In one place he stops to explain his theory of government, his wish for a thicker population, his conception of national welfare as consisting in a due balance of the priest, the thegn, and the churl.

The mention of Nero spurs him to an outbreak on the abuses of power.

The cold Providence of Boethius gives way to an enthusiastic acknowledgement of the goodness of God.

As he writes, his large-hearted nature flings off its royal mantle, and he talks as a man to men.

"Do not blame me," he prays with a charming simplicity, "if any know Latin better than I, for every man must say what he says and do what he does according to his ability." But simple as was his aim, AElfred changed the whole front of our literature.