Athelstan, resenting Constantine's behavior, entered Scotland with an army, and ravaging the country with impunity,[**] he reduced the Scots to such distress, that their king was content to preserve his crown by making submissions to the enemy.

The English historians assert,[***] that Constantine did homage to Athelstan for his kingdom; and they add, that the latter prince, being urged by his courtiers to push the present favorable opportunity, and entirely subdue Scotland, replied, that it was more glorious to confer than conquer kingdoms.[****] [* W.Malms, lib.ii.cap.

6.] [** Chron.Sax.p.111.Hoveden, p.422.

H.Hunting, lib.

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