12. You must remember that people could not buy land then for money, nor have it for paying rent; but large estates were given to the thanes and nobles by the king, on condition that they should perform certain services for him; and you have already seen how the vassals of the nobles held their little farms on similar terms.
13. This was called the feudal system, which means, holding land for services instead of rent; and the person holding the land was called the vassal of him to whom it belonged, whether rich or poor; so the nobles were the vassals of the king, and the ceorls were the vassals of the nobles.
14. I think you now understand what the feudal system was, therefore I shall proceed with the history of Alfred the Great.
15. The war had gone on for several years, and the king was so unfortunate that, at last, he was obliged to hide himself in a woody marsh in Somersetshire, called the Isle of Athelney, because it was surrounded by bogs and rivers.
16. The Danes were then in pursuit of him; and, one time, fearing to be taken prisoner, he got some man to let him keep his cows, or pigs, I do not know which; so that, if the Danes happened to see him, they might not guess who he was.
17. I dare say, you have heard the story of this peasant’s wife scolding Alfred one day, for letting some cakes burn, which she had left to bake on the hearth, whilst she was out; but she did not know that he was the king, or, of course, she would not have taken that liberty.
18. At last, Alfred heard there were many chiefs and noblemen, with their vassals, ready to join him again; so he determined to try another battle, but thought it would be prudent first to learn what was the real strength of the enemy.
19. Now the Danes, like the Saxons, were fond of good cheer, and liked to have songs and music to make them merry while they were feasting; and this put it into Alfred’s head to go into their camp disguised as a harper, for he could play the harp and sing very well.
20. So away he went, with his harp at his back, and, when he came there, the Danish chiefs had him called into their tents, and made him sit down and play to them, and gave him plenty to eat and drink.