162
they never approached the sea, but returned homeward the other way. Then the troops of the country were assembled at Cynetan (Kennet), and there they engaged in battle, and forthwith the enemy put these troops to flight, and afterwards carried their spoils to the sea. Then might the inhabitants of Winchester see that proud and fearless Army marching past their very gates carrying with them to the sea provisions and treasures from a distance of above fifty miles. The King had crossed the Thames into Shropshire, and there he kept the feast of Christmas. Then the dread of the Army became so great, that none could think or imagine how they might be expelled from the country, or how this land might be defended against them, for they had grievously defaced every shire of Wessex with burning and devastation. The King began anxiously to enquire of his Witan what measures they all thought advisable to be taken for the preservation of this land before it was entirely ruined. Then the King and his Witan agreed, that, for the good of the people, they must pay tribute, though they were all unwilling so to do. Then the King sent to the Army, and caused it to be told them that he desired that there should be peace between them and him, and that tribute
