rek words from the book of Wisdom that we know. I think
you can remember it well."

"I have not rhymed it," the king answered; "but sometimes the song
shapes itself when it is needed."

He took Guerir's little harp and tuned it afresh and sang. And in
the words were more wisdom than in the Havamal or in the song of
the bards, so that I wondered; and Harek was silent, looking out to
the sunset with wide eyes.

Not long did the king sing, as it seemed to us; and when he ceased,
Harek made no sign.

"Sing now, my cousin, words that are wiser than those; even sing
from the songs of David the king."

So said Neot; and Alfred sang again very wondrously, and as with
some strange awe of the words he said. Then to me it seemed that
beside these the words of Odin were as nought. They became as words
of the wisdom of daily life, wrung from the lips of men forced to
learn by hardness and defeat and loss; and then the words that
Alfred had first sung were as those of one who knew more than Odin,
and yet spoke of daily troubles and the wisdom that grows thereout.
But now the things that he sang must needs have come from wisdom
beyond that of men--wisdom beyond thought of mine. And if so it
seemed to me, I know not how the heart of the scald, who was more
thoughtful and knew more than I, was stirred.

He rose up when Alfred ceased, and walked away down the hillside
slowly, as in a dream, not looking at us; and the kindly Saxons
smiled gently, and said nothing to rouse him.

It is in my mind that Harek's eyes were wet, for he had lost
somewhat--his belief in things he held dearest and first of
all--and had as yet found nothing that should take its place. There
is nought harder than that to a man.

When he had passed out of hearing, I said:

"Are there wiser things yet that you may sing?"

"Ay, and that you may learn, my son," answered Neot. "Listen."

Then he spoke words from Holy Writ that I know now--the words that
speak of where wisdom may be found. And he said thereafter, and
truly, that it was not all.

Then I seemed to fear greatly.

"Not now, my king, not now," I said; "it is enough."

Then those two spoke to me out of their kind hearts. Yet to me the
old gods were very dear, and I clung to them. Neither Neot nor the
king said aught against them, being very wise, at that time.

Presently Harek came back, and his eyes were shining.

"Tell me more of this learning," he said, casting himself down on
the grass