themselues, that the hazard of all the whole state of the realme
was annexed to theirs, sith their citie was the chiefe and
[Sidenote: _Polydor_.]
metropolitane of all the kingdome, they valiantlie stood in defense
of themselues, and of their king that was present there with them,
beating backe the enimies, chasing them from the walles, and otherwise
dooing their best to kéepe them off. At length, although the Danes did
most valiantlie assault the citie, yet the Englishmen to defend their
prince from all iniurie of enimies, did not shrinke, but boldlie
sallied foorth at the gates in heapes togither, and incountered with
their aduersaries, and began to fight with them verie fiercelie.

Swaine whilest he went about to kéepe his men in order, as one most
desirous to reteine the victorie now almost gotten, was compassed so
about with the Londoners on each side, that after he had lost a great
number of his men, he was constreined for his safegard to breake out
through the midst of his enimies weapons, and was glad that he might
[Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
so escape: and so with the residue of his armie ceassed not to
iournie day and night till he came to Bath, where Ethelmere an
[Sidenote: Erle of Deuonshire as saith _Matt. West._]
earle of great power in those west parts of the realme submitted
[Sidenote: _Polydor_.]
himselfe with all his people vnto him, who shortlie after
neuerthelesse (as some write) was compelled through want of vittels to
release the tribute latelie couenanted to be paied vnto him for a
[Sidenote: Swaine returneth into Denmarke.]
certeine summe of monie, which when hée had receiued, he returned into
Denmarke, meaning shortlie to returne againe with a greater power.