There is a hill near, which the army made their main position, and the marks of their fortifications have been traced there, either in imagination or reality, in modern times.

Alfred wished to gain more precise and accurate information than he yet possessed of the numbers and situation of his foes; and, in order to do this, instead of employing a spy, he conceived the design of going himself in disguise to explore the camp of the Danes.

The undertaking was full of danger, but yet not quite so desperate as at first it might seem.

Alfred had had abundant opportunities during the months of his seclusion to become familiar with the modes of speech and the manners of peasant life.

He had also, in his early years, stored his memory with Saxon poetry, as has already been stated.