The newcomers brought that healthy spirit of barbarism, that
irrepressible love of personal liberty, which the country sorely
needed. The conquerors were rough, ignorant, cruel; but they were
vigorous, fearless, and determined.

These qualities were worth a thousand times more to Britain than the
gilded corruption of Rome. But in the course of time the Saxons or
English themselves lost spirit (S36). Their besetting sin was a
stolidity which degenerated into animalism and sluggish content.

77. Fresh Elements contributed by the Danes or Northmen.

Then came the Danes or Northmen (SS52, 63). They brought with them a
new spirit of still more savage independence which found expression in
their song, "I trust my sword, I trust my steed, but most I trust
myself at need."

They conquered a large part of the island, and in conquering
regenerated it. So strong was their love of independence, that even
the lowest classes of farm laborers were quite generally free.

More small independent landholders were found amongh the Danish
population than anywhere else; and it is said that the number now
existing in the region which they settled in the northeast of England
is still much larger than in the south. (See map facing p. 32.)
Finally, the Danes and the English, both of whome sprang from the
North Germanic tribes (S36), mingled and becames in all respects one
people.