The chronological sequence of these works is wholly unknown. That given is supported by Turner, Arend, Morley, Grein, and Pauli. Wülker argues for an exact reversal of this order. According to Ten Brink, the order was more probably (1) Orosius, (2) Bede, (3) Boëthius, and (4) Pastoral Care. The most recent contribution to the subject is from Wülfing, who contends for (1) Bede, (2) Orosius, (3) Pastoral Care, and (4) Boëthius.
[*] There is something inexpressibly touching in this clause from the great king’s pen: gif wē ðā stilnesse habbað. He is speaking of how much he hopes to do, by his translations, for the enlightenment of his people.
[ I. THE BATTLE OF ASHDOWN.]
[From the Chronicle, Parker MS. The event and date are significant. The Danes had for the first time invaded Wessex. Alfred’s older brother, Ethelred, was king; but to Alfred belongs the glory of the victory at Ashdown (Berkshire). Asser (Life of Alfred) tells us that for a long time Ethelred remained praying in his tent, while Alfred and his followers went forth “like a wild boar against the hounds.”]
[1] 871. Hēr cuōm[1] sē hęre tō Rēadingum on Westseaxe,
[2] ǫnd þæs ymb iii niht ridon ii eorlas ūp. Þa gemētte hīe
1 Æþelwulf aldorman[2] on Ęnglafelda, ǫnd him þǣr wiþ gefeaht,
2 ǫnd sige nam. Þæs ymb iiii niht Æþered cyning
3 ǫnd Ælfred his brōþur[3] þǣr micle fierd tō Rēadingum
4 gelǣddon, ǫnd wiþ þone hęre gefuhton; ǫnd þǣr wæs