Alfred had lost, it appears, all influence and control over both leaders and men.

The chieftains and nobles fled.

Some left the country altogether; others hid themselves in the best retreats and fastnesses that they could find.

Alfred himself was obliged to follow the general example.

A few attendants, either more faithful than the rest, or else more distrustful of their own resources, and inclined, accordingly, to seek their own personal safety by adhering closely to their sovereign, followed him.