A. 704. After ten years, Ethelred son of Penda and king of the Mercians assumed the monastic habit, when he had completed twenty-nine years of his reign. A. 705. After twelve months died Alfrid king of Northumberland. And the number of years that was then fulfilled from the beginning of the world was five thousand nine hundred. A. 709. Four years afterwards died the holy bishop Aldhelm, by whose wonderful art were composed the words which are now read, and his bishopric was the province which is now called Selwoodshire [Sherborne]. CHAP. XII.--_Of the reign of Ina, and of his acts._ A. 710. After a year, the kings and Ina made war against king Wuthgirete;[38] also duke Bertfrid against the Picts. A. 714. After four years died Christ's servant Guthlac. A. 715. After a year Ina and Ceolred fought against those who opposed them in arms at Wothnesbeorghge [Wanborough.] A. 721. After seven years Ina slew Cynewulf, and after six months made war against the Southern English. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 38: Called Gerent in the Saxon Chronicle, and Gerentius in Aldhelm's works.] CHAP. XIII.--_Of king Ethelard._ A. 728. When six years were fulfilled he went to Rome, and Ethelard received the kingdom of the West Saxons. In the first year of his reign he made war against Oswy.[39] A. 729. At the end of one year a comet appeared, and the holy bishop Egbert died. A. 731. After two years, Osric king of Northumberland died and Ceolwulf succeeded to the kingdom. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 39: Should be Oswald king of Northumberland.] CHAP. XIV.--_Of the acts of king Ethelbald._ A. 733. Two years after these things, king Ethelbald received under his dominion the royal vill which is called Somerton. The same year the sun was eclipsed. A. 734. After the lapse of one year, the moon appeared as if stained with spots of blood, and by the same omen Tatwine and Bede[40] departed this life. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 40: It is doubtful whether Bede died in 734 or 735.] CHAP. XV.--_Of the reign of Eadbert and of his deeds._ A. 738. After four years, Eadbert succeeded to the kingdom of the Northumbrians, and his brother Egbert discharged the archiepiscopal office; and now they both lie buried in the city of York, under the shade of the same porch. CHAP. XVI.--_Of the rule of king Cuthred._ A. 750. After twelve years king Cuthred began to make war against duke Ethelhun, for some state-jealousy. A. 752. Again after two years he drew his sword against king Ethelbald at a place called Beorgforda.[41] A. 753. After another year he gratified the fierce propensities of his nature by making war against the Britons: and after another year he died, A.D. 754. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 41: Without doubt this is Burford in Oxfordshire.] CHAP. XVII.--_Of the acts of king Sigebert and of his reign._ Furthermore Sigebert received the kingdom of the western English.