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the leading traits of juvenile propensity, to mark the steps that in riper years led to honour, and to point out the miscarriages that prevented success, have been his principal aim. He has sometimes

endeavoured to instruct by contrast, but more commonly to animate by models worthy of imitation. If the catalogue be thought too small, or the incidents too few, let it be remembered that he writes for youth alone; that he neither wished to bewilder their judgment, burden their memory, nor tax their pocket, by the size of his volume,

It would have been much easier to extend his plan than to confine it within such moderate limits, but it was unnecessary to add to the numerous works on general biography already before the public. They have passed the tests of criticism, and are valued as they deserve by the accomplished scholar. Happy will the present author be to find that parents and instructers of youth deem his manual deserving their patronage, and adapted to the use of those for whom it is designed. The motives which prompted a publication on this plan, cannot be wrong: if he has failed to realize his ideas, it is only because it is easier to project than to execute; to know what is right, than to be able to perform it. To the candour of the public he commits himself and his work, the first of its kind hitherto attempted in this country: he asks no praise but the praise of meaning well; he fears no censure but that which must arise from a conscientiousness of voluntary error or neglect.

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OTHER WORKS BY DR. MAVOR,

For the Use of Schools,

Which may be had of all BOOKSELLERS,

1. THE ENGLISH SPELLING-BOOK, accompanied by a Progressive Series of Easy and Familiar Lessons, intended as an Introduction to the ENGLISH LANGUAGE. Price 1s. 6d. bound.

H. SELECT LIVES of PLUTARCH, abridged for the Use of Schools, containing the examples of the greatest Characters of Greece and Rome. Price 5s. bound.

III. THE ELEMENTS of NATURAL HISTORY, containing popular descriptions of Animated Nature, with Engravings of two hundred of the principal subjects. Price 7s. bound.

IV. CLASSICAL ENGLISH POETRY, consisting of all the best short Pieces contained in the works of the British Poets, with some Originals. Price 5s. 6d. bound.

V. A UNIVERSAL SYSTEM of SHORT HAND WRITING, by means of which that useful art may be taught in Schools, and acquired in a few lessons. Price 7s. 6d. boards.

THE

BRITISH NEPOS;

CONSISTING OF

LIVES OF ILLUSTRIOUS BRITONS.

men.

ALFRED THE GREAT.

Born 849.-Died about 900.

IN whatever light we consider Alfred, whether as a legislator, a hero, or a king, we shall have reason to pronounce him one of the greatest and the best of It is, therefore, peculiarly proper to commence this manual, which is intended as a mirror for youth, by briefly recording the eventful life of one of the earliest luminaries of this island; and the most brilliant example perhaps of talents, enterprise, patience, fortitude, and universal virtue, that the volume of history contains.

This accomplished prince was the youngest son of Ethelwolf; and grandson of Egbert, under whom the kingdoms of the Saxon heptarchy were first connected into one state. He was born at Wantage in Berkshire; and gave early indications of those virtues and abilities which, in the sequel, were instrumental in saving his country from utter subversion. His father, who was fitter for a monk than for a king; and who entertained a profound veneration for the see of Rome, which increased with his years; carried this his favourite son to the papal court when very young: and soon after their return, again sent the young prince thither with a splendid return; where, a report being spread of the death of Ethelwolf, pope Leo the Third gave him the royal unction, though still a boy, and (as the

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