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THE SAXON CODE.

47

round their king, rejoicing once more to see his noble face, and to be led by him against their cruel invaders. Commending their cause to God, they charged against the Danes, and "the Lord was on their side:" very little blood was shed; the Danes were completely defeated, and at Alfred's mercy; and, indeed, he dealt mercifully with them. Instead of the frightful scenes of massacre, but too common in those times after a battle, he aimed at softening and civilizing these savage sea-kings and their wild followers. They came to him with fire, sword, and fearful curses, and he offered them a peaceful settlement under the Saxon government, and, above all, the blessings of the Gospel; and was not this nobly returning good for evil? Many of the Danes embraced Christianity, and under the wise dominion of Alfred they greatly improved.

After this it pleased God to bless this good king with a long peace, which he employed in making wise laws for the government and protection of his subjects, and in striving to glorify God himself, and to make His holy name to be honoured and revered by those who were committed to his care.

Upon the laws made by Alfred, and called the Saxon Code, are founded those which have since

rendered the English constitution, or form of government, the glory of our free and privileged country, and the admiration of the world. He greatly enlarged and improved the navy, in order, if necessary, to be able to meet the sea-kings on more equal terms; and thus became the founder of that naval superiority which has made "the wooden walls of England" stronger and more enduring than walls of stone and gates of brass. He was also the founder of the University of Oxford, and invited the learned men of all countries to come and live in England that he might profit by their learning, and improve the manner of teaching in schools, public and private. Johannes Scotus, a very learned man, was his most valued and intimate friend. Grimbald, a French monk, also came over to England at his invitation. This man was a skilful architect. The church of St. Peter, at Oxford, was built by him, and it is supposed that he also built the cathedral of Christ Church, in that city. He was the original builder of Winchester Cathedral, part of which still shows some remains of Grimbald's architecture.

Alfred first divided England into shires, or counties, each governed by an earl or shire-reeve, (reeve meaning magistrate,) whence comes our word, sheriff.

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"Alfred's piety was deep and sincere. He divided the twenty-four hours of the day into three equal parts; giving eight hours to sleep and refreshment, eight to the public duties of government, and eight to the service of religion. In this third portion we must reckon, not only the hours of prayer, and the Holy Communion, which he received daily, but also those that were employed in studies and in writings, all designed to set forth the glory of God."*

As there were no clocks or watches at that period, he contrived a curious way of measuring time. He caused some wax-candles to be made of such a size as to burn exactly four hours; and by marks set upon them he could at any time tell how far the hours were gone. These were put in a lantern to keep them secure from draughts of air, and hung in his chapel, where persons were appointed to watch them, and occasionally give him notice of the time. I might fill a large book were I to tell you all of the history of Alfred which has come down to us. But your little heads will do very well for the present if they remember all that I have here told you. He had, from his childhood, been subject to an internal disease, which at length caused his death, in the year

* Churton.

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901, at the age of fifty-two. I will close this character of Alfred the Great with his parting advice to his son and successor, Edward the Elder, as he is commonly called. "My son, I feel that my hour is coming; my days are almost done; we must now part; I must to another world, and thou shalt be left alone in all my wealth. I pray thee, because thou art my dear child, strive to be a father and a lord to thy people. Be thou the orphan's father and the widow's friend. Comfort thou the poor, and shelter the weak; and with all thy might, right thou that which is wrong. And, son, govern thyself by law; then shall the Lord love thee, and God above all things shall be thy reward. Call thou upon Him to advise thee in all thy need, and so shall he help thee."

સ્વર

CHAPTER IV.

FROM ALFRED TO THE NORMAN CONQUEST.

THERE were many Saxon kings after Alfred, but as there is not much to interest you in their reigns, I think my best plan will be to give you a list of their names, and tell you afterwards anything worth relating about them. We will begin with Egbert, who was, you will remember, the first king of England when the Heptarchy came to an end.

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