You will hear of King Alfred in the spring, unless I am mistaken." "But they say your King Alfred is half a monk, and that he loves reading books more than handling the sword, though, to do him justice, he has shown himself a brave warrior, and has given us far more trouble than all the other Saxon kings together." "King Alfred fights bravely," Edmund said, "because he is fighting for his country and people; but it is true that he loves not war nor strife.

He reads much and thinks more, and should he ever come to his kingdom again he will assuredly be one of the wisest and best monarchs who has ever sat on a throne.

He has talked to me much of the things which he has at heart, and I know he intends to draw up wise laws for the ruling of his people." "We love not greatly being ruled, we Northmen," Bijorn said, "but for each to go his own way as he wills, provided only he inflicts no ill upon his neighbour.

We come and we go each as it pleases him.

Our fleets traverse the sea and bring home plunder and booty.