E D W Y.

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dissolute lives of the secular clergy, their rivals:Every instance of libertinism in any individual ofthat order was represented as a general corruption:And where other topics of defamation were want-ing , their marriage became a sure subject osinvective, and their wives received the name ofconcubine, or other more opprobrious appellation.The secular clergy, on the other hand, whowere numerous , and rich , and possessed of theecclesiastical dignities , defended themselves withvigour, and endeavoured to retaliate upon theiradversaries. The people were thrown into agita-tion; and few instances occur of more violentdissensions, excited by the most material differencesin religion; or rather by the most frivolous: Sinceit is a just remark, that the more affinity there isbetween theological parties, the greater commonlyis their animosity.

The progress of the monks, which was becomeconsiderable, was somewhat retarded by the deathof Edred, their partizan, who expired after areign of nine years He left children ; but asthey were infants, his nephew, Edwy, son ofEdmund , was placed on the throne.

E D W Y.

EdWY, at the time of his accession, was notabove sixteen or seventeen years of age, waspossessed of the most amiable figure, and was

Cl>ron. Sax. p. 115.

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HAP.

II.

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