The Kentish esne.
Lastly there are the following clauses relating to the position of the esne under Kentish custom. The esne is considered to be a ‘servus’ working for hire rather than a theow.
Gif man mid esnes cwynan geligeþ be cwicum ceorle ii gebete.
85. If a man lies with an esne’s wife, the husband alive, double bot.
Gif esne oþerne ofslea unsynnigne, ealne weorðe forgelde.
86. If one esne kills another innocently, let the full worth be paid for.
Gif esnes eage ⁊ foot of weorðeþ aslagen ealne weorðe hine forgelde.
87. If an esne’s eye and foot are struck out or off, let the full worth be paid for it.
Gif man mannes esne gebindeþ vi scll gebete.