When the last fight came, there would be an end to either one side or the other, and Guthrum knew it.
Once in that time I rode with Alfred, and saw Neot again; and if it were but for a few hours that we might stay with him, he found time to speak with me, asking if I had learned aught of his faith as yet.
"I have been in Athelney," I answered, "and I saw what might the holy Name has at Chippenham.

The old gods have passed from me." Little have I said of this, for one cannot speak of inmost thoughts; but so it was.

Yet I think that, had I been older, the old faith would have died more slowly from my mind.

So it was also with Harek the scald, but I think that he was Christian in heart before I had bent my mind to the matter in earnest.

Long talks had he with Denewulf, the wise herdsman, while I listened.
So holy Neot rejoiced greatly over us, bidding me seek baptism at once.
"Nay, father," I said; "I fear it, knowing what it is.