A.D . 978. DEATH OE KING EDWARD. 487 CH. XIX.—FROM A.D. 976 το A.D. 1016. The death of Edward the Martyr—Ethelred succeeds to the throne—Death of Dunstan— Quarrel between Ethelred and Richard of Normandy—Tribute is paid to the Danes-Death ofRichard—Story of Silvester or Gerebert—Ethelred builds a fleet—Slaughter of the Danes—Sweyn, king of Denmark, subdues England—Ethelred flies to Normandy— Death of Sweyn—Return of Ethelred—He dies, and is succeeded by Edmund Ironside—Edmund*s victories—His peace with Canute—r-His death. A.D. 976. A comet appeared, and a terrible famine ensued. The same year, Benedict was placed in the Roman chair, which he occupied nine years and six months. The same year, Algar, bishop of Crediton, died, and was succeeded by iElwold. A.D. 977. JElfdritha, the step-mother of the new king, Edward, endeavouring with all her efforts to advance her son to be king, tried to cajole Edward with flattering words ; but he, following in the steps of his father's piety and religion, and keeping only the name of king, allowed his brother Ethelred, and his mother, to manage all the affairs of his kingdom. A.D. 978. When, one day, king Edward was fatigued with hunting, and oppressed exceedingly with thirst, so that he only wanted for something to drink, while his comrades and servants had followed the hounds wherever chance led them, having heard that his step-mother and his brother were dwelling in a town which is called Contengati, he put spurs to his horse, and hastened thither, suspecting no wickedness because o f his own innocence, but judging of the hearts of others by the well-regulated disposition of his own breast. But his step-mother caressed him when he came with soft words, and s o persuaded him to listen to her; and when, after having given him a kiss, she offered him a cup, one of her officers stabbed him with a dagger while he was eagerly drinking of it. But the king, when he felt that he was mortally wounded, began to urge his horse on with the spur, so as to enable him t o return to his friends, while the blood was running from him in streams, which gave his servants who were seeking him intimation of his death. Then JElfdritha, that most wicked woman, and her son Ethelred, ordered the body of the blessed Edward, king and martyr, to be buried without any honour at Wareham, displaying much public joy and pleasure,