Well, if Ethelnoth has outdone you there, I am sorry for your sake, not his.

Cheer up, nevertheless.

There are more maidens and well dowered in our broad Wessex coasts, and I am minded to see how far you will obey your new overlord." "This is great kindness, King Alfred," I answered; "but we Northmen are apt to keep some matters wherein to prove our freedom.

I pray you not to press this on me." "Faith," he said, as if to himself, "this viking might be in love already, so wrathful grows he-- "Now, Ranald, it is true that I have set my mind on your wedding a maiden who is rich, and dowered with a coast town, and a good harbour, moreover, where you might keep all your ships under your own eye.

I would not have you disappoint me so soon." Then I said plainly, "King Alfred, I am loth to do so.