CHAPTER XXVI

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THE REIGNS OF EDMUND AND EDRED.

Accession of Edmund the Elder--Anlaf, the Dane, invades Mercia, and defeats the Saxons--Edmund treats with Anlaf, and divides England with the Danes--Perilous state of the Saxon succession prevented by the death of Anlaf--Change in Edmund's character --His brilliant victories--Cruelty to the British princes-- Edmund assassinated while celebrating the feast of St. Augustin, by Leof, the robber--Mystery that surrounds the murder of Edmund the Elder--Edred ascends the Saxon throne--Eric, the sea-king--His daring deeds on the ocean--Description of his wild life--Edred invades Northumbria--Eric attacks his own subjects--Edred's victory over the Danes--Scandinavian war-song on the death of Eric--Death of Edred p. 218

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