Ivanhoe - Penn State University

Ivanhoe
which served in some degree to protect the dignitaries who by Cedric the Saxon, who, though but in rank a thane, or, as
occupied that distinguished station from the weather, and es- the Normans called him, a Franklin, felt, at the delay of his
pecially from the rain, which in some places found its way evening meal, an irritable impatience, which might have be-
through the ill-constructed roof.
come an alderman, whether of ancient or of modern times.
The walls of this upper end of the hall, as far as the dais It appeared, indeed, from the countenance of this propri-
extended, were covered with hangings or curtains, and upon etor, that he was of a frank, but hasty and choleric temper. He
the floor there was a carpet, both of which were adorned with was not above the middle stature, but broad-shouldered, long-
some attempts at tapestry, or embroidery, executed with brilarmed, and powerfully made, like one accustomed to endure
liant or rather gaudy colouring. Over the lower range of table, the fatigue of war or of the chase; his face was broad, with
the roof, as we have noticed, had no covering; the rough plas- large blue eyes, open and frank features, fine teeth, and a well
tered walls were left bare, and the rude earthen floor was formed head, altogether expressive of that sort of good-
uncarpeted; the board was uncovered by a cloth, and rude humour which often lodges with a sudden and hasty temper.
massive benches supplied the place of chairs.
Pride and jealousy there was in his eye, for his life had been
In the centre of the upper table, were placed two chairs more spent in asserting rights which were constantly liable to inva-
elevated than the rest, for the master and mistress of the famsion; and the prompt, fiery, and resolute disposition of the
ily, who presided over the scene of hospitality, and from do- man, had been kept constantly upon the alert by the circuming
so derived their Saxon title of honour, which signifies stances of his situation. His long yellow hair was equally di-
“the Dividers of Bread.”
vided on the top of his head and upon his brow, and combed
To each of these chairs was added a footstool, curiously down on each side to the length of his shoulders; it had but
carved and inlaid with ivory, which mark of distinction was little tendency to grey, although Cedric was approaching to
peculiar to them. One of these seats was at present occupied his sixtieth year.
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