And to tell of all those fights were too long, or of how Wislac and Aldhelm would ever fight beside me as of old, and at last Turkil in Aldhelm’s place, when that brave thane fell at Wilton, fighting for Alfred the King.

Then were we in Athelney with Alfred, and it was the collier who found us that place of safety.  And thence we went at last to victory again, and now once more the land has rest.

Yet Wislac is with us in Wulfhere’s place, for his own land is in Danish hands, and we know not what wars may be yet with them, though we have stood by the king’s side when the greatest victory of all was won, and Guthrum the heathen became Athelstan the Christian, and peaceful division of the land was made.

So I and Alswythe grow old here in Cannington, seeing our children grow up around us.  And Alfred the king has our eldest in his court, there training him in all things well and wisely.  And Turkil is thane of Watchet, and our son-in-law, much loved by all, well and faithfully tending all my shore as Wulfhere tended it in his time.

So to me and mine after storm has come peace, and with us and the land all is well.

The end.

i A representative assembly or court of judgment.

ii An outlaw for whose slaying there was a reward, or at least no penalty.

iii A curved, one-edged sword or war knife.

iv The “Saga of Beowulf” was the great popular poem of the Saxon races, and as well known to them as the legends of Robin Hood to us.  The principal episode is the hero’s victory over the marsh fiend Grendel.

v Crowland in Lincolnshire, where the saint founded his monastery.

vi Like the Highland “fiery cross”, the signal for rising in arms.

vii The most contemptuous term that could be applied to a Saxon.  Its exact force is lost, but may be expressed by “worth nothing.”

viii The border of cleared land round a forest settlement, across which in times of war none might come without sound of horn in warning.

ix The “Saga of Beowulf” as we have it is the work of a Christian editor of King Alfred’s time.

x A corselet or coat of mail.

xi The bell which is rung during mass.

xii The great national council, or parliament.

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