Now after that there was talk of nothing but of making the levy as soon
as might be, and Eanulf, thanking everyone, and most of all the bishop,
straightway gave his orders; and before that night the war arrow was
speeding through all Somerset and Dorset likewise, and word was sent to
Osric and the other sheriffs that the gathering place named was at the
hill of Brent.
Now of those days that followed there is little to say. The other thanes
left, each to gather his own men, vowing vengeance on the Danes; but
before they went there was hardly one who did not seek out Wulfhere,
Wislac, and myself, and in some way or another tell us that we had
spoken right. One fiery young thane, indeed, was minded to fight Wislac,
but the Mercian turned the quarrel very skilfully, and in the end agreed
with the thane that the matter should be settled by the number of Danes
each should slay, "which," said Wislac, "will be as good sport and more
profitable than pounding one another, and quite as good proof that
neither of us may be held nidring."
So that ended very well.
But every day came in reports, brought by fugitives, of the Danes and
their doings, which made our blood boil. At last came one who brought a
message for myself, could I be found.
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