Presently he said:
"I have believed that all the Danes were as much one under Guthrum their king as are my folk under theirs. I cannot see the end of this war."
"It will end when Alfred the king is strong enough always to have men in the field to face every leader that will fall on him," Harek said. "What King Ranald says is true. It is as if his own father had minded what Harald had sworn in the old days."
"Wherefore Harald brought all Norway under him, that every man should mind what he said," the Saxon answered.
Then came three or four more thanes along the shore, and he rose up and waved his hand to them.
"Here are more butts for Kolgrim," he said, laughing. "Now, King Ranald, I must go to my friends. But I have learned much. I think you must speak with the king before you go, and I will tell him all you have said."
"Maybe we shall meet again," said I, taking his offered hand. "I think I would see Alfred; but he is over wise, from all accounts, to learn aught from me."
"King Alfred says that wisdom comes little by little, and by learning from every one. I belong to the court, and so shall surely meet you if you do come to speak to him."
Then I asked the thane's name.
"Godred [{vi}] men say it is," he answered, laughing; "but that means better counsel than belongs to me."