pany of harlots, to the feastings of revellers, to the
vanities of the proud? Art not thou that youth
that was once a praise in the mouth of all, a delight
to their eyes, and a pleasure to their ears? Alas!
alas! now art thou a reproach in the mouth of all,
the curse of their eyes and the detestation of their
ears. What has so overturned thee but drunken-
ness and luxury? Who, O gracious boy, thou son
and light of the Church, has persuaded thee to feed
the swine and to eat of their husks? Arise, my
son, arise, and return to thy father and say not
once, but often, 'Father, I have sinned against
heaven and in thy sight.'"

Such are a few out of many instances where
Alcuin has left on record the secret of his power
over the character of his pupils. He had been
their master in things scholastic, but he was also
their father in things spiritual.

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