The Author's Words, p. 15.
But Mat. Westm. gives the Reason: The times were then difficult, and Ed∣wards other Sons were too young to m•∣nage Page 14 the Government, and therefore they set up Athelstan, as one fit for Business.
HISTORY.
Mat. Westm. transcribes many of the Words of Malmsbury in the place last ci∣ted; but leaves out that Clause of Alfred's being an Insolent Man, and his making opposition to Athelstan; and adds this of his own,* Spreto Edwino, nondum ad regnandum propter teneros annos idoneo, Ae∣thelstanum in Kingstonâ consecravêrunt. From the partial Construction and Ex∣plication of these last Words above what they will bear, the Author hath set up a particular Sense of his own, against the Sense and Report of all other Histo∣rians; nay, against the Report of M. Westm. himself,* who says, Aethelstan was made King, and Crowned as Edward's eldest Son.
After the Death of Aethelstan, his own Author says,* Successit ei in regnum frater ejus, & haeres legitimus Eadmundus. His Brother, and lawful Heir, Edmaend suc∣ceeded him.
