Each hour of the day had its appointed task, there was the same order in the division of his revenue and in the arrangement of his court.
Wide however and various as was the King's temper, its range was less wonderful than its harmony.

Of the narrowness, of the want of proportion, of the predominance of one quality over another which goes commonly with an intensity of moral purpose AElfred showed not a trace.

Scholar and soldier, artist and man of business, poet and saint, his character kept that perfect balance which charms us in no other Englishman save Shakspere.

But full and harmonious as his temper was, it was the temper of a king.

Every power was bent to the work of rule.