Next to being a great hero, the greatest honour is to be the wife of one.

I pledge you, Ealdorman Edmund, and should be right proud were you a son of mine.

You have told your story modestly, for many of the battles and adventures of which you have spoken are known to me by report, and fame has given you a larger share in the successes than you claim for yourself.

'Tis a pity you were not born a Northman, for there is little for you to do in Saxon England now." "I do not despair yet," Edmund replied.

"Things have gone badly with us, but the last blow is not struck yet.