4.

[f] Lib.

2 cap.
11.] It was not long ere Egbert had opportunities of displaying his natural and acquired talents.

Brithric, King of Wessex, had married Eadburga, natural daughter of Offa, King of Mercia, a profligate woman, equally infamous for cruelty and for incontinence.

Having great influence over her husband, she often instigated him to destroy such of the nobility as were obnoxious to her; and where this expedient failed, she scrupled not being herself active in traitorous attempts against them.