So very soon they brought us skins and cloaks, and we stretched ourselves before the fire, and warmed, and cleansed, and well refreshed with food and drink, fell to sleep on the instant.
Yet not so soundly could I sleep at first, but that I woke once, thinking I heard the yells of the Danes close on us: but it was some farmyard sound from without, and peaceful.
Then I slept again until, towards dawning I think, I awoke, shivering, and with a great untellable fear on me, and saw a tall, gray figure standing by my couch.

And I looked, and lo it was Matelgar the Thane.
Then I went to rouse Wulfhere, but my hand would not be stretched out, and the other men slept heavily, so that I lay still and looked in the dead thane's face and grew calmer.
For his face was set with a look of sorrow such as I had never seen there, and he gazed steadfastly at me and I at him, and the grief in his face did but deepen.

And at last he spoke, and the voice was his own, and yet not his own.
"Heregar, sorely have I wronged you," he said, "and my rest is troubled therefor.

Yet, when I heard what you had done for mine last night, my heart was sore within me, and I repented of all, and would surely have made amends.

And now it is too late, and my body lies dishonoured on Parret side while I am here.