^ \u "•-*' \^ -.. '^'^^ *•'' .^♦ V .OV'. '<^ ^*^ ♦' v-;^ .• .^^-V. '^ • • • . "o °o r ♦• ^0* 3 V • * * - "•»;''<>^"\o*\--.>c,'- -^ .•«■• .** .."•« '^^ >- x/ ' ^_ "oVo^ ^^"^ >^ o ^- -^ V^^^V y-^^. *"* b 6^>. '^^. '^^ bV ^0^ 40, V^c? ^ .^'\ 'i 0' 0«" '01.* 'bv^ 4«?- '**.'* ."^»\^'fr' • >..^*' «*; ^ ►! ■...•* ,&»• ^.„.' oV^Pi-. V.*-^* ^*>^:r %.J ^'^^'' ^ STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY FOR YOUNG AMERICANS — COPIOUSLY ILLUSTRATED i^n^fT^J NEW YORK, HARPER & BROTHERS PRINTERS & PUBLISHERS. MDCCCXCII ITHB UBRARYB I OF CONGRESS t| j WASHINGTON ■ Copyright, 1892, by Harper & Brothers. All rights reserved. S??^ CONTENTS. The AnciExNT Britons : I. Britain and Its People in Olden Times. — II. The Druids Pages 1-5 The Koman Conquest: I. Julius Csesar's First Invasion. — II. Julius Caesar's Second Invasion. — III. Claudius and Caractacus. — IV. Sue- tonius and the Druids. — V. Boadicea, a British Heroine. — VI. Julius Agricola. — VII. The Romans in Britain 6-21 Our Anglo-Saxon Forefathers: I. Their First Coming.— II. Hengest and Horsa.— III. The Great Cerdic 22-28 How. THE Anglo-Saxons Became Christians: I. The Little English Slaves. — II. Augustine Before King Ethelbert. — III. Edwin and Paulinus.— IV. The Venerable Bede 29-36 Egbert : I. Egbert's Early Life. — II. How Egbert Became Over-lord of all England. — III. Egbert and the Danish Sea-rovers . . 37-43 Alfred thk Great : I. Alfred's Boyhood. — II. Alfred Becomes King. — in. Alfred in Hiding.— IV. Preparing for Battle.— V. Alfred's Tri- umph Over the Danes at Eddington. — VI. Alfred's Wise Rule. — VII. Alfred's Piety and Learning. — VIII. Alfred's Son and Grand- son 44-59 DuNSTAN AND His TiMES : I. How Dunstau Became a Monk. — II. Ed- mund, the Doer of Great Deeds. — III. Edgar the Peaceful. — IV. Edward the Martyr 60-68 The Danish Conquest : I. Ethelred the Unready. — II. Forkbeard's Revenge. — III. Ironside 69-'74 Canute : I. Canute's Government. — II. Canute's Love for the Church. — III. Canute's Journey to Rome. — IV. Canute's Lesson to His Courtiers 75-83 Godwin : I. Godwin and the Danish Chief. — II. Earl Godwin at the Northern Wars. — III. Earl Godwin and Edward the Confessor. — IV. Earl Godwin's Banishment. — V. Earl Godwin's Return. 84-94 Vlll CONTENTS. Harold : I. The First Man in England. — II. Harold's Visit to Nor- mandy. — III. Duke William. — IV. How Harold Spent His Time in Normandy. — V. The Oath. — VI. Death of Edward the Confessor. — VII. Harold Chosen King , Pages 95-110 The Norman Conquest : I. Duke William Prepares to Invade England. —II. Harold as King.— III. Tos tig's Return.— IV. Battle of Stam- ford Bridge. — V. Landing of the Normans. — VI. Harold's Last March.— VII. The Night Before the Battle.— VIIL The Morning of Battle.— IX. The Battle of Hastings.— X. Duke William Crowned King of England 111-134 TPIE NORMAN PERIOD. Hereward the Wake: I. The Harrying of the North. — II. The Deeds of Hereward. — IIL Hereward at Ely 135-142 William the Conqueror : I. The New Forest. — II. The Later Years of the Conqueror.— in. A Wonderful Book 143-149 The Red King : I. The Tyranny of William Rufus.— II. Death of the Red King 150-154 Henry the Scholar : I. How Henry Conquered Normandy. — II. The Wreck of the White Ship. — III. He Never Smiled Again. 155-161 Stephen 162, 163 Henry II. : I. Thomas a Becket.— II. The Conquest of Ireland.— III. Richard at the Bier of His Father 164-173 Richard I. and the Crusades : I. Crusaders. — II. The Ciusaders' War- song. — III. Richard I. in Palestine. — IV. Robin Hood. — V. Robin Hood and Alan-a-Dale 174-188 King John and Magna Charta : I. Prince Arthur. — II. How the Great Charter was Signed 189-195 Henry III. : I. Earl Simon and the House of Commons. — II. Death of Earl Simon.— in. A Ballad of Evesham 196-202 The Great Edward : I. Edward as a Ruler. — II. Conquest of Wales. —III. Wars with Scotland. — IV. Robert Bruce. — V. Last March of Edward ; 203-214 Edward of Carnarvon : I. Edward and Bruce. — 11. Battle of Ban- nockburn.— III. The Battle of Bannockburn.— IV. Downfall of Ed- ward II 215-225 Edward III.: I. Beginning of the Hundred Years' War. — II. Battle of Cressy.— III. The Siege of Calais 226-234 CONTENTS. IX The Black Prince : I. The Battle of Poitiers.— II. Last Days of the Black Prince '. . Pages 235-239 Richard II. : I. Tlie Peasant Rising. — II. Downfall of Richard II. — III. Chaucer and Wyclifife 240-248 Henry IV. : I. Owen Glendower. — II. A Famous Merchant. 249-254 Henry V.: I. A Popular Prince. — II. Henry in France. — III. Bat- tle of Agincourt. — IV. Henry V. at Agincourt. — V. End of Henry V 255-267 Henry VI. : I. Joan of Arc. — II. Joan Brings Help to Orleans. — III. Joan's Work is Done.— IV. A Time of Strife.— V. The Two Roses 268-280 Edward IV 281-283 Richard III. : I. The Two Princes in the Tower.— II. Field of Bos- worth.— III. The Two Roses United 284-290 Caxton, the First English Printer 291-296 THE TUDOR PERIOD. Henry VII. : I. A Time of Progress.— II. Henry VII.— III. Lambert Simnel. — IV. Taxation and More Rebellion. — V. The Story of Pe'rkin Warbeck.— VL End of Warbeck.— VII. Two Great Mar- riages. — VIII. Dudley and Empson. — IX. Christopher Columbus and the Discovery of America 297-319 Henry VIIL : I. The New King.— II. Battle of Spurs.— IIL Flodden Field.— IV. Flodden.— V. The Field of the Cloth of Gold.— VL Cardinal Wolsey. — VII. Fall of Wolsey. — VIIL Henry's Marriage- — IX. Beginning of the Reformation. — X. Sir Thomas More. — XL Further Changes. — XII. Henry and His Wives. — XIII. Last Wars of Henry.— XIV. End of Henry 320-353 Edward VL : L A Boy King.— IL The Protector Somerset.- IIL The Tree of Reformation. — IV. Schemes of Northumberland. — V. Lady Jane Grey 354-365 Mary : I. Mary, Queen of England. — IL The Spanish Marriage. — III. Thomas Cranmer.— IV. The Loss of Calais 366-375 Elizabeth : I. Outline of Elizabeth's Reign. — II. The New Queen. — IIL How Elizabeth Ruled at Home. — IV. Elizabetii's Advisers. — V. William Cecil— VL Leicester.— VIL Sir Philip Sidney.— VIIL Sir Philip Sidney at Zutphen, — IX. Mary, Queen of Scots, in France. — X. Mary, Queen of Scots, in Scotland. — XI. Mary, Queen of Scots, in England. — XII. Philip of Spain. — XIII. The Coming Armada. — X CONTENTS. XIV. Defeat of the Armada.— XV. Elizabeth at Tilbury.— XVI. Sea-heroes of England.— XVII. Sir Humphrey Gilbert.— XVIII. Frobisher.— XIX. Drake.— XX. Sir Walter Raleigh.— XXI. Essex.— XXII. End of Elizabeth.- XXIII. The Elizabethan Age.— XXIV. William Shakespeare. — XXV. Social Condition During the Tudor Period.— XXVI. The Homes of England .... Pages 376-446 THE STUART PERIOD. James I. : I. The New King.— II. The Gunpowder Plot.— HI. A Great Philosopher. — IV. The English Bible. — V. Beginning of the English Colonies. — VI. The Pilgrim Fathers. — VII, King James and the Parliament 447-468 Charles I. : I. Charles and Buckingham. — II. The Struggle Between Crown and Parliament. — III. Scotland Rises Against Charles. — IV. The Long Parliament.— V. The Earl of Strafford.— VI. The Civil War. — VII. John Hampden. — VIII. Marston Moor and Naseby. — IX. The End of King Charles 469^98 The Commonwealth: I. Cromwell and the Covenanters. — II. Worcester. — III. Cromwell as Protector. — IV. Robert Blake. — V. Ye Mariners of England 499-512 Charles II.: I. The Restoration. — 11. The Old Cavalier. — III. The New Rule.— IV. The Great Plague.— V. The Great Fire of London. —VI. A Time of Trouble.— VII. End of Charles II.— VIIL Progress of Science 513-534 James II.: L The Double Rebellion.— 11. The Seven Bishops.— III. The Song of the Western Men.— IV. The Revolution.- V. The Dec- laration of Rights. — VI. Social Condition Under the Stuarts. 535-556 William and Mary : I. William III. — II. Risings in Favor of James.— III. The War with France.— IV. The End of William. — V. The Seventeenth Century: Literature and Art. — VI. John Milton 557-575 Qneen Anne : I. The Good Queen Anne. — II. War of the Spanish Suc- cession. — III. Battle of Blenheim. — IV. The Battle of Blenheim. — V. The Duke of Marlborough.— VI. The Taking of Gibraltar. — VII. The Union Between England and Scotland. — VIII. Peace of Utrecht : Close of Anne's Reign. — IX. The Golden Age of Queen Anne. — X. Sir Isaac Newton. — XI. Parliament. — XII. Men of Eng- land 576-612 CONTENTS. XI THE HANOVERIAN PERIOD. George L: I. The New King.— II. The Insurrection of 1715.— III. The South Sea Bubble —IV. Sit- Robert Walpole. . . Pa^es 613-623 George II.: I. A Soldier King. — II. Anson's Voyage Round the World.— III. The Insurrection of 1745.— IV. The Hero of Quebec. —V. Lord Clive.— VI. Progress of the Nation .... 624-652 George III. : I. Beginning of a Long Reign. — II. Personal Rule of George III.— III. The Earl of Chatham.— IV. War of American Independence.— V. A Picture of Enghsh Life in 1788.— VI. The Interval of Peace.— VIL The French Revolution.— VIII. Battle of the Nile. — IX. The Union of Great Britain and Ireland. — X. The Battle of Hohenlinden.— XL Battle of Trafalgar.— XII. William Pitt, the Younger. — XIII. Charles James Fox. — XIV. The Penin- sular War.— XV. The Burial of Sir John Moore.— XVL Waterloo.— XVIL The Eve of Quatre Bras.— XVIII. End of the Great War.— XIX. After the Great War. — XX. Progress of the Nation During the Reign of George III.— XXI. Condition of the People. 653-721 George IV. : I. The Last of the Georges. — 11. Catholic Emanci- pation. — III. George Stephenson, the Founder of the Railway System 722-733 William IV. : I. A Sailor King.— II. The First Reform Bill.— III. The Abolition of Slavery 734-744 Queen Victoria: I. A Young Queen. — II. Wars in North-western India.— III. Repeal of the Corn Laws.— IV. Sir Robert Peel.— V. The Duke of Wellington.— VL The Crimean War.— VIL The Ind- ian Mutiny.— VIH. The Second Reform Bill —IX. Tiie Education Act 745-774 Dates of Leading Events 775-781 Pronunciation of Proper Names 782-784 LIST OF ILLUSTKATIONS. ^'ororiation of Victoria, KrordiKpiere A liriLot) ■'V/* '■^ Htori':[)C'ri'_' I'row of iloinati Galley ... 7 Latidirig of tho it^jmaus H iioadicc-a . ] .0 liiJKt of Ihft Kornari Krnperor Hadrian 18 A Hit of Kornan Pavornf.-nt 20 II<.'/j;^«;st ari'J Voriigern . 25 The iJaniHh Haven .... 42 Gold Kifi;.^of y^Jt^lelwuIf in the iJriti-ii MuBeurn . . . . 4'i KnglaruJ under tlie Great En{^- lihh Kings 57 Tail-piece 59 Kdgar on the River Dee . . G5 Canute's LeHHori to hi.-: Couit- iers 82 Seal of Kdward the Confessor 92 Tail-pie<,'e 94 Shrine of Kdward tlie Confe.sH- or 107 William'H Ship . . . . .121 Waltham Ahhey 12^ Norman Soldiers in Battle . .131 Tail-piece 142 Nonnarj Tower . J'o'jf^ 148 William KufuB . 151 'i'ail-piece ... .161 Dominion-; of the Piantagenet Kings 165 The Monkis Scourging the King 168 Crusaders 175 Richard Slaughtering the Sara- cens 180 King John 190 Si::ning the Magna Charta . . 195 Seal of Edward 1 207 Charing Cro.ss, London . . . 214 Castle of Rfjbert Bruce . . .217 Tail-piece 221 Ship of the Fourteenth Century 227 Charge of French Knights . .231 Shield of the Black Prince . . 236 Richard II 241 Chaucer 247 Henry IV 250 Tlie King at Agincourt . . . 259 Henry V 263 Joan of Arc in Battle . . . 273 Richard III 287 William Caxton 292 The First Printing-press . . 295 XIV LIST OF ILLUSTKATIONS. Henry VII Page 300 PerkiuWarbeck in the Pillory 311 Christopher Columbus . . .318 HeuryVIII 321 The News of Flodden Brought to Edinburgh 327 Tlie Greal Harry .... 330 Cardinal Wolsey 333 Anne Boleyn 340 The Bloody Tower .... 344 Edward VI 355 Belieading Block 365 Philip II. of Spain . . . .368 Mary 369 Elizabeth 379 Mary, Queen of Scots . . .396 Lochleven Ca.*S. 33 III.— EDWIX AND PAULIXUS. Of all the kings who reigned in England during this time none was more famous than Edwin, who ruled over the great kingdom of Xorthumbria. Before he became king, however, he had to under- go great trials. When he was a little child an ene- my seized his crown, and would have killed Edwin had not his friends fled with him to another land. He was away many years, wandering about hither and thither to escape from the foes who were seek- ing bis life. The story tells us that once, as he was sitting under a tree weary and sorrowful, he fell asleep, and had a curious dream. A stranger came to him and told him that his troubles were nearly over, and that he would soon get back to his kingdom. The visitor said, likewise, that he would ask some great thing of Edwin when the time came ; and laying his hand upon the sleeper's head he vanished from sight. Whatever we may think of this dream, sure enough Edwin's deadly enemy was shortly after- wards killed in battle. So he got back to his throne, and became a wise and just ruler. But up to this time he was still a heathen. And now we have to hear of a very Avonderful 3 34 STORIES FKOM ENGLISH HISTORY. thing. Edwin chose for his wife the daughter. of the good Bertha, of whom we read in the last lesson. Like her mother, this lady was a Christian ; and when she went to live in Edwin's land she took her own priests with her. One of these priests was called Paulinus; and as soon as King Edwin saw him he fancied he w^as the stranger who had spoken to him in the dream. Then King Edwin thought he understood what the great thing was that he would be expected to do — namely, to become a Christian. However, both Edwin and his people were very glad to do so, for they had long been getting weary of their false gods. Even the high-priest of the old faith rejoiced that he was done with it, and was the first man to throw his spear at the heathen image in the temple. The new faith quickly spread from Kent and Northumbria to other parts of England ; and be- fore long the people everywhere had quite forsaken their idols and become Christians. This soon made a great change throughout the land. Instead of fighting so much with each other, kings and nobles set themselves to build churches. Monasteries, too, arose all over the country. In these numbers of monks, or holy men, lived alone, and spent much of their time in God's service. They were also very kind to the poor in many ways, and w^ere always glad to give a night's shelter to pass- ing travellers. HOW THE ANGLO-SAXONS BECAME CHRISTIANS. 35 IV.— THE VENERABLE BEDE. 674-735. In those early times the art of printing was un- known. So there were very few books, and what few there were had all to be written with the pen. In fact, there were not many people in those days who had learning enough to write books, or even to read them if they had been written. And this was the case, not only among the poor, but also among the richest and noblest in the land. The only schools at that time were those in mon- asteries or in churches, and only the priests had any learning:. One of the most famous scholars of those days was the Venerable Bede, a learned and pious monk. It is from his writings that we get those stories which tell how the Saxons became Christians. Bede was born at Jarrow, on the river Tyne, about the year 674. A pretty little quiet spot Jarrow must have been when Bede was born ; but it is very different now. At the present time it is a busy, bustling town, and the noise of hammers is heard in it the livelong day. In its busy ship-yards great numbers of workmen are employed in building huge iron vessels, such as neither the Venerable Bede nor any of our forefathers ever dreamed of. When Bede was a boy the monastery at Jarrow 36 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. had not been built, so he was brought up at Monk- wearmouth, and was taught by the monks there. He was always a very studious boy, and loved to pore over his books, which were written in Latin. He was also very fond of music, and the singing of psalms was one of his chief dehghts. We may be sure that such a pupil as Bede w^as would be a great favorite with the monks; and when a new monastery was built at Jarrow, and he left them to go and live there, they would all be very sorry to part with him. Bede grew up to be a very learned man, and be- came a priest quite early. He might have risen much higher, but he did not wish it. He liked bet- ter to live a quiet and peaceful life, studying and writing. Bede was much beloved by his brother monks for his goodness; and when he lay on his death -bed many of them stood around shedding bitter tears. His name still lives among us, while that of many a great warrior of his day has long ago been forgotten. EGBERT. 37 EGBERT. 800-836. I.— EGBERT'S EARLY LIFE. Though the A nglo-Saxons had become Christians, they had not yet joined themselves together into one strong nation. They had improved greatly in many ways, but they did not for a long time see how much better it would be if they could all live peace- fully together under one ruler. The kingdoms which the Saxons first founded in England lasted more than two hundred years. There were several famous kings in different parts of the country during this time ; but even the best and wisest of them had not quite given up their old fierce habits. They were still too fond of fighting with each other to allow the country to become set- tled and peaceful. But we have now to hear of the famous Kino: Eo^- bert, who tried very hard to make the English into one nation. He was of the race of the great Cerdic, and was heir to the crown of Wessex. When he was a young man, however, he was kept out of his 38 STORIES FKOM ENGLISH HISTORY. rights by two other kings, who wanted to have the kingdom of Wessex for themselves. To save his life, Egbert had to go away from Eng- land for several years. He went to dwell in Ger- many with Charlemagne, king of the Franks. As Egbert sailed away from his native land, he perhaps scarcely dared to hope that he Avould ever return. Most likely he only wished to become a great sol- dier in the new land whither he was going. Charlemagne was perhaps the most powerful king in the whole world at that time. It was, therefore, a good thing for Egbert that he had to live for a few years with such a friend. During his stay with him he came to know other famous men of that day, and learned a great many things from them which were very useful to him afterwards. But while living so busy and pleasant a life with Charlemagne, we can well fancy that he often thought of his own kingdom at home, and wondered whether he should ever get back to it again. And no doubt, too, he resolved that if he got a chance he would rule wisely, and make the English a great people like the Franks. At length the news came to him that his most powerful enemy was dead. So, with a glad heart, he prepared to return to the home from which he had been so long absent. EGBEET. 39 II.— HOW EGBERT BECAME OVER-LORD OF ALL ENGLAND. When Egbert returned to his native land his peo- ple received him joyfully. It was the custom in those olden times when one king died for the Wise Men of the kingdom to hold a meeting to choose another. They nearly always fixed upon one of their own lawful princes, however, and this time they were only too glad to offer the crown to Eg- bert. So, after long years of waiting, Egbert mounted the throne of his fathers. IS'o greater king had ever ruled in Wessex, and very soon his name became famous all over England. He reigned thirty-six years, and during that time he brought the greater part of Britain under his rule. During the first few years the smaller kingdoms were joined to Wessex. The people were weary of fighting, and many of their own princes had been killed in battle. Besides, they longed for a time of peace, that they might be able to attend to their fields and to their flocks and herds. The\^ were also proud of Egbert, because he was descended from Cerdic, the famous warrior of old. So, with very little trouble, Egbert became master of all the south of England. But the larger kingdoms, in the middle and north 40 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. of the country, were not so willing to have Egbert as their sovereign. As time went by, however, they were defeated in battle, and overcome one by one. • But Egbert did not conquer them so completely as he had done the smaller kingdoms. So he still let them keep their own princes. He only became their over-lord, and these under kings were his men, and had to yield him due respect. He also made the Welsh, both of Wales and Cornwall, submit to him as their master. As we have seen, there were verj^ few books in those days ; so we cannot tell all the famous things that Egbert did. Bat there is no doubt that he was one of the wisest kings that ever reigned in Eng- land. In his time our forefathers really became the English people, and their country became. England. Egbert, therefore, was well deserving of the proud title which he sometimes gave himself — King of the English. Ill— EGBERT AND THE DANISH SEA-ROVERS. It was well that the English were fast learning to be one people, for a new and terrible danger was threatening the country. Just about this time, bands of daring sea-rovers began to land on the shores of EnHand. They were Danes who crossed EGBERT. 41 the sea from Denmark and Norway in their war- ships in search of plunder. They were also called Norsemen, or Northmen, because they came from the north. Another name by which they were well knoAvn was that of Vi- kings. They were of the same race as the English, and their speech was nearly the same. But they were heathens still, and kept to the old gods we have heard about before. They hated the English, because they had become Christians ; and whenever they got a chance they, burned the churches and monasteries, and killed the monks. At first the Danes only came in small parties, and with few ships ; and when they had got as much plunder as they could, they sailed away again to some other place. But afterwards, as we shall see, great numbers of them landed in England, and could not be driven out again. A band of these wild rovers landed on the south coast of England in Egbert's time. The English Avho lived near fought with them, but were beaten ; for the Northmen Avere fierce and strong warriors, who loved battle quite as much as the Saxons did in Hengest's time. Towards the end of Egbert's reign another strong body of Danes made their appearance in his king- dom. The Welsh of Cornwall joined the new-com- ers, doubtless hoping, with their help, to get back some of the land which had once been their own. 42 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. =^pM THE DANISH " RAVEN, King Egbert marched with his army to meet them, and a great battle was fought at a place called Hen- gest's-down. The English this time won the victory, but not EGBEKT. 43 without a hard struggle. Indeed, famous warrior as Egbert was, he had never in all his battles been more stoutly met than by those hardy Norsemen. Could he have known what suffering these fierce people would bring upon his country after his death, it must have made his last days very sad. The very next year this great king died. He was followed on the throne of AYessex first by his son Ethel wulf, and afterwards by his four grandsons. GOLD RING OF iETHELWULF IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM. 44 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. ALFRED THE GREAT. 871-901. I.— ALFRED'S BOYHOOD. There is no more famous name in all English his- tory than that of Alfred the Great. He was the fourth grandson of Egbert ; and we shall see, as we go on, that like his grandfather he did a great work for his country. He was born at Wantage in Berkshire, in the year 849. Though the youngest of four brothers, he seemed to have been his father's favorite. When only four years old he was sent to Rome to receive the pope's blessing. His father shortly afterwards made the journey himself, and brought his little son back with him. Alfred was too youthful a traveller to take much notice of the fine places he saw, or the noble per- sons who patted him on the head and spoke to him. But there was something noble-looking in his coun- tenance, and we may be sure that the people of the southern lands through which he passed were struck with the handsome looks of the young English prince. KING ALFRED. 45 • As we have seen, even the richest and noblest in the land had seldom any learning in those times. Indeed, the youths of that day thought more of hunting and other sports than they did of study. But Alfred, though he did not neglect these man- ly pastimes, was fond of books and music. A story is told about him and his brothers which proves this. One day their mother showed them a book of old English songs. It was full of rich pictures and beautifully painted letters, perhaps the work of some clever monk. She promised to give the book to the one who could first learn all there was in it. The elder brothers seem to have thought the task too hard. Most likely they loved better to hunt the stag in the neighboring forest than to pore over a book. But Alfred set to work, and soon mastered all the contents, and received the precious volume as his re- ward. Whether this story be true in aU respects or not, it is certain that Alfred afterwards became one of the best scholars of his day. He w^as also a skilful player upon the harp, and loved to sing the warlike songs of his native land. As we shall see, his fondness for music was very useful to him at a later time. 46 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. II.— ALFRED BECOMES KING. 871. Alfred's three elder brothers all reigned before him, but they died quite young. So Alfred was chosen king at the age of twenty-two. The coun- try had never stood more in need of a brave and wise ruler than it did when Alfred mounted the throne. Ever since the time of Egbert, there had been ter- rible fighting with the Danes. At first, as we have seen, these roving sea-kings only came in small bands to get plunder. But when their countrymen across the ocean learned how much better a land England was to live in than their own, they came in greater numbers than ever. So at the very time when Alfred got to be king, the ]^orthmen were striving with all their might to become masters of England. They had overrun a great part of the north and east, burning all the churches on their march, and robbing them of their treasures. Wessex was the only kingdom which they had not yet overcome, and now they were gathering around it on all sides, like wolves to the feast. During the first few years of his reign, Alfred did all he could to keep the Danes out of his land. KING ALFRED. 47 Once he had a sea-fight with a band of them. But he had very few ships at this time, so he coukl not do much in that way. In the early part of his reign, too, many of Al- fred's people seem to have lost heart. Doubtless they were weary of so much fighting. Perhaps, also, they did not yet understand how brave and good their young king really was. But the greatest misfortune was yet to come. A very large army of Danes, under a great chief named Guthrum, marched suddenly through the woods right into the middle of iilfred's kingdom. Alfred could not at once raise an army to meet them. Indeed, his subjects were so afraid that many of them fled out of the land altogether. Alfred himself was now obliged to leave his home for a time, and hide himself from the Danes. So taking his wife and children, and a few trusty fol- lowers, he went to a lonely island in Somersetshire, called Athelney. All round it were woods and marshes, and the paths through them were known onlv to Alfred and his friends. in.— ALFRED IX HIDING. Alfred remained in his hiding-place for several months. Part of that time, we are told, he spent in the hut of a swine-herd. The man knew he was the 48 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. king, but he did not tell his wife. As Alfred was dressed like a peasant, she did not guess the se- cret. One day, when her husband was out in the woods, the woman was busy baking cakes on the hearth. Some other duty called her away for a time, so she told Alfred to watch the cakes, and see that they did not get overdone. The king readily promised to do so. But, either he was so busy with his bow and arrows, or he was thinking so much of the unhappy state of his coun- try, that he quite forgot both woman and cakes. When the housewife returned, therefore, she found her cakes burned to cinders. This made her so an- gry that she gave the king a good scolding. She told him that, though he had been unAvilling to mind them, he would have been ready enough to eat them. We may be very sure that the good-natured king- would not blame the woman for getting so vexed. Another time, when Alfred was in his own house, a poor man came to the gate and asked for food. The king inquired of his servant what there was in the house. The servant replied, "Only one loaf, and a httle Avine, my lord." Then Alfred said, " Give half the loaf and half the wine to the poor pilgrim." These are pleasant little stories, and serve to show us what kind of a man Alfred was. Still, it was a sad change for a king that he should have to wan- der about the woods, or sit in rude huts, when he KING ALFRED. 49 would much rather have been doing something for his country. But Alfred never quite lost heart, and at length a messenger brought him good news. Some of his peo- ple had won a great victory over a band of North- men in Devonshire. The Danish chief had been killed, and the famous raven banner taken. The Danes were doubtless more sorry for the loss of their banner than for the death of their leader. They had always thought that they could tell by the way the raven held his wings whether they were going to win or not. I v.— PREPARING FOR BATTLE. The news of this victory over the Danes greatly cheered the hearts of Alfred's httle band. The king now sent out messengers among his people to tell them where to join him. It was joyful news to them to hear that their king was still alive and well. Many of them had thought him dead, as they had not seen him for so long. When they heard that he was waiting to lead them once more against the enemy, they quickly flocked to his side. From every corner of his land came little bands of men eager for the battle. The Danish host was encamped on a hill several 4 50 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. miles away. So, as soon as Alfred was ready, he left his hiding-place and set out to meet his great enemy Guthrum. In order to reach the Danish camp, Alfred and his men had to march through a thick forest. It was the spring-time of the year, so the Avoods were alive with the singing of birds, and the air was filled with the smell of spring flowers. This was a pleas- ant change for Alfred and his followers, after their weary months of hiding. Being hidden by the trees, they were able to get quite close to the Danes without being seen. But Alfred did not attack them at once. Before doing so, he resolved to go among them in disguise, to see if they were ready for battle. So putting on a Danish cloak, and taking his harp with him, he walked boldly all alone up to their camp. Thinking he was one of their own people, the Danish soldiers let him enter, for they were very willing to be amused. They also treated him very kindly, giving him food and money. And he played to them upon his harp, and sang the songs they liked to hear. They were so much pleased with their strange guest, indeed, that they brought him into the large tent where King Guthrum and all his chiefs were sitting. Alfred flattered them greatly, too, by sing- ing famous songs about their old heroes. So they laughed, and chatted, and feasted, and made merry, KING ALFRED. 51 and said they had never heard so clever a harper before. Alfred stayed among the Danes till he found out all he wanted to know. He then slipped quietly away out of the camp, and joined his own compan- ions in the forest. We may be sure that the}^ were all glad to see him back in safety after so bold a deed. v.— ALFRED'S TRIUMPH OVER THE DANES AT EDDIXGTON. 878. Early the next morning Alfred got his men ready for battle. His harper's dress was now laid aside, and he appeared before his soldiers as their own true king. We can fancy him going from rank to rank, speaking cheering words to all, and telling them to fight manfully, and they would be sure to win the day. J^ever expecting an attack, the Danes had grown quite careless. Numbers of them had left their camp on the top of the hill, and were strolling about the plain. Some of them, doubtless, were playing their rough soldiers' games, such as running, wrest- ling, and pitching the bar. Others were talking of the strange harper, and wondering what had become of him. 52 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. It wa« at this n\oment that Alfred and his nieu rushed out upon them. Though taken by surprise ill this way, the Danish warrioi-s fought very brave- ly for a long time. But the men of Wessex, with their king at their head, fought with the courage of lions. They knew that now or never was their chance of victory, and they laid about them right and left with a might which their foes could not resist. So at last the Danes were forced to run and seek shelter in their camp. Alfred's followers chased them up the liill, and killed great numbei's of them. Those Danes who escaped were now shut up in their camp, and among them was their king, Guth- rum. They could not get out, as Alfred's army was all round them. Guthrum would not yield at first. But when he found that no more Danes came to his help, and that food was running short, he was forced to submit. Alfred was not hai\i on the conquered Danes. He told them they might stay in the east and north of England if the}^ would lead honest, peaceable lives. Guthrum was glad to be let off so easily. So he and many of his people became Christians, and dwelt quietly in the lands which Alfred had given to them. Alfred had no more trouble with the Danes for a loner time. Some vears later, indeed, fresh bands came over the sea and landed in his kingdom. But he then had plenty of ships and soldiers, and easily drove them away again. KI^G ALVHhU. 53 VI.— ALFREDS WISE RULE. Though SO great a leader, fighting battles was not what Alfred loved best. The freeing of his country from the JJanes had, indeed, been a great work ; but a still nobler task than this was left for him to do. lie was grieved to think how much his country had suffered during the late cruel wars. Towns and villages had been destroyed, and the people who dwelt in them either killed or driven away. Many of the churches, where the monks used to spend their quiet lives, had been burned down. The fields, too, in several places, were lying untilled ; and alto- gether the country was in a wretched state. But, as we know, Alfred was not a king to lose heart readily. So he resolved to give up his time and strength to mend all these things. As he had Ixjfore set his heart on delivering his people from the Danes, so he was now bent on improving them in every way, and making their lives peaceful and happy once more. But Alfred knew that this could never be, as long as the fierce Danes kept coming into the land. So, first of all, he set about making his country strong enough to resist these terrible foes. He made forts and castles, wherever he thought they would be most useful. He also trained his 54 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. soldiers to be more skilful in war. Above all, he built a number of ships, so that he could fight the Danes on the sea, and not let them land to plunder the country. After doing all these things, Alfred undertook another useful task. During the long wars with the Danes the laws had not been properly kept. Many of the people had been driven from their homes, and now lived in the woods as robbers. Alfred therefore drew up a set of all the best laws for his subjects to keep. To these he himself added the golden rule : " Do unto others w^hat you would have others do unto you." He also appoint- ed judges to go from place to place and see that the laws were rightly carried out. The people were very willing to give up their bad habits and obey the law^s. They w^ere glad to get back again to their old ways, and to be able once more to till their fields, or tend their sheep and cattle. So after a few years the country began to pros- per under the wise rule of its great king. The peo- ple were busy and cheerful, and obedient to the laws. So orderly, indeed, did they become, that it was a common saying that if golden bracelets were hung up by the wayside, no one would think of taking them. KING ALFRED. 55 VII.— ALFRED'S PIETY AND LEARNING. Alfred not only wished to have his country safe against enemies, he tried also to make his people better and wiser. He had himself, as we have seen, received the pope's blessing when still a child. As he grew up he strove to make himself worthy of it by living a good and useful life. In this way he set a bright example to all his subjects. He was sorry for the wants of the poor, to whom he gave away much money. He likewise helped the church greatly by many rich gifts. He als»o built 'tAvo splendid new monasteries. One of these was not far from his old hiding-place at Athelney. l^o doubt he intended it as a thank-offering for his triumph over his foes. Nothing pleased Alfred more than to hear of the spread of the Christian faith. We have seen how he let all those Danes who were willing to give up their old gods remain in England. In later years, he sent letters and gifts to the Christians in foreign lands, some of them even as far as India. Alfred was also much grieved at the want of learning among his people. He therefore built schools, and asked learned men from other countries to come over and teach in them. He had one near his own palace, where the sons of the nobles were instructed, and in this he himself sometimes taught. 56 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. But Alfred knew very well that his people could not learn without books ; and what few there Avere, as we have seen, were written in Latin. Though he had so many other things to do, therefore, he nobly set to work himself, and turned many of the old Latin books into English, so that every one could read them easily. In order that he might have time for all these good works, Alfred never spent an idle hour. He set himself a task for every part of the day ; and as there were no clocks then, he used to mark Lis time by the burning of candles. He had a disease, which very often gave him much pain, but still he went bravely on, working for his people. His useful life came to a close at the early age of fifty-two. Though it is now nearly a thousand years since he died, every Englishman to this day loves the name of Alfred the Great. VIII.— ALFRED'S SON AND GRANDSON. 901-940. So far we have heard nothing of Alfred's family ; and the story of this great king would not be com- plete without an account of his son and grandson, who both reigned after him. The name of Alfred's son, who foUow^ed him on i The Celtic Peoples: Scotland. Cumberlmid (now put under the Scottish kings). Wales (North and South). The English : E. 1. Essex. E. 2. Marchland. E. 3. Wessex. E. 4. Sussex. E. 5. Kent. The Danish Settlements: D. 1. Northumberland. D. 2. jP/ie Five Boroughs and Lm- D. 3. ^asi England. The Lothians, where the Danes did not hold rule, was put at last under the Scottish kings. The Northmen's Settlements : N. 1. The Orkney Earldom and the Kingdom of Man. N. 2. Northmen's Irish Kingdom. N. 3. Normandy. 58 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. the throne, was Edward. He is generally called Edward the Elder^ because later on, as we shall see, there were tAVO more kings of the same name. While still only a prince, Edward had learned much from his father's noble example, though he was not so famous a scholar as he was a warrior. When the Wise Men chose him to be king, therefore, they knew he would continue Alfred's great work, by trying to make England settled and peaceful. The Danes of the north and east gave much trouble in his reign by trying to set up a kingdom of their own. But, like his father, Edward proved more than a match for them all. In the end he overcame them everywhere, and ruled over the whole country. He was the first king who was able to style himself king of England. After Edward came the great Athelstan, his son, in 925. When only a little boy, he had been great- ly beloved by his grandfather Alfred, w^ho used to dandle him on his knee, and say that some day he would be a great king. He also gave him a purple coat, as well as a tiny sword, to make him look like a little soldier. His grandfather's words came true, as his ene- mies found to their cost. Towards the end of his reign, the Danes of the north, with the Scots and Welsh, all joined their forces together against him. But in a great battle at Brunanburgh, somewhere in the north, Athelstan gave them so terrible a KING ALFKED. 59 beating that they remained quiet for many a year after. The writfer who tells the story, of this famous victory does it in the form of a song. He tells how the fight lasted from sunrise to sunset ; how the field streamed with warriors' blood ; and how at evening the black raven, the white eagle, the greedy war-hawk, and the wolf of the forest col- lected to feast on the dead. Before he died, therefore, in 940, Athelstan was lord of all Britain. He ruled over Danes, Scots, and Welsh, as well as his own people. Thus, though Alfred had now lain in his quiet grave at Win- chester for nearly forty years, his work was at length completed by his son and grandson. 00 STOKIES FROM ENGLISH HISTOKY. DUNSTAN AND HIS TIMES. I.— HOW DUNSTAN BECAME A MONK. .For about fifty years after the time of Athelstan the country was peaceful. The Danes who had settled in the land gave very little trouble during this time. In fact, as years went by, they and the English grew more and more into one nation. The most famous man in England during those fifty years was a priest named Dunstan. We have already heard of the Venerable Bede, and the quiet life he led, studying and writing in his monastery. But Dunstan was a different sort of monk altogeth- er. He wished to see the church great and pow^er- ful, and tried with all his might to make it so. He was the friend and companion of kings, and was a w^ell- known man, both in England and foreign countries. Dunstan was born at Glastonbury, and was taught in the monastery there. He was very fond of music and poetry, and Avas so clever that the fame of his learning soon spread through the country. King Athelstan heard of it, and sent for him to DDNSTAN AND HIS TIMES. 61 his court. Dunstan went, but he did not stay there long. For Athelstan was so charmed with the young man that the other courtiers became very jealous of him. One day, as they were all riding in the king's train, they got Dunstan to stay some distance be- hind. They then threw him from his horse, bound him hand and foot, trampled upon him, and left him for dead in a marsh. Dunstan was not dead, however; but he had a severe illness after, and no wonder ! When he got better he made up his mind to become a monk. Great tales are told of his piety and labors, and how he strove to make the other monks lead better lives. ■ He never wasted any time, and was thus able to learn many things. He was even able to shoe horses ; for the monks of those days were trained to turn their hands to ,many sorts of work. The things he liked best to do, however, were playing the harp, painting, read- ing, and teaching. After Athelstan died, Dunstan went to court again, where he became a very great man. He was now the chief adviser of the kings of England ; and, as we shall see, he helped them to rule the country very wisely. 62 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. II.— EDMUND, THE DOER OF GREAT DEEDS. 940-946. Edmund was the brother of the great Athelstan. When still a youth of fifteen he had taken a brave part in the famous battle of Brunanburgh, and won for himself much glory. It was chiefly from his share in this great victory that he received the title of the " Doer of great Deeds." After he became king, Edmund had more brave deeds to perform. As he was only eighteen years old when he mounted the throne his enemies thought they might prevail against him, so the Danes of the north again set up a king of their own. But after a good deal of fighting young King Edmund made them all submit to him. Edmund was a great friend to Dunstan. He thought him much too clever to be only a common monk, so he made him Abbot of Glastonbury. Dunstan thus became the head of all the other monks in that monastery. In a few years the new abbot brought about many changes. He had a splendid new church built for his monastery. He also saw that the monks attended strictly to their duties and lived pious lives. He himself set them a good example in all w^ays; for, as we have seen, he was very dili- gent in everything he undertook to do. DUNSTAN AND HIS TIMES. 63 Edmund reigned only six years. He met his death in a very sad way. At that time many robbers in- fested the woods, robbing and sometimes killing peaceful travellers. When Edmund first became king he resolved to clear the country of so great a pest. There was a noted robber chief called Leolf, who had given much trouble. At length he was caught, however, and brought before Edmund. The king, for some reason or other, did not put him to death, but banished him from the kingdom for six years. At the end of that time Edmund w^as holding a great feast at one of his castles. He had doubtless forgotten all about the noted robber. While the feast was going on, what was the king's surprise to see Leolf march boldly up the hall and take a seat near himself. Edmund told his cup-bearer to seize the outlaw, and take him away, but instead of going Leolf tried to kill the cup-bearer. The king then became angry, and sprang upon the robber himself. He caught him by the hair and threw him to the ground. But Leolf had a dagger under his cloak, and with this he stabbed the king from beneatli. The wretch was speedily cut to pieces by the guests, but it was too late to save the king's life. 64 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. III.— EDGAR THE PEACEFUL. 959-975. Another famous king of this time was Edgar. It is pleasant to find that during his reign there was none of that dreadful fighting with the Danes of which we have heard so much. It was on this account that Edgar was called the " Peaceful." Although he had few wars Edgar did not lead an idle life. He was continually making journeys about the country to see that the laws were prop- erly kept, and he was very severe upon all who did wrong. Like Alfred the Great, Edgar was proud of hav- ing many ships. He always had fleets sailing round the coast to keep away any fresh bands of Danes that miofht wish to land. He sometimes went on a voyage himself, which doubtless gave much pleas- ure to his sailors. His merchant-ships, also, carried on a great trade with other countries. But though he was called the " Peaceful," Edgar could be very stern to his foes. The Welsh refused to pay him the tribute of silver, oxen, and other things which the great Athelstan had fixed upon them. • So Edgar marched into their country with an army, and soon forced all their princes to submit to DUNSTAN AND HIS TIMES. 65 him. After the war was over he made them pay a very strange tax. They had to bring him three hun- dred wolves' heads every year. In this way he tried to clear the country of wolves. Edgar was overlord not only of the Welsh but also of the Scottish princes. Once, when he paid a visit to Chester, he was rowed in his barge upon the EDGAR ON THE RIVER DEE. river Dee by no less than eight of these underkings. They took the oars, while he sat at the helm. Edgar was not a tall, strong warrior, but he had great courage. One day the underkings Avere sit- ting at a feast together when Edgar was not there. So Kenneth, King of Scots, said, in jest, to the oth- 66 STOKIES FROM ENGLISH HISTOEY. ers : " We are all bigger and stronger men than this Edgar, and yet he is lord over us." This speech came to the ears of Edgar, and he asked Kenneth to take a walk with him. So they two went forth alone into the forest. As soon as they had reached a quiet spot Edgar took two swords from under his cloak. He offered one to Kenneth, saying, " Thou thinkest thou art fitter to rule than I ; let us fight it out here and see which is the better man." Kenneth, however, refused the combat, and fell at Edgar's feet, and begged his par- don for the jest. In this reign Dunstan became Archbishop of Can- terbury. He was Edgar's great friend and adviser, and no doubt the king was much helped by him in the work of ruling the nation. It showed good sense on the part of this young king that he took the advice of one who was older and wiser than him- self. IV.— EDWARD THE MARTYR. 975-978. When Edgar died he left two sons, called Edward and Ethelred. Edward was thirteen years old, and Ethelred seven. Edward's mother was dead, but Ethelred's was still living. Her name was Elfrida. Edward, being the older, was chosen king by the DUNSTAN AND HIS TIMES. 67 Wise Men. This greatly displeased his step-mother Elfrida, who wanted her own son Ethelred to be king. Edward was a worthy youth, and had he lived long enough would, Avith Dunstan's help, have ruled his kingdom Avell. But the anger in his step-moth- ers heart grew stronger, and led her to take away the young king's life. One day Edward Avas hunting near Corfe Castle in Dorsetshire, Avhere his step-mother lived Avith her own boy Ethelred. Edward knew nothing of her evil thoughts toAvards himself, so being hot and thirsty he rode up to the castle gate to ask for a drink. Elfrida came forth to meet him Avith a smiling face, and made him Avelcome with a kiss. A cup of wine was then brought to him ; but while he was eagerly draining it one of the servants, by the com- mand of his mistress, stabbed the poor young king in the back. As soon as he felt the wound Edward set spurs to his horse and galloped off. He soon dropped from the saddle, however ; and his foot getting fast in the stirrup, he AA^as dragged along till he died. When little Ethelred heard of his brother's sad fate he cried bitterly, for Edward had always been fond of him and treated him kindly. His tears so enraged his mother that she gaA^e him a severe beating. 68 STOKIES FROM ENGLISH HISTOKY. The wicked Elfrida now got her wish, and her own son Ethelred was made king. But she never had a happy moment afterwards ; and at length she became a nun, and spent the rest of her life in fast- ings and prayers that she might be forgiven for her black deed. On the other hand, people looked upon the dead Edward as a saint and martyr, and for many years after crowds of pilgrims came to pray at his tomb. It would have been far better if Edward had lived and his brother had died instead ; for, as we shall see, Ethelred grew up to be a very bad king, and brought terrible distress upon his country. But he was too young at first to do much harm. Besides, Archbishop Dunstan was still living and kept things right for a time. But ten years later this remarkable man died. He had seen eight kings on the throne, and had lived through the entire reigns of six of them. Altogether, Dunstan was the most famous Englishman of that time. THE DANISH CONQUEST. 69 THE DANISH CONQUEST. 978-1016. I — ETHELRED THE UNREADY. As Ethelred grew to manhood he showed him- self to be the worst king the English ever had in those olden days, and, unluckily, his reign was long- er than any other of that time. He was weak and foolish, and we do not read of one brave thing that he did. As he never acted boldly, or knew what to do in face of danger, people gave him the name of '' Unready." Just at this time, too, the country stood greatly in need of a brave and wise ruler. As early as the year 980 the Danes from over the sea began to make their unwelcome appearance again. Scarcely a year passed after this that they did not land on some part of the coast, burning and plundering. Instead of meeting them boldly, as Alfred or Ed- gar would have done, Ethelred tried to bribe them to leave the country by giving them large sums of money. This was both cowardly and foolish; for, after taking the money, many of the Danes still refused to go away, and those who did leave 70 8T0RIES FliOM ENGLISH HISTOKY. soon returned with troops of their kinsfolk to get more. In order to find means to pay the greedy I^orth- men Ethelred was forced to lay a hateful tax upon his people, called Dane- geld. Thus the poor Eng- lish had not only to see their fields robbed and their homes burned, but they had to give up their hard-earned money to their foes. In the year 994, Sweyn, King of Denmark, who was also styled Forkheard^ came himself with an army. He stayed for several years, marching about just where he liked, and doing pretty much as he wished in all the southern parts of England. The English were willing enough to fight, but their king was never ready to lead them to battle; so, during all these years, the land was in a state of great misery and confusion. At length, in the year 1002, more money was raised and given to the Danish king to go away. Many of his followers, however, still remained be- hind. Then Ethelred was guilty of a cruel and mad act. He gave orders that all these Danes were to be put to death on St. Brice's Day. Many of the English obeyed him only too well, and a large number of the hated Danes were killed in cold blood. Among those who suffered death was Sweyn's sister, who was a Christian, and lived in England. Before she died she foretold that her brother would THE DANISH CONQUEST.