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KING ALFRED'S WILL.

folk despoiled were. Then discoursed we concerning our Children, that they some support would need to be given by us out of these Estates, as to us was given. Then were we in Council at Swinburgh; when declared we two, in the West-Saxon Nobles' presence, that which soever of us two longest liver were, that he should give to the other's Children those Lands that we two our selves had acquired, and those Lands that to us two Ethelwolf the King gave while Ethelbald was living; except those that he to us three Brothers bequeathed. And of this, of us two each to the other his security did give, that whether of us two longest should live, he should take both to the Land and to the Treasures; that to all his possessions, except that part, which of us either to his Children should bequeath. But it came to pass that Ethered the king deceased, when communicated to me no man no Title-Deed, or no Evidence, that it any other was than as it before Witness we before had agreed. Then heard we now of Inheritance-suits. Now therefore brought I Ethelwolf the King's Will into our Council at Langadene; and