CHAPTER XXII

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ALFRED THE GREAT.

Alfred in disguise visits the Danish camp near Westbury in Wiltshire--His interview with Godrun, the sea-king--Alfred musters the Saxon forces at Selwood forest--The arrival of his followers described--His preparation for battle--Description of the combat--Defeat of the Danes--Alfred besieges the Danish encampment--Surrender of Godrun--Policy and generosity of Alfred the Great--Peaceful appearance of England--Landing of Hastings, the famous sea-king--Alfred increases his navy-- Character of Hastings, the sea-king, the most skilful of all the Danish invaders--Alfred marches his army between the Danish forces--His masterly generalship--Hastings offers to quit the kingdom--His treachery--Is again conquered by Alfred--The Danes of East Anglia and Northumbria rise up against Alfred-- The wife and children of Hastings are taken prisoners by Alfred, and discharged with presents--After many struggles the Danes are at last defeated--Hastings quits England--Death of Alfred the Great p. 192

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