[88] Paulinus had departed from Northumbria, in consequence of the confusion which prevailed on the death of Edwin. Bede, b. ii. c. 20. He died Oct. 10, 644.
[89] Alcuin, a native of Northumbria, and educated at York, through his learning and talents became the intimate friend and favourite of Charlemagne, for whom he transcribed, with his own hand, the Holy Scriptures. This relic is now preserved in the British Museum.
[90] See this epistle at length in Alcuini Op. vol. i. p. 52. Epist. 38.
[91] Others say he was buried at St. Martin’s, at Tours, where he died, April 18, 804. His works will be included in Patres Ecclesiæ Anglicanæ.
[92] The Life of Charlemagne, by Eginhard, who was secretary to that monarch. Du Chesne Script. Franc. tom. ii. It is one of the most amusing books of the period.
[93] The mayors of the palace seem originally to have merely regulated the king’s household, but by degrees they acquired so much power, that Pepin the elder, maternal grandfather of him here mentioned, had already become in effect, king of France. They first appear to have usurped the regal power under Clovis II. A.D. 638.
[94] Malmesbury differs from all the best authorities, who assign only six years to his reign. He ascended the throne A.D. 759, and was expelled A.D. 765.
[95] Osred, through a conspiracy of his nobles, had been deposed, and, after receiving the tonsure, was compelled to go into exile. Two years after, induced by the promises and oaths of certain of the Northumbrian chiefs, he returned, but being deserted by his forces, he was made prisoner and put to death by the order of Ethelred. Sim. Dunelm. A.D. 790–2. Osred was expelled from his kingdom, A.D. 790, and Ethelred was restored after an exile of twelve years.—Hardy.
[96] This letter is not yet published in Alcuini Opera.
[97] Epist. xlii. Op. tom. i. p. 57.