which I bear on my shield, displeases me greatly, and therefore I have devised, either to obtain an eagle on my shield, or to lose the kettle.” And it came to pass that, committing his wife and goods to trusty servants, he ere long rode forth, commanding his men never to give him the title of prince. He rode through divers lands, visiting the courts of kings and princes, and nowhere found his match in valour and in tourneying with sharp weapons. Having satisfied himself thereof, he rode into far distant foreign countries.
In course of time he came to the King of Naples, whose name was Astronomus, and offered to attach himself to his court, and King Astronomus gladly gave orders to enrol him in his court. Then Stilfrid began to serve the king with diligence, and the king, seeing that, loved him greatly and took counsel with him concerning his most important matters. At
Cambridge, tells us that Duke Wratistaw II., the first king, obtained the remission of the duty of holding the kettle, and was made the Emperor’s cupbearer. He also says that Wratislaw received a white (some MSS. say red) lion to bear on his shield instead of a black eagle.
