So famous became his knowledge in the neighbourhood that news of it reached the court of AEthelstan, but his appearance there was the signal for a burst of ill-will among the courtiers.

Again they drove him from Eadmund's train, threw him from his horse as he passed through the marshes, and with the wild passion of their age trampled him under foot in the mire.

The outrage ended in fever, and Dunstan rose from his sick-bed a monk.

But the monastic profession was then little more than a vow of celibacy and his devotion took no ascetic turn.

His nature in fact was sunny, versatile, artistic; full of strong affections, and capable of inspiring others with affections as strong.