So I plucked up heart and took the cup from the hand of the king, trying to collect my thoughts into some sort of fitting words.
"Drinc hael Cyning," I said, while my voice shook.

"Here do I vow before all the Saints and before this company--that I will do my best to prove myself worthy of this honour that has been set on me!" "Why, Oswald," said the queen, "that is no sort of vow such as you should make, for we know that already, and you have proved it now if never before.

And you have forgotten Elfrida." Now, I thought to myself that the last thing that I was ever likely to do was to forget that maiden, and with that a thought came into my head, and as the queen was smiling at me, and every one was waiting, I grew desperate, and must needs out with it.
"Now, I cannot do better than this," I said, finding my courage all of a sudden.

"Here do I add to my vow that so long as my life shall last I will not again forget the Lady Elfrida.

Nor will I be content until I am held worthy by her to--to guard her all the rest of my days." With that I drained the cup, and while the thanes laughed and cheered all round me, and Ina smiled as if well pleased enough, the queen set her hand on my arm, smiling also, and said: "That was well said, my thane, but for one turn of the words.