Another form, figs. [356] and [357], is the long ale-glass, the shape of which is probably derived from the drinking-horns which were in use. They, and other of the Saxon glasses, were often ornamented with a raised thread or band on their outer surface, arranged either spirally or otherwise. In Beowulf these glasses are spoken of—
Þeᵹn nẏꞇꞇe beheolꝺ
ꞅe þeon hanꝺa bœꞃ
hꞃoꝺen ealo-ƿæᵹe.
“The Thane observed his office,
he that in his hand bare
the twisted ale-cup.”
This form of glass is well illustrated in the next engraving, [fig. 359], from a MS. of the twelfth century. In it the cup-bearer holds the glass in one hand and the jug in the other, from which he has just filled it. As an accompaniment to this I give another engraving, which shows the cellarer with the barrels and two large earthenware pitchers, which, it will be observed, are ornamented in precisely the same manner as some of the urns I have engraved. Another excellent example of the use of these glasses at a banquet is shown on [fig. 361], where a mixed company of males and females are seated at a banquet, and pledging each other in them. It is from the Cottonian MSS. in the British Museum.
Fig. 361.
Fig. 362.
Fig. 363.