Æthelred It won't be easy to argue my case. My record falls short of distinction; and I get scant support from my wife. Ridicule, scorn, disdain and contempt--these are what constitute Emma's assistance. And what will the fearsome Clio perceive? This potent muse prefers battles and blood. She dispenses her favors toward proud achievement. And what have I to offer? I got off to so terrible a start. A baptismal embarrassment too dreadful to tell. With the bishops assembled, I suffered a lapse, a quite natural occurrence, a moment of infant confusion. Without intending sacriledge, I defiled the font in a shocking way. I was only a babe, a tiny child--but my name was ruined with this single deed. The upheaval was instant and brought on a curse. The Archbishop of Canterbury- I can hear him now--Dunstan, by name--to the world and posterity he shouted, "By God and by his mother, this will be a sorry fellow." What could I do? I was only a babe. I was doomed though only a
Æthelred It won't be easy to argue my case. My record falls short of distinction; and I get
scant support from my wife. Ridicule, scorn, disdain and contempt--these are what
constitute Emma's assistance. And what will the fearsome Clio perceive? This
potent muse prefers battles and blood. She dispenses her favors toward proud
achievement. And what have I to offer?
I got off to so terrible a start. A baptismal embarrassment too dreadful to tell. With
the bishops assembled, I suffered a lapse, a quite natural occurrence, a moment of infant confusion. Without intending sacriledge, I defiled the font in a shocking way. I was only a babe, a tiny child--but my name was ruined with this single deed.
The upheaval was instant and brought on a curse. The Archbishop of Canterbury- I
can hear him now--Dunstan, by name--to the world and posterity he shouted, "By
God and by his mother, this will be a sorry fellow."
What could I do? I was only a babe. I was doomed though only a