nd sermons for the common people were written in the
national tongue; and, as Latin was only understood by few, to these
monuments was added a series of translations.[101] The English country
can thus pride itself upon a literature which for antiquity is
unparalleled in Europe.

The chief promoter of the art of prose was that Alfred (or Aelfred) whom
Pope Leo IV. had adopted as a spiritual son, and who reigned over the
West Saxons from 871 to 901. Between the death of Bede and the accession
of Alfred, a great change had occurred in the island; towards the end of
the eighth century a new foe had appeared, the Scandinavian invader.
Stormy days have returned, the flood-gates have reopened; human torrents
sweep the land, and each year spread further and destroy more. In vain
the Anglo-Saxon kings, and in France the successors of Charlemagne,
annually purchase their departure, thus following the example of falling
Rome. The northern hordes come again in greater numbers, allured by the
ransoms, and they carry home such quantities of English coins that "at
this day larger hoards of AEthelred the Second's coins have been found in
the Scandinavian countries than in our own, ... and the national museum
at Stockholm is richer in this series than our own national
collection."[102] These men, termed Danes, Northmen, or Normans, by the
Anglo-Saxon and French chroniclers, reappeared each year; then, like
the Germanic pirates of the fifth century, spared themselves the trouble
of useless journeys, and remained in the proximity of plunder. They
settled first on the coasts, then in the interior. We find them
established in France about the middle of the ninth century; in England
they winter in Thanet for the first time in 851, and after that do not
leave the country. The small Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, alive only to local
interests, and unable to unite in a common resistance, are for them an
easy prey. The Scandinavians move about at their ease, sacking London
and the other towns. They renew their ravages at regular intervals, as
men would go fishing at the proper season.[103] They are designated
throughout the land by a terribly significant word: "the Army." When the
Anglo-Saxon chronicles make mention of "the Army" the northern vikings
are always meant, not the defenders of the country. Monasteries are
burnt by the invaders with no more remorse than if they were peasants'
huts; the vikings do not believe in Christ. Once more, and for the la