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any nation before), that they would forthwith depart from his kingdom. Yet under these engagements their horse stole off by night to Exeter. And the same year Healfden parcelled out Northumberland, and they ploughed and tilled it.
877.
This year the army came from Wareham into Exeter, and the fleet sailed round to the west, and a great storm met them at sea, and 120 ships were wrecked at Swanwich. And King Alfred with his troops rode after the Danish horse as far as Exeter, but they could not come up with them before they were in the fortress where none might assail them. And they gave him hostages, as many as he would, and swore solemn oaths, and they kept this peace well. Then in the autumn the army went into Mercia, and they parcelled out part of the land (amongst themselves), and they gave part to Ceolwulf.
878.
This year at mid winter the army marched secretly to Chippenham after Twelfth night, and they over-ran Wessex, and they fixed themselves
