scrape together a few more books. On returning later he
was entrusted with the care of the library: a task for which
he was well fitted, if enthusiasm, breaking into rime, be a
qualification:--

"Small is the space which contains the gifts of heavenly Wisdom
Which you, reader, rejoice piously here to receive;
Better than richest gifts of the Kings, this treasure of Wisdom,
Light, for the seeker of this, shines on the road to the
Day."[1]

[1] Tr. in Morley, Eng. Writers, ii. 160.


York could not retain Alcuin long. Fortunately, just when
dissensions among the English kings, and the Danish raids
began to harass England, and to threaten the coming
decline of her learning, he was invited to take charge of a
school established by Charles the Great. Charles had
undertaken the task of reviving literary study, well-nigh
extinguished through the neglect of his ancestors; and he
bade all his subjects to cultivate the arts. As far as he
could he accomplished the task, principally owing to the
aid of the English scholar and of willing helpers from
Ireland.

Alcuin was soon at the head of St. Martin's of Tours
where he was responsible for the great activity of the
scribes in his day. He persuaded Charles to send a
number of copyists to York. "I, your Flavius," he writes,