When Alfred rebuilt the city of Winchester, after it had been burned by
the Danes, he erected a royal palace, which became a favourite retreat
of his successors.
Here the unhappy Edwy retired after his defeat, to find consolation in
the company of Elgiva. Indeed he needed it. Northumbria had followed the
example of Mercia, and acknowledged Edgar, and he had no dominions left
north of the Thames, while it was rumoured that worse news might follow.
In an inner chamber of the palace, and remote from intrusion, sat the
king and his chosen advisers. It was early in the year 958, a spring day
when the sun shone brightly and all things spoke of the coming summer--
the songs of the birds, the opening buds, the blossoming orchards.
But peace was banished from those who sat in that council chamber. Edwy
was strangely disturbed, his face was flushed, and he bore evidence of
the most violent agitation.
"It must come to that at last, my king," exclaimed Cynewulf, "or Wessex
will follow the example of Mercia."
"Better lose my crown then and become a subject, with a subject's
liberty to love."
"A subject could never marry within the prohibited degree," said a
grey-headed counsellor.
"We have messengers from all parts of Wessex, from Kent, from Essex,
from Sussex, and they all unite in their demand that you should submit
to the Church, and put away (forgive me for repeating their words) your
concubine.
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