284 FEASTS, ENTERTAINMENTS. 



When Einar, the poet, went to Iceland, he called on Egil, 

 who was not at home. 



" Einar waited three nights for him ; as it was not customary 

 to make a visit longer than three nights, he prepared to go 

 away " (Egil's Saga, c. 82). 



The waiting at the tables was performed by servants, called 

 skenkjarar (fillers), who filled the horns from the skapker, and 

 carried them round ; even women of rank on special occasions 

 filled the horns for the guests and brought them to them. 



After a feast, it was the custom for the host to provide those 

 of his guests who required them with horses and all necessaries 

 for their journey home. 



