Their entreaties were in vain, for when the morning dawned it was found that three-fourths of their number had left the camp during the night, and had made off to the marshes and fastnesses.
A council of the chiefs was held.

The chances of conflict appeared hopeless, so vastly were they out-numbered by the Danes.

Algar, however, declared that he would die rather than retreat.
"If we fly now," he said, "all East Anglia will fall into the hands of the heathen.

Even should we fight and fall, the example of what a handful of brave men can do against the invaders will surely animate the Angles to further resistance; while if we conquer, so great a blow will be dealt to the renown of these Danes that all England will rise against them." On hearing these words all the chiefs came to the determination to win or die as they stood.

Eldred took Edmund aside after this determination had been arrived at.
"My son," he said, "I allowed you yesterday to stand by my side in battle, and well and worthily did you bear yourself, but to-day you must withdraw.