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Updated: May 16, 2025
Here it is that the romantic incident of the burnt cake is supposed to have occurred; a story told by many of the old writers, but nowhere so fully as in the Latin life of St. Neot. There we read that "Alfred, a fugitive, and exiled from his people, came by chance and entered the house of a poor herdsman, and there remained some days in poverty, concealed and unknown.
Neot spoke mostly, but Alfred put in words now and then that ever seemed to make things plainer; and I mind how Ethelnoth the ealdorman sat silent, listening to questions and answers that maybe he had never needed to put or hear concerning his own faith.
He was a man by the name of Barius, an' he judged as maybe a change of eatin' might do the saint good. So he goes an' takes two o' them feesh 'stead o' wan as the angel said. An' he b'iled wan feesh, an' fried t'other, an' took 'em to St. Neot; an' when he seed what his man been 'bout, he was flustered, I tell 'e.
After that we talked about other matters, and it became plain that this Neot was a wonderfully wise man, and, as I thought, a holy one in truth, as they called him. There is that about such an one that cannot be mistaken. Harek sang for us, and pleased all, and into his song came, as one might suppose, a good deal about the Asir.
Hereafter I learned that hatred of race had made the hatred of religion bitter, until the last seemed to be the greatest hatred of all, adding terror and bitterest cruelty to the struggle for mastery. Presently, before it was very late, Neot rose up and spoke to Odda, bidding him farewell.
Once in that time I rode with Alfred, and saw Neot again; and if it were but for a few hours that we might stay with him, he found time to speak with me, asking if I had learned aught of his faith as yet. "I have been in Athelney," I answered, "and I saw what might the holy Name has at Chippenham. The old gods have passed from me."
Harr us, O Lord, and be debonair: for ours is a particular case. We are not like the men of St. Neot or the men of St. Udy, who are for ever importuning Thee upon the least occasion, praying at all hours and every day of the week. Thou knowest it is only with extreme cause that we bring ourselves to trouble Thee. Therefore regard our moderation in time past, and be instant to help us now. Amen.
"As a heathen altogether, except that I had no hatred of Christians," I answered, not quite seeing what the king would know. "What turned your mind so far from the old gods that you should be a fit messenger on such a matter to us?" "I have learned from Alfred and Neot," I answered, "and I know that I have found what is true." Then Guthrum turned to Osmund.
When winter has gone, and you know if I shall be any good to you, then will be question if I enter your service altogether, and by that time I shall know enough. Maybe I shall see Neot again; he and I began to speak of these things." Then Sigehelm said: "I think this is right, and Neot can tell you more in a few words than I in many. Yet whatever you ask me I will try to tell you."
Then I said to those about me, who were watching all this in silence: "Who is this strange man?" "It is Neot the holy, King Alfred's cousin," one answered, whispering. "That is a strange dress for an atheling," I said; but they hushed me. Now it seemed that Odda tried again to draw this Neot to the high table, but he would not come.
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