<P_X,172>

But the two young Sons of <font> Arwald </font> , King of that Iland ,
met with much more hostility ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,172.2)

for they at the Enemies approach flying out of the Ile , and betray'd
where they were hid not far from thence , were led to <font> Kedwalla
</font> , who lay then under Cure of some wounds receav'd , and by his
appointment , after instruction and Baptism first giv'n them , harshly
put to death , which the youths are said above thir Age to have
Christianly sufferd . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,172.3)

In <font> Kent </font> , <font> Lothair </font> dy'd this year of his
wounds receav'd in fight against the <font> South-Saxons </font> , led
on by <font> Edric </font> , who descending from <font> Ermenred
</font> , it seems challeng'd <P_X,173> the Crown ; and wore it ,
though not commendably , one year and a half : but coming to a violent
Death , left the land expos'd a prey either-3 to home-bred usurpers ,
or neighbouring invaders . Among whom <font> Kedwalla </font> , taking
advantage from thir civil distempers , and marching easily through the
<font> South-Saxons </font> , whom he had subdu'd , sorely harrass'd
the Country , untouch'd of a long time by any hostile incursion .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,173.4)

But the <font> Kentish </font> men , all parties uniteing against a
common Enemy , with joint powr so oppos'd him , that he was constrain'd
to retire back ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,173.5)

his Brother <font> Mollo </font> in the flight with 12 men of his
Company , seeking shelter in a House , was beset and therin burnt by
the persuers : (MILTON-E3-P2,X,173.6)

<font> Kedwalla </font> much troubl'd at so great a loss , recalling
and soon rallying his disorderd Forces , return'd fiercely upon the
chaseing Enemy ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,173.7)

nor could be got out of the Province , till both-1 by fire and Sword ,
he had aveng'd the Death of his Brother . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,173.8)

At length <font> Victred </font> the Son of <font> Ecbert </font> ,
attaining the Kingdome , both settl'd at home all things in peace ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,173.9)

and secur'd his Borders from all outward Hostility .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,173.10)

While thus <font> Kedwalla </font> disquieted both <font> West </font>
and <font> East </font> , after his winning the Crown , <font> Ecfrid
</font> the <font> Northumbrian </font> , and <font> Ethelred </font>
the <font> Mercian </font> , fought a sore Battel by the River <font>
Trent </font> ; wherin <font> Elfwin </font> Brother to <font> Ecfrid
</font> , a youth of 18 years , much belov'd , was slain ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,173.11)

and the accident likely to occasion much more sheding of blood , peace
was happily made by the grave exhortation of Archbishop <font> Theodore
</font> , a pecuniary fine only paid to <font> Ecfrid </font> , as some
satisfaction for the loss of his Brothers life .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,173.12)

Another adversity befell <font> Ecfrid </font> in his Family , by means
of <font> Ethildrith </font> his Wife , King <font> Anna's </font>
Daughter , who having <P_X,174> tak'n him for hir Husband , and
professing to love him above all other men , persisted twelve years in
the obstinat refusal of his bed , therby thinking to live the purer
life . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,174.13)

So perversly then was chastity instructed against the Apostles rule .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,174.14)

At length obtaining of him with much importunity her departure , she
veild her self a Nun , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,174.15)

then made Abbess of <font> Ely </font> , dy'd 7 years after the
pestilence ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,174.16)

and might with better warrant have kept faithfully her undertak'n
Wedlock , though now canoniz'd St. <font> Audrey </font> of <font> Ely
</font> . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,174.17)

In the mean while <font> Ecfrid </font> had sent <font> Bertus </font>
with a power to subdue <font> Ireland </font> , a harmless Nation ,
saith <font> Beda </font> , and ever friendly to the English ; in both
which they seem to have left a posterity much unlike them at this day :
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,174.18)

miserably wasted , without regard had to places hallow'd or profane ,
they betook them partly to thir Weapons , partly to implore divine aid
; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,174.19)

and , as was thought , obtain'd it in thir full avengement upon <font>
Ecfrid </font> . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,174.20)

For he the next year , against the mind and persuasion of his sagest
friends , and especially of <font> Cudbert </font> a famous Bishop of
that Age , marching unadvisedly against the <font> Picts </font> , who
long before had bin subject to <font> Northumberland </font> , was by
them feigning flight , drawn unawares into narrow streights overtopt
with Hills , and cut off with most of his Army . From which time ,
saith <font> Bede </font> , military valour began among the <font>
Saxons </font> to decay , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,174.21)

nor only the <font> Picts </font> till then peaceable , but some part
of the <font> Britans </font> also recover'd by Armes thir liberty for
many years after . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,174.22)

Yet <font> Aldfrid </font> elder , but base Brother to <font> Ecfrid
</font> , a man said to be learned in the Scriptures , recall'd from
<font> Ireland </font> , to which place in his Brothers Reign he had
retir'd , and now succeeding , upheld <P_X,175> with much honour ,
though in narrower bounds , the residue of his Kingdome .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.23)

<font> Kedwalla </font> having now with great disturbance of his
Neighbours reign'd over the <font> West-Saxons </font> two years ,
besides what time he spent in gaining it , wearied perhaps with his own
turbulence , went to <font> Rome </font> , desirous there to receave
Baptism , which till then his worldly affairs had deferr'd ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.24)

and accordingly , on <font> Easter </font> Day , 689. he was baptiz'd
by <font> Sergius </font> the Pope , and his name chang'd to <font>
Peter </font> . All which notwithstanding , surpris'd with a Disease ,
he outliv'd not the Ceremony so far sought , much above the space of 5
weeks , in the Thirtieth year of his Age , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.25)

and in the Church of St. <font> Peter </font> was there buried , with a
large Epitaph upon his Tomb . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.26)

Him succeeded <font> Ina </font> of the Royal Family ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.27)

and from the time of his coming in , for many years oppress'd the Land
with like greevances , as <font> Kedwalla </font> had done before him ,
insomuch that in those times there was no Bishop among them .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.28)

His first expedition was into <font> Kent </font> , to demand
satisfaction for the burning of <font> Mollo </font> :
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.29)

<font> Victred </font> loth to hazard all for the rash act of a few ,
deliver'd up of those that could be found accessory ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.30)

or as others say , pacifi'd <font> Ina </font> with a great sum of
money . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.31)

Mean while , at the incitement of <font> Ecbert </font> , a devout Monk
, <font> Wilbrod </font> a Priest eminent for learning , past over Sea
, having 12 others in Company , with intent to preach the Gospel in
<font> Germany </font> . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.32)

And coming to Pepin Cheif Regent of the <font> Franks </font> , who a
little before had conquer'd the hither <font> Frisia </font> , by his
countnance and protection , promise also of many benefits to them who
should beleeve , they found the work of conversion much the easier ,
and <font> Wilbrod </font> the first Bishoprick in that Nation .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.33)

But two <P_X,176> Priests , each of them <font> Hewald </font> by name
, and for distinction surnam'd from the colour of thir Hair , the black
and the white , by his example , piously affected to the Souls of thir
Country-men the old <font> Saxons </font> , at thir coming thether to
convert them met with much worse entertainment .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.34)

For in the House of a Farmer who had promis'd to convey them , as they
desir'd , to the Governour of that Country , discoverd by thir daily
Ceremonies to be Christian Priests , and the cause of thir coming
suspected , they were by him and his Heathen Neighbours cruelly
butcherd ; yet not unaveng'd , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.35)

for the Governour enrag'd at such violence offerd to his Strangers ,
sending Armed Men , slew all those Inhabitants ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.36)

and burnt thir Village . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.37)

After three years in <font> Mercia </font> , <font> Ostrid </font> the
Queen , Wife to <font> Ethelred </font> , was kill'd by her own Nobles
, as <font> Beda </font> 's Epitome records ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.38)

<font> Florence </font> calls them <font> Southimbrians </font> ,
negligently omitting the cause of so strange a fact .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.39)

And the year following , <font> Bertred </font> a <font> Northumbrian
</font> General was slain by the <font> Picts </font> .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.40)

<font> Ethelred </font> 7 years after the violent Death of his Queen ,
put on the Monk , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.41)

and resign'd his Kingdome to <font> Kenred </font> the Son of <font>
Wulfer </font> his Brother . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.42)

The next year , <font> Aldfrid </font> in <font> Northumberland </font>
dy'd , leaving <font> Osred </font> a Child of 8 years to succeed him .
Fowr years after which , <font> Kenred </font> having a while with
praise govern'd the <font> Mercian </font> Kingdome , went to <font>
Rome </font> in the time of Pope <font> Constantine </font> , and shorn
a Monk spent there the residue of his daies . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.43)

<font> Kelred </font> succeeded him , the Son of <font> Ethelred
</font> , who had reign'd the next before . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.44)

With <font> Kenred </font> went <font> Offa </font> the Son of <font>
Siger </font> , King of <font> East-Saxons </font> ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.45)

and betook him to the same habit , leaving his Wife and Native Country
; a comely Person <P_X,177> in the prime of his youth , much desir'd of
the people ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.46)

and such his vertue by report , as might have otherwise bin worthy to
have reign'd . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.47)

<font> Ina </font> the <font> West-Saxon </font> one year after fought
a Battell , at first doubtfull , at last successfull , against <font>
Gerent </font> King of <font> Wales </font> . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.48)

The next year <font> Bertfrid </font> , another <font> Northumbrian
</font> Captain , fought with the <font> Picts </font> ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.49)

and slaughterd them , saith <font> Huntingdon </font> , to the full
avengment of <font> Ecfrids </font> Death . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.50)

The fowrth year after , <font> Ina </font> had another doubtfull and
cruell Battel at <font> Wodnesburg </font> in <font> Wiltshire </font>
, with <font> Kelred </font> the <font> Mercian </font> , who dy'd the
year following a lamentable Death : (MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.51)

for as he sat one day feasting with his Nobles , suddenly possess'd
with an evill Spirit , he expir'd in despair , as <font> Boniface
</font> Archbishop of <font> Ments </font> , an English man , who taxes
him for a defiler of Nuns , writes by way of caution to <font>
Ethelbald </font> , his next of Kin , who succeeded him .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.52)

<font> Osred </font> also the young <font> Northumbrian </font> King ,
slain by his Kindred in the 11. of his Reign , for his vitious life and
incest committed with Nuns ; was by <font> Kenred </font> succeeded and
aveng'd , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.53)

he reigning two years left <font> Osric </font> in his room . In whose
<font> 7th </font> year , if <font> Beda </font> calculate right ,
<font> Victred </font> King of <font> Kent </font> deceas'd , having
reign'd 34 years , and some part of them with <font> Suebhard </font> ,
as <font> Beda </font> testifies . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.54)

He left behind him three Sons , <font> Ethelbert </font> , <font>
Eadbert </font> , and <font> Alric </font> his Heirs . Three years
after which , appear'd two Comets about the Sun , terrible to behold ,
the one before him in the Morning , the other after him in the Evening
, for the space of two weeks in <font> January </font> , bending thir
blaze toward the North , at which time the Saracens furiously invaded
<font> France </font> , but were expell'd soon after with great
overthrow . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.55)

The same year in <font> Northumberland </font> , <font> Osric </font>
dying or <P_X,178> slain , adopted <font> Kelwulf </font> the Brother
of <font> Kenred </font> his Successor , to whom <font> Beda </font>
dedicates his story ; but writes this only of him , that the beginning
, and the process of his Reign met with many adverse commotions ,
wherof the event was then doubtfully expected . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,178.56)

Mean while <font> Ina </font> 7 years before , having slain <font>
Kenwulf </font> , to whom <font> Florent </font> gives the addition of
<font> Clito </font> , giv'n usually to none but of the blood Royal ,
and the 4th. {TEXT:'th'_in_italics} year after overthrown and slain ,
<font> Albright </font> another <font> Clito </font> , driv'n from
<font> Taunton </font> to the <font> South-Saxons </font> for aid ,
vanquish't also the <font> East-Angles </font> in more then one Battel
, as <font> Malmsbury </font> writes , but not the year , whether to
expiate so much blood , or infected with the contagious humour of those
times , <font> Malmsbury </font> saith , at the persuasion of <font>
Ethelburga </font> his Wife , went to <font> Rome </font> ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,178.57)

and there ended his dayes ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,178.58)

yet this praise left behind him , to have made good Laws , the first of
<font> Saxon </font> that remain extant to this day ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,178.59)

and to his Kinsman <font> Edelard </font> , bequeath'd the Crown ; No
less then the whole Monarchy of <font> England </font> and <font> Wales
</font> . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,178.60)

For <font> Ina </font> , if we beleeve a digression in the Laws of
<font> Edward </font> Confessor , was the first King Crown'd of English
and British , since the <font> Saxons </font> entrance ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,178.61)

of the British by means of his second Wife , some way related to <font>
Cadwallader </font> last King of <font> Wales </font> , which I had not
noted being unlikely , but for the place where I found it .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,178.62)

After <font> Ina </font> , by a surer Author , <font> Ethelbald </font>
King of <font> Mercia </font> commanded all the Provinces on this side
<font> Humber </font> , with thir Kings : (MILTON-E3-P2,X,178.63)

the <font> Picts </font> were in league with the English , the <font>
Scots </font> peaceable within thir bounds , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,178.64)

and the <font> Britans </font> part were in thir own Goverment , part
subject to the English . In which peacefull state of the land , many in
<font> Northumberland </font> , both <P_X,179> Nobles and Commons ,
laying aside the exercise of Armes , betook them to the Cloister :
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,179.65)

and not content so to do at home , many in the days of <font> Ina
</font> , Clerks and Laics , Men and Woemen , hasting to <font> Rome
</font> in Herds , thought themselves no where sure of Eternal Life ,
till they were Cloisterd there . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,179.66)

Thus representing the state of things in this Iland , <font> Beda
</font> surceas'd to write . Out of whom cheifly hath bin gatherd ,
since the <font> Saxons </font> arrival , such as hath bin deliverd , a
scatterd story pickt out heer and there , with some trouble and tedious
work from among his many Legends of Visions and Miracles ; towards the
latter end so bare of civill matters , as what can be thence collected
may seem a Calendar rather than a History , tak'n up for the most part
with succession of Kings , and computation of years , yet those hard to
be reconcil'd with the <font> Saxon Annals </font> .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,179.67)

Thir actions we read of , were most commonly Wars ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,179.68)

but for what cause wag'd , or by what Councells carried on , no care
was had to let us know : wherby thir strength and violence we
understand , of thir wisedom , reason , or justice , little or nothing
, the rest superstition and monastical affectation ; Kings one after
another leaving thir Kingly Charge , to run thir heads fondly into a
Monks Cowle : which leaves us uncertain , whether <font> Beda </font>
was wanting to his matter , or his matter to him .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,179.69)

Yet from hence to the <font> Danish </font> Invasion it will be worse
with us , destitute of <font> Beda </font> . Left only to obscure and
blockish Chronicles ; whom <font> Malmsbury </font> , and <font>
Huntingdon </font> , <paren> for neither they then we had better
Authors of those times </paren> ambitious to adorn the History , make
no scruple oft-times , I doubt to interline with conjectures and
surmises of thir own : (MILTON-E3-P2,X,179.70)

them rather <P_X,180> then imitate , I shall choose to represent the
truth naked , though as lean as a plain Journal .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.71)

Yet <font> William </font> of <font> Malmsbury </font> must be
acknowledg'd , both-1 for stile and judgment , to be by far the best
Writer of them all : (MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.72)

but what labour is to be endur'd , turning over Volumes of Rubbish in
the rest , <font> Florence </font> of <font> Worster </font> , <font>
Huntingdon </font> , <font> Simeon </font> of <font> Durham </font> ,
<font> Hoveden </font> , <font> Mathew </font> of <font> Westminster
</font> , and many others of obscurer note , with all thir monachisms ,
is a penance to think . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.73)

Yet these are our only Registers , transcribers one after another for
the most part , and somtimes worthy enough for the things , they
register . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.74)

This travail rather then not know at once what may be known of our
antient story , sifted from Fables and impertinences , I voluntarily
undergo ; and to save others , if they please the like unpleasing
labour ; except those who take pleasure to be all thir life time ,
rakeing in the Foundations of old Abbies and Cathedrals ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.75)

but to my task now as it befalls . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.76)

In the year 733. on the 18th. {TEXT:'th.'_in_italics} Kalends of <font>
September </font> , was an Eclipse of the Sun about the third howr of
day , obscureing almost his whole Orb as with a black sheild .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.77)

<font> Ethelbald </font> of <font> Mercia </font> , beseig'd and took
the Castle or Town of <font> Somerton </font> : (MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.78)

and two years after , <font> Beda </font> our Historian dy'd ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.79)

some say the year before . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.80)

<font> Kelwulf </font> in <font> Northumberland </font> three years
after became Monk in <font> Lindisfarne </font> , yet none of the
severest , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.81)

for he brought those Monks from milk and water , to Wine and Ale ; in
which doctrin no doubt but they were soon docil , and well might ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.82)

for <font> Kelwulf </font> brought with him good provision , great
treasure and revenues of land , recited by <font> Simeon </font> ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.83)

yet all under pretense of following <paren> I use the Authors words
</paren> poor <font> Christ </font> , <P_X,181> by voluntary poverty :
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.84)

no marvel then if such applause were giv'n by Monkish Writers to Kings
turning Monks , and much cunning perhaps us'd to allure them .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.85)

To <font> Eadbert </font> his Unkle's Son , he left the Kingdom , whose
brother <font> Ecbert </font> , Archbishop of <font> York </font> built
a Library there . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.86)

But two years after , while <font> Eadbert </font> was busied in War
against the <font> Picts </font> , <font> Ethelbald </font> the <font>
Mercian </font> , by foul fraud , assaulted part of <font>
Northumberland </font> in his absence , as the supplement of <font>
Beda's </font> Epitomy records . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.87)

In the <font> West-Saxons </font> , <font> Edelard </font> who
succeeded <font> Ina </font> , having bin much molested in the
beginning of his Reign , with the Rebellion of <font> Oswald </font>
his Kinsman , who contended with him for the right of succession ,
overcoming at last those troubles , dy'd in Peace 741 , leaving <font>
Cuthred </font> one of the same linage to succeed him : who at first
had much War with <font> Ethelbald </font> the <font> Mercian </font> ,
and various success , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.88)

but joyning with him in League two years after , made War on the Welch
: (MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.89)

<font> Huntingdon </font> doubts not to give them a great Victory .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.90)

And <font> Simeon </font> reports another Battel fought between <font>
Britans </font> and <font> Picts </font> the year ensueing .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.91)

Now was the Kingdome of <font> East-Saxons </font> drawing to a Period
, (MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.92)

for <font> Sigeard </font> and <font> Senfred </font> the Sons of
<font> Sebbi </font> having reign'd a while , and after them young
<font> Offa </font> , who soon quitted his Kingdome to go to <font>
Rome </font> with <font> Kenred </font> , as hath been said , the
Goverment was conferr'd on <font> Selred </font> Son of <font> Sigebert
</font> the good , who having rul'd 38 years , came to a violent death
; how or wherefore , is not set down . After whom <font> Swithred
</font> was the last King , driv'n out by <font> Ecbert </font> the
<font> West-Saxon </font> : (MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.93)

but <font> London </font> , with the Countries adjacent , obey'd the
<font> Mercians </font> till they also were dissolv'd .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.94)

<font> Cuthred </font> had now reign'd about nine years , when
<P_X,182> <font> Kinric </font> his Son a valiant young Prince , was in
a military tumult slain by his own Souldiers . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,182.95)

The same year <font> Eadbert </font> dying in <font> Kent </font> , his
Brother <font> Edilbert </font> reign'd in his stead .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,182.96)

But after two years , the other <font> Eadbert </font> in <font>
Northumberland </font> , whose War with the <font> Picts </font> hath
bin above-mention'd , made now such Progress there , as to subdue
<font> Kyle </font> , so saith the Auctarie of <font> Bede </font> ,
and other Countries thereabout , to his dominion ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,182.97)

While <font> Cuthred </font> the <font> West-Saxon </font> had a fight
with <font> Ethelhun </font> , one of his Nobles , a stout Warrier ,
envi'd by him in some matter of the Common-wealth , as far as by the
Latin of <font> Ethelwerd </font> can be understood <paren> others
interpret it Sedition </paren> and with much ado overcoming , took
<font> Ethelhun </font> for his valour into favour , by whom faithfully
serv'd in the twelf or thirteenth of his Reign , he encounter'd in a
set Battell with <font> Ethelbald </font> the Mercian at <font>
Beorford </font> , now <font> Burford </font> in <font> Oxfordshire
</font> ; one year after against the Welch , which was the last but one
of his life . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,182.98)

<font> Huntingdon </font> , as his manner is to comment upon the annal
Text , makes a terrible description of that fight between <font>
Cuthred </font> and <font> Ethelbald </font> , and the Prowess of
<font> Ethelhun </font> , at <font> Beorford </font> , but so
affectedly , and therfore suspiciously , that I hold it not worth
rehersal ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,182.99)

and both-1 in that and the latter conflict , gives Victory to <font>
Cuthred </font> ; after whom <font> Sigebert </font> , uncertain by
what right , his Kinsman , saith <font> Florent </font> , step'd into
the Throne , whom hated for his cruelty and other evil doings , <font>
Kimwulf </font> joining with most of the Nobility , dispossess'd of all
but <font> Hamshir </font> , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,182.100)

that Province he lost also-1 within a year , together with the love of
all those who till then remain'd his adherents , by slaying <font>
Cumbran </font> , one of his Cheif Captains , who for a long <P_X,183>
time had faithfully serv'd , and now disuaded him from incensing the
people by such Tyrannical practices . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.101)

Thence flying for safety into <font> Andreds </font> Wood , forsak'n of
all , he was at length slain by the Swineheard of <font> Cumbran
</font> in revenge of his Maister , and <font> Kinwulf </font> who had
undoubted right to the Crown , joyfully saluted King .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.102)

The next year <font> Eadbert </font> the <font> Northumbrian </font>
joining forces with <font> Unust </font> King of the <font> Picts
</font> , as <font> Simeon </font> writes , beseig'd and took by
surrender the City <font> Alcluith </font> , now <font> Dunbritton
</font> in <font> Lennox </font> , from the <font> Britans </font> of
<font> Cumberland </font> ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.103)

and ten days after , the whole Army perishd about <font> Niwanbirig
</font> , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.104)

but to tell us how , he forgetts . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.105)

In <font> Mercia </font> , <font> Ethelbald </font> was slain , at a
place call'd <font> Secandune </font> , now <font> Seckinton </font> in
<font> Warwickshire </font> , the year following , in a bloody fight
against <font> Cuthred </font> , as <font> Huntingdon </font> surmises
, (MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.106)

but <font> Cuthred </font> was dead two or three years before ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.107)

others write him murder'd in the night by his own Guard ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.108)

and the Treason , as some say , of <font> Beornred </font> , who
succeeded him ; but ere many Months , was defeated and slain by <font>
Offa </font> . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.109)

Yet <font> Ethelbald </font> seems not without cause , after a long and
prosperous Reign , to have fall'n by a violent Death ; not shameing on
the vain confidence of his many Alms , to commit uncleanness with
consecrated Nuns , besides Laic Adulteries , as the Arch-Bishop of
<font> Ments </font> in a letter taxes him and his Predecessor , and
that by his example most of his Peers did the like ; which adulterous
doings he foretold him were likely to produce a slothfull off-spring ,
good for nothing but to be the ruin of that Kingdome , as it fell out
not long after . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.110)

The next year <font> Osmund </font> , according to <font> Florence
</font> , ruleing the <font> South-Saxons </font> , and <font> Swithred
</font> the <font> East </font> , <font> Eadbert </font> in <font>
Northumberland </font> , <P_X,184> following the steps of his
Predecessor , got him into a Monks Hood ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.111)

the more to be wonder'd , that having reign'd worthily 21 years , with
the love and high estimation of all , both at home and abroad , able
still to govern , and much entreated by the Kings his Neighbours , not
to lay down his charge ; with offer on that condition to yeild up to
him part of thir own Dominion , he could not be mov'd from his
resolution , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.112)

but relinquish'd his Regal Office to <font> Oswulf </font> his Son ;
who at the years end , though without just cause , was slain by his own
Servants . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.113)

And the year after dy'd <font> Ethelbert </font> , Son of <font>
Victred </font> , the second of that name in <font> Kent </font> .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.114)

After <font> Oswulf </font> , <font> Ethelwald </font> , otherwise
call'd <font> Mollo </font> , was set up <font> King </font> ; who in
his third year had a great Battel at <font> Eldune </font> , by <font>
Melros </font> , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.115)

slew <font> Oswin </font> a great Lord , rebelling ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.116)

and gain'd the Victory . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.117)

But the third year after , fell by the treachery of <font> Alcred
</font> , who assum'd his place . The fowrth year after which , <font>
Cataracta </font> an antient and fair City in <font> Yorkeshire </font>
, was burnt by <font> Arnred </font> a certain Tyrant , who the same
year came to like end . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.118)

And after five years more , <font> Alcred </font> the King depos'd and
forsak'n of all his people , fled with a few , first to <font> Bebba
</font> , a strong City of those parts , thence to <font> Kinot </font>
King of the <font> Picts </font> . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.119)

<font> Ethelred </font> the Son of <font> Mollo </font> , was crown'd
in his stead . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.120)

Mean while <font> Offa </font> the <font> Mercian </font> , growing
powerfull , had subdu'd a Neighbouring people by <font> Simeon </font>
, call'd <font> Hestings </font> ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.121)

and fought successfully this year with <font> Alric </font> King of
<font> Kent </font> , at a place call'd <font> Ottanford </font> :
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.122)

the Annals also speak of wondrous Serpents then seen in <font> Sussex
</font> . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.123)

Nor had <font> Kinwulf </font> the <font> West-Saxon </font> giv'n
small proof of his valour in several Battels against the Welch
heretofore ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.124)

but this year <P_X,185> 775. meeting with <font> Offa </font> at a
place call'd <font> Besington </font> , was put to the worse ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,185.125)

and <font> Offa </font> won the Town for which they contended .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,185.126)

In <font> Northumberland </font> , <font> Ethelred </font> having
caus'd three of his Nobles , <font> Aldwulf </font> , <font> Kinwulf
</font> , and <font> Ecca </font> , treacherously to be slain by two
other Peers , was himself the next year driv'n into banishment , <font>
Elfwald </font> the Son of <font> Oswulf </font> succeeding in his
place , yet not without civil broils ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,185.127)

for in his second year <font> Osbald </font> and <font> Ethelheard
</font> , two Noblemen , raising Forces against him , routed <font>
Bearne </font> his General , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,185.128)

and persueing , burnt him at a place call'd <font> Seletune </font> .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,185.129)

I am sensible how wearisom it may likely be to read of so many bare and
reasonless Actions , so many names of Kings one after another , acting
little more then mute persons in a Scene : (MILTON-E3-P2,X,185.130)

what would it be to have inserted the long Bead-roll of Archbishops ,
Bishops , Abbots , Abbesses , and thir doeings , neither to Religion
profitable , nor to morality , swelling my Authors each to a voluminous
body , by me studiously omitted ; and left as their propriety , who
have a mind to write the Ecclesiastical matters of those Ages ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,185.131)

neither do I care to wrincle the smoothness of History with rugged
names of places unknown , better harp'd at in <font> Camden </font> ,
and other Chorographers . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,185.132)

Six years therfore pass'd over in silence as wholely of such Argument ,
bring us to relate next the unfortunate end of <font> Kinwulf </font>
the <font> West-Saxon </font> ; who having laudably reign'd about 31
years , yet suspecting that <font> Kineard </font> Brother of <font>
Sigebert </font> the former King , intended to usurp the Crown after
his Decease , or revenge his Brothers expulsion , had commanded him
into banishment ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,185.133)

but he lurking heer and there on the borders with a small Company ,
<P_X,186> having had intelligence that <font> Kenwulf </font> was in
the Country thereabout , at <font> Merantun </font> , or <font> Merton
</font> in <font> Surrey </font> , at the House of a Woeman whom he
lov'd , went by night (MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.134)

and beset the place . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.135)

<font> Kenwulf </font> over-confident either-1 of his Royal presence ,
or personal valour , issuing forth with the few about him , runs
feirsly at <font> Kineard </font> , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.136)

and wounds him sore , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.137)

but by his followers hem'd in , is kill'd among them .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.138)

The report of so great an accident soon running to a place not far off
, where many more attendants awaited the Kings return , <font> Osric
</font> and <font> Wivert </font> , two Earles hasted with a great
number to the House , where <font> Kineard </font> and his fellows yet
remain'd . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.139)

He seeing himself surrounded , with fair words and promise of great
guifts , attempted to appease them ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.140)

but those rejected with disdain , fights it out to the last ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.141)

and is slain with all but one or two of his retinue , which were nigh a
hunderd . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.142)

<font> Kinwulf </font> was succeeded by <font> Birthric </font> , being
both descended of <font> Kerdic </font> the Founder of that Kingdome .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.143)

Not better was the end of <font> Elfwald </font> in <font>
Northumberland </font> , two years after slain miserably by the
conspiracy of <font> Siggan </font> , one of his Nobles , others say of
the whole people at <font> Scilcester </font> by the Roman Wall ; yet
undeservedly , as his Sepulchre at <font> Hagustald </font> , now
<font> Hexham </font> upon <font> Tine </font> , and some miracles
there said to be done , are alleg'd to witness ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.144)

and <font> Siggan </font> 5 years after laid violent hands on himself .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.145)

<font> Osred </font> Son of <font> Alcred </font> advanc't into the
room of <font> Elfwald </font> , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.146)

and within one year driv'n out , left his seat vacant to <font>
Ethelred </font> Son of <font> Mollo </font> , who after ten years of
banishment <paren> impris'nment , saith <font> Alcuin </font> </paren>
had the Scepter put again into his hand . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.147)

The third year of <font> Birthric </font> King of <font> West-Saxons
</font> , gave beginning <P_X,187> from abroad to a new and fatal
revolution of calamity on this Land . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,187.148)

For three Danish Ships , the first that had bin seen heer of that
Nation arriving in the West , to visit these , as was suppos'd , Foren
Merchants , the Kings gatherer of Customes taking Horse from <font>
Dorchester </font> , found them Spies and Enemies .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,187.149)

For being commanded to come and give account of thir ladeing at the
Kings Custome House , they slew him and all who came with him ; as an
earnest of the many slaughters , rapines , and hostilities , which they
return'd not long after to commit over all the Iland .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,187.150)

Of this Danish first arrival , and on a sudden worse then hostile
Aggression , the Danish History far otherwise relates , as if thir
landing had bin at the mouth of <font> Humber </font> , and thir
spoilfull march far into the Country ; though soon repelld by the
Inhabitants , they hasted back as fast to thir Ships :
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,187.151)

But from what cause , what reason of state , what Authority or publick
counsell the invasion proceeded , makes not mention ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,187.152)

and our wonder yet the more , by telling us that <font> Sigefrid
</font> then King in <font> Denmarke </font> , and long after , was a
man studious more of peace and quiet then of warlike matters .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,187.153)

These therefore seem rather to have bin some wanderers at Sea , who
with publick Commission , or without , through love of spoil , or
hatred of Christianity , seeking booties on any land of Christians ,
came by chance or weather on this shore . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,187.154)

The next year <font> Osred </font> in <font> Northumberland </font> ,
who driv'n out by his Nobles had giv'n place to <font> Ethelred </font>
, was tak'n and forcibly shav'n a Monk at <font> Yorke </font> .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,187.155)

And the year after , <font> Oelf </font> , the <font> Oelfwin </font> ,
Sons of <font> Elfwald </font> , formerly King , were drawn by fair
promises from the principal Church of <font> Yorke </font> , and after
by <P_X,188> command of <font> Ethelred </font> , cruelly put to Death
at <font> Wonwaldremere </font> , a Village by the great Pool in <font>
Lancashire </font> , now call'd <font> Winandermere </font> .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.156)

Nor was the third year less bloody ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.157)

for <font> Osred </font> , who not likeing a shav'n Crown had desir'd
banishment and obtain'd it , returning from the Ile of <font> Man
</font> with small Forces , at the secret but deceitfull call of
certain Nobles , who by Oath had promis'd to assist him , was also
tak'n , and by <font> Ethelred </font> dealt with in the same manner ;
who the better to avouch his Cruelties , therupon married <font> Elfled
</font> the Daughter of <font> Offa </font> (MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.158)

for in <font> Offa </font> was found as little Faith or mercy .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.159)

He the same year having drawn to his Palace <font> Ethelbrite </font>
King of <font> East-Angles </font> , with fair invitations to marry his
Daughter , caus'd him to be there inhospitably beheaded , and his
Kingdome wrongfully seis'd , by the wicked counsel of his Wife , saith
<font> Mat. West. </font> annexing thereto a long unlikely Tale . For
which violence and bloodshed to make attonement , with Fryers at lest ,
he bestows the reliques of St. Alban , in a shrine of Pearl and Gold .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.160)

Far worse it far'd the next year with the reliques in <font>
Lindisfarne </font> ; where the <font> Danes </font> landing , pillag'd
that Monastery , and of Fryers kill'd some , carried away others
Captive , sparing neither Preist nor Lay : which many strange thunders
and fiery Dragons , with other impressions in the air seen frequently
before , were judg'd to foresignifie . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.161)

This year <font> Alric </font> third Son of <font> Victred </font>
ended in <font> Kent </font> his long Reign of 34 years :
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.162)

with him ended the race of <font> Hengist </font> :
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.163)

thenceforth whomsoever wealth or faction advanc'd , took on him the
name and state of a King . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.164)

The <font> Saxon Annals </font> of 784. name <font> Ealmund </font>
then reigning in <font> Kent </font> ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.165)

but that consists not <P_X,189> with the time of <font> Alric </font> ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.166)

and I find him no where else mentiond . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.167)

The year following was remarkable for the Death of <font> Offa </font>
the <font> Mercian </font> , a strenuous and suttle King ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.168)

he had much intercourse with <font> Charles </font> the Great ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.169)

at first enmity , to the interdicting of commerce on either side ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.170)

at length much amity and firm League , as appears by the Letter of
<font> Charles </font> himself yet extant , procur'd by <font> Alcuin
</font> a learned and prudent man , though a Monk , whom the Kings of
<font> England </font> in those days had sent Orator into <font> France
</font> , to maintain good correspondence between them and <font>
Charles </font> the Great . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.171)

He granted , saith <font> Huntingdon </font> , a perpetual tribute to
the Pope out of every House in his Kingdome ; for yeilding perhaps to
translate the Primacy of <font> Canterbury </font> to <font> Lichfeild
</font> in his own Dominion . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.172)

He drew a trench of wondrous length between <font> Mercia </font> and
the <font> British </font> Confines , from Sea to Sea .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.173)

<font> Ecferth </font> the Son of <font> Offa </font> , a Prince of
great hope , who also had bin Crown'd 9 years before his Fathers
Decease , restoring to the Church what his Father had seis'd on : yet
within fowr Months by a sickness ended his Reign .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.174)

And to <font> Kenulf </font> next in right of the same Progeny
bequeath'd his Kingdome . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.175)

Mean while the <font> Danish </font> Pirats who still wasted <font>
Northumberland </font> , ventring on shoar to spoil another Monastery
at the mouth of the River <font> Don </font> , were assail'd by the
English , thir Cheif Captain slain on the place ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.176)

then returning to Sea , were most of them Ship-wrack'd ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.177)

others driv'n again on shoar , were put all to the Sword .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.178)

<font> Simeon </font> attributes this thir punishment to the power of
St. <font> Cudbert </font> , offended with them for the rifling of his
Covent . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.179)

Two years after this , dy'd <font> Ethelred </font> twice King , but
not exempted <P_X,190> at last from the fate of many his predecessors ,
miserably slain by his people , some say deservedly , as not
inconscious with them who train'd <font> Osred </font> to his ruin .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.180)

<font> Osbald </font> a Nobleman exalted to the Throne , and in less
then a month , deserted and expell'd , was forc'd to fly at last from
<font> Lindisfarne </font> by Sea to the <font> Pictish </font> King ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.181)

and dy'd an Abbot . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.182)

<font> Eardulf </font> whom <font> Ethelred </font> six years before
had commanded to be put to Death at <font> Ripun </font> , before the
Abbey-Gate , dead as was suppos'd , and with solemn Dirge carried into
the Church , after midnight found there alive , I read not how , then
banish'd , now recall'd , was in <font> Yorke </font> created King .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.183)

In <font> Kent </font> , <font> Ethelbert </font> or <font> Pren
</font> , whom the Annals call <font> Eadbright </font> <paren> so
different they often are one from another , both in timeing and in
nameing </paren> by some means having usurp'd regal power , after two
years Reign contending with <font> Kenulf </font> the <font> Mercian
</font> , was by him tak'n Pris'ner , and soon after , out of pious
commiseration let go : but not receav'd of his own ,
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.184)

what became of him , <font> Malmsbury </font> leaves in doubt .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.185)

<font> Simeon </font> writes , that <font> Kenulf </font> commanded to
put out his Eyes , and lop off his hands ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.186)

but whether the sentence were executed or not , is left as much in
doubt by his want of expression . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.187)

The second year after this , they in <font> Northumberland </font> who
had conspir'd against <font> Ethelred </font> , now also raising War
against <font> Eardulf </font> , under <font> Wada </font> thir Cheif
Captain , after much havock on either side at <font> Langho </font> ,
by <font> Whaley </font> in <font> Lancashire </font> , the
Conspirators at last flying , <font> Eardulf </font> return'd with
Victory . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.188)

The same year <font> London </font> , with a great multitude of her
Inhabitants , by a sudden fire was consum'd . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.189)

The year made way for great alteration in <font> England </font> ,
uniting her seaven Kingdoms into <P_X,191> one , by <font> Ecbert
</font> the famous <font> West-Saxon </font> ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,191.190)

him <font> Birthric </font> dying Childless left next to reign , the
only surviver of that linage , descended from <font> Inegild </font>
the Brother of King <font> Ina </font> . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,191.191)

And according to his Birth liberally bred , he began early from his
youth to give signal hopes of more then ordinary worth growing up in
him ; which <font> Birthric </font> fearing , and with all his juster
title to the Crown , secretly sought his life , and <font> Ecbert
</font> perceaving , fled to <font> Offa </font> the <font> Mercian
</font> ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,191.192)

but he having married <font> Eadburg </font> his Daughter to <font>
Birthric </font> , easily gave ear to his Embassadors coming to require
<font> Ecbert </font> ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,191.193)

he again put to his shifts , escap'd thence into <font> France </font>
; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,191.194)

but after three years banishment there , which perhaps contributed much
to his education , <font> Charles </font> the Great then reigning , he
was call'd over by the publick voice <paren> for <font> Birthric
</font> was newly dead </paren> and with general applause created King
of <font> West-Saxons </font> . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,191.195)

The same day <font> Ethelmund </font> at <font> Kinneresford </font> ,
passing over with the <font> Worcestershire </font> men , was met by
<font> Weolstan </font> another Nobleman with those of <font> Wiltshire
</font> , between whom happ'nd a great fray , wherin the <font>
Wiltshire </font> men overcame , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,191.196)

but both Dukes were slain , no reason of thir quarrel writ'n ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,191.197)

such bickerings to recount , met oft'n in these our Writers , what more
worth is it then to Chronicle the Wars of Kites , or Crows , flocking
and fighting in the Air ? (MILTON-E3-P2,X,191.198)

The year following , <font> Eardulf </font> the <font> Northumbrian
</font> , leading forth an Army against <font> Kenulf </font> the
<font> Mercian </font> , for harboring certain of his Enemies , by the
diligent mediation of other Princes and Prelats , Armes were laid aside
, and amity soon sworn between them . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,191.199)

But <font> Eadburga </font> the Wife of <font> Birthric </font> , a
woeman every way wicked , in malice especially cruel , could not or
car'd not to <P_X,192> appease the general hatred justly conceiv'd
against her ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.200)

accustom'd in her Husbands days to accuse any whom she spighted ; and
not prevailing to his ruin , her practice was by poison secretly to
contrive his Death . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.201)

It fortun'd that the King her Husband , lighting on a Cup which she had
temperd , not for him , but for one of his great Favourites , whom she
could not harm by accuseing , sip'd therof only , and in a while after
still pineing away , ended his days ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.202)

the favourite drinking deeper found speedier the operation .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.203)

She fearing to be questiond for these facts , with what treasure she
had , pass'd over-sea to <font> Charles </font> the Great , whom with
rich guifts coming to his presence , the Emperour courtly receav'd with
this pleasant proposal : Choose <font> Eadburga </font> , which of us
two thou wilt , me or my Son <paren> for his Son stood by him </paren>
to be thy Husband . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.204)

She no dissembler of what she lik'd best , made easie answer .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.205)

Were it in my choise , I should choose of the two your Son rather , as
the younger man . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.206)

To whom the Emperour between jest and earnest , hadst thou chosen me ,
I had bestow'd on thee my Son ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.207)

but since thou hast chos'n him , thou shalt have neither him nor me .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.208)

Nevertheless he assign'd her a rich Monastery to dwell in as Abbess ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.209)

for that life it may seem , she chose next to profess ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.210)

but being a while after detected of unchastity , with one of her
followers , she was commanded to depart thence ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.211)

from that time wandring poorly up and down with one Servant , in <font>
Pavia </font> a City of <font> Italy </font> , she finish'd at last in
beggery her shamefull life . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.212)

In the year <font> Cuthred </font> , whom <font> Kenulf </font> the
<font> Mercian </font> had , instead of <font> Pren </font> , made King
in <font> Kent </font> , having obscurely reign'd 8 years , deceas'd .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.213)

In <font> Northumberland </font> , <P_X,193> <font> Eardulf </font> the
year following was driv'n out of his Realm by <font> Alfwold </font> ,
who Reign'd two years in his room ; after whom <font> Eandred </font>
Son of <font> Eardulf </font> 33 years ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,193.214)

but I see not how this can stand with the sequel of story out of better
Authors : Much less that which <font> Buchanan </font> relates , the
year following , of <font> Acaius </font> King of <font> Scots </font>
, who having reign'd 32 years , and dying in , had formerly aided
<paren> but in what year of his Reign tells not </paren> <font> Hungus
</font> King of <font> Picts </font> with <font> Scots </font> ,
against <font> Athelstan </font> a Saxon or English-man , then wasting
the <font> Pictish </font> Borders ; that <font> Hungus </font> by the
aid of those <font> Scots </font> and the help of St. <font> Andrew
</font> thir Patron , in a Vision by night , and the appearance of his
cross by day , routed the astonisht English , and slew <font> Athelstan
</font> in fight . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,193.215)

Who this <font> Athelstan </font> was , I believe no man knows ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,193.216)

<font> Buchanan </font> supposes him to have been some <font> Danish
</font> Commander , on whom King <font> Alured </font> , or <font>
Alfred </font> , had bestow'd <font> Northumberland </font> ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,193.217)

but of this I find no footstep in our antient Writers ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,193.218)

and if any such thing were done in the time of <font> Alfred </font> ,
it must be little less then years after ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,193.219)

this <font> Athelstan </font> therefore , and this great overthrow ,
seems rather to have bin the fancy of some Legend then any warrantable
Record . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,193.220)

Mean while <font> Ecbert </font> , having with much Prudence , Justice
, and Clemency , a work of more then one year , establisht his Kingdome
and himself in the affections of his people , turns his first
enterprise against the <font> Britans </font> , both them of <font>
Cornwal </font> and those beyond <font> Seavern </font> , subdueing
both . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,193.221)

In <font> Mercia </font> , <font> Kenulf </font> the 6th.
{TEXT:'th.'_in_italics} year after , having reign'd with great praise
of his religious mind and vertues both-1 in Peace and War , deceas'd .
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,193.222)

His Son <font> Kenelm </font> , a Child of seaven years , was committed
to the care of <P_X,194> his Elder Sister <font> Quendrid </font> ; who
with a female ambition aspiring to the Crown , hir'd one who had the
charge of his nurture , to murder him , led into a woody place upon
pretence of hunting . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,194.223)

The murder , as is reported , was miraculously reveal'd ;
(MILTON-E3-P2,X,194.224)

but to tell how , by a Dove droping a writt'n note on the Altar at
<font> Rome </font> , is a long story , told , though out of order , by
<font> Malmsbury </font> ; and under the year 821. by <font> Mat. West.
</font> where I leave it to be sought by such as are more credulous
then I wish my Readers . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,194.225)

