When England thus became one kingdom,ruled over by one Saxon king,the Saxons had been settled in the country more than four hundred and fifty years.Great changes had taken place in its customs during that time.The Saxons were still greedy eaters and great drinkers,and their feasts were often of a noisy and drunken kind;
But many new comforts and even elegances had become known,and were fast increasing.Hangings for the walls of rooms,where,in these modern days,we paste up paper,are known to have been sometimes made of silk,ornamented with birds and flowers in needlework.
Tables and chairs were curiously carved in different woods;were sometimes decorated with gold or silver;sometimes even made of those precious metals.Knives and spoons were used at table;
Golden ornaments were worn-with silk and cloth,and golden tissues and embroideries;dishes were made of gold and silver,brass and bone.There were varieties of drinking-horns,bedsteads,musical instruments.A harp was passed round,at a feast,like the drinking-bowl,from guest to guest;and each one usually sang or played when his turn came.The weapons of the Saxons were stoutly made,and among them was a terrible iron hammer that gave deadly blows,and was long remembered.The Saxons themselves were a handsome people.The men were proud of their long fair hair,parted on the forehead;their ample beards,their fresh complexions,and clear eyes.The beauty of the Saxon women filled all England with a new delight and grace.
I have more to tell of the Saxons yet,but I stop to say this now,because under the GREAT ALFRED,all the best points of the English-Saxon character were first encouraged,and in him first shown.It has been the greatest character among the nations of the earth.
Wherever the descendants of the Saxon race have gone,have sailed,or otherwise made their way,even to the remotest regions of the world,they have been patient,persevering,never to be broken in spirit,never to be turned aside from enterprises on which they have resolved.In Europe,Asia,Africa,America,the whole world over;in the desert,in the forest,on the sea;scorched by a burning sun,or frozen by ice that never melts;the Saxon blood remains unchanged.Wheresoever that race goes,there,law,and industry,and safety for life and property,and all the great results of steady perseverance,are certain to arise.
I pause to think with admiration,of the noble king who,in his single person,possessed all the Saxon virtues.Whom misfortune could not subdue,whom prosperity could not spoil,whose perseverance nothing could shake.Who was hopeful in defeat,and generous in success.Who loved justice,freedom,truth,and knowledge.Who,in his care to instruct his people,probably did more to preserve the beautiful old Saxon language,than I can imagine.Without whom,the English tongue in which I tell this story might have wanted half its meaning.As it is said that his spirit still inspires some of our best English laws,so,let you and I pray that it may animate our English hearts,at least to this-to resolve,when we see any of our fellow-creatures left in ignorance,that we will do our best,while life is in us,to have them taught;and to tell those rulers whose duty it is to teach them,and who neglect their duty,that they have profited very little by all the years that have rolled away since the year nine hundred and one,and that they are far behind the bright example of KING ALFRED THE GREAT.
