of the dual domination of Humour and Pathos, at least let it be confessed that, in his graver moods, Thomas Hood achieved work which is not unworthy to be garnered with the choicest fruits of English poesy. XI ROYAL WINCHESTER "Behold a pupil of the monkish gown, WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. TIME was when Winchester, the "royal city," as Kingsley called it, far out-rivalled London in prosperity and business activity, and if for many generations the Hampshire capital has been left hopelessly behind by the great metropolis, it can still boast a fascination to which London can make no claim. Indeed, of all the ancient cathedral cities of England, over which the peace of the old-time world seems perpetually to brood, there is not one which can compete with Winchester for richness of historical interest. And, as is not usually the case, that historic interest becomes more living and intense with every passing generation. "It is not in death, but in the beautiful tranquillity of serene old age that Winchester reposes in her sweet green valley low down among the swelling hills that compass her about. No English city has such a noble record in the past, or a life more peaceful in our rushing, hasteful age." Though from the time of Egbert to long after the Norman Conquest, the history of Winchester is a summary of the history of England, and hence has memorable associations with the names of Ethelred, Edward the Elder, Canute the Dane, and Norman William, it is mainly because of its reminiscences of Alfred the Great that the city possesses such undying interest. After the lapse of a thousand years Winchester is still permeated by the presence of the great Anglo-Saxon king. Here he spent some part of his boyhood, pupil the while of that St. Swithun whose essential greatness of character is eclipsed in these days by his supposed bad connection with the too watery nature of English skies. Alfred made Winchester the capital of the English people; there he held his court what time his land was at peace; within its walls he devised those wise laws which will ever lend a fragrance to his memory; here he directed the penning of that book which stands first on the illustrious roll of English prose. In |