But the two young Sons of Arwald , 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 Kedwalla , 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 Kent , Lothair dy'd this year of his wounds receav'd in fight against the South-Saxons , led on by Edric , who descending from Ermenred , it seems challeng'd 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 Kedwalla , taking advantage from thir civil distempers , and marching easily through the South-Saxons , 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 Kentish 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 Mollo 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) Kedwalla 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 Victred the Son of Ecbert , 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 Kedwalla disquieted both West and East , after his winning the Crown , Ecfrid the Northumbrian , and Ethelred the Mercian , fought a sore Battel by the River Trent ; wherin Elfwin Brother to Ecfrid , 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 Theodore , a pecuniary fine only paid to Ecfrid , as some satisfaction for the loss of his Brothers life . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,173.12) Another adversity befell Ecfrid in his Family , by means of Ethildrith his Wife , King Anna's Daughter , who having 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 Ely , 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. Audrey of Ely . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,174.17) In the mean while Ecfrid had sent Bertus with a power to subdue Ireland , a harmless Nation , saith Beda , 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 Ecfrid . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,174.20) For he the next year , against the mind and persuasion of his sagest friends , and especially of Cudbert a famous Bishop of that Age , marching unadvisedly against the Picts , who long before had bin subject to Northumberland , 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 Bede , military valour began among the Saxons to decay , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,174.21) nor only the Picts till then peaceable , but some part of the Britans also recover'd by Armes thir liberty for many years after . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,174.22) Yet Aldfrid elder , but base Brother to Ecfrid , a man said to be learned in the Scriptures , recall'd from Ireland , to which place in his Brothers Reign he had retir'd , and now succeeding , upheld with much honour , though in narrower bounds , the residue of his Kingdome . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.23) Kedwalla having now with great disturbance of his Neighbours reign'd over the West-Saxons two years , besides what time he spent in gaining it , wearied perhaps with his own turbulence , went to Rome , desirous there to receave Baptism , which till then his worldly affairs had deferr'd , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.24) and accordingly , on Easter Day , 689. he was baptiz'd by Sergius the Pope , and his name chang'd to Peter . 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. Peter was there buried , with a large Epitaph upon his Tomb . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.26) Him succeeded Ina 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 Kedwalla 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 Kent , to demand satisfaction for the burning of Mollo : (MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.29) Victred 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 Ina with a great sum of money . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.31) Mean while , at the incitement of Ecbert , a devout Monk , Wilbrod a Priest eminent for learning , past over Sea , having 12 others in Company , with intent to preach the Gospel in Germany . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.32) And coming to Pepin Cheif Regent of the Franks , who a little before had conquer'd the hither Frisia , 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 Wilbrod the first Bishoprick in that Nation . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,175.33) But two Priests , each of them Hewald 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 Saxons , 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 Mercia , Ostrid the Queen , Wife to Ethelred , was kill'd by her own Nobles , as Beda 's Epitome records ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.38) Florence calls them Southimbrians , negligently omitting the cause of so strange a fact . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.39) And the year following , Bertred a Northumbrian General was slain by the Picts . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.40) Ethelred 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 Kenred the Son of Wulfer his Brother . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.42) The next year , Aldfrid in Northumberland dy'd , leaving Osred a Child of 8 years to succeed him . Fowr years after which , Kenred having a while with praise govern'd the Mercian Kingdome , went to Rome in the time of Pope Constantine , and shorn a Monk spent there the residue of his daies . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.43) Kelred succeeded him , the Son of Ethelred , who had reign'd the next before . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.44) With Kenred went Offa the Son of Siger , King of East-Saxons , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,176.45) and betook him to the same habit , leaving his Wife and Native Country ; a comely Person 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) Ina the West-Saxon one year after fought a Battell , at first doubtfull , at last successfull , against Gerent King of Wales . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.48) The next year Bertfrid , another Northumbrian Captain , fought with the Picts , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.49) and slaughterd them , saith Huntingdon , to the full avengment of Ecfrids Death . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.50) The fowrth year after , Ina had another doubtfull and cruell Battel at Wodnesburg in Wiltshire , with Kelred the Mercian , 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 Boniface Archbishop of Ments , an English man , who taxes him for a defiler of Nuns , writes by way of caution to Ethelbald , his next of Kin , who succeeded him . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.52) Osred also the young Northumbrian King , slain by his Kindred in the 11. of his Reign , for his vitious life and incest committed with Nuns ; was by Kenred succeeded and aveng'd , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.53) he reigning two years left Osric in his room . In whose 7th year , if Beda calculate right , Victred King of Kent deceas'd , having reign'd 34 years , and some part of them with Suebhard , as Beda testifies . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.54) He left behind him three Sons , Ethelbert , Eadbert , and Alric 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 January , bending thir blaze toward the North , at which time the Saracens furiously invaded France , but were expell'd soon after with great overthrow . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,177.55) The same year in Northumberland , Osric dying or slain , adopted Kelwulf the Brother of Kenred his Successor , to whom Beda 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 Ina 7 years before , having slain Kenwulf , to whom Florent gives the addition of Clito , giv'n usually to none but of the blood Royal , and the 4th. {TEXT:'th'_in_italics} year after overthrown and slain , Albright another Clito , driv'n from Taunton to the South-Saxons for aid , vanquish't also the East-Angles in more then one Battel , as Malmsbury writes , but not the year , whether to expiate so much blood , or infected with the contagious humour of those times , Malmsbury saith , at the persuasion of Ethelburga his Wife , went to Rome , (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 Saxon that remain extant to this day , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,178.59) and to his Kinsman Edelard , bequeath'd the Crown ; No less then the whole Monarchy of England and Wales . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,178.60) For Ina , if we beleeve a digression in the Laws of Edward Confessor , was the first King Crown'd of English and British , since the Saxons entrance ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,178.61) of the British by means of his second Wife , some way related to Cadwallader last King of Wales , which I had not noted being unlikely , but for the place where I found it . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,178.62) After Ina , by a surer Author , Ethelbald King of Mercia commanded all the Provinces on this side Humber , with thir Kings : (MILTON-E3-P2,X,178.63) the Picts were in league with the English , the Scots peaceable within thir bounds , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,178.64) and the Britans part were in thir own Goverment , part subject to the English . In which peacefull state of the land , many in Northumberland , both 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 Ina , Clerks and Laics , Men and Woemen , hasting to Rome 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 , Beda surceas'd to write . Out of whom cheifly hath bin gatherd , since the Saxons 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 Saxon Annals . (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 Beda was wanting to his matter , or his matter to him . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,179.69) Yet from hence to the Danish Invasion it will be worse with us , destitute of Beda . Left only to obscure and blockish Chronicles ; whom Malmsbury , and Huntingdon , for neither they then we had better Authors of those times 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 then imitate , I shall choose to represent the truth naked , though as lean as a plain Journal . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.71) Yet William of Malmsbury 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 , Florence of Worster , Huntingdon , Simeon of Durham , Hoveden , Mathew of Westminster , 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 September , 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) Ethelbald of Mercia , beseig'd and took the Castle or Town of Somerton : (MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.78) and two years after , Beda our Historian dy'd , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.79) some say the year before . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.80) Kelwulf in Northumberland three years after became Monk in Lindisfarne , 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 Kelwulf brought with him good provision , great treasure and revenues of land , recited by Simeon , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,180.83) yet all under pretense of following I use the Authors words poor Christ , 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 Eadbert his Unkle's Son , he left the Kingdom , whose brother Ecbert , Archbishop of York built a Library there . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.86) But two years after , while Eadbert was busied in War against the Picts , Ethelbald the Mercian , by foul fraud , assaulted part of Northumberland in his absence , as the supplement of Beda's Epitomy records . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.87) In the West-Saxons , Edelard who succeeded Ina , having bin much molested in the beginning of his Reign , with the Rebellion of Oswald his Kinsman , who contended with him for the right of succession , overcoming at last those troubles , dy'd in Peace 741 , leaving Cuthred one of the same linage to succeed him : who at first had much War with Ethelbald the Mercian , 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) Huntingdon doubts not to give them a great Victory . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.90) And Simeon reports another Battel fought between Britans and Picts the year ensueing . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.91) Now was the Kingdome of East-Saxons drawing to a Period , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.92) for Sigeard and Senfred the Sons of Sebbi having reign'd a while , and after them young Offa , who soon quitted his Kingdome to go to Rome with Kenred , as hath been said , the Goverment was conferr'd on Selred Son of Sigebert the good , who having rul'd 38 years , came to a violent death ; how or wherefore , is not set down . After whom Swithred was the last King , driv'n out by Ecbert the West-Saxon : (MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.93) but London , with the Countries adjacent , obey'd the Mercians till they also were dissolv'd . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,181.94) Cuthred had now reign'd about nine years , when Kinric 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 Eadbert dying in Kent , his Brother Edilbert reign'd in his stead . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,182.96) But after two years , the other Eadbert in Northumberland , whose War with the Picts hath bin above-mention'd , made now such Progress there , as to subdue Kyle , so saith the Auctarie of Bede , and other Countries thereabout , to his dominion ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,182.97) While Cuthred the West-Saxon had a fight with Ethelhun , 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 Ethelwerd can be understood others interpret it Sedition and with much ado overcoming , took Ethelhun 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 Ethelbald the Mercian at Beorford , now Burford in Oxfordshire ; one year after against the Welch , which was the last but one of his life . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,182.98) Huntingdon , as his manner is to comment upon the annal Text , makes a terrible description of that fight between Cuthred and Ethelbald , and the Prowess of Ethelhun , at Beorford , 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 Cuthred ; after whom Sigebert , uncertain by what right , his Kinsman , saith Florent , step'd into the Throne , whom hated for his cruelty and other evil doings , Kimwulf joining with most of the Nobility , dispossess'd of all but Hamshir , (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 Cumbran , one of his Cheif Captains , who for a long 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 Andreds Wood , forsak'n of all , he was at length slain by the Swineheard of Cumbran in revenge of his Maister , and Kinwulf who had undoubted right to the Crown , joyfully saluted King . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.102) The next year Eadbert the Northumbrian joining forces with Unust King of the Picts , as Simeon writes , beseig'd and took by surrender the City Alcluith , now Dunbritton in Lennox , from the Britans of Cumberland ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.103) and ten days after , the whole Army perishd about Niwanbirig , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.104) but to tell us how , he forgetts . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.105) In Mercia , Ethelbald was slain , at a place call'd Secandune , now Seckinton in Warwickshire , the year following , in a bloody fight against Cuthred , as Huntingdon surmises , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.106) but Cuthred 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 Beornred , who succeeded him ; but ere many Months , was defeated and slain by Offa . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,183.109) Yet Ethelbald 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 Ments 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 Osmund , according to Florence , ruleing the South-Saxons , and Swithred the East , Eadbert in Northumberland , 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 Oswulf 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 Ethelbert , Son of Victred , the second of that name in Kent . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.114) After Oswulf , Ethelwald , otherwise call'd Mollo , was set up King ; who in his third year had a great Battel at Eldune , by Melros , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.115) slew Oswin 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 Alcred , who assum'd his place . The fowrth year after which , Cataracta an antient and fair City in Yorkeshire , was burnt by Arnred a certain Tyrant , who the same year came to like end . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.118) And after five years more , Alcred the King depos'd and forsak'n of all his people , fled with a few , first to Bebba , a strong City of those parts , thence to Kinot King of the Picts . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.119) Ethelred the Son of Mollo , was crown'd in his stead . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.120) Mean while Offa the Mercian , growing powerfull , had subdu'd a Neighbouring people by Simeon , call'd Hestings ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.121) and fought successfully this year with Alric King of Kent , at a place call'd Ottanford : (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.122) the Annals also speak of wondrous Serpents then seen in Sussex . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.123) Nor had Kinwulf the West-Saxon giv'n small proof of his valour in several Battels against the Welch heretofore ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,184.124) but this year 775. meeting with Offa at a place call'd Besington , was put to the worse , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,185.125) and Offa won the Town for which they contended . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,185.126) In Northumberland , Ethelred having caus'd three of his Nobles , Aldwulf , Kinwulf , and Ecca , treacherously to be slain by two other Peers , was himself the next year driv'n into banishment , Elfwald the Son of Oswulf succeeding in his place , yet not without civil broils ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,185.127) for in his second year Osbald and Ethelheard , two Noblemen , raising Forces against him , routed Bearne his General , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,185.128) and persueing , burnt him at a place call'd Seletune . (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 Camden , 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 Kinwulf the West-Saxon ; who having laudably reign'd about 31 years , yet suspecting that Kineard Brother of Sigebert 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 , having had intelligence that Kenwulf was in the Country thereabout , at Merantun , or Merton in Surrey , 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) Kenwulf over-confident either-1 of his Royal presence , or personal valour , issuing forth with the few about him , runs feirsly at Kineard , (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 , Osric and Wivert , two Earles hasted with a great number to the House , where Kineard 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) Kinwulf was succeeded by Birthric , being both descended of Kerdic the Founder of that Kingdome . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.143) Not better was the end of Elfwald in Northumberland , two years after slain miserably by the conspiracy of Siggan , one of his Nobles , others say of the whole people at Scilcester by the Roman Wall ; yet undeservedly , as his Sepulchre at Hagustald , now Hexham upon Tine , and some miracles there said to be done , are alleg'd to witness ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.144) and Siggan 5 years after laid violent hands on himself . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.145) Osred Son of Alcred advanc't into the room of Elfwald , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.146) and within one year driv'n out , left his seat vacant to Ethelred Son of Mollo , who after ten years of banishment impris'nment , saith Alcuin had the Scepter put again into his hand . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,186.147) The third year of Birthric King of West-Saxons , gave beginning 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 Dorchester , 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 Humber , 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 Sigefrid then King in Denmarke , 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 Osred in Northumberland , who driv'n out by his Nobles had giv'n place to Ethelred , was tak'n and forcibly shav'n a Monk at Yorke . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,187.155) And the year after , Oelf , the Oelfwin , Sons of Elfwald , formerly King , were drawn by fair promises from the principal Church of Yorke , and after by command of Ethelred , cruelly put to Death at Wonwaldremere , a Village by the great Pool in Lancashire , now call'd Winandermere . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.156) Nor was the third year less bloody ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.157) for Osred , who not likeing a shav'n Crown had desir'd banishment and obtain'd it , returning from the Ile of Man 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 Ethelred dealt with in the same manner ; who the better to avouch his Cruelties , therupon married Elfled the Daughter of Offa (MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.158) for in Offa was found as little Faith or mercy . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.159) He the same year having drawn to his Palace Ethelbrite King of East-Angles , 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 Mat. West. 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 Lindisfarne ; where the Danes 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 Alric third Son of Victred ended in Kent his long Reign of 34 years : (MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.162) with him ended the race of Hengist : (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 Saxon Annals of 784. name Ealmund then reigning in Kent ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,188.165) but that consists not with the time of Alric , (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 Offa the Mercian , a strenuous and suttle King ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.168) he had much intercourse with Charles 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 Charles himself yet extant , procur'd by Alcuin a learned and prudent man , though a Monk , whom the Kings of England in those days had sent Orator into France , to maintain good correspondence between them and Charles the Great . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.171) He granted , saith Huntingdon , a perpetual tribute to the Pope out of every House in his Kingdome ; for yeilding perhaps to translate the Primacy of Canterbury to Lichfeild in his own Dominion . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.172) He drew a trench of wondrous length between Mercia and the British Confines , from Sea to Sea . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.173) Ecferth the Son of Offa , 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 Kenulf next in right of the same Progeny bequeath'd his Kingdome . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.175) Mean while the Danish Pirats who still wasted Northumberland , ventring on shoar to spoil another Monastery at the mouth of the River Don , 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) Simeon attributes this thir punishment to the power of St. Cudbert , offended with them for the rifling of his Covent . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,189.179) Two years after this , dy'd Ethelred twice King , but not exempted 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 Osred to his ruin . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.180) Osbald a Nobleman exalted to the Throne , and in less then a month , deserted and expell'd , was forc'd to fly at last from Lindisfarne by Sea to the Pictish King , (MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.181) and dy'd an Abbot . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.182) Eardulf whom Ethelred six years before had commanded to be put to Death at Ripun , 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 Yorke created King . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.183) In Kent , Ethelbert or Pren , whom the Annals call Eadbright so different they often are one from another , both in timeing and in nameing by some means having usurp'd regal power , after two years Reign contending with Kenulf the Mercian , 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 , Malmsbury leaves in doubt . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.185) Simeon writes , that Kenulf 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 Northumberland who had conspir'd against Ethelred , now also raising War against Eardulf , under Wada thir Cheif Captain , after much havock on either side at Langho , by Whaley in Lancashire , the Conspirators at last flying , Eardulf return'd with Victory . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,190.188) The same year London , 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 England , uniting her seaven Kingdoms into one , by Ecbert the famous West-Saxon ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,191.190) him Birthric dying Childless left next to reign , the only surviver of that linage , descended from Inegild the Brother of King Ina . (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 Birthric fearing , and with all his juster title to the Crown , secretly sought his life , and Ecbert perceaving , fled to Offa the Mercian ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,191.192) but he having married Eadburg his Daughter to Birthric , easily gave ear to his Embassadors coming to require Ecbert ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,191.193) he again put to his shifts , escap'd thence into France ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,191.194) but after three years banishment there , which perhaps contributed much to his education , Charles the Great then reigning , he was call'd over by the publick voice for Birthric was newly dead and with general applause created King of West-Saxons . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,191.195) The same day Ethelmund at Kinneresford , passing over with the Worcestershire men , was met by Weolstan another Nobleman with those of Wiltshire , between whom happ'nd a great fray , wherin the Wiltshire 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 , Eardulf the Northumbrian , leading forth an Army against Kenulf the Mercian , 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 Eadburga the Wife of Birthric , a woeman every way wicked , in malice especially cruel , could not or car'd not to 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 Charles the Great , whom with rich guifts coming to his presence , the Emperour courtly receav'd with this pleasant proposal : Choose Eadburga , which of us two thou wilt , me or my Son for his Son stood by him 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 Pavia a City of Italy , she finish'd at last in beggery her shamefull life . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.212) In the year Cuthred , whom Kenulf the Mercian had , instead of Pren , made King in Kent , having obscurely reign'd 8 years , deceas'd . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,192.213) In Northumberland , Eardulf the year following was driv'n out of his Realm by Alfwold , who Reign'd two years in his room ; after whom Eandred Son of Eardulf 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 Buchanan relates , the year following , of Acaius King of Scots , who having reign'd 32 years , and dying in , had formerly aided but in what year of his Reign tells not Hungus King of Picts with Scots , against Athelstan a Saxon or English-man , then wasting the Pictish Borders ; that Hungus by the aid of those Scots and the help of St. Andrew thir Patron , in a Vision by night , and the appearance of his cross by day , routed the astonisht English , and slew Athelstan in fight . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,193.215) Who this Athelstan was , I believe no man knows ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,193.216) Buchanan supposes him to have been some Danish Commander , on whom King Alured , or Alfred , had bestow'd Northumberland ; (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 Alfred , it must be little less then years after ; (MILTON-E3-P2,X,193.219) this Athelstan 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 Ecbert , 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 Britans , both them of Cornwal and those beyond Seavern , subdueing both . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,193.221) In Mercia , Kenulf 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 Kenelm , a Child of seaven years , was committed to the care of his Elder Sister Quendrid ; 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 Rome , is a long story , told , though out of order , by Malmsbury ; and under the year 821. by Mat. West. where I leave it to be sought by such as are more credulous then I wish my Readers . (MILTON-E3-P2,X,194.225)