The more attentively we study Alfred’s life, the more clearly does
the practical wisdom of his methods of government justify itself by
results. Of strong princes, with minds “rectified and prepared” on the
Machiavellian model, the world has had more than enough, who have won
kingdoms for themselves, and used them for themselves, and so left
a bitter inheritance to their children and their people. It is well
that, here and there in history, we can point to a king whose reign has
proved that the highest success in government is not only compatible
with, but dependent upon, the highest Christian morality.