1
CYNEWULF'S CHRIST
CYNEWULFS CHRIST
an
Century
Cptc
EDITED, WITH A MODERN RENDERING, BY
ISRAEL GOLLANCZ, M.A.,
of Christ's College, Cambridge.
HonDon
PUBLISHED BY DAVID NUTT
IN THE STRAND
i 892
TO
THE REV. PROF. W. W. SKEAT
Magistro Discipulus
FRONTISPIECE. DEDICATION
PREFACE
TEXT .... . 2 _ I40
TRANSLATION . . . ' . . 3141
APPENDIX . . . 145153
NOTES ... . 157170
EXCURSUS ... . 173184
GLOSSARY 187216
PRE FACE
sceal men gecgan,
Eime toritan,
ILec& gesingan,
lofes gearnian,
areccan,
onettan/
' // is but the cloudes gathered about our
owne judgement that makes us thinke all
other ages wrapt up in mistes, and the
great distance betwixt us that causes us
to imagine men sofarre off to be so little
in respect of ourselves.'
'
N the year 1071 died Leofric, first Bishop
of Exeter, sometime Chancellor of
England, the friend and favourite of
Edward the Confessor, a distinguished
disciple of the Lotharingian schools.
Contemporary accounts have come
down to us describing the pomp which attended the
bishop's installation ; how, in the presence of the chief
tains of the realm, supported by the king on his right
and by the noble Eadgitha on his left, he ascended his
episcopal throne in the ancient minster of St. Mary and
St. Peter the Apostle. The minster, when it came into
his possession, had been despoiled of its lands and of
nigh all its ecclesiastical appurtenances ; ' of twenty-six
estates which the pious king Athelstane had conferred
upon it scarce one remained.' During the twenty years
xiii
of his rule, Leofric's energies and wealth were devoted to
the restoration of its former fortunes, and when he died
he left it more richly endowed than it had ever been
before. But he bequeathed to his cathedral-church some
thing besides a magnificent rent-roll, something even
more precious. When he took office, the library at
Exeter was in a pitiable condition ; he found there
nothing but five worthless service-books; at his death
it numbered no less than sixty volumes, Bibles, service-
books, homiletic literature, theological commentaries, and
the chief classics of those days, to wit, the works of
Statius, Prudentius, Prosper, and Boethius. Leofric's
library at Exeter did not, it is true, number as many
volumes as some of the rich Anglo-Saxon libraries of
which we have record ; it certainly did not rival Arch
deacon Egbert's famous collection at York, that called
forth Alcuin's enthusiastic praise :
* Illic invenies veterum vestigia patrum,
Quidquid habet pro se Latio Romanus in orbe,
Grsecia vel quidquid transmisit clara Latinis ;
Hebraicus vel quod populus bibit imbre superno ; '
nevertheless, one item in the catalogue of Leofric's books
places him in the first rank of our early bibliophiles, and
has earned for him, or should earn for him, the undying
gratitude of his countrymen. In the catalogue, which
is extant, writ in choicest Anglo-Saxon, there is an
entry which runs as follows :
* 1. mpccl (Qmfilicc boc 6e ee^toilcum jringum on leo&totean cetoorjjt ' ;
xiv
i.e. ' A great English book on all sorts of subjects wrought
in verse.' Happily, we have not to bewail the loss of the
volume thus described. Exeter Cathedral still cherishes
the possession of this most glorious relic of pre-Conquest
literature. The 'Exeter Book,' the name by which it
should be known to Englishmen all over the world, may
well claim to be the noblest product of early Teutonic
genius. True, it cannot boast of great beauty of work
manship, it is not, like the ' Codex Argenteus,' written
on purple vellum in letters of silver and gold ; no won
drous miniatures adorn its pages, like the ' Book of Kells,'
'Angles/ not 'Angels,' wrought it, but its contents
claim for it a higher consideration than even the
supreme philological interest of the former and the
artistic glories of the latter. It has preserved for us a
whole library of national literature, that would otherwise
have been irrevocably lost ; it is in itself a ' bibliotheca '
rather than a ' book.'
2-
It is not my purpose on this occasion to dwell on the
contents of the volume ; a study of the ' Exeter Book '
would practically amount to a survey of old English
poetry through all its varied vicissitudes, harking back
to the songs that glee-men sang before the legions of
imperial Rome surrendered Britain to its fatal conflict
with barbaric Teuton. Fierce and brutal as were these
pirate-hordes towards their foes, yet their harps were
xv
attuned to tender strains as they sang their sailor-songs
of the dear ones left behind :
* To the Frisian wife
comes a dear welcome-guest ;
the keel is at rest ;
his vessel is come ;
her husband is home ;
her own cherished lord
she leads to the board ;
his wet weeds she wrings ;
dry garments she brings.
Ah ! happy is he,
whom safe from the sea
his true love awaits ! ' l
But, for the most part, the Anglo-Saxons took to their
poetry very sadly. The prevailing note of the old
English lyric is elegiac ; intense melancholy, harmonis
ing with the gloom of Northern sea and sky, with
the fatalism of their Pagan faith, is the one mood
reflected in the subjective poems of the 'Exeter
Book ' :
* Ah ! thou bright cup ! Ah, thou mailed warrior !
Ah ! the glory of my lord ! Now has the time passed,
darkened 'neath the veil of night, as if it ne'er had been.
Where once loved warriors trod, now stands
a wall of wondrous height, worm-eaten, grim ;
the might of the spears, slaughter-loving weapons,
has swept away the chiefs, theirs was a glorious fate,
but storms lash the rocky slopes,
and falling snowdrift binds the earth,
and all the winter's terror, when the dark night falls
1 From the Gnomic Verses of the Exeter Book ; the rime is a mere accident
of the translation.
xvi
with its black shadow, and summons from the north
fierce storms, to the grievance of mankind.
All the realm of earth is full of hardship,
the world 'neath heaven is turned by fate's decree.' 1
This turn for melancholy is an abiding element in
English poetry throughout its history; there can be
little question that it is essentially an English char
acteristic, despite Matthew Arnold's oft-quoted dictum
that it is altogether derived from Celtic source. But
while the note of the old English lyric is elegiac, as far
as its form is concerned it belongs to the epic, the all-
absorbing art-form of our oldest poetry. Epic dignity
and distinction, not lyrical rapidity of movement, mark
even the shortest of Anglo-Saxon songs.
And what better instrument for the grand epic style
than the wondrous blank verse the old alliterative line
of these ancient poets. Critics of Elizabethan litera
ture delight to dwell on ' the mighty line ' created by the
greatest of Shakespeare's predecessors ; but, ten centuries
before Marlowe's genius impressed itself on the English
drama, English poetry had already ' unlocked the secret
of blank verse,' and had played upon ' its hundred stops.'
The secret of Marlowe's great discovery lies in this, that
he Teutonised the * versi sciolti ' imported from Italy,
and unconsciously imparted thereto the flexibility and
vigour that characterised the national metre used by the
oldest of English poets, whose work has come down to
1 From The Wanderer, 'Exeter Book.'
b xvii
us. The high seriousness and earnestness of old English
poetry ; its epic style, absorbing lyrical and even dramatic
elements ; its subjectivity and melancholy ; its subtle
power of thoroughly nationalising foreign materials ; its
rich vocabulary and phraseology ; the wonder of its vary
ing verse, expressive of every shade of human emotion ;
its artistic consciousness ; its avoidance of anything
approaching mediaeval grotesqueness, all these qualities
distinguish the remarkable poem which holds the first
place in the Codex Exoniensis. This poem, which is pro
bably the oldest Christiad of modern Europe, is herewith
introduced to English readers, its text carefully studied
and interpreted.
3. .. ; 1
The text is based on the editor's unpublished edition of
the Exeter MS., in preparation for the Early English Text
Society. The variations from the MS. will be found in
* Critical Notes ' at the end of the volume. 1 The MS. has
been followed minutely, not merely in the matter of spell
ing, but also as regards the divisions of the poem, a
matter of special importance hitherto neglected. Though
there are no titles to the various passus, the scribe has
clearly indicated the beginning of each by means of a
1 The system of punctuation employed has no MS. authority, neither have
the capital letters at the beginning of the lines ; there is no break between
the lines in the MS. , where the poem is written throughout as if prose. 1 have
not marked the letters expanded ; the accents are reproduced from the MS.
xviii
long flourish of capital letters, distinguishing carefully the
smaller sections from the main divisions. Thus, the MS.
makes it certain that Passus III. begins with words ' Donne
mid fere] and does not include the previous section.
External evidence corroborates this view. Appendix II.
gives the source of Passus II. ; it is obvious that the final
section of the passus is directly due to the final section of
the homily. It is strange that Dietrich, who first called
attention to the unity of the poem, and to the chief source
of its second division, should have missed this point.
In Appendix I. I have printed fifty-eight lines hitherto
regarded as part of the present poem, but most assuredly,
if the original scribe may be credited, the opening lines
of the ' Legend of St. Guthlac ' ; there is absolutely no
break in the MS. between these lines and the passage
usually printed as the first section of the latter poem. I
make bold to suggest that the whole section is a pre
lude to 'St. Guthlac,' with motives derived from the
concluding portion of the 'Christ.' Thorpe, the first
editor of the Exeter MS., is no doubt answerable for this
error, which even the ingenuity of Dietrich and Grein
did not detect. 1
i Thorpe's Codex Exoniensis appeared just fifty years ago. Unfortunately,
he failed to see the value of ' the first 106 pages ' of his book (i.e. the portion
containing the present poem) ; his comment ran as follows : ' Though in
teresting to the philologist, they possess little attraction for any other class of
readers. The pieces they contain are, no doubt, translations from the Latin ;
but their subject is not of a nature to stimulate many to search after the
originals, which, if discovered, would prove of little use in elucidating the
xix
Appendix III. is a valuable contribution made by
Professor Cook to the sources of the poem, and may be
regarded as affording external evidence in favour of the
theory propounded above concerning the limit of the
third passus. It remains but to point out that unfortun
ately the first part of Passus I. is lost ; to give to the epic
the appearance of completeness a single word has been
omitted ; the capital letter at the beginning of the text
has no MS. authority. 1 The frontispiece has been added
to the volume as a specimen of Anglo-Saxon art, illustra
tive of the subject of the second part of the poem ; it
belongs to the famous series of miniatures that adorn the
* Benedictional of St. jEthelwold/ 2
obscurities, or correcting the errors of a version, in this and all similar cases
yet known, too paraphrastic to admit of comparison. '
In 1853 Dietrich called attention to the unity of the poems, but as he had
no opportunity of examining the MS., he did not perceive the real state of
affairs, though he and others might have inferred it from Wanley's descrip
tion of the MS. (v. page 280), where ' Passus' I., n., in., are styled ' Liber *
i., II., in., though the connection of the ' Libri ' was not noted. In 1857
G rein's Bibliothek included the ' Christ,' which was based on Thorpe's text.
Grein accepted Dietrich's views on the subject of the poem, but printed it
unnecessarily as one long poem, with twenty-two sections. In 1857 appeared
the same scholar's * Dichtungen der Angelsachsen stabreimend uebersebzt.'
Little has been done for the interpretation of the poem since Grein's monu
mental work, though the need of a new edition has been long felt. It is a
strange fact that after 1 100 years and more the ' Christ ' now appears for
the first time as a separate volume. The translation which accompanies the
text is the first attempt that has been made to interpret the poem as a
piece of English literature.
1 Cf. note 1. i. The initials at the commencement of Passus I., n., in., are
taken from the Anglo-Saxon Codex Psalterii Vossianus (Bodleian Library),
as reproduced in Professor West wood's Facsimiles of Anglo-Saxon and Celtic
Miniatures.
2 Reproduced in reduced facsimile by Mr. Griggs, with kind permission,
from the last-named book, (v. page 132.)
XX
Long and patient search has failed to discover the
source of Passus I. ; this failure is especially to be deplored
as one would much wish to know from what original the
poet evolved the earliest dramatic scene in English litera
ture, (v. page 1 8.) What a contrast an Anglo-Saxon
religious drama would have presented to the homely
miracles and mysteries of later centuries ! The original
of the greater part of Passus I. must, I think, have been a
Latin hymn-cycle, the * Joseph and Mary ' section being
derived from an undiscovered hymn arranged for recital
by half-choirs. The crude materials used for Passus II.
and III., printed at the end of the volume, attest in a
remarkable way the transforming power of the poet ; the
well-sustained simile that closes Passus II. owes its exist
ence to the words in the last section of St. Gregory's
Homily, ' Quamvis adhuc rerum perturbationibus animus
fluctuet.' The passages in the Appendix form a valuable
commentary to the greater part of the text.
4-
The Exeter MS. was written some time in the tenth
century, or early in the eleventh ; the bulk of its contents
is, however, at least two centuries older. Its dialect is
West-Saxon, or * Anglo-Saxon,' as it is generally called,
but one is able to detect in a number of the poems the
fossil remains of another and an older dialect. Minute
philological criteria lead to the conclusion, supported
strongly by other evidence, that the first of the poems pre-
xxi
served in the codex, and many more besides, are Saxon
(i.e. Southern) transcriptions of Anglian (i.e. Northern)
originals. Wessex merely preserved the poems, Nor-
thumbria produced them. Indeed at no time in its
history has Wessex been productive of poetical work ;
from the days of Alfred onward its special strength lay
in prose literature. Did not Chaucer recognise the fact
when he made his parson exclaim :
* Trusteth wel, I am a Sotherne man,
I cannot geste, rom, ram, ruf, by my letter,
And God wote, rime hold I but litel better,
And therefore if you list I wol not glose,
I wol you tell a litel tale in prose. '
It seems almost certain then that the ' Christ ' is an
Anglian poem, written before Northumbria ceased to be
the great centre of poetical activity, i.e. before the begin
ning of the ninth century, and critics are at one in placing
the 'floruit* of its poet during the second half of the
eighth century. The poet in question has bequeathed to
us his name by a strange device ; by means of mystic
runes Cynewulf worked a subtle spell whereby his author
ship of this and of three other poems is incontestably
established. In an * Excursus on Cynewulf Runes/ at the
end of the volume, I have considered the many questions
at issue concerning this important point. It remains but
to add that I am sceptical on the subject of the supposed
charade-character of the so-called ' First Riddle/ Inter
esting attempts have been made to write the biography of
xxii
the poet j 1 it is not my purpose in this place to attempt a
similar task, which would involve a discussion of the whole
problem of Cynewulf's relation to the extant remains of
Anglo-Saxon poetry. In conclusion, I would apply to our
poet the commendation bestowed by an old historian on
one of Cynewulf's masters and predecessors, whose fame
rests solely on his Latin verse, though he too composed in
the vernacular :
' mnium poetarum gui temporis facile primus, tantee eloquenttee
majegtattg et etutjitionfg fjonto ftu't, ut nunquam satfa atmtirari
possim untie illt in tarn Barbara ac tutu setate facuntu'a accrefcerit,
usque atJeo omnifrug numerfe terga, elegans, et rotunta,
etiitJit cum antiquttate tie palma cont^ntJentes/ 2
1 Cf. Ten Brink, Early English Literature, pp. 51-59, and Appendix.
2 Quoted by Samuel Daniel in his Defence of Ryme, concerning 'Aldelmus
Durotelmus, of whom we find this commendation registered ' ; the lines
occur in an interesting passage on the learning of Saxon England, whence,
too, the quotation that heads this Introduction. If only the old Elizabethans
had known of Cynewulf.
XX111
CYNEWULFS CHRIST
He $atitoitate*
i.
JLJ eart se weall-stan J?e 8a wyrhtan iu
Wi"$-wurpon to weorce- Wei J>e
gerise'S
paet J>u heafod sie healle maerre
And gesomnige side weallas
Fasste gefoge flint unbraecne
geond eor'$-b[yri]g call eagna gesih]?e
Wundrien to worlde wuldres ealdor-
Gesweotula nu J>urh searo-craeft J?in sylfes weorc
So'S-faest sigor-beorht and sona forlast
Weall wi'S wealle- Nu is J?am weorce J?earf
pact se craeftga cume and se cyning sylfa
And ]?onne gebete nu gebrosnad is
Hus under hrofe- He ]?ast hra gescop
Leomo laemena nu sceal lif-frea
pone wergan heap wraj>um ahreddan
Earme from egsan swa he oft dyde-
Eala Jni reccend and J>u riht cyning
Se )?e locan healde^ lif ontyne"S
Eadga us siges oj>rum forwyrned
Wlitigan wil-si]?es gif his weorc ne deag-
first. C^e
i.
' npHOU 'art the wall-stone that the workers once
rejected from the work. It well beseemeth thee,
that tfiou shouldst be the head of this great hall,
and shouldst unite, with fastening secure,
the spacious walls of adamantine rock,
that throughout earth all things with sight endowed
may wonder evermore, O Prince of glory !
Show now thy skill ! reveal thy handiwork
firm-set in sovran splendour ! yea, leave anon
the opposing walls erect ! The work hath need now
that the Craftsman and the King Himself should come,
and should restore the house, which lieth waste
beneath the roof. He formed the body erst,
and the limbs of clay ; now shall He, Lord of life,
deliver from their foes this abject throng,
these wretched ones from terror, as He oft did.
thou Ruler, and thou righteous King !
Thou Keeper of the keys that open life !
bless us with victory, with a bright career,
denied unto another, if his work be worthless ! '
3
Huru we for J>earfe J>as word sprecaft
[Nu gemaersi] gia'S J>one J?e mon gescop
past he ne hete . . . ceose sprecan
Cearfulra J>ing J>e we in carcerne
SittaS sorgende sunnan wil-sift-
Hwonne us lif-frea leoht ontyne
Weor'Se ussum mode to mund-boran
And J?aet tydre gewitt tire bewinde-
Gedo usic J?aes wyrSte J>e he to wuldre forlet
pa we hean-lice hweorfan sceoldan 30
To J>is enge lond e'Sle bescyrede-
ForJ>on secgan masg se "Se soB sprice'S
paet he ahredde f>a for-hwyrfed wags
Frum-cyn fira- Waes seo faemne geong
Masg'S manes leas J>e he him to meder geceas*
pact waes geworden butan weres frigum
past Jmrh bearnes gebyrd bryd eacen wear"S-
Naenig efenlic J>am aer ne sij>]?an
In worlde gewear"S wifes gearnung*
paet degol wass dryhtnes geryne* 40
Eal giofu gasst-lic grund-sceat geond-spreot
paer wisna fela wear"S inlihted
Lare long-sume J>urh lifes fruman
pe aer under ho'Sman biholen laegon
Witgena wo^-song J?a se waldend cwom
4
Forsooth in very need we speak these words ;
Him who created man we supplicate,
that He elect not to declare in hate
the doom of us who sad in prison here
sit yearning for the sun' s propitious course.
When the Lord of life revealeth light to us,
be He the guardian- angel of our souls,
and wreathe the feeble mind with radiant grace.
May He glorify us thus, His favoured ones,
when we must needs depart in abject plight
unto this narrow land, bereft of home.
Verily he may say it, who speaketh truth,
that when the race of man was all depraved,
He came and rescued it. Young was the maiden,
a damsel sinless, whom He chose as mother.
It came to pass without the love of man,
that the bride was great by child-conception.
Never before or after in the world
was any meed of woman like to that ;
it was a secret mystery of tJie Lord.
All ghostly grace overspread the realm of earth,
and many a thing became illumined then
through lifes Creator, teachings of ancient day,
which lay concealed beneath the veil of night,
the sages' songs prophetic, ere the Ruler came,
5
Se)?e reorda gehwass ryne gemicla'S
Dara ]?e geneahhe noman scyppendes
purh ho[r]scne had hergan willa'S-
Eala sibbe gesih'S Sancta hierusalem
Cyne-stola cyst cristes burg-lond 50
Engla e]?el-stol and J?a ane in J?e
Saule so'S-fasstra simle geresta'S
Wuldrum hremge- Naefre wommes tacn
In fam eard-gearde eawed weorJ?e'S
Ac ]?e firina gehwylc feor abugdS
Waerg'So and gewinnes- Bist to wuldre full
Halgan hyhtes swa J?u gehaten eart*
Sioh nu sylfa J>e geond J>as sidan gesceaft
Swylce rodores hrof rume geond-wlitan
Ymb healfa gehwone hu J>ec heofones cyning 60
Si$e gesece"S and sylf cyme^
Nime'S card in )?e swa hit aer gefyrn
Witgan wis-faeste wordum sasgdon
Cy'Sdon cristes gebyrd cwaedon ]?e to frofre
Burga bet-licast- Nu is J>aet beam cymen
Awaecned to wyrpe weorcum ebrea-
Bringe'S blisse J?e benda onlyseft
Nif>um gene'Sde nearo -J?earfe conn
Hu se earma sceal are gebidan-
who speedeth on its course their every prayer,
if mortals will but praise full earnestly
their Maker's name, as wisdom biddeth them.
O sight of peace ! holy Jerusalem !
choicest of royal thrones ! citadel of Christ !
the native seat of angels and of the just,
the souls of whom alone rest in thee ever,
exulting in glory. No sign of aught unclean
shall ever be beheld in that abode,
but every sin shall flee of ar from thee,
all curse and conflict ; thou art gloriously full
of holy promise, e'en as thou art named.
See now thyself how all the wide creation
and heaven's roof surveyeth thee about,
on every side, and how the King of heaven
seeketh thee in His course, and cometh Himself,
and taketh His dwelling in thee, as in days of yore
soothsayers so wise declared in words ;
they made known Christ s birth ; they told it for thy comfort,
thou best of cities ! Now the Child is come,
awakened to destroy the Hebrews' works ;
He bringeth thee joy ; He looseneth thy bonds ;
He hath adventured Him for men ; He knoweth their need,
yea, how the wretched must await compassion.
II.
wifa wynn geond wuldres J>rym- 70
Faemne freo-1 least ofer ealne foldan sceat
J?aes J?e aefre sund-buend secgan hyrdon-
Arece us J>aet geryne )?aet J>e of roderum cwom
Hu J>u eacnunge aefre onfenge
Bearnes ]?urh gebyrde and J>one gebed-scipe
^Efter mon-wisan mod ne cuftes-
Ne we so$-lice swylc ne gefrugnan
In aer-dagum aefre gelimpan
paet *Su in sundur-giefe swylce befenge
Ne we ]?aere wyrde wenan J>urfon 80
Toweard in tide- Huru treow in J>e
Weor'S-licu wunade nu ]?u wuldres ]?rym
Bosme gebaere and no gebrosnad weai-ft
Maeg'S-had se micla- Swa eal manna bearn
Sorgum sawa'S swa eft ripa'S
CennaS to cwealme- Cwae'S sio eadge maeg
Symle sigores full Sancta maria-
Hwaet is J?eos wundrung J?e ge wafia'S
And geomrende gehj>um maena'S
Sunu solimae somod his dohtor- 90
FricgaS }?urh fyrwet hu ic faemnan-had
8
II.
( O sovran Lady of the bliss fid skies,
thou noblest maid through all the realm of earth,
that the ocean-dwellers have ever heard tell of,
unfold the mystery that came to thee from heaven,
how thou didst in some wise receive increase
by child-conception, and yet thou knewest not
communion after human fashion.
Truly we have not Juard that ever yet,
in days of yore, the like hath come to pass,
such as thou in special grace receivedst,
nor may we hope that it will ever chance
in future time. Lo, the faith that dwelt in thee
was worshipful, since thou didst in thy bosom bear
the flower of glory, and thy great maidenhood
was not destroyed. All the children of men
as they sow in sorrow, so afterwards they reap,
they bring forth for death! Spake the blessed maiden,
ever full of triumph, the holy Mary :
' What is this wonder which ye wonder at,
and grievously bemoan 'mid lamentations,
thou son and thou daughter of Salem ?
Ye ask full anxiously how I preserved
9
Mund minne geheold and eac modor gewearft
Maere meotudes suna- ForJ>an J>aet monnum nis
Cu"S geryne ac crist onwrah
In dauides dyrre maegan
paet is euan scyld eal for-pynded
Waerg'Sa aworpen and gewuldrad is
Se heanra had- Hyht is onfangen
paet nu bletsung mot baem gemasne
Werum and wifum a to worulde forft 100
In J?am up-lican engla dreame
Mid so&-faeder symle wunian*
Eala earendel engla beorhtast
Ofer middan-geard monnum sended
And so'S-faesta sunnan leoma
Torht ofer tunglas* pu tida gehwane
Of sylfum ]?e symle inlihtes-
Swa J>u god of gode gearo acenned
Sunu soj>an faeder swegles in wuldre
Butan anginne asfre waere 1 10
Swa J>ec nu for J?earfum J>in agen geweorc
Bide^ J>urh byldo J>aet J>u ]?a beorhtan us
Sunnan onsende and J>e sylf cyme
past "Su inleohte J>a J?e longe ser
prosme bej?eahte and in J>eostrum her
Saeton sin-neahtes synnum bifealdne-
10
my maidenhood, my troth, and yet became
great mother of the Creators Son. Verily to men
the mystery is not known ; but Christ revealed
in Davids kinswoman, beloved of Him,
that the guilt of Eve is all concluded now,
the curses overthrown, and the lowlier sex
is now made glorious. Hope is vouchsafed
that now for men and women equally
blessing may for evermore abide,
amid the harmony of angels high above,
with the Father of truth, to all eternity!
Hail, heavenly beam, brightest of angels thou,
sent unto men upon this middle-earth /
Thou art the true refulgence of the sun,
radiant above the stars, and from thyself
illuminest for ever all the tides of time.
And as thou, God indeed begotten of God,
thou Son of the true Father, wast from aye,
without beginning, in the heaven's glory,
so now thy handiwork in its sore need
prayeth thee boldly that thou send to us
the radiant sun, and that thou come thyself
to enlighten those who for so long a time
were wrapt around with darkness, and here in gloom
have sat the livelong night, shrouded in sin ;
II
Deorc deaj>es sceadu dreogan sceoldan*
Nu we hyht-fulle haelo gelyfa'S
purh J>aet word godes weorodum brungen
pe on frynvSe wass faeder aelmihtigum 120
Efen-ece mid god and nu eft gewear'S
Flsesc firena leas J>aet seo faemne gebaer
Geomrum to geoce- God waes mid us
Gesewen butan synnum somod eardedon
Mihtig meotudes beam and se monnes sunu
GeJ?wasre on J)eode- We J>ass ]?onc magon
Secgan sige-dryhtne symle bi gewyrhtum
paes ]?e he hine sylfne us sendan wolde-
Eala gaesta god hu J>u gleawlice
Mid noman ryhte nemned waere 130
Emmanuhel swa hit engel gecwaeft
^Erest on ebresc J?aet is eft gereht
Rume bi gerynum nu is rodera weard
God sylfa mid us- Swa ]?aet gomele gefyrn
Ealra cyninga cyning and J>one claenan eac
Sacerd so^-lice sasgdon toweard*
Swa se maere iu melchisedech
Gleaw in gasste god-J>rym on-wrah
Eces alwaldan- Se waes as bringend
Lara laedend J>am longe his 140
Hyhtan hider-cyme swa him gehaten waes
12
death's dark shadow had they to endure.
Hopeful now, we trust in the salvation
brought to the hosts of men through Gods own word,
which was in the beginning co-eternal
with God, the Almighty Father, and is now
flesh void of blemish, that the maiden bare
to help the wretched. God was seen 'mong us
in all His sinlessness ; together they dwelt,
the Creator's mighty Son and the son of man,
in peace on earth. Wherefore, as it is meet,
we may well thank the Lord of triumph aye,
that He vouchsafed to send to us Himself.
O thou God of spirits ! how wisely thou
wast named, with name aright, Emmanuel!
as the angel spake the word in Hebrew first,
which in its secret meaning fully now
is thus interpreted: ' The Guardian of the skies,
God's Self, is now with us ' ; e'en as of yore
old men said truly that the King of kings,
and eke the cleanly Priest, would come anon.
Thus long ago the great Melchizedek,
so wise of soul, revealed the majesty
of the eternal Ruler ; he was the law-bringer ;
he gave them precepts, who had awaited long
His advent hither, for it was promised them,
13
paette sunu meotudes sylfa
Wolde gefaelsian foldan maeg'Se
Swylce grundas eac gaestes maegne
SiJ>e gesecan* Nu hie softe J>aes
Bidon in bendum hwonne beam godes
Cwome to cearigum- ForJ?on cwaedon swa
Suslum geslaehte- Nu J>u sylfa cum
Heofones heah-cyning bring us haelo-lif
Werigum wite-]?eowum wope forcymenum 150
Bitrum bryne-tearum- Is seo bot gelong
Eal aet J?e anum .... ofer-)?earfum-
Haeftas hyge-geomre hider [gesece
Ne laet] J>e behindan J?onne J>u heonan cyrre
Maenigo ]?us micle ac J>u miltse on us
Gecy"S cyne-lice crist nergende-
Wuldres ae]?eling ne laet awyrgde ofer us
Onwald agan- Laef us ecne gefean
Wuldres J>ines J>aet J?ec weofSien
Weoroda wuldor-cyning J>a J?u geworhtes aer 160
Hondum ]?inum- pu in hean-nissum
Wunast wide ferh mid waldend faeder.
that the Son Himself of the all-ruling Lord
would purify the nations of the earth,
and in His course would seek too the abyss,
by the might of His spirit. Patiently
have they waited in their fetters, till Gods Child
should come to the afflicted ; wherefore spake thus
those cast in torments : ' Come thou now thyself,
Sovran of heaven ! bring us salvation,
weary thralls oppressed, worn out with weeping,
with bitter burning tears. With thee alone
resteth their cure for those in direst need.
Visit us here, captives so sad of mood,
nor leave behind thee, when thou turn 'st from hence,
so great a throng ! but royally show forth
thy mercy unto us, O Saviour Christ !
O Prince of glory ! let not the accursed
hold sway der us ; thy glory's endless joy
vouchsafe to us, that those may worship thee,
great Lord of hosts, whom thou createdst erst
with thine own hands. Thou in the heights above
dwellestfor ever with the all-ruling Father.'
III.
ALA ioseph min iacobes beam
Maeg dauides maeran cyninges
Nu J?u freode scealt faeste gedaelan
Alaetan lufan mine- Ic lungre earn
Deope gedrefed dome bereafod
For'&on ic worn for ]?e worde haebbe
Sidra sorga and sar-cwida
Hearmes gehy red and me hosp sprecaft 1 70
Torn-worda fela- Ic tearas sceal
Geotan geomor-mod- God eaj>e maeg
Gehaelan hyge-sorge heortan minre
Afrefran fea-sceaftne- Eala fasmne geong
Maeg'S maria- Hwaet bemurnest "Su
Cleopast cearigende ne ic culpan in J>e
Incan asnigne asfre onfunde
Womma geworhtra and J>u J?a word spricest
Swa J>u sylfa sie synna gehwylcre
Firena gefylled- Ic to fela haebbe 1 80
paes byrd-scypes bealwa onfongen-
Hu maeg ic ladigan la]?an spraece
Oj>]?e andsware aenige findan
WraJ>um to-wij?ere. Is J>aet wide
16
III.
[MARY.] * Alas ! now, Joseph mine, thou child of Jacob,
scion of David's stock, the glorious King,
must thou forthwith renounce thy plighted troth,
and leave my love ? ' [JOSEPH.] ' Too soon am I overwhelmed
with grievous care ; too soon bereft of honour.
Forsooth through thee have I heard many a word,
many an agonising bitter taunt,
many an insult, and they revile me now
words of bitter wrath. My soul is sad ;
must shed tears. God may easily
?al the grievotis sorrow of my heart,
comfort me, forlorn. A las, young damsel,
Vary maiden ! ' [MARY.] ' Why bemoanest thou,
and criest aloud lamenting ? Neer found I
a fault in thee, or any cause of blame
for evil done, and yet tJtou speak* st such words,
as thou thyself wert filled with every sin
and all transgression? [JOSEPH.] * Too much misery
have I received from this conception.
How can I escape the hateful words,
or how can I find any answer now
against mine angry foes ? ' Tis widely known,
B 17
paet ic of J>am torhtan temple dryhtnes
Onfeng freo-lice faemnan clasne
Womma lease and nu gehwyrfed is
purh nat-hwylces- Me nawj>er deag
Secge ne swige- Gif ic soft sprece
ponne sceal dauides dohtor sweltan 190
Stanum astyrfed- Gen strengre is
past ic morj>or hele scyle man-swara
Laj? leoda gehwam lifgan siJ>J>an
v Fraco8 in folcum- pa seo faemne onwrah
Ryht-geryno and ]?us reordade-
So^ ic secge J>urh sunu meotudes
Gassta geocend J>aet ic gen ne conn
purh gemaec-scipe monnes ower
^Enges on eor'San- Ac me eaden wear$
Geongre in geardum ]?aet me gabrihel 200
Heofones heag-engel haelo gebodade-
Saegde so'S-lice J?ast me swegles gaest
Leoman onlyhte sceolde ic lifes J>rym
Geberan beorhtne sunu beam eacen godes
Torhtes tir-fruma[n]- Nu ic his tempel earn
Gefremed butan facne in me frofre gaest
Ge-eardode- Nu ]?u ealle forlast
Sare sorg-ceare saga ecne Iponc
Masrum meotodes sunu J>aet ic his modor gewear8
18
that from the glorious temple of the Lord
I joyfully received a maiden pure,
immaculate ; and now all this is changed,
through whom I know not. Neither availeth me,
to speak or to be silent; speak I the truth,
then must Davids daughter suffer death,
slain with stones ; yet 'tis a harder lot
to conceal the crime, and to be doomed to live
a perjurer, henceforth loathed by all the folk,
accursed 'mong men? Then did the maid unravel
the mystery so true, and thus she spake :
' Truly I say, by the Son of the Creator,
the Saviour of souls, that yet I know not
in conjugal communion any man
anywhere on earth ; but it was granted me,
while still a damsel young and in my home,
that Gabriel, heaven's archangel, bade me hail,
and said in very truth, that heaven's Spirit
should with His ray illume me, that I should bear
life's Glory, an illustrious Son, the mighty Child
of God, the bright Creator. Now, without guilt,
am I become His temple ; the Spirit of comfort
hath dwelt within me. Wherefore dismiss thou now
all sorry care, and say eternal thanks
to the Lord's great Son, that I became His mother,
19
Faemne for^ se-]?eah and J>u faeder cweden 210
Woruld-cund bi wene sceolde witedom
In him sylfum beon so8e gefylled-
Eala J>u so8a and ]?u sib-suma
Ealra cyninga cyning crist ael-mihtig
Hu ]?u asr wasre eallum geworden
Worulde ]?rymmum mid J>inne wuldor-faeder
Cild acenned Jnirh his crasft and meaht-
Nis aenig nu eorl under lyfte
Secg searo-f>oncol to J>aes swi'Se gleaw
l?e ]?aet asecgan maege sund buendum 220
Areccan mid ryhte hu ]?e rodera weard
^t frym'Se genom him to freo-bearne
J?a2t waes J?ara J>inga J>e her J>eoda cynn
Gefrugnen mid folcum ast fruman asrest
Geworden under wolcnum )?aet witig god
Lifes ord-fruma leoht and J>ystro
Gedaelde dryhtlice and him waes domes geweald
And J>a wisan abead weoroda ealdor-
Nu sie geworden forj> a to widan feore
Leoht lixende gefea lifgendra gehwam 230
pe in cneorissum cende weor$en-
And J>a son a gelomp J>a hit swa sceolde
Leoma leohtade leoda maegj>um
Torht mid tunglum asfter ]?on tida bigong-
20
nathless a maiden still, and thou, I ween,
art named His earthly father, should the prophecy
become fulfilled aright in Him Himself.'
O thou true Sovran, and thou peaceful King,
thou King of all Kings, Christ Omnipotent !
how wast thou, with thy glorious Father, aye
existent before all the worlds estates,
a child begotten by His skill and might.
There liveth not a mortal under heaven,
no man however wise, who is so wise,
that he can tell unto the ocean-dwellers
and expound aright, how the Warden of the skies
took thee in the beginning for His noble child.
Of all the things that mankind hath eer heard
here upon earth, this thing first came to pass
beneath the clouds, that God Omniscient,
the Source of life, parted in sovran will
the light from darkness^ wielding His decree ;
and thus He, Lord of hosts, commanded then :
* Let there be light for ever and for ever,
a radiant joy for each of living men
who in their generations shall be born}
And so it came to pass, when 'twas ordained ;
a splendour shining bright amidst the stars
lighted, through the course of time, the tribes of men.
21
Sylfa sette J>aet J>u sunu wasre
Efen-eardigende mid J>inne engan frean
JEr J>on oht J>isses aefre gewurde
pu eart seo snyttro ]?e J?as sidan gesceaft
Mid YI waldende worhtes ealle-
ForJ>on nis aenig J>aes horse ne J?aes hyge-craeftig 240
pe J?in from-cyn maege fira bearnum
Sweotule gesej>an- Cum nu sigores weard
Meotod mon-cynnes and J>ine miltse her
Arfaest ywe us is eallum neod
paet we J>in medren-cynn motan cunnan
Ryht-geryno nu we areccan ne maegon
past faedren-cynn fier owihte*
pu J>isne middan-geard milde geblissa
purh 'Sinne her-cyme haslende crist-
And J>a gyldnan geatu J?e in gear-dagum 250
Ful longe asr bilocen stodan
Heofona heah frea hat ontynan
And usic J>onne gesece ]?urh ]?in sylfes gong
Ea'S-mod to eorj>an- Us is J>inra arna ]?earf
Hafa'S se awyrgda wulf tostenced
Deor dasd-scua dryhten J>in eowde
Wide towrecene ]?aet %u waldend aer
Blode gebohtes J?ast se bealo-fulla
heard-lice and him on haeft
22
He had Himself ordained that thou, His Son,
shouldst be co-dwelling with thy only Lord,
ere aught of this had ever come to pass.
Lo, thou art Wisdom ; with the Omnipotent
thou wroughtest all this wide creation ;
wherefore is none so wise or so profound
that he can tell thy origin aright
to the sons of men. Come now, Lord of triumph,
Creator of mankind, and graciously
show forth thy mercy here ; we all desire
that we may know aright thy mother-kin,
a mystery indeed; we cannot understand
further in anywise thy kin paternal.
Bless thou benignly all this middle-earth
by thy coming hither, O thou Saviour Christ,
and the golden gates that in the days of old,
through the long ages, stood so firmly locked,
do thou, high Lord of heaven, bid open now,
and visit us, coming thy very Self
humbly to earth ! we need thy gracious help ;
the accursed wolf, the beast of darkest deed,
hath scattered, Lord, thy flock, and far and wide
dispersed it ; what thou, Omnipotent, of old
didst with thy blood redeem, the baleful one
oppresseth cruelly, and taketh it in bondage,
23
Ofer usse nioda lust- ForJ>on we nergend J>e 260
Bidda'S georn-lice breost-gehygdum
paet J>u hraed-lice helpe gefremme
Wergum wreccan J>aet se wites bona
In helle grund hean gedreose
And J>in hond-geweorc haelej>a scyppend
Mote arisan and on ryht cuman
To J>am up-cundan aej>elan rice
ponan us asr Jnirh syn-lust se swearta gaest
Forteah and fortylde J>ast we tires wone
A butan ende sculon ermj>u dreogan 270
Butan J>u usic ]?on ofost-licor ece dryhten
JEt J>am leod-sceafan lifgende god
Helm alwihta hreddan wille-
IV.
ALA )?u maera middan-geardes
Seo clasneste cwen ofer eorj>an
para []?]e gewurde to widan feore
Hu Jec mid ryhte ealle reord-berend
Hata^ and secga8 haele'S geond foldan
BliJ>e mode ]?aet Ipu bryd sie
paes selestan swegles bryttan- 280
Swylce J>a hyhstan on heofonum eac
Cristes J>egnas cweJpa'S and singa'S
24
despite our anxious longing. Wherefore, Saviour ',
we pray thee earnestly, with all our thoughts,
that speedily thou grant help unto us,
poor weary wretches, that the soul's destroyer
may fall precipitate to hell's abyss,
and that thy handiwork, Creator of all men,
may then arise and come, as it is meet,
unto that noble realm in heaven above,
whence the swart spirit, throiigh our love of sin,
beguiled us erst ; wherefore inglorious
for aye must we this wretchedness endure,
unless thou, Lord eternal, living God,
Helm of all created things, e'en now
will free us speedily from mankind's bane.
IV.
Hail, thou glory of this middle-world,
thou purest woman throughout all the earth,
of those that were from immemorial time,
how rightly art thou named by all endowed
with gift of speech ! All mortals throughout earth
declare, full blithe of heart, that thou art bride
of Him that ruleth the empyreal sphere.
So too the highest in the heavens above,
the thanes of Christ, proclaim aloud and sing,
25
jpaet J>u sie hlaefdige halgum meahtum
Wuldor-weorudes and worl[d]-cundra
Hada under heofonum and hel-wara
ForJ>on J>u J>ast ana ealra monna
GeJ>ohtest J>rymlice J>rist-hycgende
paet J>u J>inne maeg'S-had meotude brohtes
Sealdes butan synnum* Nan swylc ne cwom
JEmg of>er ofer ealle men 290
Bryd beaga hroden J>e J>a beorhtan lac
To heofon-hame hlutre mode
SiJ>J?an sende- For'Son heht sigores fruma
His heah-bodan hider gefleogan
Of his masgen-J>rymme and J?e meahta sped
Snude cy8an ]?ast )?u sunu dryhtnes
purh claene gebyrd cennan sceolde
Monnum to miltse and J>e maria for^
Efne unwemme a gehealden-
Eac we J>aet gefrugnon J>aet gefyrn bi J>e 300
So'S-faest saegde sum wo'S-bora
In eald-dagum esaias
paet he waere gelaeded J>ast he lifes gesteald
In J>am ecan ham eal sceawode-
Wlat J>a swa wis-faest witga geond J>eod-land
OJ>J>aet he gestarode J>asr gestaf>elad waes
ic ingong- Eal waes gebunden
26
that thou by might of holiness art queen
of the hosts of 'glory -, of the ranks of men
on earth 'neath heaven, and of hell's habitants,
for thou alone of all the race of men
with noble aspiration didst resolve
to bring thy maidenhood unto the Lord,
to offer it in all thy sinlessness.
No ring-adorned bride like unto thee
hath ever come again 'mong humankind,
to send with spirit pure the glorious gift
unto the heavenly home. Wherefore the Lord triumphant
bade His chief messenger fly hitherward
from His great glory, and anon to thee
reveal His might's avail, that thou shouldst bear
in purity the Son of the Supreme,
in mercy to mankind, and nathless, Mary,
thou shouldst be held immaculate for aye.
Eke have we heard the words that long ago
the prophet truly spake concerning thee,
in distant days of old, to wit, Isaiah,
that he was led where he beheld aright
lifes dwelling-place in the eternal home ;
looked then the wise soothsayer o'er all the land,
till that he saw where stood immovable
a glorious portal ; bound all about
27
Deoran since duru ormaste
Wundur-clommum bewri]?en- Wende swi'Se
past asnig elda aefre meahte 310
Swa faestlice fore-scyttelsas
On ecnesse o in-hebba
Oj?J>e $ass ceaster-hlides cluster onlucan
JEr him godes engel J>urh glaedne ge]?onc
pa wisan onwrah and J>ast word acwae$-
Ic J>e masg secgan J>ast soft gewear'S
past 'Sas gyldnan gatu giet sume sij>e
God sylf wile gasstes masgne
Gefaslsian faeder ael-mihtig
And J>urh J>a faestan locu foldan neosan 320
And hio ]?onne aefter him ece stonde'S
Simle singales swa beclysed
Past nasnig o}?er nym]?e nergend god
Hy asfre ma eft onluce$-
Nu )?ast is gefylled J>ast se froda J>a
Mid eagum ]?aer on-wlatade-
pu eart J>aet weall-dor J>urh J>e waldend frea
jEne on ]?as eor$an ut-si'Sade
And efne swa J>ec gemette meahtum gehrodene
Clasne and gecorene crist asl-mihtig 330
Swa $e aefter him engla J>eoden
Eft unmaele aelces Binges
28
with precious metal was the door immense,
begirt with wondrous bands ; he pondered much
how any mortal man might e'er avail
to lift the bolts and bars so firmly fixed,
yea, ever unto all eternity,
or ope the fastening of that city-gate,
until Gods angel joy fully to him
disclosed how it would be, and spake these words :
' / may tell thee,' truly it came to pass,
' that God Himself, Father Omnipotent,
in future time, yea, by His Spirit's might,
will glorify these golden gates withal,
and through these firm- set bolts will visit earth,
and after Him shall they remain for aye,
to all eternity, so firmly closed,
that no one else but He, the Saviour God,
shall e'er avail to open them again'
Now is the thing fulfilled that at that time
the sage there with his eyes contemplated.
Thou art the wall-door; through thee the Omnipotent ',
the Ruler, once proceeded to this earth ;
and as He, Christ Almighty , found thee then
adorned with all thy virtues, pure and choice,
so He, the Prince of Angels, Lord of life,
closed thee, immaculate e'en as of yore,
29
Liojm-caegan bileac lifes brytta-
Iowa us nu J>a are J>e se engel J>e
Godes spel-boda gabriel brohte-
Huru J>aes bidda'S burg-sittende
past 8u J>a frofre folcum cy8e
pinre sylfre sunu- Sif>J>an we motan
An-modlice ealle hyhtan
Nu we on J>aet beam foran breostum staria'S- 340
GeJ>inga us nu J>ristum wordum
paet he us ne laste leng owihte
In J>isse dea'S-dene gedwolan hyran
Ac J>aet he usic geferge in faeder-rice
paer we sorg-lease sif>J>an motan
Wunigan in wuldre mid weoroda god-
Eala J>u halga heofona dryhten
t?u mid fasder J)inne gefyrn wasre
Efen-wesende in J>am aej>elan ham-
Nass aenig ]?a giet engel geworden 350
Ne J>aes miclan maegen-J>rymmes nan
De in roderum up rice biwitiga'S
x O
peodnes jpry'S-gesteald and his Jpegnunga
pa J>u asrest waere mid J>one ecan frean
Sylf settende J>as sidan gesceaft
Brade bryten-grundas- Basm inc is gemasne
Heah-gaest hleofaest- We J>e haslend crist
30
1
after Him again, as with a wondrous key.
Show us now the grace that God 's own messenger,
the angel Gabriel, brought unto thee !
Forsooth we dwellers in earths cities pray,
that thou reveal their comfort unto men,
thy very son. Hereafter we may all,
with one accord, look forward hopefully,
if now we see the Child upon thy breast.
Plead thou our cause for us with earnest words,
that He may suffer us no longer here
to list to Error in this vale of death,
but that He lead us to the Father's realm,
where sorrowless we may for evermore
abide in glory with the Lord of hosts.
Hail, thou holy One, thou Lord of heaven,
thou with thy Father wast from ancient time,
co-eval in that noble home on high.
As yet there was not any angel formed,
nor any of the mighty hierarchies,
that guard the kingdom in the skies above,
the palace of the Prince and of His thanes,
when thou together with the Lord eterne
wast first ordaining all this wide creation,
this broad expanse of earth. Ye twain have fellowship
with the protecting Spirit. Saviour Christ,
31
purh ea'S-medu ealle biddaft
paet J?u gehyre haefta stefne
Jpinra nied-J>iowa nergende god- 360
Hu we sind geswencte ]?urh ure sylfra gewill-
Habba'S wraec-maecgas wergan gaestas
Hetlen hel-sceaj>a hearde genyrwad
Gebunden bealo-rapum- Is seo bot gelong
Eall aet J>e anum ece dryhten-
Hreow-cearigum help ]?aet J>in hider-cyme
Afrefre fea-sceafte J>eah we fashj?o wi^ ]?ec
purh firena lust gefremed hasbben-
Ara nu onbehtum and usse yrm]?a genetic
Hu we tealtriga'S tydran mode 370
Hwearfia$ heanlice- Cym nu haelej>a cyning
Ne lata to lange- Us is lissa f>earf
paet ]?u us ahredde and us haelo-giefe
So'S-faest sylle )?aet we sij>]?an for^
pa sellan J>ing symle moten
Ge]?eon on ]?eode J?inne willan-
V.
;ALA seo wlitige weor'S-mynda full
Heah and halig heofon-cund J>rynes
Brade geblissad geond bryten-wongas
32
in lowliness we all beseech thee now,
that thou mayest hear the voice of these thy thralls,
thy captive bondmen here. O Saviour God,
how are we harassed through our own desires !
Us wretched exiles have the accursed sprites,
the hateful hell-fiends, cruelly constrained,
and bound with baleful bonds. With thee alone
resteth redemption, O eternal Lord !
Help thou the wretched, and let thine advent hither
comfort the forlorn, though through our lust of sin
we have engaged in feud e'en against Thee.
Pity thy servants ! Bethink thee of our woes,
how in our feebleness we stumble Jure,
and wander abjectly. Come now, O King of men,
tarry not too long ; we need thy gentle grace /
Deliver thou us and grant us verily
thy healing gift, so that from now henceforth
we may for evermore, while in this world,
attempt the better things, and work thy will.
V.
Hail, thou Glory, beauteous and worshipful,
high and holy, heavenly Trinity !
blessed far and wide throughout the spacious world.
c 33
t?a mid ryhte sculon reord-berende 380
Earme eofS-ware ealle maegene
Hergan healice nu us haelend god
Waerfaest onwrah J>aet we hine witan mo tan-
Forf>on hy dasd-hwaste dome geswiftde
past soft-faeste scrap hinnes cynn
Uppe mid englum a bremende
UnaJ>reotendum J?rymmum singaft
Ful healice hludan stefne
Faegre feor and neah- Habba]? folgoj>a
Cyst mid cyninge- Him ]?aet crist forgeaf 390
J^aet hy motan his aet-wiste eagum brucan
Simle singales swegle gehyrste
Weor$ian waldend wide and side-
And mid hyra fi)?rum frean asl-mihtges
Onsyne wear[dia]8 ecan dryhtnes
And ymb J>eoden-stol J^ringa'S georne
Hwylc hyra nehst maege ussum nergende
Flihte lacan fri'S-geardum in-
Lofia'S leof-licne and in leohte him
pa word cweJ>a'S and wuldria'S 400
jEjpelne ord-fruman ealra gesceafta-
Halig eart J>u halig heah-engla brego
Soft sigores frea simle J?u bist halig
Dryhtna dryhten a ]>m dom wuna'S
34
Thee rightly must all men endowed with speech,
all earth's poor mortals, praise with might and main,
for now the trusty Saviour hath revealed
God unto us, that we may know Him right.
Wherefore the heavenly race of Seraphim,
so true, so zealous, and with glory crowned,
doth sweetly sing amid the hosts above,
hymning ever with unwearying notes,
with rapture high, and ivith exalted strain,
afar and near. Theirs is the noblest office
in the service of the King. Christ granted them
that with their eyes they may enjoy His being,
and ceaselessly from pole to pole adore
their Sovran Lord, wreathed with celestial light ;
and with their wings do they the presence guard
of the Omnipotent, the eternal Lord,
and throng around the Prince's throne, all eager
which one of them may nearest to our Saviour
disport in flight within the courts of peace ;
they praise Him, the Beloved, and in His light
these words they speak to Him, and glorify
the noble Source of all created things :
' Holy art thou, holy, Lord of archangels,
true Lord of triumph, ever art thou holy,
King of all kings, ever thy glory liveth
35
Eorft-lic mid aeldum in aelce tid
Wide geweorj?ad- t?u eart weoroda god
ForJ>on J>u gefyldest foldan and rodoras
Wigendra hleo wuldres }?ines-
Helm al-wihta sie J>e in heannessum
Ece haelo and in eor]?an lof 410
Beorht mid beornum- )?u gebletsad leofa
t?e in dryhtnes noman dugejwm cwome
Heanum to hro)?re- J?e in heahjmm sie
A butan ende ece herenis-
Eala hwast ]?ast is wrasc-lic wrixl in wera life
Jpastte mon-cynnes milde scyppend
Onfeng aet faemnan flassc unwemme
And sio weres friga wiht ne cuj>e
Ne Jmrh saed ne cwom sigores agend
Monnes ofer moldan ac ]?ast waes ma craeft 420
fronne hit eor'S-buend ealle cu]?an
J2urh geryne hu he rodera J?rim
Heofona heah frea helpe gefremede
Monna cynne Jmrh his modor hrif-
And swa for'S gongende folca nergend
His forgif-nesse gumum to helpe
Dasle'S dogra gehwam dryhten weoroda-
ForJ>on we hine dom-hwate dasdum and wordum
Hergen hold-lice- past is healic raed
36
on earth 'mong men, to all eternity ',
praised far and wide. Thou art the Lord of hosts,
for with thy glory thou hast filled the earth
and all the skies, thou Shield of warriors !
Helm of all things I endless Hosanna be thine
in the heights above, and noble praise on earth,
among the hosts of men. A bide thou blessed,
that in the Lords name earnest unto men
to comfort the dejected! in the high heavens
eternal praise be thine, world without end! '
How wondrous is the change in mortal life,
since the benign Creator of mankind
took from a damsel flesh immaculate,
nor knew she anything of human love,
nor came the Lord of triumph down to earth
through seed of man ; but it was greater craft
than earths inhabitants might understand,
how the Glory of the skies, through mystery,
the Sovran Lord of heaven, effected help
for all mankind, e'en through His mother's womb.
A nd aye, unceasingly, the Saviour of men
bestoweth His forgiveness ^mtofolk,
each day, to help them, He the Lord of hosts.
For this should we extol Him loyally,
zealous in deed and word. 'Tis a noble rede,
37
Monna gehwylcum J>e gemynd hafa'S 430
t?aet he symle oftost and inlocast
And georn-licost god weor]?ige-
He him J>aere lisse lean forgilde'S
Se gehalgoda haelend sylfa
Efne in J>am e81e J>aer he aer ne cwom
In lifgendra londes wynne
fraer he gesaslig si]?J>an earda$
Ealne widan feorh wuna'S butan ende- Amen-
tie
i.
U "Su geornlice gaest gerynum
Mon se maera mod-craefte sec 440
t?urh sefan snyttro ]?aet f>u so^ wite
Hu )?aet geeode ]?a se asl-mihtiga
Acenned weai-ft J>urh clasnne had
Si]?]?an he marian maegfta weolman
Maerre meowlan mund-heals geceas
paet ]?aer in hwitum hrasglum gewerede
Englas ne o^eowdun ]?a se as]?eling cwom
Beorn in betlem- Bodan waeron gearwe
l?a ]?urh hleo]?or-cwide hyrdum cy'Sdon
38
for every mortal mindful of the past,
that aye, most often and most inwardly,
and with all eagerness, he worship God.
He will be recompensed for his sweet love,
yea, by the hallowed Saviour Himself,
e'en in that home where he came ne'er before,
the happy land where the immortals are ;
tJtere blessed shall he abide for evermore,
and dwell eternally, world without end. A men.
* Clje
i.
earnestly, with all thy secret lore,
with all thy faculties, thou mighty man,
with the wisdom of thy soul, that thou may'st know,
how it befell, when the Omnipotent
was born unto the world in purity,
wJien he had chosen Mary as protector,
glory of maidenhood, damsel renowned,
that there appeared not angels then arrayed
in robes of white, whenas the noble Chief
came into Bethlehem. Angels were ready,
for tJiey revealed in accents clear and told
39
Saegdon so'Sne gefean J?aette sunu waere 450
In middan-geard meotudes acenned
In betleme- Hwas)?re in bocum ne cwi"3
(?aet hy in hwitum J?aer hrasglum o'Sywden
In J>a ae]?elan tid swa hie eft dydon
Da se brega maera to bethania
peoden J>rym-faest his }?egna gedrhyt
Gela'Sade leof weorud- Hy J>aes lareowes
On J>am wil-daege word ne gehyrwdon
Hyra sinc-giefan- Sona waeron gearwe
Haele'S mid hlaford to ]?aere halgan byrg 460
)paer him tacna fela tires brytta
Onwrah wuldres helm word-gerynum
Mrlpon up-stige an-cenned sunu
Efen-ece beam agnum faeder
paes ymb feowertig J>e he of foldan aer
From dea$e aras dagena rimes-
Hasfde ]?a gefylled swa asr biforan sungon
Witgena word geond woruld innan
J?urh his J>rowinga- pegnas heredon
Lufedun leof-wendum lifes agend 470
Faeder frum-sceafta- He him faegre J?aes
Leofum gesij?um lean aefter geaf
And J>aet word acwaeft waldend engla
Gefysed frea mihtig to faeder rice-
40
to shepherds the sure joy that there was born
upon this middle-earth, in Bethlehem,
the Son of the Creator ; yet in books it saith not
that they appeared then at that glorious tide
in robes of white, e'en as they did anon
when the great Leader in Bethania,
the Lord majestic, called His band of thanes,
the host beloved; on that welcome day
they slighted not the word their Teacher spake,
their bounteous Dispenser. Soon were they dight,
men with their Master, for the holy burgh ;
there Splendour's Lord, the Helm of bliss, revealed
full many a sign to them in mystic words,
ere He ascended, only begotten Son,
the Child with His own Father co- eternal ;
then forty numbered days had run their course,
since He had risen first from earth, from death.
Then had He fulfilled the prophets' words,
as they had sting before throughout the world,
yea, by His passion. His servants lauded Him,
they praised ail-lovingly the Source of life,
tlie Father of creation ! Wherefore in aftertime
He nobly recompensed His comrades dear ;
and these words spake the angels' mighty Lord,
whilst hastening onward to His Father's realm :
41
Gefeo'S ge on fer'Sfte naefre ic from-hweorfe
Ac ic lufan symle laeste wi$ eowic
And eow meaht giefe and mid-wunige
Awo to ealdre J>ast eow aefre ne bi'S
t?urh gife mine godes onsien-
Fara^S nu geond ealne yrmenne grund 480
Geond wid-wegas weoredum cy'Sa'S
Bodia'S and brema'S beorhtne geleafan
And fulwia'S folc under roderum
Hweorfa'S to heofonum hergas breotaj?
Fylla'S and feogaft feond-scype dwaesca'S
Sibbe sawa'S on sefan manna
t?urh meahta sped* Ic eow mid-wunige
For8 on frofre and eow fri'Se healde
Streng$u sta}?ol-fasstre on stowa gehware-
Da wear"S semninga sweg on lyfte 490
Hlud gehyred heofon-engla J>reat
Weorud wlite-scyne wuldres aras
Cwomun on cor'Sre- Cyning ure gewat
]?urh J>aes temples hrof J?aer hy to-segun
J?a J>e leofes J>a gen last weardedun
On J>am J?ing-stede )?egnas gecorene-
Gesegon hi on heahjm hlaford stigan
God-bearn of grundum- Him wass geomor sefa
Hat set heortan hyge murnende
42
* Rejoice ye in spirit ; ne'er will I turn away,
but I will show my love toward you still,
and grant you might, and will abide with you
to all eternity, and through my grace
ne'er shall ye know the want of sustenance.
Go now o'er all the spacious tract of earth,
o'er the wide ways, announce it unto men,
preach and proclaim tJie glorious belief,
and baptize folk beneath the firmament ;
turn then to heaven ; shatter heathen idols,
cast them down and spurn them ; extinguish enmity,
and sow ye peace within the minds of men,
by virtue of your gifts. I will abide with you
in solace, and will keep you aye in peace,
with sure unfailing strength in every place!
Then suddenly a sound was heard on high,
loud in the air ; a band of heavenly angels,
a beauteous host, the messengers of glory,
in legion came ; our King departed thence,
e'en through the temple's roof, where they beheld,
they who were watching still the Dear One's track,
His chosen thanes, there in that meeting-place ;
they saw their Lord, the Child divine, ascend
from earth into the heights ; sad were their souls ;
their spirit's grief burned hot within their hearts,
43
pass J?e hi swa leofne leng ne mostun 500
Geseon under swegle- Song ahofun
Aras ufan-cunde asj?eling heredun
Lofedun lif-fruman leohte gefegun
pe of J>aes haslendes heafelan lixte
Gesegon hy ael-beorhte englas twegen
Faegre ymb J>aet frum-bearn frastwum blican
Cyninga wuldor- Cleopedon of heahjm
Wordum wraet-licum ofer wera mengu
Beorhtan reorde- Hwaet bida'S ge
Galilesce guman on hwearfte- 510
Nu ge sweotule geseo'S so'Sne dryhten
On swegl faran sigores agend-
Wile up heonan eard gestigan
jJE]?elinga ord mid J>as engla gedryht
Ealra folca fruma fasder e^el-stoll-
II.
E mid ]?yslice Create willa'S
ofer heofona gehlidu hlaford fergan
To J>asre beorhtan byrg mid J>as blican gedryt*
Ealra sige-bearna J>ast seleste
And aej>eleste J>e ge her onstaria'S 520
And in frofre geseoft fraetwum blican
44
for now they might no longer see 'neath heaven
One so beloved as He. Then raised a song
the messengers celestial ; praised they the Prince ;
they lauded life's Creator ; joyed they in the light
that gleamed so brightly from the Saviours head ;
saw they angels twain, resplendent, fair ;
shining in splendour 'round that first-born Child,
the Glory of all Kings ; they cried out from on high,
in wondrous words, o'er all the hosts of men,
with voices resonant : ' Why bide ye here,
and stand about, ye Galilean men ?
Now surely do ye see the Sovran true
wending triumphant to the empyreal sphere.
The Chief of princes with these angel-hosts,
the Lord of all mankind, ascendeth hence
unto His native home, His fatherland.'
II.
' Fain would we o'er the vaulted roof of heaven
conduct the Lord with all this company,
this joyous throng, unto the shining burgh'
' He whom ye gaze on here so rapt, the best
and noblest of the sons of victory,
He whom ye see in solace shine so fair,
45
Wile eft swa-)?eah eor^an masg'Se
Sylfa gesecan side herge
And ]?onne gedeman daeda gehwylce
J?ara 8e gefremedon folc under roderum-
Da waes wuldres weard wolcnum bifongen
Heah-engla cyning ofer hrofas upp
Haligra helm- Hyht waes geniwad
Blis in burgum Jmrh J>aes beornes cyme-
Gesaet sige-hremig on J>a swij>ran hand 530
Ece ead-fruma agnum faeder-
Gewitan him J>a gongan to hierusalem
Haslet hyge-rofe in 'Sa halgan burg
Geomor-mode J>onan hy god nyhst
Up-stigende eagum segun
Hyra wil-gifan- pasr waes wopes hring
Torne bitolden- Wass seo treow lufu
Hat ast heortan hre^er innan weoll
Beorn breost-sefa- Bidon ealle ]?asr
pegnas ]?rym-fulle J>eodnes gehata 540
In J>aere torhtan byrig tyn niht J?a-gen
Swa him sylf bibead swegles agend
^Er J>on up-stige ealles waldend
On heofona gehyld hwite c woman
Eorla ead-giefan englas to-geanes-
Daet is wel cweden swa gewritu secga8
46
will surely yet again with ample host
revisit all the races of the earth,
and then will He adjudge their every deed,
that mortals have achieved beneath the skies'
Then was Glory 's Guardian, the archangels' King,
the Helm of holy men, bewrapt in clouds,
high o'er the roofs. Joy was renewed and bliss
in heaven's cities at the Prince's coming ;
on His own Fathers right-hand sat He down
triumphant, the eternal Source of good.
Sad then in spirit, went the valiant men
and journeyed to Jerusalem's holy burgh,
departing from the place where they so late
beheld with their own eyes God rise aloft,
their kind Dispenser. There was unbroken weeping,
their faithful love was overwhelmed with grief,
their hearts were hot, their bosoms surged within,
their thoughts were all a-glow. His glorious thanes
awaited there their Sovran Lord's behests,
within that noble burgh, ten nights withal,
as He Himself, the Lord of heaven, bade,
e'er He ascended in omnipotence
to heaven's keeping, and white angels came
toward the bounteous Prince of warrior-men.
It is well spoken, as the Scripture saith,
47
past him al-beorhte englas togeanes
In J>a halgan tid heapum cwoman
Sigan on swegle J>a wass symbla maest
Geworden in wuldre- Wei J>ast gedafena'S 550
Dast to J>asre blisse beorhte gewerede
In J>aes J>eodnes burg ]?egnas cwoman
Weorud wlite-scyne gesegon wil-cuman
On heah-setle heofones waldend
Folca feorh-giefan frastwum ealles waldend
Middan-geardes and maegen-J>rymmes-
Hafa*S nu se halga helle bireafod
Ealles J>aes gafoles J>e hi gear-dagum
In J>aet orlege unryhte swealg-
Nu sind forcumene and in cwic-susle 560
Gehynde and gehaefte in helle grund
DuguJ?um bidaeled deofla cempan-
Ne meahtan wij>er-brogan wige spowan
Waepna wyrpum siJJ?an wuldres cyning
Heofon-rices helm hilde gefremede
Wijj his eald-feondum anes meahtum-
paer he of haefte ahlod huj>a maeste
Of feonda byrig folces unrim
pisne ilcan J>reat J?e ge her on-staria'S-
Wile nu gesecan sawla nergend 570
Gaesta gief-stol godes agen beam
48
that radiant angels at that holy tide,
descending in the clouds, in legion came
to meet Him ; then in glorious heaven arose
the greatest jubilee. ' Twas well befitting
that His servants came to the Beatitude,
unto the Princes city, brightly clad,
a beauteous host ; they saw their welcome Lord
on His exalted throne, Sovran of heaven,
Source of men's life, ruling in splendour all,
this middle-earth and the majestic host.
' Now hath the Holy One despoiled hell
of all the tribute that in ancient days
it basely gorged within that home of strife.
Now are they quelled, the devil's champions,
in living torture humbled and held bound,
bereft of prowess, down in hell's abyss ;
the gruesome foes might not in battle speed
with weapon-thrusts, when He, the King of Glory,
the Helm of heavens realm, waged warfare there
against His ancient foes with His sole might.
Then drew He forth from durance the best spoil,
a folk unnumbered, from the burgh of fiends,
this very band which ye here gaze upon.
Now will He seek the Spirit's throne of grace,
the proper Child of God, Saviour of souls,
D 49
gu'S-plegan- Nu ge geare cunnon
Hwaet se hlaford is se J>isne here laede'S-
Nu ge from-lice freondum to-geanes
Gonga^ glaed-mode- Geatu ontyna'S-
Wile into eow ealles waldend
Cyning on ceastre cor'Sre ne lytle
Fyrn-weorca fruma folc gelasdan
In dreama dream 8e he on deoflum genom
)2urh his sylfes sygor- Sib sceal gemaene 580
Englum and aeldum a for'S heonan
Wesan wide-ferh- Waer is aet-somne
Godes and monna gaest-halig treow
Lufu lifes hyht and ealles leohtes gefea-
Hwaet we nu gehyrdan hu J?aet haelu-bearn
purh his hyder-cyme hals eft forgeaf
Gefreode and gefreojmde folc under wolcnum
Maere meotudes sunu ]?aet nu monna gehwylc
Cwic ]?endan her wunat geceosan mot
Swa helle hienjnz swa heofones maer]?U' 590
Swa J>ast leohte leoht swa 'Sa la)?an niht-
Swa J>rymmes ]?raece swa J>rystra wrasce-
Swa mid dryhten dream swa mid deoflum hream-
Swa wite mid wrajmm swa wuldor mid arum-
Swa lif swa deaft swa him leofre brS
To gefremmanne J?enden flaesc and gaest
50
after the conflict. Now ye know right well
what Lord is He that leadeth all this host ;
now boldly go ye forward to meet friends -,
joyful in spirit. Open, O ye gates !
the Lord of all, the King, creations Source,
will lead through you unto the citadel,
unto the joy of 'joy 's, with host not small,
the folk which from the devils He hath reft
by His own victory. Peace shall be shared
by angels and by men hence evermore
to all eternity ; 'twixt God and man
there is a covenant, a ghostly pledge,
love, and life's hope, and joy of all the light!
Lo ! we have heard noiv how the Saviour-Child
dispensed salvation by His advent hither,
how He, the Lord's great Son, freed and protected
folk 'neath the clouds, so that each mortal now,
while he is dwelling here alive, must choose,
be it hell's base shame, or heaven s fair fame,
be it the shining light, or the loathsome night,
be it majestic state, or the rash ones' hate,
be it song with the Lord, or with devils discord^
be it pain with the grim, or bliss with cfierubim,
be it life or death, as it shall liefer be
for him to act while flesh and spirit dwell
51
Wunia'S in worulde- Wuldor )?aes age
j?rynysse J>rym ]?onc butan ende-
III.
is J>aes wyr*Se ]?aette wer-J?eode
Secgen dryhtne J>onc dugufta gehwylcre 600
us si$ and aer simle gefremede
purh monig-fealdra maegna geryno-
He us aet giefe'S and aehta sped
Welan ofer wid-lond and weder lij>e
Under swegles hleo sunne and mona
^Ej>elast tungla eallum scina"S
Heofon-condelle haslej>um on eofSan-
Dreose'S deaw and ren dugu$e wecca]?
To feorh-nere fira cynne
Ieca"S eor'S-welan- paes we ealles sculon 610
Secgan J?onc and lof J>eodne ussum-
And huru J?asre haelo J>e he us to hyhte forgeaf
Da he J?a yrm'&u eft-oncyrde
JEt [h]is up-stige ]?e we aer drugon
And gej>ingade J>eod-buendum
Wi$ fasder swaesne faehj>a maeste
Cyning an-boren cwide eft-onhwearf
Saulum to sibbe se J>e aer sungen
52
within the world. Wherefore let glory be,
thanks endless, to the noble Trinity.
III.
'Tis therefore fitting that the tribes of men
give thanks unto the Lord for every good
which late and early He hath rendered us,
through mystery of wonders manifold.
He giveth us food and fulness of 'possession ,
wealth o'er the spacious earthy and gentle weather
'neath the protecting heavens ; the sun and moon,
noblest of constellations, heavens candles,
shine forth for all mankind on earth alike ;
dewfalleth and rain ; they call abundance forth
to nourish life for all the race of man ;
earth's riches they increase. For all these gifts
must we give thanks and praise unto our Lord,
yet first for our salvation, the hope vouchsafed,
when He at His ascension turned away
the miseries which we had suffered long,
when He, the one-born King, on mans behalf,
compounded with His Father, the Beloved,
the greatest feud, averted the decree,
for our soul 's peace, which had been uttered erst
53
J?urh yrne hyge aeldum to sorge-
Ic J>ec ofer eor'San geworhte* on J?aere J?u scealt
yrmjmm lifgan 620
Wunian in gewinne and wraece dreogan
Feondum to hroj>or fus-leo'S gal an
And to J>aere ilcan scealt eft geweorf>an
Wyrmum aweallen J>onan wites fyr
Of J>aere eor8an scealt eft gesecan-
Hwaet us }?is se aej>eling ySre gefremede
pa he leomum onfeng and lic-homan
Monnes magu-tudre sif>J>an meotodes sunu
Engla e]?el upgestigan
Wolde weoroda god Us se willa bicwom 630
Heanum to helpe on ]?a halgan tid-
Bi f>on giedd awraec iob swa he cu'Se
Herede helm wera hselend lofede
And mid sib-lufan sunu waldendes
Freo-noman cende and hine fugel nemde
pone iudeas ongietan ne meahtan-
In 'Saere god-cundan gaestes streng'Su
Waes J>aes fugles flyht feondum on eor]?an
Dyrne and degol J>am ]?e deorc gewit
Haefdon on hre]?re heortan staenne- 640
Noldan hi J?a torhtan tacen oncnawan
pe him beforan fremede freo-bearn godes ?
54
in angry mood for mankinds tribulation :
'/ wrought thee on earth, on it shalt thou live in
want,
shalt dwell in toil, and exile shalt endure,
shalt sing the death-song for thy foes delight,
and shalt be turned again to that same earth
with worms overcharged, from whence thou shalt anon,
thereafter, seek the fire of punishment'
Lo ! this the noble Prince assuaged for us,
when He took limb and fleshly covering
from child of man ; when He, the Makers Son,
the Lord of hosts, willed to ascend on high
unto the home of angels ; at that holy tide,
the wish arose to help us, the forlorn.
Of Him sang Job a song as he well could ;
he praised the Helm of men, lauded the Saviour,
and in his love devised a noble name
for the Rulers Son, and named Him as a bird,
a name which Jews might no ivise understand.
By virtue of the Spirit's strength divine,
hidden and secret from His foes on earth
was that birds flight, from those who in their breasts
had understanding dark, a stony heart ;
they would not recognise the glorious signs
which He, God's noble Child, had wrought 'fore them,
55
Monig mis-lie geond middan-geard-
Swa se^faSle fugel flyges cunnode
Hwilum engla card up gesohte
Modig meahtum strang ]?one maran ham
Hwilum he to eorj>an eft gestylde
J?urh gaestes giefe grund-sceat sohte
Wende to worulde- Bi J>on se witga song*
He waes upp-hafen engla fae'Smum 650
In his J>a miclan meahta spede
Heah and halig ofer heofona J>rym-
Ne meahtan Jm J>aes fugles flyht gecnawan
pe J>ass up-stiges and-saec fremedon
And J>aet ne gelyfdon J>aette lif-fruma
In monnes hiw ofer maegna J?rym
Halig from hrusan ahafen wurde-
Da us geweor'S'ade se J>as world gescop
Codes gaest-sunu and us giefe sealde
Uppe mid englum ece staj?elas 660
And eac monig-fealde modes snyttru
Seow and sette geond sefan monna-
Sumum word-laj>e wise sende8
On his modes gemynd J>urh his muj>es gaest
fltyele andgiet- Se maeg eal fela
Singan and secgan J>am bi'S snyttru craeft
Bifolen on fer'Se. Sum maeg fingrum wel
56
various and manifold, on middle-earth.
E'en thus the noble Bird assayed his flight ;
whilom He sought on high the angels' land,
the noble home, so proud, so strong in might ;
whilom He came adoivn to earth again ;
He sought earth's region in His spirifs grace,
and wended to the world. Of this the prophet sang :
f He was borne aloft embraced in angels' arms
unto the spacious glory of His might,
above the heaven's splendour, high and holy'
Of that Bird's flight they might no knowledge have,
who made denial of the ascension,
and who believed not that the Source of life,
inform of man, all holy from the earth,
was raised aloft above the glorious hosts.
Then He who shaped the world, God's Spirit-Son,
ennobled us, and granted gifts to us,
eternal homes 'mid angels upon high ;
and wisdom, too, of soul, full manifold
He sowed and set within the minds of men.
To one He sendeth, unto memory's seat,
through spirit of the mouth, wise eloquence,
and noble understanding ; he can sing
and say full many a thing, within whose soul
is hidden wisdom s power. With fingers deft
57
Hlude fore haelejmm hearpan stirgan
Gleo-beam gretan- Sum maeg god-cunde
Reccan ryhte as- Sum maeg ryne tungla 670
Secgan side gesceaft- Sum maeg searolice
Word-cwide writan* Sumum wiges sped
Giefeft aet guj?e ]?onne gar-getrum
Ofer scild-hreadan sceotend sendaft
Flacor flan-geweorc- Sum maeg fromlice
Ofer sealtne sae sund-wudu drifan
Hreran holm-J>raece- Sum maeg heanne beam
Staslgne gestigan- Sum maeg styled sweord
Waepen gewyrcan- Sum con wonga bigong
Wegas wid-gielle- Swa se waldend us 680
God-bearn on grundum his giefe brytta'S-
Nyle he aengum anum ealle gesyllan
Gaestes snyttru J>y laes him gielp sce]?J>e
(purh his anes craeft ofer oj>re
IV.
US god meahtig geofum un-hneawum
Cyning al-wihta craeftum weor'Sa]?
Eor]?an tuddor swylce eadgum blaed
Sele$ on swegle sibbe raere]?
Ece to ealdre engla and monna-
58
'fore warrior-bands one can awake the harp,
the minstrel's joy. One can interpret well
the law divine, and one the planets' course
and wide creation. One cunningly can write
the spoken word. To one He granteth skill,
when in the fight the archers swiftly send
the storm of darts, the winged javelin,
over the shields defence. Fearlessly another
can o'er the salt sea urge the ocean-bark
and stir the surging depth. One can ascend
the lofty tree and steep. One can fashion well
steeled sword and weapon. One knoweth the plains' direction,
the wide ways. Thus the Ruler, Child divine,
dispenseth unto us His gifts on earth ;
He will not give to any one man all
the spirit's wisdom, lest pride injure him,
raised far above the rest by his sole might.
IV.
Thus God Almighty, King of created things,
ennobleth by unsparing gifts, by crafts,
the progeny of earth, and givethjoy
unto the blessed in heaven, and setteth peace
for angels and for men to all eternity.
59
Swa he his weorc weorj>a$- Bi Jxm se witga cwas'S 690
Jpaet a-haefen waeren halge gimmas
Haedre heofon-tungol healice upp
Sunne and mona- Hwaet sindan J>a
Gimmas swa scyne buton god sylfa-
He is se so$-fassta sunnan leoma
Englum and eor'S-warum asj>ele senna*
Ofer middan-geard mona lixe'S
Gaest-lic tungol swa seo godes circe
purh gesomninga softes and ryhtes
Beorhte blice'S swa hit on bocum cwij> 700
SiJ>J>an of grundum god-bearn a-stag
Cyning claenra gehwass J>a seo circe her
^-fyllendra eaht-nysse bad
Under hasj>enra hyrda gewealdum-
paer "Sa syn-scea*San so]?es ne giemdon
Gaestes f>earfe ac hi godes tempel
Braecan and baerndon blod-gyte worhtan
Feodan and fyldon- HwaeJ>re for'S bicwom
purh gaestes giefe godes J?egna blasd
^fter up-stige ecan dryhtnes- 710
Bi Jxm Salomon song sunu dauifes
Giedda gearo-snottor gaest-gerynum
Waldend wer-J>eoda and J>aet word acwas"S-
J>ast geweor'Se'S ]?aette cyning engla
60
He honoureth His work, e'en as the prophet spake >
that holy gems were raised on high aloft,
the radiant constellations of the sky,
the sun and moon. Lo now, what are these gems
that shine resplendent, but Jen God Himself?
He is the true refulgence of the sun,
a noble light for angels and for men.
O'er all the middle-earth the moon doth shine,
a ghostly star, e'en as the Church of God
glisteneth bright, whene'er the True and Just
are linked together ; as it saith in books,
that when the Child divine, the King all pure,
had risen from the earth, then the Church here
of the faithful ones endured oppression
beneath the tyranny of heathen rule ;
then did the sinful take no heed of truth,
nor of their spirits need, but brake and burned
God's temple ; they hated and destroyed,
and bloodshed wrought ; nathless through the Spirit's grace
the welfare of Gods servants was maintained,
after the ascension of the eternal Lord.
Thereof sang Solomon, the son of David,
all-wise in song and secrets spiritual,
the ruler of the nations, and these words spake :
* It shall be known once, that the angels' King,
61
Meotud meahtum swi'S munt gestylle"$
Gehleape'S hea-dune hyllas and cnollas
Bewri'S mid his wuldre woruld alyseft
Ealle eor$-buend J>urh )?one ae]?elan styll-
Waes se forma hlyp J>a he on faemnan astag
Maegeft un-maele and J>aer mennisc hiw 720
Onfeng butan firenum J>ast to frofre gewearft
Eallum eor'S-warum- Wses se oj>er stiell
Bearnes gebyrda J>a he in binne wass
In cildes hiw cla]?um bewunden
Ealra J>rymma J>rym. Waes se ]?ridda hlyp
Rodor-cyninges raes J>a he on rode astag
Faeder frofre gaest- Waes se feor'Sa stiell
In byrgenne J>a he J>one beam ofgeaf
Fold-aerne faest. Wass se fifta hlyp
pa he hell-warena heap forbygde 730
In cwic-susle cyning inne gebond
Feonda fore-sprecan fyrnum teagum
Grom-hydigne J>aer he gen lige$
In carcerne clommum gefaestnad
Synnum gesaeled- Waes se siexta hlyp
Haliges hyht-plega J>a he to heofonum astag
On his eald-cy'S'Se J>a waes engla ]?reat
On J>a halgan tid hleahtre bli]?e
Wynnum geworden- Gesawan wuldres J>rym
62
the Lord so strong in might, shall mount a hill,
shall leap the lofty downs, and hills and knolls
shall wreathe with glory, and by that noble leap
shall free the world and all that dwell on earth'
The first leap was, when He came to the damsel,
the spotless maid, and sinlessly took there
a human form, and was anon the solace
of all mankind. The second leap was this,
the Infant's birth, when He was in the manger,
the Glory of all Glories swathed in clothes,
inform of child. The Jieavenly King's career
was the third leap, when He, the Father's Solace,
ascended on the rood. Into the sepulchre
was the fourth leap, when He had left the tree
and lay within that cave. The fifth leap was,
when He bowed down the multitude of hell
in living torment, and bound their king within,
the devils' advocate, so grim of mood,
with fiery fetters, where he liethyet,
fastened in prison there with manacles,
and shackled with his sins. The sixth leap was
the revel of the Holy, when He rose
unto His ancient home ; the angelic host
was blithe with sweetest laughter and with joy
on that holy tide ; they saw the Crown of Glory,
63
ord ej>les neosan 740
Beorhtra bolda- pa wear^ burg-warum
Eadgum ece gefea aej>elinges plega-
pus her on grundum godes ece beam
Ofer heah hleojm hlypum stylde
Modig aefter muntum swa we men sculon
Heortan gehygdum hlypum styllan
Of maegne in masgen maer]?um tilgan
past we to J>am hyhstan hrofe gestigan
Halgum weorcum )?asr is hyht and blis
Gejmngen J>egn-weorud- Is us )?earf micel 750
past we mid heortan haelo secen
t?asr we mid gasste georne gelyfaft
paet J>aet haelo-bearn heonan up-stige
Mid usse lic-homan lifgende god-
ForJ>on we a sculon idle lustas
Syn-wunde forseon and ]?ass sellran gefeon-
Habba'S we us to frofre faeder on roderum
^Elmeahtigne- He his aras J>onan
Halig of heah"Su hider onsende'S
pa us gescildaj) wi$ sce]?J)endra 760
Eglum earh-farum J>i lass un-holdan
Wunde gewyrcen J>onne wroht-bora
In folc godes for'S onsende'S
Of his braegd-bogan biterne strel*
64
the noble Chief, approach those bright abodes.
His Fatherland. That revel of the Prince
brought endless joy to those blessed denizens.
Thus God's eternal Child, here upon earth,
sprang boldly der the lofty hills, by leaps,
from mount to mount ; and Jen so must we men,
with our hearts' inmost thoughts, by such leaps, spring
from virtue unto virtue, and for glory strive,
so that through holy works we may ascend
to the highest height, where there is joy and bliss
and ministering legions. Great is our need
to seek salvation there with all our hearts,
where earnestly in spirit we repose,
so that the Saviour- Child, the living God,
may with our bodies soar aloft from hence.
Wherefore we must contemn all idle lusts
and wounds of sin, and cherish goodlier things ;
we have our solace in the Omnipotent,
our Father in heaven ; He, the Holy One,
will send His angels hither from on high
to shield us from the noxious arrow-shafts
of those that work our, bane, lest gruesome fiends
should deal us wounds, whenas the Enemy,
the great Accuser, sendeth the bitter dart
among the folk of God from his drawn bow.
E 65
For]?on we faeste sculon wi8 J>am faer-scyte
Symle waerlice wearde healdan
Py laes se attres ord in gebuge
Biter bord-gelac under ban-locan
Feonda faer-searo- paet bi$ frecne wund
Blatast benna- Utan us beorgan ]?a 770
penden we on eor8an card weardigen-
Utan us to faeder freoj>a wilnian-
Biddan beam godes and J>one bli'San gaest
t?aet he us gescilde wi$ scea]?an waepnum
La]?ra lyge-searwum se us lif forgeaf
Leomu lie and gaest- Si him lof symle
)2urh woruld worulda wuldor on heofnum-
V.
]?earf him ondraedan deofla straelas
^nig on eor'San aelda cynnes
Gromra gar-fare gif hine god scilde]? 780
Dugufta dryhten- Is ]?am dome neah
past we gelice sceolon leanum hleotan
Swa we wide feorh weorcum hlodun
Geond sidne grund- Us secga'S bee
Hu ast aerestan ead mod astag
In middan-geard maegna gold-hord
66
Verily must we keep constant watch,
and must beware, against the sudden shot,
lest the envenomed point, the bitter dart,
the fiends pernicious artifice, should strike
beneath the bones' enclosure ; its wound is grievous,
the ghastliest of gashes. May we guard us then,
whilst we hold habitation upon earth ;
and be we wishful for the Father 's peace ;
pray we the Son of God, and the kindly Spirit,
that He protect us from the spoilers* weapons,
the wiles of foes ; He gave us life and limb,
body and eke soul ; ever to Him be praise
and glory in the heavens, world without end!
V.
Not any of the race of men on earth
need ever dread him of the devils' shafts,
the fiends' spear-storm, if God, the Lord of hosts,
protecteth him. The day of doom is nigh,
when each of us shall gain the recompense
that by our works we have through life amassed
on this wide world. ' Tis told to us in books,
how the Treasury of glory, Gods noble Son.
descended humbly to this middle-earth,
In faemnan fae'Sm freo beam godes
Halig of heah)?u- Huru ic wene me
And eac ondraede dom $y rej?ran
Donne eft cyme$ engla ]?eoden 790
pe ic ne heold teala J>aet me haslend min
On bocum bibead- Ic J>aes brogan sceal
Geseon s^n-wrasce J>aes J>e ic $08 talge
paer monig beo^ on gemot laeded
Fore onsyne eces deman-
ponne h cwaca"S gehyre^ cyning maeftlan
Rodera ryhtend sprecan re]?e word
J?am ]?e him asr in worulde wace hyrdon
pendan [ft and 1* y]?ast meahtan
Frofre findan- pasr sceal forht monig 800
On J>am wong-stede werig bidan
Hwaet him aefter daedum deman wille
Wra]?ra wita- BiJ> se P scaecen
Eor]?an fraetwa h waes longe
h flodum bilocen lif-wynna dael
p on foldan J>onne fraetwe sculon
Byrnan on baele- Blac rasette'S
Recen reada leg rej>e scrij^e^
Geond woruld wide wongas hreosa'S
Burg-stede bersta"S brond bi$ on tyhte 810
eald-gestreon unmurnlice
68
into the Virgin's womb, when He came first,
holy from on high. Alas! my mind presageth ;
I fear that then 'twill be a sterner doom,
when He, the Lord of hosts, cometh again,
for feebly kept I what my Saviour
bade in His books. Wherefore shall I see
terror and tribulation, I know full well,
when many to the synod shall be led,
into the presence of the eternal Judge.
The keenest there shall quake, ivhen he heareth the Lord,
the heaven's Ruler, utter words of wrath
to those who in the world obeyed Him ill.
while they might solace find most easily
for their ^earning and their ffiieed. Many afeard
shall wearily await upon that plain
what penalty He will adjudge to them
for their deeds. The \$&insomeness of earthly gauds
shall then be changed. In days of yore Unknown,
^Lake-floods embraced the region of life's joy,
and all earths fortune ; then each precious thing
shall be consumed in fire ; bright and swift
the ruddy flame shall rage, and fiercely stride
o'er the wide world; the plains shall waste away ;
the citadels shall crash ; the fire shall speed;
unpityingly shall he, greediest of guests,
69
Gaesta gifrast f>aet geo guman heoldan
penden him on eorj>an onmedla waes-
ForJ>on ic leofra gehwone laeran wille
past he ne agaele gasstes )?earfe
Ne on gylp geote ]?enden god wille
past he her in worulde wunian mote
Somed sij>ian sawel in lice
In J?am gaest-hofe- Scyle gumena gehwylc
On his gear-dagum georne bi]?encan 820
past us milde bicwom meahta waldend
asrestan J>urh J>aes engles word-
nu eorneste )?onne eft cyme"S
Re^e and ryhtwis- Rodor bi'S onhrered
And ]?as miclan gemetu middan-geardes
Beheofia^ J>onne beorht cyning leana'S
paes J>e hy on eorj?an eargum daedum
Lifdon leahtrum fa. pass hi longe sculon
Fer'S-werige onfon in fyr-ba$e
Waelmum biwrecene wra]p-lic and-lean- 830
ponne maegna cyning on gemot cymeft
prymma masste J>eod-egsa bi'S
Hlud gehyred bi heofon-woman
Cwaniendra cirm cerge reota$
Fore onsyne eces deman
pa J>e hyra weorcum wace truwia'S-
70
consume the treasures which men prized of old,
whilst pride abode with them upon this earth.
WJierefore would I instruct each well-beloved,
lest he be careless of his spirit' s need,
or pour it forth in boasting, whilst God willeth
that he may here abide within the world,
whilst soul with body, the guest-house it is in,
may journey on together. It behoveth each,
during his life-days, to remember well,
how all-benign was the Omnipotent
when He first came, een as the angel spake.
He will be stern then, when He cometh again,
wrathful and rigorous. The heavens shall quail,
and all the great estates of middle-earth
shall quake, when He, bright King, requiteth them,
for that they lived on earth in wickedness,
stained with transgression ; wherefore they shall long,,
weary of life, beset with flames, endure
dire retribution in a sea of fire,
when the great King in highest majesty
to that tribunal cometh ; then mens dismay,
the cry of anguish, shall be heard aloud
amid the noises of the heavens ; sadly
shall they bewail before the eternal Judge,
who have but faint reliance in their works.
71
Daer bij? 08- y wed egsa mara
ponne from frum-gesceape gefraegen wurde
^Efre on eor8an. paer bift aeghwylcum
Syn-wyrcendra on J>a snudan tid 840
Leofra micle J?onne eall J>eos laene gesceaft
pasr he hine sylfne on f>am sige-)?reate
Behydan maege ]?onne herga fruma
^J>elinga ord eallum deme^
Leofum ge la'Sum lean sefter ryhte
peoda gehwylcre- Is us ]?earf micel
paet we gaestes wlite aer J>am gryre-brogan
On J>as gaesnan tid georne bij>encen-
Nu is ]?on gelicost swa we on lagu-flode
Ofer cald waster ceolum liftan 850
Geond sidne sa sund-hengestum
Flod-wudu fergen- Is J>aet frecne stream
Y'Sa ofermaeta ]?e we her on laca'S
Geond J>as wacan woruld windge holmas
Ofer deop gelad- Waes se drohtaS strong
^Er J>on we to londe geliden hasfdon
Ofer hreone hrycg ]?a us help bicwom
past us to haelo hy]?e gelaedde
Godes gasst-sunu and us giefe sealde
paet we oncnawan magun ofer ceoles bord 860
Hwasr we saelan sceolon sund-hengestas
72
Then greater terror shall be manifest
than ever hath been heard of upon earthy
yea, from the first beginning; at that sudden time
each evil-doer will have lief er far
than all this transient creation
some place where, in that onward rush of triumph,
he may conceal him, when the Lord of hosts,
the Chief of Princes, shall adjudge to all,
to friends and foes alike, to every man,
a righteous recompense. Great is our need,
that in this barren time, ere that grim dread,
we should bethink us of our spirit's grace.
Now 'tis most like as if we fare in ships
on the ocean-flood, over the water cold,
driving our vessels through the spacious seas
with horses of the deep. A perilous way is this
of boundless waves, and these are stormy seas,
on which we toss here in this feeble world,
o'er the deep paths. Ours was a sorry plight,
until at last we sailed unto the land,
over the troubled main. Help came to us,
that brought us to the haven of salvation,
Gods Spirit- Son, and granted grace to us y
that we might know, een from the vessels deck,
where we must bind with anchorage secure
73
Ealde yS-mearas ancrum faeste-
Utan us to ]?asre hy'Se hyht staj>elian
Da us gerymde rodera waldend
Halge on heahjm J>a he heofonum astag-
Cettms ipassus ne SDie 3luWcu*
i.
ONNE MID FERE fold-buende
Se micla daeg meahtan dryhtnes
JEt midre niht maegne bihlaeme'S
Scire gesceafte swa oft sceafta faecne
peof f>rist-lice J?e on ]?ystre fare^ 870
On sweartre niht sorg-lease haslet
Semninga for-feh'S slaepe gebundne
Eorlas ungearwe yfles genaege'S-
Swa on syne beorg somod up cyme^
Maegen-folc micel meotude getrywe
Beorht and bli]?e- Him weorfe^ blaed gifen-
ponne from feowerum foldan sceatum
pam ytemestum eorj>an rices
Englas ael-beorhte on efen blawaft
Byman on brehtme beofa^ middan-geard 880
Hruse under haelej>um- Hlyda'S tosomne
74
our ocean-steeds, old stallions of the waves.
let us rest our hope in that same port,
which the Lord Celestial opened for us there,
holy on high, when He to heaven ascended !
i.
J/JT' ITH sudden fear, at midnight, direfully,
the great day of the Lord Omnipotent
shall overwhelm the denizens of earth
and bright creation, den as some wily robber,
some daring thief that prowleth in the dark,
in the swart night, surpriseth suddenly
careless mortals bound in happy sleep,
and basely challengeth them unprepared.
Then unto Zions hill a mighty host,
radiant and blissful, shall ascend together,
the faithful of the Lord; glory shall be theirs.
Then, too, from all four corners of the world,
from furthest regions of the realm of earthy
resplendent angels shall with one accord
sound their loud trumpets, and mid-earth shall quake
beneath the feet of men. Gloriously and long
75
Trume and torhte wi$ tungla gong
Singa8 and swinsia]? suj>an and norj>an
Eastan and westan ofer ealle gesceaft
WeccaS of dea8e dryht-gumena beam
Eall monna cynn to meotud-sceafte
Eges-lic of Jjasre ealdan moldan hata$ hy upp-astandan
Sneome of slaepe J>y fasstan- paer mon maeg sorgende
folc
Gehyran hyge-geomor hearde gefysed
Cearum cwij>ende cwicra gewyrhtu 890
Forhte a-faerde- paet bi'S fore-tacna maest
para J>e aer oj>f>e si8 aefre gewurde
Monnum o]?-ywed f>ar gemengde beo^
Onhaelo gelac engla and deofla
Bcorhtra and blacra. WeorJje'S bega cyme
Hwitra and sweartra swa him is ham sceapen
Ungelice englum and deoflum-
ponne semninga on syne beorg
SuJ?an eastan sunnan leoma
Cyme^ of scyppende scynan leohtor 900
ponne hit men masgen modum ahycgan
Beorhte blican ]?onne beam godes
purh heofona gehleodu hider o^-ywe'S-
Cyme^ wundorlic cristes onsyn
j?EJ>el-cyninges wlite eastan fram roderum
76
shall they blow together toward the stars career,
and sing melodiously from south and north,
from east and west, o'er all creations realm,
and wake from death unto the final doom,
aghast from the old earth, the sons of men
and all mankind, and bid them then arise
forthwith from their deep sleep. There shall one
hear
a sorrowing host and dismal, hard bestead,
sorely afeard, bewailing woefully
their deeds when living. Of all presaging signs,
which aye, erewhile or since, were shown to men,
this shall be greatest ; to wit, the hidden hosts
of angels and of devils, the bright and dark,
shall be commingled there ; yea, both shall come,
the white and black, e'en as a home is shaped
for angels and for devils all unlike.
Then unto Z ion's hill, full suddenly,
a sun-beam from south-east shall come anon
from the Creator, shining more brilliantly
than mortals may conceive of in their minds,
gleaming full brightly ; then the Son of God
shall hitherward appear o'er heaven's vaults ;
wondrous from the east of heaven shall come
the aspect of the noble King^ Christ's presence,
77
On sefan swete sinum folce
Biter bealo-fullum gebleod wundrum
Eadgum and earmum ungelice-
He bi"$ J>am godum glasd-mod on gesihj>e
Wlitig wynsumlic weorude J>am halgan 910
On gefean faeger freond and leoftasl-
Lufsum and lij>e leofum monnum
To sceawianne J>one scynan wlite
We8ne mid willum waldendes cyme
Maegen-cyninges J>am J>e him on mode aer
Wordum and weorcum wel gecwemdun-
He bi$ J>am yflum eges-lic and grim-lie
To geseonne synnegum monnum
J?am f>aer mid firenum cuma"S for'S for-worhte-
pact maeg wites to wearninga J>am J>e hafa'S wisne
gej>oht 920
paet se him eallunga owiht ne ondraede'S
Se for 'Sasre onsyne egsan ne weorJje'S
Forht on fer^e ]?onne he frean gesih"S
Ealra gesceafta andweardne faran
Mid maegen-wundrum mongum to J>ingC'
Ond him on healfa gehwone heofon-engla ]?reat
Ymb-utan fara'S aelbeorhtra scolu
Hergas haligra heapum geneahhe-
Dyne^ deop gesceaft and fore dryhtne faere'S
78
benign with sweetest grace for His own folk,
bitter for the baleful, marvellously visaged,
diversely for the blessed and the forlorn.
Unto the good, the host of holy ones,
His presence shall be winsome, beauteous, glad,
loving and gracious, fraught with fair delight.
Sweet shall it be and pleasant for His beloved
to gaze upon that aspect all so fair,
benign of will, the advent of their Lord,
their mighty Sovran, for in former days
their words and works were pleasing unto Him.
Unto the evil, unto sinful men,
grim shall He be and fearful to behold ;
with their sins they come there, damned eternally.
He that is wise of thought may well regard
it
as a sign that he need be nowise adread y
if he, afore that Presence, becometh not
dismayed with terror in his soul, when he see'th
creation's Lord advance before him there,
with mighty wonders, to the doom of many,
while on each side of Him angelic hosts
fare round about, legions of radiant ones,
armies of saints, with numerous multitudes.
Then shall creation's depth resound; o'er earth,
79
Waelm-fyra maest ofer widne grand- 930
Hlemme'S hata leg heofonas bersta8
Trume and torhte tungol of-hreosa$
ponne weorj>e$ sunne sweart gewended
On blodes hiw seo $e beorhte scan
Ofer aer-woruld aelda bearnum-
Mona ]?aet sylfe )?e aer mon-cynne
Nihtes lyhte nij>er gehreose'S
And steorran swa some streda$ of heofone
purh "Sa strongan lyft stormum abeatne-
Wile aelmihtig mid his engla gedryht 940
Maegen-cyninga meotod on gemot cuman
prym-faest J>eoden- Bi"S f>asr his ]?egna eac
HreJ)-eadig heap- Halge sawle
Mid hyra frean fara$ ]?onne folca weard
purh egsan J>rea eor^an maeg^e
Sylfa gesece'S- WeorJje'S geond sidne grund
Hlud gehyred heofon-byman stefn
And on seofon healfa swoga'S windas
Blawaft brecende bearhtma maeste
Wecca'S and wonia'S woruld mid storme- 950
Fylla'S mid feore foldan gesceafte-
Donne heard gebrec hlud un-maete
Swar and swi'Slic- Sweg-dynna maest
^Eldum eges-lic eawed weor]?e8
80
before the Lord, the fiercest fire shall rage ;
the burning flames shall roar; tJie heavens shall burst ;
the planets, bright and steadfast, shall fall down,
and the sun itself shall then be changed, all swart,
to the hue of blood, the sun that shone so bright,
above the former world, for all mankind ;
likewise the moon, that erewhile gave forth light
for mortals through the night, shall fall adown,
and the stars shall fall from heaven precipitate,
tempest-driven through the stormy air.
Then to the judgment, with His angel-host,
will come the Omnipotent, the King of Kings,
the Lord majestic, and eke a glorious band
shall be there of His own thanes ; yea, holy souls
shall journey with their Lord, when the Guardian of men
shall visit all the races of the earth
with direful penalty. From pole to pole
the blast of heaven's trumpet shall be heard,
and from all seven sides the winds shall moan,
and with tumultuous roar shall blow and break,
waking and wasting all the world with storm,
overthrowing all creation with their breath;
a grievous crash shall tJien be manifest,
loud and immeasurable ; of all fierce dins
this shall be fiercest, a terror unto folk.
F 81
paer maegen werge monna cynnes
Wornum hweorfa'S on widne leg
pa J>aer cwice mete^ cwelmende ff r
Sume up sume nif>er aeldes fulle-
JPonne bi$ untweo J>aet J>asr adames
C^n cearena full cwiJ^e'S gesargad 960
Nales fore lytlum leode geomre
Ac fore )?am masstan maegen-earfej>um-
Donne call }?reo on efen nime'S
Won fyres waslm wide tosomne
Se swearta lig saes mid hyra fiscum
EorJ>an mid hire beorgum and up-heofon
Torhtne mid his tunglum- Teon-leg somod
pryf>um baerne'S ]?reo eal on an
Grimme togaedre- Grorna^ gesargad
Eal middan-geard on J>a masran tid- 970
II.
WA se gifra gaest grundas geond-seceft
Hi]?ende leg heah-getimbro
Fylle'S on fold-wong fyres egsan-
Wid-maere blaest woruld mid-ealle
Hat heoro-gifre- Hreosa'S geneahhe
To-brocene burg-weallas- Beorgas gemelta'S
82
Then legions of the race of men, accursed,
shall throng unto the all-embracing flame,
and living feel the fire 's fatal touch,
some up, some down, with burning all fulfilled.
Small doubt that there the cheerless race of Adam
shall utter lamentations, woebegone,
afflicted with no feeble tribulation,
but with great anguish, direfullest and worst;
the livid surge of fire, the swarthy flame,
shall seize all there alike, at the same time,
afar and wide ; to wit, seas with their fish,
earth with her hills, and eke the heaven above
bright with its constellations ; the avenging flame
shall forthwith ravage all the regions three,
fiercely, with fearful onset ; all middle-earth,
afflicted at that mighty time, shall mourn.
II.
E'en thus the greedy guest shall visit earth,
the ravaging flame shall hurl with fire's terror
the loftiest piles adown unto the plain ;
the fierce-devouring, hot, wide-spreading blast
shall overthrow the world withal ; shattered
the city-walls shall fall ; the hills shall melt
83
And heah-cleofu )?a wi8 holme aer
Faeste wift flodum foldan scehdun
Sti'S and stae^-faest sta]?elas wi8 waege
Waetre windendum- ponne wihta gehwylce 980
Deora and fugla deaft-leg nime'S
Faere'S aefter foldan fyr-swearta leg
Weallende wiga- Swa aer waeter fleowan
Flodas afysde f>onne on fyr-ba'Se
Swela'S saS-fiscas sundes getwasfde
Waeg-deora gehwylc werig swelte'S-
Byrne]? waeter swa weax- t?aer bi'S wundra ma
J?onne hit aenig on mode maege aj>encan
Hu J>aet gestun and se storm and seo stronge lyft
Breca'S brade gesceaft* Beornas greta$ 990
Wepa'S wanende wergum stefnum
Heane hyge geomre hreowum gedreahte-
Scope's swearta leg synne on fordonum
And gold-frastwe gleda forswelga'S
Eall aer-gestreon e]?el-cyninga-
Daer br$ cirm and cearu and cwicra gewin
Gehreow and hlud wop bi heofon-woman
Earmlic aslda gedreag- ponan aenig ne maeg
Firen-daedum fah fri"S gewinnan
Leg-bryne losian londes ower- 1000
Ac f>aet fyr nime'S J>urh foldan gehwaet
84
and the high cliffs, that erewhile parted earth
stoutly and steadfastly from ocean, barriers
against the floods, bulwarks against the waves
and circling waters. Yea, the fatal flash
shall seize each living creature, beast and bird ;
the swarthy flame shall then bestride the world
like a raging warrior ; where erst the waters flowed,
the rushing floods, a sea of fire shall burn
the fishes of the deep ; reft of their craft,
all ocean's monsters shall a-weary die ;
water shall burn as wax ; more wonders shall be there
than any mortal may conceive in mind,
when the roar and the storm and the raging blast
shall shatter all creation ; men shall then wail,
with abject voices shall they weep and moan,
humbled, saddened, with penitence overwhelmed.
Those damned by sin shall surge in swarthy fire,
and gledes shall gorge the golden ornaments,
the ancient treasures of the kings of earth.
*Mid heavens roar a cry of woe shall rise,
the anguish of the living, grief and lament,
the sorry plight of men. No mortal there,
with sinful deeds derstained, may peace achieve,
or anywhere escape the burning flame ;
forsooth the fire shall seize each thing on earth,
85
Graefe'S grim-lice georne asece'S
Innan and utan eorftan sceatas
O]?J?aet call hafa'S aeldes leoma
Woruld-widles worn waelme forbaerned-
Donne mihtig god on J>one maeran beorg
Mid J>y maestan maegen-J>rymme cyme's
Heofon-engla cyning halig seined
Wuldorlic ofer weredum waldende god-
Ond hine ymb-utan aej>el-dugu'3 betast 1010
Halge here-feSan hlutre blicaS
Eadig engla gedryht in-gef>oncum
Forhte beofia'S fore faeder egsan-
ForJ?on nis aenig wundor hu him woruld-monna
Seo unclaene gecynd cearum sorgende
Hearde ondrede "Sonne sio halge gecynd
Hwit and heofon-beorht heag-engla maegen
For *Saere onsyne beo^ egsan afyrhte
Bidaft beofiende beorhte gesceafte
Dryhtnes domes- Daga eges-licast 1020
WeorJ?e'S in worulde J>onne wuldor-cyning
purh J>rym J^rea^ ]?eoda gehwylce
Hate8 a-risan reord-berende
Of fold-grafum folc anra gehwylc
Cuman to gemote mon-cynnes gehwone-
ponne eall hra$e adames cynn
86
shall fiercely delve, and eagerly shall search,
the tracts of earth within and eke without,
until the fire's glow hath purged with heat
each blemish of the world' s pollution.
Then God Almighty, heavenly angels King,
with greatest majesty shall thither come
to that noble hill ; glorious o'er His hosts ,
the Sovran Lord in holiness shall shine ;
and, Him around, the goodliest chivalry,
the holy warrior-band, blessed angel-troop,
shall brightly gleam ; in terror of the Father,
their inmost thoughts af eared, e'en they shall quake.
Yea, 'tis no wonder that the race unclean
of worldly men should sorely be adread,
should direfully lament, when the holy race,
so white and heavenly bright, the archangels' host,
before that Presence is with fear aghast ;
trembling the radiant beings shall abide
their Sovran's doom. Most terrible of days
that day shall be, whenas the glorious King
shall mightily o'erwhelm the nations all,
and bid each folk, creatures with speech endowed,
arise from out their earthly sepulchres,
and come each man to that assemblage there.
Full quickly then shall Adam's kin take flesh ;
87
OnfehS flaesce weor^e'S fold-rasste
Eardes aet ende sceal ]?onne anra gehwylc
Fore cristes cyme cwic arisan
Leo'Sum onfon and lic-homan 1030
Ed-geong wesan hafa'S call on him
pass J>e he on foldan in fyrn-dagum
Codes oj>]?e gales on his gaeste gehlod
Geara gongum- Hafa'S aet-gaedre bu
Lie and sawle- Sceal on leoht cuman
Sinra weorca wlite and worda gemynd
And heortan gehygd fore heofona cyning-
Donne bij> geyced and geedniwad
Mon-cyn f>urh meotud micel arise'S
Dryht-folc to dome si]?]?an dea]?es bend 1040
To-leseft lif-fruma- Lyft bi8 onbaerned
Hreosa^ heofon-steorran hyJ^a'S wide
Gifre glede gasstas hweorfa"S
On ecne card opene weorJpa'S
Ofer middan-geard- Monna daede
Ne magun hord wera heortan ge]?ohtas
Fore waldende wihte bemi]?an
Ne sindon him daeda dyrne ac J?agr bi"S dryhtne cu"S
On J>am miclan dasge hu monna gehwylc
JEr earnode eces lifes 1050
And call andweard J?aet hi aer oj?J>e si^
88
their earthly rest and sojourning shall then
have end, for at Chris fs advent thitherward
each mortal quickened shall arise again,
and shall take limb and fleshly covering,
and shall be young again, possessed of all,
that he, while here on earth, informer days,
in the course of years, did heap upon his soul,
of good or ill ; both shall be joined again,
body and soul ; the image of his works,
the memory of his words, the thoughts of his heart,
shall come to light before the heavenly King.
Mankind shall be increased then and renewed
by its Creator ; a mighty multitude
shall rise to judgment, when the Source of life
shall loose the bonds of death ; the sky shall glow,
the stars of heaven shall fall, the greedy flame
shall ravage far and wide ; spirits shall ^vend
to their eternal home ; the deeds of men
shall then be manifest throughout mid-earth.
The treasure-hoard of men, their hearts' deep thoughts,
nowise before the Sovran may be hid ;
deeds are not dark to Him; on that great day
it shall be known unto the Lord how each
hath erewhile merited eternal life,
and all shall be revealed that each hath wrought,
Worhtun in worulde- Ne bi$ J?asr wiht for-holen
Monna gehygda ac se maera dasg
HreJ?er-locena hord heortan ge]?ohtas
Ealle aetywe'S- JEr sceal gej>encan
Gaestes J>earfe sej>e gode mynte'S
Bringan beorhtne wlite J>onne bryne costal
Hat heoru gifre hu gehealdne sind
Sawle wi$ synnum fore sige-deman-
Donne si by man stefen and se beorhta segn 1060
And J>aet hate fyr and seo hea dugu'S
And se engla J>rym and se egsan J>rea
And se hearda daeg and seo hea rod
Ryht araered rices to beacne
Folc-dryht wera biforan bonna'S
Sawla gehwylce J>ara J>e si^ o)?]?e aer
On lic-homan leojmm onfengen-
Donne weoroda maest fore waldende
Ece and ed-geong andweard gae^
Neode and nyde bi noman gehatne 1070
Bera^ breosta hord fore beam godes
Feores frastwe wile fasder eahtan
Hu gesunde suna sawle bringen
Of ]?am e'Sle J>e hi on lifdon-
Donne beo^ bealde J>a J>e beorhtne wlite
Meotude bringa'S bi^ hyra meaht and gefea
90
early or late, on earth ; nought shall be hid
of mortals* inmost thoughts, but that great day
shall there disclose the locked minds treasury,
the meditations of men's hearts. Erewhile
must he bethink him of his spirit's need,
who fain would bring to God an aspect fair,
when that devouring fire before the Judge
assayeth how souls have been restrained from sin.
Lo, then the trumpet's voice, the standard bright,
the glowing fire, the glorious chivalry ',
the noble throng of angels, the pang of terror,
the day so stern, and the exalted rood,
rightwise raised up in sign of mastery,
shall summon forward all the hosts of men,
the souls of all that from eternal time
took limb within the body's covering.
A mighty host, deathless, with youth renewed,
shall pass before the Sovrans presence there
by dire compulsion forced, yea, called by name,
bearing before Gods Child their bosom's hoard,
their spirit's treasures ; then will the Father see
how all unmarred His sons may bring their souls
e'en from that land wherein they lived erewhile.
They shall be bold that bring unto the Lord
an aspect fair ; blissful indeed shall be
Swi'Se gesaelig-lic sawlum to gielde
Wuldor-lean weorca- Wei is J>am J>e motun
On J>a grimman tid gode lician-
III.
J./ER him sylfe geseo'S sorga mseste 1080
Syn-fa men sarig-fer'Se-
Ne bi$ him to are J>aet ]?asr fore ell-J>eodum
Usses dryhtnes rod andweard stonde'S
Beacna beorhtast blode bestemed
Heofon-cyninges hlutran dreore
Biseon mid swate ]>xt ofer side gesceaft
Scire seined- Sceadu beo8 bidyrned
paer se leohta beam leodum byrhte'S
paet J>eah to teonum weorJpe'S
peodum to J>rea ]?am J?e ]?onc gode 1 090
Wom-wyrcende wita ne cu)?un
paes he on J>one halgan beam ahongen waes
Fore mon-cynnes man-forwyrhtu-
paer he leof-lice lifes ceapode
Jpeoden mon-cynne on ]?am daege
Mid ]?y weor'Se ]?e no worn dyde
His lic-homa leahtra firena
Mid J>y usic alysde- paes he eft-lean wile
92
their might and joy ', their souls' great recompence,
the glorious guerdon of their works. Happy they,
who at that awful time are dear to God !
III.
But sin-stained mortals, sad in soul, shall see
their direfullest affliction there in this,
not for their glory shall our Sovran's rood,
the brightest of all beacons, stand forth there
'fore all the tribes of earth, wet with the blood
of heaven's King, bedewed with His pure gore,
overflowing with His sweat, gleaming effulgent
o'er wide creation. Shadow shall be scattered,
where'er the bright beam shineth forth for men ;
nathless shall it discomfort and torment
all those who, erewhile working wickedness,
knew not the thanks that due were unto God,
for that He hung upon the holy tree,
all for the base misdeeds of human kind.
There He, the Prince, whose body wrought no sin,
nor guilty was of any wicked deed,
sold His life lovingly upon that day,
for mankind's sake, e'en for the self -same price
wherewith He ransomed us. For all this grace
93
purh eorneste ealles genomian
Donne sio reade rod ofer ealle I IOO
Swegle seined on J?aere sunnan gyld-
On J>a forhtlice firenum fordone
Swearte syn-wyrcend sorgum wlita'S-
Geseo'S him to bealwe J>aet him betst bicwom
J?asr hy hit to gode ongietan woldan-
And eac J>a ealdan wunde and J?a openan dolg
On hyra dryhtne geseo'S dreorig-fer'Se
Swa him mid naeglum Jmrh-drifan ni'S-hycgende
pa hwitan honda and J>a halgan fet
And of his sidan swa some swat forletan 1 1 10
pasr blod and waster butu ast-somne
Ut bicwoman fore eagna gesyh'S
Rinnan fore rincum J>a he on rode waes-
Eall J>is magon him sylfe geseon J?onne
Open orgete ]?aet he for aslda lufan
Firen-fremmendra fela J>rowade-
Magun leoda beam leohte oncnawan
Hu hine lygnedon lease on ge]?oncum
Hysptun hearm-cwidum and on his hleor somod
Hyra spatl speowdon spraecon him edwit 1120
And on J>one eadgan andwlitan swa some
Hel-fuse men hondum slogun
Folmum areahtum and fystum eac
94
sternly will He exact His payment then,
when the blood-red rood in the ethereal sky
shall brightly shine, where once the sun was wont.
Fearful and sorrowful shall they look thereon,
dark sinners damned by base iniquity ;
the best thing in the world shall seem their bane,
when they would fain regard it as their bliss.
With souls a-weary shall they see withal
the ancient wounds and gashes on the Lord,
e'en as the base contrivers pierced with nails
the hands so white and eke the holy feet,
and from His side, too, let the gore pour forth,
and blood and water both at once, commingled,
came gushing forth before the people there,
before their eyes, while He was on the rood.
All this may they themselves there contemplate
open and manifest, how much He bore
for love of men, for wicked sinners' sake ;
the sons of men may easily perceive
how they, false in their thoughts, belied Him then,
mocked Him with insult ', and upon His face
e'en spat their spittle, spake to Him with taunt,
and on His blessed countenance withal
the hell-prone miscreants struck Him with their hands,
with their outstretched palms, and with their fists,
95
And ymb his heafod heardne gebigdon
Beag ]?yrnenne blinde on gej>oncum
Dysge and gedwealde- Gesegun ]?a dumban gesceaft
Korean eal-grene and up-rodor
Forhte gefelan frean J?rowinga
And mid cearum cwiftdun J>eah hi cwice naeron
pa hyra scyppend sceaj>an onfengon 1 1 30
Syngum hondum- Sunne wear$ adwassced
pream a]?rysmed J>a sio J>eod geseah
In hierusalem godwebba cyst
paet asr "Sam halgan huse sceolde
To weorjmnga weorud sceawian
Ufan call forbaerst J>aet hit on eorj>an lasg
On twam styccum J>aes temples segl
Wundor-bleom geworht to wlite )?aes huses
Sylf slat on tu swylce hit seaxes ecg
Scearp Jmrh-wode' Scire burstan 1140
Muras and stanas monge aefter foldan
And seo eor'Se eac egsan myrde
Beofode on bearhtme and se brada sa?
Cyftde craeftes meaht and of clomme braec
Up yrringa on eorj>an fas'Sm-
Ge on stede scynum steorran forleton
Hyra swassne wlite- On J>a sylfan tid
Heofon hluttre ongeat hwa hine healice
96
and round about His head a cruel crown,
a crown of thorns they wreathed, blind in their thoughts,
foolish and erring. They saw how dumb creation,
the earth all green, and the ethereal sky,
off righted, felt the sufferings of the Lord;
how sorely mourned they, though they were not quick,
when impious men with sinful hands did seize
their very Maker ! The sun became obscured,
darkened with misery ; and in Jerusalem
the people saw the choicest of all webs,
that multitudes were wont to marvel at,
the glory of the holy house of God,
they saw it rent, so that in pieces twain
it lay upon the earth ; the temple's veil,
with wondrous colours wrought to deck that house,
was riven asunder, as a falchions edge,
full sharp, had passed there-through. Stone walls a-many,
throughout earths tract, with headlong ruin fell ;
and all the earth was troubled sore with fear,
and quaked with sudden shock ; the spacious sea
showed forth its mighty power, and burst its bonds,
and Jer earths bosom dashed in angry mood ;
yea, in their radiant homes the stars then lost
their winsome beauty ; at that self -same time
the heaven serene discerned who erst had made it
G 97
Torhtne getremede tungol-gimmum-
Forjxm he his bodan sende J>a wass geboren aerest 1 1 50
Gesceafta scir-cyning- Hwast eac scyldge men
Gesegon to so'Se J>y sylfan daege
l?e on J>rowade J>eod-wundor micel
paette eorfte ageaf J>a hyre on laegun-
Eft lifgende up astodan
]?a ]?e heo aer fasste bifen haefde
Deade bibyrgde J>e dryhtnes bibod
Heoldon on hre]?re- Hell eac ongeat
Scyld-wreccende J>ast se scyppend cwom
Waldende god ]?a heo J>aet weorud ageaf 1 1 60
HloJ>e of J>am hatan hre)?re hyge wear^ mongum blissad
Sawlum sorge to-glidene- Hwaet eac sas cy*Sde
Hwa hine gesette on sidne grund
Tir-meahtig cyning forj>on he hine tredne him
Ongean gyrede )?onne god wolde
Ofer sine y'Se gan eah-stream ne dorste
His frean fet flode bisencan-
Ge eac beamas onbudon hwa hy mid bledum sceop
Monge nales fea $a mihtig god
On hira anne gestag J>aer he earfe]?u 1 1 70
GeJ>olade fore J>earfe J>eod-buendra
La^licne dea8 leodum to helpe-
Da wear^ beam monig blodigum tearum
resplendent upon high with starry gems ;
forsooth it sent its heralds when was born
creation's noble King. E'en guilty men
beheld in very sooth on that same day,
whereon He suffered, a marvel passing great,
to wit, earth yielded those who in her lay ;
then rose they up and living stood again,
whom she had erewhile held with firmest grip,
the dead and buried, who had kept in mind
their Lords commands. Eke sin-avenging hell
knew that the Maker and the ruling God
was come, when it surrendered up that host
from her hot bosom ; blissful were many hearts,
grief vanished from their souls. Lo ! too, the sea
declared who set it on its spacious bed,
the glorious King ; certes, it made a path
for Him to tread, when God desired to fare
o'er the ocean-waves ; the water durst not then
submerge its Master's feet with flowing tide.
Yea, many a tree, not few, likewise proclaimed
who shaped them with their blossoms, when mighty God
ascended one of them, where for the need
of earths inhabitants He suffered pain,
a loathsome death, to succour human kind.
Beneath its bark full many a tree was then
99
Birunnen under rindum reade and J?icce
Saep wear^ to swate- t?aet asecgan ne magun
Fold-buende J>urh frod gewit
Hu fela J>a onfundun ]?a gefelan ne magun
Dryhtnes J>rowinga deade gesceafte-
pa J>e aej>elast sind eorftan gecynda
And heofones eac heah-getimbro 1 1 80
Eall fore J?am anum unrot gewearft
Forht afongen- peah hi fer'S-gewit
Of hyra aej>elum asnig ne cuj>en
Wendon swa J>eah wundrum ]?a hyra waldend for
Of lic-homan- Leode ne cu]?an
Mod-blinde men meotud oncnawan
Flintum heardran J>aet hi frea nerede
Fram hell-cwale halgum meahtum
Alwalda god ]?aet aet asrestan
Fore-]?oncle men from fruman worulde 1 1 90
purh wis gewit witgan dryhtnes
Halge hige-gleawe haslej>um saegdon
Oft nales asne ymb ]?ast asj>ele beam
Daet se earcnan stan eallum sceolde
To hleo and to hroj>er haele]?a cynne
Weor$an in worulde wuldres agend
Eades ord-fruma ]?urh J>a aej>elan cwenn-
100
suffused with tears of blood, all red and thick ;
their sap was turned to gore. Earths denizens,
however wise they be, cannot declare
how many things which feel not, insensate things,
experienced then the sufferings of their Lord. _
The noblest of the species of the earth,
and eke the lofty structures upon high,
for that alone were seized with sudden fear,
and sad became ; in their inherent nature,
though they no mental understanding had,
yet wondrously they knew it, when their Lord
forth from His body fared. Benighted men,
harder than flints, would not acknowledge then
their Maker, that the Lord, Almighty God,
had saved them from the agonies of hell,
e'en by His holy might, nor that of yore,
in the worlds beginning, the prophets of the Lord,
far-seeing men, holy and wise of mind,
had told to folk anent the noble Child,
oft-times, not once, by wisdom of their souls,
that through the noble woman He should be
a precious Rock here in this world below,
the Refuge and the Help of all mankind,
the Lord of glory, the first Cause of bliss.
101
IV.
W^ES wene8 se ]?e mid gewitte nyle
Gemunan J>a mildan meotudes lare
And eal 8a earfe'Su J?e he fore aeldum adreag 1200
ForJ>on J>e he wolde J?aet we wuldres card
In ecnesse agan mosten-
Swa J>am bi'S grorne on J>am grimman dasge
Domes J>aes miclan J?am J>e dryhtnes sceal
Dea$-firenum forden dolg sceawian
Wunde and wite on werigum sefan-
Geseoft sorga maeste hu se sylfa cyning
Mid sine lic-homan lysde of firenum
Jpurh milde mod f>aet hy mostun man-weorca
Tome lifgan and tires blaed 1210
Ecne agan- Hy ]?aes e81es ]?onc
Hyra waldende wita ne cu]?on-
ForJ>on J>aer to teonum J>a tacen geseo'S
Orgeatu on gode ungesaelge
ponne crist site's on his cyne-stole
On heah-setle heofon-maegna god
Faeder aelmihtig folca gehwylcum
Scyppend scinende scrife'S bi gewyrhtum
Eall aefter ryhte rodera waldend-
102
IV.
What hope hath he who wittingly disdaineth
to bear in mind his Master's gentle lore,
and all the miseries He endured for men,
wishful that we might possess on high,
to all eternity, the home of bliss ?
Grievous indeed shall be their lot, who damned
by deadly sins must on that awful day
of mighty doom, behold with souls a-weary
the gashes, wounds, and torments of the Lord ;
greatest their woe to see how that the King
with His own body ransomed them from sin,
in meekness, so that they might live, devoid
of their ill-deeds, and have the endless bliss
of heavenly glory. They did not know the thanks
due to their Sovran for this heritage ;
wherefore, to their affliction, shall they see
signs unpropitious manifest in God,
when Christ shall sit there on His kingly throne,
on His high seat, while the Almighty Father,
the radiant Creator, Lord of the hosts
of heaven, prescribeth righteously withal
for every man according to his deeds.
103
ponne beo^ gesomnad on J>a swij>ran hond 1220
pa claenan folc criste sylfum
Gecorene bi cystum J?a aer sinne cwide georne
Lustum laestun on hyra lif-dagum-
Ond J>aer wom-scea]?an on J>one wyrsan dael
Fore scyppende scyrede weorJ?a'S'
Hate$ him gewitan on J?a winstran hond
Sigora soSS-cyning synfulra weorud*
paer hy arasade reota$ and beofia'S
Fore frean forhte- Swa fule swa gaet
Unsyfre folc arna ne wena'S- 1230
Donne bi'S gassta dom fore gode sceaden
Wera cneorissum swa hi geworhtun aer
paer bi8 on eadgum e'S gesyne
preo tacen somod J>aes J>e hi hyra J?eodnes wel
Wordum and weorcum willan heoldon-
An is aerest orgeate J>aer
paet hy fore leodum leohte blica]?
Blaede and byrhte ofer burga gesetu-
Him onscina^ aer-gewyrhtu
On sylfra gehwam sunnan beorhtran- 1240
OJ>er is to-eacan andgete swa some
paet hy him in wuldre witon waldendes giefe
And onseo'S eagum to wynne
paet hi on heofon-rice hlutru dreamas
104
Then shall be gathered on the right-hand side
of Christ Himself the cleanly multitude,
chosen for their virtues ; in their life-days
joyfully had they performed His word.
Workers of wickedness shall be disposed
before their Maker on the worser side ;
victory's true King shall bid the throng
of sinful mortals wend unto His left ;
discovered, shall they there bewail and quake,
af ear d before the Lord; as foul as goats,
an unpurefolk, they may not hope for grace.
When the spirits doom shall be decreed 'fore God
unto all generations as they wrought,
three signs shall then be plainly visible
at once upon the blessed, for they kept well
their Lord's behest, both by their words and works.
The first sign manifest shall be, to wit,
that they shall shine with light before the folk,
with bliss and brightness, throughout the homes on high ;
their former deeds shall shine upon them there,
upon each of them, e'en brighter than the sun.
Likewise a second sign shall be revealed,
in glory shall they know their Sovrans grace,
and they shall see their eyes' delight therein,
that they, as saints, 'mid angels, are to own
105
Eadge mid englum agan motun-
Donne bi$ J>ridde hu on J>ystra bealo
J?aet gesaelige weorud gesihS J>aet fordone
Sar J>rowian synna to wite
Weallendne lig and wyrma wlite
Bitrum ceaflum byrnendra scole- 1250
Of J?am him aweaxe$ wynsum gefea
ponne hi J>aet yfel geseo$ o$re dreogan
paet hy Jnirh miltse meotudes genaeson-
Donne hi Ipy geornor gode Jxmcia'S
Blasdes and blissa )?e hy bu geseo'S
paet he hy generede from ni'S-cwale
And eac forgeaf ece dreamas-
Bi^ him hel bilocen heofon-rice agiefen-
Swa sceal gewrixled J>am J>e aer wel heoldon
purh mod-lufan meotudes willan- 1260
Donne bi$ J>am o]?rum ungelice
Willa geworden- Magon weana to fela
Geseon on him selfum synne genoge
Atol earfo'Sa aer gedenra-
pasr him sorgendum sar o'Sclife'S
l?roht J>eod-bealu on )?reo healfa-
An is ]?ara J>ast hy him yrm]?a to fela
Grim helle fyr gearo to wite
Andweard seo^ on J>am hi awo sculon
106
pure ecstasies in heaven's realm on high.
The third shall be, that in the baleful gloom
the blissful throng shall contemplate the damned
suffering in penance for their sins sore pain,
the surging flame and the bitter-biting jaws
of luring serpents, a shoal of burning things ;
thence winsome joy shall rise within their souls,
beholding other men endure the ills
that they escaped, through mercy of the Lord.
Then the more eagerly shall they thank God
for all their glory and delight, seeing
that He both saved them from these grievous pangs,
and granted unto them eternal joys ;
hell shall be locked for them, heaven's realm vouchsafed.
This shall be their lot who erst kept well,
through their souls' love, the will of the Creator.
But all unlike, forsooth, shall be the plight
of the others ; they shall see there in themselves
too many woes, a multitude of sins,
direst affliction for their former deeds ;
sorrowing there, sore pain shall cleave to them,
anguish and bale, rising from sources three.
The first shall be, that 'fore them they shall see,
all ready for their torment, hell's grim fire,
too base an ignominy ; outcast there,
107
Wraec-winnende waerg'Su dreogan* 1270
ponne is him oj>er earfejm swa some
Scyldgum to sconde J>aet hi J?aer scoma maeste
Dreoga'S fordone- On him dryhten gesihS
Nales feara sum firen-bealu la'Slic
And J>aet asll-beorhte eac sceawiaft
Heofon-engla here and haelej>a beam
Ealle eor'S-buend and atol deofol
Mircne maegen-craeft man-worn ma gehwone-
Magon J>urh J>a lic-homan leahtra firene
Geseon on )?am sawlum- Beo"S ]?a syngan flassc 1280
Scandum J>urh-waden swa ]?aet scire glaes
paet mon y]?aest masg call Jmrh-wlitan-
Donne bi"S J>aet J>ridde J>earfendum sorg
CwiJ?ende cearo ]?ast hy on J>a claenan seo^
Hu hi fore god-dasdum glade blissia'S
pa hy unsaelge asr forhogdun
To donne J>onne him dagas laestun-
And be hyra weorcum wepende sar
pact hi asr freolice fremedon unryht
Geseo^ hi J>a betran blasde scinan- 1290
Ne bi8 him hyra yrm'Su an to wite
Ac J>ara oj>erra ead to sorgum
pass J>e hy swa fasgre gefean on fyrn-dagum
And swa aenlice an-forletun
1 08
they shall endure damnation evermore.
Likewise a second woe shall put to shame
the guilty ; they shall endure the greatest contumely,
undone by sin ; the Lord shall see in them
loathsome transgressions, nowise a few,
and the radiant throng, the heavenly angel-host,
shall see the like, and eke the sons of men ;
all earths inhabitants, and the fell devil,
shall see their darksome craft and every stain ;
through their bodies they shall see upon their souls
their shameful crimes ; abjectly the sinful flesh
shall be transparent, as it were clear glass,
that men most easily may see all through.
A third affliction shall the wretched know,
yea, dire lament, when they behold the pure,
how gladly they rejoice in the good deeds,
that they, unhappy ones, despised to do
erewhile, ^vhen still the days of life ran on ;
and weeping sore because of their own works
because they wrought unrighteousness before,
they shall behold their betters shine in glory.
Not merely their own misery shall be their bale ;
the bliss of those others shall increase their grief,
seeing how they informer days forsook
delights so fair and so incomparable
109
purh leaslice lices wynne
Earges flaesc-homan idelne lust-
]paer hi ascamode scondum gedreahte
Swicia$ on swiman syn-byrj>enne
Firen-weorc bera$ on J>aet J>a folc SCO'S-
Waere him ]x>n betre J>aet hy bealo-daede 1 300
^Elces unryhtes aer gescomeden
Fore anum men eargra weorca
Godes bodan saegdon J>aet hi to gyrne wiston
Firen-daeda on him- Ne maeg ]?urh ]?aet flaesc se scrift
Geseon on J>aere sawle hwas]?er him mon so$ J>e lyge
Saga^ on hine sylfne ]?onne he J>a synne bigae"S-
Masg mon swa J>eah gelacnigan leahtra gehwylcne
Yfel unclaene gif he hit anum geseg'S
And nasnig bihelan maeg on J>am heardan dasge
Worn unbeted "Sasr hit J>a weorud geseo'S- 1310
, Eala ]?aer we nu magon wraj>e firene
Geseon on ussum sawlum synna wunde
Mid lic-homan leahtra gehygdu
Eagum unclaene in-ge)?oncas-
Ne J>aet asnig maeg oj>rum gesecgan
Mid hu micle elne aeghwylc wille
purh ealle list lifes tiligan
Feores forhtlice for^ a'Solian
Syn-rust fwean and hine sylfne J>rean
no
for the body's vain and all-delusive joy,
and for the idle lust of the vile flesh.
There they abashed, overwhelmed with ignominy,
shall wander giddily, bearing their evil deeds,
the burden of their sins, whilst all folk gaze ;
'twere better for them had they erst felt shame
for each base deed and each transgression,
for all their evil works, before one man,
telling Gods servant that too well they knew
ill-deeds within them. The confessor cannot look
through the flesh unto the soul, whether a man
telleth truth or lie, when he his sins avoweth ;
nathless a wight can heal each noxious ill,
each unclean sin, if he tell it but to one ;
and none may there conceal, on that stern day,
guilt unamended; multitudes shall see it.
Verily, we shall then, with bodily sight,
behold the wounds of sin upon our souls,
our base iniquities, our inmost thoughts
of wickedness, our unclean cogitations.
Not any man may tell it to another,
with how great zeal, by every artifice,
each mortal striveth to attain life's goal,
anxious to protract existence forth,
to wash sin's rust away, afflicting himself,
ill
And J?aet worn aerran wunde haelan 1320
pone lytlan fyrst f>e her lifes sy
paet he maege fore eagum eor'S-buendra
Unscomiende e'Sles mid monnum
Brucan bysmerleas )?endan bu somod
Lie and sawle lifgan mote.
V.
( V we sceolon georne gleawlice J>urh-seon
Usse hrej>er-cofan heortan eagum
Innan uncyste. We mid J>am o$rum ne magun
Heafod-gimmum hyge-J>onces fer"S
Eagum J>urh-wlitan asnge J>inga
HwaeJ>er him yfel J>e god under wunige
paet he on J>a grimman tid gode licie
ponne he ofer weoruda gehwylc wuldre seined
Of his heah-setle hlutran lege-
pasr he fore englum and fore el]?eodum
To J>am eadgestum aerest mae'Sle'S
And him swasslice sibbe gehate'S
Heofona heah-cyning halgan reorde
Frefre'S he faegre and him fri)? beode'S
Hate^ hy gesunde and gesenade 1340
On ej>el faran engla dreames
112
to heal the blemish of some former wound,
during the little span of life on earth,
so that before the eyes of all the world,
he may enjoy his home in the midst of men,
blameless and unabashed, as long as here
body and soul may both together dwell.
V.
Now, with the minds eye, it behoveth us,
with wisdom, fain to pierce the bosom's case
unto the sin within, with our other eyes,
the jewels of the head, we may no whit
survey the hidden home of inmost thought,
wJiether good or ill abide there in those depths,
so that at that dread time God may be pleased,
wJien,from His lofty throne, with flame all-pure,
He shall shine in glory o'er the multitudes ;
and before angels and before all folks
He shall speak first unto the happiest there,
and lovingly shall promise them His grace ;
yea, with His holy voice, the Heavens high King
shall gently comfort them, and grant them peace,
and He shall bid them then, all safe and blessed,
fare to the home of angels' harmony,
II 113
And ]?aes to widan feore willum neotan-
Onfo'S nu mid freondum mines fasder rice
Jpaet eow waes aer woruldum wynlice gearo
Blaed mid blissum beorht e81es wlite
Hwonne ge ]?a lif-welan mid J>am leof[s]tum
Swase swegl-dreamas geseon mosten-
Ge J>aes earnedon J>a ge earme men
Woruld-]?earfende willum onfengun
On mildum sefan- Donne hy him J>urh minne noman 1 350
Ea'Smode to eow arna baedun
ponne ge hyra hulpon and him hleo'S gefon
Hingrendum hlaf and hraegl nacejium
And J>a ]>e on sare seoce lagun
.ZEf[n]don unsofte adle gebundne
To J>am ge holdlice hyge sta]?eladon
Mid modes myne. Eall ge J>aet me dydon-
Donne ge hy mid sibbum sohtun and hyra sefan try-
medon
For^ on frofre- pass ge faegre sceolon
Lean mid leofum lange brucan- 1360
Onginne'S ]?onne to J>am yflum ungelice
Wordum mae$lan J>e him bi'S on J>a wynstran hond
J?urh egsan ]?rea alwalda god-
Ne J>urfon hi J>onne to meotude miltse gewenan
Lifes ne lissa ac ]?aer lean cuma'S
114
and joyously possess it evermore :
' Receive ye now, 'mid friends, My Fathers realm,
the blissful glories and the beauteous home,
dight winsomely for you, ere worlds were wrought,
yours, when ye might behold, with the best beloved,
life's true wealth, the sweet delights of heaven.
This meed ye merited, when gladsomely,
with gentle cheer, ye welcomed needy men,
the wretched of the world ; when in My name
they humbly prayed you for compassion,
then helped ye them, and gave them sheltering,
bread to the hungry, garments to the naked,
and those that lay sick and in sorry pain,
suffering grievously , bound by disease,
their spirits ye sustained in kindly wise,
with loving hearts. All this ye did for Me,
when ye in friendship sought them, and with comfort
ye stayed their souls ; wherefore ye shall in
bliss
longtime enjoy reward with My beloved.'
Then will Almighty God, with other words >
with fearful threatening, begin to speak
unto the wicked, those upon His left.
They may not hope for pity from the Lord,
nor life nor grace ; reward for words and deeds
Werum bi gewyrhtum worda and dasda
Reord-berendum sceolon ]?one ryhtan dom
geaefnan egsan fulne-
J?aer seo miccle milts afyrred
peod-buendum on J>am daege 1370
paes aelmihtigan Jxmne he yrringa
On J>aet fraete folc firene staele$
Lajmm wordum hate^ hyra lifes riht
Andweard ywan J>aet he him asr forgeaf
Syngum to saelum* Onginne'S sylf cwe$an
Swa he to anum sprece and hwae)?re ealle maene'S
Firen-synnig folc frea aelmihtig-
Hwaet ic J>ec mon minum hondum
^Erest geworhte and J>e andgiet sealde
Of lame ic J?e leoj>e gesette geaf ic 8e lifgendne gaest 1 380
Arode J>e ofer ealle gesceafte gedyde ic J>aet J>u onsyn
hasfdest
Maeg-wlite me gelicne geaf ic J>e eac meahta sped
Welan ofer wid-londa gehwylc nysses J>u wean asnigne
dsel
Dystra J>aet ]?u J>olian sceolde J>u f>aes J?onc ne wisses-
pa ic 8e swa scienne gesceapen haefde
Wynlicne geworht and J>e welan forgyfen
paet ftu mostes wealdan worulde gesceaftum
Da ic J>e on J?a faegran foldan gesette
116
shall come to all men there, creatures of speech,
according to their works ; they shall endure
the only righteous, though an awful, doom.
On that day then the great compassion
of the Omnipotent shall be afar
from earths inhabitants, when wrathfully,
in angry words, He chargeth their misdeeds
on impious folk, and biddeth them there present
their life's account before Him, which erst He gave
to them, base sinners, for their bliss. The Sovran Lord
Himself shall speak as if He spake to one,
and nathless shall He mean all sinning folk :
* Lo, man ! with Mine own hands I fashioned thee
in the beginning, and wisdom granted thee ;
I formed thy limbs of clay ; I gave thee living soul ;
I honoured thee o'er all created things ; I
wrought
thine aspect like to Mine ; I gave thee might,
wealth o'er each land ; of woe thou knewest
nought,
nought of the gloom to come ; yet thankless thou.
When I had shapen thee thus beauteously,
had made thee comely, and had given thee power,
that thou mightst rule the creatures of the world,
when I had set thee in that fair domain,
117
To neotenne neorxna wonges
Beorhtne blaed-welan bleom scinende 1390
Da Jui lifes word laestan noldes
Ac min bibod braece be Junes bonan worde
Faecnum feonde furj?or hyrdes
Scef>J>endum sceaf>an )?onne J>inum scyppende-
Nu ic $a ealdan race anforlaete
Hu ]>u aet aerestan yfle gehogdes
Firen-weorcum forlure J?ast ic 8e to fremum sealde
]pa ic J>e goda swa fela forgiefen haefde
And J>e on J?am eallum eades to lyt
Mode Jmhte gif J>u meahte sped 1400
Efen-micle gode agan ne moste-
Da ]?u of ]?an gefean fremde wurde
Feondum to willan feor aworpen
Neorxna wonges wlite nyde sceoldes
Agiefan geomor-mod gaesta e]?el
Earg and unrot eallum bidaeled
DugeJ?um and dreamum and J>a bidrifen wurde
On )?as ]?eostran weoruld ]?aer ]?u ]?olades si]?J?an
Maegen-earfe]?u micle stunde
Sar and swar gewin and sweartne dea'S 1410
And aefter [h]ingonge hreosan sceoldes
Hean in helle helpendra leas-
Da mec ongon hreowan )?aet min hond-geweorc
118
the bright and blissful riches to enjoy
of Paradise, resplendent with its hues,
then wouldst thou not fulfil the word of Life,
but, at the word of thy Bane, didst break My bidding ;
a treacherous foe, a mischievous destroyer,
didst thou obey, rather than thy Creator.
Now will I let that ancient story pass,
how at the first thou didst so ill devise,
and didst lose by sin the grace I granted thee ;
when I had given thee all these goodly things,
nathless it seemed unto thy mind withal
too little bliss, if thou mightst not possess
fulness of power equally with God ;
then thou becamest, to thy foes' delight,
an alien to that joy, cast out afar ;
perforce then hadst thou sadly to forego
the charm of Paradise, the spirits home,
a craven wight and wretched, cut off from all
its blessings and its mirths ; then wast thou driven
into this gloomy world, where thou hast suffered,
from that time forth, so long, dire miseries,
pain and heavy toil and swarthy death,
doomed, after thy going hence, abased to fall
down into hell, with none to lend thee help.
Then did it rue Me that Mine handiwork
119
On feonda geweald feran sceolde
Mon-cynnes tuddor man-cwealm seon
Sceolde uncu'Sne eard cunnian
Sare sif>as J?a ic sylf gestag
Maga in modor )?eah waes hyre maegden-had
-^Eghwass onwalg* Wear$ ic ana geboren
Folcum to frofre mec mon folmum biwond 1420
Bi]?eahte mid J?earfan waedum and mec ]?a on J>eostre
alegde
Biwundenne mid wonnum clajmm hwast ic J>aet for
worulde gej>olade
Lytel ]?uhte ic leoda bearnum laeg ic on heardum stane
Cild geong on crybbe mid Ipy ic J>e wolde cwealm afyr-
ran
Hat helle bealu J>aet ]?u moste halig scinan
Eadig on J?am ecan life for'Son ic ]?aet earfej^e wonn-
VI.
me for mode ac ic on magu-geogu'Se
Yrmjm geaefnde arleas lic-sar
past ic Jmrh ]?a waere ]?e gelic
And J>u meahte minum weorj?an
Masg-wlite gelic mane bidaeled-
And fore monna lufan min ]?rowade
120
should pass into the power of the fiends,
that mankind 's progeny should see dire pangs ',
and should experience a loveless home,
sorry vicissitudes ; then I descended
as a son unto his mother, yet was her maidenhood
wholly inviolate. I was born alone
for mankind's solace ; with their hands they swathed Me,
wrapped Me in a poor man's weeds, laid Me in
darkness,
swaddled in dusky clothes. Lo ! this for the world I
suffered;
little seemed I to the sons of men ; on the hard stone I lay,
a young child in its crib, for that I would remove from
thee
hell's torture and hot bale ; that thou mightst shine as saint,
blessed in tJie life eternal, therefore I bore that pain.
VI.
'Twas not for pride that in My youth I bore
such wretchedness, such ignominious pain,
but that I might thereby be like to thee,
and that thou, freed from sin, mightst thus become
like to that human form of Mine so fair ;
yea, for my love of men my head and face
121
Heafod hearm-slege hleor gej?olade-
Oft and-lata arleasra spatl
Of mu'Se onfeng man-fremmendra-
Swylce hi me geblendon bittre tosomne
Unswetne drync ecedes and geallan-
Donne ic fore folce onfeng feonda geni'Slan
Fylgdon me mid firenum faehf>e ne rohtun
And mid sweopum slogun- Ic J>aet sar for 8e 1440
purh ea'Smedu call gej?olade
Hosp and heard cwide- pa hi hwaesne beag
Ymb min heafod heardne gebygdon
pream bij?rycton se wass of J>ornum geworht-
Da ic wass ahongen on heanne beam
Rode gefaestnad *Sa hi ricene
Mid spere of minre sidan swat ut-gotun
Dreor to foldan- past ]?u of deofles f>urh f>aet
Nyd-gewalde genered wurde
Da ic womma leas wite J>olade 1450
Yfel earfejm oJ>J>ast ic anne forlet
Of minum lic-homan lifgendne gasst-
Geseo'S nu f>a feorh-dolg J?e gefremedun aer
On minum folmum and on fotum swa some
purh J?a ic hongade hearde gefaestnad
Meaht her eac geseon orgete nu gen
On minre sidan swatge wunde-
122
endured the suffering of their baleful strokes ;
oft on My visage spittle fell from mouths
of impious workers of iniquity ;
they mingled, too, for Me full bitterly
an unsweet drink of vinegar and gall ;
for mankind bore I then the wrath of foes ;
they followed Me with torments ; reckless in hate,
they struck Me with their scourges, all that pain,
their scorn and cruel gibes, in humbleness
I bore for thee, and round about My head
a bitter-biting crown they bent anon,
fiercely they pressed it on, 'twas wrought of thorns.
Then was I hanged upon a lofty tree,
and fastened to a rood ; with a spear there
from my side they poured out on to earth
My blood and gore. That thou thereby should st be
delivered from the devil's tyranny,
all sinless suffered I this punishment,
this sore affliction, till from my body
the living spirit sent I forth alone.
See now the fatal wounds they made of yore
upon My palms and eke upon My feet,
by which I hung full firmly fastened there ;
here mayest thou see, too, manifest e'en yet,
the gory wound, the gash iipon My side.
123
Hu f>aer wass unefen racu unc gemasne-
Ic onfeng )?in sar J>ast J>u moste gesaelig
Mines ej?el-rices eadig neotan 1460
And J>e mine dea$e deore gebohte
paet longe lif J?aet ]?u on leohte sij>}?an
Wlitig womma leas wunian mostes-
Laeg min flaesc-homa in foldan bigrafen
Nijre gehyded se 8e naengum scod
In byrgenne J?ast ]?u meahte beorhte uppe
On roderum wesan rice mid englum-
Forhwon forlete J>u lif ]?aet scyne
paet ic ]?e for lufan mid mine lic-homan
Heanum to helpe hold gecypte- J 47O
Wurde ]?u ]?aes gewitleas J?aet ]?u waldende
pinre alysnesse ]?onc ne wisses-
Ne ascige ic nu owiht bi ]?am bitran
Dea'Se minum J>e ic adreag fore J?e-
Ac forgield me J>in lif ]?aes J>e ic iu J>e min
purh woruld-wite weor^ gesealde-
Dass lifes ic manige J>e ]?u mid leahtrum hafast
Ofslegen synlice sylfum to sconde-
Forhwan J>u ]?aet sele-gescot J>aet ic me swaes on ]?e
Gehalgode hus to wynne 1480
purh firen-lustas fule synne
Unsyfre bismite sylfes willum-
124
How unequal was the reckoning 'twixt us two !
I there received thy pain that thou in bliss
mightst happily enjoy My native realm ;
and dearly by My death I bought for thee
long life, that thou mightst thenceforth evermore
dwell in the light, beauteous , void of sin.
My body's flesh, the which had harmed no man,
lay buried in the earth, hidden deep beneath,
down in its sepulchre, that thou mightst shine
mighty 'mid angels, in the skies above.
Wherefore didst thou forsake the beauteous life,
which graciously I bought for thee, in love,
with Mine own body, to help thee in thy plight?
So witless wast thou, that thou didst not show
thanks to thy Lord for thy redemption.
Nought claim I now for that sore death of Mine,
so bitter, which I there endured for thee,
but render Me thy life, for which, in martyrdom,
I gave thee formerly Mine own as price.
I claim of thee the life thou hast so sinfully
destroyed to thine own shame, with base transgression.
Why hast thou wittingly with filth defiled,
through wicked lust and through foul sinfulness,
the tabernacle I sanctified in thee,
to be the cherished home of My delight?
125
Ge ]?u J?one lic-homan J>e ic alysde me
Feondum of fas'Sme and J>a him firene forbead
Scyld-wyrcende scondum gewemdest-
Forhwon ahenge J>u mec hefgor on J>inra honda rode
ponne lu hongade- Hwaet me J?eos heardra J>ynce8
Nu is swaerra mid mec J>inra synna rod
pe ic unwillum on beom gefasstnad
ponne seo of>er wass ]?e ic aer gestag J 49O
Willum minum J>a mec f>in wea swij>ast
^Et heortan gehreaw ]?a ic J>ec from helle ateah
pasr ]?u hit wolde sylfa sij>]?an gehealdan*
Ic waes on worulde weadla J>aet "Su wurde welig in
heofonum
Earm ic waes on e$le f>inum J>ast J>u wurde eadig on
minum-
pa 811 f>aes ealles aenigne J>onc
pinum nergende nysses on mode-
Bibead ic eow fast ge broj>or mine
In woruld-rice wel aretten
Of J>am aehtum )?e ic eow on eor'San geaf 1 500
Earmra hulpen earge ge J>aet lasstun-
pearfum forwyrndon J>aet hi under eowrum J>aece mosten
In-gebugan and him aeghwaes oftugon
purh heardne hyge hraegles nacedum
Moses mete-leasum feah hy him Jnirh minne noman
126
Yea, thou didst shamefully pollute with guilt
that body which I ransomed for Myself
from the grasp of 'foes , and then forbade it sin.
Why hast thou hanged Me worse on thy hands' cross
than when of old I hung ? Methinks this harder ;
thy sins' cross is noiv heavier for Me,
on which I am bound fast, unwillingly,
than was that other which I erst ascended,
with Mine own will, whenas thy misery
rued Me so much at heart, when I drew thee from hell,
where thou thyself wouldst afterwards abide.
I in the world was poor, that thou in heaven mightst be
rich,
wretched was I in thy world, that thou in Mine mightst
blissful be.
But for all this thou knewest not in thy heart
the gratitude due to thy Saviour.
I bade that ye should cherish tenderly
My brethren throughout all the world's domain ;
with the wealth which I had granted you on earth
that ye should help the poor ; ill have ye done so ;
ye forbade the poor to enter 'neath your roof,
and ye withheld from them full everything,
in your hard hearts, raiment from the naked,
food from the foodless ; though weary and infirm,
127
Werge wonhale waetan baedan
Drynces gedreahte duguj>a lease
purste ge]?egede ge him J>riste oftugon-
Sarge ge ne sohton ne him swasslic word
Frofre gespraecon J?ast hy J>y freoran hyge 1510
Mode gefengen- Eall ge J?aet me dydan
To hynj>um heofon-cyninge- paes ge sceolon hearde
adreogan
Wite to widan ealdre wraec mid deoflum gej>olian-
Donne ]?aer ofer ealle egeslicne cwide
Sylf sigora weard sares fulne
Ofer ]?aet faege folc for^ forlaste^-
Cwi$ to ]?ara synfulra sawla fe]?an-
Fara^ nu awyrgde willum biscyrede-
Engla dreames on ece fir
)paet waes satane and his gesijmm mid 1520
Deofle gegearwad and ]?aere deorcan scole
Hat and heoro-grim on ]?aet ge hreosan sceolan-
Ne magon hi J>onne gehynan heofon-cyninges bibod
Raedum birofene sceolon ra]?e feallan
On grimne grund ]?a aer wij> gode wunnon-
Bi^ ]?onne rices weard rej>e and meahtig
Yrre and egesful. And weard ne maeg
On J>issum fold-wege feond gebidan-
128
void of all sustenance, yearning for drink,
yea, parched with thirst, for water they entreated
in My name, yet harshly ye denied it them.
The sick ye sought not, nor spake a kindly word
of comfort unto them, that their hearts might win
a cheerful spirit. All this ye did in scorn
of Me, heaven's King ; wherefore ye shall
endure
torment for evermore, exile 'mid devils'
Then over all of them, over that fated folk,
the Lord of triumph shall Himself send forth
a dreadful edict, full of tribulation,
and to that host of sinful souls shall say :
* Go now accursed, wilfully cut off
from angels* joy, into eternal fire,
which, hot and fiercely grim, was dight of yore
for the devil, Satan, and his comrades eke,
and all that swarthy shoal ; therein shall ye fall'
They may not then deride, bereft of rede,
the Kings command ; they who erst warred 'gainst God
shall quickly fall into the grim abyss.
The Lord of empire shall be stern and mighty,
angry and fearful ; upon this track of earth
no foe may then abide before His face.
129
VII.
WAPED sige-mece mid J?aere swif'Sjran hond
l?aet on J?aet deope dael deofol gefealla'S 1530
In sweartne leg synfulra here
Under foldan sceat faege gaestas
On wra)?ra wic womfulra scolu
Werge to forwyrde on wite-hus
Dea$-sele deofles- Nales dryhtnes gemynd
SiJ?J>an geseca'S synne ne aspringaft
paer hi leahtrum fa lege gebundne
Swylt )?rowia l $ bi$ him syn-wracu
Andweard undyrne J?aet is ece cwealm-
Ne masg ]?aet hate dael of heolo8-cynne 1 540
In sin-nehte synne forbasrnan
To widan feore worn of )?aere sawle-
Ac ]?aer se deopa sea$ dreorge fede^S
Grundleas gieme'S gaesta on J?eostre
^lle^ hy mid ]?y ealdan lige and mid J?y egsan forste
WraJ>um wyrmum and mid wita fela
Frecnum feorh-gomum folcum scende'S-
past we magon eahtan and on an cweftan
So'Se secgan J>ast se sawle weard
Lifes wisdom forloren haebbe J55O
Se ]?e nu ne gieme'S hwasj>er his gaest sie
130
VII.
He shall sweep the victor-sword with His right hand,
that the devils shall fall down the deep abyss
into swart flame ; the bands of sinful ones
into earths realm beneath ; the fated spirits
into the camp of foes ; the guilty shoal,
damned to perdition, into the prison-house,
the devil's death- hall. Ne'er shall they seek again
remembrance of tfie Lord, nor 'scape their sins,
but, crime-stained, they shall there, bewrapt with flame
endure destruction ; vengeance for their sins
shall they see revealed ; that is eternal death ;
through all the livelong night the fiery gulf
may ne'er avail to purge their sins away
from that hell-race, the stain from off their soul.
But the deep pit feedeth still the weary ones ;
bottomless it keepeth the spirits in its gloom ;
with its old flame it burneth them ; and with terrors chill r
with hateful serpents, and with torments many,
with sharp and deadly jaws, it scatheth folk.
Wherefore we may believe and aye declare,
soothly affirm, that that soul's guardian
hath wholly lost the wisdom of this life,
who heedeth not now whether his spirit shall be
Earm J>e eadig J>aer he ece sceal
^Efter hin-gonge hamfaest wesan-
Ne bisorga$ he synne to fremman
Wonhydig mon ne he wihte hafaft
Hreowe on mode J>aet him halig gaest
Losige Jnirh leahtras on J?as laenan tid-
Donne man-scea'Sa fore meotude forht
Deorc on f>am dome stande'S and deafte fah
Wommum awyrged bi$ se waer-loga 1560
Fyres afylled feores unwyr'Se
Egsan ge]?read andweard gode-
Won and wliteleas hafa'S werges bleo
Facen-tacen feores- Donne firena beam
Tearum geota'S J>onne J>ass tid ne bij>
Synne cwiJ?a'S ac hy to si^ do^
Gaestum helpe "Sonne J>ass giman nele
Weoruda waldend hu ]?a wom-sceaj>an
Hyra eald-gestreon on J>a openan tid
Sare greten- Ne bi]? J?ast sorga tid J 57O
Leodum alyfed J>aet ]?aer lascedom
Findan mote se J>e nu his feore nyle
Haelo strynan ]?enden her leofa'S-
Ne bi^ ]?asr aengum godum gnorn aetywed
Ne nasngum yflum wel ac Jpasr aeghwae]?er
Anfealde gewyrht andweard wige'S-
132
wretched or happy ', where, after its going hence,
it shall be resident eternally.
He dreadeth nowise sin to perpetrate,
thoughtless man ! nor hath he aught of ruth
within his heart, e'en though his holy spirit
perish, in this fading time, through guilt.
When the evil-doer, af eared before his Maker,
at the judgment standeth, black and foul with death,
accursed with crime, then shall the treacherous wight
of life unworthy, be fulfilled of fire,
and overwhelmed with terror before God ;
sightless and swart, he shall have a felon's hue,
the token of a life of perfidy. The sons of men
shall then shed tears and shall bewail their sins,
when time availeth not ; too late shall they devise
help for their spirits, when the Lord of hosts
will not give heed how base transgressors there >
so sorely, at that all-disclosing time,
deplore what erst they cherished ; that time of sorrowing
will not avail that he who will not now
gain life's salvation, while he liveth here,
may there find out the healing remedy.
No grief to any good man shall there be known,
nor joy to any evil ; but there each one
shall bear before God's sight his own desert.
133
For'Son sceal onettan se J>e agan wile
Lif aet meotude J?enden him leoht and gaest
Somod-faest seon- He his sawle wlite
Georne bigonge on godes willan 1580
And J?aer weorfte worda and daeda
peawa and gej?onca J>enden him )?eos woruld
Sceadum scrij?ende scinan mote
paet he ne forleose on ]?as lasnan tid
His dreames blaed and his dagena rim
And his weorces wlite and wuldres lean
paette heofones cyning on J?a halgan tid
Softfasst syle$ to sigor-leanum
]?am f>e him on gaestum georne hyra'S-
ponne heofon and hel haelef>a bearnum 1 590
Fira feorum fylde weorj?e$
Grundas swelga"S godes andsacan
Lacende leg la^wende men
prea'S )?eod-sceaj?an and no f>onan laeta'S
On gefean faran to feorh-nere
Ac se bryne binde'S bid-faestne here
Feo"S firena beam* Frecne me Jjinceft
past J>as gaest-berend giman nellaft
Men on mode j?onne man hwaet
Him se waldend to wrace gesette 1600
Lajmrn leodunv ponne lif and dea'S
134
Lo, eager must he be, while light and life
holdfast together, who wisheth to possess
life from his Maker; let him foster zealously
the beauty of his soul, after God's will ;
let him be wary in his words and works,
his habits and his thoughts, while this world here,
speeding with mystic shadows, may still shine for him,
so that he lose not in this fading time
the blossom of his joy, the number of his days,
the beauty of his work, and glory s recompense,
which heaven's righteous King dispenseth then,
at that holy time, as the rewards of victory,
to those who fain, with all their soiil, obey Him.
All heaven and hell shall then become fulfilled
with the sons of men, with the souls of mortal men ;
the abyss shall gorge the adversaries of God ;
the flickering flame shall harass erring folk,
workers of injury, and shall not let them thence
depart in joy unto security ;
the fire shall keep that host immovable ;
it shall vex mankind. Foolhardy me thinketh it,
that men, creatures with soul endowed, will not
be heedful in their minds, since that their Sovran
may put, in vengeance, upon hateful folk
any evil whatsoe'er. When life and death
135
Sawlum swelga'S bi'S susla bus
Open and o'Seawed a'S-logum ongean
Daet sceolon fyllan firen-georne men
Sweartum sawlum* J?onne synna wracu
Scyldigra scolu ascyred weor^e'S
Heane from halgum on hearm-cwale-
Daer sceolan f>eofas and J?eod-sceaJ?an
Lease and forlegene lifes ne wenan
And man-sworan mo[r]]?or-lean seon 1610
Heard and heoro-grim f>onne hel nime'S
Waerleasra weorud and hi waldend giefe"$
Feondum in forwyrd fa J^rowia'S
Ealdor-bealu egeslic earm bi'S se J>e wile
Firenum gewyrcan ]?ast he fah scyle
From his scyppende ascyred weor$an
^t dom-daege to dea'Se nif>er
Under helle cinn in f>ast hate fyr
Under liges locan ]?aer hy leomu raecaft
To bindenne and to baernenne 1620
And to swingenne synna to wite-
Donne halig gasst helle biluce'S
MorJ?er-husa masst ]?urh meaht godes
Fyres fulle and feonda here
Cyninges worde- Se bij) cwealma masst
Deofla and monna- paet is dreamleas hus-
136
shall gain their share of souls, the house of torment
shall be full manifest to perjurers' sight ;
sin-loving men, with swarthy souls, shall fill it.
Then, in retribution for their sins,
the shoal of guilty ones shall be disparted,
the base from the holy, unto pernicious death ;
there thieves, and such as wrought cruel injury,
liars and adulterers, shall have no hope of life ;
and the forsworn shall see their crimes' reward,
grievous and fiercely grim ; then hell shall take
the host of faithless ones ; the Lord shall give them
in perdition to the fiends ; sinners shall endure
dire racking agony ; wretched shall he be
who fain doth wickedly ; as a guilty wretch
upon that judgment-day shall he be severed
from his Creator, doomed to the death below,
among hell's race, adown in the hot fire,
'neaih the barriers offiame ; there shall men stretch
their limbs, to be bound and to be burnt anon,
and to be scourged, in punishment for sin.
Then the Holy Spirit, through the might of God,
at the King's command, shall lock the gates of hell,
the worst of torture-houses, full of fire,
with the host of fiends therein ; for devils and for men
this torment shall be direst. That is a joyless home ;
137
Daer aenig ne maeg ower losian
Caldan clommum hy braecon cyninges word
Beorht boca bibod for]x>n hy abidan sceolon
In sin-nehte sar ende-leas 1630
Firen-daedum fa for# J?rowian
Da J?e her [for-]hogdun heofon-rices J?rym-
ponne J>a gecorenan fore crist bera"S
Beorhte fraetwe hyra blasd leofa'S
JEt dom-dasge agan dream mid gode
Li]?es lifes )?aes ]?e alyfed bi]?
Haligra gehwam on heofon-rice-
Dast is se ej>el J>e no geendad weorj^e'S
Ac Jpaer symle for'S synna lease
Dream weardia'S dryhten lofiaS 1640
Leofne lifes weard leohte biwundne
Sibbum biswe$ede sorgum biwerede
Dreamum gedyrde dryhtne gelyfde
Awa to ealdre engla gemanan
Bruca'S mid blisse beorhte mid lisse
Freoga8 folces weard faeder ealra
Geweald hafa"$ and healde'S haligra weorud-
Daer is engla song eadigra blis
pasr is seo dyre dryhtnes onsien
Eallum J>am gesaelgum sunnan leohtra 1650
Daer is leofra lufu lif butan ende-dea'Se
138
no one may evermore escape from thence,
from those cold bonds ; they broke their King's command,
the Scriptures' bright behests ; they must abide
the livelong night, and, stained with wicked deeds,
thenceforth must they endure pain without end,
who here despised the bliss of heaven's realm.
Then shall the chosen carry before Christ
resplendent treasures ; their happiness shall live ;
with God, at doomsday, shall they have the joy
of life serene, for it shall be vouchsafed
to every holy man in heaven's realm.
That is the home that never shall know end,
but there the sinless henceforth evermore
shall hold their joyous mirth, and praise the Lord,
their life's dear Guardian ; there, begirt with light,
bewrapt in peace, shielded from sorrowing,
glorified by joy, endeared unto the Lord,
radiant with grace, shall they for evermore
enjoy in bliss the angels' fellowship,
and cherish mankind's Guardian, Father of all,
Sovran Preserver of the holy hosts.
There is angels' song ; the bliss of the happy ;
there is the gracious presence of the Lord,
brighter than the sun, for all the blessed ones ;
there is the love of the beloved ; life without death's end;
139
Glaed gumena weorud giogu'S butan ylde
Heofon-dugu'Sa }?rym haelu butan sare
Ryht-fremmendum raest butan gewinne
D6m-eadigra daeg butan J>eostrum
Beorht blasdes full blis butan sorgum
Fri8 freondum bitweon for^ butan aefestum
Gesaelgum on swegle sib butan nij>e
Halgum on gemonge- Nis J>aer hungor ne )?urst
Slaep ne swar leger ne sunnan bryne 1660
Ne cyle ne cearo ac J>aer cyninges giefe
Awo bruca$ eadigra gedryht
Weoruda wlite-scynast wuldres mid dryhten-
a gladsome host of men ; youth without age ;
the glory of the heavenly chivalry ; health without pain
for righteous workers ; and for souls sublime
rest without toil ; there is day without dark gloom,
ever gloriously bright ; bliss without bale ;
friendship ' twixt friends for ever without feud ;
peace without enmity for the blest in heaven,
in the communion of saints. Hunger is not there nor thirst,
sleep, nor grievous sickness ; nor sun's heat,
nor cold, nor care ; but there that blissful band,
the fairest of all hosts, shall aye enjoy
their Sovran's grace, and glory with their King.
APPENDIX
I. SAINT GUTHLAC.
[? Christ, 11. 1664-1692.]
E BID GEFEANA F^EGRAST J>onne hy
set frym'Se gemeta'S
engel and seo eadge sawl ofgiefej? hio )?as
eor]?an wynne
forlaete'S J>as laenan dreamas and hio wij> ham lice
gedaele'S-
Donne cwi$ se engel hafa"S yldran had
grete8 gaest oj>erne abeode'S him godes aerende-
Nu ]?u most feran J>ider ]?u fundadest
longe and gelome- Ic J>ec laedan sceal-
wegas ]?e sindon wej>e and wuldres leoht
torht ontyned- Eart nu tid-fara
to J>am halgan ham J?aer nasfre hreow cyme^S 10
eder-gong fore yrmj>um ac J>aer bij> engla dream
sib and gesaelignes and sawla raest
and J>asr a to feore gefeon motun
dryman mid dryhten J>a J>e his domas her
aefna'S on eorj>an- He him ece lean
healde'S on heofonum J>asr se hyhsta ealra
144
I. SAINT GUTHLAC.
That shall be the fairest of joys, when they at first shall
meet,
the angel and the happy soul, when it resigneth the joys of earth,
forsaketh these frail delights, and from the body shall depart.
Then shall the angel speak, (his the more exalted state,)
one spirit shall greet the other, and announce to it Gods
errand :
' Now thou mayst depart whither thou wast yearning
longtime and often ; I am to lead thee ;
the ways shall be pleasant for thee, and the glory's bright light
shall be revealed ; thou art now a traveller
unto that holy home where sorrow never cometh,
the refuge from affliction ; but there is angels' harmony,
goodwill and happiness and souls' repose ;
and therefor evermore may they rejoice
and revel with the Lord, who here, on earth,
fulfil his judgments ; He holdethfor them, in heaven,
eternal recompense ; over the cities there,
K I 45
yni nga cyning ceastrum wealde'S-
Daet sind ]?a getimbru J?e no tydriaft
ne J>am fore yrmjmm J>e J>aer in-wunia'S
lif aspringe'S ac him bi"$ lenge hu sel 20
geoguj>e bruca'S and godes miltsa-
pider so'Sfaestra sawla motun
cuman aefter cwealme J>a ]?e aer cristes ae
laera'S and lassta'S and his lof raera'S-
oferwinna'S f>a awyrgdan gaestas bigyta'S him wuldres
raeste
hwider sceal J>aes monnes mod astigan
aer oj>]?e aefter J>onne he his asnne her
gaest bigonge J>aet se gode mote 30
womma claene in geweald cuman-
146
the most high, the King of kings, holdeth sway.
These are the structures which do not decay,
nor, through misery, shall life fail those
who dwell therein, but the longer the better it shall be for
them ;
youth shall they enjoy and the grace of God.
Thither, after death, the souls of righteous men
may come, who erewhile teach and do
the law of Christ and raise on high His praise ;
they shall overcome the cursed sprites and gain that glorious
rest,
whither, sooner or later, the spirit of each man
shall rise, whenas he cherisheth
his one soul here, that it may come
to God's dominion, clean of blemishes!
147
II. HOMILIA IN ASCENSIONE DOMINI.
(Cp. passus secundus.)
Albzevestes ( 9.) Hoc autem nobis primum quaerendum est, quidnam fit
laetitiae indicia.
quod nato Domino apparuerunt Angeli, et tamen non leguntur
in albis vestibus apparuisse: ascendente autem Domino missi
Angeli in albis leguntur vestibus apparuisse. Sic etenim scriptum
Act. i. 9. est : Videntibus illis ekvatus est, et nubes suscepit eum ab oculis
eorum. Cumque intuerentur in cesium euntem ilium, ecce duo
viri steterunt juxta illos in vestibus albis. In albis autem vestibus
gaudium et solemnitas mentis ostenditur. Quid est ergo quod
nato Domino, non in albis vestibus ; ascendente autem Domino,
in albis vestibus Angeli apparent : nisi quod tune magna solem
nitas Angelis facta est, cum coelum Deus homo penetravit?
Quia nascente Domino videbatur divinitas humiliata : ascendente
vero Domino, est humanitas exaltata. Albae etenim vestes exal-
tationi magis congruunt quam humiliationi. In assumtione ergo
ejus Angeli in albis vestibus videri debuerunt : quia qui in
nativitate sua apparuit Deus humilis, in Ascensione sua ostensus
est homo sublimis.
Ex Ascensione (8 10.) Sed hoc nobis magnopere, fratres carissimi, in hac
Christi quid
proficiamus. solemnitate pensandum est : quia deletum est hodierna die
chirographum damnationis nostrse, mutata est sententia cor-
Genes. iii. 19. ruptionis nostrae. Ilia enim natura cui dictum est : Terra es, et
in terram ibis, hodie in coelum ivit. Pro hac ipsa namque carnis
nostrae sublevatione per figuram beatus Job Dominum avem
vocat. Quia enim Ascensionis ejus mysterium Judseam non
intelligere conspexit, de infidelitate ejus sententiam protulit,
Job xxviii. 7. dicens : Semitam ignoravit avis. Avis enim recte appelatus est
148
Dominus ; quia corpus carneum ad aethera libravit. Cujus avis
semitam ignoravit quisquis eum ad ccelum ascendisse non
credidit. De hac solemnitate per Psalmistam dicitur : Elevala Psai. viii. 2.
est magnificentia tua super calos. De hac rursus ait : Asctndit Psai. xivi. 6.
Deus in jubilatione^ et Dominus in voce tuba. De hac iterum
dicit : Ascendens in altum, captivam duxit captivitatem, dedit dona Psai. ixvii. 19.
hominibus. Ascendens quippe in altum, captivam duxit captivi-
tatem : quia corruptionem nostram virtute suae incorruptionis
absorbuit. Dedit vero dona hominibus; quia misso desuper
Spiritu, alii sermonem sapientiae, alii sermonem scientise, alii i Cor. xii. 8.
gratiam virtutum, alii gratiam curationum, alii genera linguarum,
alii interpretationem tribuit sermonum. Dedit ergo dona hom
inibus. De hac Ascensionis ejus gloria etiam Habacuc ait:
Elevatus est sol> luna stetit in or dine suo. Quis enim solis nomine Habac. iii. n.
nisi Dominus, et quae lunae nomine nisi ecclesia designatur?
Quousque enim Dominus ascendit ad caelos, sancta ejus Ecclesia
adversa mundi omnimodo formidavit : at postquam ejus Ascen-
sione roborata est, aperte praedicavit, quod occulte credidit.
Elevatus est ergo sol, et luna stetit in ordine suo : quia cum
Dominus ccelum petiit, sancta ejus Ecclesia in auctoritate
praedicationis excrevit. Hinc ejusdem Ecclesiae voce per
Salomonem dicitur : Ecce iste venit saliens in montibus^ et tran- Cant. ii. 8.
siliens colles. Consideravit namque tantorum operum culmina,
et ait : Ecce iste venit saliens in montibus. Veniendo quippe ad
redemtionem nostram, quosdam, ut ita dixerim, saltus dedit.
Vultis, fratres carissimi, ipsos ejus saltus agnoscere? De ccelo
venit in uterum, de utero venit in praesepe, de praesepe venit in
crucem, de cruce venit in sepulcrum, de sepulcro rediit in
ccelum. Ecce ut nos post se currere faceret, quosdam pro nobis
149
Psai. xviii. 6. saltus manifestata per carnem veritas dedit : quia exultavit ut
gigas ad currendam viam suam, ut nos ei diceremus ex corde :
Cant. i. 3. Trahe nos post te, curremus in odorem unguentorum tuorum.
Dominum / n.) Unde, fratres carissimi, oportet ut illuc sequamur
ascendentem in
caeium sequi corde, ubi eum corpore ascendisse credimus. Desideria terrena
festinemus.
fugiamus, nihil nos jam delectet in infimis, qui patrem habemus
in coelis. Et hoc nobis est magnopere perpendendum : quia is
qui placidus ascendit, terribilis redibit : et quidquid nobis cum
mansuetudine praecepit, hoc a nobis cum districtione exiget.
Nemo ergo indulta pcenitentiae tempora parvipendat : nemo
curam sui, dum valet, agere negligat : quia Redemtor noster
tanto tune in judicium districtior veniet, quanto nobis ante
judicium magnam patientiam praerogavit. Haec itaque vobiscum,
fratres, agite : haec in mente sedula cogitatione versate. Quamvis
adhuc rerum perturbationibus animus fluctuet : jam tamen spei
vestrse anchoram in aeternam patriam figite, intentionem mentis
in vera luce solidate. Ecce ad coelum ascendisse Dominum
audivimus. Hoc ergo servemus in meditatione, quod credimus.
Et si adhuc hie tenemur infirmitate corporis, sequamur tamen
eum passibus amoris. Non autem deserit desiderium nostrum
ipse qui dedit, Jesus Christus Dominus noster, qui vivit et
regnat cum Deo Patre in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia
secula seculorum. Amen.
[Sancti Gregorii Magni xl Homiliarum in
Evangelia Lib. n., Homil. xxix.]
150
III. HYMNUS DE DIE IUDICII.
(Cf. Passus Tertius.)
Apparebit repentina dies magna domini,
Fur obscura velut nocte improvises occupans.
Brevis totus turn parebit prisci luxus saeculi,
Totum simul cum clarebit praeterisse saeculum.
Clangor tubae per quaternas terrae plagas concinens,
Vivos una mortuosque Christo ciet obviam.
De coelesti iudex arce, maiestate fulgidus
Claris angelorum choris comitatus aderit :
Erubescet orbis lunae, sol et obscurabitur,
Stellae cadent pallescentes, mundi tremet ambitus
Flamma, ignis anteibit iusti vultum iudicis,
Coelos, terras et profundi fluctus ponti decorans.
Gloriosus in sublimi rex sedebit solio,
Angelorum tremebunda circumstabunt agmina.
Huius omnes ad electi colligentur dexteram,
Pravi pavent a sinistris hoedi velut foetidi :
Ite, dixit rex ad dextros, regnum coeli sumite,
Pater vobis quod paravit ante omne saeculum :
Karitate qui fraterna me iuvistis pauperem,
Karitatis nunc mercedem reportate divites.
Laeti dicent : quando, Christe, pauperem te vidimus,
Te, rex magne, vel egentem miserati iuvimus :
Magnus illis dicet iudex : cum iuvistis pauperes,
Panem, domum, vestem dantes, me iuvistis humiles.
Nee tardabit et sinistris loqui iustus arbiter :
In gehennae maledicti flammas hinc discedite j
Obsecrantem me audire despexistis mendicum,
Nudo vestem non dedistis, neglexistis languidum.
Peccatores dicent : Christe, quando te vel pauperem,
Te, rex magne, vel infirmum contemnentes sprevimus.
Quibus contra iudex altus : mendicanti quamdiu
Opem ferre despexistis, me sprevistis improbi.
Retro ruent turn iniusti ignes in perpetuos,
Vermis quorum non morietur, flamma nee restinguitur,
Satan atro cum ministris quo tenetur carcere,
Fletus ubi mugitusque, strident omnes dentibus.
Tune fideles ad coelestem sustollentur patriam,
Choros inter angelorum regni petent gaudia,
Urbis summae Hirusalem introibunt gloriam
Vera lucis atque pacis in qua fulget visio.
XPM. regem iam paterna claritate splendidum
Ubi celsa beatorum contemplantur agmina
152
Ydri fraudes ergo cave, infirmentes subleva,
Aurum temne, fuge luxus si vis astra petere.
Zona clara castitatis lumbos nunc praecingere,
In occursum magni regis fer ardentes lampades.
IV. HOMILIA IN DIE EPIPHANI^E.
(Cf. 11. 11261190.)
( 2.) Omnia quippe elementa auctorem suum venisse testata
sunt Ut enim de eis quiddam usu humano loquar : Deum hunc
caeli esse cognoverunt, quia sub plantis ejus se calcabile praebuit.
Terra cognovit, quia eo moriente contremuit. Sol cognovit,
quia lucis suae radios abscondit. Saxa et parietes cognoverunt,
quia tempore mortis ejus scissa sunt. Infernus agnovit, quia hos
quos tenebat mortuos, reddidit. Et tamen hunc, quern Domi-
num omnia insensiblia elementa senserunt, adhuc infidelium
Judaeorum corda Deum esse minime cognoscunt, et duriora saxis,
scindi, ad poenitendum nolunt : eumque confiteri abnegant, quern
elementa, ut diximus, aut signis aut scissionibus Deum clama-
bant. (In Evang. Lib. I. Homilia x.)
153
CRITICAL NOTES
CRITICAL NOTES.
PART I.
i. It must be borne in mind that the l Christ ' is a fragment ;
the beginning of the poem is lost j of the missing part a single
word still remains, viz., cyninge (i.e. ' to the king ') ; this is the
first word in the Exeter MS. ; I have purposely omitted it, so as
to give the appearance of completeness to the poem, but there
is no authority for the capital letters. The first words of the
MS. run as follows :
cyninge "$# eart se iveall stan, etc.
1-4. cf. Matthew xxi. 42 ; Ephes. ii. 20-22 ; iv. 15, etc.
3. heafod, MS. heafdft.
6. b\yri\g, the g is just visible in the MS. ; after b there is
what I take to be the upper part of a curved y still traceable,
resembling in shape an o (certainly not u) ; the letters ri are
conjectural.
eagna, originally -nan ; the erased n is still visible.
9. forlcet, MS. forty.
ii. craftga, MS. crcestga.
12-14. C P- Amos ix. ii ; Acts xv. 16.
13. hra can hardly be read, owing to the action of some liquid,
which has almost obliterated a number of words on this and the
next page of the MS.
15. cp. Luke i. 71.
17. Ipu reccend, MS. ]>a.
19. eadga, after ga t which comes at the end of the line in the
MS., a small piece of parchment has been cut out ; one letter at
157
most could have been written on it ; I am inclined to think that
eadga is what the poet wrote ; Grein reads
* eadgdft us siges, d$rumforwyrn5,
wlitigan wilstfSes . . .'
20. wilst]>es, the last two letters can scarcely be read, the whole
word is barely visible.
22. [Nu gem<zrs{]gia$, five or six letters are obliterated before
-gicffi the reading in the text is purely conjectural ; Gr. suggests
\modgeomre halst]gid5, but the space in the MS. renders the
reading impossible.
23. hete . . . ctose, two or three letters are obliterated before
ceose ; the first of the missing letters was probably ^, judging by
the alliterative requirements of the line ; her (i.e. ' here,' or ' now ')
should, perhaps, be supplied. Gr., ignoring the fact that the
want of an alliterative word in the second half of the line is due
to the obliteration of letters before ceost, suggested Most for ctost^
formulating an A. S. Mosan^ 'festinare'; later (Germania, 1865),
he withdrew this suggestion in favour of \hto\ft (i.e. 'with
lamentation ').
I cannot detect, as Schipper seems to have been able to do in
1870, (v. Germania, 1874,) any trace of the reading to hofe be
fore ctost ; he adds, ' das MS. ist hier jedoch schwer leserlich.'
25. wil-sffi, l-s almost obliterated in MS. but 2 5 quite legible;
Grein's suggestion wyrnde, (Germania, 1865,) is therefore unten
able; it would be best, perhaps, to take hwonne as directly
dependent on sorgende, * yearning for the time when.'
29. ty he to wuldre forlet, ' whom he hath admitted to glory.'
30. we, MS. ye. 32. st J>e, hardly legible in MS.
41. geond-spreot, so MS. ; Gr. geondspreat.
46. ryne gemiclcft, lit. 'enlargeth the course,' i.e. 'hasteneth
the progress.' 48. ho\r\scnt, MS. hoscne.
68. gene^de y so MS. ; Gr. genedde (i.e. pp. of genedati) ; but the
MS. reading is obviously correct ; gene^an = * to venture,' * to
strive.' Thorpe was similarly troubled by the line, and suggested
that a leaf was wanting after nearo.
69. hu, so MS. ; Gr. mi.
76. mod, so MS. ; Gr. emends to mdt\ but mod was often used
158
in A. S. with special reference to human passions and desires,
and might well be rendered by 'desire' in this passage.
90. solimce, MS. solim.
92. mund minne, so MS. ; Th. inne.
mund; cp. Icel. mundr, 'the money paid by the bridegroom to
the father of the bride,' also ' the bridegroom's gift to the bride';
this is seemingly the only recorded instance of the word in A. S.
literature, here evidently used metaphorically. It must be care
fully distinguished from mund, 'hand,' 'protection,' which is
feminine, though ultimately the words may be connected.
97. wcergSa, so MS. ; Gr. wargSu.
103. earendel, it is difficult to translate the word adequately;
some bright star is evidently meant, probably the same as
Orvandels-td, ' Orwendel's toe,' mentioned in the Edda. Thor
carried Orwendel from Jotunheim in a basket on his back ;
Orwendel's toe stuck out of the basket, and got frozen ; Thor
broke it off, and flung it at the sky, and made a star of it, which
is called Orvandels-td ; (v. Grimm's Deutsche Myth). That the
story of Orwendel was Christianised in mediaeval times is attested
by the German story of Orendel in the Heldenbuch, where the
hero wins ' the seamless coat ' of his master. ' Earendel ' does
not occur elsewhere in A. S. poetry as a poetical designation of
Christ; the word is interpreted in the Epinal glossary by 'jubar.'
The spelling in the Erfurt Gloss ' oerendil ' is noteworthy. It
seems probable that ' Earendel' = Orion,' the constellation
brightest at winter-time, and 6rvandels-ta'=* Rigel,' the chief
star of the constellation.
Cp. the opening lines of Paradise Lost, Book iii. :
' Hail, holy light, offspring of Heaven first-born !
Or of the Eternal co-eternal beam,' etc.
Cf. John i. 4, 9.
107. inlihtes, so MS. ; Gr. inlihtest.
112. byldo, corrected in MS. from hyldo.
117. sceadu, corrected in MS. from scetf&u.
118. cf. John i. 1-5, 14.
127. bi gewyrhtum, ' accordingly to his deeds,' i.e. 'deservedly.'
132. eft, MS. est.
159
142. Read * \atte sunu meotudes sylfa wolde!
152. anum . . . ofer-\earfum, about five letters obliterated;
Gr. anum ofertyarfum, ignoring the missing word.
153. Hccftas hyge-geomre hider \gesece Ne l<zf\ ^e behindan \onne
\u heonan cyrre. About ten letters are obliterated after hider ;
the bracketed words are purely conjectural ; Gr. 'hider \gesohtesi\ :
\ne\ J>e behindan nu /</'; this is obviously untenable, and was, no
doubt, due to Thorpe's erroneous reading of the MS., * hider . . .
]>e behindan . . . es nu Icet.'
161. heannissum, so MS. ; Gr. heahnissum.
162. ferh, so MS. ; Gr.fert.
1 68. worde, so MS.; probably a scribal error for worda,
dependent on worn, unless the word must be construed with
' h&bbe gehyredj 'I have heard in word,' i.e. *I have heard
spoken.'
187. gehwyrfed, so MS. ; Gr. gewyrped.
1 88. nat-hwylceS) so MS.; Gr. nat-hwylces \searo\\ ^urh nat-
hwylces may, perhaps, be explained as a confusion of two con
structions ; ipurh ndt-hwylcne (the accusative after ^urh\ and
ndt hwylces, (the gen. after ndt', cp. ndt he \ara goda, Beow. 682.)
189. sprece, so MS. ; Gr. sprcece.
20 T. heag-engel, so MS. ; Gr. heah-engel.
205. tir-fruma\n\ MS. tir-fruma.
209. sunu, so MS. ; Gr. suna.
228. weoroda, so MS. ; Gr. weroda.
229. for^ a, so MS. ; Th.fortya (i.e. fof^ani) ; Gr.furtyum.
238. Cp. Prov. viii. 22-31.
243. miltse^ MS. milstse.
246. magon^ so MS. ; Gr. magon.
256. eowde, </ corrected from 3 in MS.
274. m&ra. Th. suggested that the word was due to an error
of the scribe, and should properly be maria ; there is no evidence
for this view, but it is probable that the poet used mcera because
of its likeness to maria, the sort of popular etymology that the
old homilists delighted in.
276. }ara []>]e gewurde, MS. ]>ara egewurde\ a letter erased
before ege.
160
280. selesten^ so MS. ; Gr. selestan.
284. worl\d\cundra, MS. worlcundra.
299. gehealden, this form is either the infinitive (= gehealdan),
' and thou shalt hold thyself immaculate,' dependent on ]>u sceolde,
or it may, perhaps, be better construed as a past part., dependent
on ]>u sceolde (wesari) ; cp. sceal gewrixled (wesan), 1. 1259 ; in this
case ]>e must be rendered as an accusative of regard, c as for thee,
Mary, thou shalt be held immaculate for aye.'
302. Esaias, an error for Ezekiel ; cp. Ezek. xliv. 1-3.
309. Wende swffie ^&t cenig elda cefre meahte', one would expect
ne before meahte, i.e. ' he felt sure that mortal might not,' etc. ;
the emendation may be unnecessary, if wende ^cet = wende hu ipcet,
wende having almost the force of wundrade.
312. in-hebba, MS. in hebba Gr. inhebban ; the prefix evidently
has the force of O. H. G. int, ent, c to heave up ' (O. H. G.
intheffen); cp. in-bindan, 'to unbind,' e.g. an sceal in-bindan
forstes fetre, ' one shall unbind the fetters of frost,' Gnomic
Verses (Exeter Bk.), 75 ; both forms are hapaxlegomena.
321. stondffi, so MS. ; Gr. stondaft.
333. lio^u-ccegan, lit. 'a limb-key.'
338. motan, MS. motam.
360. nied t MS. med.
370. we, MS. ]>e.
395. wear\dia?$) MS. weaffi.
398. flihte, so MS. ; Gr.ftyhte.
409. heannessum, so MS. ; Gr. heahnessum.
418. wihty MS. niht (= uiht wihf).
422. "fyrim, so MS. ; Gr. \ryrn.
PART II.
The poet has made very free use of Gregory's 29th Homily,
sects. 9-11, in the second part of his poem. For convenience
of reference, the text is printed in the appendix. Cynewulfs
true poetical talent loses nothing by comparison with his
original.
445- mund-heals, a hapaxlegomenon ; (?) = mund-h'eals, (cp.
heals-boc), 'salus tutelse,' i.e. 'the safety which comes from the
protection (munct) afforded by another'; but cp. mund, 1. 92, and
the special use of heals in such compounds as heals-mcege^^ Gen.
21 55; heah-gebedda, Beow. 63; mund-heals may have had a
similar meaning, ' beloved maiden.'
455. brega, so MS. ; Gr. brego.
493. cwcmun^ so MS. ; Gr. cwomon.
495. weardedun, MS. weardedum.
502. heredun, MS. heredum.
515. */<?//, so MS. ; Gr. j/tf/.
516-518. I take these lines to be the reply of Galileans;
another interesting instance of the dramatic bent of Cynewulf's
genius. Grein takes 11. 509-525 as one long speech. The MS.
is in favour of my view of the passage, as a new section begins
with 1. 516.
518. gedryt, so MS. ; Gr. gedryht.
526. bifenguri) a scribal error for bifangen, due probably to the
Northern bifen of the archetype (cp. 1. 1156).
536. wopes hring, ' a ring of weeping.' This phrase occurs
four times in A. S. poetry, an instance occurring in each of the
four poems, Elene, Guthlac, Andreas, and Christ; its peculiar
force is somewhat doubtful ; Grimm explains it asfletus intensis-
simus quasi drculatim erumpens\ Grein connects hring with
hringan, 'sonare'; I render the phrase by 'unbroken weeping,'
taking ' hring'' in its literal sense of ' ring,' the symbol of continuity.
538. hr&er, MS. hreder.
539. beorfi) MS. born\ bidon> MS. bidan.
(t ***'
547. al-beorhte^ MS <zl-beorhte.
557. bireafod, so MS.; Gr. bereafod.
558. hi, fern. sing, referring to helle (f.).
559. orlege t lit. 'war, strife, hostility,' also 'a place where hos
tility is shown,' as in this passage ; crj. ' Cwczdon %czt he on ftam
beorge byrnan sceolde . . . gif he monna dream of Bam orlege eft
ne wolde sylfa gesecan, Guth. 167; also Guth. 426; ' orlege' in
both passages = the place which Guthlac had selected for his
dwelling, wresting it from the evil spirits.
162
563. ne meahtan, MS. ne^ahtan.
585. gekyrdan, so MS. ; Gr. gehyrdon.
589. wunat, so MS. ; Gr. wuncfy.
589-596. Note the rhyme and assonance, used to give special
point to the passage.
613. yrnffiu, so MS. ; Gr. yrtrifta.
614. [/&>>, MS. is.
6 1 8. \wces\, evidently omitted by the scribe after sungen.
634. sunu, so MS. ; Gr. suna.
653- fly*** MS./J/.
658-664. This digression on 'the arts and crafts' is a free
paraphrase of the lines in Gregory's Homily, (see Appendix
ii.,) ' dedit vero dona hominibus ; quia misso desuper Spiritu, alii
sermonem sapientiae, alii sermonem scientise, alii gratiam virtutum,
alii gratiam curationum, alii genera linguarum, alii interpre-
tationem tribuit sermonum. Dedit ergo dona hominibus.' In
comparing the Anglo-Saxon and Latin two points are note
worthy ; in the first place, the amplification of the theme, so as to
include secular as well as spiritual gifts ; in the second place, the
addition of God's motive in not giving all His gifts to any
one man ; this is not in the original. It is clear that the
poet, when he came to the passage in Gregory's Homily, was
reminded of a poem, written, in all probability by himself, at
an earlier period, preserved in the Exeter MS. and known as
1 Manna Craeftas.' A comparison of the lines under discussion
and the poem brings out a large number of parallelisms of
expression. I am inclined to think that Gregory's Commentary
on Job) xxxviii. 4-5, was the original of the poem. Here we have
the motive, which is not in the Homily. At the same time
I should not be surprised to find a passage in Gregory's works
even nearer to the Anglo-Saxon. The original of 11. 682-4
should be words to this effect :
' Non enim uni dantur omnia, ne in superbiam elatus cadat.'
(Cp. Gregory, Lib. i, Homilia x. sect. 32, on Ezekiel iii. 13,
with marginal note, ' cur dtvisiones gratiarum sint.')
672. sumum, MS. sum".
163
677- heanne, so MS. ; Gr. heahne.
683. him, MS. te; Th. Gr. 'MS. hi:
697. lix&y MS. lixed.
708. feodan, between o and */ a letter erased in MS.
709. bleed, MS. &teS.
711. dautyes, so MS. ; Gr. dauides.
718. *//*, so MS.; Th. Gr. 'MS. call.'
723. gebyrda, so MS., either the nom. plural, or a scribal
error for gebyrdu.
730. hell-warena; MS. hell-werena ; cp. Juliana, 322, /fo?//-
warena cyning.
739. gesawan, so MS. ; Gr. gesawon.
742. eadgum, so MS. ; Th. Gr. ' MS. ftz/.'
756. sellran, MS. j*#S.
761. */##/, MS. englum.
765. far-scyte, MS. far,scyte.
776. 4 MS./.
783. hleotan, h added by a later hand.
789. fry re^ran, MS. ^r*p^ ; Th. emended to Sj> r*]>r.
795. laded, MS. /^aS. 803. sazcen, so MS.
799-806. z;. ' Excursus on the Runes.'
805. bilocen^ so MS., (misprinted bilocan, Gr.)
807. bloc rasette^, MS. blacra sett&; Kemble, blac rasettft;
Ettm. bide rascetffi; Gr. blac rasett&\ cp. ]>at fyr meahte read
rdsettan, Boethius, Metre 9, (quoted by Grein with wrong
reference, n, 14;) in this latter passage, too, the editors read
readra settan ; Gr. rightly corrects to read rasettan.
808. recen reada, Th. recen-reada, 'the smoke red'; Gr. recen
reada ; leg, so MS. ; Th. Gr. lig.
8 10. oft tyhte\ Th. ontyhte, 'kindled.'
812. gcRsta, 'of guests,' so Th. ; Gr. gcesta, 'of spirits.'
819. g&st-hofe, so MS. ; Gr. gast-hofe.
820. on, so MS. ; Gr. in.
826. beheofia'S, so MS. ; Gr. beofia> ; cp. Hear a madenu ne
synt beheofode, '"virgines eorum ne sunt lamentatcej (Lambeth
Psalter, 77, 63).
829. bafte, MS. bade.
164
8$ 2. masta, so MS.; Th. Gr. waste.
834. cwaniendra, MS. cwanendra. cerge, so MS. ; "Ettm. Gr.
cearge.
841. leofra, so MS.; Gr. leofre-, the change to the neuter is,
perhaps, unnecessary, as the word probably anticipated a mas
culine noun, ^cer = sum stede hwczr. eall, so MS., Gr. eaL
865. heatyu, so MS. ; Th. heatyu\ Gr. heatiSum.
PART III.
The source of the third part of the poem is, undoubtedly, the
hymn ' De die Judicii,' (see Appendix in.,) as shown by Professor
A. S. Cook, (Modern Language Notes, June 1889.) Special
interest attaches to this hymn. It is certainly as old as the
seventh century, for Bede refers to it in his work, De Metris.
Daniel says of it : ' Juvat carmen fere totum e Scripturll sacra
depromptum comparare cum celebratissimo illo extremi judicii
pneconio, Dies irce, dies ilia, quo maj estate et terroribus, non
sancta simplicitate et fide, superatur.'
873. genagffi, 'assaulteth'; genagan, with accus. of person,
and gen. or instr. of thing ; cp. ' we yec nffia gencegdft, Guth. 261.
874-876. These lines do not paraphrase any words of the
Latin hymn; they were, perhaps, vaguely suggested by the
second couplet, ' brevis totus . . . sseculum/
884. eatte, MS. heatte.
894. onhalo gelac, 'the hidden hosts'; Gr. renders onhcele =
* entire'; no other instance occurs of * onhtzle* in the sense of
'whole'; the usual frequent usage is 'secret,' 'hidden'; cp. wid
is ]>es w'esten, wr&csetla fela, eardas onhale earmra gasta, Guth.
268. Th. renders, 'an unsound assemblage'; Toller, 'the
entire hosts.'
907. gebleod, cp. Da ivyrta greowon mid menigfealdum blostmum
mislice gebleode, ' the plants grew diversely coloured with manifold
blossoms,' (the Anglo-Saxon version of the Hexameron of St.
Basil, ed. Norman, 10, 36.)
920. \oet mag wites to wearnunga (sc. wesan), 'that may be
for the soul's warning.'
923. yonne, so MS., not \on as Th.
926. gehwone, MS. gehwore.
933-937; the poet has missed the point of the original:
' erubescet orbis lunae sol et obscurabitur.'
959. untweo, so Gr. ; MS. untreo, an obvious scribal error,
due, perhaps, to the rare use of untweo ; no other instance of the
word is recorded, but cp. untweofeald, ' untweofealde treowa]
(Boethius, Metre, n, 95.)
adames, the first and second a in this word, as written in the
MS., resemble the rounded Celtic a, and are different from the
ordinary letter employed by the scribe.
960. gesargad, MS. gesargcffi-, cp. gesargad, 1. 969, where d
was originally <S, the erased stroke is still visible.
977. ]>a, MS. ]>u.
978. scehdun, so MS., probably = scedun, past tense of
sceadan, 'to separate'; Gr. suggests scendun, 'von einem sc'enan,
verwandt mit ahd. scbnbn^ parcere ? oder fur sceldun = scildun
schirmten?'
985. sundes getwcefde^ 'bereft of swimming-craft'; Th., Gr.,
Toller, render sund, ' ocean,' ' cut off from the ocean.' I think
the abstract use of the word in the sense of ' natatio ' is prefer
able here; cp. 'he ]>e <zt sunde oferfldt? Beow. 517.
1025. adames, cp. 1. 959.
1041. liffruma^ MS. liffruman.
1046. wera, so MS. ; Th. Gr. read weras, making it subj. of
magon ; the change seems unnecessary, if bemtyan is construed
intransitively.
1078. motun, MS. motum.
i
1087. MS. bydyrned.
1089. The line is evidently defective; Gr. suggests \geteod\
weor]>ed.
1091. wita ne cifyun, 'they did not know'; wita = witan \
cifyun used as auxiliary ; Gr. construes wita as gen. plur. of
wite, ' punishment ' ; cp. 1. 1212, wita ne cu^on, which Gr. treats
similarly ; the omission of the infinitive n in the phrase is, pro
bably, due to the northern archetype.
1093. man-fonvyrhtu, so MS. T\\. forwyrhtu (i.e. urn).
1 66
io99- genomian, so MS. ; Gr. gemonian.
1104. Lit. 'They shall see as their bane that which came to
them best.'
1 126, etc., cp. Appendix iv. ; the same passage was paraphrased
by Aelfric, (see Homilies ; ed. Thorpe, p. 108.)
1129. cwice, so MS. ; not cwico, as Th. Gr.
1130. ]>a hyra ; MS. ]>a ]>e hyra.
1 133. The alliteration is wanting ; Gr. reads [hit] in hierusalem^
etc. ; it is noteworthy that the chief initial letters in the line h, g,
c approximate to alliterative effect, (? cp. 1. 23.)
1156. bifen, Northern or Mercian form of p.p. of bifbn-, cp.
gedenra, 1264.
1157. bibyrgde, MS. bibyrgede (i.e. bibyrgde), not bibyrgede, as
Th., Gr.
1167. frean, "M.S.fream; Gr. by a curious error has misread
Th.'s note ' sreamj and taken it to refer to eah-stream.
1174. rindum, so MS. ; Th. Gr. roderum, (a remarkable error.)
1175. magun, MS. magum.
1207. hu, so MS.; Gr. suggests hy.
1212. Cp. note, 1. 1091.
1230. wendft, MS. weneaft, (i.e. wenaft.)
1245. motun, MS. motum.
1249. wlite, so MS. ; Th. Gr. slite.
1 264. atol, neut. subst, or, perhaps, one should read atol-earfcfta.
1269. pa, so MS. ; Th. Gr. jam ($d).
1282. y^cest, so MS. ; Gr. ypast.
1293. gefean, MS. gefeon.
1300. yon, so MS. ; Th. Gr. ^onne.
1301. gescomeden, so MS. ; Gr. gescomedon.
1306. bigc&t I feel sure that here we have an instance Qibigdn
in the sense of ' to confess,' (cp. M. H. G. bigehan^) though no
instance is recorded in Anglo-Saxon lexicons. The more usual
usage of the word is c to commit '; Th. ' when they commit sins ';
similarly, Gr. Toller.
1310. unbeted, MS. S, corrected to d.
1317. lifes tiligan^ 'to strive for life'; cp. ^onne he at hilde
sceallwfo loft werud lifes tiligan^ (Salomon and Saturn, 1. 159).
167
1318. dfoolian, 'to endure.' I can see nothing against this
straightforward way of rendering the word ; Grein's view that it
is O. H. G. adaljan, M. H. G. edelen^ nobilitare, is untenable ;
the sense of the whole passage has, I think, escaped both Th.
and Gr. The rendering of the former is quite meaningless. Gr.
takes wille as equivalent to scyle, so that the lines, according to
him, imply man's duty * lifes tiligan syn-rust ^weanj etc.
1319. syn-rust ]>wean, so. MS.; Gr. Iprean.
1328. innan, M.S. mnan\ magun, MS. magum.
1336. m<z<S/eft t MS. mcedleft.
1346. hwonne, so MS.; Gr. yonne; the former reading is
altogether preferable, hwonne depending on gearo, ' ready for the
day when'; leofstum, MS. leoftum.
1349. onfengun, MS. onfengum.
1355. cefndon, MS. ctfdon\ the insertion of the n is, perhaps,
unnecessary, as n is occasionally lost in consonantal-# verbs,
e.g. nemde, past tense ofnemnan; but cp. geafnde, 1. 1428.
1369. MS. miccle.
1374. ywan y 'to show,' MS. yftan, 'to flow,' (probably due to
an earlier error ylpan.)
1380. leoty, so MS. ; Gr. lecfco (for leofc).
1389. neorxnawang, the etymology of this Old English equi
valent of the Latin paradisus has been satisfactorily solved by
Mr. Henry Bradley (Acad. No. 911, p. 254); its Gothic repre
sentative would be nawi-rohsne waggs, and its full form in
Anglo-Saxon neo-rohsna wang, ' field of the palaces of the dead.'
There is, as yet, no evidence as to whether the word was of
pagan or Christian origin ; probably the former, being perhaps
the Saxon equivalent of the Scandinavian bdainsakr.
1397. fremum, so MS. ; notjirenum, as Th. Gr.
sealde, MS. salde.
1411. \K\ingonge, MS. ingonge.
1421. btyeahte mid, so MS. ; Gr. be^eahte mec mid.
1429. ware ]>e gelic\ MS. ware wege lie.
1434. oft and-lata, Th. oft and lata\ Gr. ' a ndlata (?) man
erwartet die Bedeutung Backenstreiche oder Beschimpfung'; he
punctuates accordingly :
1 68
and fore monna lufan min J>rowade
heafod hearmslege ; hleor ge)>olade
oft and-lata.' .
1445. heannc, MS. heart" ; Gr. heahne.
1447. utgotun, so MS. ; Gr. ut-guton.
1450. wife, corrected in MS. from wita.
r 453- geset, Gr. suggests that this word may be from geseon,
'percolare,' comparing bis'eon, 1. 1087, but eac geseon, 1. 1456,
makes it clear that this view is untenable.
gefremedun, so MS. ; Gr. gtfremedon.
1486. mec, so MS. ; Th. Gr. me.
1487. heardra, Gr. heardre.
1488. swarra, Gr. swcerre.
1489. gcfastnad, corrected in the MS. from gefcestnaft.
1494. in heofonum, Th. Gr. on heofonum.
1495. wurde, MS. wordC) an evident scribal error; cp. the
previous line.
1508. ge\egede, I take this word to be the weak past participle
otgelpicgan, ' to take '; hence ' taken by thirst '; similarly, cfyelinga
beam ecgum ofyegde, Gen. 2002 ; Th. suggests ge\regede^
1 oppressed' '; Gr. derives it from ge-tycgan, f consumere,' suggesting,
too, a possible connection with ge^ewan (geyfori), i.e. ge\egde =
getyewde; Toller follows Grein. It does not seem to have occurred
to lexicographers to bring the word in connection with ^icgan^
the past participle of which verb seems to be singularly rare.
1511. dydan, so MS. ; Gr. dydon.
1525. grimne, originally grimme, corrected in MS.
1529 swt\$\ran t MS. swiran.
1532. sceat, MS. s$at.
1535. deofles, Th. Gr. deofoles-, but MS. deofoles (i.e. deofles}.
1541. sinnehte^ so MS. ; Gr. sin-nihte.
1575. nangum, so MS.; Gr. cengum.
1578. leoht and gtest, so MS. ; Gr. lie and g(zst\ but cp. leoht
andlif, (Widsith, 142.)
1594. IcetdS) so MS. ; Gr. Icste'Q.
1596. bid, MS. M.
I6 9
1599' Gr. \onnemdn [fremmaft]
Hw&t him se waldend to wrace gesette.
1610. mo[r]]>0r, MS. mcfyor.
1620. bindenne, over the first n there is a badly-formed w, or
three strokes resembling m.
1627. flze;^, MS. 0)w; Th. 0]>erne(?); Gr. 0z/r.
1630. sin-nehte, so MS.; Gr. sin-nihte.
1632. /&fi]>&0tftff^ MS. hogdun, evidently an error for for-
hogdun^ or ne hogdun.
1633. ^r5 beorhte fratwe^ these words evidently render the
Latin 'regni petent gaudia'; perhaps the poet read 'xegniferent
gaudia.'
1645. beorhte, so MS. ; Th. Gr. beorht.
1646. Gr. freogd&fokes weard : feeder ealra geweald
hafdft and healde^t haligra weorud.
I take 1. 1647 as merely a poetical periphrasis for tyne wealdendne
and healdendne haligra weoruda.
1649. ^^> MS. ^ces.
1650. leohtra, so MS. ; Gr. leohtre.
1 66 1. giefe, MS. gief, after which there is an erasure.
1663. wlite scynast, Gr. wlite-scynast. dryhten, in the MS., is
followed by : 17, and a blank space of some three lines
indicates the close of the poem. The next section of the MS.
begins on the following page with a long flourish of capital
letters.
170
AN EXCURSUS
ON
THE CYNEWULF RUNES.
' Her mseg findan fore)>ances gleaw
Se tSe hine lystefl leofcgiddunga
Hwa J>as fitte fegde.'
THE CYNEWULF RUNES.
CHRIST, 796806.
THE Runes in this passage stand for the letters CYNWULF, and
together form the name of the author. A similar artifice is
found in three other poems * Elene,' ' Juliana,' and ' The Fates
of the Apostles.' ' Christ ' and ' Juliana ' are both in the Exeter
Codex ; ' Elene ' and ' The Fates of the Apostles ' in the Ver-
celli Codex ; the latter poem consists of little more than 100
lines ; it is certainly no very meritorious piece of work, and
it seems strange that the poet should have been so anxious to
attest his authorship thereof by a long Runic passage. In the
MS. the poem immediately follows the 'Legend of Andreas,' and
I am more and more inclined to regard it as a mere epilogue to
this more ambitious epic, standing in exactly the same relation
ship therefore to it that the tenth passus of ' Elene ' does to the
whole poem. Its relationship is, perhaps, even closer, for,
whereas the ninth passus of 'Elene' ends with 'finitj there is no
such indication of the ending of the poem in the case of 'Andreas.'
At the present moment I can see nothing that militates against
this view of the Cynewulfian authorship of this latter poem, and
further investigation will enable us, I think, to claim that Cyne-
wulf inserted his name in his four most important works the
epics on ' Christ,' 'Elene,' 'Juliana,' and 'Andreas.' The dis
covery of the runic passage at the end of 'The Fates of the
Apostles ' was made by Professor Napier some three years ago,
173
and a transcript of the half-obliterated text was published by him
in the Zdtschrift fur deutsches Alterthum, vol. xxxin. The four
runic passages may be divided into two divisions; the first, in
which the Runes stand merely for the letters of the poet's name ;
the second, in which the Runes discharge a two-fold function,
representing not merely the letters of the poet's name, but also
the words that the letters suggest, the names of the letters or
homonyms. To the first class belongs the passage in 'Juliana';
to the second, the other three passages. The interpretation of
the Runes in these latter passages is one of difficulty ; in the first
place, the lines in which they occur are by their very nature
intended to puzzle the reader or the hearer, being almost riddles ;
in the second, several of the Runes bore different names at dif
ferent periods, and we have not as much information on the sub
ject as we need. Our chief sources of knowledge are the Runic
alphabets, which, in many cases, have the names of the letters
assigned throughout, and in some cases an interpretation of these
names, and the ' Rune Poem/ printed by Hickes from a MS.
now lost; in this poem each Rune is followed by its name,
together with a short poetical interpretation of its meaning. The
explanation of a Rune in any one of these passages should, I
think, hold good when applied to the corresponding Rune in the
other passages. For convenience of reference I print the four
passages, substituting Roman letters for the Runes, and number
ing each line.
A. CHRIST, [796806]
1. J>onne * C ' cwacaS gehyreS cyning maeSlan
2. rodera ryhtend sprecan ref e word
3. )>am ]>e him aer in worulde wace hyrdon
4. pendan Y ' and N y}>ast meahtan
5. frofre findan J?aer sceal forht monig
6. on pam wong-stede werig bidan
7. hwaet him aefter daedum deman wille
8. wraj>ra wita. Bi)> se W ' scsecen
9. eor]>an fraetwa * U was longe
174
10. L ' flodum bilocen lif-wynna dael
11. F * on foldan ponne fraetwe sculon
12. byrnan on baele.
B. ELENE, [12571271]
1. A waes ssecc oft Saet
2. cynnessed cearwelmum C ' drusende
3. peah he in medohealle maSmas J>ege
4. aeplede gold * Y ' gnornode
5. N ' gefera nearusorge dreah
6. enge rune J>aer him E * fore
7. milpaSas maet modig praegde
8. wirum gewlenced * W * is geswiSrad
9. gomen aefter gearum geogoS is gecyrred
10. aid onmedla TJ waes geara
11. geogooliades glaem nu synt geardagas
1 2 . aefter fyrstmearce forc5 gewitene
13. lifwynne geliden swa L ' toglideS
14. flodas gefysde P * aeghwam bitJ
15. laene under lyfte landes fraetwe
1 6. gewitaj) under wolcnum winde geliccost.
C. FATA APOSTOLORUM, [96106]
1. Her maeg fin dan forepances gleaw
2. se fte hine lysleS leoSgiddunga
3. hwa J>as fitte fegde P fasr on ende standeS
4. eorlas paes on eorSan br[u]caf ne moton hie awa 1 setsomne
5. womldwunigende W ' sceal gedreosan
6. U ' on eSle aefter to-h[reosan] 2
7. laene lices fraetewa efne swa L * toglideS
1 Napier reads awa eardian, but there is no space in MS. ; I follow Sievers'
arrangement; v. Anglia, xiii. pp. 1-25.
2 Napier, to-hreosa\>.
175
8. [)>onne] l C * [and Y '] crseftes neosaS 2
9. nihtes nearowe on him [ N ' ligeS] 3
10. [cyjninges )>eodom . nu Su cunnan miht
11. hwa on }>aem wordum wses werum oncySig.
D. JULIANA, [704711].
1 . Geomor hweorfecS
2. ' C ' Y ' and N ' cyning bij> repe
3. sigora syllend )>onne synnum fah
4. ' E ' W ' and U acle bidaS
5. hwset him sefter dsedum deman wille
6. lifes to leane L ' P * beofaS
7. seomaS sorgcearig sar eal genom
8. synna wunde )>e ic siS oSSe aer
9. geworhte in worulde.
i. C-Rune; the name of the rune in all the Runic alphabets
is e'en, i.e. ' a torch,' literally ' a pine ' ; the word is rare in A. S. ;
its sole use seems to have been as the runic-name; no other
instance is recorded. In passage A, B, C, the poet is evidently
using the rune to suggest to his hearers the adjective dn(e\ i.e.
1 keen/ ' bold,' c active.' In passage B the temptation is strong
to regard C-drusende as equivalent to ' a drooping torch,' but in
order to obtain this meaning, it is necessary to emend the MS.,
changing scecc y ' discontent,' into secg, ' man ' ; moreover drusian
is specially used in the sense of ' to become inactive ' (by reason
of old age) ; cp. Phoenix, 368, he drusende decfy ne bisorgcffi.
Cene drusende, i.e. l the ageing warrior,' is, to my mind, the sub
ject of the whole passage, and is added as explanatory of the
words d wees sczcc 05 *(zt. I much doubt whether the words con
veyed any other meaning to Cynewulf's hearers. I differ, too,
from previous commentators in constructing tyah in direct con
nection with the first half-line, regarding cnyssed . . . drusende as
a parenthesis.
1 Napier, swa ; Sievers, \>onne (?). 2 MS. neotdft ; Sievers, neosaft.
3 N ligfS, Sievers' suggestion.
176
The C*-Rune in passage C is, as will be seen below, capable
of similar interpretation.
2. K-Rune. Its name in the A. S. alphabets is yr; in the
* Rune Poem ' yr is described in words that lead one to render it
as ' a bow ' :
' yr bi)> a?)>elinga and eorla gehwaes
wyn and wyr]>mynd, byj> on wicge fgeger,
fsestlic on fserelde fyrdgeatewa sum. '
Yet, in spite of the Rune poem, yr cannot have meant 'a bow '
in A. S. j yr is the old Norse equivalent of the A. S. eow, c yew,'
which latter word is actually the name of another rune in the
Rune-Poem ; it is therefore a fair inference that the interpreta
tion of the F-Rune as a 'bow' in this one place is due to
Scandinavian influence on the writer of the passage in question,
seeing also that in the Scandinavian Runic alphabet the letter
bears the same name yr, constantly glossed ' arcus ' ; probably
the whole idea of the Rune-Poem was suggested by similar
Scandinavian poems, and the writer did not recognise that the
Norse j/r, in the sense of ' bow,' was identical with the A. S. tow,
1 yew-tree ' ; as a modern poet has it :
' Dark down the windy vale I grow,
The father of the fateful Bow.' 1
In my opinion, no ordinary Anglo-Saxon would have been able
to give any meaning at all to fr as the name of the F-rune, and if
told by a scholar that it meant l a bow,' he would have failed to
see any reason for the name ; the shape of the rune in A. S. fft
certainly does not suggest 'a bow,' though the name applies
excellently to the Scandinavian ^. The F-Rune must have
been a fairly late creation in A. S., and its symbol is rightly
nothing but a modification of the 7-Rune, h; similarly the
name of the rune, i.e.yr, is, I take it, merely due to the umlauted
form of the name of the 7-Rune, i.e. Sir \ the rune and its name
probably passed from England to Scandinavia, and there it was
naturally interpreted to mean yr, ' a bow.'
How then is the rune to be interpreted, as used by Cynewulf ?
1 W. Morris: Poems by the Way: Tapestry Trees; The Yew.
M I 77
In passage A, it seemingly might stand foryrmftv, 'misery'; and
this view has been held by most scholars Thorpe, Kemble,
Grein ; several points might be urged against the interpretation,
and however plausible the suggestion seems, it is, I now think,
quite untenable. Apart from other tests, the interpretation will
not hold good for passage B. Grimm, Grein, Zupitza, etc., con
strue the rune in this latter passage as * bow ' ; Leo suggests that
it is equivalent to the A. S. rune fa, and =ear, i.e. 'earth,' 'the
grave,' here = ' verfall der krafte ' ; Reiger would substitute the
rune ce, and read aftil (=A. S. ffiel); similarly in passage A he
would substitute Northumbrian adil =A. S. v&dl, ' mendicitas.'
In passage C, the words represented by the C-Rune and
KRune, which are co-ordinated, must evidently be the same part
of speech; if Ccene^ 'the bold warrior,' in the same sense as
in the other passages, one would expect Y to stand for an adjec
tive or substantive, in any case of masculine gender; but in
passage A the KRune is co-ordinated with the A 7 - Rune ; con
cerning the meaning of this latter rune there is no doubt; it
represents the abstract noun nyd, ' necessity ' ; therefore the
KRune in this latter passage must, I think, stand for some similar
abstract noun. Judging by A and C, the JK-Rune represents
a ^-word that can discharge the two-fold functions of a masculine
adjective (or noun) and of an abstract noun. The only Anglo-
Saxon word that satisfies these requirements isyfet=(i) wretched;
(2) affliction ; and there is, I venture to think, strong reasons for
favouring this interpretation of the F-Rune in the three passages.
In passage A, yfel and nyd= 'affliction and distress ' ; in passage
B, yfel gnornode nydgefera = ' afflicted, mourned the companion
of sorrow ' ; in passage C, cene and yfel=- ' the bold warrior and
the afflicted wretch.'
May not the name yfel have been suggested by the name of
the JF-Rune, i.e. wynn^ 'joy,' being a sort of antithesis to it?
The letter y would probably at first have followed w immediately
in Runic alphabets arranged in the order of the Roman letters,
before a special symbol was found for the double letter x. In
Scandinavian alphabets no separate sign occurs for this latter
sound, which is represented by the runes for hs.
178
3. .A^-Rune. The interpretation of this rune is simple. As
regards passage A, N nyd = ' necessity, hardship/ Y and
W being the subject of meahtan. As regards B, the authorities
vary on the question of the continuation of nyd and gefera ;
Grimm reads N gefera nearu sorge dreah ; Ettmuller, N gefera,
nearusorge dreah ; Kemble, N gefere, nearu sorge dreah ; Grein,
Zupitza, etc., nydgefera, etc. The point of the expression nyd-
gefera is, I think, that it serves the purpose of a double entendre ;
the poet uses it not merely to express its literal meaning * the
companion of sorrow ; ' 'yfel* (i.e. the KRune) may well be
described as nyd-gefera, i.e. 'the companion of the A^-Rune' in the
poet's name, (cp. gefera as a technical word in ^Elfric's Grammar,
wordes gefera = an adverb.)
A similar double entendre occurs, I think, in the next line ;
enge rune = (i) nearu-sorge, 'a. constraining sorrow'; (2) a
description of the TV'-Rune, 'the narrow rune,' *f* ; in 'Cynewulf'
this 'narrow rune' comes between two especially wide ones;
hence, perhaps, the special point of the words.
In C, < N ligffi* is the excellent reading suggested by Sievers;
the letters are obliterated in the MS.
4. --Rune. In A and C this rune does not occur, and it
would seem that the poet styled himself in these passages
'Cynwulf,' and not 'Cynewulf (on the philological aspect of the
form ' Cynwulf,' see Sievers' remarks, Anglia xiii.). Thorpe noted
concerning A that the absence of the rune E, and the want of
connection in the sense, proved the loss of a couplet between
wra^ra wita and btyse ; Grein similarly suggested the insertion
of a line containing an ^-Rune,
' hwcet him after dadum deman wille
\pn \>am E-fullan d<zge engla dryhten\
wrabra wita^
interpreting ' E. full ' = eh-full, = egefull, ' terribilis,' (usually E
= eh, ' equus '). But the passage makes perfect sense without
any interpolation, and the discovery of passage C corroborates
this view; the space between nearowe and \cy\ninges \eodom
would not suffice for more than the words containing the
179
A^Rune, as Sievers has pointed out in the article referred to
above. Professor Napier was originally of opinion that the
obliterated passage might have contained the .Z?-Rune as well
as the Af-Rune. 1
In A, wrcfyra wita is, of course, the partitive genitive after
hwcet; the subject of wille is clear in both A and D ; the identity
of expression in the two passages is remarkable.
The J?-Rune in B = eh, ' horse ' ; the word fore that follows
the rune has been variously interpreted (i) as an adverb for
merly; (2) as a preposition governing him; (3) = fore, 'on the
journey/ I prefer (2) 'before him'; the poet, I take it, was
filled with grief when he watched the hunt, but could not join in
it; otherwise the passage must mean, 'where once he had joined
in the delights of the hunt, he now wandered sorrow-laden.'
5. W-Rune. The proper name of this rune = wyn, i.e.
'joy'; this name of the letter is given in the Salzburg Runic
Alphabet, and an interesting piece of additional evidence exists,
in the fact ti\z.\. jubilitate is glossed P sumicfy, i.e. wynsumicfy in
the Ninety-ninth Psalm of the Oxford Interlinear Version, MS.
Junius 27, (as pointed out by Professor Logeman ;) uuinne is
also the name of the Gothic letter in the Salzburg MS. A dia
lectical variety of wyn = wmn, which was probably identified
with wen, i.e. ' hope ' ; hence the latter interpretation of the
name of the rune. In the Runic poem the lines on ffrun as
follows :
' w (wen) ne bruceb, "5* can wean a lyt,
sares and sorgej etc.
If the rune is interpreted as wen 'hope' in this passage, it
is impossible to understand the lines ; but wen ne = wenne =
wynne, genitive of wyn, after bruce^. Similarly in the Rhyme
Poem, 1. 76 :
1 I may as well point out that I had printed the lines in Christ without
the interpretation of the j??-Rune, interpreting it as it stands in my text,
before the discovery of the Fata Apost. fragment ; I had noted, too, the value
of the discovery as corroboration of the form 'Cynwulf,' before the appear
ance of Sievers' notable article ; the same is true of my interpretation of the
Jf-Rune as wyn (not wen, as previous editors).
1 80
'bonne lichoma ligeK ' lima -wyrmfrite}?
ac him wen ne ewi&S etc.
there, too, wen ne = wenne = wynne.
In passage A, B, C, the rune is clearly to be interpreted wynn ;
Grein renders it wen in A, wen = wynn in B, Napier interpreted
the rune in C as wen, Sievers as wynn (see Anglia xiii.). The
letters of the alphabet in Anglo-Saxon are masculine ; hence se
W., although wynn is feminine.
7-Rune. The name of the rune in the Runic Alphabets =
ur, interpreted to mean *a bull,' cp. Runic Poem, 1. 4 :
U (ur) 6t\> anmod and ofer-hyrned,
' the bull is fierce with horns above his head. '
The rune in A, B, and C, has baffled the ingenuity of commenta
tors. As regards A, Kemble, Thorpe, and Grein, take the letter
to represent ur, formerly; but the adverb does not occur in
Anglo-Saxon ; its equivalent, or, is used only as a prefix ; and
although at first sight it seems that some adverb must be under
stood in this place, the objections against ur are insurmountable ;
I had thought it possible that perhaps iu, ' formerly/ might have
stood, but I retract this view now. As regards the rune in B,
Grimm takes it merely as the letter V, and makes it represent
the whole name of the poet ' Cynewulf war ehemals die wonne
der jugend ' ; Kemble, ' U (I was of old) a gleam of youth ' ;
Leo, ur=6r, 'sonst war gold der jugendzeit wonneglanz'; Grein
interprets B in the same way as A, 'olim'; Zupitza, ur
' auerochse ' ; the scholars that interpret the rune as equivalent
to ur, ' bull,' take it to mean ' property ' in general, comparing
the use oifeok, but there is absolutely no evidence in favour of
this view, and Sievers' interpretation of U on e^le in C, 'das gut
im erbsitze,' seems to me untenable. The only Anglo-Saxon
word that will satisfy the three passages seems to be the posses
sive pronoun itr, f our ' ; Dr. Cosijn (in ' Verslagen en mededeelin-
gen der koninklijke Akademie van Wetenschappen,* Afdeeling
Letterkunde,' pp. 54-64) suggested the possibility of this inter
pretation, noting that ur is a frequent form of the pronoun in
the Vespasian Psalter ; but more important evidence in favour of
the view exists in the fact that in a Runic Alphabet (Domitian,
181
A, 9) the rune is actually glossed l noster? It is strange that
this point has not been noticed; it confirms the probability.
The alphabet in question is printed in Hicke's, p. 136. Finally,
therefore, K=ur . . . lifwynna dcel; H$=tir . . . geogdfthades
giant-, C=ur wynn on &le. In A longe ' = ' long ago'; cp.
Ex. 557, l wile nu gelastan, \cet he lange gehet? I take it that
the words in A refer to the Deluge. With the phrase wynn on
&le in C, cp. Rune Poem. 1. 38
eoh by}> . . . ivyn on e\>!e.
7, 8. L and F call for no special comment ; the name of the
former, lagu, and of the latter, feoh^ fit the passages in which they
occur.
In the following rendering of the passages in question I have
attempted to bring out the peculiar force of the original. In
A, B, C, the Runic letters (i.e. their Roman equivalents) CYNE
WULF stand respectively for the following words: Cen(e),
yfel, nyd, eh, wynn, ur, lagu, feoh ; their English equivalents are
printed in italics.
A.
C* Then the Keen shall quake ; he shall hear the Lord,
the heaven's Ruler, utter words of wrath
to those who in the world obeyed Him ill,
Y'N' while affliction and distress most easily
might find solace. There many afeared
shall wearily await upon that plain
what dire penalty He will adjudge to them,
W' according to their deeds. The winsomeness of earthy
gauds
U' shall then be changed. Long time ago our portion of
life's joys
IT was all encompassed by zc/0/6r-floods,
F- yea, all our possessions upon earth ; then each precious
thing
shall be consumed in fire.
182
B.
Till then was nought but discontent,
C' a bold warrior, drooping with age, buffeted by waves of
care,
yea, though in the mead-hall he received precious gifts,
Y'N' apple-shaped gold. In his affliction, sorrow's comrade
murmured ; grief, the narrowing rune,
E* constrained him, when he beheld the horse
measuring the mile-paths, rushing proudly on,
W' decked with adornments. Joy is now lessened,
and delight, after many a year ; youth is gone,
U* the pride of old. Ours was once
youth's glorious radiance ; now, at appointed time,
those days of yore have passed away,
L' life's joy hath departed, as the waters ebb,
the rushing floods. Transitory 'neath heaven
F" is the wealth of every man.
C.
A man of cunning thought may here discover,
if he taketh pleasure in song,
F * who wrought this lay. Wealth cometh last,
the friend of man on earth, while he dwelleth in the
world,
but they cannot keep together always.
13'*W'Our earthly joy shall fade, and the frail gauds of the flesh
L * shall afterwards decay, even as water glideth away.
C'Y* Bold warrior and afflicted wretch shall then crave help,
N in the anxious watches of the night ; but Destiny o'errules,
the King exacts their service. Now thou canst know,
who was revealed to men in these words.
183
D.
Sad shall depart
C ' Y ' and N * ; the King will be stern,
the Bestower of victory, when, sin-stained,
E * W * and U * trembling shall await
what He will adjudge to them, according to their deeds,
as life's reward ; L ' F * shall quake,
and linger sorrowful. All the pain I shall remember,
the wounds of the sins, which I, early or late,
wrought in the world.
GLOSSARY
N
GLOSSARY
A, ever, 386.
dbdatan, to beat, 939.
dbeodan, to command,
228.
dbfdan, to abide, 1629.
dbugan, to withdraw,
retire, 55.
a"cennan, /0 */, 217,
443, 451-
dcweftan, A? speak, 315,
473, 7i3-
ddl, disease, 1355.
ddreogan, /<? suffer,
1200, 1474, 1512.
ddwaescan, /0 quench,
II-3I.
sefest, enmity, 1657.
aefnan, /<? perform, to
endure, 1355, 1368.
sefre, z/r, 324.
aefyllende, following
thelawjaithfuljv^
aeghwass, altogether,
entirely, 1419.
seht, possession, 603,
1500.
aelan, /0 j^/ i7 yfr^,
811, 1545-
sel-beorht, resplendent,
505, 547, 927, 1275.
selc, ^acA, 332, 1301.
aelde, w^, 581, 619,
998,1115, 1200.
seled, fire, conflagra
tion, 958, 1004.
aslmihtig, almighty,
120, 214, 319, 330,
394, 442, 758, 1217,
I37i, I377-
sene, once, 328, 1193.
senig, any, 310, 350,
1183, 1315, 1330,
1383, 1496, 1574,
1627.
senlfc, excellent, noble,
1294.
^before, (/), 3 14;
(^r^.)i 2I 5, 847,
1 344; (adv.) 62, 25 1,
1050, 1051, 1066,
1134, 1156, 1264,
1374.
ser-dagas, former
days, 78.
serest (adj^, first, 785,
822, 1189, 1396.
3r-gestron, ancient
treasure, 995.
aer-gewyrht, former
work, 1239.
serra, former, 1320.
ser-woruld, former
world, 935.
set, at, 499, 614;
against, 272.
, 603.
aetgaedre, together,
1034.
aetsomne, together,
mi.
32t-wist, existence,
presence, 391.
aetywan, /d? reveal,
1055, I574-
aspel-duguS, ^<?^
attendance, 1010.
aepele, nature, 1183.
aspele, ^/?, 267, 349,
401, 454, 520, 665,
696,718,1179,1193,
1197.
aepelfc, #<?/<?, 307.
aspeling, noble, prince,
157, 447, 502, 514,
626, 740, 742, 844-
aTseran, /0 terrify,
891.
a"fon, to seize, 1182.
dfrefran, /d7 console,
367.
dfyllan, A?///, 1561.
dfyrhtan, /^ frighten,
1018.
dfyrran, /<? remove,
1369, 1424.
dfysan, /<? hasten,
984.
dgaelan, /^? ^ careless,
187
to hinder, neglect,
815.
dgan, to possess, 158,
1202, 121 1, 1245,
1401, 1577, 1635.
dgend, Lord, 419, 470,
512, 542, 1196.
dgiefan, to restore,
give up, 1154, 1 1 60,
1258, 1405.
dhebban, to raise, 501,
657, 691.
ahladan, to draw out,
567.
alion, to hang, 1092,
1445, i486,
ahreddan, to deliver,
rescue, 15, 33, 373.
dhycgan, to conceive,
901.
dlaetan, to renounce,
166.
alecgan, to lay down,
1421.
alwealda (alwalda),
1363-
al wihta, all beings, 273,
409, 686.
alyfan, to allow,grant,
1571, 1636.
alysan, /0 &/ /00j, /0
ransom, 717, 1098.
alysnes, redemption,
1472.
dn, 0, 1236, 1302,
1376.
dna, J0&, a/(C?^, 556,
1419, 1451.
n-boren,onel>0rn, 617.
dn-cenned, only be
gotten, 463.
t88
ancor, an anchor, 862.
and-gete, manifest,
1241.
and-giet, ^^j 1 ^, wisdom,
665, 1379.
andlean, retribution,
830.
andsaca, adversary,
1592.
andsaec, denial, 654.
andswaru, answer,
183.
andweard, present,
924, 1051, 1069,
1083, 1269, 1374,
1576.
andwlita, countenance,
II2I.
anfeald, ttVig/i, 1576.
an-forlaetan, /0 /^r-
j^^, let pass, 1294,
I395-
dn-modlfce, unani
mously, 339.
dr, w^rfy, 69, 254, 334,
1230, 1351; glory,
1082.
r, a messenger, 492,
758 ; angel, 594.
araeran, /0 raw up,
1064.
drdsian, /i? discover,
1228.
dreccan, /<? expound,
stretch out, 73, 221,
246.
aretan, to cheer, 1499.
drfaest, merciful, 244.
arian, /f7 honour, 1381 ;
/^///X, 369.
drisan, /^? m<?, 266,
1023, 1029.
arl^as, shameful, 1428,
1434-
dscamian, /^? be
ashamed, 1297.
dscyrian, /<? part,
sever, 1606, 1616.
dsecan, to search out,
1002.
dsecgan, to tell, ask,
220, 1175, 1473.
aspringan, to escape
from, 1536.
astandan, to stand,
1155.
stfgan, to proceed, de
scend, arise, 701,
719, 726, 736, 785.
dstyrfan, to slay, 191.
d-teon, /0 ^rw <?/,
1492.
atol, dire, terrible,
1277 ; /ferwr, 1264.
apencan, to think,
988.
apolian, to sustain,
protract, draw out,
1318.
aprysman, to stifle,
1132.
a5-loga, breaker of
oath, perjurer, 1603.
dttor, poison, 767.
dwaecnan, /<? awake,
to be born, 66.
aweallan, /^? stream
forth, swarm, 624.
dweaxan, /o grow,
wax, 1251.
aweorpan, ^ <TJ/
down, overthrow,
97, 1403-
a^wiht, at all, 342.
wrecan,
dwyrgian, to curse,
157, 255, 1518,
1560.
BA, (v. begen).
bxl,Jire, 807.
basrnan, to set on fire,
burn up, 707, 968,
1620.
bana, (v. bona).
bdnloca, bone-enclo
sure, 768.
be, by, according to, at,
1288, 1392.
beacen, a sign, 1064,
1084.
be"ag, ring, crown, 291,
1125, 1442.
beald, bold, 1075.
bealofull, baleful, 258,
907.
bealu, injury, bale,
181, 1104; bealo,
1246.
bealu-dsed, evil-deed,
1300.
bealu-rdp, baleful-
cord, 364.
beam, a beam, tree,
rood, 677, 728, 1088,
1092, 1 1 68, 1173,
1445-
bearhtm, clamour, cry,
949,1143-
beam, child, son,
(Christ], 37, 65, 75,
84, 125, 146, 163,
204, 241, 340, 411,
464, 571, 723.
beclysan, to shut in,
322.
bedaelan, to deprive,
562, (v. bidaelan).
befon, to receive, 79.
begen, both, 356.
beheofian, to bewail,
826.
behindan, behind, 154.
behydan, to hide, 843.
bemiSan, to conceal,
1047.
bemurnan, to bemoan,
175-
bend, bond, chain, 67,
146, 1040.
benn, a wound, 770.
beodan, to announce,
482, 1339.
bdofian, to tremble,
880, 1013, 1019,
1143, 1228.
beorg, mount, hill,
874, 898, 966, 976,
1006.
beorgan, to defend,
770.
beorht, bright, radi
ant, 204, 291, 411,
482, 509, 518, 741,
826, 876, 895, 1019,
1629, 1656.
beorhte, brightly,
551, 700, 902,
1466.
beorn, chief, 448, 529,
990.
beornan (byrnan), to
be on fire, 537, 807,
987, 1250.
beran, to bear, 1071,
1299, 1633.
bere"afian, to bereave,
plunder, 167, 557.
berstan, to resound, to
burst, 810, 931,
1140.
bescyrian, to deprive,
31-
besteman, to bedew,
make wet, 1084.
betlfc, excellent, 65.
bepeccan, to cover, 1 1 5,
(v. bifeccan).
bewindan, to wind
round, to wreathe,
28, 724, 1420, 1422,
1641.
bewrifan, to bind
round, 309, 717.
bibeodan, to bid, 542,
1498.
bibod, command, 1157,
1392, 1523, 1629.
bibyrgan, to bury,
1157.
bicuman, to become,
happen, 1104, 1112.
bidselan, to deprive of,
to sever, 1406,
bidan, to await, en
dure, 146, 509, 703,
801, 1019.
biddan, to ask, pray,
112, 261, 336, 358,
773, I35i, I56-
bfd-faest, stationary,
firm, 1596.
bidyrnan, to conceal,
1087.
bifealdan, to inwrap,
enfold, 1 1 6.
bifeolan, to commit,
667.
bifon, to grasp, sur-
189
round^ encircle ', 526,
1156.
bigdn, to avow, 1306.
bigangan, to practise,
1580.
bigong, course, way,
234, 679-
bigrafan,/0 &r;j, 1464.
bihelian, to conceal,
44, 1309.
bihlseman, /0 0-z/^r-
w/^/w, 868.
bilucan, to lock up,
251, 333, 805, 1258,
1622.
bindan, to bind, 307,
364,872,1596,1620.
binn, manger, 723.
bireofan, to bereave,
deprive, 1524.
birinnan, to bedew,
1174.
bisceran, /<? / off,
1518.
bisencan, /<? submerge,
1167.
biseon, /0 percolate,
1086.
, 1482.
bisweSian, /<?
round, bind,inwrap,
1642.
biteldan, /0 0wr-
whelm, 537.
biter, &"//fcr, 151, 764,
768,907,1250,1436,
^ 1473-
bipeccan, to cover,
1421.
bipencan, to remem
ber, 820, 848.
190
bipryccan, to press
on, 1444.
biwerian, /0 defend,
protect, 1642.
biwitian, /b observe,
352.
biwrecan,/0 surround,
830.
bide, /#/*, /z'wVf, 807,
895.
blsed, glory, 687, 709,
876, 1210, 1238,
1255, 1290, 1345,
1585, 1634, 1656.
blsed-wela, fruitful
riches, 1390.
blaest, blast, 974.
bla"t, ghastly, 770.
bldwan, /i? ^w, 879,
949-
bled, flower, fruit,
1168.
ble'o, colour, hue, 1 563,
1390.
blican, to shine, 506,
521, 700, 902, ion,
1237.
blind, blind, 1125.
bliss, bliss, joy, 551,
1255, 1345, 1645,
1648, 1656.
blissian, to gladden,
1161, 1285.
blfj>e, blithe, 279, 518,
738, 773, 876.
blod, blood, 258, 1084,
mi.
blod-gyte, bloodshed,
707.
blodig, bloody, 1173.
boc, book, 452, 700,
784, 792, 1629.
boda, a messenger,
1150, 1303.
bold, house, 741.
bona, slayer, destroyer,
devil, 263, 1392.
bonnan, to summon,
call together, 1065.
bord - gela"c, missile,
768.
bot, remedy, redemp
tion, 151, 364.
brad, broad, 356, 379,
990, 1143.
braegd-boga, a drawn
bow, 764.
brecan, to break, 707,
949,990,1144,1392,
1628.
brego, prince, 402,
455-
brehtm, sound, 880,
breman, /0 celebrate,
to announce, 386,
482.
breost, breast, 340,
1071.
brdost-gehygd, breast-
thoughts, 261.
breost-sefa, thoughts
of the breast, 539.
breotan, /<? break, 484.
bringan, /0 bring, 119.
broga, terror, 792.
brond,y?r<?, 810.
broSor, brother, 1498.
brucan, /0 #;0x, 391,
1324, 1360, 1645,
1662.
bryne, burning, 1057,
1596, 1660.
bryne-tear, hot tear,
151.
earth, 356.
bryten-wong, spacious
plain, the world,
379-
brytta, Lord, 280, 333,
461.
bryttan, to dispense,
681.
529, 533, 54i, 552,
568, 1238.
burg-lond, citadel, 50.
burg-sittende, city
dwellers, citizens,
336.
burg-stede, citadel,
810.
burg-waru, citizens,
741.
burg-weall, city-wall,
976.
butan, without, (conj.},
271, 691 ; (prep,},
270, 721.
byme, a trumpet, 880,
1060.
byrd, bride, 279, 291.
byrd-scipe, child-bear
ing, 1 8 1.
byrgen, tomb, 728,
1466.
byrhtan, to shine,
1088.
byrhtu, brightness,
1238.
bysmerldas, spotless,
stainless, 1324.
CALD, cold, 850, 1628.
carcern, prison, 24,
734-
ceafl, bill, jaw, 1250.
c^apian, to bargain,
1094.
cearful, troubled, sad,
24.
cearian, /0 be anxious,
176.
cearig, sorrowful, 147,
(z/. cerg).
cearu, w*, 890, 996,
ioi5, 1 129, 1284,
1661.
ceaster, citadel, 577.
ceaster-hlid, gate of
the city, 313.
cempa, a champion,
562.
cennan, to bring forth,
create, 80, 231, 297,
635.
ceol, ship, 850, 860.
ceosan, to choose, 23,
330.
cerg( = cearge), 834.
cierran, to turn, 154.
cild, child, 217.
cild-geong, a young
child, 1424.
cinn, kind, race, 1618.
circe, church, 698, 702.
cirm, shout, uproar,
834, 996.
claene, clean, pure,
135, 186, 275, 297,
330, 443, 702, 1221,
1284.
cla")>, cloth, 724, 1422.
cleopian, to exclaim,
call, 176, 507.
clomm, a bond, chain,
734, 1144, 1628.
cluster, lock, 313.
cneorniss, generation,
231, 1232.
cnoll, a knoll, 716.
corner, band, company,
493, 577-
costian, /<? try, prove,
1057.
craeft, strength, craft,
skill, 217, 420, 666,
686, 1144.
crseftga, craftsman, 1 1.
crist, Christ, 1215,
1221, 1633.
cryb, <z OT#, 1424.
culpa, a fault, 176.
cuman, /<? <r0/^?, u,
45, 61, 65, 73, 113,
147, 148, 242, 266,
289, 371, 412, 419,
435, 493, 544, 548
552, 790, 823, 1007,
1025, 1035, 1159,
1365-
cunnan, to know, to
have power, to be
tf&,68, 76, 94, 184,
197, 245, 572, 714,
1048, 1091, 1185,
1212.
cunnian, to prove,
have experience of,
1416.
cwdnian, to bewail,
834.
cwealm, death, torttire,
86, 1424, 1539, 1625.
cweccan, to move,
shake, 796.
cwelman, to destroy,
957-
cwen, woman, queen,
275, H97.
IQT
cweSan, to say, to
speak, 64, 86, 147,
210, 282, 400, 452,
546, 690, 700, (v.
gecwe<5an).
cwic, alive, 589, 890,
957, 996, 1029,
1129.
cwic - susl, living
punishment, 560,
731.
cwide, will, decree,
1222, 1514.
cwiSan, to lament, be
wail, 890, 1 1 29, 1 284,
1566.
cyle, cold, 1661.
cyme, coming, advent,
529, 1029.
cyne-Kc, royal, 156.
cyne-st61, royal throne,
50, 1215.
cyning, king, (God,
Christ^) n, 60, 135,
164, 214, 371, 390,
493, 507, 527, 577,
617, 686, 702, 714,
73i, 796, 831, 1008,
1037, 1164, 1207,
1587, 1625, 1628,
1661.
cynn, race, 223, 385,
960, 1026, 1195.
cyst, choice, excellent,
50, 390, 1133; ex
cellence, 1222.
cySan, to make known,
to reveal, 64, 296,
337,449, 481, 1144,
1162, (v. gecySan).
, deed, 428, 524,
192
802, 827, 1045, 1048,
1366, 1581.
daed - hwaet, active,
zealous, 384, 428.
dsed-scua, one who
acts in the dark,
256.
daeg, day, 466, 867,
1049, 1053, 1063,
1095, 1152, 1203,
1309, 1370, 1655.
dsel, part, region, side,
805, 1224, 1383.
dselan, to deal, 427.
dead, dead, 1 157, 1 178.
deaS, death, 466, 595,
885, 1040, 1172,
1410, 1461, 1474,
1559, 1601, 1617.
dea5-denu, valley of
death, 343.
deaS-firen, deadly sin,
1205.
deaS-leg, deadly flame,
981.
te&-ss\e, death'* kalt,
I535-
de'aw, dew, 608.
&6go\,unknown, secret,
40, 639.
&&m*, judge, 795*835.
deman, to judge, 802,
835, 844.
de'ofol, devil, 562, 579,
593,897,1277,1448,
1513, 1521, 1530,
1535, 1626.
de'op, deep, 855, 1530,
1543.
deope, deeply, 167.
de"or, wild beast, 256,
981.
deorc, dark, swarthy,
1521, 1559.
deore, beloved, pre
cious, 308 (v. dyre).
deore, dearly, 1461.
dogor, day, 427.
dohtor, daughter, 90,
190.
dolg, wound, 1 106,
1205.
ddm, honour, decree,
doom, 167, 227, 384,
404, 781, 789, 1020.
ddm-daeg, doomsday,
1617, 1635.
d6m - eadig, blessed
with power, 1655.
dom-hwast, zealous,
428.
d6n, to do, 16, 454,
1096, 1287, 1357,
1511, 1566.
dream, joyous sound,
joy, 101, 579, 593,
1244, 1257, 1341,
1407, 1519, 1585,
1635, 1640, 1643.
dreamleas, joyless,
1626.
dreogan, to endure,
suffer, 117,270,614,
621, 1252, 1270,
1273.
dreor, blood, 1085,
1448.
dreorig, sad, 1543.
dre'orig-ferS, sad in
soul, 1107.
dreosan, to fall, 608.
drifan, to drive, 676.
drohta<5, way, path,
855.
dryhten, lord, 40,
185, 271, 296, 347.
dryht-folc,fl multitude,
1040.
dryht-guma, man,war-
rior, 885.
dryhtlice, majestically,
in a lordly manner,
227.
drync, drink, 1437,
1507.
dugan, to be worth, to
avail, 20, 188.
prowess, good, 412,
562, 600, 608, 781.
dumb, dumb, 1126.
dun, a down, 716.
durran, to dare, 1166.
duru, door, 308.
dwasscan, to ex
tinguish, 485.
dynnan, to din, 929.
dyre, dear, beloved,
95, 1649, (v. deore).
dyrne, secret, 639, 1 048.
ig, foolish, 1126.
EAC, also, 135, 144,
281, 300.
eaca, an increase,
addition;
- to eacan, besides,
1241.
eacen, strong, great,
204 ; increased, 37.
eacnung, increase, 74.
dad, prosperity, 1197,
1292 ; happiness,
I399-
eaden, given, granted,
199.
ead-fruma, source of
good, 531.
ead-giefa, giver of
happiness, 545.
eadig, Wkw**/, 86, 687,
908, 1012, 1121,
1233, 1245, 1336,
1426, 1460, 1495,
1552, 1648.
eadgian, to bless, 19.
ead-mod, humble, 254,
785, I35i-
cage, eye, 6, 326, 391,
535, 1 1 12, 1243,
1314, 1322, 1327,
1330.
eah - stream, water
stream, 1166.
eahtan, to observe,
judge, 1072, 1548.
eahtnyss, persecution,
703.
eala", lot alas! 17,49,
70, 163.
eald,0/dT, ancient, 1 106,
1395, 1545-
eald-cyS, /^ <?/^
country, 737-
eald - dagas, ^zyj of
yore, 302.
eald-feond, enemy of
old, 566.
eald-gestreon, ancient
treasure, Sir, 1569.
ealdor, /^ ; to ealdre,
for ever, 478.
ealdor, prince, 7, 228.
ealdor-bealu, deadly,
bale, 1614.
eal-grene, // green,
1127.
call, //, 2 1 5, 244, 1 1 14,
1181, 1200, 1219,
1277, 1282, 1317,
1357, 1376, 1381.
eallunga, wholly, 921.
earcnan-stan, precious
stone, gem, 1194.
card, dwelling, home,
62, 513, 645, 771,
1028, 1044, I2OI,
I4l6.
eard-geard, dwelling-
place, 54.
eardian, to dwell, 124,
437-
earendel, ray, beam,
103.
earfecSe, hardship, woe,
1170, 1200, 1271,
1426, 1451.
- earfot), 1264.
earg, wretched, vile,
827, 1296, 1302,
1406.
earge, badly, 1501.
earh-faru, a flight of
arrows, 761.
earm, wretched, poor,
16, 69, 381, 908,
1348, 1495, 1501,
1552, 1614.
earmlic, wretched, 998.
earnian, to earn, 1050,
eastan, from the east,
ea<5-medu, reverence,
humility, 358, 1441.
eawan, to manifest, 54,
(v. ywan).
ebreisc, Hebrew, 132.
dee, eternal, endless,
193
139, 2;i, 304, 32i,
53i, 795, 1044, H26,
1552.
eced, vinegar, 1437.
ec&edge, 1139.
e*cnis, eternity, 312,
1202.
ed - geong, growing
young again, 1031,
1069.
edwft, scorn, con
tumely, 1 1 20.
efen, even, alike, 299,
329, 963-
efen-eardigend, co-
dwelling, 236.
efen-ece, co-eternal,
121, 464.
efenlfc, equal, 38.
efen-micel, equally
great, 1401.
efen-wesende, co-eval,
349-
eft, again, afterwards,
132, 324, 332,
1155.
eft-lean, recompense,
1098.
egesful, terrible, 1527.
egeslic, fearful, 917,
954, 1020, 1514.
1614.
egle, troublesome,
hateful, 761.
egsa, terror, fear, 16,
837,922, 945, 1013,
1363, 1368, 1562.
ellen, zeal, prowess,
1316.
ell - ]>eod, foreign
people, 1082.
ende, end, 1028
194
1651.
ende-leas, endless,
1630.
enga, .?/<?, 236.
enge, narrow, 31.
engel, ^/, 131, 314,
331, 334, 35o, 386,
447, 473, 505, 5M,
545, 547, 581, 629,
645, 660, 822, 1012,
1062, 1245, 1335,
1341, 1467, 1519,
1644.
eorl, man, earl, 218,
545, 873-
eornest, earnestness,
1099.
eorneste, stern, 823.
eon5-buend, an earth-
dweller, 421, 718,
1277, 1322.
eor5-burg, earth, 6.
eorSe, earth, 199, 328,
620, 625, 813, 827,
1127, 1136, 1179.
eorS - waru, earth-
dwellers, 381, 696,
722.
e6rS - wela, earths
wealth, 610.
e'owod, flock) herd,
256.
ermpu, misery, 270,
(v. yrm]>u).
e*tSel, country, home,
31, 435, 629, 740,
1074, 1323, 1341,
1345, 1405, 1495,
1638 ; (heritage,
1 211.)
dpel-cyning, *>! of
earth, 995.
dfel-rice, native-
realm, 1460.
eSel-stol, native seat,
5i,5i5.
eS-gesyne, visible,
1233-
fdcen-tdcen,
crime, 1564.
fsecne, wicked, deceit
ful, 869, 1393.
faeder, father, 162,
210, 319, 464, 515,
1013, 1217, 1646.
faeder-rice, father's
realm, 344.
fsedren-cynn, father-
kin, 247.
faege, doomed to death,
1516, 1532.
faeger,/<M>, 911, 1293,
1388.
faegre, beautifully, 389,
471, 506.
faehS, /^, hostility,
6 1 6, 1439.
fsela, ,gw/, <?/, 644.
faemne, virgin, maiden,
34,71,122,174,186,
194, 210, 417, 719,
787.
faemnan-ha'd, maiden
hood, 91.
fasr-scyte, sudden shot,
765.
faer-searo, pernicious-
artifice, 769.
faest, firm, secure, 5,
165, 320.
faeste, securely, 978,
1156.
faestlice, firm, 311.
faeSm, embrace, 650,
787, 1145, 1484.
fa"h, stained, 1559;
(? guilty), 828, 999,
1537, 1631.
fa"h, guilty, 1613.
faran, /0 ^?, 480, 512,
870, 924, 927, 944,
982, 1341, 1414.
tea, few, 1169, 1274.
feallan, to fall,
1524.
fa-sceaft, destitute,
miserable, 1 74,
367.
f&lan, to feed, 1543.
fela, many, much,
171, 180,1116,1177,
1262, 1267, 1398,
1546.
fgogan, &> ^#/<?, 485,
^708, 1597.
feond, enemy, 568, 622,
638, 732, 769, 1393,
1403, 1414, 1438,
1484, 1528, 1613,
1624.
feond-scipe, enmity,
485.
feor,/ar, 389.
feorh, life, spirit, 1072,
1318, 1561, 1564,
1572, 1591; to wi-
dan feorh, for ever,
276.
feorh-dolg, deadly
wound, 1453.
feorh-gifa, giver of
life, 555.
feorh-gdma, deadly
jaw, 1547.
feorh-ner, lifers salva
tion, 1595.
feorh-naru, lifers
nourishment, 609.
feowertig,y0r/j>, 465.
i&,fear, terror, 866.
ferti$,heart, spirit, 475.
ferian, fergan, to drive,
852, to conduct, 517.
ferS, j<?#/, spirit, 667,
1329.
ferS-gewit, mental wit,
1182.
fenS-werig, weary of
life, 829.
fetJa, /n?<?/, 1517.
findan, /0 yfo*/, 183,
1572.
finger, finger, 667.
firas, mankind, 34,
241, 1564, 1597.
firen, crime, sin, 55,
122, 1 80, 368, 721,
1097, 1 102, 1208,
1279, 1311, 1372,
1484, 1615.
firen-bealu, transgres
sion, 1274.
firen-daed, sinful deed,
crime, 999, 1304,
1631.
firen-fremmende, com
mitting crimes,
1116.
firen-georn, sin-loving,
1604.
firen-lust, sinful lust,
1481.
firen-synnig, sinful,
1377.
firen-weorc, evil deed,
1299, I397-
&sc,Jish, 965.
fiSere, a wing, 394.
) flickering, 675.
, 122,417,596,
1027, 1280, 1304.
flaesc-homa, fiesh-
covering, body,
1296, 1464.
fla"n-geweorc, arrow-
work, 675.
flint, fiint, rock, 1187.
flod, fiood, water,
tide, 805, 978, 984,
1167.
flod-wudu, vessel, 852.
flowan, to flow, 983.
flyht, >j^/, 398, 638,
653.
folc, people, 194, 224,
337, 425, 568, 578.
folc-dryht, multitude,
1065.
fold, earth, 71, 143,
278, 320, 806, 877,
982, 1001, 1032,
1141, 1388, 1448,
1464, 1532.
fold-aern, earth-cave,
729.
fold-buend, earth-
dwellers, 866, 1176.
fold-graef, earth-grave,
sepulchre, 1024.
fold-rasst, earthly rest,
1027.
fold-weg, earth-way,
track of earth,
1528.
fold-wong, earth-
plain, 973.
195
folgian, to follow,
H39-
folgoS, office, 389.
fQ\m,hand, 1123, 1420.
fot, foot, 1109, 1167,
1454.
forbaernan, to burn
up, 1005, 1541.
forbeodan, to forbid,
1484.
forberstan, to burst
asunder, 1136.
forbygan, to humi
liate, bend down,
730.
forcuman,/0 overcome,
150,560.
fordon, to destroy,
damn, 993, 1 102,
1205, 1273.
fore-scyttels, forebolt,
bar, 311.
fore-spreca, mediator,
732.
foretdcen, presage,
sign, 891.
fore-foncol, prudent,
1190.
forfon, to surprise,
872.
forgiefan, to grant,
390, 586, 775, 1257,
1374, 1386, 1398.
forgieldan, to requite,
433, I47S-
forhogian, to despise,
1286, (?) 1632.
forht, afraid, 800, 891,
923, 1013, 1128.
forht-lic, fearful, 1 102.
forht-lice, fearfully,
1318.
I 9 6
forhwyrfan, to turn
aside, to be depraved,
33;
forlaetan, to leave, send
forth, let go, 9, 29,
207, 1 1 10, 1146.
forlegen, adulterate,
1609.
forldosan, to lose,
1397, 1550, 1584-
forpyndan, to turn
away, 96.
forseon, to despise,
756.
forst, frost, 1545.
forswelgan, to devour,
994-
fortedn, to betray, 269.
fortyl Ian, to seduce,
269.
forpon, wherefore,
therefore, 240.
forwyrcan, to ruin,
919.
forwyrd, destruction,
1534, 1613-
forwyrnan, to refuse,
prevent, 19, 1502.
fracod, bad, accursed,
194.
fraet, proud, obstinate,
1372.
fraetwe, ornament,
506, 521, 555, 804,
806, 1072, 1634.
fre'a, lord, 236, 327,
354, 394, 403, 474,
923,944, 1128,1167,
1187, 1229, 1377.
frecne, dangerous,
foolhardy, 769, 852,
1547, 1597.
frefran, to comfort,
I339-
fremde, alien, 1402.
fremman, to do,accom-
plish, 368, 642, 654,
1289, 1554.
fremu, benefit, 1397.
freo, free, joyful, 1 5 10.
freo-bearn,TZ0&k child,
222, 642, 787.
freod, affection, 165.
freogan, to honour,
love, 1646.
freo-lic, noble, 71.
frQ-\\c.e, joy fully, 186,
1289.
frdond, friend, 574,
^1343, 1657.
freo-noma, surname,
635.
freoSu, /m<:, 772.
fricgan, /# #.r, 91.
frigu, affection, love,
36, 418.
fh'S, ^^?, 488, 999,
1339, 1657-
friS-geard, dwelling
of peace, 398.
frdd, wise, 325, 1176.
frofor, consolation, 64,
206, 337, 488, 521,
721, 727, 757, 800,
1359, 1420, 1510.
from-lice, boldly, fear
lessly, 574, 675.
fruma, creator, begin
ning, 43, 224, 293,
515,578,843, 1190.
frum-bearn, first-born
child, 506.
frum-cyn, race, 34,
241.
frum-gesceap, first
creation, 838.
frum-sceaft,yfrj/ crea
tion, 471.
frymft, beginning, 222.
fugol, a bird, 635, 638,
644, 653, 981.
i\&,foul, 1229, 1481.
full,/*//, 958.
fullian, to baptize, 483.
fus-leoo\ death-song,
622.
fyllan, to fill, 1591,
1604.
fyllan, to fell, 485, 708,
973-
iyr,fire, 957, 964, 973,
1001, 1061, 1561,
1618, 1624, [fir,
fyr-baS, bath of fire,
829, 984.
fyrn-dagas, days of
yore, 1032, 1293.
fyrn-weorc, an ancient
work, the creation,
578.
fyrst, a space of time,
1321.
fyr-sweart, fire-swart,
982.
fyrwet, curiosity, 91.
1123.
barren, 848.
gsest, spirit, soul, 129,
202, 268, 318, 362,
596, 637, 648, 706,
776, 815, 847, 1033,
1043, 1452, 1551,
1622.
gsest, guest, 812, 971.
gsest-berend, spirit-
endowed, 1598.
gsest-geryne, mystery
of the mind, 439,
712.
gsest - halig, holy in
spirit, 583.
gaest-hof, guest dwell
ing, 819.
gsestlic, ghostly, 41,
698.
gsest-sunu, spirit-son,
659, 859.
%&\.,goat, 1229.
gafol, tribute, 558.
gal, /2g-^/, pleasant,
1033-
galan, /0 jz*^, 622.
gdn, gangan, /<? <?,
425, 1069, 1166.
gr-faru, armed band,
780.
gai-getrum, .r/0r* #/"
dfar/.r, 673.
ge, and also, 845.
ge eac, 1168.
ge-sefnan, /<? endure,
1428.
gealla, ^ a//, 1437.
gear, year, 1034.
geard, dwelling, 200.
gear-dagas, afoy.? <?/
yore, 250, 558,
820.
gearnung, desert, meed,
39-
gearo, mz^, 448, 459,
1268, 1344.
gearo - snottor, very
wise, 712.
geat, gate, 250, 317,
575-
gebed - scip, com
munion, 75.
gebeodan, to bid, 201.
geberan, to bear, bring
forth, 83, 122, 204,
1150, 1419.
gebetan, to restore, 12.
gebidan, to await,
abide, 69, 1528.
gebigan,/<? twist, bend,
1124, 1443.
gebindan, to bind, 731,
1355, 1537.
gebl^od, of different
colours, 907.
geblandan, to mix,
1436.
gebletsian, to bless, 411.
geblissian, to bless,
make happy, 248,
379-
gebrosnian, to lay
waste, destroy, 1 2,
8 3;
gebugan,/^^^, 1503.
gebycgan, to buy, re
deem, 258, 1461.
gebyrd, birth, 37, 64,
75, 297.
gecdosan, to choose,
445, 496, 589-
gecnawan, to under
stand, 653.
gecweSan, to speak,
131.
gecweman, to please,
916.
ge-cynd, offspring,
1015, 1016, 1179.
gecypan, to buy, 1470.
gecySan, to reveal,
156.
197
gedselan, to party di
vide, 165, 227, 427.
gedafenian, to be be
coming^ 550.
ged6n, to do, cause,
29, 1264, 1381.
gedraeg, tumult, 998.
gedreccan, to afflict,
oppress, 992, 1297,
1507.
gedr&an, to trouble,
167.
gedrdosan, to fall, 264.
gedryht, band, host,
456, 514, 518, 940,
IOI2, 1662.
gedwellan, to lead as
tray, 1126.
gedwola, error, 343.
gedyran, to glorify,
1643.
ge-eardian, to dwell,
207.
ge-edniwian, to renew,
1038.
ge-endian,/0d r , 1638.
gefselsian, to cleanse,
purify, 143, 319.
ge-faestnian, to fasten,
734, 1446, 1455,
1489.
gefSa, joy, gladness,
158, 230, 450, 584,
742, 1076, 1251,
1293, 1402, 1595.
gefelan, to feel, 1128,
1177.
gefeon, to rejoice, 475,
503, 756.
geferian, to lead,
carry, 344.
gefldogan, to fly, 294.
198
gef6g, a joining, joint,
5-
gef6n, to give, seize,
receive, 1352, 1511.
gefreon, to free, 587.
gefremman, to finish,
accomplish, afford,
206, 262, 423, 565,
596, 60 1, 626,
1453-
gefreoSian, to protect,
587.
gefrignan, to ask,
learn, hear, 77, 224,
300.
gefyllan, to fill, fulfil,
1 80, 212, 325, 407,
467.
gefyrn, long ago, for
merly, 62, 134, 300,
gefysan, to make ready,
to cause to hasten,
474, 889.
gegan, to go, 442.
gegearwian, to pre
pare, 1521.
gehaeftan, to take cap
tive, 561.
gehaelan, to heal, 173.
gehalgian, to hallow,
434, 1480.
%*&&, promise, 540.
gehatan, to promise,
command, call, 57,
141, 1070, 1337.
gehealdan, to hold,
preserve,guard, 299,
1058, 1493.
gehladan, to load,
1033-
gehleapan, to leap,
716.
gehlid, covering, roof,
enclosure, vault, 517,
903.
gehogian, to devise,
1396.
gehreosan, to fall
down, 937.
gehrdoSan, to adorn,
329-
gehr^ow, a lamenting,
997-
ge-hr^owan, to rue,
1492.
gehSo,^W, anxiety -,89.
gehwd, each, 193, 230.
gehwyrfan, to change,
187.
gehydan, to hide, 1465.
gehygd, thought, 746,
1037, 1053, 1313-
gehyld, keeping, 544.
gehynan, /0 scorn,
humble, oppress, 561,
1523-
gehyran, to hear, 170,
49I 5 585, 833.
gehyrstan, to adorn,
392.
gehyrwan, to despise,
458.
gelac, 'tumultusj as
sembly, 894.
geldcnian, tocure,heal,
1307.
gelad,^M, 855.
gelsedan, /0 lead, 303,
858.
gel&ifa, /& 482.
geli'c, like, 1382, 1429,
gelice, a//M 782.
gelimpan, /^ happen,
come to pass, 78,
232.
geliftan, to sail, 856.
gelong, belonging^ de
pending, 151,364-
gelyfan, to believe, 655,
752.
gelyfan, to make dear,
1643.
gemseoscip, commu
nion, 198.
gemaene, common^b,
580, 1458.
gemsersian, to suppli
cate, 22.
gemanan, fellowship,
1644.
gemeltan, to melt, 976.
gemengan, to mingle,
893.
gemet, measure, bound
ary, 825.
gemetan, to meet, 329.
gemiclian, to enlarge,
46,
gemong, company,
throng, 1659.
gemdt, assembly, 794,
831, 941, 1025.
gemunan, to bear in
mind, 1199.
gemynd, memory, 664,
1036, I535-
gensegan, to approach,
assault, 873.
gendahhe, enough, ear
nestly, suddenly, 47,
975;
generian, to save, 1 256.
genesan, to be pre
served, escape from,
1253-
geneftan, to venture,
68.
geniman, to take from,
222, 579.
geniSle, enmity, hate,
1438.
geniwian, to renew,
528.
gen6g, enough, 1263.
genomian, to name,
point out, 1099.
genyrwian, to oppress,
363-
gdoc, ^/A 123.
geocend, saviour, 197.
ge'omor, 5^, mourn
ful, 123, 498, 961.
geomor-m6d, .?#*/ of
mind, 172, 534, 1405.
ge'omrian, A? bemoan,
89.
geond, throughout, 6,
58, 70, 278, 305, 379,
468, 480, 481, 784,
809,851,854.
geond-secan, to per
vade, 971.
geond-sprdotan, to per
vade, 41.
geond-wlitan, /
around.
34, 174,
200.
georn, oz^ir, 396.
georne, eagerly, 752,
82O, 848, IOO2, 1222,
1254, 1326, 1580,
1589.
geornlice, eagerly, 26 1,
432, 439-
ge'otan, to pour out,
172,816,1447,1565-
gereccan, to explain,
interpret, 132.
gerestan, to rest, 52.
gerisan, to befit, be
seem, 2.
geryman, to open up,
864.
geryne, mystery, 40,
73, 94, 133, 422,
602.
gesselan, to bind, 861.
gesselig, blessed, happy,
437, 1247, 1459,
1650, 1658.
gesselig-lfc, blessed,
1077.
gesargian, to afflict,
960, 969.
gesceaft, created
things, creation, 58,
238, 401, 671, 869,
990, 1019, 1126,
1381.
gesceppan, to make,
form, create, 13, 22,
658, 1385.
gescieldan, to shield,
760, 774.
gescomian, to be
ashamed, 1301.
gese'can, to seek, visit,
61, 145, 523, 570,
625, 645, 1536.
gesecgan, to tell, 1308,
gesellan, to give, 1476.
gese'nian, to sign, bless,
1340.
gesdon, to see, 497,
501, 505, 511, 521,
553, 793,923, U04,
1114, 1126, 1132,
199
I28o, 1290, 1305,
1310, 1312, 1347,
1453, 1456.
geset, habitation,
home, 1238.
gese<5an, to declare,
prove, 242.
gesettan, to set, estab
lish, create, 1163,
1380, 1388.
gesihS, sight, 6, 49,
909, 1 1 12.
gesif, companion,com-
pany, 472, 1520.
gesittan, /# jz/, 530.
geslean, to strike down,
148.
gesomnian, to unite,
collect, 4, 1220.
gesprecan, to speak,
1510.
gestarian,/*?^^, 306.
gestapelian, to estab
lish, 306.
gesteald, a dwelling,
303-
gestigan, to ascend,
to descend, 513, 678,
748, 1170, 1417,
1490.
gestun, noise, whirl
wind, 989.
gestyllan, to move ra-
pidly, 647, 715.
gesund, sound, un
hurt, 1073, 1340.
gesweotolian, to dis-
play, 8.
geswiSan, to strength
en, 384.
gesyllan, to give,
682, (T/. gesellan).
2OO
gefencan, &? consider,
to think about, 287,
369, 1055.
gepeon, toperform^b.
gepicgan, to take,
1508.
gepingian, to inter
cede, make terms,
341, 615.
gefoht, thought, 1046,
1054.
gepolian, to suffer,
1171, 1422, 1433,
144-1, 1513.
ge]>onc, thought, mind,
314, 1118, 1125,
1582.
gefrean, to afflict, op
press, 1562.
gepwsere, peaceful, 126.
getremman, /0 estab
lish, 1149.
getrywe, honest, faith-
ful, 875.
getwaefan, /<? separate,
deprive, 985.
geweald, power, 227,
704, 1414, 1647.
gewemman, /0 dfc/ftfc,
1485.
gewenan, to hope, ex
pect, 1364.
gewendan, to turn,
933-
geweorSan, to become,
to come to pass, to
be, 36, 92, 121, 209,
237. 3i6, 350,
geweorSian, to honour,
406, 658.
gewerian, to array,
gewill, will, 361.
gewin, strife, anguish,
trouble, 56, 996,
1410, 1654.
gewinnan, to gain,
999-
gewitan, to depart,
493, 532, 1226.
gewitteas, witless,
1471.
gewitt, understanding,
28, 639, 1176, 1191,
1198.
gewrit, scripture, 546.
gewrixlan, to give in
exchange, grant,
1259.
gewuldrian, to glorify,
97-
gewyrcan, to ?nake,
1 60, 178, 239, 679,
762, 1138, 1232,
1379, 1386, 1444,
1615.
gewyrht, work, deed,
desert, 127, 890,
1218, 1366, 1576.
ge-ycan, to increase,
1038.
giedd, a song, 632,
712.
giefan, to give, 472,
603, 1380, 1500,
1612.
gief-stol, gift-stool,
throne, 571.
giefu, grace, 479, 648,
659, 681, 709, 1242,
1 66 1 (v. giofu).
gield, a recompense,
1077, (v. gyld).
gielp, pride, 683.
gieman, to care for,
705, (v- gyman.)
317, 350.
1043.
gimm, a gem, 691,
694.
giofu, gift, grace, 41,
(v. giefu.)
giogu]), j0M, 1652.
glaed, benign, glad,
314, 1285, 1652.
glaed-mod, glad of
mood, 575, 909.
glaes, glass, 1281.
gleaw, wise, 138, 219.
gleawlice, wisely, pru
dently, 129, 1326.
gled, burning coal,
994, 1043.
gleo-beam, glee wood,
669.
gnorn, anguish, 1 574.
god,sustenance,(goods,}
479-
g6d, &0<^ 10 1 o, 1104,
1331, 1574.
god, God, 323.
god-bearn, divine
child, 498, 701.
god-cunde, divine,
669.
god-daed, 00</ dm/,
1285.
god-]>rym, divine
majesty, 138.
gold-fraetwe, /*/ 0r-
naments, 994.
gold-hord, treasure,
786.
gold - webb, golden
tapestry, 1133.
gomel, old man, 134.
on >> going '-> journey,
253, 1034-
gongan, to go, pass,
575, (v. gangan.)
grafan, to delve, 1002.
grdotan, to weep, 990,
1570.
gretan, to greet, 669.
grim, grim,<jfo, 1079,
1203, 1268, 1332,
1525.
grimlic, grim, 917.
grimlice, grimly, 1002.
grom, grim, angry,
780.
grom - hydig, fierce-
minded, 733.
grorn, grief, sadness,
1203.
grornian, to mourn,
969.
grund, bottom, abyss,
earth, 144, 480, 561,
681,784,971, 1163.
grundleas, bottomless,
1544-
grund-sceat, region of
earth, 41, 648.
gryre-broga, terror,
847.
guma, a man, 426,
510, 812, 1652.
guS, battle, 673.
guS-plega, war-play,
battle, 572.
gyld, substitute, stead,
HOI.
gylden, golden, 250,
317.
gy\p,pride, arrogance,
816.
gyman, /<
<7/ 1544, 1551, 1567,
1598.
gyrnan, /^? desire, 1 165.
gyrne, earnestly, 1303.
H ABB AN, /<? ^az/^, 1 80,
255.
hdd, condition, rank,
285.
hddor, resplendent,>*)2.
hseSen, heathen, 704.
haeft, captive, ser
vant, 153, 359.
haeft, bondage, im
prisonment, 259,
567.
hselan, /0 ^^/, 1320.
haelend, Saviour, 249,
357, 382, 434, 504,
633, 79i-
haelef, man^^, 278,
371, 460, 533, 607,
668, 871, 881, 1192,
^1195, 1276, 1590.
haelo, haSlu, salvation,
health, 118, 201,
410,751,858, 1573,
1653.
hselo-bearn, saviour-
child, 585, 753.
hselo-lff, salvation,
M9-
hselu-giefu, healing
grace, 373.
hafela, head, 504.
hdlig, A^/K, 57, 283,
347, 402, 528, 631,
736, 1008, 1 109,
1338, 1425, 1587,
1607.
hals, salvation, 586.
201
ha"m, home, 304, 349,
646.
Mmfsest, resident,
1553-
hangian, to hang, be
suspended, 145 5,
1487.
ht, */, 499, 538, 93i,
975, 1058, 1161,
1425, 1522, 1540,
1618.
hcltan, /<? command,
252, 278, 293, 1023,
1226, 1340, 1373.
hea, high, 1061, 1063.
heafod, head, 3, 1124,
1433, I443-
heafod-gim, head-gem,
1329.
heag-engel, archangel,
201, (v. heah-engel.)
he*ah, high, 281, 378,
652, 677.
heah-boda, chief-mes
senger, 294.
heah-clif, lofty cliff,
977.
heah-cyning, high
king, 149, 1338.
heah-engel, archan
gel, 402, 527.
heah-frea, high lord,
sovran, 423.
heah-gsest, great
spirit, 357.
heah-getimbro, <z lofty
building, 972, 1180.
heah-setl, high seat,
throne, 554, 1216,
1334-
heahjm, #/, 497,
507,759,788,865.
202
healdan, to keep, hold,
18,92,488,766,791,
812, 1158, 1235,
1259, 1647.
healf, side, 60,
1266.
healic, noble, 429.
hea-lice, on high,
excellently, 382, 388,
692, 1148. .
heall, hall, 3.
hean, abject, poor,
mean, 98, 264, 413,
631,992,1412,1470,
1607.
heanlice, ignomini-
ously, 371.
heanness, height,
161, 409.
heap, band, throng,
15, 548, 730, 928,
943-
heard, severe, stern,
hard, 1063, 1124,
1187, 1309, 1423,
1443, 1487, 1504,
161:1.
heard-cwide, reproach,
1442.
hearde, cruelly, sorely,
363, 1016, 1455,
1512.
heard-lice, hardly,
cruelly, 259.
hearg, a heathen
temple, an idol, 484.
hearm, injury, 1 70.
hearm-cwalu, perni
cious death, 1607.
hearm-cwide, abusive
speech, blasphemy,
1119.
hearm-slege, a griev
ous blow, 1433.
hearpe, harp, 668.
hefige, grievously,
1486.
helan, to hide, 192.
hel-fus, hell - prone,
1 122.
hell, hell, 264, 557,
561,590,1158,1258.
helle-bealu, the tor
ment of hell, 1425.
hell-cwalu, hell - tor
ment, 1 1 88.
helm, helm, top, cover
ing, 409, 462, 528,
565, 633-
help, help, 262, 631,
857, 1172, 1470,
1567.
helpan, to help, aid,
1501.
helpend, a helper,
1412.
hel-sceapa, hell-fiend,
363.
hel-waru, hell-dwell
ers, 285, 730.
heofon, heaven, 60,
149, 201, 252.
heofon -beorht, hea
venly bright, 1017.
heofon-byma, heaverfs
trumpet, 947.
heofon-condel, hea
ven's candle, 607.
heofon-cund, heavenly,
celestial, 378.
heofon-cyning, king
of heaven, 1085,
1512, 1523.
heofon-duguS, hea
venly host, 1653.
heofon-engel, hea
venly angel, 491,
926, 1008, 1276.
heofon-hdm, hea
venly home, 292.
heofon-maegen, hea
venly host, 1216.
heofon-rice, kingdom
of heaven, 565, 1244,
1258, 1632, 1637.
heofon-steorra, star of
heaven, 1042.
heofon-tungol, star of
heaven, 692.
heofon- woma, hea
venly sound, 833,
997-
heoloS-cyn, hell race,
1540.
heonan, hence, 154,
513, 58i, 753-
heorte,tor/, 173, 499,
538, 640, 746, 751,
1037, 1046, 1054,
1327, 1492.
heoro-gifre, eager to
destroy, greedy, 975,
1058.
heoro-grim, fiercely-
grim, 1522, 1611.
her, here, 1456, 1573-
h^r-cyme, advent,
249.
here, multitude, host,
484, 523, 573, 843,
928, 1276, 1531,
1596, 1624.
here-fe'Sa, a martial
band, ion.
herenis, praise, 414.
hergan, (henan,) to
praise, 48, 382, 429,
469, 502, 633.
hetol, malignant, 363.
hider-cyme, advent,
hither, 141, 366.
hierusalem, Jerusa
lem, 1133.
hige-gleaw, prudent,
wise, 1192.
hild, war, 565.
hingong, hence going,
14", 1553-
\i\w,form, colour, 656,
720, 724, 934.
hladan, to load, 783.
hlaefdige, lady, queen,
283.
hlaT, bread, 1353.
hlaYord, lord, master,
460, 497, 517, 573.
hleahtor, laughter,
738.
hlemman, to roar,
resound, clash,
931.
hleo, refuge, protec
tion, 408,605, 1195.
hleo-fsest, protecting,
357-
\i\or,face, cheek, 1119,
1433-
hleotan, to get by lot,
to share, 782.
hleoS, shelter, 1352.
hleofor-cwide, speech,
utterance, 449.
hli>, # hill, 744.
1161.
hliid, /0</, 388, 491,
668, 833, 997.
hlutor, pure, bright,
292, ion, 1085.
hlutre, serenely, 1 1 50.
hlydan, to sound, 88 1.
hlyp, leap, jump, 719,
725, 729, 735, 744,
746.
hold, gracious, 1470.
hold-lice, graciously,
429, 1356.
holm, the deep, ocean,
854, 977-
holm-pracu, tossing of
the waves, 677.
hond, hand, 161, 1109,
1122, 1131, 1220,
1226, 1362, 1378,
1486, 1529.
hond-geweorc, handi
work, 265, 1413.
hord, treasure, 1046,
1054, 1071.
horse, wise, prudent,
48, 240.
hosp, insult, contu
mely, 170, 1442.
hoSma, a covering,
darkness, 44.
hra", body, 13.
hraedlice, soon, speed
ily, 262.
hraegel, dress, robe,
446,453,1353,1504.
hraSe, quickly, 1026.
hrdam, clamour, 593.
hreddan, to rescue,
273;
hrdmig, exttlting, 53.
hreoh, rough^ 857.
hrdosan, to fall, 809,
975, 1042, 1411,
1522.
203
hreoSan, to adorn,
291.
hr^owan, to repent,
rue, 1413.
hreow-cearig, afflicted
'with sad cares, 366.
hrdran, to stir, 677.
hrd]>-eadig, glorious,
noble, 943.
hreSer, ^mr/, 538, 640,
1158, 1161.
hrej>er-cofa, breast,
1327.
hreper-loca, /^ breast,
1054.
hrif, womb, 424.
bring, (?) rmg-, 536.
hrof, roof, 13, 59, 494,
527, 748.
hro}>or, solace, plea
sure, 413,622, 1195.
hruse, farM, 657, 88 1.
hrycg, back, ridge,
857.
huru, certainly, for
sooth, 21, 8 1, 336.
hwaes, sharp, keen,
1442.
hwearfian, /0 wander,
37i.
hweorfan, /0 depart,
go, 30, 475, 484, 956,
1043.
hwit, white, 446, 453,
544,896,1017,1109.
hunger, hunger, 1659.
bus, to.N?, 1134, 1138,
1480, 1602, 1626.
hu)>, j^<w7, 567.
hycgan, to consider,
1632 (?=forhycgan).
204
hyder-cyme, coming
hither, 586.
hyge, mind, heart,
499, 1356, 1504,
1510.
hyge-craeftig, power
ful in mind, pro
found, 240.
hyge-geomor, sad at
heart, 153,889,992.
hyge-rof, strong of
mind, 533.
hyge-sorg, heart's sor
row, 173.
hyge-^anc, heart's
thought, 1329.
hyht,/^, hope, 57, 98,
528, 584, 863.
hyhtan, to hope, 141,
339-
hyht-ful, hopeful, 118.
hyht-plega, joyous
play, sport, 736.
hyll, a hill, 716.
hynan, to oppress,
259-
hyngrian, to hunger,
1353.
hynS, (hyn]>o, hienfo,)
contempt, disgrace,
590, 1512.
hyran, /<? hear, obey,
72, 343, 359, 798,
1589.
hyrde, shepherd, 449,
704.
hyspan, to mock, scorn,
1119.
hypan, (hij?an,) /# /ay
waste, 972, 1042.
hySe, hythe, haven,
858, 863.
IDEL, /(rf/f, empty,
1296.
fecan, /<? increase,
610.
inca, cause of com
plaint, 177.
ingeponc, thought,
1012, 1314.
ingong, entrance, por
tal, 307.
in-hebban, /0 raw,
312.
inlice, inwardly, 431.
inlihtan, /<? illumine,
42, 107, 114.
innan, within, inside,
1003, 1328.
iowan, to show, 334.
fu, once, formerly, i.
LAC, ///, 291.
Idcan, /<? ^/y, ^<?r/,
398, 853, 1593.
Indian, (Iddigan,) /<?
clear from blame, to
clear onJs-self of a
charge, 182.
Isecedom, wr, r^-
w^o>, 1571.
laedan, to lead, bring,
^40, 573,794-
laefan, to leave, 158.
laemen, made of clay,
14.
laene, transitory, 841,
1557, 1584-
Iseran, to instruct,
814.
laestan, /t7 follow, to
do service, to do,
476, 1223, 1287,
laetan, leave behind,
allow, let go, 154,
157, 342, 1594.
lagu-flod, water, flood,
849-
1dm, day, 1380.
lange, long, 1360.
la>, a learning, teach
ing, lore, 43, 140,
1199.
Idreow, teacher, 457.
Idst, track, footprint,
495-
la"$, hostile, hateful to,
loathsome, 182, 193,
591,845, 1373,1601.
l]>lic, hateful, 1172,
1274.
loVende, evilly dis
posed, 1593.
latian, to delay, 372.
leahtor, crime, sin,
828, 1097, 1279,
1307, 13135 1477.
1537, I557-
lean, reward, ^^M 2,
782, 845, 1360, 1365,
1586.
leanian, to requite, 826.
Idas, void of, 1412,
1450, 1463, 1507,
1639.
Idas, false, 1118.
l^aslic, vain,frt 'volo u s,
1295.
leg, flame, 808, 956,
972, 982, 993, 1334,
I53i, 1537, 1593,
(v. lig.)
leg-bryne, burning
flame, 1000.
leger, sickness, 1660.
Mod, people, 1088,
1117, 1172, 1185,
1237,. 1423, 1571,
1601.
leod-sceapa, injurer
of the people, a pub
lic enemy, the devil,
272.
leof, dear, 457, 495,
500, 595, 814, 845,
1346, 1360, 1641,
1651.
leofian, tolive,^ 1,1634.
leof-lic, lovable, dear,
399-
\Qi-\\zz,lovingly , 1 094.
leof-tsel, dear, loving,
911.
leof- wen de, pleasing,
gracious, 470.
leoht, light, 26, 226.
leoht, bright, 1088.
leohtan, to give light,
233.
leohte, clearly, 1117,
, I2 37-
leoma, light, ray, 105,
203, 233, 695, 776,
899, 1004, 1619.
libban, lifgan, to live,
436,828,1155,1210,
1325, 1452, (cp. leo
fian).
lie, body, 776, 8 1 8,
1035, 1295, 1325.
licgan, to lie, 44, 733,
1136,1154,1423,1464.
lic-homa, body, 627,
754, 1030, 1067,
1097, 1185, 1208,
1279, 1313, 1452,
1469, 1483.
Hcian, to please, 1079,
1332.
Hc-sdr, pain of body,
1428.
Iff, life, 226, 333, 1050,
1094.
lif-daeg, day of life,
1223.
lif-frea, lord of life,
14, 26.
Hf-fruma, life's Crea
tor, Author of life,
503, 655, 1041.
Kf-wela, the wealth of
this world, 1346.
lif-wyn, life's joy, 805.
\{%, flame, 1249, 1619,
(".leg.)
lim, joint, limb, 14.
liojm-caege, ' limb-key,
333-
liss, favour, love,
7-^,372,433,1365,
1645.
list, artifice, 1317.
HS, joint, limb, 1030,
1067, 1380.
KSan, to go, sail, 850.
HSe, gentle, 604, 912,
1636.
Hxan, to shine, glitter,
230, 697.
loca, key, enclo stir e, 18,
320, 1619.
lof, praise, 410, 611,
776.
lofian, to praise, 503,
399, 1640.
lond, land, 1000.
long, long, 342.
losian, to perish, be
lost, 1556; to stray,
205
escape from, 1000,
1627.
lufe, love, 476, 1115,
% 1432.
lufsum, pleasant, 912.
lufu, love, 584, 1651,
(v. lufe.)
\\mgrt, forthwith, 166.
lust, desire, lust, 260,
1296 ; lustum, joy
fully, 1223.
lyft, heaven, air, 218,
490, 989, 1041.
lyge, a lie, 1305.
lygnian, /<? deny, 1118.
lysan, to release, re
deem, 1208.
lyt, #///*, 1399.
lytel, /////*, 961, 1321.
MA, w0r?, greater,
420, 987.
maeg, kinsman, off
spring, 164.
rnseg, maiden, 86.
maegden-had, maiden
hood, 1418.
msege, kinswoman, 95.
maegen, strength,
power, might, 144,
318, 602, 747, 831 ;
# military force,
legion, band, 955,
1017.
maegen-craeft, mighty
power, 1278.
masgen-cyning, mighty
king, 915, 941.
maegen-earfepe, ^raz/
hardship, labour,
962, 1409.
206
maagen-folc, mighty
People, 875.
maegen-prym, great
glory, mighty
strength, 295, 351,
556, 1007.
maegen - wundor, a
mighty wonder,
925.
maeg(S,(maege(5,) maid,
virgin, 35, 175,444,
720.
msegS, tribe, nation,
143, 233.
maegS-hcid, maiden
hood, 84, 288.
maeg-wlite, appearance,
form, 1382, 1431.
maenan, to complain,
89.
maenan, /<? /<?// ^
mean, 1376.
maenigo, multitude,
155, (v. mengu.)
maere, great, famous,
glorious, 3, 93, 137,
164, 209, 274, 440,
455, 588, 970, 1006.
maecSlan, to speak,
1336, 1362.
maga, son, 1418.
magan, to be able, 1 26,
172, 182, 220, 241.
magu-ge'ogucS, youth,
1427.
magu-tudor, offspring,
628.
mn, crime, guilt, evil,
35, 1431, I599-
mdn-cwealm, dire tor
ment, 1415.
matn-fremmende, do
ing evil, 1435.
mdn-forwyrht, sin,
crime, 1093.
manig, monig, many,
1141, 1161, 1169,
II73-
manian, to admonish,
to claim what is due,
1477-
manig-feald, manifold,
66 1 ; monig-feald,
602.
ma"n-scea(5a, evil-doer,
1558.
mn-swara, a per
jurer, 192 ; mn-
swora, 1610.
mdn - weorc, crime,
1209.
mdn-womm, guilty
stain, 1278.
meaht, ?night, 217,
283, 295, 329, 477,
487, 566, 715, 821,
1076, 1144, 1 1 88.
meaht, mighty, 867.
meahtig, mighty, 1526,
(v. mihtig.)
mengu, multitude,
508, (v. maenigo.)
mennisc, human,
720.
meotud, fate, destiny,
the Creator, God,
93, 125, 142, 196,
209, 288.
meotud-sceaft, decree
of fate, doom, 886.
meowle, virgin, 445.
mete-leas, foodless,
1505.
155, 35 r >
750, 846.
middan-geard, middle
earth, 248, 274, 556,
697, 786, 825, 880,
970, 1045.
mihtig, mighty, 474,
1169, (v. meahtig.)
milde, merciful, gentle,
821,1199,1209,1350.
milde, mercifully, 248.
milts, mercy, 243, 298,
1253, 1364, 1369.
mirce, dark, 1278.
mislic, various, 643.
mdd, mind, manner, 27,
279,292,915,988.
mdd-blind, undiscern-
ing, 1 1 86.
mod-craeft, mental
power, 440.
m6dig, bold, 745.
mdd-lufe, soul's love,
1260.
m6dor, mother, 92,
424, 1418.
molde, earth, 420, 887.
mon, w#, 440.
m6na, moon, 605, 697,
936.
monig, (v. manig.)
monn-cynn, mankind,
243,416,1025,1039,
1093, 1095, 1415.
mon-wise, human
fashion, way, 76.
mor)>or, crime, 192.
morftor-hus, house of
torment, 1623.
morpor-lean, reward
of crime, 1610.
1505.
motan, /<? fo allowed,
245, 345, 39i, 589-
mund, (?) /r<?/>&, 92.
mund-bora, protector,
guardian-angel, 27.
mund-heals, (?) safety,
445-
munt, mountain, 715,
745-
mur, fl wall, 1141.
murnan, to mourn, 499.
mu<$, mouth, 664,
1435-
myntan, /<? intend,io$6.
myrran, /b stumble,
err, to be troubled,
1142.
NACOD, naked, 1353,
1504.
nsegel, *a*V, 1 108.
naenig, none, 1309.
ndles, ^?/ at all, 961,
1169, 1193, 1274,
1535-
ndt-hwylc, * nescio-
quis] 1 88.
ndwper, neither, 188.
neah, near, 389.
nearo-pearf, pressing
need, 68.
nemnan, /# name, 130,
^635-
neod, desire, earnest-
ness,244; niod, 260;
ndode, earnestly,
'neode and nyde, 3
4 ^/ our own desire
and by compulsion]
1070 (v. nyd).
neorxna-wong, Para
dise, 1389, 1404.
ndosan, to visit, 320,
740.
neotan, to enjoy, 1342,
1389, 1460.
nergend, Saviour, 156,
260, 323, 360, 397,
425.
nerian, to save, 1187,
1449.
nied-fiow, slave, thrall,
360.
niht, night, 541, 591,
868, 871.
niman, to take, 62,
259> 963, 98i, iooi,
1611.
ni5, ^2/x, 1658.
nfS-cwalu, grievous
destruction, 1256.
ni]>er, down, 958, 1617,
1465.
niS-hycgende, having
malice in heart, ma
licious one, 1 1 08.
noma, name, 47, 130,
1350, 1505.
nort5, northwards,
883.
nyd, necessity, 1070,
1404 (v. neod).
nyd-gewald, tyranny,
1449-
nym]>e, unless, 323.
able, 853.
oferpearf, extreme
need, 152.
ofgiefan, /
/^aw, 728.
ofhreosan,
down, 932.
207
ofost - licor, more
quickly, 271.
ofslean, to slay, 1478.
ofteon, to withhold,
1503, 1508.
6ht, aught, 237 (v.
awiht, owiht).
onbaernan, to kindle,
1041.
onbeht, servant, 369.
onbeodan, to proclaim,
1 1 68.
oncnawan, /<? under
stand, know, 641,
860, 1117, 1186.
ondrsedan, /<? ymr,
778, 789, 921, 1016.
onettan, to hasten,
be diligent, 1577.
onfindan, to detect,
perceive, 177, 1177.
onfon, to receive, take,
74, 98, 181, 417,
627, 1067, 1130.
ongietan, to see, per
ceive, 1105, 1148,
1158.
onginnan, to begin,
1361, 1375, MIS-
onhaele, hidden, (?
entire?) 894.
onhreran, to stir,
824.
onhweorfan, to turn
away, 617.
onliican, to unlock,
313, 324.
onlyhtan, to enlighten,
illuminate, 203.
onlysan, to loosen,
67.
onmedla, pride, 813.
208
onscinan, to shine
upon, 1239.
onsendan, to send,
113,759,763.
onseon, to look upon,
1243.
onsien, lack, 479.
onstarian, to gaze
upon, 520, 569.
onsyn, presence, 395,
795, 835, 904, 922,
1018 ; onsien, 1649.
ontynan, to open, re
veal, 1 8, 26, 252,
575-
onwald, power, 158.
onwalg, uncorrupted,
1419.
onwlitan, to look upon,
326.
onwreon, uncover, re
veal, 94, 138, 194,
315,383,462.
open, evident, open,
1044, 1106, 1115,
1569, 1603.
ord, chief, point, 740,
767, 844.
ord-fruma, source, ori
gin, 226,401, 1197.
orgete, manifest, 1115,
1456; orgeate, 1214,
1236.
orlege, war, strife,
559-
ormsete, immense, 308.
6S-clifan, to cleave to,
1265.
65ywan,(eawan,eowan,
to show, appear, 447,
t 453, 837, 893, 1603.
ower, anywhere, 198.
owihte, at all, 247.
PLEGA, play, sport,
revel, 742.
RACU, account, 1395,
1458.
raecan, to reach forth,
stretch, 1619.
rsed, advice, counsel,
429, 1524.
rseran, /0 roz'.rtf, 688.
rses, <z rush, 726.
raest, m 1 /, repose, 1654.
rasettan, /0 rag^, 807.
raSe, quickly, 1524.
read, raj?, 808, uoo,
1174.
recan, to care, reck,
1439.
reccan, interpret, 670.
reccend, ruler, 17.
recen, -rze/*/?, 808.
ren, rain, 608.
reord, speech, prayer,
46, 509, 1338.
reord-berend, en
dowed with speech,
277, 380, 1023, 1367.
reordian, to speak,
195.
reotan, to weep, 834,
1228.
reSe, fierce, 797, 808,
824, 1526.
rice, power, dominion,
empire, kingdom,
267, 352, 474, 1064,
) 1343, 1526.
rice, mighty, 1467.
ricene, forthwith,
1446.
riht, account, reckon
ing, 1373-
riht, righteous, true,
17 (v. ryht).
rim, number, 466, 1585.
rinc, a man, 1113.
rind, rind, 1 1 74.
rinnan, to run, 1113.
ripan, to reap, 85.
r<5d, rood, cross, 726,
1083, i ioo, 1113,
1446, 1486, 1488.
rodor, sky, heavens,
59, 73, 133, 221,
352, 407.
r6dor-cyning, heaven
ly king, 726.
rume, far and wide,
clearly, 59, 133.
ryht, right, just, 1367,
ered, erect, 1064,
(v. riht).
ryht, justice, 699, 1219,
(v. riht).
ryhte, rightly, 1 30, 670.
ryhtend, ruler, 797.
ryht - fremmend, a
righteous worker,
1654.
ryht-geryne, mystery,
195, 246.
ryhtwis, righteous, 824.
ryne, a course, 46, 670.
SACERD, priest, 136.
sae,^a, 676,851,965,
1143, 1162.
saed, ,rm/, 419.
sse-fisc, sea fish, 985.
sael, happiness, bliss,
I375-
sselan, /0 &W, 86 1.
samodjSomod, together,
1119, 1234, 1324.
saep, j/, 1175.
sir, /fl/#, sorrow,
1265, 1354, 1440,
1459, 1515, 1630,
1653-
sar, grievous, sore,
208, 1417.
sdre, sorely, 1570.
sdr-cwide, # &'#<?r
speech, 169.
sarig, sorrowful, 1 509.
sarig-ferft, .ra^ z#
tor/, 1 08 1.
satan, satan, 1520.
sdwan, /0 ^o/, 85,
486, 662.
sdwel, sawl, saul, soul,
570, 618, 818, 1035.
1059.
scacan, to shake, 803.
sceadan, to separate,
(?) 978, to decide,
1231.
sceadu, shadow, 1087,
1583-
scearp, sharp, 1140.
sceat, corner, region,
71, 877, 1003,
1532.
scea]>a, spoiler, in-
jurer, 774, 869,
1130, 1394.
sceawian, to see, be-
hold, 304, 913, 1135,
1205, 1275.
scendan, to injure,
scathe, 1547.
sc^otend, shooter, 674.
sce)>J>an, /0 injure,
683, 760, 1394, 1465.
scieldan, to shield,
780.
sciene, beautiful,
1385 ; scyne, 1468.
scieppan, to shape,
896, 1 1 68.
scild-hreada, shield-
defence, 674.
sci ma, nzy, light,
696.
scinan, scynan, /<?
shine, 606, 900,
1008, 1290.
scfr, bright, 869, 1281.
scir-cyning, bright
king, 1151.
scire, brightly, 1087.
sheer, 1140.
scirian, /<? appoint,
assign, 1225.
scolu, j^z/, 927,1250,
1521, 1533, 1606.
scomu, shame, 1272.
scond, scand,dfgr?,
1272, 1281, 1297,
1478, 1485.
scrifan, to judge, 1218.
scrift, confessor, 1304.
scriSan, &? stride,
wander, 808, 1583.
sculan, j^a://, #/#.$/,
30, 69, 165, 171,
190, 203, 211, 232,
270, 297, 380, 580,
6 10, 620, 625, 745,
755, 765, 800,
828.
scyld, guilt, sin, 96.
scyldig, guilty, 1151,
1272, 1606.
scyld-wreccende, sin-
avenging, 1159.
209
scyld-wyrcende, per
petrating guilty
1486.
scyppend, Creator, 47,
265,416, 900, 1130,
1159, 1218, 1225,
1394, 1616.
sealt, salty 676.
searo-poncol, cunning
of thought, wise,
219.
searo-crseft, skill,
handiwork, 8.
searolice, cunningly,
671.
seaS,/*/, 1543.
seax, sword, 1139.
sdcan, to seek, 440,
648, 751, 1358,
1509.
secg, a man, 219.
secgan, to tell, say, 32,
63, 72, 127, 136,
189, 196, 202, 208,
450, 1192, 1303.
sefa, heart, 441, 486,
498, 662, 906, 1206,
1350, 1358.
segel, veil, 1137.
segn, standard, 1060.
$&i,good, 280, 519.
sele-gescot, tabernacle,
1479-
sellan, to give, 289,
374, 659, 688, 1379,
1397, 1588.
semninga, suddenly,
490, 872, 898.
sendan, to send, 104,
128, 293, 663, 674,
1150.
seoc, sick, 1354.
210
sdon, to see, 58, 494,
1284, 1299, 1415,
1610.
seoSan, to seethe, 993.
settan, to appoint, set
down, place, 235,
662.
sib, peace, 49, 486,
580, 618, 688, 1337.
sib-lufa, kindly love,
634.
sibsum, peaceful,
213.
sid, wide, 4, 58, 238,
784.
side, side, mo, 1447.
sigan, to descend, 549.
sige, victory, 19.
sige-bearn, son of vic
tory,^ 519.
sige-dema, victorious
judge, 1059.
sige-dryhten, Lord of
triumph, 127.
sige-mece, victor-
sword, 1529.
sige-]>reat, rush of
triumph, 842.
sige-hremig, vic
torious, 530.
sigor, sygor, victory,
87, 242, 293, 419,
580, 1227, 1515.
sigor-beorht, beauty,
sovran splendour,
9-
sigor-lean, reward of
victory, 1588.
simle, always, 52,
322, 392, 403, 601,
(cp. symle).
sine, gold, 308.
sinc-giefa, giver of
treasure, 459.
singales, continually,
322, 392.
singan, to sing, 282,
467, 618, 666,
883.
sin-neaht, perpetual
night, n 6, 1541,
1630.
sittan, to sit, 25, 116,
1215.
si5, journey, course,
145 ; vicissitude,
1417; occasion, 317.
s5, later, 892; late,
1566.
siSian, to journey,
328.
si]>)>an, henceforth,
374-
slsep, J/A?/, 872, 888,
1660.
sldan, to strike, 1122,
1440-
slitan, to slit, 1139.
sneome, quickly, 888.
snud, sudden, 840.
snude, quickly, 296.
snyttru, wisdom,, 441,
661, 666, 683.
snyttru-craeft, 666.
softe, softly, patiently,
145-
somod-faest, /#.?/ /0-
*/^r, 1579-
sdna, soon, anon, 9,
232.
song, song, 501, 1648.
sorg, sorrow, 169,
1080, 1207, 1283,
1570.
sorg-cearu, sorrow,
care, 208.
sorgian, to sorrow,
25, 1015, 1265.
sorg-leas, sorrowless,
careless, 345, 871.
soS, true, 213, 403,
450, 511,793.
s<5S, truth, 32, 189,
699, 705, 1152,
1305-
s65-cyning, true king,
1227.
so<5e, truly, 212.
soS-faeder, the true
Father, 102.
9, 52, 105, 695.
s6(5-lice, truly, indeed,
136, 202.
spa"tl, spittle, 1120,
I434-
sped, success, 295,
603, 672, 1382,
1400.
spel-boda, messenger,
335-
speowian, to spit,
1 1 20.
spere, a spear, 1447.
sp6wan, to succeed,
563.
spraec, speech, 182.
sprecan, /0 speak, 21,
23, 32, 170, 178,
189, 797, 1 1 20,
1376.
staedfaest, steadfast,
979-
staelan, /<? charge, im
pute to, 1372.
stselg, j/^, 678.
stsene, stony, 640.
sta"n, stone, 191, 1141,
1423.
standan, to stand, 251,
321, 1083, 1559.
starian, to gaze, 340.
staSelian, to comfort,
sustain, 863, 1356.
staSol, station, 660,
979-
stapol-faest, firm
foundation, 489.
stede, place, 1146.
stefn, w*V?, 359, 388,
947, 991, 1060.
steorra, star, 938,
1146.
stigan, to ascend, 497.
stirgan, to touch,
668.
stiS, j/?w*-, 979.
storm, storm, 939,
989.
stow, place, 489.
strsel, arrow, 764,
778.
stream, stream, 852.
stredan, to fall, 938.
strengre, stronger,
harder, 191.
strengSu, strength,
489.
strong, powerful, 989.
strynan, /# %zz>*, 1 573.
stund, period, time,
1409.
stycce, ^/m, 1137.
styled, steeled, 678.
styll, /M/, 718, 722,
727.
styllan, /^? spring, 746.
sund, ocean, 985.
, 1650.
, , 90, 125
sund-buend, ocean-
dweller, 72, 220.
sund-hengest, ^<?r^ <?/"
the deep, 851, 861.
sundur-gifu, special
grace, 79.
sund-wudu, ocean-
wood, ship, 676.
sunne,
sunu,
142, 196,204,209.
siisl, torment, 148,
1602.
su]>an, southwards,
883.
Swd, J^7, dtf, 849.
swses, beloved, win
some, 6 1 6, 1146,
1347, 1479.
swaeslic, kind, 1 509.
swaeslice,/0z/m-/y, 1 337.
swpan, /<? sweep, 1 529.
swatr, heavy, grievous,
953, 1410, 1660.
swatt, ^<7^/, 1086,
1 1 10, 1175, 1447.
swatig, bloody, 1457.
sweart, swarthy, dark,
268, 871, 896, 965,
993, 1103.
sweg, a sound, 490.
sweg-dynn, a loud
sound, 953.
swegel, sky, heaven,
109, 202, 280, 392,
501, 512, 542, 549,
605,688, 1101,1658.
s wegl-dream, heavenly
joy, 1347.
swelan, to burn, 985.
swelgan, to swallow,
559, 1602.
211
sweltan, to die, 190,
986.
swencan, to strike, 361 .
sweord, sword, 678.
sweotule, clearly, 242,
511.
sw&e, sweet, 906.
swician, to wander,
1298.
swigan, to be silent,
189.
swima, giddiness,
1298.
swingan, to scourge,
1621.
swinsian, to sound,
883.
swip, a scourge, 1440.
swfS, strong, 715 ; seo
swioYe bond, /^
right hand, 1529.
swiSe, exceedingly,
219, 309, 1077.
swfSlfc, excessive,
953-
swogan, A? r0<ar, 948.
swylce, so too, 281.
swylt, death, 1538.
symbel, r^z/<?/, 549.
symle, ever, always,
375, 43i.
syn, sin, 116, 289,
993, 1059, 1248,
1263, 1306, 1312,
syn-byr5en, burden of
sin, 1298.
syn- fa" h, sin-stained,
1081.
synful, sinful, 1227,
synh'ce, sinfully, 1478.
syn-lust, love of sin,
268.
syn-rust, sifts rust,
synig, (synnig,)
918, 1131, 1280.
212
syn-sceaSa, sinful
one, 705.
syn-wracu, vengeance
for sin, 1538.
syn-wund, wound of
sin, 756.
syn-wyrcend, worker
of sin, 1103.
TACEN, , 53, 461,
641, 1213, 1234.
talian, to allege, 793.
teag, a bond, 732.
teala, well, 791.
tealtrian, to stumble,
370.
tar, a tear, 151, 171,
H73, 1565-
tempel, temple, 185,
205, 1137.
teona, discomfort,
1089, 1213.
teon-l^g, avenging
flame, 967.
tid, ///<?, 234, 405,
1079, 1147, 1332,
1557.
tilgan, tiligan, to strive
for, 747, 1317.
tir, glory, grace, 28,
269, 461, 1210.
tir-fruma, author of
glory, 205.
tfr-meahtig, glorious
ly powerful, 1164.
tobrecan, to break to
pieces, 976.
toglidan, to vanish,
1162,
tolesan, to loosen,
1041.
tome, free from, de
void, 1 2 10.
torht, bright, beauti
ful, 106, 185, 205,
234, 54L
torn, grief, 537.
torn-word, grievous
word, 171.
to-somne, together
1436.
to-stencan, to disperse,
, 2 ? 5 '
towipere, against, 184.
towrecan, to disperse,
257.
tredan, to tread, 1164.
tr6w, faith, 81,
583.
treow-lufu, true-love,
537-
trum, strong, 882,
932.
truwian, /0 /rj/, 836.
trymian, &? encourage,
1358.
tuddor, progeny, 687,
1415.
tungol, jtar, 106,
234, 606, 670, 698.
tungol-gim, a star-
gem, 1149.
tydre, tender, frail,
28.
tyht, course, 810.
JJ.EC, m?/", 1502.
pearf, need, 10, 21,
111,254,372.
]>earfa, a poor man,
1421.
pearfende, needy, 1283.
peaw, custom, habit,
1582.
J>egn, thane, 282, 456.
pegnung, service, 353.
J>egn-weorud, host of
thanes, 750.
p eod, people, nation,
126, 223, 376, 846,
IO22, lOQO, 1132.
peod-bealu, terrible
bale, 1266.
peod-buende, dwellers
among the nations,
people, 615, 1171,
^1370.
peod-egesa, men's dis
may, 832.
peoden, prince, 331,
353, 456, 540.
peoden-stol, princes
throne, 396.
pod-land,rgY0, 305.
peod-sceaSa, injurer
of the people, 1594,
1608.
peod-wundor, marvel
exceeding great, 1153.
peof, //fczV/; 870, 1608.
peostor (peostru, py-
stor), darkness, 115,
226, 870, 1246.
peostre, dfor, 1408.
piece, thick, 1174.
ping, doom, 925.
thing, 7.^, 1330.
ping-stede, meeting-
place, 496.
polian, /# suffer, 1384,
1408, 1450.
pone, thanks, 1 26, 208,
598, 600, 611.
poncian, /<?//&##/, 1 25 4.
porn, # thorn, 1444.
pracu, r#j/#, 592.
pra, /*rp, 945,
1062, 1090, 1132,
1363-
prean, to afflict, 1319,
1594.
preat, ^^, troop,
491, 516, 569, 737,
926.
prist, ^/aT, 341, 592.
priste, boldly, harshly,
1508.
]>rist-hycgende, stout
hearted, 287.
prist-lice, boldly, 870.
proht, anguish, 1226.
prosm, "vapour, smoke,
115.
prowian, /<? suffer,
1116, 1153, 1248,
1432.
growing, suffering,
469, 1128, 1178.
prym, prim, might,
glory, 70, 82, 203,
387, 422, 592, 725.
prym-faest, majestic,
456, 942.
prym-full, glorious,
540.
prymlice, gloriously,
287.
prunes, (pr>?nyss } )
Trinity, 378, 598.
pryS, strength, 968.
pryS-gesteald, ^<?/^ ^/"
, palace, 353.
purfan, 6? ^^/, 80.
purh-drifan, to pierce
through, 1108.
purh-seon, to see
through,pierce, 1326.
purh-wadan, to pene
trate, 1140, 1281.
purh-wlitan, to look
through, 1282, 1330.
purst,/^/rj/, 1508, 1659.
pwan, to wash, 1319.
pyncan, to seem, ap
pear, 1400, 1423,
1487, 1597-
pyrnen, thorny, 1125.
pyslic, such, 516.
UFAN-CUND, celestial,
502.^
unapreotend, //w-
wearying, 387.
unb^ted, unamended,
1310.
unbraece, adamantine,
5-
unclsene, unclean,
1015, 1308, 1314.
uncut?, unknown, un
couth, evil, 1416.
uncyst, wVs, 1328.
undyrne, ^:r, 1539.
unefen, uneven, 1458.
ungearu, unready, ^873.
ungelice, unlike, 897,
908, 1261, 1361.
un-hn^aw, unsparing,
685.
un-holda, monster, 761.
unmaele, immaculate,
332, 720.
unmsete, immeasur
able, 952.
213
unmurnlice, unpity-
ingly,%\\.
unrfm, countless, 568.
unrot, sad, 1181, 1406.
unryht, wrong, injus
tice, 559, 1289,
1301.
unsselig, unhappy, un-
propitious, 1286.
ungesselig,
1214.
unscomiende, un
ashamed, 1323.
unsofte, severely, 1355.
unsw&e, unsiveet,
1437-
unsyfre, unclean, 1230,
1482.
untweo, indubitable,
959-
unwemme, undefiled,
299, 417.
unwillum, unwill
ingly, 1489.
unwyrSe, unworthy,
1561.
up-astandan, to arise,
887.
up-pund, high, 267.
up-heofon, heaven
above, 966.
up-rodor, firmament,
1129.
up, upwards, 463, 535,
543, 629, 753.
uppe, above, 386.
up-stfge, ascension,
614, 654.
lire, 0r, 493.
utan, outside, 1003.
wAc, weak, faint, 854.
214
wdce, weakly, feebly,
798, 836.
wsed, weeds, dress,
1421.
wseg, wave, 979.
wseg-deor, ocean-mon
ster, 986.
waelm, surge, 830, 964,
1005.
wselm-fyr, surging fire,
930.
wsepen, weapon, 564.
wser, compact, 582.
wserfasst, trusty, 383.
waergSu, curse, damn
ation, 56,97, 1270.
wserleas, perfidious,
1612.
wserlice, warily, 766.
waer-loga, traitor,
1560.
wseta, moisture, 1506.
waeter, water, 850,
980, 987.
wafian, /^? wave, vacil
late, be agitated, 88.
waldend, M<? Ruler, 45,
162, 239, 257, 327.
wanian, /0 wane, les
sen, 991.
wea, w, 1262, 1383.
weadla, ^d?r w#,
1494.
wealdan, A? r/^, 1009,
1 1 60, 1387.
weall, /a//, 4, 10.
weallan, /<? surge,
rage, 538, 983, 1249.
weall-dor, wall-door,
327.
weall-stan, wallstone,
I.
weard, guardian, 133,
221, 242, 526, 766,
944.
weardian, /d? guard,
395, 495-
wearning, warning,
920.
weax, /fl.r, 987.
weccan, to awake, call
forth, 608, 885, 950.
weder, weather, 604.
weg, wajK, 680.
wegan, /0 bear, carry,
1576,
wel, a/*//, 1078, 1234,
1259, I575-
wela, wealth, power,
604, 1383, 1386.
welig, rich, wealthy,
1494.
wnan, to hope, ween,
think, 80, 211, 309,
788.
wendan, to turn, 649.
weolme, choice, (subs.}
444.
weorc, work, 2, 8, 10,
20, 66.
weorod, weorud, wered,
troop, men, host,
160, 227, 481, 1009,
1068.
weorS, worth, price,
1096, 1476.
weorSan, to become,
to be, 27, 37, 42, 54,
83* 199, 231, 443,
490.
weorSian, to honour,
159, 393, 432, 686,
690.
weorS-lic, worthy, 82.
weorS-mynd, honour,
glory, 377.
weorSung, honour,
wepan, to weep, 991,
1288.
wer, a man, husband,
36, 415, 418, 508,
633, 1046.
werig, weary, hapless,
wretched, 955, 986,
1563-
wesan, to be, 212, 215,
235, 238, 279, 303,
459-
wet)e, sweet, 914.
wic,camp, 1533.
wid, wide, 257, 809,
93> 95 6 > 9 6 4, 1042-
- wide ferh, for
ever, 162.
- to widanfeore,229.
wide, widely, 184, 257.
wid-gielle, extensive,
680.
wid-lond, wide earth,
spacious land, 604,
1383-
wid - maere, far
famous, 974.
wid-weg, wide way,
481.
wif, woman, 39, 70.
wig, war, 672.
wiga, warrior, 983.
wigend, warrior, 408.
wiht, creature, thing,
418,980,1047,1052,
I555-
wil-cuma, a welcome
person, 553.
wil-daeg, day of joy,
458.
wil-giefa, giver of
good, 536.
willa, will, desire,
pleasure, 376, 1260,
1262.
willan, to wish, desire,
48, 143, 273, 516,
522.
wilnian, to desire,
772.
wil-si5, propitious
course, career, 20,
25.
windan, to wind, 980.
windig, windy, 854.
winnan, A? ./gvfc/, war,
1525,
winster,&zd!, left-hand,
1226; wynster, 1362.
wisdom, wisdom, 1 550.
wis, 7//^, 920.
wise, manner, 228.
wis-faest, wry a/Hi,
63.
wit, spirit, soul, 263.
witan, /0 know, 383,
441, 1303, 1384,
1472.
wite, punishment, tor
ment, 594, 624, 803,
1091.
witedom, prophecy,
211.
wite-hus, house of tor
ment, 1534.
wite-)>e*o, a tortured
thrall, 150.
witga, a prophet, 63,
690, 1191.
witig, wise, 225.
wifter-broga, adver
sary, 563.
wi5-weorpan, /<? <r<ay/
away, reject, 2.
wldtian, /<? behold,
gaze at, 326.
wlitan, to see, look,
1103.
wlite, grace, beauty,
^O', 847, 905,913,
1036, 1057, 1663.
wliteleas, ugly, sight
less, 1563.
wlite-scyne, beauteous,
492, 553-
wlitig, beautiful,
bright, 20, 377, 910,
1463.
woken, cloud, 225,
587.
worn, blemish, sin,
53, 178, 187, 1005,
1096, 1310, 1320,
1450.
womful, malignant,
1533-
worn - sceapa, sin-
stained foe, 1224,
1568.
wom-wyrcende, work
ing wickedness,
1091.
won, lack, 269.
won, livid, 964, 1563,
1422.
wong, plain, 679,
809.
wong - stede, plain,
801.
wonhdl, infirm, 1506.
wonhydig, thoughtless,
1555-
215
wonian, to lay waste,
950.
wop, weeping^ 150,
536, 997-
word, wor^ 178, 341,
428, 458, 468, 473,
508, 1036.
word - cwide, speech,
672.
word-geryne, mystic
word, 462.
word-la<5u, eloquence,
663.
worn, great number,
168, 956.
woruld, world, 597,
649, 777, 798; to
worulde, evermore,
loo.
woruld-cund, worldly,
earthly, 211, 284.
woruld-mann, worldly
man, 1014.
woruld-rice, world's
kingdom, 1499.
woruld-J>earfende, the
needy of the world,
1349-
woruld- widl, world* s
pollution, 1005.
vvoruld-wlte, martyr
dom, 1476.
wo<5-song, prophetic
song, 45.
wracu, persecution,
exile, misery, 592,
621, 1513, 1600,
1605.
wrsec-maecg, erile, 362.
wrsec-lic, strange,
wondrous, 415.
wraet-lic, wondrous,
508.
wrci(S, hostile, angry,
15, 594, 803, 1311,
1533, 1546.
wrdSlic, grievous, se
vere, 830.
wrecca, wretch, 263.
writan, /<? write, 672.
wrixl, change, 415.
wroht-bora, /^ #r#-
j^r, M dfez/*7, 762.
wuldor, glory, 7, 29,
53, 56, 70, 82, 109.
wuldor-cyning, King
of Glory, 160, 1021.
wuldor-ldan, glorious
reward, 1078.
wuldorlic, glorious,
1009.
wuldor - weorod, host
of glory, 284.
wuldrian, /<? giorify,
400.
wulf, w^//J 255.
wund, a wound, 762,
769, 1 1 06, 1206.
wundor, a marvel, 907,
987, 1014, 1184-
wundor - clom, won
drous bond, 309.
wundorlic, wondrous,
904.
wundrian, to wonder,
7-
wundrung, marvel, 88.
wunian, to dwell, 82,
102, 162, 346, 404.
wynlice, pleasantly,
comely, 1344, 1386.
wynn, joy, 70, 436,
739, 1243, 1295,
1480.
wynsum, pleasant,
winsome, 1251.
wynsumlic, winsome,
910.
wyrcan, to work, 707,
1052.
wyrd, event, 80.
wyrhta, worker, \.
wyrm, a worm, ser-
pent, 624, 1 249, 1546.
wyrp, overthrow,
thrust, change, 66,
564.
vfyi^Q,worthy, honour
ed, 29, 599.
YFEL, evil, bad, 917.
yfel, an ill, 873, 1252,
yld, age, 1652.
yrmen, whole, 480.
yrmSu, misery, 369,
613,620, 1267, 1291.
yrra, angry, 1527.
yrringa, angrily, 1145,
ytemest, uttermost, 879.
yS, tt/aw, 853, 1 1 66,
y9-meare, sea-horse,
862.
ywan, to disclose, pre
sent, 1374-
FINIS
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