308 The Battle of EtJmndm. 



And the Barons of Somersetsliire 



Of Wiltshire and of Dorset. 



From Hampshire came Chilman, 



He assembled the barons by ban, 



And all those he sent for came 



Who had not fled beyond the seas. 



And when they saw their Lord, 



They much praised the Creator 



That they had found him ; 



For long had they desired to see him, 



And they had siipposed 



That the Danes had slain him. 



They were greatly rejoiced that the King 



Was alive and not dead. 



Then Alfred took counsel with them, 



And as they determiaed they did. 



Through the whole night they rode, 



And the next day as long as they could, 



Until they came to Aclee. 



Then they went on that night 



And the next day at nine o'clock 



They had reached Edenesdone. 



There they found the Danes, 



And Alfred foaght with them. 



I cannot say by guess 



Of which there were the most slain, 



Of the Danes or the English. 



But this I know well that the good King 



Alfred had then the victory. 



And his barons, to their great honour. 



Then he attacked them frequently 



And with such violent assaults. 



That in fifteen days he so daunted them. 



Those Danes of whom I speak. 



That they begged for peace, and agreed 



To deliver up hostages. 



And swore as long as they lived 



Never more to make war. 



And further they promised 



And asked to be made Christians. 



The King said when he heard this 



That he would make them so with pleasure. 



He appointed a certain day. 



On which they brought Guthrum their King. 



Who was baptized under the name 



Of Athclstan with thirty companions. &c., &c. 



I 



