These psalms, primarily the songs of King David composed throughout the King of Israel's tumultuous reign, had always had a special place in Alfred's heart. Having memorized many of the psalms in his youth, Alfred had used these sacred words throughout his life to embolden himself in battle, encourage himself in despondency, humble himself in his sins, and comfort himself in his forgiveness. The entire spectrum of Alfred's personal trials and triumphs seemed to have been lived out already by the shepherd king of Israel. More than any other text, the book of Psalms had become the poetry of Alfred's life.The Life of Alfred the Great, 191