Elene; Judith; Athelstan, or the Fight at Brunanburh; Byrhtnoth, or the Fight at Maldon; and the Dream of the Rood - Anglo-Saxon Poems by Anonymous
page 62 of 108 (57%)
page 62 of 108 (57%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
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 Cyriacús on Calvarý 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 |
|