Book 2, Chapter 5, 878 AD to 901 AD – Alfred’s Educational Efforts
When I frequently asked his leave to depart, and could in no way obtain it, at length when I had made up my mind to demand it, he called me to him at twilight on Christmas eve, and gave me’ two writings, in which were contained complete lists of all the things which were in the two monasteries at Ambresbury and Banwell. On that same day, who gave me those monasteries, with all that they contained a silken pall very precious, and as much incense as a strong man could carry adding these words, that he did not bestow these trifling gifts upon me as though he were unwilling at a subsequent time to give me greater.
In the course of my next visit accordingly, he unexpectedly gave me Exeter, with every parish that ‘ belonged to it, in Saxony and Cornwall, besides gifts every day, without number, in every kind of worldly wealth, which it would be too tedious to tell of here, lest I should weary my reader. But let no one suppose that I have named those gifts in this place for the sake of glory or flattery, or to obtain greater honour. God knoweth that my only motive is to show those who are ignorant, how liberal he is in giving. He then immediately permitted me to ride to those two monasteries, so filled with all good things, and afterwards to return to my own country.”
Chapter 5, Alfred’s Fortifications
Alfred’s Measures for the Defence of the Country
Chapter 5, Revolt in the Danelagh
Chapter 5, Alfred’s Educational Efforts
His care for Internal Prosperity of the Country
His Computation and Division of Time
Chapter 5, Alfred’s Industry and Zeal
Chapter 5, Saxon Laws
Alfred’s Watchfulness over the Executive
Chapter 5, Summary of Alfred’s Character
Categories: Book 2
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