By a profound counsel it should be decreed that the sacrament of marriage has been recommended to us through wise men. Therefore Asbjørn Pedersen Marsvin, following such great authority, led by the counsel of his friends and assisted by his worship Emrys of Wroxeter, mayor of Ildhafn, seeks a matrimonial partnership with Marienna Jensdatter, niece of Sir Ulf fra Sjælland. Into this marriage, Sir Ulf will hand over his niece and all her estate and property, which property Sir Ulf holds in safe keeping from his brother Jens, as Marienna’s inheritance. In support of this his bid, Asbjørn pledges to give unto Marienna an appropriate and generous morning gift, and to give his good name and titles to the heirs of this joining, and to protect and preserve undiminished his wife’s marriage portion.
Further, Sir Ulf pledges that after the marriage takes place, he will take Asbjørn into fealty for said estates, wherein Asbjørn will owe the rental of a Ljunit tunna of ale [1] each year, to be collected at candlemas [2] or at Sir Ulf’s discretion.
If Marienna survives Asbjørn with surviving issue, who are born with skin and hair, nose and nails, and have been baptised, then these children will inherit.
If Asbjørn survives Marienna with surviving issue, who are born with skin and hair, nose and nails, and have been baptised, then these children will inherit.
If Marienna survives Asbjørn without issue, then all property brought to the marriage by her remains her property and is returned to Sir Ulf at its improved value.
If Asbjørn survives Marienna without issue, all property brought to the marriage by her will be given to her heir, Sir Ulf or his heirs, including the morning gift, at its improved value.
If either party should come and say anything against this agreement, and we do not believe it will happen, then they shall not obtain what they seek but shall be liable for one dozen bottles of fortified wine, two firkins of ale and some fine Swedish akvavit, or the value thereof.
Upon the completion of this contract the betrothal shall take place at the festival of Rowany, and the marriage no later than the Ildhafn midwinter feast, known as the bloth. Done at Canterbury Faire, in Southron Gaard.
Sign of Asbjørn, who asked for this contract.
Sign of Emrys of
Wroxeter
, Mayor of Ildhafn, who lends his support and the support
of Ildhafn to this joining, in return for promises that while Asbjørn
and Marienna remain married and own a ship, then two landings per year will
be made in Ildhafn for the spring and autumn markets.
Sign of Sir Ulf fra Sjælland who consented.
Signs of witnesses…
Done by the hand of [] on the [] in the reign of Al-Tomuki and [] in the year XXXIII A.S., MCMIC AD
[1] This is essentially our way of not saying 'a sixpack'.
[2] 2nd February (Marienna's birthday).