was for me that the
king went on quickly; "So I give you the lands that were Matelgar's, and
your own lands again; and my men, and at my cost, shall build your halls
afresh that the Danes have burnt. And whatever rights were Matelgar's or
your father's shall be confirmed to you and yours for ever. Yet these
things are but justice, and no reward."

So he paused a little, and I found courage to speak.

"My Lord the King, I need no more than you have given, for love and
honour and lands have come back to me, and withal friendship of these
three here, and of Ealhstan the Bishop, and of the noble ealdormen;
while but for what has befallen I might have been still a careless
thane, living at ease and for naught; but now, having heard Your good
words, it is enough, and reward fit for any man."

And this I meant from my heart, for no more could I see that any man
should need than this: honour of his fellows and of the king, and love
and lands, and friends. Surely is a man rich in these things.

Yet must Alfred the Atheling add a word.

"Call me your friend also, Heregar, if you will, for fain would I be
so," and he held out his strong white hand to take mine.

And it is good to think that, as it were, the grasp of his has never
slackened from that day to this, but that he is my friend still.

Then Ceorle must say likewise, and last of all the king said; "Friend to
all my people would I be, and to none more than to those who have risked
life for the land. Therefore, to you and yours am I friend always, so
that you shall ever think of me as friend first and king after. Nor is
it to everyone that I dare say that, Heregar, my friend."

And he took my hand also, as the atheling and Ceorle had taken it.

So was I fain to weep for very joy at all this that had come to me, and
must turn away for a little lest it should be seen.

Then the king spoke cheerfully, as on business.

"Now, Heregar, I have work for you to do in your home; for I would have
no man idle. Here is Watchet town burnt up, and no man left--for its
lord is slain--to see that it is built aright, and that each man, or
family, has his own again. Now, you knew that place well, nor is it very
far from you. Therefore shall you see to all that, and you shall have
writings from me to back you. But men must know that you yourself have
power there, and, therefore, I make you lord of all Quantock side, from
Watchet stream to Parret, and from the borders of your own land