"'Boys,' said the mother, 'this is one of the greatest treasures I have, and I would not like to part with it. Yet I love my boys better than the book, and I want them to learn to read. So this is what I will gladly do: I will give this book to the first of you who comes to me and shows that he can read it understandingly.' "'It is my book, for I can read some already,' said the oldest. "'But I can work harder than you, and I will learn faster,' said the second. "'I learn more easily than any of you,' the third boy added. 'I feel sure I shall win the book.' "Alfred said nothing, but as soon as his mother had ceased to read he hurried away, found a wise man to teach him and began immediately to work with great diligence. It was not long before he began to read for himself, and before his brothers had made much progress Alfred went to his mother. "'I think I can read the book,' he said. "'I do not think you have had time to learn. You are hurrying too much. You should study more,' his mother replied. "'But, mother, please let me try,' pleaded Alfred. "The mother yielded and Alfred brought the big book to her and laid it on her knee. Then he opened it at the beginning and with very few mistakes read poem after poem. His mother was more than satisfied, and when Alfred left the room he was hugging the elegant book and carrying it to his part of the castle. "This was only the beginning, for Alfred became the greatest scholar and the wisest king the Saxons ever had. He made just laws, he ruled kindly, he founded schools, and he tried in every way to make his subjects better, wiser and happier. Do you not think it all began in his love for the beautiful look?" 3. _Recitation._ Ask questions and make the children see in the story: _a._ (The Introduction.) The first general facts about Alfred. _b._ (The Body of the Narrative.) The story of how Alfred learned to read. _c._ (The Conclusion.) Alfred wins the prize and becomes a great ruler. Then ask them to tell the story in their own words. Finally ask them to write the story for a composition. 4. _Additional Information._ Find out what other things about Alfred are already known to the class. Then tell the story of Alfred and the cakes (page 261); of his battles with the Danes under Guthrum (page 262); of his war with the Danes under Hastings (page 263); of his work for his people (page 264); and of his plans and inventions (page 265). 5. _Supplementary Readings._ If the lessons on Alfred have been well conducted, interest will have been created in a variety of subjects relating to early English history. The Saxons, their mode of life, armor, weapons, manner of warfare, laws and customs; the Danes and their characteristics; the rulers who followed Alfred; the formation of the English nation, are topics that readily suggest themselves. * * * * *