One of the strongest traits in his character was an aversion to shed blood by process of law; he formally abolished the punishment of death, and only a single execution stains the annals of his reign.

An edict yet more honourable to his humanity put an end to the slave-trade which had till then been carried on at the port of Bristol.

The contrast between the ruthlessness and pitifulness of his public acts sprang indeed from a contrast within his temper itself.

The pitiless warrior, the stern and aweful king was a tender and faithful husband, an affectionate father.

The lonely silence of his bearing broke into gracious converse with pure and sacred souls like Anselm.