1036

This year came hither Alfred the innocent etheling, son of King Ethelred, and wished to visit his mother, who abode at Winchester: but Earl Godwin, and other men who had much power in this land, did not suffer it; because such conduct was very agreeable to Harold, though it was unjust. <poem>

Him did Godwin let,

and in prison set.

His friends, who did not fly,

they slew promiscuously.

And those they did not sell,

like slaughter'd cattle fell!

Whilst some they spared to bind,

only to wander blind!

Some ham-strung, helpless stood,

whilst others they pursued.

A deed more dreary none

in this our land was done,

since Englishmen gave place

to hordes of Danish race.

But repose we must

in God our trust,

that blithe as day

with Christ live they,

who guiltless died--

their country's pride!

The prince with courage met

each cruel evil yet;

till 'twas decreed,

they should him lead,

all bound, as he was then,

to Ely-bury fen.

But soon their royal prize

bereft they of his eyes!

Then to the monks they brought

their captive; where he sought

a refuge from his foes

till life's sad evening close.

His body ordered then

these good and holy men,

according to his worth,

low in the sacred earth,

to the steeple full-nigh,

in the south aisle to lie

of the transept west:--

his soul with Christ doth rest.</poem>

(Ingram, p.121-122)