CHAPTER XV

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DECLINE OF THE SAXON OCTARCHY.

Alfred, the learned king of Northumbria--His patronage of the celebrated scholar Aldhelm--Ceowulf, the patron of Bede-- Mollo, brother of the king of Wessex, burnt alive in Kent--King Ina and his celebrated laws--Strange device of Ina's queen to induce him to resign his crown, and make a pilgrimage to Rome --Mysterious death of Ostrida, queen of the Mercians--Her husband, Ethelred, abandons his crown and becomes a monk after her violent death--Ethelbald ascends the throne of Mercia-- Adventures of his early life--His residence with Guthlac, the hermit, in the island of Croyland--First founder of the monastery of Croyland--Ethelbald joins Cuthred, king of Wessex, and obtains a victory over the Welsh--Proclaims war against Cuthred--Description of the battle, and defeat of Ethelbald-- Independence of the kingdom of Wessex--Abdication of Sigebyhrt, king of Wessex--His death in the forest of Andredswold--Rapid accession and dethronement of the kings of Northumbria--Summary of their brief reigns p. 129

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