such seruile thraldome as cannot be sufficientlie vttered.

* * * * *




_A fresh power of Danes inuade England to reuenge the slaughter of
their countrimen that inhabited this Ile, the west parts betraied into
their hands by the conspiracie of a Norman that was in gouernement,
earle Edrike feined himselfe sicke when king Egelred sent vnto him
to leuie a power against the Danes, and betraieth his people to the
enimies; Sweine king of Denmarke arriueth on the coast of Northfolke,
and maketh pitifull spoile by fire and sword; the truce taken betweene
him and Vikillus is violated, and what reuengement followeth; king
Sweine forced by famine returneth into his owne countrie, he arriueth
againe at Sandwich, why king Egelred was vnable to preuaile against
him, the Danes ouerrun all places where they come and make cruell
waste, king Egelred paieth him great summes of monie for peace; the
mischiefes that light vpon a land by placing a traitorous stranger in
gouernement, how manie acres a hide of land conteineth, Egelreds
order taken for ships and armour, why his great fleet did him little
pleasure; a fresh host of Danes vnder three capteines arriue at
Sandwich, the citizens of Canturburie for monie purchase safetie, the
faithlesse deeling of Edrike against king Egelred for the enimies
aduantage, what places the Danes ouerran and wasted_.

THE FOURTH CHAPTER.