This devastation of the abodes of the dead was a sort of recreation--a savage amusement, to vary the more serious and dangerous excitements attending their contests with the living.

They found an officer of Buthred's government named Ceolwulf, who, though a Saxon, was willing, through his love of place and power, to accept of the office of king in subordination to the Danes, and hold it at their disposal, paying an annual tribute to them.

Ceolwulf was execrated by his countrymen, who considered him a traitor.

He, in his turn, oppressed and tyrannized over them.
In the mean time, a new leader, with a fresh horde of Danes, had landed in England.

His name was Halfden.