In the days of King Alfred, when the whole country of Britain was for years overrun by hordes of pagan barbarians, who slaughtered, plundered, and destroyed at will. From this terrible state of subjection and suffering the Saxons were rescued by the prudence, the patience, the valor and wisdom of King Alfred. In all subsequent ages England has produced no single man who united in himself so many great qualities as did this first of great Englishmen. He was learned, wise, brave, prudent, and pious; devoted to his people, clement to his conquered enemies. He was as great in peace as in war; and yet few know the tale of Alfred"s reign. . . .