Soon after that they brought Sighard, Hilda's father, there also, and I thought I was in good company, and had no wish to go further.
I told the man to bid Erling the Dane come hither when his work in the stables was done, and so he left me.

Sighard's men, of whom there were two, had followed him with his packs.
Now they take Ethelbert to his chamber, and Offa and Quendritha seek their own in the queen's bower.
"A gallant son-in-law this of ours, in all truth," says the king gaily.
"Ay.

And now you hold East Anglia in your hand, King Offa." "Faith, I suppose so," he answers, laughing--"that is, if Etheldrida can manage him as you rule me, my queen! She is ever a dutiful daughter." "If this young king were to die, the crown he wears with so good a grace would then fall to you," says the queen, coldly enough.
"Heaven forbid that so fair a life were cut short! Do not speak so of what may not be for many a long year, as one may hope." "Then if he outlives you, he will make a bid for Mercia." "Nay, but he is loyal, and Ecgfrith will be his brother.

It will be good for our son that he has two queens for sisters--Wessex and Anglia are his supporters.

But there is no need to speak thus; it is ill omened." "Nay, but one must look forward.