GREAT MEN'S BODIES
astronomy, natural history, chronology, mathematics, poetry, and Scripture comments. His elementary treatises on philosophy, rhetoric, philology, grammar, and mathematics are still extant.
"In eating Charlemagne was almost abstemious; and still more so in drinking. Drunkenness he abhorred; and banquets were his abomination. His table was rarely served with more than four dishes. He preferred roast meat to boiled; and at his noon day meal his attendant brought him up his favorite roast on a spit, hot from the fire. After dinner he took a little fruit; and then a nap for about two hours.
"In dress he was most simple. His clothes were made in the plainest fashion, differing very little from those worn by the common people. His undergarments were linen; his waistcoat and tunic were edged with silk; his trousers reached to his ankles; and fitted tight to the legs. His feet were covered with boots; and his ankles bound with linen sandal-straps, somewhat like those of a Scotch costume.
"In winter he wore over his chest an ermine or otter's skin; and a loose cloak, fastened at the right shoulder with a gold or silver clasp. Only on two occasions could he be induced to put on robes of State. They were in compliment to Pope Adrian, and his successor, Pope Leo III.
"He was mild in temper, courteous and sociable; most just and liberal, vigilant and industrious, magnanimous and self-denying. Hating luxury; a despiser of flattery; and without a tinge of vanity. Extremely charitable; a great cultivator and most liberal promoter of the arts; a noble patron of learning; easy of access; delighting in strangers of eminence; and patient in hearing suitors. Like all really great men, he had an untiring vigor of mind, which seemed to grasp everything, from universal empire to the common people. No amount of labor wearied him; nothing was too great, nothing too little, to engage his attention. He felt an interest in mending a broken toy, or soothing a fretful child; as well as in the hurly-burly of a battle-field.
"His whole appearance was manly, cheerful, dignified. His countenance reflected a childlike serenity. He was of the few men like David, who was not spoiled by war and flatteries.
"Yet greater than the conquests of Charlemagne was the greatness of his character. He preserved simplicity and gentleness amid all the distractions attending his government.
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