The thought of the Tree was ever with Constantine, and when he had returned he sent his mother with a multitude of warriors to Jerusalem, on the quest of the Holy Rood that was hidden underground.  Helena was soon ready for her willing journey, and set forth with her escort.

                           The steeds of the sea
    Round the shore of the ocean ready were standing,
    Cabled sea-horses, at rest on the water. 
    Then they let o’er the billows the foamy ones go,
    The high wave-rushers.  The hull oft received
    O’er the mingling of waters the blows of the waves. 
    The sea resounded.

What delight there is to the poet in the sea and its ships!

When they come to Jerusalem, after much enquiry of the wisest men, and great difficulty, the Queen is conducted to the Mount of Crucifixion, by one Judas who knows the story of Redemption, and who the Queen insists shall point out the resting place of the Holy Rood.  It is found by the winsome smoke that rises at the prayer of Judas, who forthwith makes full confession of his belief in Him who hung upon that Cross.  The three crosses are together, buried far down in the earth, and Judas digs deep and brings them up, and they are laid before the knees of the Queen.  Glad of heart she asks on which of them the Son of the Ruling One had suffered.  The Lord’s Cross is revealed by its power to raise a dead man who is brought to the place.

Satan assaults Judas, angry and bitter, for again his power has been brought low.  One Judas has made him joyful:  the second Judas has humbled him.  He is boldly answered when he pours out threats and foretells that another king than Constantine will arise to persecute. (Probably the allusion is to Julian the Apostate.) But Judas answers boldly, and Helena rejoices at the wisdom with which in so short a time he has been gifted.

Far and near the glorious news is spread, and word is sent the Emperor how the Victorious Token has been found.  Then comes the building of a church by his mother, at his desire; and the adorning of the Rood with gold and jewels fair and splendid, and its enclosure in a silver chest.  Judas is baptized, and becomes Bishop of Jerusalem under the new name of Cyriacus.

The holy nails of the Passion have yet to be found, and again the earth yields up her treasure.  A man great in wisdom tells Elene to bid the noblest of the kings of the earth to put them on his bridle, make thereof his horse’s bit.  This shall bring him good speed in war, and blessing and honour and greatness.

CHAPTER VIII

The Poet’s love of the Cross:  how he saw it in a double aspect.  The dream of the Holy Rood.  The Ruthwell Cross.

Now let us read what our poet says about the Festival of the Finding of the Cross.[F]

[Footnote F:  The phrase “Invention of the Cross” means the finding of it; the word invention in English does not now translate the Latin “inventio.”]