university]
California*
CYNEWULFS CHRIST
i. i i
an dgl)t& Centurv Cngligty €ptc
EDITED, WITH A MODERN RENDERING, BY
ISRAEL GOLLANCZ, M.A..
of Christ's College, Cambridge.
UfclVER!
London
Published by DAVID NUTT
in the Strand
i 892
o
*£ W
., to c
THE REV. PROF. W. W. SKEAT
Magistro Discipulus
FRONTISPIECE.
PREFACE
TEXT
TRANSLATION .
APPENDIX .
NOTES
EXCURSUS .
GLOSSARY .
DEDICATION
2 140
3— 141
145— 153
157— 170
173—184
187—216
PREFACE
iRecD aceal mon gecgan,
Eune toritan,
Lecfo gesingan,
lofes gearntan,
SDom arcccan,
IDeeges oncttan.'
' // 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 '
§ I-
N the year 107 1 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 : —
' i. mgeel ffinolisc boc be Gebtoilcum pincum on leofctofean cetoorbt ' ;
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.'
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 ! ' 1
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.
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 'nealh heaven is turned by fate's decree.' «
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 Tht Wanderer, ' Exeter Book.'
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-
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
1 Thorpe's Codex Exonicnsis 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
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. .rEthelwold.'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 Wanlcy's descrip-
tion of the MS. (v. page 280), where ' Passus' I., II., III., are styled ' Liber'
I., II., III., though the connection of the ' I ibri ' was not noted. In 1857
Grein's Bibtiothck 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 1S57 appeared
the same scholar's ' Dichlungcn 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 Knglish literature.
1 Cf. note 1. i. The initials at the commencement of Passus I., II., HI., are
taken from the Anglo-Saxon Codex Psalterii Vossimiis (liodleian Library),
as reproduced in Professor Westwood's Facsimiles of Anglo-Saxon and Celtic
Miniatw es.
4 Reproduced in reduced facsimile by Mr. Griggs, with kind permission,
from the last-named book, (v. page 132.)
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-
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, J am a Sothertu 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
the poet ;' 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 sut temporis facile primus, tantee eloquentia;
majestatis ft crubitionis homo fuit, ut nunquam satis abmirari
possim untie illt in tarn barbara ac xuDi state facunbia accrebmt,
usque abco omnibus numcris trrsa, elegans, et rotunba, bcrsus
ebibit cum antiquitate be palma contenbentes.' 2
' C(. Ten Brink, Early English Literature, pp. 51-59, and Appendix.
J Quoted by Samuel Daniel in his Defence of Rymc, 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.
CYNEWULFS CHRIST
primus $a$0ii# tie $atiiritate.
i.
eart se weall-stan pe 'Sa wyrhtan iu
Wi'5-wurpon to weorce- Wei pe
geriseS
fcaet pu heafod sie healle maErre
And gesomnige side weallas
Fasste gefoge flint unbraxne
past geond eor^-bfyrijg eall eagna gesihpe
Wundrien to worlde wuldres ealdor-
Gesweotula nu purh searo-crasft pin sylfes weorc
SoS-faest sigor-beorht and sona forlast
Weall wiS wealle- Nu is pam weorce pearf ]
past se craeftga cume and se cyning sylfa
And ponne gebete nu gebrosnad is
Hus under hrofe- He past hra gescop
Leomo laemena nu sceal lif-frea
pone wergan heap wrapum ahreddan
Earme from egsan swa he oft dyde-
Eala pu reccend and pu riht cyning
Se pe locan healdeS lif ontyneS
Eadga us siges oprum forwyrned
Wlitigan wil-sipes gif his weorc ne deag- :
2
part tfim. Clje fitatibity.
i.
• 'I ' HOU art the wall-stone that the workers once
rejected from the work.: It well beseemeth thee,
that thou shouldst be tJie head of this great hall,
and shouldst unite, with fastening secure,
the spacious walls of adamantine rock,
that throughout earth all things with sight endowed
may wonder evermore, O Prince of glory !
Show now thy skill ! reveal thy handiwork
firm-set in sovran splendour ! yea, leave anon
the opposing walls erect ! The work lutth need now
that the Craftsman and the King Himself should come,
and should restore the house, which lieth waste
beneath the roof. He formed the body erst,
and the limbs of clay ; now shall He, Lord of life, •
deliver from their foes this abjet throng,
these wretclied ones from terror, as He oft did.
" O tliou Ruler, and thou righteous King ! '
Tliou Keeper of the keys that open life ! '
bless us with victory, with a bright career,
denied unto another, if his work be wortldess ! '
3
Huru we for pearfe pas word spreca1?
[Nu gemasrsi] gia$ pone pe mon gescop
past he ne hete . . . ceose sprecan
Cearfulra ping pe we in carcerne
Sitta'S sorgende sunnan wil-srS-
Hwonne us lif-frea leoht ontyne
WeorSe ussum mode to mund-boran
And past tydre gewitt tire bewinde-
Gedo usic pass wyrSe pe he to wuldre forlet
Jpa we hean-lice hweorfan sceoldan 30
To pis enge lond eSle bescyrede-
Forpon secgan masg se 'Se soft spriccS
l?ast he ahredde pa for-hwyrfed wass
Frum-cyn fira- Wass seo fasmne geong
MasgS manes leas pe he him to meder geceas-
Jpaet wass geworden butan weres frigum
JPast purh bearnes gebyrd bryd eacen wearS-
Nasnig efenlic pam asr ne sippan
In worlde gewearS wifes gearnung-
t?ast degol wass dryhtnes geryne- 40
Eal giofu gasst-lic grund-sceat geond-spreot
J?asr wisna fela wearS inlihted
Lare long-sume purh lifes fruman
I?e asr under hoSman biholen lasgon
Witgena wtfS-song pa se waldend cwom
4
Forsooth in very need zue 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.
Wlien the Lord of life revealetk light to us,
, be He the guardian- angel of our souls,
and wreathe t/ie feeble mind with radiant grace.
May He glorify us thus, His favoured ones,
when zve must needs depart in abject plight
unto this narrow land, bereft of home.
Verily he may say it, who speaketh truth,
that when tlie 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,
ttiat the bride was great by child-conception.
Never before or after in tlie "world
was any meed of woman like to that ;
it was a secret mystery of tlie Lord.
All glwstly grace o'er spread the realm of earth,
and many a thing became illumined then
through life's Creator, teachings of ancient day,
which lay concealed beneath the veil of night,
the sages' songs prophetic, ere the Ruler came,
5
Sepe reorda gehwass ryne gemicla'S
Dara pe geneahhe noman scyppendes
frurh ho[r]scne had hergan willa'S-
Eala sibbe gesihS Sancta hierusalem
Cyne-stola cyst cristes burg-lond 50
Engla epel-stol and pa ane in pe
Saule so'S-facstra simle geresta'S
Wuldrum hremge- Naefre wommes tacn
In pam eard-gearde eawed weorpe'S
Ac pe firina gehwylc feor abugeS
WasrgLio and gewinnes- Bist to wuldre full
Halgan hyhtes swa pu gehaten eart-
Sioh nu sylfa pe geond pas sidan gesceaft
Swylce rodores hrof rume geond-wlitan
Ymb healfa gehwone hu pec heofones cyning 60
SrSe geseccS and sylf cymeS
NimcS eard in pe swa hit aer gefyrn
Witgan wis-faeste wordum saegdon
CySdon cristes gebyrd cwasdon pe to frofre
Burga bet-licast- Nu is past beam cymen
Awaecned to wyrpe weorcum ebrea-
BringeS blisse pe benda onlyse'S
Nipum geneSde nearo-pearfe conn
Hu se earma sceal are gebidan-
who speedeth on its course their every prayer,
if mortals will but praise full earnestly
their Mater's name, as wisdom biddeth than.
O sight of peace ! holy ferusalem !
choicest of royal thrones ! citadel of Christ !
the native seat of angels and of the just,
the souls of wlwm alone rest in thee ever,
exulting in glory. No sign of aught unclean
s/iall ever be beheld in that abode,
but every sin shall flee afar 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 survey eth 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 ! Nozv the Child is come,
awakened to destroy the Hebrews' works ;
He bringeth thee joy ; He loosen eth thy bonds ;
He hath adventured Him for men ; He knoweth their need, —
yea, how the wretched must await compassion.
II.
^gt^ALA wifa wynn geond wuldres prym- 70
\^s Fasmne freo-licast ofer ealne foldan sceat
pass pe aefre sund-buend secgan hyrdon-
Arece us paet geryne J>aet pe of roderum cwom
Hu pu eacnunge aefre onfenge
Bearnes purh gebyrde and pone gebed-scipe
./Efter mon-wisan mod ne cU$es-
Ne we soS-lice swylc ne gefrugnan
In aer-dagum aefre gelimpan
faet Su in sundur-giefe swylce befenge
Ne we paere wyrde wenan purfon 80
Toweard in tide- Huru treow in pe
WeorS-licu wunade nu pu wuldres prym
Bosme gebaere and no gebrosnad wearS
Maeg'S-had se micla- Swa eal manna beam
Sorgum sawaS swa eft ripaS
Cenna'S to c weal me- CwaeS sio eadge maeg
Symle sigores full Sancta maria-
Hwaet is peos wundrung pe ge wafiaS
And geomrende gehpum maena'S
Sunu solimae somod his dohtor- 90
FricgaS purh fyrwet hu ic faemnan-had
II.
' O sovran Lady of t/ie blissful skies, '
tliou noblest maid through all tlie realm of earth,
that tlie ocean-dwellers Jiave ever lieard tell of,
unfold tlie mystery that came to tltee from lieqven,
Jww tliou didst in some wise receive increase
by child-conception, and yet t/iou knewest not
communion after human fashion.
Truly we have not lieard 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 t/wu didst in thy bosom bear
tlie 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 tJie blessed maiden,
ever full of triumph, tlie 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 Iww I preserved
9
Mund minne geheold and eac modor gewear'S
Msere meotudes suna- Forpan past monnum nis
Cu'S geryne ac crist onwrah
In dauides dyrre masgan
fast is euan scyld eal for-pynded
WasrgSa aworpen and gewuldrad is
Se heanra had- Hyht is onfangen
past nu bletsung mot baem gemasne
Werum and wifum a to worulde forS
In pam up-lican engla dreame
Mid soS-faeder symle wunian-
Eala earendel engla beorhtast
Ofer middan-geard monnum sended
And soS-fassta sunnan leoma
Torht ofer tunglas- pu tida gehwane
Of sylfum pe symle inlihtes-
Swa pu god of gode gearo acenned
Sunu sopan fasder swegles in wuldre
Butan anginne asfre waere
Swa pec nu for pearfum pin agen geweorc
BideS purh byldo paet pu pa beorhtan us
Sunnan onsende and pe sylf cyme
fast Su inleohte pa pe longe ser
prosme bepeahte and in peostrum her
Saston sin-neahtes synnum bifealdne.
10
my maidenhood, ?ny troth, and yet became
great mother of the Creator's Son. Verify ~to men
the mystery is not known ; but Christ revealed
, in Davids kinswoman, beloved of Him,
that ttie 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 liarmony 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 !
T/iou art the true refulgence of the sun,
radiant above the stars, and from thyself
illumines t for ever all the tides of time.
And as thou, God indeed begotten of God,
i thou Son of the true Father, wast from aye,
without beginning, in the heavens glory,
so now thy handiwork in its sore need
prayeth t/iee boldly tliat 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 ;
Deorc deaj?es sceadu dreogan sceoldan-
Nu we hyht-fulle haclo gelyfaS
t?urh J>ast word godes weorodum brungen
t?e on frynvSe was faxler admihtigum 120
Efen-ece mid god and nu eft geweafS
Flsesc firena leas ])xt seo fasmne gebasr
Geomrum to geoce- God waes mid us
Gesewen butan synnum somod eardedon
Mihtig meotudes beam and se monnes sunu
GeJ^wasre on J)Wde- We J?ass )?onc magon
Secgan sige-dryhtne symle bi gewyrhtum
pass Jje he hine sylfne us sendan wolde-
Eala gassta god hu f>u gleawlice
Mid noman ryhte nemned wasre ijo
Emmanuhel swa hit engel gecwas'S
iErest on ebresc Jwet is eft gereht
Rume bi gerynum nu is rodera weard
God sylfa mid us- Swa )?aet gomele gefyrn
Ealra cyninga cyning and ]?one clasnan eac
Sacerd soS-lice saegdon toweard- ^
Swa se maere iu melchisedech
Gleaw in gasste god-J?rym on-wrah
Eces alwaldan- Se was as bringend
Lara lasdend Jram 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 ozvn word,
which -was in the beginning co-eternal
with God, t/ie Almighty Father, and is now
flesh void of blemish, that tlie maiden bare
to help the wretclud. God was seen 'mong us
in all His sinlessness ; together they dwelt,
i the Creator's mighty Son and the son of man,
in peace on earth. Wherefore, as it is meet,
we may well tJuink 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 ! s
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 t/ie King of kings,
and eke the cleanly Priest, would come anon.
Thus long ago the great Melchisedek,
so wise of soul, revealed the majesty
of the eternal Ruler1; he was the law-bringer ;
he gave them precepts, who had awaited long
His advent hit/ier, for it was promised t/iem,
13
)Pa;tte sunu meotudes sylfa
Wolde gefaclsian foldan maeg<Se
Swylce grundas eac gasstes masgne
Sipe gesecan- Nu hie softe J?aes
Bidon in bendum hvvonne beam godes
Cwome to cearigum- Forpon cwadon swa
Suslum geslajhte- Nu pu sylfa cum
Heofones heah-cyning bring us haslo-lif
Werigum wite-peowum wope forcymenum 150
Bitrum bryne-tearum- Is seo bot gelong
Eal aot pe anum .... ofer-pearfum-
Hasftas hyge-geomre hider [gesece
Ne htt] pe behindan ponne pu heonan cyrre
Masnigo pus micle ac pu miltse on us
GecyS cyne-lice crist nergende-
Wuldres ajpeling ne laet awyrgde ofer us
Onwald agan- Laef us ecne gefean
Wuldres pines paet pec weorSien
Weoroda wuldor-cyning pa pu geworhtes asr 160
Hondum pinum- Jpu in hean-nissum
Wunast wide ferh mid waldend fasder.
H
t/iat tlie Son Himself of tlie all-ruling Lord
would purify tlie nations of the earth,
and in His course would seek too tlie abyss,
by the might of His spirit. Patiently
Iiave tliey waited in their fetters, till Gods Child
s/iould come to tlie afflicted ; wherefore spake thus
tlwse 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
Iwld sway o'er us ; thy gloiy's endless joy
vouc/isafe to us, that those may worship thee,
great Lord of hosts, wlwm thou createdst erst
with thine own /tands. Thou in tlie heights above
dwellest for ever with the all-ruling Father.'
'5
III.
^gfrALA ioseph min iacobes beam
\^ Masg dauides maeran cyninges
Nu pu freode scealt fasste gedaslan
Alastan lufan mine- Ic lungre earn
Deope gedrefed dome bereafod
For'Son ic worn for pe worde hasbbe
Sidra sorga and sar-cwida
Hearmes gehyred and me hosp spreca'S 170
Torn-worda fela- Ic tearas sceal
Geotan geomor-mod- God eape masg
Gehaslan hyge-sorge heortan minre
Afrefran fea-sceaftne- Eala faemne geong
MasgS maria- Hwast bemurnest Su
Cleopast cearigende ne ic culpan in pe
Incan aenigne aefre onfunde
Womma geworhtra and pu pa word spricest
Swa pu sylfa sie synna gehwylcre
Firena gefylled- Ic to fela hasbbe 180
J?aes byrd-scypes bealwa onfongen-
Hu masg ic ladigan lapan spraece
Oppe andsware asnige findan
Wrapum to-wipere- Is past wide cu$
\6
III.
[MARY.] ' Alas ! now, Joseph mine, thou child of Jacob, '
scion of David's stock, the glorious King,
must t/iou forthwith renounce thy plighted troth,
and leave my love f " [JOSEPH.] ' Too soon am I o 'erw/ielmed
with grievous care ; too soon bereft of honour.
Forsooth through thee have I lieard many a word,
many an agonising bitter taunt,
many an insult, and they revile me now
with words of bitter wrath. My soul is sad ;
I must shed tears. God may easily
lieal the grievous sorrow of my heart,
and comfort me, forlorn. Alas, young damsel,
Mary maiden ! ' [MARY.] ' Why bemoancst thou,
and cries t aloud lamenting ? AVer found I
a fault in thee, or any cause of blame
for evil done, and yet tJurn 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 t ' Tis widely known,
B 17
]}xt ic of pam torhtan temple dryhtnes
Onfeng freo-lice fasmnan clasne
Womma lease and nu gehwyrfed is
frurh nat-hwylces- Me nawper deag
Secge ne swige- Gif ic soft sprece
fronne sceal dauides dohtor sweltan 190
Stanum astyrfed- Gen strengre is
frast ic morpor hele scyle man-swara
Lap leoda gehwam lifgan sippan
FractfS in folcum- pa seo fasmne onwrah
Ryht-geryno and pus reordade-
StfS ic secge purh sunu meotudes
Gaesta geocend past ic gen ne conn
frurh gemasc-scipe monnes ower
iEnges on eor'San- Ac me eaden wearS
Geongre in geardum past me gabrihel 200
Heofones heag-engel haslo gebodade-
Sasgde soS-lice past me swegles gasst
Leoman onlyhte sceolde ic lifes prym
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 pu ealle forlst
Sare sorg-ceare saga ecne pone
Masrum meotodes sunu paet ic his modor geweafS
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 t lie folk,
accursed 'mong men! Then did the maid unravel
the mystery so trite, 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, t/iat heaven's Spirit
should with His ray illume me, that I should bear
life's Glory, an illustrious Son, the mighty Child
of God, tlu 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 tlie Lord s great Son, tliat I became His mother,
19
v^
Fasmne foriS se-J?eah and }m fasder cweden 210
Woruld-cund bi wene sceolde witedom
In him sylfum beon sO$e gefylled-
Eala bu so$a and Jju sib-suma
Ealra cyninga cyning crist ael-mihtig
Hu bu aer waere eallum geworden
Worulde brymmum mid binne wuldor-fseder
Cild acenned burh his crajft and meaht-
Nis asnig nu eorl under lyfte
Secg searo-Jxmcol to )?aes swiSe gleaw
Jpe psdt asecgan masge sund buendum 220
Areccan mid ryhte hu be rodera weard
iEt frym'Se genom him to freo-bearne-
fast wass bara binga pt her beoda cynn
Gefrugnen mid folcum ast fruman asrest
Geworden under wolcnum bast witig god
Lifes ord-fruma leoht and J>ystro
Gedaslde dryhtlice and him waes domes geweald
And ba wisan abead weoroda ealdor-
Nu sie geworden forb a to widan feore
Leoht lixende gefea lifgendra gehwam 230
]?e in cneorissum cende weor'Sen-
And pa sona gelomp pa. hit swa sceolde
Leoma leohtade leoda maegbum
Torht mid tunglum asfter bon tida bigong-
20
nathless a maiden still, and thou, I ivcen,
art named His earthly father, should t/te prophecy
become fulfilled aright in Him Himself
0 thou true Sovran, and thou peaceful King,
' thou King of all Kings, Christ Omnipotent !
Iww wast thou, with thy glorious Father, aye
existent before all tfie world's estates,
a child begotten by His skill and might.
Tliere liveth not a mortal under heaven,
no man however wise, who is so wise,
tliat he can tell unto tlie ocean-dwellers
. and expound aright, how the Warden of the skies
took thee in the beginning for His noble child.
Of all tJie things tliat mankind hath e'er heard
here upon earth, this thing first came to pass
1 beneath the clouds, that God Omniscient,
tlie Source of life, parted in sovran will
tlie light from darkness, wielding His decree ;
and thus He, Lord of hosts, commanded then : —
' Let tlure be light for ever and for ever,
a radiant joy for each of living men
wlio in their generations shall be born!
And so it came to pass, when 'twas ordained ;
a splendour shining bright amidst the stars
lighted, through tlie course of time, the tribes of men.
Sylfa sette Jjast J?u sunu ware
Efen-eardigende mid ]?inne engan frean
JEr )?on oht pisses asfre gewurde-
Jpu eart seo snyttro ]?e Jjas sidan gesceaft
Mid \>\ waldende worhtes ealle-
Forjjon nis asnig Jjass horse ne |>ass hyge-crsftig 240
f e J>in from-cyn masge fira bearnum
Sweotule gesejjan- Cum nu sigores weard
Meotod mon-cynnes and ]?ine miltse her
Arfasst ywe us is eallum neod
pat we J?in medren-cynn motan cunnan
Ryht-geryno nu we areccan ne ma;gon
past fasdren-cynn fier owihte-
)2u ]?isne middan-geard milde geblissa
)?urh 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 J?in sylfes gong
Ea"S-mod to eor)jan- Us is ]?inra arna )?earf
Hafa*5 se awyrgda wulf tostenced
Deor dasd-scua dryhten J?in eowde
Wide towrecene )>ast "Su waldend asr
Blode gebohtes }?aet se bealo-fulla
HyneS heard-lice and him on hasft nimeS
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 l/ie Omnipotent
thou wroughtest all this wide creation ;
wJierefore is none so wise or so profound
tltat he can tell thy origin aright
' to t/ie 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 tlwu 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, tJte 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- Forpon we nergend pe 260
BiddaS georn-lice breost-gehygdum
J?a:t pu hraed-lice helpe gefremme
Wergum wreccan past se wites bona
In helle grund hean gedreose
And pin hond-geweorc hadepa scyppend
Mote arisan and on ryht cuman
To pam up-cundan aepelan rice
]7onan us asr purh syn-lust se swearta gaest
Forteah and fortylde past we tires wone
A butan ende sculon ermpu dreogan 270
Butan pu usic pon ofost-licor ece dryhten
JEt pam leod-sceapan lifgende god
Helm alwihta hreddan wille-
IV.
€ALA pu masra middan-geardes
Seo clasneste cwen ofer eorpan
)para [p]e gewurde to widan feore
Hu pec mid ryhte ealle reord-berend
HataS and secgaS hadeS geond foldan
Blipe mode pset pu bryd sie
ftaes selestan swegles bryttan- 280
Swylce pa hyhstan on heofonum eac
Cristes pegnas cwepaS and singaS
24
despite our anxious longing. Wherefore, Saviour,
we pray tlue earnestly, with all our tlwughts,
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 fiandiwork, Creator of all men,
may tlien arise and come, as it is meet,
unto tliat noble realm in heaven above,
wlience tlte swart spirit, through our love of sin,
beguiled us erst ; wherefore inglorious
for aye must we this wretchedness endure,
i 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,
y^ thou purest woman throughout all the earth,
of those tliat were from immemorial time,
/tow rightly art thou named by all endowed
with gift of speech ! All mortals throughout earth
declare, full blithe of /teart, that thou art bride
of Him t/tat ruleth the empyreal sphere.
So too the highest in ttie heavens above,
ttie tlianes of Christ, proclaim aloud and sing,
25
past pu sie hlasfdige halgum meahtum
Wuldor-weorudes and worl[d]-cundra
Hada under heofonum and hel-wara
Forpon pu past ana ealra monna
Gepohtest prymlice prist-hycgende
past pu pinne masgS-had meotude brohtes
Sealdes butan synnum- Nan swylc ne cwom
iEnig oper ofer ealle men 290
Bryd beaga hroden pe pa beorhtan lac
To heofon-hame hlutre mode
Sippan sende- ForSon heht sigores fruma
His heah-bodan hider gefleogan
Of his masgen-prymme and J?e meahta sped
Snude cySan past pu sunu dryhtnes
purh clasne gebyrd cennan sceolde
Monnum to miltse and pe maria forS
Efne unwemme a gehealden-
Eac we past gefrugnon past gefyrn bi pe 300
So"S-fasst sasgde sum wo'S-bora
In eald-dagum esaias
past he wasre gelasded past he lifes gesteald
In pam ecan ham eal sceawode-
Wlat pa swa wis-fasst witga geond peod-land
Oppast he gestarode pasr gestapelad wass
iEpelic ingong- Eal wass gebunden
26
that thou by might of holiness art queen
of the Jwsts of glory, of the ranks of men
on earth 'neath heaven, and of /tell' s habitants,
for t/iou alone of all t/te race of men
with noble aspiration didst resolve
to bring thy maidenltood 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 t/ie heavenly Iwme. Wherefore t/ie Lord triumphant
bade His chief messenger fly liitlierward
from His great glory, and anon to t/ue
reveal His might's avail, t/iat tlwu slwuldst bear
in purity t/te Son of the Supreme,
in mercy to mankind, and nat/Uess, Mary,
t/wu s/touldst be held immaculate for aye.
Eke /tave we tteard t/te words that long ago
the propliet truly spake concerning t/tee,
in distant days of old, to wit, Isaiah,
that he was led w/tere lie be/teld aright
life's dwelling-place in t/te eternal /tome ;
looked tlten the wise soot/tsayer o'er all t/te land,
till tltat lie saw w/iere stood immovable
a glorious portal ; bound all about
27
Deoran since duru ormaete
Wundur-clommum bewri^en- Wende swi'Se
]?aet aenig elda aefre meahte 310
Swa faestlice fore-scyttelsas
On ecnesse o in-hebba
0])])e Sass ceaster-hlides clustor onlucan
Mr him godes engel Jmrh glaedne ge]jonc
)Pa wisan onwrah and J?aet word acwaeS-
Ic J?e maeg secgan J?ast so$ geweafS
fraet Sas gyldnan gatu giet sume sij?e
God sylf wile gaestes maegne
Gefaelsian faeder asl-mihtig
And }>urh J>a faestan locu foldan neosan 320
And hio J?onne aefter him ece stondeS
Simle singales swa beclysed
]?aet naenig oJ>er nym}>e nergend god
Hy aefre ma eft onluce'S-
Nu J»ast is gefylled }>aet se froda J>a
Mid eagum J>aer on-wlatade-
J?u eart J>aet weall-dor J>urh }?e waldend frea
JEne. on J>as eorSan ut-siSade
And efne swa J>ec gemette meahtum gehrodene
Claene and gecorene crist ael-mihtig 330
Swa 'Se aefter him engla J?eoden
Eft unmade aelces J>inges
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 t/ie bolts and bars so firmly fixed.
yea, ever unto all eternity,
or ope the fastening of t/iat city-gate,
until God s angel joy fully to him
disclosed liow it would be, and spake these words : —
' / may tell t/iee,' — truly it came to pass,
. ' that God Himself, Fattier Omnipotent,
in future time, yea, by His Spirit's might,
will glorify tliese golden gates withal,
and through t/use firm-set bolts will visit earth,
and after Him sliall tfiey remain for aye,
to all eternity, so firmly closed,
that no one else but He, t/ie Saviour God,
shall e'er avail to open them again.'
Now is the thing fulfilled tliat at tluxt time
the sage tliere with his eyes contemplated.
Tfwu art t/ie wall-door; through t/iee tlie Omnipotent,
the Ruler, once proceeded to this earth ;
and as He, Christ Almighty, found tliee then
adorned with all thy virtues, pure and choice, V
so He, the Prince of Angels, Lord of life,
closed thee, immaculate e'en as of yore,
29
Liopu-ca?gan bileac lifes brytta-
Iowa us nu pa are pe se engel pe
Godes spel-boda gabriel brohte-
Huru pass biddaS burg-sittende
fast Su pa frofre fblcum cySe
l?inre sylfre sunu- Sippan we motan
An-modlice ealle hyhtan
Nu we on Jjast beam foran breostum stariaS- 340
Gepinga us nu pristum wordum
fast he us ne laete leng owihte
In pisse deaS-dene gedwolan hyran
Ac past he usic geferge in fasder-rice
jpaer we sorg-lease sippan motan
Wunigan in wuldre mid weoroda god-
Eala pu halga heofona dryhten
])u mid fasder pinne gefyrn wsere
Efen-wesende in pam aepelan ham-
Nss aenig pa giet engel geworden 350
Ne pass miclan masgen-prymmes nan
De in roderum up rice biwitigaS
peodnes pryS-gesteald and his pegnunga
)}a pu aerest wa;re mid pone ecan frean
Sylf settende pas sidan gesceaft
Brade bryten-grundas- Bsm inc is gemasne
Heah-gasst hleofasst- We pe haslend crist
30
lifter Him again, as with a wondrous key.
Sftoiu us now t/ie grace that God 's own messenger,
the angel Gabriel, brought unto t/iee !
Forsooth we dwellers in earth's 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 tlte Child upon thy breast.
Plead tlwu our cause for us with earnest words,
that He may suffer us no longer Jiere
to list to Error in this vale of death,
but that He lead us to t/ie Fal/ier's realm,
where sorrowless we may for evermore
abide in glory with the Lord of hosts.
Hail, thou Jioly 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,
tJuzt guard the kingdom in the skies above,
the palace of t/ie Prince and of His thanes,
w/icn 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
past pu gehyre hasfta stefne
pinra nied-piowa nergende god- 360
Hu we sind geswencte purh ure sylfra gewill-
HabbaS wra,'C-ma;cgas wergan gasstas
Hetlen hel-sceapa hearde genyrwad
Gebunden bealo-rapum- Is seo bot gelong
Eall ast pe anum ece dryhten-
Hreow-cearigum help past pin hider-cyme
Afrefre fea-sceafte peah we fashpo wiS pec
purh firena lust gefremed hasbben-
Ara nu onbehtum and usse yrm)?a gepenc
Hu we tealtriga'S tydran mode 370
Hwearfia'S heanlice- Cym nu haslepa cyning
Ne lata to lange- Us is lissa pearf
past pu us ahredde and us haelo-giefe
So'S-fasst sylle past we sippan for®
pa sellan ping symle moten
Gepeon on peode pinne willan-
eALA seo wlitige weorS-mynda full
Heah and halig heofon-cund j?rynes
Brade geblissad geond bryten-wongas
32
in lowliness we all beseech thee now,
I hat thou may est hear the voice of these thy thralls.
thy captive bondmen here. O Saviour God,
how are we liarassed through our own desires !
Us wretched exiles have the accursed sprites,
the hateful hell-fiends, cruelly constrained,
and bound with baleful bonds. With tliee alone
resteth redemption, O eternal Lord !
Help thou tlie wretched, and let thine advent hither
comfort tlie forlorn, though through our lust of sin
we have engaged in feud e'en against Thee.
Pity thy servants ! Bethink thee of our woes,
Iww in our feebleness we stumble lure,
and zvander abjectly. \ Come noiv, 0 King of men,
tarry not too long ; we need thy gentle grace !
Deliver t/iou us and grant us verily
thy healing gift, so that from now henceforth
we may for evermore, while in this world,
attempt tlie 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
f?a mid ryhte sculon reord-berende 380
Earme eofS-ware ealle masgene
Hergan healice nu us haslend god
Wasrf&st onwrah pa;t we hine witan motan-
Forpon hy dasd-hwaste dome geswiSde
|?aet soS-fa^ste seraphinnes cynn
Uppe mid englum a bremende
Unapreotendum prymmum singaS
Ful healice hludan stefne
Fa;gre feor and neah- Habbap folgopa
Cyst mid cyninge- Him past crist fbrgeaf 390
Jpast hy motan his ast-wiste eagum brucan
Simle singales swegle gehyrste
WeorSian waldend wide and side-
And mid hyra fiprum frean asl-mihtges
Onsyne weai^diaJS ecan dryhtnes
And ymb peoden-stol pringa'S georne
Hwylc hyra nehst maege ussum nergende
Flihte lacan frrS-geardum in-
LofiaS leof-licne and in leohte him
Da word cwepaS and wuldriaS 400
iEpelne ord-fruman ealra gesceafta-
Halig eart pu halig heah-engla brego
So§ sigores frea simle pu bist halig
Dryhtna dryhten a pin dom wunaS
34
Tliee 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.
IV/ierefore the luavenly race of Seraphim,
so true, so zealous, and zvith glory crowned,
doth sweetly sing amid the hosts above,
hymning ever with unwearying notes,
with rapture high, and with exalted strain,
afar and near. Theirs is the noblest office
in the service of the King. Christ granted tliem
that -with their eyes tluy may enjoy His being,
and ceaselessly from pole to pole adore
their Sovran Lord, wreathed with celestial light :
and with their zvings 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 inflight within the courts of peace ;
' tluy 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 liicth
35
Eoi^S-lic mid aeldum in adce tid
Wide geweorpad- )7u eart weoroda god
Forpon pu gefyldest foldan and rodoras
Wigendra hleo wuldres pines-
Helm al-wihta sie pe in heannessum
Ece haslo and in eorpan lof 410
Beorht mid beornum- J?u gebletsad leofa
De in dryhtnes noman dugepum cwome
Heanum to hropre- J?e in heahpum sie
A butan ende ece herenis-
Eala hwaet past is wrasc-lic wrixl in wera life
)2astte mon-cynnes milde scyppend
Onfeng ast fasmnan flassc unwemme
And sio weres friga wiht ne cupe
Ne purh sasd ne cwom sigores agend
Monnes ofer moldan ac past wass ma crasft 420
)?onne hit eorS-buend ealle cupan
Durh geryne hu he rodera prim
Heofona heah frea helpe gefremede
Monna cynne purh his modor hrif-
And swa forS gongende fblca nergend
His forgif-nesse gumum to helpe
DaeleS dogra gehwam dryhten weoroda-
Forpon we hine dom-hwate dasdum and wordum
Hergen hold-lice- frast is healic raed
36
on earth 'vwng men, to all eternity,
praised far and wide. Thou art tlie Lord of lusts,
for with thy glory thou hast filled the earth
and all the skies, thou Shield of warriors !
Helm of all things ! endless Hosanna be thine
in the heights abpve, and noble praise on earth,
among the hosts of wen. A bide thou blessed,
that in the Lord's name earnest unto men
to comfort the defected ! 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 dozen to eqrth
through seed of man ; but it was greater craft
than earth's inhabitants might understand,
liow the Glory of t lie skies, through mystery,
the Sovran Lord of heaven, effected help
for all mankind, e'en through His mother's womb.
And aye, unceasingly, the Saviour of men
bestoweth His forgiveness unto folk,
each day, to help them, He the Lord of hosts.
For this should zve extol Him loyally,
zealous in deed and word. ' Tis a noble rede,
37
Monna gehwylcum }>e gem)iid hafaiS 430
|3aet he symle oftost and inlocast
And georn-licost god weor^ige-
He him ]?aere lisse lean forgildcS
Se gehalgoda hadend sylfa
Efne in ]?am cSle pser he aer ne cwom
In lifgendra londes wynne
Daer he gesadig si]))?an eardaS
Ealne widan feorh wunaS butan ende- Amen-
^>ecun&u0 pa$w# tic ^cenjsione.
1.
'U $11 geornlice gaest gerynum
Mon se masra mod-craefte sec 440
t?urh sefan snyttro )?aet bu soft wite
Hu ]>xt geeode )>z se ad-mihtiga
Acenned wear's Jmrh clasnne had
SiJ?}>an he marian maegSa weolman
Masrre meowlan mund-heals geceas
fraet pxr in hwitum hraeglum gewerede
Englas ne oSeowdun J?a se ae]?eling cwom
Beorn in betlem- Bodan wasron gearwe
l?a J>urh hleojjor-cwide hyrdum cySdon
38
for every mortal mindful of ttic past,
that aye, most often and most inwardly,
and with all eagerness, he worship God.
He will be recompensed for his sweet loir.
"yea, by tlie /tallowed Saviour Himself,
e'en in that home where lie came ne'er before,
the happy land where the immortals are ;
tliere blessed shall he abide for evermore,
and dwell eternally, world without end. A men.
|&art ^econt). Cljc ascension.
^eek 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,
when he had chosen Mary as protector,
glory of maidenhood, damsel renowned,
that there appeared not angels then arrayed
in robes of white, wheuas the noble Chief
came into Bethle/iem. Angels were ready.
for they revealed in accents clear and told
39
Saegdon so'Sne gefean pa:tte sunu waere 450
In middan-geard meotudes acenned
In betleme- Hwarpre in bocum ne cwr<S
paet hy in hwitum paer hrasglum oSywden
In pa aspelan tid swa hie eft dydon
Da se brega msera to bethania
}?eoden prym-fajst his pegna gedrhyt
Gela'Sade leof weorud- Hy pass lareowes
On pam wil-dasge word ne gehyrwdon
Hyra sinc-giefan- Sona waeron gearwe
HasleS mid hlaford to pasre halgan byrg 460
parr him tacna fela tires brytta
Onwrah wuldres helm word-gerynum
iErpon up-stige an-cenned sunu
Efen-ece beam agnum faeder
)p£es ymb feowertig pe he of foldan asr
From deaSe aras dagena rimes-
Haefde pa gefylled swa xr biforan sungon
Witgena word geond woruld innan
Durh his prowinga- Degnas heredon
Lufedun leof-wendum lifes agend 470
Faeder frum-sceafta- He him fasgre pass
Leofum gesipum lean after geaf
And paet word acwasS waldend engla
Gefysed fre'a 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 tliat glorious tide
in robes of white, e'en as they did anon
when the great Leader in Betliania,
the Lord majestic, called His band of thanes, ■*
tlu host beloved; on tliat welcome day
they slighted not tlie 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 ;
tlien forty numbered days had run their course,
since He had risen first from earth, from death.
Tlien had He fulfilled tlie prophets' words,
as ttiey had sung before throughout the world,
yea, by His passion. His servants lauded Him,
tliey praised ail-lovingly tlie Source of life,
tlu Father of creation I Wherefore in after time
He nobly recompensed His comrades dear ;
and these words spake the angels' mighty Lord,
whilst hastening onward to His Father's realm : —
4i
GefeoS ge on ferSSe nasfre ic from-hweorfe
Ac ic lufan symle lasste wiS eowic
And eow meant giefe and mid-wunige
Awo to ealdre pa?t eow aefre ne biS
l?urh gife mine godes onsien-
Para's nu geond ealne yrmenne grund 480
Geond wid-wegas weoredum cySaS
BodiaS and bremaS beorhtne geleafan
And fulwiaS folc under roderum
HweorfaS to heofonum hergas breotap
FyllaS and feogaS feond-scype dwajscaS
Sibbe sawaS on sefan manna
)?urh meahta sped- Ic eow mid-wunige
ForS on frofre and eow friSe healde
StrengSu stapol-faestre on stowa gehware-
Da wear® semninga sweg on lyfte 490
Hlud gehyred heofon-engla preat
Weorud wlite-scyne wuldres aras
Cwomun on corSre- Cyning ure gewat
)?urh pass temples hrof pasr hy to-segun
t?a pe leofes pa gen last weardedun
On pam ping-stede pegnas gecorene-
Gesegon hi on heahpu hlaford stigan
God-bearn of grundum- Him wss geomor sefa
Hat ast 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 tlie want of sustenance.
Go now o'er all the spacious tract of eaptlt,
o'er the wide ways, announce it unto men,
preach and proclaim t/ie glorious belief,
and baptize folk beneath t/ie firmament ;
turn t/ten 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 ever)1 place'
Then suddenly a sound was heard on high,
loud in tlie air ; a band of heavenly angels,
a beauteous Jwst, the messengers of glory,
in legion came ; our King departed thence,
e'en through the temple's roof, where they beheld,
tluy wlto were watching still the Dear One's trad;
His chosen thanes, there in that meeting-place ;
they sazv their Lord, tlie Child divine, ascend
from earth into the heights ; sad were tlwir souls ;
tluir spirit's grief burned hot within their hearts,
43
paes pe hi swa leofne leng ne mostun 500
Geseon under swegle- Song ahofun
Aras ufan-cunde adding heredun
Lofedun lif-fruman leohte gefegun
)3e of ]>s:s hadendes heafelan lixte
Gesegon hy sd-beorhte englas twegen
Faegre ymb past frum-bearn fraetwum blican
Cyninga wuldor- Cleopedon of heahjm
Wordum wra:t-licum ofer wera mengu
Beorhtan reorde- Hwast bida'S ge
Galilesce guman on hwearfte- 510
Nu ge sweotule geseoS soSne dryhten
On swegl faran sigores agend-
Wile up heonan eard gestigan
iEpelinga ord mid ]>as engla gedryht
Ealra folca fruma fasder epel-stoll-
II.
/J/l^E mid pyslice preate willaS
ofer heofona gehlidu hlaford fergan
To Jjaere beorhtan byrg mid pas bli'San gedryt-
Ealra sige-bearna past seleste
And aepeleste pe ge her onstaria'S 520
And in frofre geseoS fraetwum blican
44
for noic they might no longer see 'math heaven
One so beloved as He. Then raised a song
the messengers celestial ; praisea they the Prince .
they lauded life's Creator ; Joyed they in the light
that gleamed so brightly from the Saviour's head ;
saw t/iey angels twain, resplendent, fair,
shining in splendour 'round that first-born Child,
t/ie Glory of all Kings ; tliey cried out from on high,
hi wondrous words, o'er all t/ie 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-lwsts ,
the Lord of all mankind, ascendeth hence
unto His native home, His fatherland.'
II.
' Fain would we o'er the vaulted roof of Iteaven
conduct the Lord with all this company,
this Joyous throng, unto tlic shining burgh.'
' He whom ye gaze on here so rapt, the best
and noblest of t/ie sons of victory,
He whom ye see in solace shine so fair,
45
Wile eft swa-J^eah eor'San magSe
Sylfa gesecan side herge
And Jx>nne gedeman da-da gehwylce
frara Se gefremedon folc under roderum-
Da was wuldres weard wolcnum bifongen
Heah-engla cyning ofer hrofas upp
Haligra helm- Hyht was geniwad
Blis in burgum purh pas beornes cyme-
Gesast sige-hremig on pa swipran hand 530
Ece ead-fruma agnum fader-
Gewitan him pa gongan to hierusalem
Hale's hyge-rofe in Sa halgan burg
Geomor-mode ponan hy god nyhst
Up-stigende eagum segun
Hyra wil-gifan- )2ar was wopes hring
Tome bitolden- Was seo treow lufu
Hat at heortan hreSer innan weoll
Beorn breost-sefa- Bidon ealle par
fregnas prym-fulle peodnes gehata 540
In pare torhtan byrig tyn niht pa-gen
Swa him sylf bibead swegles agend
Mr pon up-stige ealles waldend
On heofona gehyld hwite cvvoman
Eorla ead-giefan englas to-geanes-
Dat is wel cweden swa gewritu secgaS
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'
Tlien 7vas Glory's Guardian, the archangels' King,
the Helm of holy men, bewrapt in clouds,
high o'er t/ie roofs. Joy was renewed and bliss
in /leaven's cities at tlie Prince's coming ;
on His own Fatlier's right-hand sat He down
triumphant, the eternal Source of good.
Sad t/ien in spirit, went the valiant men
and journeyed to Jerusalem's holy burgh,
departing front t lie place where tliey so late
beheld with their owti eyes God rise aloft,
t/ieir hind Dispenser. T/tere was unbroken weeping,
their faithful love was overwhelmed with grief,
t/ieir liearts 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
pxt him al-beorhte englas togeanes
In pa halgan tid heapum cwoman
Sigan on swegle pa wss symbla masst
Geworden in wuldre- Wei past gedafenaft 550
Daet to pasre blisse beorhte gewerede
In paes peodnes burg pegnas cwoman
Weorud wlite-scyne gesegon wil-cuman
On heah-setle heofones waldend
Folca feorh-giefan frastwum ealles waldend
Middan-geardes and masgen-prymmes-
HafaS nu se halga helle bireafod
Ealles pass gafoles pe hi gear-dagum
In past orlege unryhte swealg-
Nu sind forcumene and in cwic-susle 560
Gehynde and gehaefte in helle grund
Dugupum bidasled deofla cempan-
Ne meahtan wiper-brogan wige spowan
Waepna wyrpum sippan wuldres cyning
Heofon-rices helm hilde gefremede
Wip his eald-feondum anes meahtum-
t>asr he of ha?fte ahlod hupa masste
Of feonda byrig folces unrim
Jhsne ilcan preat pe ge her on-staria'5-
Wile nu gesecan sawla nergend 570
Gassta gief-stol godes agen beam
48
that radiant angels at that holy tide,
descending in the cloftds, in legion came
to meet Him ; ttien in glorious heaven arose
the greatest jubilee. ' Twas well befitting
' that His servants came to the Beatitude,
unto the Prince's city, brightly clad,,
a beauteous host ; tliey saw tlteir welcome Lord
on His exalted throne, Sovran of lieapen,
Source of men's life, ruling in splendour all, —
this middle-earth and tJie 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 heaven's realm, waged warfare t/iere
against His ancient foes with His sole might.
Then drew He forth from durance tlie best spoil,
a folk unnumbered, from t/ie 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
JEfter guS-plegan- Nu ge geare cunnon
Hwaet se hlaford is se pisne here laedeS-
Nu ge from-lice freondum to-geanes
Conga's glaed-mode- Geatu ontynaS-
Wile into eow ealles waldend
Cyning on ceastre corSre ne lytle
Fyrn-weorca fruma folc gelajdan
In dreama dream 'Se he on deoflum genom
}2urh his sylfes sygor- Sib sceal gemasne 580
Englum and aeldum a forS heonan
Wesan wide-ferh- Waer is ast-somne
Godes and monna ga;st-halig treow
Lufu lifes hyht and ealles leohtes gefea-
Hwaet we nu gehyrdan hu )>32t haelu-bearn
frurh his hyder-cyme hals eft forgeaf
Gefreode and gefreopade folc under wolcnum
Maere meotudes sunu paet nu monna gehwylc
Cwic pendan her wunat geceosan mot
Swa helle hienpu swa heofones masrpu- 590
Swa J>aet leohte leoht swa "Sa lapan niht-
Swa prymmes prsce swa prystra wraece-
Swa mid dryhten dream swa mid deoflum hream-
Swa wife mid wrapum swa wuldor mid arum-
Swa lif swa deaS swa him leofre biS
To gefremmanne penden flsesc and gaest
5o
after tlie conflict. Now yc know right well
wliat Lord is He tliat leadeth all t/iis host ;
now boldly go ye forward to meet friends,
joyful in spirit. Open, O ye gates !
" the Lord of all, t/ie King, creation's Source,
will lead through you unto the citadel,
unto the joy of joys, 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 ; 'tivixt God and man
tliere is a covenant, a ghostly pledge, —
love, and life's hope, and joy of all the light.'
Lo ! we have heard now how the Saviour-Child
dispensed salvation by His advent hither,
' how He, the Lord's great Son, freed and protected
folk 'neath tlie clouds, so that each mortal now,
while he is dwelling here alive, must choose, —
be it lull's base shame, or heaven's fair fame,
be it the shining light, or the loatlisome night,
be it majestic state, or the rash ones' hate,
be it song with tlie Lord, or with devils discord,
be it pain with the grim, or bliss with cherubim,
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 pa;s age
frynysse prym pone butan ende-
III.
>JET is pass wyrSe pa^tte wer-peode
Secgen dryhtne pone duguSa gehwylcre 600
]7e us siS and a;r simle gefremede
J?urh monig-fealdra masgna geryno-
He us xt giefeS and ashta sped
Welan ofer wid-lond and weder lipe
Under swegles hleo sunne and mona
vEpelast tungla eallum scina'S
Heofon-condelle haslepum on eofSan-
Dreose'S deaw and ren duguSe weccap
To feorh-nere fira cynne
IecaS eor'S-welan- ]?ss we ealles sculon 610
Secgan pone and lof peodne ussum-
And huru pasre hselo pe he us to hyhte forgeaf
Da he }>a yrm'Su eft-oncyrde
JEt [h]is up-stige pe we asr drugon
And gepingade peod-buendum
Wici faeder swaesne fashpa masste
Cyning an-boren cwide eft-onhwearf
Saulum to sibbe se pe aer sungen
52
within the world. Wlurcforc let glory be,
thanks endless, to t/ie noble Trinity.
III.
'Tis therefore fitting that t/ie tribes of men
give thanks unto t/ie Lord for every good
which late and early He liath rendered us,
through mystery of wonders manifold.
He giveth usfoofd and fulness of possession,
wealth o'er t/ie spacious earth, and gentle weaflier
'neath tJu protecting Jieavens ; tlie sun and moon,
noblest of constellations, heaven's candles,
shine forth for all mankind on earth alike ;
dew falleth and raip ; they call abundance forth
to nourish life for all the race of man ;
earth's riches tliey increase. For all these gifts
must we give tlianks and praise unto our Lord,
yet first for our salvation, tlie hope vouchsafed,
when He at His ascension turned away
t/ie miseries which we had suffered long,
when He, tlie one-born King, on man's behalf,
compounded with His FatJier, tlie Beloved,
the greatest feud, averted tlie decree,
for our soid 's peace, which had been uttered erst
53
|?urh yrne hyge asldum to sorge-
Ic pec ofer eofSan geworhte" on paere pu scealt
yrmpum lifgan 620
Wunian in gewinne and wrsce dreogan
Feondum to hropor fus-leo'S galan
And to pxre ilcan scealt eft geweorpan
Wyrmum aweallen ponan wites fyr
Of pasre eorSan scealt eft gesecan-
Hwast us pis se seeling ySre gefremede
Ipa. he leomum onfeng and lic-homan
Monnes magu-tudre sippan meotodes sunu
Engla epel upgestigan
Wolde weoroda god* Us se willa bicwom 630
Heanum to helpe on pa halgan tid-
Bi pon giedd awraec iob swa he cuSe
Herede helm wera haelend lofede
And mid sib-lufan sunu waldendes
Freo-noman cende and hine fugel nemde
frone iudeas ongietan ne meahtan-
In Sasre god-cundan ga?stes strengSu
Wags pass fugles flyht feondum on eorpan
Dyrne and degol pam pe deorc gewit
Haefdon on hrepre heortan stasnne- 640
Noldan hi pa torhtan tacen oncnawan
|7e him beforan fremede freo-bearn godes ?
54
in angry wood/or mankinds tribulation :
'/ wrought tlue 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 audflesldy covering
from child of man ; when He, the Makers Son,
tlie Lord of liosts, willed to ascend on high
unto the home of angels ; at that holy tide,
tlie wish arose to lulp us, the forlorn.
Of Him sang fob a song as he well could ;
he praised the Helm of men, lauded the Saviour,
and in his love devised a noble name
"for tlie Rulers Son, and named Him as a byd,
a name which Jews might no wise understand.
By virtue of tlie Spirit's strength divine,
hidden and secret from His foes on earth
was tliat 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 eard up gesohte
Modig meahtum Strang pone maran ham
Hwilum he to eorpan eft gestylde
Durh gasstes giefe grund-sceat sohte
Wende to worulde- Bi pon se witga song-
He wass upp-hafen engla fas'Smum 650
In his pa miclan meahta spede
Heah and halig ofer heofona prym-
Ne meahtan pa pass fugles flyht gecnawan
J? e pass up-stiges and-sasc fremedon
And past ne gelyfdon pastte lif-fruma
In monnes hiw ofer masgna prym
Halig from hrusan ahafen wurde-
Da us geweor'Sade se pas world gescop
Godes gasst-sunu and us giefe sealde
Uppe mid englum ece stapelas 660
And eac monig-fealde modes snyttru
Seow and sette geond sefan monna-
Sumum word-Iape wise sendcS
On his modes gemynd purh his mupes gasst
jEpele andgiet- Se masg eal fela
Singan and secgan pam biS snyttru crasft
Bifolen on fer'Se. Sum masg fingrum wel
56
various and manifold, on middle-earth.
E'en thus tlie noble Bird assayed his flight ;
'whilom He sought on high tlie angels land,
t/ie noble liome, so proud, so strong in might ;
whilom He came adown to earth again ;
He sought earth's region in His spirit's grace,
attd wended to tlie wprld. Of this the prophet sang : —
' He was borne aloft embraced in angels' arms
unto the spacious glory of His might,
above the heavens splendour, high and holy'
Of tliat BirfTs flight they might no knowledge liave,
who made denial of tlie ascension,
and wlio believed not tliat tlie Source of life,
inform of man, all holy from the earth,
was raised aloft above tlie glorious hosts.
Tlien He wlio shaped tlie 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 tlie month, wise eloquence,
and noble understanding ; lie can sing ^
and say full many a thing, within whose soul
is hidden wisdom's power. With fingers deft
57
Hlude fore haslepum hearpan stirgan
Gleo-beam gretan- Sum msEg god-cunde
Reccan ryhte as- Sum masg ryne tungla 670
Secgan side gesceaft- Sum masg searolice
Word-cwide writan- Sumum wiges sped
Giefe'S ast gupe ponne gar-getrum
Ofer scild-hreadan sceotend sendaS
Flacor flan-geweorc- Sum masg fromlice
Ofer sealtne sas sund-wudu drifan
Hreran holm-prasce- Sum masg heanne beam
Staslgne gestigan- Sum masg styled sweord
Waspen gewyrcan- Sum con wonga bigong
Wegas wid-gielle- Swa se waldend us 680
God-bearn on grundum his giefe brytta'S-
Nyle he asngum anum ealle gesyllan
Gaestes snyttru py lass him gielp sceppe
Durh his anes crasft ofer opre for'S-
IV.
US god meahtig geofum un-hneawum
Cyning al-wihta crasftum weor'Sap
Eorpan tuddor swylce eadgum blasd
SeleS on swegle sibbe rasrep
Ece to ealdre engla and monna-
58
fore warrior-bands one can awake the harp,
the minstrel's joy. One can interpret well
t/ie law divine, and one the planets' course
and wide creation. One cunningly can write
the spoken 'word. To one He grantcth skill,
when in the fight the archers swiftly send
tlu storm of darts, the winged javelin,
over the shields defence. Fearlessly another
can o'er the salt sea urge t/ie 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,
ennoble th by unsparing gifts, by crafts,
the progeny of earth, and giveth joy
unto the blessed in heaven, and setteth peace
for angels and for men to all eternity.
59
Swa he his weorc weorpaS- Bi pon se witga cwacS 690
past a-hasfen wasren halge gimmas
Haedre heofon-tungol healice upp
Sunne and mona- Hwast sindan pa
Gimmas swa scyne buton god sylfa-
He is se soS-fassta sunnan leoma
Englum and eorS-warum aspele scima-
Ofer middan-geard mona lixcS
Gaest-lic tungol swa seo godes circe
J?urh gesomninga soSes and ryhtes
Beorhte bliccS swa hit on bocum cwip 700
Sippan of grundum god-bearn a-stag
Cyning clasnra gehwass pa seo circe her
.ZE-fyllendra eaht-nysse bad
Under haspenra hyrda gewealdum-
J?asr 'Sa syn-scea'San sopes ne giemdon
Gaestes pearfe ac hi godes tempel
Braecan and baerndon blod-gyte worhtan
Feodan and fyldon- Hwaspre forS bicwom
purh gaestes giefe godes pegna blasd
iEfter up-stige ecan dryhtnes- 7 1 o
Bi pon Salomon song sunu dauipes
Giedda gearo-snottor gasst-gerynum
Waldend wer-peoda and past word acwaeS-
CirS past geweor'Se'S pastte cyning engla
60
He honoureth His work, e'en as the prophet spake,
that Iwly gems were raised on high aloft,
the radiant constellations of the sky,
the sun and moon. Lo now, what arc these gems
that shine resplendent, but e'en God Himself?
He is tlic true refulgence of the sun,
a noble light for angels and for men.
O'er all t/ie middle-earth the moon doth shine,
a ghostly star, e'en as the Church of God
glisteneth bright, whene'er the True and fust
are linked together ; as it saith in books,
that wlien the Child divine, the King all pure,
had risen from the earth, then the Church Jure
of t/tc 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
tlie welfare of Gods servants was maintained,
after the ascension of the eternal Lord.
Thereof sang Solomon, the son of David,
all-wist in song and secrets spiritual,
the ruler of the nations, and these -words spake : —
• ' // shall be known once, that the angels' King,
6!
Meotud meahtum swrS munt gestyllcS
GehleapcS hea-dune hyllas and cnollas
Bewri'S mid his wuldre woruld alyse<S
Ealle eofS-buend purh pone aspelan styll-
Wass se forma hlyp pa he on fasmnan astag
MasgcS un-masle and pasr mennisc hiw
Onfeng butan firenum past to frofre gewear'S
Eallum eorS-warum- Wass se oper stiell
Bearnes gebyrda pa he in binne wass
In cildes hiw clapum bewunden
Ealra prymma prym. Wats se pridda hlyp
Rodor-cyninges rass pa he on rode astag
Faeder frofre gasst- Wass se feorSa stiell
In byrgenne pa he pone beam ofgeaf
Fold-asrne fasst. Wass se fifta hlyp
pa he hell-warena heap forbygde
In cvvic-susle cyning inne gebond
Feonda fore-sprecan fyrnum teagum
Grom-hydigne pasr he gen ligeS
In carcerne clommum gefasstnad
Synnum gesasled- Wass se siexta hlyp
Haliges hyht-plega pa he to heofonum astag
On his eald-cySSe pa wass engla preat
On pa halgan tid hleahtre blipe
Wynnum geworden- Gesawan wuldres prym
62
the Lord so strong in might, shall mount a /till,
shall leap the lofty downs, and hi{ls and knofls
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 t/iere
a human form, and was anon the solace
of all mankind. J T/te second leap was this, —
the Infants birth, w/ien He was in the manger,
the Glory of all Glories swathed in clothes,
in form of child. The heavenly King's career
was the third leap, when He, the Fattier' s Solace,
ascended on the rood. Into the sepulchre
was t lie fourth leap, when He had left the tree
and lay within that cave. The fifth leap was,
w/ien He bowed down t/te multitude of hell
in living torment, and bound their king within,
the devils' advocate, so grim of mood,
with fiery fetters, 'where he lie th yet,
fastened in prison t/iere with manacles,
and shackled with his sins. The sixth leap was
the revel of t/te Holy, when He rose
unto His ancient home ; t/te angelic host
was blit/te with sweetest laughter and with joy
on that holy tide ; they sazu the Crown of Glory,
63
/Epelinga ord eples neosan 740
Beorhtra bolda- pa wearS burg-warum
Eadgum ece gefea aspelinges plega-
\) us her on grundum godes ece beam
Ofer heah hleopu hlypum stylde
Modig asfter muntum swa we men sculon
Heortan gehygdum hlypum styllan
Of masgne in masgen masrpum tilgan
J?ast we to pam hyhstan hrofe gestigan
Halgum weorcum paer is hyht and blis
Gepungen pegn-weorud- Is us pearf micel 750
)?aet we mid heortan haslo secen
)7asr we mid gasste georne gelyfaS
fast past haslo-bearn heonan up-stige
Mid usse lic-homan lifgende god-
Forpon we a sculon idle lustas
Syn-wunde forseon and pass sellran gefeon-
HabbaS we us to frofre fasder on roderum
iElmeahtigne- He his aras ponan
Halig of heahSu hider onsendeS
t>a us gescildap wrS sceppendra 760
Eglum earh-farum pi lass un-holdan
Wunde gewyrcen ponne wroht-bora
In folc godes forS onsendcS
Of his brasgd-bogan biterne strasl-
64
t/te noble Chief, approach those bright abodes,
His Fatiierland. That revel of the Prince
brought endless joy to those blessed denizens.
Thus God's eternal Child, here upon earth,
sprang boldly o'er t/ie lofty hills, by leaps,
from mount to mount ; and e'en so must we men,
with our hearts' inmost thoughts, by such leaps, spring
from virtue unto virtue, and for glory strive,
so tluit through Jwly works zee 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 liearts,
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 tlie Omnipotent,
our Fat/ier in lieaven ; He, tJie 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, when as the Enemy,
the great Accuser, sendeth the bitter dart
among the folk of God from his drawn bow.
E 65
ForJ?on we fasste sculon wiS J?am fasr-scyte
Symle warlice wearde healdan
fry laes se attres ord in gebuge
Biter bord-gelac under ban-locan
Feonda faer-searo- past bi<S frecne wund
Blatast benna- Utan us beorgan ]>a 770
frenden we on eorSan eard weardigen-
Utan us to fasder freojja wilnian-
Biddan beam godes and J>one bli'San gasst
frast he us gescilde wiS sceajjan waepnum
Lapra lyge-searwum se us lif forgeaf
Leomu lie and gsest- Si him lof symle
frurh woruld worulda wuldor on heofnum-
dl^E pearf him ondrasdan deofla straglas
^iJm1 JEmg on eor'San a;lda cynnes
Gromra gar-fare gif hine god scildej? 780
DuguSa dryhten- Is pam dome neah
fraet we gelice sceolon leanum hleotan
Swa we wide feorh weorcum hlodun
Geond sidne grund- Us secgaS bee
Hvi a;t aerestan ead mod astag
In middan-geard masgna gold-hord
66
Verily must zee 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,
tlte ghastliest of gaslies. May we guard us t/ien,
whilst we hold habitation upon earth ;
and be we "wishful for the Father's peace ;
pray we the Son of God, and tlie kindly Spirit,
that He protect us from t/ie spoilers' weapons,
t/te zviles of foes ; He gave us life and limb,
body and eke soul ; ever to Him be praise
and glory in t/te heavens, world without end!
V.
Not any of the race of men on earth
need ever dread him of the devils' sJiafts,
t/te fiends' spear-storm, if God, t/ie Lord of hosts,
protecteth him. T/te day of doom is nigh,
zv/ten each of us shall gain tlie recompense
that by our works zve have through life amassed
on this wide world. 'Tis told to us in books,
liow the Treasury of glory, Gods noble Son,
descended humbly to this middle-earth,
67
In fasmnan fas'Sm freo beam godes
Halig of heahpu- Huru ic wene me
And eac ondrasde dom $y repran
Donne eft cymcS engla peoden 790
Jpe ic ne heold teala pset me haelend min
On bocum bibead- Ic paes brogan sceal
Geseon syn-wrasce pa;s pe ic soS talge
Dasr monig beo"S on gemot landed
Fore onsyne eces deman-
Donne • h • cwacaS gehyreS cyning mte'Slan
Rodera ryhtend sprecan repe word
Dam pe him asr in worulde wace hyrdon
Dendan • fft • and • + • ypast meahtan
Frofre findan- pasr sceal forht monig 800
On pam wong-stede werig bidan
Hwaet him sefter dasdum deman wille
Wrapra wita-' Bip se • P • scascen
Eorpan fraetwa • h • wass longe
h • flodum bilocen lif-wynna dad
p • on foldan ponne frastwe sculon
Byrnan on basle- Blac rasettcS
Recen reada leg repe scripeS
Geond woruld wide wongas hreosa'S
Burg-stede berstaS brond biS on tyhte 810
JEteft eald-gestreon unmurnlice
68
into t/ie Virgin's womb, when He came first,
- holy from on high. Alas! my mind presage th ;
I fear that then 'twill be a sterner doom,
w/ien 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 t/ie eternal fudge.
The fSieenest t/iere shall quake, when he Jieareth the Lord,
the lieavens Ruler, utter words of wrath
to those who in the world obeyed Him ill,
while they might solace find most easily
for t/ieir Reaming and their Sliced. Many afeard
stiall wearily await upon that plain
what penalty He will adjudge to them
for their deeds. T/ie ZSlinsomcness of earth/y gauds
shall then be c/ianged. In days of yore ZXnknown,
Hake-floods embraced tfie region of life's joy,
and all earths fortune ; then each precious thing
\
shall be consumed in fire ; bright ami swift
tlie ruddy flame shall rage, and fiercely stride
o'er t/ie wide world ; the plains shall waste away ;
the citadels shall crash ; the fire shall speed;
uupityingly shall he, greediest of guests,
69
Gaesta gifrast pxt geo guman heoldan
(penden him on eor]>an onmedla waes-
For]?on ic leofra gehwone lasran wille
paet he ne agaele gaestes )?earfe
Ne on gylp geote J?enden god wille
t?aet he her in worulde wunian mote
Somed simian sawel in lice
In J?am gasst-hofe- Scyle gumena gehwylc
On his gear-dagum georne bi})encan 820
J?aet us milde bicwom meahta waldend
JEt aerestan J>urh pxs engles word-
BrS nu eorneste Jionne eft cymeS
ReSe and ryhtwis- Rodor brS onhrered
And J?as miclan gemetu middan-geardes
Beheofia'S Jxmne beorht cyning leanaS
paes J?e hy on eor)?an eargum daedum
Lifdon leahtrum fa. fraes hi longe sculon
Fer'S-werige onfon in fyr-baSe
Waslmum biwrecene wraj>-lic and-lean- 830
)?onne maegna cyning on gemot cyme^
prymma maeste ]?eod-egsa biS
Hlud gehyred bi heofon-woman
Cwaniendra cirm cerge reotaS
Fore onsyne eces deman
Ipa. )?e hyra weorcum wace truwiaS-
70
consume the treasures which men prized of old,
whilst pride abode with tliem upon this earth.
Wlierefore would I instruct each well-beloved,
lest he be careless of his spirit's need,
or pour it forth in boasting, whilst God willeth
tliat he may Jure 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 tlie Omnipotent
when He first came, e'en as the angel spake.
He will be stern then, when He cometh again,
wrathful and rigorous. The Jieavens sliall quail,
and all tlie great estates of middle-earth
sliall quake, when He, bright King, requite th them,
for tliat 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 tlie great King in highest majesty
to tliat tribunal cometh ; then men's dismay,
the cry of anguish, sliall be heard aloud
amid tlie noises of tlie lieavens ; sadly
shall tliey bewail before tlie eternal fudge,
who liave but faint reliance in their works.
Dasr bip o'S-ywed egsa mara
Donne from frum-gesceape gefrasgen wurde
JEfre on eorSan. pa;r biS aeghwylcum
Syn-wyrcendra on pa snudan tid 840
Leofra micle ponne eall peos laene gesceaft
pasr he hine sylfne on pam sige-preate
Behydan msege ponne herga fruma
iEpelinga ord eallum demeS
Leofum ge laSum lean asfter ryhte
peoda gehwylcre- Is us pearf micel
past we gaestes wlite asr pam gryre-brogan
On pas gassnan tid georne bipencen-
Nu is pon gelicost swa we on lagu-flode
Ofer cald waster ceolum IrSan 850
Geond sidne sa5 sund-hengestum
Flod-wudu fergen- Is past frecne stream
Y$a ofermaeta pe we her on lacaS
Geond pas wacan woruld windge holmas
Ofer deop gelad- Wass se drohta'S strong
JEr pon we to londe geliden hasfdon
Ofer hreone hrycg pa us help bicwom
Past us to haslo hype gelasdde
Godes gasst-sunu and us giefe sealde
past we oncnawan magun ofer ceoles bord 860
Hwasr we saslan sceolon sund-hengestas
72
Then greater terror shall be manifest
than ever hath been heard of upon earth,
yea, front the first beginning; at that sudden time
each evil-doer will have liefer far
than all this transient creation
some place when, in that onward rush of triumph,
he may conceal him, when the Lord of hosts,
the Chief of Princes, sluill adjudge to all,
to friends and foes alike, to every man,
a righteous recompense. Great is our need,
t/iat in this barren time, ere that grim dread,
we should bethink us of our spirit's grace.
Noiv '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 /torses of the deep. A perilous way is this
of boundless waves, and t/tese are stormy seas,
on which we toss here in this feeble world,
o'er t/te deep paths. Ours was a sorry plight,
until at last we sailed unto the laud,
over t/te troubled main. Help came to us,
that brought us to t/te /taven of solvation,
•Gods Spirit- Son, and granted grace to us,
that we might know, e'en from t/te vessel's deck,
w/tere we must bind with ancttorage secure
Ealde y$-mearas ancrum fasste-
Utan us to pasre hy'Se hyht stapelian
Da us gerymde rodera waldend
Halge on heahpu pa he heofonum astag-
Certius Ipassus Be Die JuOicit.
i.
ONNE MID FERE fold-buende
Se micla daeg meahtan dryhtnes
JEt midre niht maegne bihlsme'S
Scire gesceafte swa oft scea$a fascne
fteof prist-lice pe on pystre fareS 870
On sweartre niht sorg-lease haele'S
Semninga for-feh'S slaope gebundne
Eorias ungearwe yfles genasgeS-
Swa on syne beorg somod up cymeS
Majgen-folc micel meotude getrywe
Beorht and blipe- Him weorpcS blasd gifen-
fonne from feowerum foldan sceatum
]}am ytemestum eorpan rices
Englas sl-beorhte on ekn blawa'S
Byman on brehtme beofaS middan-geard 880
Hruse under haelepum- Hlyda'S tosomne
74
our ocean-steeds, old stallions of t lie wooes.
O let us rest our Iwpc in that same port,
which t/ie Lord Celestial opened for us tliere,
Iwly on high, when He to Iieaven ascended I
#art €I)tttu %\)t Ww of 3!tiDgmcnt
i.
T/T 7" ITH sudden fear, at midnight, dire fully,
tlie great day of the Lord Omnipotent
s/uill overwlulm the denizens of earth
and bright creation, e'en as some wily robber,
some daring thief tliat prowleth in the dark,
in the swart night, surpriseth suddenly
careless mortals bound in happy sleep,
and basely cJiallengeth them unprepared.
Then unto Zion's hill a mighty /lost,
radiant and blissful, shall ascend together,
t/ie faithful of the Lord ; glory shall be theirs.
T/ien, too, from all four corners of the world,
from furt/iest regions of t/ie realm of earth,
resplendent angels shall with one accord
sound tlieir loud trumpets, and mid-earth shall quake
beneath the feet of men. Gloriously and long
75
Trume and torhte wrS tungla gong
SingaS and swinsiap supan and norpan
Eastan and westan ofer ealle gesceaft
Wecca'S of deaSe dryht-gumena beam
Eall monna cynn to meotud-sceafte
Eges-lic of pasre ealdan moldan hataS hy upp-astandan
Sneome of slaepe py fasstan- J?asr mon masg sorgende
folc
Gehyran hyge-geomor hearde gefysed
Cearum cwipende cwicra gewyrhtu 890
Forhte a-fsrde- past brS fore-tacna masst
para pe asr oppe si$ asfre gewurde
Monnum op-ywed par gemengde beoS
Onhaslo gelac engla and deofla
Beorhtra and blacra. WeorpcS bega cyme
Hwitra and sweartra swa him is ham sceapen
Ungelice englum and deoflum-
ponne semninga on syne beorg
Supan eastan sunnan leoma
CymeS of scyppende scynan leohtor 900
ponne hit men masgen modum ahyegan
Beorhte blican ponne beam godes
J?urh heofona gehleodu hider oS-ywe'S-
CymeS wundorlic cristes onsyn
^Epel-cyninges wlite eastan fram roderum
76
shall they blow together toward tlie stars' career,
and sing Melodiously from south and north,
from east and ivest, o'er all creation's realm,
and wake from death unto the final doom,
aghast from tlie 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, tlie bright and dark,
shall be commingled there ; yea, both sliall come,
the -white and black, e'en as a home is shaped
for angels and for devils all unlike.
T/ien unto Z ion's hill, full suddenly,
a sun-beam from south-east shall come anon
from the Creator, shining more brilliantly
titan mortals may conceive of in their minds,
gleaming full brightly ; tlien tlie Son of God
sliall hitherward appear o'er heaven's vaults ;
wondrous from tlie east of lieaven 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 biS pam godum glasd-mod on gesihpe
Wlitig wynsumlic weorude )>am halgan 910
On gefean faeger freond and leoftasl-
Lufsum and Iipe leofum monnum
To sceawianne pone scynan wlite
WcSne mid willum waldendes cyme
Masgen-cyninges pam pe him on mode aer
Wordum and weorcum wel gecwemdun-
He biS ))am yflum eges-lic and grim-lie
To geseonne synnegum monnum
J?am pasr mid firenum cuma'S for® for-worhte-
)7aet masg wites to wearninga pam pe hafaS wisne
gepoht 920
past se him eallunga owiht ne ondrasdcS
Se for Saere onsyne egsan ne weorpeS
Forht on fer'Se ponne he frean gesihS
Ealra gesceafta andweardne faran
Mid masgen-wundrum mongum to pinge-
Ond him on healfa gehwone heofon-engla preat
Ymb-utan faraS aelbeorhtra scolu
Hergas haligra heapum geneahhe-
DyncS deop gesceaft and fore dryhtne faereS
78
benign with sweetest grace for His own folk,
bitter for the baleful, marvellously visaged,
diversely for tlie blessed and the forlorn.
Unto tlie good, t/ie host of holy ones,
* His presence shall be winsome, beauteous, glad,
' loving and gracious, fraught with fair delight.
Sweet s/tall it be and pleasant for His beloved
to gaze upon that aspect all so fair,
benign of will, tlie advent of tlieir Lord,
tlieir mighty Sovran, for informer days
their words and works were pleasing unto Hitn.
Unto the evil, unto sinful men,
grim shall He be and fearful to beliold ;
with tlieir sins t/iey come tlicre, damned eternally.
He that is wise of t/iought may well regard
it
as a sign tliat lie need be nowise adread,
if lie, afore that Presence, becometh not
dismayed with terror in his soul, when lie see'th
creation's Lord advance before him tliere,
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
Waslm-fyra masst ofer widne grund- 930
HlemmCS hata leg heofonas berstaS
Trume and torhte tungol of-hreosa»S
)3onne weorpeS sunne sweart gewended
On blodes hiw seo Se beorhte scan
Ofer aer-woruld xlda. bearnum-
Mona past sylfe pe aer mon-cynne
Nihtes lyhte niper gehreoseS
And steorran swa some streda'S of heofone
purh $a strongan lyft stormum abeatne-
Wile aslmihtig mid his engla gedryht 940
Mazgen-cyninga meotod on gemot cuman
prym-fasst peoden- BiS pasr his pegna eac
Hrep-eadig heap- Halge sawle
Mid hyra frean fara'S ponne folca weard
t?urh egsan prea eorSan ma;g$e
Sylfa geseceS- WeorpcS geond sidne grund
Hlud gehyred heofon-byman stefn
And on seofon healfa swogaS windas
BlawaS brecende bearhtma maeste
Wecca'S and woniaS woruld mid storme- 950
FyllaS mid feore foldan gesceafte-
Donne heard gebrec hlud un-maste
Swar and swrSlic- Sweg-dynna masst
.ZEldum eges-lic eawed weorpcS
80
before the Lord, tlie fiercest fire shall rage ;
the burning flames shall roar; the heavens shall burst;
tlie planets, bright and steadfast, shall fall down,
and t/ie 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 t/ie moon, that erewhile gave forth light
for mortals through the flight, shall fall adown,
and the stars shall fall from heaven precipitate,
tempest-driven through the stormy air.
Then to t/ic judgment, with His angel-host,
will come t/te 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 t/ieir Lord, when the Guardian of men
shall visit all the races of the earth
with direful penalty. From pole to pole
t/ie blast of heaven's trumpet shall be lieard,
and from all seven sides the winds shall moan,
and with tumultuous roar shall blow and break,
waking and wasting all tlie world with storm,
o'er throwing all creation with their breath;
a grievous crash shall l/ien be manifest,
loud and immeasurable ; of all fierce dins
this shall be fiercest, a terror unto folk.
F 8l
ftasr maegen werge monna cynnes
Wornum hweorfa'S on widne leg
t?a paer cwice meteS cwelmende fyY
Sume up sume niper asides fulle-
ponne bi"5 untweo past pasr adames
C^n cearena full cwipe'S gesargad 960
Nales fore lytlum leode geomre
Ac fore pam masstan maegen-earfepum-
Donne eall preo on efen nimcS
Won fyres waelm wide tosomne
Se svvearta lig saes mid hyra fiscum
Eorpan mid hire beorgum and up-heofon
Torhtne mid his tunglum- Teon-leg somod
frrypum basrne'S preo eal on an
Grimme togaedre- Grorna'S gesargad
Eal middan-geard on pa masran tid- 970
II.
WA se gifra gaest grundas geond-sece$
Hipende leg heah-getimbro
FylleS on fold-wong fyres egsan-
Wid-masre blaest woruld mid-ealle
Hat heoro-gifre- HreosaS geneahhe
To-brocene burg-weallas- Beorgas gemelta'S
82
Then legions of the race of men, accursed,
shall throng unto tlic all-embracing flame,
and living feel tlie fire' s fatal touch,
some up, some down, with burning all fulfilled.
Small doubt tliat titer e t/ie cfieerless race of Adam
sliall utter lamentations, woebegone,
afflicted with no feeble tribulation,
but with great anguish, direfullest and worst ;
the livid surge of fire, tlie swarthy flame,
shall seize all tliere alike, at the same time,
afar and wide ; to wit, seas with their fish,
earth with her hills, and eke tlie heaven above
bright with its constellations ; tlie avenging flame
shall forthwith ravage all tlie regions three,
fiercely, with fearf id onset ; all middle-earth,
afflicted at that mighty time, shall mourn.
II.
E'en thus the greedy guest shall visit earth,
tlie ravaging flame shall hurl with fire's terror
t/ie loftiest piles adown unto tlie plain ;
tlie fierce-devouring, liot, wide-spreading blast
shall overthrow tlie world withal ; shattered
the city-walls shall fall : tlie hills shall melt
83
And heah-cleofu pa wr5 holme aer
Faeste wiS flodum foldan scehdun
StiS and sta?S-fasst stapelas wtfS wasge
Wastre windendum- Jponne wihta gehwylce 980
Deora and fugla deafe-leg nimeS
FasreS asfter foldan fyr-swearta leg
Weallende wiga- Swa asr waster fleowan
Flodas afysde ponne on fyr-ba'Se
SwelaS sse-fiscas sundes getwasfde
Waeg-deora gehwylc werig sweltcS-
Byrne]? waster swa weax- fraer brS wundra ma
J?onne hit asnig on mode masge apencan
Hu past gestun and se storm and seo stronge lyft
Breca'S brade gesceaft- Beornas gretaS 990
Wepa'S wanende wergum sternum
Heane hyge geomre hreowum gedreahte-
ScopeS swearta leg synne on fordonum
And gold-frastwe gleda forswelga'3
Eall asr-gestreon epel-cyninga-
Daer br$ cirm and cearu and cwicra gewin
Gehreow and hlud wop bi heofon-woman
Earmlic aslda gedreag- ponan asnig ne masg
Firen-dasdum fah frVS gewinnan
Leg-bryne losian londes ower- 1000
Ac past fyr nimeS purh foldan gehwast
84
and the high cliffs, that erewhile parted earth
stoutly and steadfastly from ocean, barriers
against t/te floods, bulwarks against the waves
and circling waters. Yea, the fatal flash
sliall seize each living creature, beast and bird ;
the swarthy flame sliall then bestride tlie world
like a raging warrior ; wJiere erst tlie waters flowed,
tlie rushing floods, a sea of fire shall burn
tliefislies of tlie deep ; reft of t/teir craft,
all ocean s monsters sliall a-weary die ;
water sliall burn as wax ; more wonders sliall be there
than any mortal may conceive in mind,
wlten the roar and the storm and tlie raging blast
shall shatter all creation ; men shall then wail,
with abject voices shall tftey weep and moan,
humbled, saddened, with penitence o'erwlielmed.
Those damned by sin shall surge in swarthy fire,
and gledes shall gorge tlie golden ornaments,
the ancient treasures of the kings of earth.
'Mid heavens roar a cry of woe sliall rise,
the anguish of tlie living, grief and lament,
the sorry plight of men. No mortal there,
with sinful deeds o'erslained, may peace achieve,
or anywhere escape tlie burning flame ;
forsooth tlie fire sliall seise each thing on earth,
85
GraefcS grim-lice georne aseccS
Innan and utan eofSan sceatas
OJ?]?aet call hafaS aEldes leoma
Woruld-widles worn waelme forbaerned-
Donne mihtig god on Jxme maeran beorg
Mid ]>y maestan majgen-Jjrymme cymcS
Heofon-engla cyning halig scincS
Wuldorlic ofer weredum waldende god-
Ond hine ymb-utan as^el-dugirS betast
Halge here-feSan hlutre blica'S
Eadig engla gedryht in-geJ>oncum
Forhte beofiaS fore faeder egsan-
ForJ>on nis asnig wundor hu him woruld-monna
Seo unclaene gecynd cearum sorgende
Hearde ondrede 'Sonne sio halge gecynd
Hwit and heofon-beorht heag-engla masgen
For Sasre onsyne beoS egsan afyrhte
BidaS beofiende beorhte gesceafte
Dryhtnes domes- Daga eges-licast
WeorJ^eS in worulde J>onne wuldor-cyning
)2urh J?rym J^reaS }?eoda gehwylce
HateS a-risan reord-berende
Of fold-grafum folc anra gehwyle
Cuman to gemote mon-cynnes gehwone-
Jponne eall hraSe adames cynn
86
shall fiercely delve, and eagerly shall search,
the tracts of earth within and eke without,
until the fire's glow fiath purged with lieat
each blemish of the world's pollution.
' Then God Almighty, lieavenly angels' King,
with greatest majesty sfiall thitlier come
to tfiat noble hill ; glorious o'er His hosts,
the Sovran Lord in holiness shall shine ;
and, Him around, tlie goodliest chivalty,
tlie lioly warrior-band, blessed angel-troop,
shall brightly gleam ; in terror of tlie Fatlier,
t/ieir inmost thoughts af eared, e'en tliey shall quake.
Yea, 'tis no wonder that the race unclean
of worldly men should sorely be adread,
should direfully lament, witen tlie lioly race,
so white and lieavenly bright, tlie archangels' host,
before that Presence is with fear aghast;
trembling the radiant beings shall abide
t/ieir Sovran's doom. Most terrible of days
that day shall be, whenas tlie glorious King
shall mightily o'erw/ielm the nations all,
and bid each folk, creatures with speech endowed,
arise from out tlieir eartldy sepulchres,
and come each man to that assemblage there.
Full quickly tlien s/iall Adam's kin take flesh ;
87
OnfehS flaesce weorJjcS fold-raeste
Eardes aet ende sceal ponne anra gehwylc
Fore cristes cyme cwic arisan
Leo'Sum onfon and lic-homan 1030
Ed-geong wesan hafa"S eall on him
frass pe he on foldan in fyrn-dagum
Godes oppe gales on his gasste gehlod
Geara gongum- Hafa$ aet-gsedre bu
Lie and sawle- Sceal on leoht cuman
Sinra weorca wlite and worda gemynd
And heortan gehygd fore heofona cyning-
Donne bip geyced and geedniwad
Mon-cyn purh meotud micel ariseS
Dryht-folc to dome sippan deapes bend 1040
To-lescS lif-fruma- Lyft brS onbasrned
Hreosaft heofon-steorran hypaS wide
Gifre glede gasstas hweorfa'S
On ecne eard opene weorpaS
Ofer middan-geard- Monna dasde
Ne magun hord wera heortan gepohtas
Fore waldende wihte bemipan-
Ne sindon him dasda dyrne ac paer brS dryhtne cirS
On pam miclan daege hu monna gehwylc
JEr earnode eces lifes 1050
And eall andweard past hi aer oppe siS
their eart/dy rest and sojourning shall tfien
/lave end, for at Christ 's 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 lure 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 ; t/ie image of his works,
the memory of his words, t/ie t/ioughts of his heart,
shall come to light before tlie heavenly King.
Mankind shall be increased t/ien and renewed
by its Creator ; a mighty multitude
i 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, t/te greedy flame
shall ravage far and wide ; spirits shall wend
to their eternal home ; tlu deeds of men
shall t/ien be manifest throughout mid-earth.
The treasure-hoard of men, their liearts' deep thoughts,
, nowise before the Sovran may be hid ;
deeds are not dark to Him ; on that great day
it shall be known unto tlie Lord how each
hath erewMle merited eternal life,
and all shall be revealed t/iat each hath wrought,
89
Worhtun in worulde- Ne br$ )>aer wiht for-holen
Monna gehygda ac se maera daeg
HreJ»er-locena hord heortan gef»ohtas
Ealle aetyweS- JEr sceal gejjencan
Gasstes }?earfe se]?e gode myntcS
Bringan beorhtne wJite Jjonne bryne costal
Hat heoru gifre hu gchealdne sind
Sawle wi"$ synnum fore sige-deman-
Donne sio by man stefen and se beorhta segn 1060
And ])3£t hate fyr and seo hea dugirS
And se engla }>rym and se egsan J>rea
And se hearda daeg and seo hea rod
Ryht araered rices to beacne
Folc-dryht wera biforan bonnaS
Sawla gehwylce J^ara J>e stS oppe xr
On lic-homan leoj^um onfengen-
Donne weoroda maest fore waldende
Ece and ed-geong andweard gasS
Neode and nyde bi noman gehatne 1 070
Bera^ breosta hord fore beam godes
Feores fraetwe wile faeder eahtan
Hu gesunde suna sawle bringen
Of }>am eSle J>e hi on lifdon-
Donne beoS bealde J>a J?e beorhtne wlite
Meotude bringa® brS 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 mind's 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,
wlien t/iat devouring fire before the fudge
assayeth /low souls have been restrained from sin.
Lo, tften tlie trumpets voice, the standard bright,
tlie glowing fire, the glorious chivalry,
the noble throng of angels, the pang of terror,
t/ie day so stern, and tlie exalted rood,
rightwise raised up in sign of mastery,
shall summon forward all tlie fwsts of men,
tlie souls of all that from eternal time
took limb within the body's covering.
A mighty liost, deathless, with youth renewed,
shall pass before the Sovran's presence there
by dire compulsion forced, yea, called by name,
bearing before Gods Child their bosom's hoard,
t/ieir spirit's treasures ; then will tlie Fat/ier see
how all unmarred His sons may bring their souls
e'en from that land wherein they lived erewhile.
Tliey s/iall be bold tliat bring unto the Lord
an aspect fair ; blissful indeed shall be
91
SwiSe gesaelig-lic sawlum to gielde
Wuldor-lean weorca- Wei is ]iam pe motun
On pa grimman tid gode lician-
III.
ji^R him sylfe geseoS sorga masste 1080
Syn-fa men sarig-fei^Se-
Ne brS him to are past pasr fore ell-peodum
Usses dryhtnes rod andweard stondcS
Beacna beorhtast blode bestemed
Heofon-cyninges hlutran dreore
Biseon mid swate past ofer side gesceaft
Scire scincS- Sceadu beoS bidyrned
J?asr se leohta beam leodum byrhte'S
past peah to teonum weor]?eS
feodum to prea pam pe pone gode 1090
Wom-wyrcende wita ne cupun
pass he on pone halgan beam ahongen wass
Fore mon-cynnes man-forwyrhtu-
pasr he leof-lice lifes ceapode
Jpeoden mon-cynne on )>am daege
Mid py weorSe pe no worn dyde
His lic-homa leahtra firena
Mid py usic alysde- pass he eft-lean wile
92
their might and joy, t/ieir souls' great recompence,
the glorious guerdon of tlieir works. Happy t/iey,
who at that awful time are dear to God !
IIL '
But sin-stained mortals, sad in soul, shall see
their diref idlest affliction there in this, —
not for t/uir glory s/tall our Sovran's rood,
the brightest of all beacons, stand forth t/iere
fore all tlie tribes of earth, wet with the blood
of lieaven's King, bedewed with His pure gore,
o'erf owing with His sweat, gleaming effulgent
o'er wide creation. Shadow shall be scattered,
where'er the bright beam shine th forth for men ;
natldcss shall it discomfort and torment
all those who, erewhile working wickedness,
knew not tlie thanks that due were unto God,
for t/tat He hung upon the holy tree,
all for the base misdeeds of human kind.
• There He, tlie 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
wlierewith He ransomed us. For all this grace
93
Jpurh eorneste ealles genomian
Donne sio reade rod ofer ealle I ioo
Swegle scineS on paere sunnan gyld-
On pa forhtlice firenum fordone
Swearte syn-wyrcend sorgum wlita'S-
GeseoS him to bealwe past him betst bicwom
)?aer hy hit to gode ongietan woldan-
And eac pa ealdan wunde and pa openan dolg
On hyra dryhtne geseoS dreorig-ferSe
Swa him mid nasglum purh-drifan niS-hycgende
pa hwitan honda and pa halgan fet
And of his sidan swa some swat forletan 1 1 10
pasr blod and waeter butu aet-somne
Ut bicwoman fore eagna gesybS
Rinnan fore rincum pa he on rode wass-
Eall pis magon him sylfe geseon ponne
Open orgete past he for aelda lufan
Firen-fremmendra fela prowade-
Magun leoda beam leohte oncnawan
Hu hine lygnedon lease on geponcum
Hysptun hearm-cwidum and on his hleor somod
Hyra spatl speowdon sprascon him edwit 1120
And on pone eadgan andwlitan swa some
Hel-fuse men hondum slogun
Folmum areahtum and fystum eac
94
sternly will He exact His payment tlien,
when t/ie blood-red rood in tlie etliereal sky
shall brightly shine, where once tlie sun was wont.
Fearful and sorrowful shall they look tJiereon,
dark sinners damned by base iniquity ;
the best thing in the world shall seem tlieir bane,
when t/iey would fain regard it as tlieir bliss.
With souls a- weary sluxll t/iey see withal
tlie ancient wounds and gashes on t/ie Lord,
e'en as tlie base contrivers pierced with nails
the hands so white and eke tlie holy feet,
and from His side, too, let tlie gore pour fortlu,
and blood and water both at once, commingled,
came gushing forth before tlie people there,
before their eyes, while He teas 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
liow tliey, false in their thoughts, belied Him then,
t/weked Him with insult, and upon His face
e'en spat tlieir spittle, spake to Him with taunt,
and on His blessed countenance withal
the liell-pronc miscreants struck Him with tlieir liands,
with tlieir outstretched palms, and with their fists,
95
And ymb his heafod lieardne gebigdon
Beag pyrnenne blinde on geponcum
Dysge and gedwealde- Gesegun pa dumban gesceaft
Eor^an eal-grene and up-rodor
Forhte gefelan frean prowinga
And mid cearum cwrSdun peah hi cwice naeron
]?a hyra scyppend sceapan onfengon 1 130
Syngum hondum- Sunne wearS adwassced
]?ream aprysmed pa sio peod geseah
In hierusalem godwebba cyst
past aer 'Sam halgan huse sceolde
To weorpunga weorud sceawian
Ufan eall forbasrst past hit on eorpan lasg
On twam styccum pass temples segl
Wundor-bleom geworht to wlite pass huses
Sylf slat on tu swylce hit seaxes ecg
Scearp purh-wode- Scire burstan 11 40
Muras and stanas monge asfter foldan
And seo eorSe eac egsan myrde
Beofode on bearhtme and se brada sec
CySde crasftes meaht and of clomme braec
Up yrringa on eorpan fasSm-
Ge on stede scynum steorran forleton
Hyra swassne wlite- On pa sylfan tid
Heofon hluttre ongeat hwa hine healice
96
and round about His head a cruel crown,
a crown of thorns they wreatlied, blind in their thoughts,
foolish and erring. They saw how dumb creation,
the earth all green, and tlie ethereal sky,
affrighted, felt tlie sufferings of the Lord ;
how sorely mounted they, though they were not quick,
when impious men with sinful hands did seize
their very Maker! Tlie sun became obscured,
darkened with misery ; and in ferusalem
the people saw the choicest of all webs,
tliat multitudes were wont to marvel at,
the glory of the holy house of God,
thej/t saw it rent, so that in pieces twain
it lay upon the earth ; the temple's veil,
with wondrous colours wrought to deck that hoifse,
was riven asunder, as a falchion s edge,
full sharp, had passed tliere-through. Stone walls a-many,
throughout earths tract, with Jieadlong 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 o'er earth's bosom dashed in angry mood ;
yea, in their radiant Jwmes tlie stars then lost
t/icir winsome beauty ; at that selfsame time
tlie heaven serene discerned who erst had made it
G 97
Torhtne getremede tungol-gimmum-
Forpon he his bodan sende pa wass geboren asrest 1 1 50
Gesceafta scir-cyning- Hwa;t eac scyldge men
Gesegon to soSe py sylfan daege
)pe on prowade peod-wundor micel
pffitte eor3e ageaf pa hyre on lasgun-
Eft lifgende up astodan
Da pe heo aer faeste bifen ha?fde
Deade bibyrgde pe dryhtnes bibod
Heoldon on hrepre- Hell eac ongeat
Scyld-wreccende p£t se scyppend cwom
Waldende god pa heo pst weorud ageaf 1 1 60
Hlope of pam hatan hrepre hyge wearS mongum blissad
Sawlum sorge to-glidene- Hwaet eac s& cy'Sde
Hwa hine gesette on sidne grund
Tir-meahtig cyning forpon he hine tredne him
Ongean gyrede ponne god wolde
Ofer sine ySe gan eah-stream ne dorste
His frean fet flode bisencan-
Ge eac beamas onbudon hwa hy mid bledum sceop
Monge nales fea Sa mihtig god
On hira anne gestag pasr he earfepu 1 1 70
Gepolade fore pearfe peod-buendra
LaSlicne dea'S leodum to helpe-
Da wearS 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 i?i very sooth on that same day,
whereon He suffered, a marvel passing great, —
to wit, earth yielded tlwse who in fier lay ;
then rose they up and living stood again,
whom she had erewhile luld with firmest grip,
tlu dead and buried, wlw had kept in mind
their Lord's commands. Eke sin-avenging hell
knew that the Maker and the ruling God
was come, when it surrendered up tfiat host
from her hot bosom ; blissful were many hearts,
grief vanished from their souls. Lo ! too, tJie 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 tlicn
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 earth's 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 Jjicce
Ssp wearS to swate- past asecgan ne magun
Fold-buende fmrh frod gewit
Hu fela J»a onfundun )?a gefelan ne magun
Dryhtnes J>rowinga deade gesceafte-
Da J>e a;J?elast sind eorSan gecynda
And heofones eac heah-getimbro 1 180
Eall fore ])zm anum unrot gewearS
Forht afongen- peah hi fefS-gewit
Of hyra ae)?elum aenig ne cu]?en
Wendon swa Jjeah wundrum ]>a hyra waldend for
Of lic-homan- Leode ne cu]>an
Mod-blinde men meotud oncnawan
Flintum heardran J>ast hi frea nerede
Fram hell-cwale halgum meahtum
Alwalda god )>xt aet serestan
Fore-Jjoncle men from fruman worulde 1 190
furh wis gewit witgan dryhtnes
Halge hige-gleawe haslejwm saegdon
Oft nales asne ymb J>aet ae)?ele beam
Dast se earcnan stan eallum sceolde
To hleo and to hroJ>er haelejja cynne
Weor'San in worulde wuldres agend
Eades ord-fruma J?urh ]?a aej>elan cwenn-
suffused with tears of blood, all red and thick ;
their sap was turned to gore. Earth's denizens,
liowever wise they be, cannot declare
how many things which feel not, insensate things,
experienced tJien t/ie sufferings of tJieir Lord.
T/te noblest of t/te species of the earth,
and eke t/ie lofty structures upon high,
for tliat alone were seized with sudden fear,
and sad became ; in their inherent nature,
tliough tltey no mental understanding had,
yet wondrously they knew it, when their Lord
forth from His body fared. Benighted men,
liarder titan flints, would not acknowledge tlten
their Maker, lltat the Lord, Almighty God,
had saved them from the agonies of hell,
e'en by His holy might, nor that of yore,
in the world's beginning, the prophets of tlte Lord,
far-seeing men, Iwly and wise of mind,
Itad told to folk anent the noble Child,
oft-times, not once, by wisdom of tlieir souls,
that through the noble woman He should be
a precious Rock Itere in this 'world below,
the Refuge and t/te Help of all mankind,
the Lord of glory, tlte first Cause of bliss.
IV.
WiES wene'S se pe mid gewitte nyle
Gemunan pa mildan meotudes lare
And eal Sa earfe'Su pe he fore addum adreag 1 200
Forpon pe he wolde past we wuldres eard
In ecnesse agan mosten-
Swa pam biS grorne on pam grimman deege
Domes pass miclan pam J>e dryhtnes sceal
DeaS-firenum forden dolg sceawian
Wunde and wite on werigum sefan-
GeseoS sorga masste hu se sylfa cyning
Mid sine lic-homan lysde of firenum
fturh milde mod past hy mostun man-weorca
Tome lifgan and tires blasd 12 10
Ecne agan- Hy pass e'Sles pone
Hyra waldende wita ne cupon-
Forpon pasr to teonum pa tacen geseoft
Orgeatu on gode ungesaelge
fronne crist siteS on his cyne-stole
On heah-setle heofon-masgna god
Fasder aelmihtig folca gehwylcum
Scyppend scinende scrifeS bi gewyrhtum
Eall asfter ryhte rodera waldend-
102
IV.
What hope hath lie 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
tlu 'gashes, wounds, and torments of the Lord ;
greatest their woe to see /tow tliat tlu King
with His own body ransomed them from sin,
in meekness, so that tltey might live, devoid
of their ill-deeds, and have the endless bliss
of lieavenly glory. Tltey did not know the thanks
due to their Sovran for this lieritagc ;
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, prtscribeth righteously withal
for every man according to his deeds.
103
fronne beoS gesomnad on pa swipran hond 1220
Pa clasnan folc criste sylfum
Gecorene bi cystum pa ser sinne cwide georne
Lustum lasstun on hyra lif-dagum-
Ond paer wom-sceapan on pone wyrsan dael
Fore scyppende scyrede weorpa'S-
HateS him gewitan on pa winstran hond
Sigora soS-cyning synfulra weorud-
paer hy arasade recta's and beofia'S
Fore frean forhte- Swa fule swa ga?t
Unsyfre folc arna ne wenaS- 1230
Donne biS gaesta dom fore gode sceaden
Wera cneorissum swa hi geworhtun aer
paer biS on eadgum eS gesyne
preo tacen somod pass pe hi hyra peodnes wel
Wordum and weorcum willan heoldon-
An is aerest orgeate pasr
paet hy fore leodum leohte blicap
Blasde and byrhte ofer burga gesetu-
Him onscinaS aer-gewyrhtu
On sylfra gehwam sunnan beorhtran- 1240
Oper is to-eacan andgete swa some
paet hy him in wuldre witon waldendes giefe
And onseoS eagum to wynne
fast hi on heofon-rice hlutru dreamas
104
Then shall be gathered on the right-hand side
of Christ Himself tlie cleanly multitude,
chosen for t/ieir virtues ; in their life-days
joyfully had t/iey performed His word.
Workers of wickedness shall be disposed
before their Maker on the worser side ;
victory's true King shall bid t/ie throng
of sinful mortals wend unto His left ;
discovered, shall t/iey tliere bewail and quake,
af card before t/ie Lord; as foid as goats,
an impure folk, they may not hope for grace.
Wlicn the spirits' doom s/iall be decreed fore God
unto all generations as t/iey wrought,
three signs shall then be plainly visible
at once upon t/ie blessed, for they kept well
their Lord's be/iest, both by their words and works.
T/ie first sign matiifest shall be, to wit,
that they shall shine with light before tliefolk,
with bliss and brightness, throughout the homes on high ;
their former deeds shall shine upon tltem t/iere,
upon each of them, e'en brighter tlian the sun.
Likewise a second sign shall be revealed, —
in glory shall tliey know tlieir Sovran's grace,
and t/iey shall see t/teir eyes' delight therein,
that they, as saints, 'mid angels, are to own
105
Eadge mid englum agan motun-
Donne bi'S J>ridde hu on Jjystra bealo
J?ast gesaelige weorud gesihS ]>xt fordone
Sar J>rowian synna to wite
Weallendne Iig and wyrma wlite
Bitrum ceaflum byrnendra scole- 1250
Of )?am him aweaxeS wynsum gefea
fronne hi J»ast yfel geseoS oSre dreogan
pset hy Jjurh miltse meotudes genaeson-
Donne hi J>y geornor gode Jroncia'S
Blasdes and blissa }?e hy bu geseoS
)2a;t he hy generede from nfS-cwale
And eac forgeaf ece dreamas-
BiS him hel bilocen heofon-rice agiefen-
Swa sceal gewrixled J?am pe sx wel heoldon
J?urh mod-lufan meotudes willan- 1260
Donne brS J>am oJ>rum ungelice
Willa geworden- Magon weana to fela
Geseon on him selfum synne genoge
Atol earfoSa aer gedenra-
J?asr him sorgendum sar o'Sclife'S
frroht fieod-bealu on J^reo healfa-
An is J>ara pset hy him yrm)?a to fela
Grim helle fyr gearo to wite
Andweard seo$ on ]>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 da mm; ■■'
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 tlie 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 ;
lull shall be locked for t/icm, heaven's realm vouclisafed.
This shall be their lot who erst kept well,
through tlieir souls' love, t/te will of the Creator.
But all unlike, forsooth, shall be the plight
of tfic 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 sliall see,
all ready for their torment, lull's grim fire, —
too base an ignominy ; outcast there,
107
Wrax-winnende wasrgftu dreogan- i 2 70
ponne is him oper earfepu swa some
Scyldgum to sconde past hi paer scoma maeste
DreogaS fordone- On him dryhten gesihS
Nales feara sum firen-bealu laSlic
And past aell-beorhte eac sceawia'S
Heofon-engla here and hadepa beam
Ealle eor'S-buend and atol deofol
Mircne masgen-cra;ft man-womma gehwone-
Magon purh pa lic-homan leahtra firene
Geseon on pam sawlum- BeoS pa syngan flassc 12 80
Scandum purh-waden swa paet scire glass
t?aet mon ypaest masg eall purh-wlitan-
Donne br3 past pridde pearfendum sorg
Cwipende cearo past hy on pa clasnan seoS
Hu hi fore god-dasdum glade blissiaS
pa hy unsaslge a?r forhogdun
To donne ponne him dagas lasstun-
And be hyra weorcum wepende sar
(Past hi aer freolice fremedon unryht
GeseoS hi pa betran blaede scinan- 1290
Ne biS him hyra yrmSu an to wite
Ac para operra ead to sorgum
Jpaes pe hy swa fasgre gefean on fyrn-dagum
And swa asnlice an-forletun
108
they shall endure damnation evermore.
Likewise a second woe shall put to shame
the guilty ; tJiey shall endure the greatest contumely,
undone by sin ; the Lord shall see in them
loathsome transgressions, nowise a few,
and the radiant throng, t/ie heavenly angel-lwst,
shall see the like, and eke t/ie sons of men ;
all earth's inhabitants, and the fell devil,
shall see their darksome craft and every stain ;
through t/ieir bodies they shall see upon tlieir 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 t/ie wretc/ied know,
yea, dire lament, when they behold the pure,
how gladly t/iey rejoice in tlie good deeds,
that they, unhappy ones, despised to do
erewhile, when still t/ie days of life ran on ;
and weeping sore because of their own works
because they wrought unrighteousness before,
tliey shall behold their betters shine in glory.
Not merely their own misery shall be their bale ;
the bliss of those others shall increase t/ieir grief,
seeing how they informer days forsook ,>
delights so fair and so incomparable
frurh leaslice lices wynne
Earges flassc-homan idelne lust-
)?aer hi ascamode scondum gedreahte
SwiciaS on swiman syn-byr)jenne
Firen-weorc beraS on ])xt J>a folc SCO'S-
Ware him J?on betre ]>xt hy bealo-dasde 1 300
iElces unryhtes a;r gescomeden
Fore anum men eargra weorca
Godes bodan saegdon J?ast hi to gyrne wiston
Firen-dasda on him- Ne maeg jpurh ]?aet flassc se scrift
Geseon on }>aere sawle hwaejjer him mon soS }>e lyge
SagaS on hine sylfne }>onne he J>a synne bigaeS-
Masg mon swa )?eah gelacnigan Jeahtra gehwylcne
Yfel unclasne gif he hit anum gesegS
And nasnig bihelan mssg on }>am heardan daege
Worn unbeted Saer hit J?a weorud geseo'S- 13 10
Eala bser we nu magon wrajje firene
Geseon on ussum sawlum synna wunde
Mid lic-homan leahtra gehygdu
Eagum unclasne in-ge]:>oncas-
Ne Jjast aenig maag oJ>rum gesecgan
Mid hu micle elne asghwylc wille
)?urh ealle list lifes tiligan
Feores forhtlice forS a'Solian
Syn-rust ]?wean and hine sylfne ]?rean
1 10
for the body's vain and all-dclusivcjoy,
and for the idle lust of the vile flesh.
There they abashed, o'erwhelmed with ignominy,
shall wander giddily, bearing their evil deeds,
the burden of their sins, whilst all folk gaze ;
'twere better for tlient had tltey erst felt shame
for each base deed and each transgression,
for all their evil works, before one man,
telling God's servant that too well they knew
ill-deeds within them. Tlie confessor cannot look
through tlu 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 stem 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,
And )xet worn asrran wunde haelan 1320
t?one lytlan fyrst J?e her lifes sy
)3aet he maege fore eagum eor"S-buendra
Unscomiende eSles mid monnum
Brucan bysmerleas Jjendan bu somod
Lie and sawle lifgan mote.
&
.V we sceolon georne gleawlice Jjurh-seon
Usse hreJ>er-cofan heortan eagum
Innan uncyste. We mid J>am o'Srum ne magun
Heafod-gimmum hyge-J>onces fer'S
Eagum Jmrh-wlitan a;nge j?inga 1330
Hwaejjer him yfel )?e god under wunige
Jpaet he on J>a grimman tid gode licie
t'onne he ofer weoruda gehwyle wuldre scincS
Of his heah-setle hlutran lege-
Jpasr he fore englum and fore el]?eodum
To J?am eadgestum a;rest mas'Sle'S
And him swasslice sibbe gehateS
Heofona heah-cyning halgan reorde
FrefreS he fasgre and him fr\p beode'S
HateS hy gesunde and gesenade 1340
On e)?el faran engla dreames
112
to heal tlie blemish of some former wound,
during the little span of life on earth,
so tJiat before the eyes of all the world,
he may enjoy his Jwme in the midst of men,
blameless and unabas/ied, as long as fiere
body and soul may both togetJier 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,
thejeivels of the head, we may no whit
survey the hidden home of inmost thought,
w/iether good or ill abide tliere in those depths, —
so that at that dread time God may be pleased,
w/ien,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 tlie happiest tliere,
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 s/iall bid them then, all safe and blessed,
fare to the home of angels' harmony,
II 113
And }>xs to widan feore willum neotan-
OnfoS nu mid freondum mines fsder rice
past eow waes asr woruldum wynlice gearo
Blasd mid blissum beorht eSles wlite
Hwonne ge pa. lif-welan mid )>am leor[s]tum
Swase swegl-dreamas geseon mosten-
Ge J?ass earnedon J>a ge earme men
Woruld-f^earfende willum onfengun
On mildum sefan- Donne hyhim }jurh minne noman 1 350
EaSmode to eow arna baedun
ponne ge hyra hulpon and him hleoS gefon
Hingrendum hlaf and hraegl nace dum
And pa. J>e on sare seoce lagun
iEf[n]don unsofte adle gebundne
To }?am ge holdlice hyge staj^eladon
Mid modes myne. Eall ge J?aet me dydon-
Donne ge hy mid sibbum sohtun and hyra sefan try-
medon
ForS on frofre- J?aes ge faegre sceolon
Lean mid leofum lange brucan- 1360
OnginncS )x>nne to J>am yflum ungelice
Wordum msSlan pe him biS on pa wynstran hond
]7urh egsan }>rea alwalda god-
Ne )?urfon hi }?onne to meotude miltse gewenan
Lifes ne lissa ac J>asr lean cuma'S
114
and joyously possess it evermore : —
'deceive ye now, 'mid friends, My Father's 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, tlte sweet delights of heaven.
This meed ye merited, 'when gladsomely,
with gentle cheer, ye welcomed needy men,
tlie wretched of t 'lie world ; w/ien in My name
they humbly prayed you for compassion,
t/ten 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.
T/tey may not hope for pity from the Lord,
nor life nor grace ; reward for words and deeds
US
Werum bi gewyrhtum worda and daeda
Reord-berendum sceolon pone ryhtan dom
JEnne geaefnan egsan fulne-
BiS pasr seo miccle milts afyrred
Peod-buendum on )>am dasge I37°
pass aelmihtigan ponne he yrringa
On past fraste folc firene staeleS
Lapum wordum hatcS hyra lifes riht
Andweard ywan past he him asr forgeaf
Syngum to saslum- OnginneS sylf cwcSan
Swa he to anum sprece and hwaspre ealle maencS
Firen-synnig folc frea aslmihtig-
Hwast ic pec mon minum hondum
.ZErest geworhte and pe andgiet sealde
Of lame ic pe leope gesette geaf ic Se lifgendne gasst 1 380
Arode pe ofer ealle gesceafte gedyde ic past pu onsyn
hasfdest
Masg-wlite me gelicne geaf ic pe eac meahta sped
Welan ofer wid-londa gehwylc nysses pu wean asnigne
dasl
Dystra past pu polian sceolde pu pass pone ne wisses-
t?a ic Se swa scienne gesceapen haefde
Wynlicne geworht and pe welan forgyfen
past Su mostes wealdan worulde gesceaftum .
Da ic pe on pa faegran foldan gesette
116
shall come to all men there, creatures 0/ speech,
according to their works ; they shall endure
the only righteous, though an awful, doom.
On that day then t/te great compassion
of the Omnipotent shall be afar
from earth's inlcabitants, when wrathfully,
in angry words, He ct target h their misdeeds
on impious folk, and biddcth them there present
their life's account before Him, which erst He gave
to t/tem, base sinners, for their bliss. The Sovran Lord
Himself sltall 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 Iwnoured 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 t/te gloom to come ; yet thankless thou.
Wlten 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 tltat fair domain,
117
To neotenne neorxna wonges
Beorhtne blasd-welan bleom scinende 1390
Da pu lifes word lagstan noldes
Ac min bibod braece be pines bonan worde
Fascnum feonde fur)x>r hyrdes
Sceppendum sceapan ponne pinum scyppende-
Nu ic Sa ealdan race anforlaete
Hu pu ast asrestan yfle gehogdes
Firen-weorcum forlure paet ic Se to fremum sealde
]7a ic pe goda swa fela forgiefen hasfde
And pe on pam eallum eades to lyt
Mode puhte gif pu meahte sped 1400
Efen-micle gode agan ne moste-
Da pu of pan gefean fremde wurde
Feondum to willan feor aworpen
Neorxna wonges wlite nyde sceoldes
Agiefan geomor-mod gassta epel
Earg and unrot eallum bidasled
Dugepum and dreamum and pa bidrifen wurde
On pas peostran weoruld paer pu polades sippan
Maegen-earfepu micle stunde
Sar and swar gewin and sweartne deaS 14 1 0
And aefter [hjingonge hreosan sceoldes
Hean in helle helpendra leas-
Da mec ongon hreowan past 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 treac/ierous foe, a mischievous destroyer,
didst thou obey, rather than thy Creator.
Now will I let that ancient story pass,
/tow at the first thou didst so ill devise,
and didst lose by sin the grace I granted tJiee ;
when I had given thee all these goodly things,
natldess it seemed iinto thy mind withal
too little bliss, if thou mights t not possess
fulness of power equally with God ;
then thou bccamest, to thy foes' delight,
an alien to that joy, cast out afar ;
perforce then Jtadst thou sadly to forego
the c/iarm of Paradise, the spirits' home, —
a craven wight and wretc/ied, 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 lotig, dire miseries,
pain and heavy toil and swarthy death,
doomed, after thy going Iience, abased to fall
down into hell, with none to lend thee help.
T/ien did it rue Me t/iat Mine handiwork
119
On feonda geweald feran sceolde
Mon-cy nnes tuddor man-cwealm seon
Sceolde uncirSne eard cunnian
Sare s'ipas f>a ic sylf gestag
Maga in modor J?eah wa°s hyre masgden-had
iEghwass onwalg- WeafS ic ana. geboren
Folcum to frofre mec mon folmum biwond 1420
Bi}?eahte mid }?earfan wasdum and mec J>a on )?eostre
alegde
Biwundenne mid wonnum clajmm hwast ic Jjaet for
worulde ge)?olade
Lytel ]?uhte ic leoda bearnum lasg ic on heardum stane
Cild geong on crybbe mid ]?y ic pe wolde cwealm afyr-
ran
Hat helle bealu Jjaet ]>u moste halig scinan
Eadig on pam ecan life for'Son ic pxt earfe)?e wonn-
#
VI.
,iES me for mode ac ic on magu-geogu'Se
Yrmfrn geasfnde arleas lic-sar
]?aet ic Jjurh pa wasre }>e gelic
And )?u meahte minum weor}?an H3°
Masg-wlite gelic mane bidasled-
And fore monna lufan min Jjrowade
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 tluit 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
Heafod hearm-slege hleor gepolade-
Oft and-Iata arleasra spatl
Of muSe 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 fashpe ne rohtun
And mid svveopum slogun- Ic paet sar for 'Se 1440
purh eaSmedu eall gepolade
Hosp and heard cwide- pa hi hwassne beag
Ymb min heafod heardne gebygdon
pream biprycton se wass of pornum geworht-
Da ic waes ahongen on heanne beam
Rode gefaestnad "Sa hi ricene
Mid spere of minre sidan swat ut-gotun
Dreor to foldan- past pu of deofles purh past
Nyd-gewalde genered wurde
Da ic womma leas wite polade 1450
Yfel earfepu oppast ic anne forlet
Of minum lic-homan lifgendne gaest-
GeseoS nu pa feorh-dolg pe gefremedun asr
On minum folmum and on fotum swa some
purh pa ic hongade hearde gefasstnad
Meaht her eac geseon orgete nu gen
On minre sidan swatge wunde-
122
endured the suffering of tlieir baleful strokes ;
oft on My visage spittle fell from mout/is
of impious workers of iniquity ;
they mingled, too, for Me full bitterly
an unszveet 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,
tJieir scorn and cruel gibes, in humbleness
I bore for thee, — and round about My head
a bitter-biting crown t/iey 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 tliereby should st be
delivered from the dcvirs tyranny,
all sinless suffered I this punishment,
this sore affliction, till from my body
t/te 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 may est thou see, too, manifest e'en yet,
the gory wound, the gash upon My side.
123
Hu pasr wass unefen racu unc gemasne-
Ic onfeng J>in sar past pu moste gesaslig
Mines epel-rices eadig neotan 1460
And pe mine deaSe deore gebohte
past longe lif past pu on leohte sippan
Wlitig womma leas wunian mostes-
Lasg min flaesc-homa in foldan bigrafen
Nipre gehyded se Se nasngum scod
In byrgenne past pu meahte beorhte uppe
On roderum wesan rice mid englum-
Forhwon forlete pu lif past scyne
past ic pe for lufan mid mine lic-homan
Heanum to helpe hold gecypte- J47°
Wurde pu pass gewitleas past pu waldende
finre alysnesse pone ne wisses-
Ne ascige ic nu owiht bi pam bitran
Dea'Se minum pe ic adreag fore pe-
Ac forgield me pin lif pass pe ic iu pe min
purh woruld-wite weor'S gesealde-
Dass lifes ic manige pe pu mid leahtrum hafast
Ofslegen synlice sylfum to sconde-
Forhwan pu past sele-gescot past ic me swass on pe
Gehalgode hus to wynne 1480
fturh firen-lustas fule synne
Unsyfre bismite sylfes willum-
124
How unequal was the reckoning 'twixt us two !
I tliere received thy pain that thou in bliss
miglitst happily enjoy My native realm ;
and dearly by My death I bought for thee
long life, that thou mightst tlienceforth evermore
dwell in the light, beauteous, void of sin.
My body 's flesh, the which had harmed no man,
lay buried in t/ie earth, hidden deep beneath,
down in its sepulchre, that thou mightst shine
mighty 'mid angels, in the shies 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 t/iou, 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 tliere 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 liast so sinfully
destroyed to thine own shame, with base transgression.
Why hast thou 'wittingly with filth defied,
through wicked lust and through foul sinfulness,
the tabernacle I sanctified in thee,
to be tlie cherisJied home of My delight ?
125
Ge )?u Jjone lic-homan J>e ic alysde me
Feondum of fa?8me and )?a him firene forbead
Scyld-wyrcende scondum gewemdest-
Forhwon ahenge J>u mec hefgor on Jpinra honda rode
Jponne iu hongade- Hwa?t me )?eos heardra JjynccS-
Nu is swasrra mid mec Jjinra synna rod
]?e ic unwillum on beom gefasstnad
)?onne seo oJ>er wass J>e ic azr gestag 149°
Willum minum pa. mec p'm wea swij^ast
JEt heortan gehreaw J>a ic J?ec from helle ateah
paer J?u hit wolde sylfa sijjjjan gehealdan-
Ic wass on worulde weadla J?aet 'Su wurde welig in
heofonum
Earm ic waes on e$le Jjinum J>ast Jju wurde eadig on
minum-
t?a 'Su ]?a2s ealles aenigne Jwic
Jpinum nergende nysses on mode-
Bibead ic eow )?a2t ge broj^or mine
In woruld-rice wel aretten
Of j^am aehtum J>e ic eow on eorSan geaf 1500
Earmra hulpen earge ge }>aet lasstun-
)?earfum forwyrndon J>aet hi under eowrum J?aece mosten
In-gebugan and him asghwaes oftugon
frurh heardne hyge hraegles nacedum
Moses mete-leasum ]?eah hy him Jmrh 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 t/wu hanged Me worse on thy hands' cross
titan when of old I hung? Methinks this harder ;
thy sins' cross is now heavier for Me,
on which I am bound fast, unwillingly,
tlian was that other which I erst ascended,
with Mine own -will, whenas thy misery
nted Me so much at heart, when I drew tltee from hell,
w/iere thou thyself wouldst afterwards abide.
I in the world was poor, that thou in heaven mightst be
rich,
wretclted was I in thy world, t/iat tlwu in Mine mightst
blissful be.
But for all this t/iou knewest not in thy heart
tlie gratitude due to thy Saviour.
I bade tliat ye should cherish tenderly
My brethren throughout all tJte world's domain ;
with the wealth which I had granted you on earth
tliat ye should Jtelp the poor ; ill have ye done so ;
ye forbade the poor to enter 'neath your roof,
and ye withlield from them full everything,
in your hard hearts, — raiment from the naked,
food from t/ic foodless ; though weary and infirm,
127
Werge wonhale wastan bffidan
Drynces gedreahte dugupa lease
Durste gepegede ge him J>riste oftugon-
Sarge ge ne sohton ne him swasslic word
Frofre gespra:con pa;t hy py freoran hyge 1510
Mode gefengen- Eall ge J>ast me dydan
To hynpum heofon-cyninge- fraes ge sceolon hearde
adreogan
Wite to widan ealdre wrasc mid deoflum gepolian-
Donne pasr ofer ealle egeslicne cwide
Sylf sigora weard sares fulne
Ofer past fasge folc forS forlasteS-
CwiS to para synfulra sawla fepan-
FaraS nu awyrgde willum biscyrede-
Engla dreames on ece fir
paet wass satane and his gesipum mid 1520
Deofle gegearwad and pasre deorcan scole
Hat and heoro-grim on past ge hreosan sceolan-
Ne magon hi ponne gehynan heofon-cyninges bibod
Rasdum birofene sceolon rape feallan
On grimne grund pa aer wip gode wunnon-
Br$ ponne rices weard repe and meahtig
Yrre and egesful. Andvveard ne masg
On pissum 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 tltem, 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,
tJie 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,
tlie King's command ; tJiey who erst warred 'gainst God
shall quickly fall into the grim abyss.
Tlie 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 paere swi[^]ran hond
Jpaet on past deope dasl deofol gefeallaS 1530
In sweartne leg synfulra here
Under foldan sceat fasge gasstas
On wrapra wic womfulra scolu
Werge to forwyrde on wite-hus
DeaS-sele deofles- Nales dryhtnes gemynd
Sippan gesecaS synne ne aspringaS
J?aer hi leahtrum fa lege gebundne
Swylt prowia'S brS him syn-wracu
Andweard undyrne past is ece cwealm-
Ne masg past hate dasl of heoloS-cynne 1540
In sin-nehte synne forbasrnan
To widan feore worn of pasre sawle-
Ac paer se deopa seaS dreorge fedeS
Grundleas giemeS gassta on peostre
iEleS hy mid py ealdan lige and mid py egsan forste
Wrapum wyrmum and mid wita fela
Frecnum feorh-gomum folcum scende'S-
paet we magon eahtan and on an cweSan
So'Se secgan past se sawle weard
Lifes wisdom forloren hasbbe !550
Se pe nu ne giemcS hwasper his gasst 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 earth's realm beneath ; the fated spirits
into the camp of foes ; the guilty shoal,
damned to perdition, into the prison-house,
tlie devil's death-hall. Ne'er shall they seek again
remembrance of tlie Lord, nor 'scape their sins,
but, crime-stained, tliey shall tliere, bewrapt with flame
endure destruction ; vengeance for their sins
sliall they see revealed ; that is eternal death ;
through all the livelong night tlie fiery gulf
may ne'er avail to purge their sins away
from that lull-race, the stain from off their soul.
But tlie deep pit fecdeth still tlie weary ones ;
bottomless it keepeth the spirits in its gloom ;
with its old flame it burnetii them ; and with terrors chill,
with hateful serpents, and with torments many,
with s/uirp and deadly jaws, it scathe th folk.
Wherefore we may believe and aye declare,
sootldy affirm, that that souTs guardian
hath wfiolly lost tlie wisdom of this life,
wlio luedeth not now w/iether his spirit sliall be
131
Earm pe eadig paer he ece sceal
/Efter hin-gonge hamfasst wesan-
Ne bisorga'S he synne to fremman
Wonhydig mon ne he wihte hafaS
Hreowe on mode past him halig gaest
Losige purh leahtras on pas lasnan tid-
Donne man-sceaSa fore meotude forht
Deorc on pam dome standcS and deaSe fah
Wommum awyrged br$ se wasr-loga 1560
Fyres afylled feores unwyr'Se
Egsan gepread andweard gode-
Won and wliteleas hafaS werges bleo
Facen-tacen feores- Donne firena beam
Tearum geota<S ponne pass tid ne b»ij>
Synne cwipaS ac hy to si$ doS
Gasstum helpe Sonne pass giman nele
Weoruda waldend hu pa wom-sceapan
Hyra eald-gestreon on pa openan tid
Sare greten- Ne bip past sorga tid '57°
Leodum alyfed past pasr laecedom
Findan mote se pe nu his feore nyle
Haslo strynan penden her leofaS-
Ne biS pasr asngum godum gnorn astywed
Ne nasngum yflum wel ac pasr asghwasper
Anfealde gewyrht andweard wigeS-
wretched or happy, where, after its going hence,
it s/iall be resident eternally.
He dreadeth nozuise 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, afeared before his Maker,
at the judgment standeth, black and foul with death,
accursed with crime, tlien shall tJie treacherous wight
of life unworthy, be fulfilled of fire,
and overwJielmed 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
s/iall t/ien s/ied tears and shall bewail tlieir sins,
when time availeth not ; too late shall they devise
help for t/ieir spirits, when the Lord of hosts
will not give lued how base transgressors tliere.
so sorely, at that all-disclosing time,
deplore wliat erst they cherislud ; that time of sorrowing
will not avail tliat he who will not nozu
gain life's salvation, 'while he liveth here,
may tliere find out t/ie Iiealing remedy.
No grief to any good man shall there be known,
nor joy to any evil ; but there each one
sliall bear before God's sight his own desert.
133
FofSon sceal onettan se pe agan wile
Lif aEt meotude f^enden him leoht and gaest
Somod-fasst seon- He his sawle wlite
Georne bigonge on godes willan i 580
And f>asr weorSe worda and dasda
peawa and ge])onca f>enden him jieos woruld
Sceadum scrijjende scinan mote
past he ne forleose on }>as laenan tid
His dreames blasd and his dagena rim
And his weorces wlite and wuldres lean
pastte heofones cyning on }?a halgan tid
SoSfasst syle'S to sigor-leanum
pam J>e him on gaestum georne hyra'S-
ponne heofon and hel hade)?a bearnum 1 590
Fira feorum fylde weorJje'S
Grundas swelgaS godes andsacan
Lacende leg laSwende men
preaft J?eod-sceaJ>an and no )>onan lastaS
On gefean faran to feorh-nere-
Ac se bryne bindeS bid-faestne here
FeoS firena beam- Frecne me }>ince$
past J?as gaest-berend giman nella'S
Men on mode ]?onne man hwast
Him se waldend to wrace gesette 1600
Lajmm leodum- ponne lif and deaS
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 lie 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 dispensetli then,
at that Iwly time, as tlie rewards of victory,
to those who fain, with all t/ieir soul, 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 ;
tlie flickering flame shall harass erring folk,
workers of injury, and shall not let them thence
depart in joy unto security ;
the fire s/tall keep tliat host immovable ;
it shall vex mankind. Foolhardy me thinketh it,
that men, creatures with soul endowed, will not
be Jieedful in their minds, since that their Sovran
may put, in vengeance, upon hateful folk
any evil whatsoe'er. When life and death
135
Sawlum swelgaS bi<S susla hus
Open and oSeawed a<S-logum ongean
Daet sceolon fyllan firen-georne men
Sweartum sawlum- fonne synna wracu
Scyldigra scolu ascyred weorpe'S
Heane from halgum on hearm-cwale-
Dasr sceolan peofas and peod-sceapan
Lease and forlegene lifes ne wenan
And man-sworan mo[r]por-lean seon t6io
Heard and heoro-grim ponne hel nimeS
Wasrleasra weorud and hi waldend giefeS
Feondum in forwyrd fa prowia'S
Ealdor-bealu egeslic earm biS se pe wile
Firenum gewyrcan past he fah scyle
From his scyppende ascyred weorSan
JEt dom-dasge to deafte niper
Under helle cinn in past hate fyr
Under liges locan pasr hy leomu rasca'S
To bindenne and to basrnenne 1620
And to swingenne synna to wite-
Donne halig gasst helle biluccS
Morper-husa masst purh meaht godes
Fyres fulle and feonda here
Cyninges worde- Se bip cwealma masst
Deofla and monna- past is dreamleas hus-
136
sliall 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.
T/ien, in retribution for t/ieir sins,
tlie shoal of guilty ones shall be disparted,
the base from tlie holy, unto pernicious death ;
there thieves, and such as wrought cruel injury,
liars and adulterers, shall have ?io hope of life ;
and the forsworn s/iall see their crimes' reward,
grievous and fiercely grim ; then hell shall take
tlie host of faithless ones ; the Lord shall give them
in perdition to tlie fiends ; sinners shall endure
dire racking agony ; wretched shall he be
who fain doth wickedly ; as a guilty ivretch
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,
'neath the barriers of flame ; 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 sliall be direst. That is a joyless home ;
137
Daer aenig ne masg ower losian
Caldan clommum hy braecon cyninges word
Beorht boca bibod forjpon hy abidan sceolon
In sin-nehte sar ende-leas 1630
Firen-dasdum fa forS J^rowian
Da J?e her [for-]hogdun heofon-rices )?rym-
ftonne ]?a gecorenan fore crist beraS
Beorhte frsetwe hyra blasd leofaS
jEt dom-dasge agan dream mid gode
Li])es lifes J^aes J>e alyfed bij?
Haligra gehwam on heofon-rice-
Daet is se ej>el )?e no geendad weorJjcS
Ac )>aer symle forc> synna lease
Dream weardiaS dryhten lofiaS 1640
Leofne lifes weard leohte biwundne
Sibbum biswcSede sorgum biwerede
Dreamum gedyrde dryhtne gelyfde
Awa to ealdre engla gemanan
BrucaS mid blisse beorhte mid lisse
FreogaS folces weard fasder ealra
Geweald hafaS and healdeS haligra weorud-
Dasr is engla song eadigra blis
Jpasr is seo dyre dryhtnes onsien
Eallum J?am gesaelgum sunnan leohtra 1650
Dasr 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 etui,
who here despised the bliss of heaven's realm.
Then shall the chosen carry before Christ
resplendent treasures ; tlieir happiness shall live ;
with God, at doomsday, sliall they have the joy
of life serene, for it shall be vouc/isafed
to every holy man in heaven's realm.
That is the home that never shall know end,
but there the sinless lienceforth 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 tlie angels' fellowship,
and cherish mankind's Guardian, Fatlier of all,
Sovran Preserver of the holy liosts.
Tliere is angels' song ; the bliss of the happy ;
there is the gracious presence of the Lord,
brighter titan the sun, for all tlie blessed ones ;
tliere is the love of tlie beloved ; life witJwut death's end ;
139
Glasd gumena weorud gioguS butan ylde
Heofon-dugu'Sa )>rym haslu butan sare
Ryht-fremmendum rsst butan gewinne
D6m-eadigra daeg butan }>eostrum
Beorht blaedes full blis butan sorgum
FriS freondum bitweon forS butan asfestum
Gesaslgum on swegle sib butan ni]?e
Halgum on gemonge- Nis Jjasr hungor ne }>urst
Slagp ne swar leger ne sunnan bryne 1660
Ne cyle ne cearo ac Jjasr cyninges giefe
Awo bruca'S 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 witlwut enmity for the blest in heaven,
in the communion of saints. Hunger is not there nor thirst,
sleep, nor grievous sickness ; nor sun's /teat,
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. 1 664-1 691.]
E BID GEFEANA FjEGRAST )>onne hy
aet frynvSe gemetaS
engel and seo eadge sawl ofgiefej? hio pas
eor}?an wynne
forlaete'S jms laenan dreamas and hio wi}? ham lice
gedadcS-
Donne cwiS se engel hafaS yldran had
greteS gasst ojjerne abeodeS him godes asrende-
Nu J?u most feran Jjider J>u fundadest
longe and gelome- Ic J>ec lasdan sceal-
wegas J>e sindon we]?e and wuldres leoht
torht ontyned- Eart nu tid-fara
to J>am halgan ham ]pasr nasfre hreow cymeS 10
eder-gong fore yrmjmm ac J>asr bi]? engla dream
sib and gesaslignes and sawla rasst
and }?aer a to feore gefeon motun
dryman mid dryhten ]>a. J>e his domas her
sfnaS on eorf>an- He him ece lean
healdeS on heofonum J?aer se hyhsta ealra
144
I. SAINT GUTHLAC.
That s/uzll be tlie fairest of joys, when they at first shall
meet,
the angel and the liappy soul,wlien it resigneth t lie joys of earth,
forsake th these frail delights, and from tfie body shall depart.
Then shall t/ie angel speak, (his the more exalted state,)
one spirit s/iall greet t/ie ot/ier, and announce to it Gods
errand : —
'Now thou mayst depart whither t/wu wast yearning
longtime and often ; I am to lead thee ;
the ways sliall be pleasant for i/iee, and the glory's bright light
shall be revealed ; tlioii art now a traveller
unto tliat holy Iwme where sorrow never cometli.
the refuge from affliction ; but there is angels' liarmony,
goodwill and happiness and souls' repose ;
and tliere for evermore may tliey rejoice
and revel with the Lord, who liere, on earth,
fulfil his judgments ; He lioldethfor tliem, in heaven,
eternal recompense ; over the cities tliere,
K 145
yni nga cyning ceastrum wealdcS-
Daet sind pa getimbru pe no tydria'S
ne pam fore yrmpum pe pasr in-wunia'S
Hf aspringeS ac him biS lenge hu sel 20
geogupe bruca'S and godes miltsa-
j?ider soSfaestra sawla motun
cuman asfter cwealme pa pe asr cristes as
lasraS and lassta^ and his lof rasraS-
oferwinna'S pa awyrgdan gasstas bigytaS him wuldres
raeste
hwider sceal pass monnes mod astigan
aer oppe aefter ponne he his asnne her
gasst bigonge past se gode mote 30
womma clasne in geweald cuman-
146
the most high, the King of kings, hohieth 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 t/tey enjoy and the grace of God.
Thither, after death, the souls of righteous men
may come, wlio ercivhilc teach and do
the law of Christ and raise on high His praise ;
they shall o'ercome 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 sccundus.)
(§ 9.) Hoc autem nobis primum quasrendum est, quidnam fit
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
est : Videntibus Mis elevatus est, et nubes suscepit eum ab oculis
eorum. Cumque intuercntur in axlum euntem ilium, ecce duo
viri steteriait 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 tunc magna solem-
nitas Angelis facta est, cum ccelum Deus homo penetravit?
Quia nascente Domino videbatur divinitas humiliata : ascendente
vero Domino, est humanitas exaltata. Albas 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.
(§ 10.) Sed hoc nobis magnopere, fratres carissimi, in hac
solemnitate pensandum est : quia deletum est hodierna die
chirographum damnationis nostras, mutata est sententia cor-
ruptions nostras. Ilia enim natura cui dictum est : Terra es, et
in terrain ibis, hodie in ccelum ivit. Pro hac ipsa namque carnis
nostras sublevatione per figuram beatus Job Dominum avem
vocat. Quia enim Ascensionis ejus mysterium Judasam non
intelligere conspexit, de infidelitate ejus sententiam protulit,
dicens : Semitam ignoravit avis. Avis enim recte appelatus est
148
Dominus ; quia corpus carneum ad sethera libravit. Cujus avis
semitam ignoravit quisquis eum ad ccelum ascendisse non
credidit De hac solemnitate per Psalmistam dicitur : Elevaia Psa'- v>>>- a-
est magnificentia tua super ccelos. De hac rursus ait: Ascendit Psal. xlvi. 6.
Deus in jubilatione, et Dominus in voce tuba. De hac iterum
dicit : Ascendens in allutn, captivam duxit caplivitatem, dedit dona Psal. lxvii. 19.
hominibus. Ascendens quippe in altuni, captivam duxit captivi-
tatem : quia corruptionem nostram virtute suae incorruptionis
absorbuit. Dedit vero dona hominibus ; quia misso desuper
Spiritu, alii sermonem sapientiae, alii sermonem scientiaj, alii 1 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 ordine suo. Quis enim solis nomine Habac. iii u.
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 vettit 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
Psal. xviii. 6. saltus manifestata per carnem Veritas dedit : quia exultavit ut
gigas ad currciidam viam suam, ut nos ei diceremus ex corde :
Cant. i. 3. Trahe nos post te, curremus in odorem unguentorum tuorum.
Dominum (s n.) Unde, fratres carissimi, oportet ut illuc sequamur
ascendentem in
caslum sequi corde, ubi eum corpore ascendisse credimus. Desideria terrena
fcstinemus.
fugiamus, nihil nos jam delectet in infimis, qui patrem habemus
in ccelis. Et hoc nobis est magnopere perpendendum : quia is
qui placidus ascendit, terribilis redibit : et quidquid nobis cum
mansuetudine prsecepit, hoc a nobis cum districtione exiget.
Nemo ergo indulta poenitentise tempora parvipendat : nemo
curam sui, dum valet, agere negligat : quia Redemtor noster
tanto tunc in judicium districtior veniet, quanto nobis ante
judicium magnam patientiam praerogavit. Hsec itaque vobiscum,
fratres, agite : hsec in mente sedula cogitatione versate. Quamvis
adhuc rerum perturbationibus animus fluctuet : jam tamen spei
vestrse anchoram in seternam patriam figite, intentionem mentis
in vera luce solidate. Ecce ad ccelum 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. 11., Homil. xxix.]
150
III. HYMNUS DE DIE IUDICII.
(Cf. Passus Ter thts.)
Apparebit repentina dies magna domini,
Fur obscura velut nocte improvisos 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 :
Embescet 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.
151
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 ;
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.
Tunc 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 patema 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 EPIPHANDE.
(Cf. 11. 1 1 26 — 1 190.)
(§ 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. Infemus 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 pcenitendum 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 'Christ' is a fragment ;
the beginning of the poem is lost ; 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 • tS« eart se weall Stan, etc.
1-4. cf. Matthew xxi. 42 ; Ephes. ii. 20-22 ; iv. 15, etc.
3. hea/od, MS. heqfffS.
6. o[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 0 (certainly not u) ; the letters ri are
conjectural.
eagna, originally -nan ; the erased n is still visible.
9. forlat, MS. forlet.
it. craftga, MS. crccstga.
12-14. CP- Amos ix. n ; 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. \u reccend, MS. \>a.
19. eadga, after ga, 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
cadga is what the poet wrote ; Grein reads —
' eadga'S us sigcs, <(§rum forwymeS,
wlitigatt wilsFScs . . .'
20. wi/sifes, the last two letters can scarcely be read, the whole
word is barely visible.
22. [Nu gemczrsi]giai>, five or six letters are obliterated before
-giafS ; the reading in the text is purely conjectural ; Gr. suggests
[nwdgeomre ha/si]gia$, but the space in the MS. renders the
reading impossible.
23. hete . . . ceose, two or three letters are obliterated before
ceose; the first of the missing letters was probably h, 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 ceose, suggested hcose for ceose,
formulating an A. S. hcosan, 'festinare'; later (Germania, 1865),
he withdrew this suggestion in favour of \hed\fe (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 «<w; he adds, 'das MS. ist hier jedoch schwer leserlich.'
25. wil-s'tS, l-s almost obliterated in MS. but *'"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. \e he to wuldre forlet, ' whom he hath admitted to glory.'
30. ?ve, MS. })«. 32. se ]>e, hardly legible in MS.
41. geond-spreot, so MS. ; Gr. geondspreat.
46. ryne gemic/aV, lit. ' enlargeth the course,' i.e. 'hasteneth
the progress.' 48. ho\r\scne, MS. hoscne.
68. genetide, so MS. ; Gr. genedde (i.e. pp. of gencdan) ; but the
MS. reading is obviously correct ; genCSan = ' 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. nu.
76. mod, so MS. ; Gr. emends to mot; 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. solime.
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. wargSa, 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 Deutscfie Myth). That the
story of Orwendel was Christianised in mediaeval times is attested
by the German story of Orendtl 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. by/do, corrected in MS. from hyldo.
117. sceadu, corrected in MS. from sceaiSu.
118. cf. John i. 1-5, 14.
127. bi gavyrhtum, ' accordingly to his deeds,' i.e. 'deservedly.'
132. eft, MS. est.
1 59
142- Read ' \<zttc sunu meotudes sylfa U'o/de.'
152. anum . . . ofer-\earfum, about five letters obliterated ;
Gr. anum ofer\earfum, ignoring the missing word.
153. Haftas hyge-geomre hider [gesece Ne Ucl\ \e behindan \07inc
\u heonan cyrre. About ten letters are obliterated after hider ;
the bracketed words are purely conjectural ; Gr. 'hider [gesohtest] :
[ne] ]>e behindan nu Icet'; this is obviously untenable, and was, no
doubt, due to Thorpe's erroneous reading of the MS., ' hider . . .
\e behindan . . . es nu leaf.'
161. heannissum, so MS. ; Gr. heahnissum.
162. fork, so MS. ; Gr./ertS.
168. worde, so MS.; probably a scribal error for worda,
dependent on worn, unless the word must be construed with
' hatbbe gehyrcd,' 'I have heard in word,' i.e. 'I have heard
spoken.'
187. gehwyrfcd, so MS. ; Gr. grwyrped.
188. nat-hwylces, so MS. ; Gr. nat-hwylces [searo] ; \urh nat-
hwylces may, perhaps, be explained as a confusion of two con-
structions ; — \11rh n&t-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.
20i. heag-engel, so MS. ; Gr. heah-engel.
205. tir-frti ma\ti\, MS. tir-fruma.
209. sunu, so MS. ; Gr. suna.
228. weoroda, so MS. ; Gr. iveroda.
229. for]> a, so MS. ; Th.for]>a (i.e. for\am) ; Gr. fur\um.
238. Cp. Prov. viii. 22-31.
243. tni/tse, MS. milstse.
246. magon, so MS. ; Gr. magon.
256. eowde, d corrected from S in MS.
274. ma: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 mara because
of its likeness to maria, — the sort of popular etymology that the
old homilists delighted in.
276. \ara []>~\e gewurde, MS. \ara ege wurde ; a letter erased
before ege.
160
280. se/esten, so MS. ; Gr. sekstan.
284. wor/[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 }>k sceolde (wesan); cp. sceal getvrixled (wesan), \. 1259; in this
case \e must be rendered as an accusative of regard, ' as for thee,
Mary, thou shalt be held immaculate for aye.'
302. Esaias, an error for Ezekiel ; cp. Ezek. xliv. 1-3.
309. Wende s'wi^e ]\<7 it nig clda afre rncahte; one would expect
ne before mcahle, i.e. ' he felt sure that mortal might not,' etc. ;
the emendation may be unnecessary, if wende \at = wende hu )w/,
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, ' to heave up ' (O. H. G.
inthefferi); 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. stondeS, so MS. ; Gr. stonddS.
333. lioyu-emgan, lit. 'a limb-key.'
338. motan, MS. motam.
360. nied, MS. med.
370. we, MS. ])<?.
395. wear[dia]S, MS. wearS.
398. flihte, so MS. j Gr. fly hte.
409. heannessum, so MS. ; Gr. heahnessum.
418. wihi, MS. niht (= uiht — wiht).
422. \rim. so MS. ; Gr. \rym.
PART II.
The poet has made very free use of Gregory's 29th Homily,
sects. 9-1 1, 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.
L 161
445- "iii/id-hca/s, a hapaxlegomenon ; (?) = mund-htals, (cp.
hials-bbc), ' salus tutelae,' i.e. ' the safety which comes from the
protection (munrf) afforded by another'; but cp. tnund, 1. 92, and
the special use of heals in such compounds as heals-mecgeS, Gen.
2155; hea/s-gebedda, Beow. 63; mund-heals may have had a
similar meaning, ' beloved maiden.'
455. brega, so MS. ; Gr. brego.
493. ewemun, so MS. ; Gr. cwomon.
495. weardedun, MS. weardedum.
502. heredun, MS. heredum.
515. .rAV/, so MS. ; Gr. stbl.
516-518. I take these lines to be the reply of Galileans;
another interesting instance of the dramatic bent of Cynewulfs
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. bifengun, a scribal error for bifangen, due probably to the
Northern bifen of the archetype (cp. 1. 1156).
536. mopes 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 asf/eius intensis-
simus quasi circulatim 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. hreSer, MS. hreder.
539. beorn, MS. born; bidon, MS. bidan.
547. al-beorhte, MS cel-beorhte.
557. bireafod, so MS. ; Gr. bereafod.
558. hi, fern. sing, referring to helle (f.).
559. or/ege, lit. 'war, strife, hostility,' also 'a place where hos-
tility is shown,' as in this passage ; cp. ' Cweedon Beet hi on Sam
beorge byrnan sceolde . . . gif he monna dream of tSam or/ege eft
ne wolde sy/fa gesecan, Guth. 167 ; also Guth. 426; 'oriege' in
both passages = the place which Guthlac had selected for his
dwelling, wresting it from the evil spirits.
162
563. nemeahian, MS. ne,ahtan.
585. gthyrdan, so MS. ; Gr. gehyrdon.
589. wunat, so MS. ; Gr. wuna\.
589-596. Note the rhyme and assonance, used to give special
point to the passage.
613. jrmSu, so MS. ; Gr. yrmXSa.
614. [A]is, MS. is.
618. [a*?/], evidently omitted by the scribe after sungen.
634. sunu, so MS. ; Gr. suna.
6S$.Jlyht,yiS./Iyt.
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 sapientise, alii sermonem sciential, 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
' 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 divisiones gratiarum sint.')
672. sumum, MS. sum".
163
677- hcanne, so MS. ; Gr. hcahnc.
683. him, MS. hi; Th. Gr. 'MS. hi.'
697. h'xdS, MS. //ro/.
708. feodan, between o and *f a letter erased in MS.
709. bleed, MS. MriS.
711. daui\es, so MS. ; Gr. dauides.
718. eo/fe, so MS. ; Th. Gr. 'MS. ra//."
723. gebyrda, so MS., either the nom. plural, or a scribal
error for gebyrdu.
730. hell-warena ; MS. hell-werena ; cp. Juliana, 322, //«//-
warena cyning.
739- gesawan, so MS. ; Gr. gesawon.
742. eadgum, so MS. ; Th. Gr. ' MS. eadgu.'
756. sellran, MS. «#£».
761. cglum, MS. en glum.
765. fccr-scyte, MS. fier,s(yte.
776. «', MS. /.
783. hleotan, h added by a later hand.
789. My re f ran, MS. dyre]>ran ; Th. emended to 5y re)>ttz«.
795. ferferf, MS. &&/<rtS. 803. scacen, so MS.
799-806. £>. ' Excursus on the Runes.'
805. bilocen, so MS., (misprinted bilocan, Gr.)
807. War raseffeij, MS. Macro, setttft ; Kemble, Mif rasett& ;
Ettm. bide rascctti ; Gr. blac raseftefi ; cp. ]>al fyr mealue read
rdsettan, Boethius, Metre 9, (quoted by Grein with wrong
reference, 11, 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. Kg.
810. on tyhte; Th. ontyhte, 'kindled.'
812. gcesta, 'of guests,' so Th. ; Gr. geesta, 'of spirits.'
819. gcest-kofe, so MS. ; Gr. gast-hofe.
820. on, so MS. ; Gr. in.
826. beheofialS, so MS.; Gr. beojiclS ; cp. Heora madenu ne
synt beheofode, 'virgines eorum ne sunt lamentatee,' (Lambeth
Psalter, 77, 63).
829. bafte, MS. bade.
1 64
832. mas/a, so MS. ; Th. Gr. maste.
834. rivaniendra, MS. avanendra. cerge, so MS. ; Ettm. Gr.
cearge.
841. leofra, so MS. ; Gr. leofrc ; the change to the neuter is,
perhaps, unnecessary, as the word probably anticipated a mas-
culine noun, \ar = sum stede hwar. call, so MS., Gr. eal.
865. lieah\u, so MS. ; Th. Iuah\u ; Gr. hea/iSum.
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 Scriptura sacra
depromptum comparare cum celebratissimo illo extremi judicii
prasconio, Dies ira, dies ilia, quo majestate et terroribus, non
sancta simplicitate et fide, superatur.'
873- genageS, ' assaulteth ' ; genagan, with accus. of person,
and gen. or instr. of thing ; cp. ' we ]>ec niSa genagaOS, 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 . . . saeculum.'
884. ealle, MS. healle.
894. onhalo gelac, 'the hidden hosts'; Gr. renders on/idle =
'entire'; no other instance occurs of ' onhale' in the sense of
'whole'; the usual frequent usage is 'secret,' 'hidden'; cp. wid
is \>es westen, wracsetla fela, eardas onhale earmra gees fa, Guth.
268. Th. renders, 'an unsound assemblage'; Toller, 'the
entire hosts.'
907. gebleod, cp. Da wyrta gr'eowon mid menigfealdum blostmum
mis/ice gebleode, ' the plants grew diversely coloured with manifold
blossoms,' (the Anglo-Saxon version of the Hexameron rf St.
Basil, ed. Norman, 10, 36.)
920. Jvc/ mag wites to ivearnunga (sc. wesan), 'that may be
for the soul's warning.'
.65
923. \onne, so MS., not \on as Th.
926. gehwone, MS. gehwore.
933-937; the poet has missed the point of the original: —
' erubescet orbis lunne 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. untiveofeald, ' unhveofealde trtowa,'
(Bcethius, 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. gesargad ; cp. gesargad, 1. 969, where d
was originally 8, the erased stroke is still visible.
977. ]'a, MS. Jw.
978. scehdun, so MS., probably = scedun, past tense of
sceadan, 'to separate'; Gr. suggests schidun, 'von einem sccnan,
verwandt mit ahd. sco/wn, parcere ? oder fur see/dun = scildun
schirmten?'
985. sundes getweefde, '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. l he \e at 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 demipan is construed
intransitively.
1078. motun, MS. motum.
1087. MS. bydyrned.
1089. The line is evidently defective ; Gr. suggests [gcteod]
weor^ed.
1091. wita ne cufufF, 'they did not know'; wita = witan ;
cu\un used as auxiliary ; Gr. construes wita as gen. plur. of
wife, 'punishment'; cp. 1. 1212, wita tie 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. Th. fonvyrhtit (i.e. urn).
166
io99- genomian, so MS. ; Gr. gemonian.
1104. Lit. 'They shall see as their bane that which came to
them best.'
1 1 26, etc. , cp. Appendix iv. ; the same passage was paraphrased
by Aelfric, (see Homilies, ed. Thorpe, p. 108.)
1 1 29. cwice, so MS. ; not cwico, as Th. Gr.
1 130. \a hyra ; MS. ]>a ]>e hyra.
1 133. The alliteration is wanting ; Gr. reads [////] in hierusalcm,
etc. ; it is noteworthy that the chief initial letters in the line //, g.
c approximate to alliterative effect, (? cp. 1. 23.)
1 156. bifin, Xorthern or Mercian form of p.p. of bifin; cp.
gedenra, 1264.
1 157. bibyrgde, MS. bibyrgede (i.e. bibyrgde), not bibyrgede, as
Th., Gr.
1 167. frean, MS. /ream; Gr. by a curious error has misread
Th.'s note ' sream,' and taken it to refer to eah-stream.
1 1 74. rindum, so MS. ; Th. Gr. roderum, (a remarkable error.)
1 1 75. magun, MS. magutn.
1207. hu, so MS. ; Gr. suggests Ay.
1212. Cp. note, I. 1 09 1.
1230. wendS, MS. weneaS, (i.e. wendS.)
1245. motun, MS. motum.
1249. wlite, so MS. ; Th. Gr. slite.
1 264. atol, neut. subst., or, perhaps, one should read atol-earfrida.
1269. pa, so MS. ; Th. Gr. \am (po).
1282. y\iest, so MS. ; Gr. y)>ast.
1293. ge/eati, MS. gefeon.
1300. ]W7, so MS. ; Th. Gr. \onne.
1301. gescomcden, so MS.; Gr. gescomedon.
1306. bigceS, I feel sure that here we have an instance of bigdn
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 ' to commit '; Th. ' when they commit sins ';
similarly, Gr. Toller.
1310. unbelcd, MS. S, corrected to d.
131 7. li/es tiligan, 'to strive for life'; cp. 'Sonne he at hilde
sceall wiS /dS werud li/es liligan,' (Salomon and Saturn, 1. 159).
167
1318. dSolian, '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. ede/en, 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 scy/e, so that the lines, according to
him, imply man's duty ' lifes tiligan syn-rust ]>zuean,' etc.
131 9. syn-rust \wean, so. MS.; Gr. \rean.
1328. innan, M.S. mnan; magi/ri, MS. magum.
1336. maS/t'3, MS. ma'd/eft.
1346. hwonne, so MS.; Gr. pontic ; the former reading is
altogether preferable, hwonne depending on gearo, ' ready for the
day when'; leofstum, MS. koftum.
1349. onfengun, MS. onfengum.
1355. afndon, MS. a/don; the insertion of the n is, perhaps,
unnecessary, as n is occasionally lost in consonantal-«a« verbs,
e.g. nemde, past tense of nemnan ; but cp. geafnde, 1. 1428.
1369. MS. tniccle.
1374. ywan, 'to show,' MS. ySan, 'to flow,' (probably due to
an earlier error y\an.)
1380. leo\e, so MS. ; Gr. kdSo (for /eo]>e).
1389. neorxnaivang, 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 nco-rohsna ivang, '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 odainsakr.
1397. fremum, so MS. ; x\o\.firenum, as Th. Gr.
sealde, MS. salde.
141 1. \K\ingonge, MS. ingonge.
142 1. bi\eahte 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. ' and/ata (?) man
erwartet die Bedeutung Backenstreiche oder Beschimpfung'; he
punctuates accordingly : —
168
' and fore monna lufan min )>rowade
heafod hearmslege ; hleor geMade
oft and-Iata.' . . .
1445. heanne, MS. hean'" ; Gr. heahne.
1447. utgotun, so MS.; Gr. ut-guton.
1450. mite, corrected in MS. from wi/a.
1453. geseoS, Gr. suggests that this word may be from geseon,
' percolare,' comparing biscon, 1. 1087, but eac geseon, 1. 1456,
makes it clear that this view is untenable.
gefremedun, so MS. : Gr. gefremedon.
i486, mec, so MS. ; Th. Gr. me.
1487. heardra. Gr. heardre.
148S. swarra, Gr. swcerre.
1489. gefastnad, corrected in the MS. from gefastna§.
1494. in heofonum, Th. Gr. on keofonum.
1495. wurde, MS. zvorde, an evident scribal error; cp. the
previous line.
1508. ge]>egede, I take this word to be the weak past participle
oige^icgan, ' to take '; hence ' taken by thirst ' ; similarly, a\elinga
bearn ecgum qfyegde, Gen. 2002 ; Th. suggests gepregede,
' oppressed'; Gr. derives it from ge-\ecgan, ' consumere,' suggesting,
too, a possible connection with ge\ewan (geseon), i.e. ge\egde =
ge^ewde; Toller follows Grein. It does not seem to have occurred
to lexicographers to bring the word in connection with yicgan,
the past participle of which verb seems to be singularly rare.
15 11. dydan, so MS. ; Gr. dydon.
1525. grimne, originally grimme, corrected in MS.
1529 s7vi[S]ran, MS. swiran.
1532. sceat, MS. S(at.
1535. deofles, Th. Gr. deofoles; but MS. deofoles (i.e. deofies).
1541. sinnehte, so MS. ; Gr. sin-nihte.
1573. nangum, so MS. ; Gr. angum.
1578. leoht and gas/, so MS.; Gr. lie and gast ' ; but cp. leoht
and lif, (Widsith, 142 )
1594. Ae/atS, so MS. ; Gr. la/eh.
1596. bid, MS. btS.
169
1599- Gr. \onne mdti [fremmaij]
Hwcet him se waldend to wrace gesette.
1610. mo[r]]>or, MS. mo\or.
1620. bindenne, over the first n there is a badly-formed m, or
three strokes resembling tn.
1627. ower, MS. <?)w; Th. o]>erne (?) ; Gr. «wr.
1 630. sin-nekte, so MS. ; Gr. sin-nihte.
1632. [/tfr-]/w^(f««, MS. hogdun, evidently an error for for-
hogdun, or ne hogdun.
1633. ieratS beorhte frcetwe, these words evidently render the
Latin ' regni petent gaudia'; perhaps the poet read ' regni fere nt
gaudia.'
1645. beorhte, so MS. ; Th. Gr. beorht.
1646. Gr. freogd6fotces weard : fader ealra geweald
hafdS and hca/de'S haligra weorud.
I take 1. 1647 as merely a poetical periphrasis for \one wealdendne
and healdendne haligra weoruda.
1649. Jxsr, MS. ]>/zs.
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 : — : 7, 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
THE CYNEWULF RUNES.
' Her mjEg findan forebances gleaw
Se Se hine lysteft leoSgiddunga
Hwa J>as fitte fegde.'
THE CYNEWULF RUNES.
CHRIST, 796—806.
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 'Jinit,' 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 Zeitschrift fur deutsches Alterthum, vol. xxxm. 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, [796—806]
1. fonne ■ C ' cwaca'5 gehyreS cyning maeSlan
2. rodera ryhtend sprecan re]>e word
3. Jam pe him a;r in worulde wace hyrdon
4. pendan ■ Y ' and ■ N ' yfast meahtan
5. frofre findan ■ ]>aer sceal forht monig
6. on ]>am wong-stede werig bidan
7. hwaet him refter daedum deman wille
8. wrafra wita. Bi]> se ■ "W ' scaecen
9. eorfan fraetwa - U ' was longe
'74
io. • L • flodum bilocen lif-wynna dael
ii. ■ P • on foldan fonne fnetwe sculon
1 2. byrnan on baele.
B. ELEXE, [1257— 1271]
1. A waes saecc o5 <5aet
2. cynnessed cearwelmum ■ C ' drusende
3. }>eah he in medohealle maSmas }>ege
4. seplede gold ■ Y ' gnornode
5- ' N ' gefera nearusorge dreah
6. enge rune paer him ■ E " fore
7. milpa5as maet modig praegde
8. wirum gewlenced ■ W^ " is geswiorad
9. gomen aefter gearum geogoo" is gecyrred
10. aid onmedla ■ U ' waes geara
11. geogotShades glaem nu synt geardagas
12. aefter fyrstmearce for3 gewitene
13. lifwynne geliden swa • L ' toglideS
14. flodas gefysde ■ F ' aeghwam bio*
15. laene under lyfte landes fraetwe
16. gewitaf under wolcnum winde geliccost.
C FATA APOSTOLORUM, [96—106]
1. Her maeg findan forepances gleaw
2. se Se hine lysleS leoSgiddunga
3. hwa J>as fitte fegde ■ F ' paer on ende standee"
4. eorlas paes on eorSan br[u]cap ne moton hie awa J aetsomne
5. woruldwunigende ■ "W ' sceal gedreosan
6. • U ' on eSle aefter lo-h[reosan] '
7. laene lices fraetewa efne swa ■ L * toglideS
1 Napier reads awa earJian, but there is no space in MS. ; I follow Sievers'
arrangement; v. Anglia, xiii. pp. I -25.
* Napier, to-hreosab.
175
8. [fonne] l • C ' [and ■ Y •] cneftes neosaS -
9. nihtes nearowe on him [• N " lige<5] :!
10. [cyjninges feodom . nu Bu cunnan miht
ii. hwa on ]>aem wordum wses werum oncySig.
D. JULIANA, [704—711].
1 . Geomor hweorfeft
2. - C " Y ' and • N " cyning bij> re|>e
3. sigora syllend fonne synnum fall
4- • E " W ' and ■ U " acle bida'3
5. hwa;t him refter dredum deman wille
6. lifes to leane • L ' F ' beofa5
7. seoma'3 sorgcearig sar eal genom
8. synna wunde J>e ic si'S oSOe xr
9. geworhte in vvorulde.
1. C-Rune; the name of the rune in all the Runic alphabets
is cen, 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 cen(e), i.e.
'keen,' 'bold,' '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 sacc, ' 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 dea]i ne disorgaS.
Cene drusende, i.e. ' the ageing warrior,' is, to my mind, the sub-
ject of the whole passage, and is added as explanatory of the
words d was sacc d5 'Sat. I much doubt whether the words con-
veyed any other meaning to Cynewulf's hearers. I differ, too,
from previous commentators in constructing \eah in direct con-
nection with the first half-line, regarding cnysscd . . . drusende as
a parenthesis.
1 Napier, swa ; Sievers, )>onne(?). - MS. ncotaS ■ Sievers, iieosaS.
3 N • lige$, Sievers' suggestion.
176
The C-Rune in passage C is, as will be seen below, capable
of similar interpretation.
2. FRune. 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 bij> :e)>elinga and eorla gehwaes
wyn and wyr^mynd, by)> on wicge foger,
frestlic on fcrelde fyrdgeatewa sum.'
Yet, in spite of the Rune poem.^r cannot have meant 'a bow '
in A. S. ; yr is the old Norse equivalent of the A. S. eow, ' 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 KRune 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 ' arms ' ; probably
the whole idea of the Rune-Poem was suggested by similar
Scandinavian poems, and the writer did not recognise that the
Norse yr, in the sense of ' bow,' was identical with the A. S. eow.
' yew-tree ' ; as a modern poet has it : —
' Dark down the windy vale I grow,
The father of the fateful Bow.' '
In my opinion, no ordinary Anglo-Saxon would have been able
to give any meaning at all to/r as the name of the Krune, and if
told by a scholar that it meant ' a bow,' he would have failed to
see any reason for the name; the shape of the rune in A. S. ffj
certainly does not suggest 'a bow,' though the name applies
excellently to the Scandinavian ,|v The J'-Rune must have
been a fairly late creation in A. S., and its symbol is rightly
nothing but a modification of the C/-Rune, h ; similarly the
name of the rune, ie.yr, is, I take it, merely due to the umlauted
form of the name of the d/-Rune, i.e. ur ; the rune and its name
probably passed from England to Scandinavia, and there it was
naturally interpreted to meaner, 'a bow.'
How then is the rune to be interpreted, as used by Cynewulf ?
1 W. Morris : Pirns by the Way : Tapestry Trees ; The Yew.
M 177
In passage A, it seemingly might stand for yrmlSo, ' 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 ea, and = edr, i.e. 'earth,' 'the
grave,' here = ' verfall der krafte ' ; Reiger would substitute the
rune <t, and read aftil (=A. S. eSel) ; similarly in passage A he
would substitute Northumbrian ccdil =A. S. vcedl, ' mendicitas.'
In passage C, the words represented by the C-Rune and
K-Rune, which are co-ordinated, must evidently be the same part
of speech ; if C=cene, ' 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 F-Rune is co-ordinated with the A7- Rune ; con-
cerning the meaning of this latter rune there is no doubt ; it
represents the abstract noun nyd, ' necessity ' ; therefore the
F-Rune in this latter passage must, I think, stand for some similar
abstract noun. Judging by A and C, the F-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 \syfel={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 id 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 As.
178
3- A7"- Rune. The interpretation of this rune is simple. As
regards passage A, N = nyd = 'necessity, hardship,' Y and
N 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 serge dreah; Ettmuller, N gefera,
tiearusorge 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 K-Rune) 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 A^-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 ligtS' is the excellent reading suggested by Sievers ;
the letters are obliterated in the MS.
4. .E-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
wrapra wita and dip se ; Grein similarly suggested the insertion
of a line containing an E-Rune,
' hwdt him after dttdum dtman viille
[on \>am E-fullan dagt ertgla dryhttri\
wrarra wita,'
interpreting ' E. full ' = ehfull, = 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 peodotn
would not suffice for more than the words containing the
179
iV-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 .C-Rune as well
as the jV-Runc.1
In A, wrapra wita is, of course, the partitive genitive after
hwat; the subject of willc is clear in both A and D ; the identity
of expression in the two passages is remarkable.
The is-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 Xhzljubilitate is glossed f> sumiap, i.e. wynsumia]> 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 = we/in, 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 W run as
follows : —
' va (wen) tu bruce\>, Se can wcatia Ijrt,
sores and sorgc,' etc.
If the rune is interpreted as wen = 'hope' in this passage, i;
is impossible to understand the lines ; but wen tie = wenne —
wynne, genitive of wyn, after brucep. 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 if-Rune, interpreting it as it stands in my text,
before the discovery of the Fata Apos . fragment ; I had noted, tou, the value
of the discovery as corroboration of the form 'Cynwulf,' before the appear-
ance of Sievers1 notable article ; the same is true of my interpretation of the
W- Rune as wyn (not wen. as previous editors).
ISO
' bonne lichoma /» feS • lima wyrtn friteV
at him wen ne gcwigcS,' 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) bi\> anmod and ofcr-hyrncd,
'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 U, 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—br, '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 oifeoh, but there is absolutely no evidence in favour of
this view, and Sievers' interpretation of U on e?>U 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 ur, ' 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 (Domilian,
■
A, 9) the rune is actually glossed ' nosier.' 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, A=ur . . . lifwynna dcel; B=2tr . . . geogoShades
glam; C = iir wynn on eSle. In A ' longe' ='\or\g ago'; cp.
Ex. 557, 'wile nu gelaslan, \at 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\> . . . wyn on e\>le.
7, 8. L and F call for no special comment ; the name of the
former, lagu, and of the latter, /<W^, 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 : — C6n(e),
yfel, nyd, eh, wynn, lir, lagu, feoh ; their English equivalents are
printed in italics.
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
1/ was all encompassed by Tuater-ftoods,
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,
Ij- life's joy hath departed, as the waters ebb,
the rushing floods. Transitory 'neath heaven
F' is the wealth of every man.
A man of cunning thought may here discover,
if he taketh pleasure in song,
p • 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.
U'"W'<2»r 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.
I83
D.
Sad shall depart
C " Y ' and N ' ; the King will be stern,
the Bestower of victory, when, sin-stained,
E ' "W ' and TJ ' trembling shall await
what He will adjudge to them, according to their deeds,
as life's reward ; L ' P ' 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.
184
GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY
\, ever, 386.
abeatan, to beat, 939.
dbeodan, to command,
228.
dbi'dan, to abide, 1629.
dbiigan, to -withdraw,
retire, 55.
dcennan, to beget, 217,
443, 451-
acweSan, to speak, 315,
473, 713-
idl, disease, 1355.
ddreogan, to suffer,
1200, 1474, 1 5 12.
ddwasscan, to quench,
1131.
a>fest, enmity, 1657.
;efnan, to perform, to
endure, 1355, 1368.
ajfre, ever, 324.
a'fyllende, following
thclaw,faithful,yo2-
;eghwoes, altogether,
entirely, 14 19.
aeht, possession, 603,
1500.
alan, to set on fire,
Si 1, 1545-
al-beorht, resplendent,
5°5, 547,927, i=75-
aelc, each, 332, 1301.
aside, men, 581, 619,
998, 1 1 15, 1200.
;cled, fire, conflagra-
tion, 958, 1004.
almihtig, almighty,
120, 214, 319, 330,
394,442,758, 12 17,
^ 1371, 1377-
;ene, once, 328, 1193.
;cnig, any, 310, 350,
1183, 1315, 1330,
1383, 1496, 1574,
f 1627.
anlic, excellent, noble,
1294.
aer, before, (conf.), 314;
(prep.), 215, 847,
1344; [adv.) 62, 251,
1050, 1051, 1066,
1 134, 1 1 56, 1264,
t 1374-
air-dagas, former
days, 78.
arest (adv.), first, 354.
arest (adj.), first, 785,
822, 1 1 89, 1396.
ar-gestre"on, ancient
treasure, 995.
ar-gewyrht, former
work, 1239.
xrra, former, 1320.
ar-woruld, former
world, 935.
at, a/, 499, 614 ;
against, 272.
xt,food, 603.
atgadre, together,
1034.
atsomne, together,
1 1 1 1.
aet-wist, existence,
presence, 391.
atywan, /<? reveal,
1055, 1574-
afel-dugu?S, a ;w^/c
attendance, 10 10.
a)>ele, nature, 1 1 83.
a]>ele, »0<V<?, 267, 349,
401, 454, 520, 665,
696,718, 1 179, 1 193,
1 197.
afelic, noble, 307.
a?l»eling, noble, prince,
157, 447, 5°2, 514,
626, 740, 742, 844.
dfaran, /0 terrify,
891.
dfon, to www, 11 82.
dfrefran, /<? console,
367-
dfyllan, to///, 1561.
dfyrhtan, to frighten,
1018.
dfyrran, to remove,
1369, 1424.
dfysan, to hasten,
984.
dgalan, /o be careless,
187
to hinder, neglect,
815.
dgan, to possess, 158,
1202, 121 1, 1245,
1401, 1577, 1635-
dgend, Lord, 419, 470,
512, 542, 1 196.
dgiefan, to restore,
give up, 1154, 1 1 60,
1258, 1405.
dhebban, to raise, 501,
657,691.
dhladan, to draw out,
567.
dhon, to hang, 1092,
1445, i486,
dhreddan, to deliver,
rescue, 15, 33, 373.
dhyegan, to conceive,
901.
dlakan, to renounce,
166.
dlecgan, to lay down,
1421.
alwealda (ahvalda),
Almighty, 1 39, 1 1 89,
1363-
a\v/ihia,all beings,273,
409, 686.
dlyfan, to allow,grant,
1571, 1636.
dlysan, to let loose, to
ransom, 717, 1098.
dlysnes, redemption,
1472.
dn, one, 1236, 1302,
1376.
ana, sole, alone, 556,
1419, 1451.
■in-boren,one bom,6i7 .
dn-cenned, only be-
gotten, 463.
188
ancor, an anchor, 862.
and-gete, manifest,
1241.
and-giet, w««, wisdom,
665, 1379-
andldan, retribution,
830.
andsaca, adversary,
1592.
andsrec, denial, 654.
andswaru, answer,
183.
andweard, present,
924, 105 1, 1069,
1083, 1269, 1374,
1576.
andwlita, countenance,
1121.
dnfeald, single, 1576.
dn-forlaetan, to /or-
.fafe, to/ /««, 1 294,
1395-
dn-modh'ce, unani-
mously, 339.
dr, w^ro', 69, 254, 334,
1230, 1 35 1 ; glory,
1082.
dr, a messenger, 492,
758 ; a»^/, 594.
drajran, to raz'j« «/,
1064.
Frisian, to discover,
1228.
dreccan, to expound,
stretch out, 71, 221,
246.
dretan, to c/;«r, 1499.
drfajst, merciful, 244.
drian, to honour, 1381 ;
to pity, 369.
drfsan, to anV^, 266,
1023, 1029.
drkfas, shameful, 1428,
'434-
dscamian, to &•
ashamed, 1 297.
dscyrian, to /dr/,
sever, 1606, 161 6.
dsecan, to search out,
1002.
dsecgan, to to//, ask,
220, 1 175, 1473.
dspringan, to escape
from, 1536.
dstandan, to stand,
1155.
dstfgan, to proceed, de-
scend, arise, 701,
719, 726, 736, 785.
dstyrfan, to slay, 191.
d-te6n, to </raw ok/,
1492.
atol, <#«•, terrible,
1277 ; terror, 1264.
dpencan, to think,
988.
dfolian, to sustain,
protract, draw out,
1318.
d]>rysman, to j/z/fc,
1 132.
dS-loga, breaker of
oath, perjurer, 1603.
dttor, poison, 767.
dwaecnan, to awake,
to be born, 66.
dweallan, to stream
forth, swarm, 624.
dweaxan, to grow,
wax, 1251.
dweorpan, to ra.f/
down, overthrow,
97, 1403.
dwiht, «/ a//, 342.
dwrecan, to relate, 632.
dwyrgian, to curse,
157, 255. '5i8,
1560.
BA, (v. begen).
bx\,fire, 807.
basman, to set on fire,
burn up, 707, 96S,
1620.
bana, (v. bona),
banloca, bone-enclo-
sure, 768.
be, by, according to, at,
1288, 1392.
beacen, a sign, 1064,
10S4.
be"ag, ring, crown,2gi ,
1 125, 1442.
beald, bold, 1075.
bealofull, baleful, 258,
907.
bealu, injur}', bale,
181, 1 104; bealo,
1246.
bealu-daed, evil-deed,
1300.
bealu-rdp, baleful-
cord, 364.
beam, a beam, tree,
rood, 677, 728, 1088,
1092, 1 168, 1 173,
1445-
bea.Thlm,cla»iour, cry,
949. 1*43-
beam, child, son,
{Christ), 2,7, 65, 75,
84, 125, 146, 163,
204, 241, 340, 411,
464, 571, 723.
beclysan, to shut in,
322.
bedaelan, to deprive,
562, (v. bidaMan).
bef6n, to receive, 79.
begen, both, 356.
beheofian, to bewail,
826.
behindan, behind, 1 54.
behydan, to hide, S43.
bemiSan, to conceal,
1047.
bemurnan, to bemoan,
175-
bend, bond, chain, 67,
146, 1040.
benn, a wound, 770.
bdodan, to announce,
482, 1339.
beofian, to tremble,
88o, 1013, 1019,
1 143, 1228.
beorg, mount, hill,
874, 898, 966, 976,
1006.
beorgan, to defend,
77o.
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.
berdafian, to bereave,
plunder, 167, 557.
berstan, to resound, to
burst, 810, 931,
1 1 40.
bescyrian, to deprive,
31-
besteman, to bedew,
make wet, 1084.
beth'c, excellent, 65.
befeccan, to cover, \ 15,
{v. bi^eccan).
bewindan, to wind
round, to wreathe,
28, 724, 1420, 1422,
1641.
bewn'l'an, to bind
round, 309, 717.
bibeodan, to bid, 542,
1498.
bibod, command, 1157,
1392, 1523, 1629.
bibyrgan, to bury,
II57-
bicuman, to become,
happen, 1 104, 1 1 12.
bidalan, to deprive of,
to sever, 1406,
1431.
bidan, to await, en-
dure, 146, 509, 703,
801, 1019.
biddan, to ask, pray,
112, 261, 336, 358,
773, I3SI. J5°6-
bfd-faest, stationary,
firm, 1596.
bidyrnan, to conceal,
1087.
bifealdan, to inwrap,
enfold, 116.
bifeolan, to commit,
667.
bifon, to grasp, sur-
189
round, encircle, 526,
1 1 56.
bigan, to avow, 1306.
bigangan, to practise,
1580.
bigong, course, way,
234, 679-
bigrafan,/<? bury, 1464.
bihelian, to conceal,
44, 1309.
bihkeman, to over-
whelm, 868.
bilucan, to lock up,
251. 333, S05, 1258,
1622.
bindan, to bi?id, 307,
364,872, 1596, 1620.
binn, manger, 723.
bireofan, to bereave,
deprive, 1524.
birinnan, to bedew,
1 174.
bisceran, to cut off,
1 5 18.
bisencan, to submerge,
1 167.
biseon, to percolate,
1086.
h\smiia.r\,todeJile, 1482.
bisorgian,fofizr£, 1 554.
bisweSian, to -wind
round, bind,inwrap,
1642.
biteldan, to over-
whelm, 537.
biter, bitter, 151, 764,
768,907, 1250, 1436,
1473-
bij>eccan, to cover,
1421.
bifencan, to remem-
ber, 820, 848.
190
bi|>ryccan, to press
on, 1444.
biwerian, to defend,
protect, 1642.
biwitian, to observe,
352.
biwrecan,/<? surround,
830.
blac, /We, livid, 807,
895.
bbed, glory, 687, 709,
876, 1210, 1238,
1255, 1290, 1345,
1585, 1634, 1656.
bked-wela, fruitful
riches, 1390.
bla-st, blast, 974.
blat, ghastly, 770.
blawan, /tf <V<?Tf, 879,
949-
We'd, flower, fruit,
1 168.
bleo, colour, hue, 1 563,
i39°-
bli'can, /<? shine, 506,
521, 700, 902, ion,
1237-
blind, blind, 1 125.
bliss, Wjjj, joy, 551,
1255, I34S> 164S.
1648, 1656.
blissian, to gladden,
1161, 1285.
blf[>e, blithe, 279, 518,
73$, 773, 876.
blod, blood, 258, 10S4,
1 in.
blod-gyte, bloodshed,
707.
blodig, bloody, 11 73.
boc, &?<?£, 452, 700,
784, 792, 1629.
boda, a messenger,
1 1 50, 1303.
bold, house, 741.
bona, slayer, destroyer,
devil, 263, 1392.
bonnan, to summon,
call together, 1065.
bord - gelac, missile,
768.
b6t, remedy, redemp-
tion, 151, 364.
brad, ^raw', 356, 379,
99o, II43-
bra;gd-boga, a drawn
bow, 764.
brecan, to break, 707,
949,99°, "44. 1392,
1628.
brego, prince, 402,
455-
brehtm, sound, 880.
breman, to celebrate,
to announce, 386,
482.
breost, breast, 340,
1071.
brdost-gehygd, breast-
thoughts, 261.
breost-sefa, thoughts
of the breast, 539.
breotan, to break, 484.
bringan, to bring, 1 19.
broga, terror, 792.
brond,yf>v, 810.
bro&'or, brother, 149S.
brucan, to enjoy, 391,
1324, 1360, 1645,
1662.
bryne, burning, 1057,
1596, 1660.
bryne-tear, hot tear,
151.
bTyten-gnmd,sf>aaous
earth, 356.
bryten-wong, spacious
plain, the world,
379-
brytta, Lord, 2S0, 333,
461.
bryttan, to dispense,
681.
bmg,city, 65, 460, 518,
529. 533, 541. 552.
56S, 123S.
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, (con/.),
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.
bysmerleas, spotless,
stainless, 1324.
CALD, cold,8$o, 1628.
carcem, prison, 24,
734-
ceafl, bill, jaw, 1250.
ceapian, /c bargain,
1094.
cearful, troubled, sad,
24.
cearian, /<? fe anxious,
176.
cearig, sorrowful, 147,
("'■ cerg).
cearu, core, S90, 996,
1015, 1 129, 12S4,
1661.
ceaster, citadel, 577.
ceaster-hlid, gate of
the city, 313.
cempa, a champion,
562.
cennan, to bring forth,
create, So, 231, 297,
635.
ceol, ship, 850, 860.
ce'osan, to choose, 23,
33°-
cerg ( = cearge), 834.
cierran, to turn, 154.
cild, child, 217.
cild-geong, a. young
child, 1424.
cinn, kind, race, 161S.
circe, church, 698, 702.
cirm, j/wk/, uproar,
834, 996-
clrcne, clean, pure,
135, 186, 275, 297,
33°. 443. 702, 1 22 1,
12S4.
cldj>, cloth, 724, 1422.
cleopian, to exclaim,
call, 176, 507.
clomm, a bond, chain,
734, 1 144, 1628.
cluster, lock, 313.
cneornis*, generation,
231, 1232.
cnoll, a knoll, 7 1 6.
corner, band, company,
493, 577
costian, /<? fty, prove,
1057.
craft, strength, craft,
skill, 217, 420, 666,
686, 1 144.
craiftgUfCraftsman, 1 1.
crist, Christ, r2 1 5,
1221, 1633.
cryb, a crib, 14:4.
culpa, a fault, 176.
cuman, A? «w, 11,
45, 61, 65, 73, 113,
147, 148, 242, 266,
289, 371, 412, 419-
435, 493, 544. 54S
552, 790, 823, 1007,
1025, 1035, 1 1 59,
1365-
cunnan, to know, to
have power, to be
able, 68, 76, 94, 184,
197, 245, 572, 714,
1048, 1091, 1 185,
1212.
cunnian, to proz-e,
have experience of,
1416.
cwanian, to bewail,
834.
c wealm , death, torture,
86, 1424, 1539, 1625.
cweccan, to move,
shake, 796.
cwelman, to destroy,
957-
cwen, woman, queen,
275, II97-
ICH
cweoan, to say, to
speak, 64, 86, 147,
210, 282, 400, 452,
546, 690, 700, (v.
gecweo'an).
cwic, alive, 589, 890,
957, 996, 1029,
1129.
cwic - susl, living
punishment, 560,
731-
cwide, will, decree,
1222, 1514.
cwi'San, to lament, be-
wail, 890, 1 129,1284,
1566.
cyle, cold, 1661.
cyme, coming, advent,
529, 1029.
cyne-h'c, royal, 156.
cyne-st6I, royal throne,
50, 1215.
cyning, king, (God,
Christ,) II, 60, 135,
'64, 214, 371, 390,
493, 507, 527, 577,
617, 686, 702, 714,
731, 796, 831, 1008,
1037, 1 164, 1207,
1587, 1625, 162S,
1661.
cynn, race, 223, 385,
960, 1026, 1 195.
cyst, choice, excellent,
50, 390, 1 1 33; ex-
cellence, 1222.
cySan, to make known,
to reveal, 64, 296,
337,449, 481, 1 144,
1 162, (v. gecySan).
dmd, deed, 428, 524,
192
802, 827, 1045, 1048,
1366, 1581.
daid - hwaet, active,
zealous, 384, 428.
da?d-scua, one who
acts in the dark,
256.
da:g, day, 466, 867,
1049, 1053, 1063,
1095, 1 152, 1203,
1309, 1370, 1655.
dael, part, region, side,
805, 1224, 1383.
dselan, to deal, 427.
d6ad,dead, 1157, 1178.
dea'3, death, 466, 595,
885, 1040, 1 172,
1410, 1461, 1474,
1559, 1601, 1617.
deaS-denu, valley of
death, 343.
de"a5-firen, deadly sin,
1205.
dea'5-ldg, deadly flame,
981.
deaS-sele, death's hall,
1535-
deaw, dew, 608.
d£go\,unknou>n, secret,
4°, 639.
de'ma, Judge, 795,835.
ddman, 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.
ddor, wild beast, 256,
deorc, dark, swarthy,
1 52 1, 1559.
deore, beloved, pre-
cious, 308 [v. dyre).
ddore, dearly, 1461.
d6gor, day, 427.
dohtor, daughter, 90,
190.
dolg, wound, 1 106,
1205.
ddm, honour, decree,
doom, 167, 227, 384,
404, 781, 789, 1020.
d6m-da:g, doomsday,
1617, 1635.
dom • eadig, blessed
with power, 1655.
dom-hwaet, zealous,
428.
don, to do, 16, 454,
1096, 1287, 1357,
1 51 1, 1566.
dream, joyous sound,
joy, 101, 579, 593,
1244, 1257, 1341,
1407, 1519, 1585,
1635, 1640, 1643.
dreamless, joyless,
1626.
dre"ogan, to endure,
suffer, 117, 270, 614,
621, 1252, 1270,
1273-
dreor, blood, 1085,
144S.
dreorig, sad, 1543.
drdorig-fer5, sad in
soul, 1 107.
drdosan, to fall, 608.
dri'fan, to drive, 676.
drohtao", way, path,
855.
dryhten, lord, 40,
185, 271, 296, 347-
dryht-folc,<i multitude,
1040.
dryht-guma, man,war-
rior, 885.
dryhth'ce, majestically,
in a lordly manner,
drync, drink, 1437,
1507.
dugan, to be worth, to
avail, 20, 188.
6\i%\^&,manhood,troop,
prowess, good, 412,
562, 600, 608, 781.
dumb, dumb, 1 1 26.
dun, a down, 716.
durran, to dare, 1166.
duru, door, 30S.
dwa?scan, to ex-
tinguish, 485.
dynnan, to din, 929.
dvre, dear, beloved,
95, 1649, (v. deore).
dyrne,^trtV,6j9, 1048.
dysig, foolish, 1126.
£\C, also, 135, 144,
281, 300.
eaca, an increase,
addition j
to eacan, besides,
1 241.
eacen, strong, great,
204 ; increased, yj.
facnung, increase, 74.
dad, prosperity, 1 197,
1292 ; happiness,
•399-
laden, given, granted,
199.
fad-fruma, source of
good, 531.
fad-giefa, giver of
happiness, 545.
fadig, blessed, 86, 687,
908, IOI2, 1 121,
1233, 1245, 1336,
1426, 1460, 1495,
1552, 1648.
eadgian, to bless, 19.
fad-mod, humble, 254,
785, 1351-
fage, eye, 6, 326, 391,
535, 1112, 1243,
1314, 1322, 1327,
i33°-
fah - strfam, water
stream, 1166.
eahtan, to observe,
judge, 1072, 1548.
eahtnyss, persecution,
703.
eal£,/0.' alas! 17,49,
70, 163.
eald,o/rf, ancient, 1 106,
1395. '545-
eald-cy<5, the old
country, 737.
eald - dagas, days of
yore, 302.
eald-feond, enemy of
old, 566.
eald-gestreon, ancient
treasure, Si 1, 1569.
ealdor, life ; to ealdre,
for ever, 478.
ealdor, prince, 7, 228.
ealdor-bfalu, deadly,
bale, 161 4.
eal-grene, all green,
1 127.
eall, all, 215, 244, 1 1 14,
1 iS t, 1200, 1219,
1277, 12S2, 1317,
1357, 1376, 1381.
eallunga, wholly, 921.
earcnan-stdn, precious
stone, gem, 1 194.
eard, dwelling, heme,
62, 513, 645, 771,
1028, 1044, 1 201,
1416.
eard-geard, dwelling-
place, 54.
eardian, to dwell, 124,
437-
earendel, ray, beam,
103.
ea.rfei)e,hardship, woe,
1 170, 1200, 1271,
1426, 1451.
earfoi5, 1 264.
earg, wretched, vile,
S27, 1296, 1302,
1406.
earge, badly, 1501.
earh-faru, a flight of
arrows, 761.
earm, wretched, poor,
16, 69, 381, 908,
1348, 1495, » 5°'.
1552, 1614.
earmh'c, wretched, 998.
earnian, to earn, 1050,
eastan, from the east,
884.
€&\^,easily,\-ji,{v.<j\€).
eaS-me'du, reverence,
humility, 358, 1 44 1,
fawan, to manifest, 54,
(-'. yvvan).
ebreas,lhe/febrews,66.
ebreisc, Hebrew, 132.
e'ee, eternal, endless,
193
139, 27i. 3°4, 321,
53i. 795. 1044,1426,
1552.
eced, vinegar, 1437.
ecg, edge , 1 1 39.
denis, eternity, 312,
1202.
ed - geong, growing
young again, 1031,
1069.
edwft, scorn, con-
tumely, 1 120.
efen, even, alike, 299,
329, 963-
efen-eardigend, co-
dwelling, 236.
efen-ece, co-eternal,
HI, 464.
efenli'c, equal, 38.
efen-micel, equally
great, 1401.
efen-wesende, co-cval,
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, io'3,
1363, 1368, 1562.
ellen, zeal, prowess,
1316.
ell - feod, foreign
people, 1082.
ende, end, 1028
194
ende-ded^yfr/u/ death,
1651.
ende-ldas, endless,
1630.
enga, j<?/t?, 236.
enge, narrow, 31.
engel, a»fc-/, 131, 314,
331, 334, 350, 386,
447, 473, 505, 514,
545, 547, 581, 629,
645, 660, 822, IOI2,
I062, 1245, I335,
1341, I467, 1519,
1644.
eorl, man, earl, 218,
545, 873-
eornest, earnestness,
1099.
eorneste, stern, 823.
eor'5-buend, an earth-
dweller, 421, 718,
1277, 1322.
eor3-burg, earth, 6.
eor&'e, earth, 199, 328,
620, 625, 813, 827,
1 127, 1 136, 1 179.
eorfil'iCf'/crrestrial^o-i.
eorS - waru, earth-
dwellers, 381, 696,
722.
eor'3 - wela, earth's
wealth, 610.
eowod, flock, herd,
256.
ermfu, misery, 270,
(v. yrmpu).
dSel, country, home,
31, 435, 629, 740,
1074, 1323, 1341,
1345. H05, 1495,
1638 ; {heritage,
e"l'el-cyning, king of
earth, 995.
e|>el-rice, native-
realm, 1460.
eSel-stol, native seat,
51, 5'5-
e5-gesyne, visible,
1233-
fAcen, guilt, crime, 206.
facen-tacen, sign of
crime, 1564.
faecne, wicked, deceit-
ful, 869, 1393.
freder, father, 162,
210, 319, 464, 515,
1013, 1217, 1646.
fasder-rice, father's
realm, 344.
fiedren-cynn, father-
kin, 247.
frege, doomed to death,
1516, 1532.
(xger,fair, 911, 1293,
1388.
fregre, beautifully, 389,
471, 506. •
faehS, feud, hostility,
616, 1439.
fcela, good, noble, 644.
{xmne,virgin,maidcn,
34,71, 122,174, 186,
194, 210, 417, 719,
787.
fa:mnan -Md, maiden-
hood, 91.
fsr-scyte, sudden shot,
765.
fa;r-searo, pernicious-
artifice, 769.
frest, firm, secure, 5,
165, 320.
fieste, securely, 978,
1 1 56.
{xst\ice,firm, 311.
f;c5m, embrace, 650,
787, 1 145. '4*4-
fah, stained, 1559;
V guilty), 82S, 999,
1537, 1631.
fah, g uilty, 1 613.
faran, to go, 480, 5 1 2,
870, 924, 927, 944,
982, 1341, 1414.
(6a, few, 1 169, 1274.
feallan, to fall,
1524.
fea-sceaft, destitute,
miserable, 1 74,
367.
fedan, to feed, 1543.
fela, many, much,
171, 180, 1 1 16, 1 177,
1262, 1267, 1398,
1546.
feogan, to hate, 485,
708, 1597.
feond, enemy, 56s, 622,
638, 732, 769, 1393,
1403, 14 14, 1438,
1484, 1528, 1613,
1624.
feond-scipe, enmity,
485.
Hot, far, 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
!<fe, 555-
feorh-gdma, deadly
jaw, 1547.
feorh-ner, life's salva-
tion, 1595.
feorh-naru, life's
nourishment, 609.
feowertig, forty, 465.
i€x,fear, terror, 866.
ferh.1S,heart,spirit,475.
ferian, fergan, to drive,
852, to conduct, 517.
fer5, soul, spirit, 667,
1329-
fer8-ge wi t, mental wit,
1 182.
ferS-werig, weary of
life, 829.
fe3a, troop, 1 5 1 7.
findan, to find, 183,
1572.
finger, finger, 667.
firas, mankind, 34,
241. 1564, 1597.
firen, crime, sin, 55,
122. 180, 368, 721,
1097, 1 102, 1208,
1279, 131 1, 1372,
1484, 1615.
firen-bealu, transgres-
sion, 1274.
firen-dajd, sinful deed,
crime, 999, 1304,
1631.
firen-fremmende, com-
mitting crimes,
1 1 16.
firen-georn, sin-loving,
1604.
firen-lust, sinful lust,
1481.
firen-synnig, sinful,
1377-
firen-weorc, evil deed,
1299, 1397.
rise, fish, 965.
fijiere, a wing, 394.
flacor, flickering, 675.
t\xsc,/iesh, 1 22,4 1 7, 596,
1027, 1280, 1304.
fteesc-homa, flesh-
covering, body,
1296, 1464.
flan-geweorc, arrow-
work, by-,.
flint, flint, rock, 11S7.
Add, flood, water,
tide, S05, 97S, 984,
1 167.
fldd-wudu, vessel, 852.
fldwan, 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-biiend, earth-
dwellers, 866, 1 1 76.
fold-graef, earth-grave,
sepulchre, 1024.
fold-ra:st, earthly rest,
1027.
fold-weg, earth-way,
track of earth,
I528.
fold-wong, earth-
plain, 973.
195
folgian, to follow,
H39-
folgofi, office, 389.
Mm, hand, 11 23, 1420.
f6t, foot, 1 109, 1 167,
1454-
forb;ernan, to burn
up, 1005, 1 541.
forbdodan, to forbid,
14S4.
forberstan, to burst
asunder, 1 1 36.
forbygan, to Iiumi-
liate, bend down,
730.
forcuman, to overcome,
150, 560.
fordon, to destroy,
damn, 993, 1 102,
1205, 1273.
fore-scyttels, forebolt,
bar, 311.
fore-spreca, mediator,
73=-
foretdcen, presage,
sign, 891.
fore-^oncol, prudent,
1 1 90.
forfon, to surprise,
872.
forgiefan, to grant,
390, 586, 775, 1257,
1374, 1386, 1398.
forgieldan, to requite,
433, I47S-
forhogian, to despise,
1:86, (?) 1632.
forht, afraid, 800, 891,
923, 1013, 1 128.
ior\H-\\c, fearful, 1 102.
forht-lfce, fearfully,
1318.
I96
forhwyrfan, to turn
aside, to be depraved,
33-
forketan, to leave, send
forth, let ge, 9, 29,
207, mo, 1 146.
forlegen, adulterate,
1609.
forleosan, 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.
fortyllan, to seduce,
269.
forj'on, 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.
frastwe, ornament,
506, 521, 555, 804,
806, 1072, 1634.
frda, lord, 236, 327,
354, 394, 403, 474,
923,944, 1128,1167,
1 187, 1229, 1377.
frdene, da?igerous,
foolhardy, 769, 852,
1547, 1597-
frefran, to comfort,
"339-
fremde, alien, 1402.
fremman, to do, accom-
plish, 368, 642, 654,
1289, 1554.
fremu, benefit, 1397.
freo, free, joyful, 1 5 10.
freo-bearn, noble child,
222, 642, 787.
freod, affection, 165.
freogan, to honour,
love, 1646.
freo-lic, noble, 71.
freo-h'ce, joyfully, 186,
1289.
frdond, friend, 574,
•343, 1657.
freo-noma, surname,
635.
frdo'c5u, peace, 772.
fricgan, to aj£, 91.
frigu, affection, love,
36, 41S.
fn'5, peace, 488, 999,
1339, 1657.
frf'3-geard, dwelling
of peace, 398.
frdd, wise, 325, 11 76.
frofor, consolation, 64,
206, 337, 488, 521,
721, 727, 757, 800,
1359, 1420, 1 5 10.
from-h'ce, boldly, fear-
lessly, 574, 675.
fruma, creator, begin-
ning, 43, 224, 293,
515, 578, 843, "9°-
frum-bearn, first-born
child, 506.
frum-cyn, race, 34,
241.
frum-gesceap, first
creation, 838.
frum-sceaft.yfrj/ crea-
tion, 471.
frym\ beginning, 222.
fugol, a bird, 635, 638,
644, 653, 981.
ta\,foul, 1229, 1481.
full,/////, 958.
fullian, to baptize, 483.
fus-leo5, death-song,
622.
fyllan, to fill, 1591,
1604.
fyllan, to/ell, 485, 708,
973-
fyr, fire, 957, 964, 973.
1001, 1061, 1561,
1618, 1624, [fir,
I5I9]-
fyr-ba5, bath of fire,
829, 984.
fym-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.
fyst, fist, 1 123.
GjESNE, barren, 848.
gacst, spirit, soul, 129,
202, 268, 318, 362,
596, 637, 648, 706,
776, 815, 847, 1033,
1043, M5-. '55'.
1622.
gxst, guest, 812, 971.
gabt-berend, spirit-
endowed, 1598.
gKSt-geryne, mystery
of the mind, 439,
712.
ga;st - hilig, holy in
spirit, 583.
gaest-hof, guest dwell-
ing, 819.
gsesth'c, ghostly, 41,
698.
gaest-sunu, spirit-son,
659, 859.
%sX,goat, 1229.
gafol, tribute, 558.
gdl, light, pleasant,
i°33-
galan, to sing, £>iz.
gan, gangan, to go,
425, 1069, 1 166.
gdr-faru, armed band,
780.
gar-getrum, storm of
darts, 673.
ge, and also, 845.
ge eac, 1 168.
ge-aefhan, to endure,
1428.
gealla, gall, 1437.
gear,_y^ar, 1034.
geard, dwelling, 200.
gear-dagas, <£z)v </
yore, 250, 558,
820.
geamung,fl!?.w/, meed,
39-
gearo, ready, 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,
1 150, 1419.
gebetan, to restore, 12.
gebidan, to await,
abide, 69, 1 528.
gebigan./tf twist, bend,
1 124, 1443.
gebindan, to bind, 731,
1355, 1537-
gebleod, of different
colours, 907.
geblandan, to mix,
1436.
gebletsian,/<?W«i',4l 1.
geblissian, to bless,
make happy, 248,
379-
gebrosnian, to lay
waste, destroy, 1 2,
83-
gebugan, tobend, 1503.
gebyegan, A? buy, re-
deem, 258, 1461.
gebyrd, birth, 37, 64,
75. 297.
geceosan, to choose,
445. 496, 589-
gecnawan, to under-
stand, 653.
gecweSan, to speak,
I3>-
gecweman, to please,
916.
ge-cynd, offspring,
1015, 1016, 1 179.
gecypan, to buy, 1470.
gecySan, to reveal,
156.
197
ged;L'lan, to part, di-
vide, 165, 227, 427.
gedafenian, to be be-
coming, 550.
gedon, to do, cause,
29, 1264, 1381.
gedrreg, tumult, 998.
gedreccan, to afflict,
oppress, 992, 1297,
1507.
gedrefan, to trouble,
167.
gedrcosan, to fall, 264.
gedryht, band, host,
456, 514, 518, 940,
1012, 1662.
gedwellan, to lead as-
tray, 1 1 26.
gedwola, error, 343.
gedyran, to glorify,
1643.
ge-eardian, to dwell,
207.
ge-edniwian, to renew,
1038.
ge-endian, /<?£«</, 1638.
gefa»lsian, to cleanse,
purify, 143, 319.
ge-fasstnian, to fasten,
734, H46, 1455,
1489.
gefea, joy, gladness,
158, 230, 450, 584,
742, 1076, 1251,
1293, 1402, 1595.
gefelan, to feel, 1128,
H77-
gefeon, to rejoice, 475,
5°3, 756.
geferian, to lead,
carry, 344.
gefteogan, to fly, 294.
198
gefog, a joining, joint,
5-
gef6n, to give, seise,
receive, 1352, 151 1.
gefrcon, to free, 587.
gefremman, to finish,
accomplish, afford,
206, 262, 423, 565,
596, 601, 626,
1453-
yefreoSian, to protect,
587.
gefrignan, to ask,
learn, hear, 77, 224,
300.
gefyllan, to fill, fulfil,
180, 212, 325, 407,
467.
gefyrn, long ago, for-
merly, 62, 134, 300,
gefy sari, to make ready,
to cause to hasten,
474, 8S9.
gegan, to go, 442.
gegearwian, to pre-
pare, 1521.
gehaeftan, to take cap-
tive, 561.
gehslan, to heal, 173.
geMlgian, to hallow,
434, 1480.
gehit, 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.
gchrcow, a lamenting,
997-
ge-hrdowan, to rue,
1492.
geh<5o,care, anxiety, 89.
gehwS, each, 193, 230.
gehwyrfan, to change,
187.
gehydan, to hide, 1465.
gehygd, thought, 746,
1037, 1053, 13 13.
gehyld, keeping, 544.
gehynan, to scorn,
h umble, oppress, 561,
I523-
gehyran, to hear, 170,
491, 585, 833-
gehyrstan, to adorn,
392-
gehyrwan, to despise,
458.
gelac, ' tumultus,' as-
sembly, 894.
gc\Acn\an,tocurc,heal,
1307-
gz\&d,path, 855.
gelajdan, to lead, 303,
858.
geleafa, belief, 482.
geli'c, like, 1382, 1429,
I43I-
gelfce, alike, 782.
gelimpan, to happen,
come to pass, 78,
232.
geliSan, to sail, 856.
gelong, belonging, de-
pending, 151, 364.
gelyfan, to believe, 655,
752-
gelyfan, to make dear,
1643-
gemaec-scip, commu-
nion, 198.
gemxne, common,y-fo,
580, 145S.
gemaersian, to suppli-
cate, ::.
gemanan. fellowship,
1644.
gemeltan, /o w*//, 976.
gemengan, to mingle,
393-
gemet, measure, bound-
ary, 825.
gemetan, to meet, 329.
gemiclian, /<? enlarge,
46.
gemong, company,
throng, 1659.
gem(5t, assembly, 794,
831,941, 1025.
gemunan, /<? i^ar f'«
mind, 1 199.
gemynd, memory, 664,
1036, 1535.
genaegan, /<? approach,
assault, 873.
geneahhe,^wwfA,£<zr-
nestly, suddenly, 47,
975-
generian, /o sav e, 1256.
genesan, to be pre-
served, escape from,
1253.
geneSan. to venture,
68.
geniman, to take from,
222, 579-
geni'Sle, enmity, hate,
1438.
geniwian, to renew,
528.
genog, enough, 1263.
genomian, to «nw,
point out, 1099.
genynvian, to oppress,
363-
geoc, A^, 123.
geocend, saiiour, 197.
gdomor, j»/, mourn-
ful, 123, 498, 961.
geomor-mod, .rart' of
wW, 172, 5 34, 1405-
geomrian, to bemoan,
89.
geond, throughout, 6,
58, 70, 278, 305, 379,
468, 480, 481, 784,
809, 851, 854.
geond-secan, to per-
vade, 971.
geond-spreotan, to per-
vade, 41.
geond-wli'tan, to look
around.
geong, young, 34, 174,
200.
georn, eager, 396.
georne, eagerly, 752,
820,848, 1002, 1222,
12; 4. 1326, 1580,
1589.
geornlfce, eagerly, 26 1 ,
432. 439-
geotan, 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.
gesa&lan, to bind, 861.
gesx\\g,blessed,happy,
437, 1247, 1459,
1650, 1658.
gesaelig-h'c, blessed,
1077.
gesdrgian, to afflict,
960, 969.
gesceaft, created
things, creation, 58,
238, 401, 671, 869,
990, 1019, 1 126,
1381.
gesceppan, to make,
form, create, 13, 22,
658, 1385.
gescieldan, to shield,
760, 774.
gescomian, to be
ashamed, 1301.
gesdean, to seel; visit,
61, 145. S23. 570,
625, 645, 1536.
gesecgan, to tell, 1308,
i3'S-
gesellan, to give, 1476.
gesenian, to sign, bless,
1340.
gesdon, to see, 497,
501, 505, 51 1, 521,
553,793,923, "04,
1 1 14, 1 126, 1 132,
199
1280, 1290, 1305,
1310, 1312, 1347,
1453, 1456.
geset, habitation,
home, 1238.
geseSan, to declare,
prove, 242.
gesettan, to set, estab-
lish, create, 1163,
1380, 1388.
gesihS, sight, 6, 49,
909, 1 1 1 2.
gesi)>, companion, com-
pany, 472, 1520.
gesittan, to sit, 530.
geslean,/^ strike down,
148.
gesomnian, to unite,
collect, 4, 1220.
gesprecan, to speak,
1 5 10.
gestarian, to gaze, 306.
gestaf'elian, to estab-
lish, 306.
gesteald, a dwelling,
3°3-
gestfgan, to ascend,
to descend, 513, 67S,
748, 1 170, 1417,
1490.
gestun, noise, whirl-
wind, 989.
gestyllan, to move ra-
pidly,^, 715.
gesund, sound, un-
hurt, 1073, 1340.
gesweotolian, to dis-
play, 8.
geswiSan, to strength-
en, 384.
gesyllan, to give,
682, (v. gesellan).
200
gepencan, to consider,
to think about, 287,
369, 1055-
Ke]>6on,/operform,3y6.
gej'icgan, to lake,
1508.
gel'ingian, to inter-
cede, make terms,
341,615.
ge)'oht, thought, 1046,
1054.
gej'olian, to suffer,
1171, 1422, 1433,
1441, 1513.
geponc, thought, mind,
314, Iii8, 1 125,
1582.
gejrean, to afflict, op-
press, 1562.
gt1>wxre,peaceful, 1 26.
getremman, to estab-
lish, 1 149.
getrywe, honest, faith-
ful,875-
getwaefan, to separate,
deprive, 9S5.
geweald, power, 227,
704, 1414, 1647.
gewemman, to defile,
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. 316, 35°,
geweorSian, to honour,
406, 658.
gewerian, to array,
446,551.
gewill, will, 361.
gewin, strife, anguish,
trouble, 56, 996,
14 10, 1654.
gewinnan, to gain,
999-
gewi'tan, to depart,
493, 532, 1226.
ge\vitlt*as, witless,
1471.
gewitt, understanding,
28, 639, 1176, 1 191,
1 198.
gewrit, scripture, 546.
gewrixlan, to give in
exchange, grant,
1259.
gewuldrian, to glorify,
97-
gewyrcan, to make,
160, 178, 239, 679,
762, 1 1 38, 1232,
1379, 1386, 1444,
1615.
gewyrht, work, deed,
desert, 127, 890,
1218, 1366, 1576.
ge-ycan, to increase,
103S.
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. gyldj.
gielp, pride, 683.
gieman, to care for,
7°5. (v. gyman.)
gitt,yet, 317, 350.
gihe,greedy, 8 1 2, 97 1 ,
1043.
gimm, a gem, 691,
694.
giofu, gift, grace, 41,
{v. giefu.)
gioguf, youth, 1652.
gl«ed, benign, glad.
314, 1285, 1652.
gted-mod, glad of
mood, 575, 909.
g\xs, glass, 1 28 1.
gleaw, wise, 138, 219.
gleawlice, wisely, pru-
dently, 129, 1326.
gl£d, burning coal,
994, i°43-
gl£o-beam, glee wood,
669.
gnorn, anguish, 1 574.
god,sustenance,(goods,)
479-
g6d, good, 10 10, 1 104.
1331, 1574-
god, <W, 323.
god-bearn, divine
child, 498, 701.
god-cunde, divine,
669.
god -died, ^tforf //«rf,
1285.
god-f>rym, divine
majesty, 138.
gold-fraetwe, gold or-
naments, 994.
gold-hord, treasure,
786.
gold - webb, golden
tapestry, 1 1 33.
O
gomel, old man, 134.
g°ng, g°'"gi journey,
= 53, >°34-
gongan, to go, pass,
575. {v. gangan.)
grafan, to delve, 1002.
greotan, to weep, 990,
1570.
gretan, to greet, 669.
grim, grim, 969, 1079,
1203, 1268, 1332,
1525.
grimli'c, grim, 917.
grimh'ce, 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, 1 163.
grundleas, bottomless,
1544-
grund-sceat, region of
earth, 41, 648.
gryre-broga, terror,
847-
guma, a man, 426,
510, 812, 1652.
gu'o', £<>///«, 673.
gu5-plega, war-play,
battle, 572.
gyld, substitute, stead,
1101.
gylden, golden, 250,
3'7-
gylp, pride, arrogance,
816.
gyman, to to-£< Awrf
of 1544- '55'- '567,
1598.
gyrnan, to desire, 1165.
gyrne, earnestly, 1303.
HABBAN,to/jair, 180,
=55
hdd, condition, rank,
285.
hidor, resplendent, 692.
hseSen, heathen, 704.
haft, a captive, ser-
vant, 153, 359.
hxft, bondage, im-
prisonment, 259,
567.
hajlan, to foa/, 1 320.
hxlend, Saviour, 249,
357, 382. 434. 5°4,
633, 791-
hoele]>, »ia«,5265, 278,
371, 460, 533, 6o7,
668, 871, 881, 1 192,
1 195, 1276, 1590.
haelo, hffilu, salvation,
health, 11S, 201,
410, 751, S58, 1573,
•653.
haclo-bearn, saviour-
child, 585, 753.
haelo-lif, salvation,
149.
h;61u-giefu, healing
grace, 373.
hafcla, head, 504.
hilig, holy, 57, 283,
347, 402, 528, 631.
736, 1008, 1 109,
1338, 1425, 1587,
1607.
hdls, salvation, 586.
20I
ham, /tome, 304, 349,
646.
hamfacst, resident,
1553-
hangian, to hang, be
suspended, 1 45 5,
1487.
hat, hot, 499, 5 38, 931,
975, 1058, 1 [61,
1425, 1522. 1540,
1618.
hatan, to command,
252, 278, 293, 1023,
1226, 1340, 1373.
hea, high, 1061, 1063.
heafod, head, 3, 1 1 24,
■433- '443-
h eafod-gim , headrgt m,
1329.
hdag-engel, archangel,
201, (v. heah-engel.)
heah. high, 281, 378,
652, 677.
heah-boda, chief-mes-
senger, 294.
heah-clif, lofty cliff,
977-
heah-cyrring, high
king, 149, 133S.
heah-engel, archan-
gel, 402, 527.
heah-frea, high lord,
sovran, 423.
heah-gaest, great
spirit, 357.
heah-getimbro, a lofty
building, 972, 1 180.
heah-setl, high seat,
throne, 554, 12 16,
1334-
h^'ahpu, height, 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-lfce, on high,
excellently, 382", 388,
692, 1 148.
heall, hall, 3.
hean, abject, poor,
mean, 98, 264, 413,
631, 992, 1412, 1470,
1607.
heanlfce, ignomini-
ously, 371.
heanness, height,
161, 409.
heap, band, throng,
15. 548, 73o. 928,
943-
heard, severe, stern,
hard, 1063, 1124,
1 187, 1309, 1423,
1443, H87. <5°4,
1611.
heard-cuide, reproach,
1442.
hearde, cruelly, sorely,
363, 1016, 1455,
1512.
heard-h'ce, 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,
1 1 19.
hearm-slege, a griev-
ous blow, 1 433.
hearpe, harp, 668.
hefige, grievously,
i486.
helan, to hide, 192.
hel-fus, hell - prom,
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.
he\\e-(<r,licllfre,i26&.
helm, helm, top, cover-
ing, 409, 462, 528,
565, 633-
help, help, 262, 631,
857, 1 1 72, 1470,
1567.
helpan, to help, aid,
1501.
helpend, a helper,
1412.
hel-scea)'a, hell-fiend,
363.
hel-waru, hell-dwell-
ers, 285, 730.
heofon, heaven, 60,
149, 201, 252.
heofon-beorht, hea-
venly bright, 1017.
heofon-bvma, heaven's
trumpet, 947.
heofon-condel, hea-
ven's candle, 607.
heofon-cund, heavenly,
celestial, 378.
heofon-cyning, king
of heaven, 1085,
1512, 1523.
heofon-duguo, hea-
venly host, 1653.
heofon-engel, hea-
venly angel, 491,
926, iooS, 1276.
heofon-ham, hea-
venly home, 292.
heofon-mrcgen, hea-
venly host, 1 2 16.
heofon-rfce, 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-
heolo'5-cyn, hell race,
1540.
heonan, hence, 1 54,
513, 58i,753-
heorte, heart, i 73, 499,
538, 640, 746, 751,
1037, 1046, 1054,
1327, 1492.
heoro-gffre, eager to
destroy, greedy, 975,
1058.
heoro-grim, fiercely-
grim, 1522, 161 1.
her, here, 1456, 1573.
he'r-cyme, advent,
249.
here, multitude, host,
484, 523, 573, 843,
928, 1276, 1531,
1596, 1624.
here-fdSa, a martial
band, 1011.
herenis. praise, 414-
hergan, (henan,) to
praise, 4S, 382, 429,
469, 502, 633.
hetol, malignant, 363.
hider-cyme, advent,
hither, 141, 366.
hierusalem, ferusa-
lem, 1 133.
hige-gleaw, prudent,
wise, 1 192.
hild, war, 565.
hingong, hence going,
Mil, "553-
hiv/,form, colour, 656,
720, 724, 934.
hladan, to load, 783.
hlaefdige, lady, queen,
2S3.
hlaf, bread, 1353.
hlaford, lord, master,
46o,497, 5'7, 573-
hleahtor, laughter,
738.
hlemman, to roar,
resound, clash,
931-
hleo, refuge, protec-
tion, 408,605, 1 195.
hleo-fxst, protecting,
357-
hleor, face, cheek, 1 1 19,
1433-
hleotan, to get by lot,
to share, 782.
hleoS, shelter, 1352.
hleopor-cwide, speech,
utterance, 449.
hlij\ a hill, 744.
hl65, band, troop,
1161.
hliid, loud, 388, 491,
668, 833, 997.
hlutor, pure, bright,
292, 101 1, 1085.
hlutrc, serenely, 1 1 50.
hlydan, to sound, 881.
hlyp, leap, jump, 719,
725, 729, 735, 744,
746.
hold, gracious, 1470.
hold-lice, graciously,
429, 1356-
holm, the deep, ocean,
854, 977-
holm-fracu, tossing of
the waves, 677.
hond, hand, 161, 1 109,
1122, 1131, 1220,
1226, 1362, 1378,
i486, 1529.
hond-geweorc, handi-
work, 265, 1 41 3.
hord, treasure, 1046,
1054, 1071.
horse, wise, prudent,
48, 240.
hosp, insult, contu-
mely, 170, 1442.
ho3ma, a covering,
darkness, 44.
hrd, body, 1 3.
hraedlice, soon, speed-
ily, 262.
hraegel, dress, robe,
446,453,1353,1504-
hrafie, quickly, 1026.
hream, clamour, 593.
hreddan, to rescue,
273-
hrdmig, exulting, 53.
hreoh, rough, 857.
hreosan, to fall, 809,
975, 1042, 141 1,
1522.
203
hreoiian, to adorn,
291.
Xvciovi, grief, ytyi, 1 556.
hrdowan, to repent,
rue, 1 41 3.
hreow-cearig, afflicted
with sad cares, 366.
hreVan, to stir, 677.
hrdp-eadig, glorious,
noble, 943.
hreder, heart, 538, 640,
1 1 58, 1 161.
hre]>er-c6fa, breast,
1327.
hrel'er-loca, the breast,
1054.
hrif, womb, 424.
hring, (?) ring, 536.
hrof, roof, 13, 59, 494,
527, 748.
hr6|>or, solace, plea-
sure, 413,622, 1 195.
hruse, earth, 657, 881.
hrycg, back, ridge,
857.
hum, certainly, for-
sooth, 21, 81, 336.
hwaes, sharp, keen,
1442.
hwearfian, to wander,
371-
hweorfan, to depart,
go, 3°, 475. 484, 956,
1043.
hwi't, white, 446, 453,
544, 896, 1017, 1 109.
hungor, hunger, 1659.
hiis, house, 11 34, 1138,
1480, 1602, 1626.
hii)>, spoil, 567.
hyegan, to consider,
1632 (? = forhycgan).
204
hyder-cyme, coming
hither, 586.
hyge, mind, heart,
499. 1356, 1504,
1510.
hyge-cra.'ftig, power-
ful in mind, pro-
found, 240.
hyge-geomor, sad at
heart, 1 53, 889, 992.
hyge-rof, strong of
mind, 533.
hyge-sorg, heart's sor-
row, 173.
hyge- fane, heart's
thought, 1329.
hyht, joy, 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,
2S9-
hyngrian, to hunger,
•353-
hyni>, (hyn)'o, hien)'o,)
contempt, disgrace,
590, 1 5 12.
hyran, to hear, obey,
72, 343, 359, 798,
1589.
hyrde, shepherd. 449,
704.
hyspan, to mock, scorn,
1 1 19.
hy]>an, (hf|>an,) to lay
waste, 972, 1042.
hy3e, hythe, haven.
858, 863.
fDEL, idle, empty,
1296.
fecan, to increase,
610.
inca, cause of com-
plaint, 177.
ingeponc, thought,
1012, 1314.
ingong, entrance, por-
tal, 307.
in-hebban, to raise,
312.
inlice, inwardly, 431.
inlihtan, to illumine,
42, 107, 114,
innan, within, inside,
1003, 1328.
iowan, to show, 334.
fu, once, formerly, 1.
lac, gift, 291.
lacan, to play, sport,
398,853, 1593.
Iadian, (ladigan,) to
clear from blame, to
clear one's-self of a
charge, 182.
lakedom, cure, re-
medy, 1 571.
laidan, to lead, bring,
HO, 573,794-
lsefan, to leave, 1 58.
lawmen, made of clay,
14.
la-ne, transitory, 841,
1557, 1584-
laeran, to instruct,
814.
la-stan, to follow, to
do service, to do,
476, 1223, 1287,
1 39 1.
1st an, leave behind,
allow, let go, 154,
157,342, 1594-
lagu-flod, water, flood,
849.
lam, day, 1380.
lange, long, 136c.
lar, a learning, teach-
ing, lore, 43, 140,
1 199.
lareow, teacher, 457.
last, track, footprint,
495-
laS, hostile, hateful to,
loathsome, 182, 1 93,
591,845, 1373,1601.
lajilic, hateful, 1 1 72,
1274.
laSwende, evilly dis-
posed, 1593.
latian, to delay, 372.
leahtor, crime, sin,
828, 1097, 1279,
*3°7, i3'3, '477,
1537, 1557.
lean, reward, 433, 472,
782, 845, 1360, 1365,
1586.
Ieanian,/V> requite, 826.
leas, void of, 1412,
1450, 1463, 1507,
1639.
\ia.s, false, 11 18.
leaslfc,7'<w>;,y>'z'?'0/0tt.s,
1295.
leg, flame, 808, 956,
972,982,993, 1334,
•53', >537, I593-
{v. lfg.)
leg-bryne, burning
flame, 1000.
leger. sickness, 1660.
leod, people, 1088,
1 1 17, 1172, 1 1 85,
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,/o/;Vc,44 1,1634.
leof-li'c, lovable, dear,
399-
\eof-\\ce,lovingly, 1094.
leof-tael, dear, loving,
911.
leof-wende, pleasing,
gracious, 470.
leoht, light, 26, 226.
leoht, bright, 1088.
leohtan, to give light,
233-
leohte, clearly, 11 17,
1237.
leoma, light, ray, 105,
203, 233, 695, 776,
899, 1004, 161 9.
libban, lifgan, to live,
436, 828, 1155, 1210,
1325, '452, (cp. leo-
fian).
lfc, body, 776, 818,
1035, 1295, 1325.
licgan, to lie, 44, 733,
1136,1154,1423,1464.
h'c-homa, body, 627,
754, 1030, 1067,
1097, 11S5, 1208,
•279, >3>3, >452,
1469, 1483.
lfcian, to please, 1079,
1332.
lfc-sar, pain of body,
1428.
Iff, life, 226, 333, 1050,
1094.
lif-dasg, day of life,
1223.
lif-frea, lord of life,
14, 26.
h'f-fruma, life's Crea-
tor, Author of life,
503, 655, 1041.
Iff-wela, the wealth of
this world, 1346.
lff-wyn, life's joy, S05.
Kg, flame, 1249, 161 9,
(v.\6g.)
lim, joint, limb, 14.
liopu-caege, limb-key,
333-
liss, favour, love,
grace, 372,433, '365.
1645.
list, artifice, 1317.
Ii5, joint, limb, 1030,
1067, 1380.
lf'San, to go, sail, 850.
li'Se, gentle, 604, 912,
1636/
li'xan, to shine, glitter,
230, 697.
loca, key, enclosure, 18,
320, 16 1 9.
lof, praise, 410, 611,
776.
lofian, to praise, 503,
399, 1640.
lond, land, 1000.
long, long, 342.
losian, to perish, be
lost, 1 556 ; to stray,
205
escape from, iooo,
1627.
lufe, love, 476, 1 1 15,
1432.
lufsum, pleasant, 912.
lufu, love, 584, 165 1,
(v. lufe.)
langre,forlhwith, 166.
lust, desire, lust, 260,
1296 ; lustum, joy-
fully, 1223.
lyft, heaven, air, 218,
490, 989, 1041.
lyge, a lie, 1305.
lyge-searu.ar/(/ztf,775.
lygnian, /V> rti.vy, 11 18.
lysan, to release, re-
deem, 1208.
lyt, little, 1399.
lytel, little, 961, 132 1.
ma, more, greater,
420, 987.
maeg, kinsman, off-
spring, 164.
masg, maiden, 86.
msegden-had, maiden-
hood, 14 1 8.
majge, kinswoman, 95.
m»gen, strength,
power, might, 144,
318, 602, 747, 831 ;
« military force,
legion, band, 955,
1017.
maegen-craeft, mighty
power, 1278.
maegen-cyning, mighty
king, 9i5,94i-
m.egen carfepe, great
hardship, labour,
962, 1409.
-06
majgen-folc, a mighty
people, 875.
ma)gen-|>rym, greht
glory, mighty
strength, 295, 351,
556, 1007.
maegen - wundor, a
mighty wonder,
925.
mceg5,(m;ege3,) maid,
virgin, 35, 175,444,
720.
ivuL-gS, tribe, nation,
143, 233-
ma;g3-had, maiden-
hood, S4, 288.
mrcg-wlite, appearance,
form, 1382, 1 43 1,
mainan, to complain,
89.
ma.- nan, to tell of,
mean, 1376.
maenigo, multitude,
155, {v. mengu.)
msere, great, famous,
glorious, 3, 93, 137,
164, 209, 274, 440,
455, 588, 970, 1006.
mreSlan, to speak,
1336, 1362.
msrfu,/iraf, 590, 747.
maga, son, 141 S.
magan, to be able, 126^
172, 182, 220, 241.
magu-geoguS, youth,
1427.
magu-tudor, offspring,
628.
man, crime, guilt, evil,
35, 1431, 1599-
man-cwealm, dire tor-
ment, 1415.
m;in-fremmende, do
ingenil, 1435.
mdn-forwyrht, sin,
crime, 1093.
manig, monig, many,
1141, iiiii, 1169,
1173-
manian, to admonish,
to claim what is due.
1477-
manig-feald, manifold,
661 ; monig-feald,
602.
mdn-sceaSa, evil-doer,
1558.
man-swara, a per-
jurer, 192 ; m£n-
swora, 16 10.
man - weorc, crime,
1209.
mdn-womm, guilty
stain, 1278.
meant, might, 217,
283, 295, 329, 477,
487, 566, 715, 821,
1076, 1 144, 1 1 88.
meant, mighty, 867.
meahtig, mighty, 1526,
(v. mihtig.)
mengu, multitude,
508, (v. lruenigo.)
mennisc, human,
720.
meotud, file, destiny,
the Creator, Cod,
93, 125, '42, 196,
209, 288.
meotud-scealt, decree
of fate, doom, 886.
meowle, 7/irgin, 445.
mete-Idas, food/ess,
1505.
micel, great, 155, 351,
750, 846.
middan-geard, middle
earth, 24S, 274, 556,
697, 786, 825, 8S0,
970, 1045.
mihti;,', mighty, 474,
1 169, {v. meahtig.)
milde, merciful,gentle,
821,1 199,1209,1350.
milde, mercifully, 248.
milts, mercy, 243, 29^,
1253. «364. 1369-
mirce, dark, 127S.
misli'c, various, 643.
m6d, mind, manner, 27.
279. 292, 9« 5.988-
m<Sd-blind, un discern-
ing, 1 186.
mdd-cr.xft, mental
power, 440.
mddig, bold, 745.
mdd-lufe, soul's love,
1260.
modor, mother, 92,
424, 14 1 8.
molde, earth, 420, 887.
mon, man, 440.
m6na, moon, 605, 697,
936.
monig, (v. manig.)
monn-cynn, mankind,
243,416, 1025, 1039,
1093, 1095, 1415-
mon-wi'se, human
fashion, way, 76.
morpor, crime, 192.
morfior-hiis, house of
torment, 1623.
morJ>or-Iean, reward
of crime, 1610.
m6s,food, 1505.
motan, to be allowed,
245- 345, 391, 589-
mund, (?) troth, 92.
mund-bora, protector,
guardian-angel, 27.
mund-heals, (?) safety,
445-
munt, mountain. 715,
745-
mur, a wall, 1141.
murnan, tomourn, 499.
muS, mouth, 664,
1435-
my n tan, to intend, 1056.
myrran, to stumble,
err, to be troubled,
1142.
NACOD, naked. 1353.
1504.
najgel, nail, 1 108.
menig, none, 1309.
nales, not at all, 961,
1 169, 1 193, 1274,
1535-
nat-hwylc, ' nescio-
quis,' 188.
nawper, neither, 188.
neah, «£<jr, 389.
nearo-J'earf, pressing
need, 68.
nemnan, to name, 130,
635-
neod, desire, earnest-
»«j,244; nfod, 260;
ndode, earnestly,
' neode and nyde,'
' by our own desire
and by compulsion]
1070 (v. nyd).
neorxna-wong, Para-
dise, 1389, 1404.
neosan, to visit, 320,
740.
neotan, to enjoy, 1342,
1389, 1460.
nergend, Saviour, 1 56,
260, 323, 360, 397,
425.
nerian, to save, 1 187,
1449-
nied-]>\ow,slave,lhrall,
360.
niht, night, 541. 591,
868,871.
niman, to take, 62,
259, 963, 981, 1001,
1611.
niS, envy, 1658.
ni'5-cwalu. grievous
destruction, 1256.
niper, down, 958, 161 7,
1465.
m'3-hycgende, having
malice in heart, ma-
licious one, 1 108.
noma, name. 47, 130,
1350, 1505.
norS, northwards,
883.
nyd, necessity, 1070.
1404 {v. ndod).
nyd-gewald, tyranny.
1449-
nymj>e, unless, 323.
OVERilX.TEjm»ieasur-
<*5/*, 853.
oferfearf, extreme
need, 152.
ofgiefan, /o give up,
leave, 728.
ofhreosan, to fall
down, 932.
207
ofost - licor, more
quickly, TJX.
ofslean, to slay, 1478.
oftdon, to withhold,
1503, 1508.
6ht, aught, 237 (v.
awiht, 6wiht).
onbaernan, to kindle,
1041.
onbeht, servant, 369.
onbeodan, to proclaim,
1 168.
oncndwan, to under-
stand, know, 641,
860, 1 117, 1 1 86.
ondraedan, to fear,
778, 789, 921, 1016.
onettan, to hasten,
be diligent, 1577.
onfindan, to detect,
perceive, 177, 11 77.
onfon, to receive, take,
74, 98, 181, 417,
627, 1067, 1 130.
ongietan, to see, per-
ceive, 1 105, 1 148,
1 158.
onginnan, to begin,
•36i, 1375- I4'3-
onhaele, hidden, (?
entire,) 894.
onhre'ran, to stir,
824.
onbweorfan, 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,
"3,759.763.
onseon, to look upon,
1243.
onsi'en, lack, 479.
onstarian, to gaze
upon, 520, 569.
onsyn, presence, 395,
795, 835, 904, 922,
1018 ; onsi'en, 1649.
ontynan, to open, re-
veal, 18, 26, 252,
575-
onwald, power, 158.
onwalg, uncorrupted,
14 1 9.
onwh'tan, to look upon,
326.
onwreon, uncover, re-
veal, 94, 138, 194,
315,383,462. *
open, evident, open,
1044, 1 106, 1 1 15,
1569, 1603.
ord, chief, point, 740,
767, 844.
ord-fruma, source, ori-
gin, 226, 401, 1 197.
orgete, manifest, 1 1 1 5,
1456; orgeate, 1214,
1236.
orlege, war, strife,
559-
ormaete, immense, 308.
6S-clffan, to cleave to,
1265.
6o'ywan,(dawan,eowan,
to show, appear, 447,
453, 837, 893, 1603.
ower, anywliere, 198.
owihte, at all, 247.
PLEGA, play, sport,
revel, 742.
RACU, account, 1395,
1458.
ra:can, to reach forth,
stretch, 16 19.
raed, advice, counsel,
429, 1524.
raeran, to raise, 688.
raes, a rush, 726.
nest, rest, repose, 1654.
reisettan, to rage, 807.
raSe, quickly, 1524.
read, red, 80S, 1 ioo,
1174-
recan, to care, reck,
'439-
reccan, interpret, 670.
reccend, ruler, 17.
recen, swift, S08.
ren, rain, 608.
reord, speech, prayer,
46, 5°9, 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,numoer,466, 1585.
rinc, a man, 1 1 13.
rind, rind, 1 1 74.
rinnan, to run, n 13.
ripan, to reap, 85.
rod, rood, cross, 726,
1083, 1 100, 1 1 13,
1446, i486, 1488.
rodor, sky, heai'ens,
59, 73, *33, 221,
352, 407.
rodor-cyning, heaven-
ly &*g, 726.
rume, far and wide,
clearly, 59, 133.
ryht, right, just, 1367,
ered, erect, 1064,
(za riht).
ryht, justice, 699, 1219,
(v. riht).
ryhte, rightly, 1 30, 670.
ryhtend, a ruler, 797.
ryht - fremmend, a
righteous -worker,
1654.
ryht-geryne, mystery,
195, 246.
ryhtwis, righteous, 824.
ryne, a course, 46, 670.
SACERD, priest, 136.
safe, J*<J, 676, 851, 965,
1 143, 1 162.
siL-d, seed, 419.
sae-fisc, seajish, 985.
sari, h.xppiness, bliss,
1375-
silan. to Htui, 861.
samod.somod, together,
1 119, »=34, 1324.
sxp, ja/, 1 175.
sdr, /<»'«, sorrow,
1265, 1354, 1440,
1459, 1515, 1630,
1653.
sa>, grievous, sore,
208, 1417.
s.ire, sorely, 1570.
sar-cwide, a bitter
speech, 169.
s;irig, sorrowful, 1 509.
sarig-fero", ja</ ;«
heart, 1 08 1,
satan, satan, 1 520.
sawan, /<? ww, S5,
486, 662.
sdwel, sawl, saul, soul,
570, 618, 818, 1035.
1059.
scacan, to shake, S03.
sceadan, to separate,
(?) 978, to decide,
1231.
sceadu, shadow, 1087,
1583.
scearp, sharp, 11 40.
sc6at, corner, region,
71, 877, 1003,
1532. •
scea)>a, spoiler, in-
jurer, 774, 869,
1 1 30, 1394.
scdawian, to see, be-
hold, 304, 913, 1 135,
1205, 1275.
scendan, to injure,
scathe, 1547.
sccotend, shooter, 674.
scefl'an, to injure,
683,760, 1394,1465.
scieldan, to shield,
780.
sciene, beautiful,
1385 ; scyne, 1468.
scieppan, to shape,
896, 1 168.
scild-hreada, shield-
defence, 674.
scfma, ray, light,
696.
sci'nan, scynan, to
shine, 606, 900,
1008, 1290.
sci'r, bright, 869, 12S1.
sci'r-cyning, bright
king, 1 151.
sci're, brightly, 1087.
jA«r, 1140.
scirian, to appoint,
assign, 1225.
scolu, shoal, 927, 1250,
1521, 1533, 1606.
scomu, shame, 1 272.
scond, scand, disgrace,
1272, 1281, 1297,
1478, 1485.
scri'fan, to judge, 12 18.
scrift, confessor, 1304.
scriSan, to stride,
wander, 808, 1583.
sculan, jAa//, must,
30, 69, 16;, 171,
190, 203, 211, 232,
270, 297, 380, 580,
610, 620, 625, 745,
755, 765, 800,
828.
scyld, guilt, sin, 96.
scyldig, guilty, 1 1 5 1,
1272, 1606.
scyld-wreccende, sin-
avenging, 1 1 59.
209
scyld-wyrcende, per-
petrating guilt,
i486.
scyppend, Creator, 47,
265, 416, 900, 1130,
1159, 1218, 1225,
1394, 1616.
sealt, salt, 676.
searo-j'oncol, cunning
of thought, wise,
219.
searo-crseft, skill,
handiwork, 8.
searolice, cunningly,
671- „
s6aiS,pit, 1543.
seax, sword, 1 1 39.
sdcan, to seek, 440,
648, 751, 135S,
1509.
secg, a man, 219.
secgan, to tell, say, 32,
63, 72, 127, 136,
1S9, 196, 202, 208,
450, 1192, 1303.
sefa, heart, 441, 486,
49S, 662, 906, 1206,
1350, 1358.
segel, veil, 1137.
segn, standard, 1060.
se\, 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,
1 1 50.
se'oc, sick, 1354.
2IO
seon, to see, 58, 494,
1284, 1299, 141 5,
1610.
seoo'an, 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.
si'd, wide, 4, 58, 238,
784.
side, side, 1 1 10, 1447.
sigan, to descend, 549.
sige, victory, 19.
sige-bearn, son ef vic-
tory, 519.
sige-dema, victorious
judge, 1059.
sige-dryhten, Lord of
triumph, 127.
sige-mece, victor-
sword, 1529.
sige-preat, 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-le'an, 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, 116, 1 541,
1630.
sittan, to sit, 25, 116,
1215.
siS, journey, course,
145 ; vicissitude,
1417; occasion, 317.
siS, later, 892 ; late,
1566.
siSian, to journey,
328.
si)']>an, henceforth,
374-
sleep, sleep, 872, 888,
1660.
sldan, to strike, 1122,
1440.
sh'tan, to slit, 1139.
sneome, quickly, 888.
sniid, sudden, 840.
sniide, quickly, 296.
snyttru, wisdom, 441,
661, 666, 683.
snyttru-craft, 666.
softe, softly, patiently,
145.
somod-fxst, fast to-
gether, 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, sorrow/ess,
careless, 345, 871.
s63, true, 213, 403,
45°. 5". 793-
s<53, truth, 32, 189,
699, 705, 1 1 52.
1305.
s65-cyning, true king,
1227.
s63e, truly, 212.
soS-fceder, //;<• /r;^
Father, 102.
soiN-fost, firmset, true.
9, 52, 105, 695.
SoS-lfce, truly, indeed.
136, 202.
spatl, spittle. 1 1 20.
U34.
sped, success, 2^j.
603, 672, r382,
1400.
spel-boda, messenger,
335-
speowian, to spit.
1 1 20.
spere, a spear, 1447.
spowan, /<; succeed.
563-
spralc, speech, 182.
sprecan, /<? speak, 21,
23, 32, 170, 178,
189, 797, 1120.
1376.
stxdfcst, steadfast,
979-
sUt-lan, /o charge, im-
pute to, 1372.
st.clg, j/<f^, 678.
st.ijne, stony, 640.
Stan, fftflf, 191, 1 141,
1423.
standan, to stand. 251.
321, 10S3, 1559.
starian, to gaze, 340.
stad'elian, to comfort,
sustain, 863, 1356.
staSol, station, 660,
979-
staJ'ol-fa-'St, firm
foundation, 489.
stede, place, 1146.
stefn, voice, 359, 388,
947, 991, 1060.
steorra, star. 938,
1 146.
stigan, to ascend. 497.
sti'rgan, to touch,
668.
stft, strong, 979.
storm, storm, 939,
9S9.
stow, place, 489.
stnel. arrow, 764,
77S.
stream, stream, 852.
stredan, to fall, 938.
strengre, stronger.
harder, 191.
streng5u, strength,
489.
strong, powerful, 989.
strynan, /<? £a/«, 1 573.
stund, period, time,
1409.
styece, ^;>«y, 1 137.
styled, steeled, 678.
styll, /*a/>, 718, 722,
727-
styllan, /o spring, 746.
sund, ocean, 985.
sund-buend, ocean
dweller, 72, 220.
sundhengest, Aorj^ <y
the deep, 851, 861.
sundur-gifu, special
grace, 79.
sund-wudu, ocean-
wood, ship, 676.
sunne, jk«, 1650.
sunu, nm, 90, 125
142. 196, 204, 209.
siisl, torment, 148,
1602.
siijian, southwards,
S83.
swa, .50, a.f, 849.
swses, beloved, win-
some, 616, 1 146,
1347, 1479-
swujslic, kind, 1509.
sxvxs\ice,lovingly, 1 337.
sw£pan,/o sweep, 1529.
swar, heavy, grievous,
953, 1410, 1660.
Swdt, MW, 1086,
mo, 1 175, 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, noi, 1658.
swegl-dream, heavenly
joy, 1347-
swelan, to burn, 985.
swelgan, to swallow,
559, 1602.
21 I
sweltan. to die, 190,
986.
swencan, tostrike,^b\.
sweord, sword, 678.
sweotule, clearly, 242,
511.
swete, sweet, 906.
swician, to wander,
1298.
swi'gan, to be silent,
189.
swima, giddiness,
1298.
swingan, to scourge,
1621.
swinsian, to sound,
883.
swip, a scourge, 1440.
swf 6, strong, 715; seo
swio're hond, the
right hand, 1529.
swi'Se, exceedingly,
219, 309, 1077.
swiSh'c, excessive,
953-
swogan, to roar, 948.
swylce, w too, 281.
swylt, death, 1538.
symbel, r^f«/, 549.
symle, <??v/-, always,
375, 43'-
syn, «"«, 116, 2S9,
993> i°59> 1248,
1263, 1306, 1312,
syn-byr3en, burden of
sin, 1298.
syn-fdh, sin-stained,
1081.
synful, sinful, 1227,
1517, 153'-
synig, (synnig,) sinful,
918, 1131, 1280.
212
synlice, sinfully, 1478.
syn-lust, love of sin,
268.
syn-rust, sin's rust,
1319-
syn-scea'6'a, sinful
one, 705.
syn-wracu, vengeance
for sin, 1538.
syn-wund, wound of
sin, 756.
syn-wyrcend, worker
of sin, 1 103.
tacen, .Kg?*, 53, 461,
641, 1213, 1234.
talian, to allege, 793.
teag, a bond, 732.
teala, w*//, 791.
tealtrian, to stumble,
370.
tear, a tear, 151, 171,
1 173, I565-
tempel, temple, 185,
205, 1 137.
teona, discomfort,
1089, 1213.
teon-leg, avenging
flame, 967.
tid, /i«f, 234, 405,
1079,' 1 147, 1332,
IS57-
tilgan, tiligan, to strive
for, 747, 13 17.
tir, glory, grace, 28,
269, 461, 1210.
tir-fruma, author of
glory, 205.
tfr-meahtig, glorious-
ly powerful, 1 164.
tobrecan, to break to
pieces, 976.
toglidan, to vanish,
1162,
tolesan, to loosen,
1041.
t6me, _/«« from, de-
void, 1 2 10.
torht, bright, beauti-
ful, 106, 185, 205,
234, 541-
torn, grief, 537.
torn-word, grievous
word, 171.
to-somne, together
1436.
to-stencan, A? disperse,
255-
towi^ere, against, 184.
towrecan, /<? disperse,
257.
tredan, A? /raza', 1164.
treow, /azV/j, 81,
583-
treow-lufu, true-love,
537-
trum, strong, 882,
932.
tniwian, fo /?-«j'/, 836.
trymian, to encourage,
1358.
tuddor, progeny, 687,
1415.
tungol, a star, 106,
234, 606, 670, 698.
tungol-gim, a star-
gem, 1 149.
tydre, tender, frail,
28.
tyht, course, 810.
f^EC, ray, 1502.
pearf, need, 10, 21,
111,254, 372.
pearfa, a poor man,
1 421.
pearfende, needy, 1283.
l>eaw, custom, habit,
1582.
|>egn, Maw, 282, 456.
}>egnung, service, 353.
pegn-weorud, host of
thanes, 750.
|>eod, people, nation,
126, 223, 376, 846,
1022, 1090, 1 132.
{■eod-bealu, terrible
bale, 1266.
|>eod-buende, dwellers
among the nations,
people, 615, 1171,
1370.
peod-egesa, men's dis-
may, S32.
|>eoden, prince, 331,
353. 456, 54°-
|>eoden-stol, prince's
throne, 396.
^6od-\z.nA,region, 305.
t'e'od-sceaSa, injurer
of the people, 1 594,
1608.
|>e'od-wundor, marvel
exceeding great, 1 1 53.
peof, thief, 870, 1608.
pe'ostor (|>eostru, J>y-
stor), darkness, 1 1 5,
226, 870, 1246.
|>eostre, dark, 1408.
piece, thick, 1174.
|>ing, doom, 925.
Miflf, 223, 1330.
I'ing-stede, meeting-
place, 496.
I'olian, /o J«^t-r, 1 384,
1408, 1450.
|>onc, thanks, 1 26, 20S,
598, 600, 611.
I'oncian, to thank, 1254.
|>om, a thorn, 1444.
|>racu, n/j-//, 592.
|>r£a, misery, 945,
1062, 1090, 1 132,
■363-
l>rean, to afflict, 1319,
1594-
preat, « ^<i>Mr, troop,
49'. 516, 569, 737,
926.
t'ringan, tothrong,3<)6.
I'rist, *o/</, 341, 592.
priste. boldly, harshly,
1508.
|>rist-hycgende, stout-
hearted, 287.
t>rist-lice, boldly, 870.
J>roht, anguish, 1226.
prosm, vapour, smoke,
115.
I'rowian, to suffer,
1 1 16, 1 1 53, 1248,
H32-
growing, suffering,
469, 1128, 1 1 78.
t>rym, |>rim, m'ghtK
glory, 70, 82, 203,
387, 422, 592, 725.
l>rym-ficst, majestic,
456, 942.
I'rym-full, glorious,
540.
Irymlfce, gloriously,
287.
|>rynes, (|>r>'nyss,)
Trinity, 378, 598.
|>ry.\ strength, 968.
JryS-gesteald, //eww 0/"
.f/ory, palace, 353.
t>urfan, to »«</, 80.
purh-dn'fan, to pierce
through, 1 108.
I'urh-seon, to see
through,pierce, 1 326.
tmrh-wadan, to pene-
trate, 1 1 40, 1281.
t'urh-wli'tan, to look
through, 1282, 1330.
^urst, thirst, 1508, 1659.
l>wean, to ■wash, 1319.
|>yncan, to seem, ap-
pear, 1400, 1423,
I487> 1597-
I'yrnen, thorny, 1125.
pyslic, such, 516.
UFAN-CUND, celestial,
502.
unapre'otend, un
wearying, 387.
unb^ted, unamended,
1 3 10.
unbrcece, adamantine,
5-
unclxne, unclean,
1015, 1308, 1314.
uncuS, unknown, un-
couth, evil, 1 416.
uncyst, vice, 1328.
undyrne, clear, 1539.
unefen, uneven, 1458.
ungearu, unready, S73.
ungeli'ce^/w///^, 897,
908, 1261, 1361.
un-hn<!aw, unsparing.
685.
un-holda, monster, 761.
unm.i'le, immaculate.
iV, 720.
unm.ite, immeasur
aHe, 952.
213
unmurnlice, unpity-
ingly, 8 1 1 .
unrfm, countless, 568.
unrot, sad, 1181, 1406.
unryht, wrongs injus-
tice, 559, 1289,
1501.
unsalig, unhappy, un-
propitious, 1 2 86.
ungesajlig,
1214.
unscomiende. un-
ashamed, 1323.
unsofte, severely, 1355.
unswdte, unswect,
H37-
unsyfre, unclean. 1 230,
1482.
untweo, indubitable,
959-
unwemme, tmdefiled,
299,417.
unwillum, unwill-
ingly, 1489.
unwyrSe, unworthy,
1561.
up-astandan, to arise.
887.
up-cund, /izj//, 267.
up-heofon, heaven
above, 966.
up-r6dor, firmament,
1 129.
up, upwards, 463, 535,
543, 629, 753-
uppe, above, 386.
up-stige, ascension,
614, 654.
/ ure, oar, 493.
utan, outside, 1003.
WAC, weak, faint. 854.
214
wdce, weakly, feebly,
798,836.
waed, weeds, dress,
1421.
wa?g, wave, 979.
w;cg-deor, ocean-mon-
ster, 986.
wa'Im, surge, 830, 964,
1005.
wselm-fyr, surging fire,
930.
waepen, weapon, 564.
wser, compact, 582.
wajrfa;st, trusty, 383.
waergtSu, curse, damn-
ation, 56,97, 1270.
w;erleas, perfidious,
1612.
waerlfce, warily, 766.
war-loga, traitor,
1560.
waka, moisture, 1506.
waster, water, 850,
980, 987.
wafian, to -wave, vacil-
late, be agitated, 88.
waldend,//;(?/?«/(fr,45,
162,239,257,327.
wanian, /o wane, les-
sen, 991.
wea, ow, 1262, 1383.
weadla, a /oor mm,
1494.
wealdan, to >7/&-, 1009,
1 160, 1387.
weall, wall, 4, 10.
weallan, /o surge,
rage, 538, 983, 1249.
weall-dor, wall-door,
weall-stan. wallstone,
weard, guardian, 133,
221, 242, 526, 766,
944-
weardian, to guard,
395, 495-
wearning, 'warning,
920.
weax, wax, 987.
weccan, to awake, call
forth, 608, 885, 950.
weder, weather, 604.
weg, way, 680.
wegan, /o bear, carry,
1576.
wel, a/c//, 1078, 1234,
1259, 1575-
wela, wealth, power,
604, 1383, 1386.
welig, rich, wealthy,
I494-
wenan, 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.
weor'6', worth, price,
1096, 1476.
weorSan, to become,
to be, 27, 37, 42, 54,
83, 199, 231, 443,
490.
weor&'ian, to honour,
159, 393, 432, 686,
690.
weor&'-Ifc, worthy, 82.
weorS-mynd, honour,
glory, m.
weorSung, honour,
"35-
wepan, to weep, 991,
1288.
wer, a man, husband,
36, 415, 418, 50S,
633, 1046.
weYig, weary, hapless,
wretched, 955, 9S6,
1563.
wer-J>eod,»;««,599,7 1 3.
wesan, to be, 212, 215,
235, 238, 279, 3°3,
459-
we3e, sweet, 914.
wic, camp, 1 533.
wfd, wide, 257, 809,
930, 956, 964, 1042.
wide ferh, for
ever, 162.
to widanfeore, 229.
wide, widely, 184, 257.
wfd-gielle, extensive,
680.
wid-lond, wide earth,
spacious land, 604,
I383-
wid - mx-re, far
famous, 974.
wid-weg, wide way,
481.
wff, woman, 39, 70.
wig, war, by 2.
wfga, a warrior, 983.
wi'gend, warrior, 408.
wiht, creature, thing,
418,980, 1047, 1052,
'555-
wil-cuma, a welcome
person, 553.
wil-daeg, day of jov,
458.
wil-giefa, giver of
good, 536.
willa, will, desire,
pleasure, 376, 1260,
1262.
willan, to wish, desire,
48, 143, 273, 5'6,
522.
wilnian, to desire,
772.
wil-siiS, propitious
course, career, 20,
23.
windan, to wind, 980.
windig, windy, 854.
winnan, to fight, war,
1525,
\v\x\s\.tr,bad, left-hand,
1226; wynster, 1362.
wisdom, wisdom, 1 550.
wis, wise, 920.
wise, manner, 228.
wfs-fest, very wise,
63-
wit, spirit, soul, 263.
witan, to know, 383,
441, 1303, 1384,
1472.
wi'te, punishment, tor-
ment, 594, 624, S03.
1091.
witedom, prophecy,
211.
wi'te-hus, house of tor-
ment, 1534.
wfte-t'co, a tortured
thrall, 150.
witga, a prophet, 63,
690, 1 191.
witig, wise, 225.
wiSer-broga, adver-
sary, 563-
wiS-weorpan, to cast
away, reject, 2.
wlatian, to behold,
gaze at, 326.
wli'tan, to see, look,
1 103.
wlite, grace, beauty,
glory, 847,905,913,
1036, 1057, 1663.
wliteleas, ugly, sight-
less, 1563.
wlite-scyne, beauteous ,
492, 553-
wlitig, beautiful,
bright, 20, 377, 910,
1463.
wolcen, cloud. 22;,
587.
worn, blemish, sin,
53, 178, 187, 1005,
1096, 1 310, 1320,
1450.
womful, malignant,
'533-
worn - sceafa, 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, 1 506.
wonhydig, thoughtless,
'555-
woman, to lay waste,
950.
w6p, weeping, 1 50,
536, 997-
word, word, 178, 341,
428, 458, 468, 473,
508, 1036.
word - cwide, speech,
672.
word - geryne, mystic
word, 462.
word-la&'u, 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-t>earfende, tin-
needy of the world,
1349-
woruld-widl, world's
pollution, 1005.
woruld-wite, martyr-
dom, 1476.
v/68-bora,prophel,30 1 .
wo'5-song, prophetic
song, 45.
wracu, persecution,
exile, misery, 592,
621, 1513, 1600,
1605.
wraec-maecg, e vile, 362.
wr;cc-lfc, strange,
wondrous, 415.
wraet-lfc, wondrous,
508.
wra5, hostile, angry,
15. 594, 803, 1311,
1533, 1546.
wraMic, grievous, se-
vere, 830.
wrecca, wretch, 263.
wn'tan, /<? write, 672.
wrixl, change, 415.
wroht-bora, Me aeea-
wr, Me devil, 762.
wuldor, glory, 7, 29,
53, 56, 7o, 82, 109.
wuldor-cyning, King
of Glory, 160, 1 02 1,
wuldor-ldan, glorious
reward, 107S.
wuldorlic, glorious,
1009.
wuldor - weorod, host
of glory, 284.
wuldrian, to glorify,
400.
wulf, ««>//j 255.
wund, a wound, 762,
769, 1 106, 1206.
wundor, a marvel, 907,
987, 1014, 1 184.
wundor - clom, won-
drous bond, 309.
wundorlfc, 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, "295,
1480.
wynsum, pleasant,
winsome, 1251.
wynsumh'c, winsome,
910.
wyrcan, to work, 707,
1052.
wyrd, event, 80.
wyrhta, worker, I.
wyrm, a worm, ser-
pent, 624, 1249, 1546.
wyrp, overthrow,
thrust, change, 66,
564.
\\yr'St,worthy, honour-
ed, 29, 599.
yfel, «///, bad, 917.
yfel, a» 2'//, 873, 1252,
yld, «£?, 1652.
yrmen, whole, 480.
yrmSu, misery, 369,
613, 620, 1267, 1291.
yrra, angry, 1527.
yrringa, angrily, 1 145,
'371-
ytemest, ulter//iost,Syg.
y5, a wave, 853, 11 66,
yS-meare, sea-horse,
862.
ywan, /<? disclose, pre-
sent, 1374.
Edinburgh : T. S» A. CONSTABLE. Printers la Her Majesty.
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