There were also many works on theology, on ecclesiastical polity, and on law, of great authority and in high repute, all written in the Latin tongue.

Copies of these works were made by the monks, in their retreats in abbeys and monasteries, and learned men spent their lives in perusing them.

To explore this field was not properly a duty incumbent upon a young prince destined to take a seat upon a throne, but Alfred felt a great desire to undertake the work.

He did not do it, however, for the reason, as he afterward stated, that there was no one at court at the time who was qualified to teach him.
Alfred, though he had thus the thoughtful and reflective habits of a student, was also active, and graceful, and strong in his bodily development.

He excelled in all the athletic recreations of the time, and was especially famous for his skill, and courage, and power as a hunter.