Then the boy answered me, 'My king, why should I fear when you are with me ?' I was ashamed, and took Harek's harp from him--for he carried it--and went forward boldly, singing the song of Gunnar in the snake pit.

And it seemed to me that Harek would have chosen that song as fitting my case; for, putting Danes for snakes, I was in a close place enough.

The warriors came out when they heard me; and I was well treated, and listened as I drank.
Many things I learned." Now I cannot believe that Alfred feared at all.

He was surely but anxious, and took that feeling for fear.

So think all his people.
"It seems that they thought I sang well," he went on; "so they took me to Guthrum.