But as nothing would stop these from growing drunken on the good ale at a feast, and though many ladies thought little of it, there was no sin that Rosamund hated so much as this, now their lord sent them to eat and drink at their ease in the barn which stood in the courtyard with its back to the moat.
When all had taken their seats, the chaplain said grace, and the meal began.

It was rude but very plentiful.

First, borne in by the cook on a wooden platter, came a great codfish, whereof he helped portions to each in turn, laying them on their "trenchers"-- that is, large slices of bread--whence they ate them with the spoons that were given to each.

After the fish appeared the meats, of which there were many sorts, served on silver spits.

These included fowls, partridges, duck, and, chief of all, a great swan, that the tenants greeted by knocking their horn mugs upon the table; after which came the pastries, and with them nuts and apples.