Now for long I would that I might look once more on Einar of the Orkneys, my kind foster father, who still bided there in peace, hearing of him now and then as some Norse ship, on her way to join Rolf’s fleet in the new land of the Northmen beyond our narrow seas, put into our haven for repair, perhaps after the long voyage, or to see if King Alfred would hire her men for a cruise against the common foe—­the Danes.  And it was not until the news of his death came thus to me that the home longing for the old lands altogether left me; but since that day my thoughts have been, and will be, for England only.  I have no thought or wish that I were sharer in Rolf’s victories, nor have my comrades, Harek and Kolgrim and Thord; for we have with Alfred more than the viking could have given us.

I suppose that in days to come out of this long strife shall be wrought new strength and oneness for England, even as Alfred in his wisdom foresees; but as yet sword Helmbiter must be kept sharp, and the ships must be ever ready.  But unless the wisdom of Alfred is forgotten, there will never again be wanting a ship captain of English race, as when I, a stranger, was called to the charge of the king’s ships in Wessex.  The old love of the sea is waking in the hearts of the sons of Hengist.

Therefore I am content, for here have I found the sweetest wife, and the noblest master, and the fairest land that man could wish.  And the fear of the old gods is taken from me, and to me has come honour, and somewhat of the joy of victory in a good cause—­the cause of freedom and of peace.

Now I write these things as springtime grows apace, and at any time—­today, or tomorrow, or next day—­into our hall may come Kolgrim my comrade, his scarred face bright with the light of coming battle, to say that Danish ships are once more on the gannet’s path; and the sword of Sigurd will rattle in the golden scabbard, and a great English cheer will come from the haven, for King Alfred’s ships are ready.

The End.

Notes.

i A Norse homestead consisted of several buildings—­the great hall standing alone and apart from the domestic arrangements.

ii The Norse assembly, corresponding to a Saxon “Folkmote,” or representative council for a district.

iii Unearthly.  The trolls were the demons of the Northern mythology.

iv Byrnie, the close-fitting mail shirt.

v The consecrated silver ring kept in the temple of the district, and worn by the godar, or priest, at all assemblies where it might be necessary to administer an oath.  Odin, Frey, and Niord were always called to witness an oath on this ring.

vi God-rede = “good counsel,” or “God’s counsel,” as Alfred means “elves’ counsel.”

vii Asser’s “Life of Alfred.”  This illness never left the king from his twentieth year to his death.  Probably it was neuralgic, as it seems to have been violent pain without lasting effect.