DANISH SHIPS.
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Whilst Alfred flattered himself with the hope of enjoying comparative peace, new calamities were preparing for his unhappy country. A large party of Danes, under Guthrum, landed in England, and surprised Wareham Castle, the strongest fortress in Wessex. The king was obliged to purchase his retreat. The invaders swore on the holy relics never again to set foot in Wessex, an oath which they quickly violated. From the very nature of their government, no treaty could bind the Danes as a nation, seeing that it was composed of a variety of chiefs and petty powers, who entered into associations independent of each other. The successful return of one expedition merely proved an incentive to others of their countrymen to follow in their track.
THE DANES SAILING UP THE ENGLISH CHANNEL (CIRCA 877).
From the Painting by HERBERT A. BONE.
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ALFRED IN THE NEAT-HERD'S HUT. (See p. [42.])