CHAPTER XXV

.

THE REIGN OF ATHELSTAN.

Athelstan, the favourite grandchild of Alfred the Great--While but a boy his grandfather invests him with the honours of knighthood--He is educated by Alfred's daughter, Ethelfleda-- Athelstan's sister married Sigtryg, a descendant of the famous sea-kings--The Dane repudiates his wife, and renounces his new religion--Athelstan invades his dominions--Death of Sigtryg, and flight of his sons--Preparation for the invasion of England --The force arrayed against Athelstan--Measures adopted by the Saxon king--Preparations for battle--Picturesque description of the battle of Brunanburg--Anglo-Saxon song on Athelstan's victory--High position attained by Athelstan--Otho the Great marries Athelstan's sister--The Saxon monarch forms an alliance with the emperor of Germany and the king of Norway--Harold of Norway suppresses piracy--Sends his son Haco to be educated at the Saxon court--Presents a beautiful ship to Athelstan-- Death of Harold, king of Norway--List of the kings who were established on their thrones by Athelstan--His presents to the monasteries--His charity and laws for the relief of the poor-- Cruelty to his brother Edwin--Death of Athelstan p. 212

##