Edmund passed through the great hall, where the general silence struck him forcibly, telling of the extremity to which the monarch was reduced, and entered an inner apartment, where several dignitaries both of church and state were waiting. They welcomed him in grave silence, and the chamberlain who was present spoke in a low voice:
"Your royal father has long pined for you, my prince; may I conduct you to him at once?"
"Who is with him now?"
"Your royal brothers, the Ethelings Edward and Alfred, the Princess Edgitha, and the Queen [ {xv}]."
"Has not the bishop arrived?"
"He is in the chapel at this moment; the king declined to see him, he will not believe he is dying; but the bishop waits in prayer."
"Lead me to his chamber," said Edmund.
Re-entering the great hall, the chamberlain and prince ascended the broad staircase which conducted to the upper chambers, and passing along a passage thickly strewn with rushes to deaden the sound, for carpets were unknown, they came to a door at the end, where the chamberlain paused and knocked.
Loud ravings, as of one in delirium, penetrated the passage from the chamber, amidst which the chamberlain knocked again.
"There! there!" cried an agonised voice, "he knocks again; 'tis Elfhelm of Shrewsbury, whom Edric slew; 'twasn't I, 'twas Edric, I only shared the spoil; keep him out, I tell you, keep him out."