No, brother, I regard East Anglia as lost so far as depends upon itself; its only hope is in the men of Kent and Wessex, whom we must now look upon as our champions, and who may yet stem the tide of invasion and drive back the Danes.

This abbey of yours stands in a perilous position, being not far removed from the Humber, where so many of the Danes find entrance to England." "It is not without danger, Eldred, but the men of the fens are numerous, hardy and brave, and will offer a tough resistance to any who may venture to march hitherward, and if, as I hope, you will stay with us, and will undertake their command, we may yet for a long time keep the Danes from our doors." For some weeks the time passed quietly.

Edmund spent most of his time in hunting, being generally accompanied by Egbert.

The Saxon was an exceedingly tall and powerful man, slow and scanty of speech, who had earned for himself the title of Egbert the Silent.

He was devoted to his kinsmen and regarded himself as special guardian of Edmund.