Then the water is assayed in a cup of white wood.
The Carver takes up the basins; a knight takes down the towel, and wipes the cup, into which the Carver pours water; the knight hands it to him; he assays it, and empties the cup.
Two knights hold the towel before the lord’s sleeves, and hold the upper basin while the Carver pours water into the lower; then he puts the lower into the upper, and empties both, takes them to the Ewerer, returns to the lord’s table, lays 4 trenchers for him, with 1 above.
The Carver takes 3 to cut the lord’s messes on, and has a cloth round his neck to wipe his knives on.
Of the Almoner.
He says grace, sets down the Alms-dish, and the Carver puts the first loaf in it.
The other loaves he pares round, cuts one in two, and gives the upper half in halves to him.
The Almoner has a staff in his hand.
He keeps the broken food and wine left, for poor men at the gate, and is sworn to give it all to them.
He distributes silver as he rides.