CHAPTER 20: Ecgfrith’s victory over the king of Mercia [673–5]
CHAPTER 20
Ecgfrith’s victory over the king of Mercia [673–5]
AFTER this Ecgfrith ruled his people with God’s bishop in justice and holiness. He was David’s equal for quelling his foes and God gave him yet more strength to temper the unruly spirit of the tribes who were rising under their warrior kings. Yet he walked humbly in the sight of the Lord, rendering Him thanks in all things. King Wulfhere of Mercia, a man of proud mind and insatiable will, stirred up all the southern nations against our own, intent not merely on war but meaning even to enslave us to him as tributaries. His designs were not inspired by God. So Ecgfrith, king of Bernicia and Deira, a man of unwavering purpose, took the advice of his counsellors, followed the injunctions of his bishop, put his trust in God and marched forth against the enemy host, in defence of Church and fatherland, with as few troops as had Barak and Deborah. With God’s help he laid them low. Countless numbers were slaughtered, their king routed, and the Kingdom of Mercia itself put under tribute. Later Wulfhere died (I do not know the exact cause) and Ecgfrith ruled a wider realm in peace.