required the bishop to report to him their
condition. He thus became a superintendent of schools, being as familiar
with the educational interests of his kingdom as he was with every other
interest. He sought to teach first the priests and nobles, and after
that the masses of his people. He introduced the practice of _compulsory
education_ for all children, and decreed that truant children be first
deprived of food as punishment, and if that did not suffice, that they
be brought before him.

Reading, writing, arithmetic, and singing were taught, especial
attention being given to music, which was of use in the church services.
The Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer were also taught. In 801
Charlemagne decreed that women and children should receive instruction
in the doctrines of religion, because he believed religion to be the
foundation of a civilized nation.

Charlemagne's career shines out in brilliant contrast with the ignorance
and superstition of his age. The world was not yet ripe for his advanced
ideas, hence when the work lost the support of his strong personality,
its effects soon became obliterated, and a retrogression of civilization
resulted.

The clergy, who had entertained but little sympathy for the enterprises
of the emperor, soon closed the monasteries to outside students, and
returned to the same practices from which the authority and energy of
Charlemagne had aroused them. His work was not wholly in vain, however,
for he laid the foundations of the Prussian school system.[40]

=Summary of Charlemagne's Work.=--1. He elevated the clergy by demanding
greater educational qualifications of them and by insisting that they do
their duty.

2. He gave dignity to native tongues by requiring the priests to preach
more frequently in the vernacular of the people, and thus helped to make
the services of the Church of greater profit to the people.

3. He opened the cloisters to the purposes of education, and thereby
greatly extended their usefulness.

4. He sought to perpetuate religion and insure the stability of his
empire by making education compulsory and universal.

5. He believed in the education of women.

6. He laid the foundations of future school systems, and indicated
certain principles that are still recognized as valid.

FOOTNOTES:

[39] See "Feudal Education," Chap. XXII.

[40] Professor Masius, Lectures in the University of Leipsic.

CHAPTER XXI

ALFRED THE GREAT

=Liter