A.D. 1002. EGELRED MAKES ΓΕΑ CE WITH THE DANES. 83 principal men, collected together both a fleet and a land force. But, in the end, neither the land nor the naval foree effected anything for the publie good, beyond harassing the people, wasting money, and arousing the vengeance of the enemy. In the year 1000, the above-mentioned fleet of the Danes invaded Normandy. Egelred, king of the English, laid waste the lands of the Cumbrians. He gave orders to his fleet, that, sailing round the north of Britain, it should meet him at a place named; but, being prevented by the violence of the winds, it was unable to do so. However, it laid waste the island which is called Monege.17 In the year 1001, the above-mentioned army of the pagans, returning from Normandy into England, entered the mouth of the river Exe, and shortly after commenced the siege of the city of Exancester; but, while attempting to destroy the walls, they were repulsed by the citizens, who manfully defended the city. Upon this, being greatly incensed, after their usual manner, they wandered through Devonshire, burning towns, ravaging the fields, and slaughtering the people ; and, in consequence, the men of Devonshire and Somerset uniting together, gave them battle at a place which is called Penhou.18 But the English, by reason of the small number of their soldiers, were not able to cope with the multitude of the Danes, and took to flight ; whereon, the enemy having made a great slaughter, gained the day. After this, taking horse, throughout almost the whole of Devonshire they committed worse excesses than before, and, having collected much booty, returned to their ships. After this, they turned their course to the Isle of Wight ; and, for a long time, there being no one to resist them, occupied themselves in plundering as usual, and raged to such a degree against the people with the sword, and against the houses with fire, that no fleet would dare to engage with them at sea, and no army by land. Lu consequence, the sadness of the king was far from slight, while the people were afflicted with incredible sorrow. In the year 1002, Egelred, king of the English, having held a council with his chief men, thought proper to make peace with the Danes, and to give them provisions and tribute to appease them, in order that they might cease from their " Mona, or Man. 18 Penhoe ; a place either in Somersetshire or Dorsetshire. G 2