Thus we all told our tales, and they were long in the telling, so that
when Aldhelm had finished, the king rose up, blaming Alfred gently for
the long sitting, saying, however, that he had feared somewhat of the
sort, but that doubtless the thanes were more wearied than either of the
other three who had listened.
"Now," he said, "well have you four thanes deserved of me and of all,
and you shall not say that the king is ungrateful. And I think that each
of you has said less of your own selves than might be said, or, indeed,
than is said in these letters. Now have Ceorle and I and my council
spoken of this matter, and we have thought of rewards fitting for the
shield wall of the standard."
Then would we thank the king; but he bade us wait for a little, putting
his hand on those great parchments with the seals. One of these he took
and gave to Aldhelm.
"This is to your father, confirming his rights of the land he holds of
me to him and his heirs for ever, by reason of your good service. Yet is
there a little blame to you from the way in which you found a foremost
place, though much praise for the holding thereof and in your manner of
ending that quarrel."
So Aldhelm took the deed and kissed the king's hand in token of homage,
going to his place very glad, for this was what his father desired most
of all.
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