The work is still more honorable if performed under the learned eye of Alfred by his foreign and domestic doctors.

For the reputation of Boethius in the middle ages, consult Brucker, (Hist.Crit.

Philosoph.
tom.iii.p.565, 566.)] [Footnote 100: The inscription on his new tomb was composed by the preceptor of Otho III., the learned Pope Silvester II., who, like Boethius himself, was styled a magician by the ignorance of the times.
The Catholic martyr had carried his head in his hands a considerable way, (Baronius, A.D.526, No.

17, 18;) and yet on a similar tale, a lady of my acquaintance once observed, "La distance n'y fait rien; il n'y a que lo remier pas qui coute." Note: Madame du Deffand.

This witticism referred to the miracle of St.Denis .-- G.] [Footnote 101: Boethius applauds the virtues of his father-in-law, (l.
i.pros.4, p.