer of his brother's
virtuous endeavors: where leaving them in this happy league, let us