The Saxons themselves were a handsome people.

The men were proud of their long fair hair, parted on the forehead; their ample beards, their fresh complexions, and clear eyes.

The beauty of the Saxon women filled all England with a new delight and grace.
I have more to tell of the Saxons yet, but I stop to say this now, because under the GREAT ALFRED, all the best points of the English-Saxon character were first encouraged, and in him first shown.

It has been the greatest character among the nations of the earth.

Wherever the descendants of the Saxon race have gone, have sailed, or otherwise made their way, even to the remotest regions of the world, they have been patient, persevering, never to be broken in spirit, never to be turned aside from enterprises on which they have resolved.