Winchester, 886 AD and Athelney, 888–93 AD
Winchester, 886 AD and Athelney, 888–93 ADThe next few years provided a lull in the Viking incursions, enabling Alfred to advance his learning programme. We finished work on the Boethius only for our King to demand a translation and illustrated version of Saint Augustine’s Soliloquia. Also, Brother Esegar decided on a period of false cordiality leading to his increased presence in the scriptorium. Intimidated by the strength of my friend’s personality, he was wary of John, preferring to concentrate his attention on me. However much he tried to cloak his character with feigned amiability, occasional lapses betrayed him.
SoliloquiaOne day, he drew near and whispered, “What about Bishop Asser, then?”
“What of him?”
“They say that King Alfred has
