And that was, that he himself should lead the levy of Dorset.
Now Tatwine, the old abbot, sat with him and heard this, and straightway he began to tremble, and cry out that such work was unfit for a bishop.
So the bishop said to me, very quietly, but with a look in his eyes which seemed to show that this was what he longed for: "Heregar, my son, go and tell the thanes what the abbot says, and ask if they will go without me." All the thanes were waiting to hear the bishop's answer to our request, and I told them this, and they knew at once what answer to give, for they said, or Osric said for them, while all applauded: "We will not go against these heathens unless the bishop leads us.

Else must Somerset fight her own battles." So with that word I went back to the bishop, and told him.
"So, Tatwine, my brother, you see how it is.

Needs must that I go, else were it shame to us that heathen men should have freedom in a Christian land." But Tatwine groaned, and, maybe knowing the bishop well, said no more.
Then Ealhstan bade him remember all the saints who had warred against the heathen, and were held blameless--nay, rather, the holier.
"Therefore," said he, "I am in good company, and will surely go." Whereupon Tatwine rose up and went out, saying that he should go to the abbey and seek protection for the bishop, and men say he bided there almost night and day, praying until all was past.

Certainly I saw him no more in his accustomed places, save at mass.
When he had gone the bishop smiled a little, looking after him, and then spoke to us.
"I may tell my council that this is what I should love.

Nevertheless, it will not be I who lead, but you three.