168 HISTORY OF ENGLAND;

EDWARD the Martyr.

THE succession os this prince, who was onlyfifteen years of age at his father’s death, did nottake place without much difficulty and opposition.Elfnda, his step-mother, had a son, Ethelred,seven years old, whom she attempted to raise tothe throne : She affirmed, that Edgar’s marriagewith the mother of Edward was exposed toInsuperable objections; and as she had possessedgreat credit with her husband, she had foundmeans to acquire partizans , who seconded all he*pretensions. But the title of Edward was supportedby many advantages. He was appointed successorby the will of his father 1 ' 5 : He was approachingto man’s estate, and might soon be able to takeInto his own hands the reins of government: 1 heprincipal nobility, dreading the imperious temperof Elfrida, were averse to her son’s government,which must enlarge her authority, and pr-ffiablyput her in possession of the regency : Above all,Dunstan, whose character of sanctity had givenhim the highest credit with the people , hadespoused the cause of Edward , over whom h»had already acquired a great ascendant M< ; andhe was determined to execute the will of Edgarin his favour. To cut oft all opposite pretensions,Dunstan resolutely anointed and crowned theyoung prince at Kingston ; and the whole

If> Hoveden, 427. Eadmer, p. Z.

,5< Eadmer, ex edit. Seldeni. p. 3.