It had been arranged that this division should not advance to the attack until that commanded by the king was also put in motion.

For some time Alfred and his men supported the assaults of the Danes, and then, being hardly pressed, the prince sent a messenger to his brother to urge that a movement should be made.

The Saxons were impatient at standing on the defensive, and Alfred saw that he must either allow them to charge the enemy or must retreat.
Presently the messenger returned saying that the king was in his tent hearing mass, and that he had given orders that no man should move or any should disturb him until mass was concluded.

Alfred hesitated no longer; he formed his men into a solid body, and then, raising his battle cry, rushed upon the Danes.

The battle was a furious one.