Elene; Judith; Athelstan, or the Fight at Brunanburh; Byrhtnoth, or the Fight at Maldon; and the Dream of the Rood eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 81 pages of information about Elene; Judith; Athelstan, or the Fight at Brunanburh; Byrhtnoth, or the Fight at Maldon; and the Dream of the Rood.

Elene; Judith; Athelstan, or the Fight at Brunanburh; Byrhtnoth, or the Fight at Maldon; and the Dream of the Rood eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 81 pages of information about Elene; Judith; Athelstan, or the Fight at Brunanburh; Byrhtnoth, or the Fight at Maldon; and the Dream of the Rood.
in the earth 1080
Deeply buried remain concealed,
Hidden in darkness.  My heart ever sorrows,
Sad it complains and never will rest,
Ere for me He fulfil, Almighty Father,
Ruler of hosts, mine own desire, 1085
Saviour of men, by sight[2] of the nails,
The Holy from height.  Now quickly do thou
With all humility, most excellent man,
Direct thy prayer to the heavens bright,
To the Ruler of glory, pray Strength of warriors, 1090
That to thee may reveal the Almighty King
The hord ’neath the earth, that hidden still,
Concealed from men, in secret abides.” 
Then gan the holy one strengthen his heart,
Inspired in his breast the bishop of the folk, 1095
Glad-minded, went with a crowd of men
Those praising God, and earnestly then
Cyriacus on Calvary
Inclined his face, his secret concealed not,
With might of his spirit called upon God 1100
With all humility, prayed Warden of angels
To open to him the unknown fate
In his new distress, where he the nails
Upon the plain Best need expect. 
Then caused he the token, where they were looking, 1105
The Father, hope’s Spirit, in form of fire
Upwards to rise, where they most noble
By means of men[3] had once been hidden
With secret cunning, the nails in the earth. 
Then suddenly came brighter than sun 1110
The playing flame.  The people saw
To the giver of their will[4] the wonder made known,
When there out of darkness, like stars of heaven
Or gems of gold, upon the bottom
The nails from the narrow bed shining beneath 1115
Brilliantly glittered.  The people rejoiced,
The glad-minded host, spake glory to God
With one accord all, though ere they were
By the devil’s deceit long in error,
Estranged from Christ.  Thus did they speak:  1120
“Ourselves now we see the token of victory,
True wonder of God, that before we opposed
With lying words.  Now is come into light,
Is revealed, fate’s course.  May glory for this
Have in the highest heaven-kingdom’s God!” 1125
Then he was rejoiced who turned to repentance
Through the Son of God, the people’s bishop,
A second time.  He took the nails,
Disturbed with fear, and to the venerable
Queen did he bring them.  Cyriacus had 1130
It all fulfilled as the noble one bade him,
The woman’s will.  There was sound of weeping,
Hot head-welling was poured o’er her cheeks,
By no means for sorrow.  The tears were falling
O’er the plaiting of wires.[5] With glory fulfilled 1135
Was the wish of the queen.  She knelt on her knees
With bright belief; she honored the gift,
Rejoicing with joy, which was to her brought
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Project Gutenberg
Elene; Judith; Athelstan, or the Fight at Brunanburh; Byrhtnoth, or the Fight at Maldon; and the Dream of the Rood from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.