He has been into the Danish camp--even to the presence of Guthrum himself." Then I would hear of this from Alfred himself.
"Ay," he said, when he had greeted me and heard that the ships were almost ready, "I have outdone you; for I have played the gleeman as I planned, and have been in the midst of them yonder on Edington hill." "It was an awesome risk to run, my king," I said.
"Which you taught me yourself, cousin.

Howbeit I met no damsel, and I had no companion to return with but him with whom I went--Heregar's young son, my page.

Thane is he now by right of unfearing service.
Once, when I climbed the hill, I began to fear greatly, and I stayed, and asked the boy if he was afraid to go on.

Tell me truly, Ranald, did you fear when you were in Wareham ?" "Truly I feared at first," I answered; "but since I was there when it came on me, I must even go through with the business.

So it passed." "Well, I am glad you confess it," he answered, "for I was minded to turn and run when the first lights of the great camp showed through the trees.