The Ballad of the White Horse Book I The Vision of the King

I this first book, Alfred, having faced defeat after defeat gainst the Danes is almost ready to give up. But he sees a vision of our Lady. She refuses to reveal the outcome of the battle, indeed tells him 'nought for his comfort' but just to have seen her,to have had a glimpse of the innocent joy of heaven is enough to inspire Alfred to go on: 'The very colours of her coatwee better than good news!'