Religious exercises occupied too large a share of his thoughts.

His rule was kindly rather than strong, and his authority was but weak over his nobles.

From Prince Alfred the Saxons hoped better things.

From his boyhood he had been regarded with special interest and affection by the people, as his father had led them to regard him as their future king.
The fact that he had been personally consecrated by the pope appeared to invest him with a special authority.

His immense superiority in learning over all his people greatly impressed them.