Ducks,
geese, and chickens innumerable were also cooking; while, for the table
in the hold, at which the principal guests sat down, were trout, game,
and venison pasties. Here wine was provided, while outside a long row
of barrels of beer were broached, for the commonalty.
Dinner over, there was singing and dancing. Alwyn had engaged, and sent
from Alnwick, a score of musicians. These were divided into five
parties, stationed at some little distance apart, and round these the
younger portion of the gathering soon grouped themselves; while the
elders listened to border lays sung by wandering minstrels. The days
were shortening fast and, as many of those present had twenty miles to
ride, by six o'clock the amusements came to an end, and the gathering
scattered in all directions, delighted with the day's proceedings;
which, although they would have been thought of but small account in
the southern counties, were rare, indeed, in a district so thinly
populated, and so frequently engaged in turmoil and strife.
Except in the running match, Oswald had engaged in none of the
contests, he being fully occupied in aiding his mother in welcoming the
guests, and seeing to their comfort; while his father, assisted by his
friends, Hope, Gray, and Liddel, superintended the arrangements for the
sports, and acted as judges.
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