How are the fruits of rest plucked less by day or night than by tarrying tossed on the shifting sea ?" At this time one Toste emerged, from the obscure spot of Jutland where he was born, into bloody notoriety.

For by all manner of wanton attacks upon the common people he spread wide the fame of his cruelty, and gained so universal a repute for rancour, that he was branded with the name of the Wicked.

Nor did he even refrain from wrongdoing to foreigners, but, after foully harrying his own land, went on to assault Saxony.

The Saxon general Syfrid, when his men were hard put to it in the battle, entreated peace.

Toste declared that he should have what he asked, but only if he would promise to become his ally in a war against Hadding.