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 He gave the supremest labor of an enlightened monarch; made a severe code; separated judicial and executive functions; loved justice and truth; was a father to his people, and against brute force. He appointed judges; reformed the law-courts; set apart one-fourth of his income for religion; one-sixth for architecture; one-eighth for the poor. Zealous for education, he opened and taught a school of young nobles. Of great thirst for knowledge; he translated many books; wrote the purest Saxon of his day; famed for his knowledge of Latin; a poet; architect; and ship-builder, he knew more geography than any one else of his time; and sent a ship to explore the White Sea. He was the model of a man and king. Religious; open; frank and genial; he loved books, strangers and travellers. His judgment and good-sense seemed to fit him for any emergency. Of great self-control; and marvellous patience; his greatest qualities were like those of Washington."

And he had the good sense to take care of his body.

Hume says that he "usually divided his time into three portions: one was devoted to sleep, food, and exercise; one to study and devotion; a third to business.

"Tom Brown" says that Alfred was not unmindful of the culture of his body; was a zealous practiser of hunting in all its branches, and hunted with great perseverance and success.

Though afflicted in youth with an ailment usual only among the sedentary when well on in years; he did not let this keep him from daily exercise. But in that way so built up his general health that he was able to stand the unusual strain.

At his death he said: "So long as I have lived, I have striven to live worthily."

And who will not agree with him? And that he succeeded too? Is it not strange that he a thousand years ago took better care of his body—did more each day to put and keep it in good working order—than we with all our enlightenment do now?