followed hotly at their heels, giving
the quarry neither rest nor peace. They struck many a mighty blow with
the sword, on the heads, the necks, and bodies of their adversaries.
The chase endured from Lincoln town to the wood of Cehdon. The Saxons
took refuge within the thick forest, and drew together the remnants of
their power. For their part, the Britons watched the wood, and held
it very strictly. Now Arthur feared lest the Saxons should steal
from their coverts by night, and escape from his hand. He commanded,
therefore, his meinie to cut down the trees on the skirts of the
forest. These trunks he placed one upon another, lacing the branches
fast together, and enclosing his foe. Then he sat down on the further
side of his barrier, so that none might issue forth, nor enter in.
Those within the wood were altogether dismayed, since they might
neither eat nor drink. There was no man so cunning or strong, so rich
or valiant, who could devise to carry bread and wine, flesh and flour,
for their sustenance. Three days they endured without food, till Thur
bodies were weak with hunger. Since they would not die of famine, and
might not win forth from the wood by arms, they took counsel as to
what it were well to do. They approached Arthur, praying him to keep
raiment and harness and all that they had, saving only their ships,
and let them depart to their own land. They promised to put hostages
in his power, and render a yearly tribute of their wealth, so only the
king allowed them to go on foot to the shore, and enter naked in the
ships. Arthur set faith in their word. He gave them leave to depart,
receiving hostages for assurance of their covenant. He rendered them
the ships, but kept their armour as a spoil, so that they left the
realm without a mantle to their bodies, or a sword for their defence.
The Saxons set out across the water, until their sails were lost to
sight. I know not what was their hope, nor the name of him who put it
in their mind, but they turned their boats, and passed through the
channel between England and Normandy. With sail and oar they came to
the land of Devon, casting anchor in the haven of Totnes. The heathen
breathed out threatenings and slaughter against the folk of the
country. They poured forth from their ships, and scattered themselves
abroad amongst the people, searching out arms and raiment, firing
homesteads and slaying Christian men. They passed to and fro about the
country, carrying off a