The English were now, for the first time, taxed to supply this payment.

The imposition was called Danegelt, not more burdensome in the thing than scandalous in the name.
The scheme of purchasing peace not only gave rise to many internal hardships, but, whilst it weakened the kingdom, it inspired such a desire of invading it to the enemy, that Sweyn, King of Denmark, came in person soon after with a prodigious fleet and army.

The English, having once found the method of diverting the storm by an inglorious bargain, could not bear to think of any other way of resistance.

A greater sum, 48,000_l._, was now paid, which the Danes accepted with pleasure, as they could by this means exhaust their enemies and enrich themselves with little danger or trouble.

With very short intermissions they still returned, continually increasing in their demands.