I fled here and gave up the strife because the Saxons deemed anything better than further resistance.

Now that they have found out their error it is time to be stirring again." "That is so," Edmund said; "Egbert and I have found the people desperate at their slavery, and ready to risk all did a leader but appear.

My own people will all take up arms the instant they receive my summons; they have before now proved their valour, and in my crew of the Dragon you have a body which will, I warrant me, pierce through any Danish line." "This tallies with what I have heard," Alfred said, "and in the spring I will again raise my banner; but in the meantime I will fortify this place.

There are but two or three spots where boats can penetrate through the morasses; were strong stockades and banks erected at each landing-place we might hold the island in case of defeat against any number of the enemy." "That shall be done," Edmund said, "and quickly.

I have a messenger here with me, and others waiting outside the swamp, and can send and bring my crew of the Dragon here at once." "Let that be one man's mission," the king said; "the others I will send off with messages to the thanes of Somerset, who are only awaiting my summons to take up arms.