CHAPTER III.

THE DANES IN ENGLAND:--The Saxons come to the assistance of the Britons--Seize on Britain--Formation of the Kingdom of England--The first inroad of the Danes--Death of Ethelred, and accession of Alfred the Great to the throne of England--Alfred in the swineherd's cottage--Visits the Danish camp--Drives the Danes from England--Sweyn, King of Denmark, invades England--Is bribed to retire--Massacre of St. Brice--Sweyn again invades England--His sudden death--Canute succeeds him--Treachery and punishment of Edric Streone--Canute's marriage--Death of Canute--Accession of Harold Harefoot--His death--Accession of Hardicanute--His death