with Alfred more than the viking could have
given us.

I suppose that in days to come out of this long strife shall be
wrought new strength and oneness for England, even as Alfred in his
wisdom foresees; but as yet sword Helmbiter must be kept sharp, and
the ships must be ever ready. But unless the wisdom of Alfred is
forgotten, there will never again be wanting a ship captain of
English race, as when I, a stranger, was called to the charge of
the king's ships in Wessex. The old love of the sea is waking in
the hearts of the sons of Hengist.

Therefore I am content, for here have I found the sweetest wife,
and the noblest master, and the fairest land that man could wish.
And the fear of the old gods is taken from me, and to me has come
honour, and somewhat of the joy of victory in a good cause--the
cause of freedom and of peace.

Now I write these things as springtime grows apace, and at any
time--today, or tomorrow, or next day--into our hall may come
Kolgrim my comrade, his scarred face bright with the light of
coming battle, to say that Danish ships are once more on the
gannet's path; and the sword of Sigurd will rattle in the golden
scabbard, and a great English cheer will come from the haven, for
King Alfred's ships are ready.

The End.

Notes.

i A Norse homestead consisted of several buildings--the great
hall standing alone and apart from the domestic arrangements.

ii The Norse assembly, corresponding to a Saxon "Folkmote," or
representative council for a district.

iii Unearthly. The trolls were the demons of the Northern
mythology.

iv Byrnie, the close-fitting mail shirt.

v The consecrated silver ring kept in the temple of the
district, and worn by the godar, or priest, at all assemblies where
it might be necessary to administer an oath. Odin, Frey, and Niord
were always called to witness an oath on this ring.

vi God-rede = "good counsel," or "God's counsel," as Alfred
means "elves' counsel."

vii Asser's "Life of Alfred." This illness never left the king
from his twentieth year to his death. Probably it was neuralgic, as
it seems to have been violent pain without lasting effect.

viii This was called "prime signing," and was practically the
admission of the heathen as a catechumen.

ix The "Havamal" was the Northern poem which practically
embodied the ancient code of morals and behaviour.

x The use of bells was popular early in England, and not less
so because a freeman who c