Page:Cassell's Illustrated History of England vol 1.djvu/56

42 It was in this reign that the first great division arose between the regular and secular clergy.

The monks, contrary to the laws of the kingdom, prevailed on the king, through Dunstan, to induct them into ecclesiastical benefices—a proceeding which caused great dissatisfaction throughout the realm. But such was the influence of the abbot, that the malcontents were obliged to smother their hatred till the reign of Edred's successor.

Grateful for the benefits procured through the patronage of Dunstan, the monkish writers were lavish in their praises of their patron; declared that he was a saint, had divine revelations, and frequently worked miracles.

Edred appears to have died suddenly, certainly before the completion of the new abbey after a reign of nine years. It is reported that Dunstan was informed of his death whilst on the way to visit him, by an angel, who spoke in so loud a tone that the horse the saint was riding fell dead!

Such ridiculous legends passed for truth in those semi-barbarous and unenlightened times.

Edred left two sons, who did not, however, succeed him, the crown descending to his nephew Edwy, the son of his elder brother Edmund.







, surnamed Pancalus, or "the Fair," was only fourteen years of age when he mounted the throne; but, although so 