The Complete Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Poetry
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Genesis A, B
The Exeter Book
Notes
BL Cotton Vitellius A XV.
The Paris Psalter
The Meters of Boethius
Fragments of Psalms
The Metrical Charms
Verse Indeterminate Unknown
- Us is riht micel æt we rodera weard,
wereda wuldorcining, wordum herigen,
modum lufien! He is mægna sped,
heafod ealra heahgesceafta,
- 5
- frea ælmihtig. Næs him fruma æfre,
or geworden, ne nu ende cymþ
ecean drihtnes, ac he bi a rice
ofer heofenstolas. Heagum þrymmum
sofæst and swifeorm sweglbosmas heold,
- 10
- þa wæron gesette wide and side
þurh geweald godes wuldres bearnum,
gasta weardum. Hæfdon gleam and dream,
and heora ordfruman, engla þreatas,
beorhte blisse. Wæs heora blæd micel!
- 15
- þegnas þrymfæste þeoden heredon,
sægdon lustum lof, heora liffrean
demdon, drihtenes dugeþum wæron
swie gesælige. Synna ne cuþon,
firena fremman, ac hie on frie lifdon,
- 20
- ece mid heora aldor. Elles ne ongunnon
ræran on roderum nymþe riht and soþ,
æron engla weard for oferhygde
dwæl on gedwilde. Noldan dreogan leng
heora selfra ræd, ac hie of siblufan
- 25
- godes ahwurfon. Hæfdon gielp micel
þæt hie wi drihtne dælan meahton
wuldorfæstan wic werodes þrymme,
sid and swegltorht. Him þær sar gelamp,
æfst and oferhygd, and þæs engles mod
- 30
- þe þone unræd ongan ærest fremman,
wefan and weccean, þa he worde cwæ,
niþes ofþyrsted, þæt he on nordæle
ham and heahsetl heofena rices
agan wolde. þa wear yrre god
- 35
- and þam werode wra þe he ær wurode
wlite and wuldre. Sceop þam werlogan
wræclicne ham weorce to leane,
helleheafas, hearde nias.
Heht þæt witehus wræcna bidan,
- 40
- deop, dreama leas, drihten ure,
gasta weardas, þa he hit geare wiste,
synnihte beseald, susle geinnod,
geondfolen fyre and færcyle,
rece and reade lege. Heht þa geond þæt rædlease hof
- 45
- weaxan witebrogan. Hæfdon hie wrohtgeteme
grimme wi god gesomnod; him þæs grim lean becom!
Cwædon þæt heo rice, reemode,
agan woldan, and swa eae meahtan.
Him seo wen geleah, sian waldend his,
- 50
- heofona heahcining, honda arærde,
hehste wi þam herge. Ne mihton hygelease,
mæne wi metode, mægyn bryttigan,
ac him se mæra mod getwæfde,
bælc forbigde. þa he gebolgen wear,
- 55
- besloh synsceaþan sigore and gewealde,
dome and dugee, and dreame benam
his feond, frio and gefean ealle,
torhte tire, and his torn gewræc
on gesacum swie selfes mihtum
- 60
- strengum stiepe. Hæfde styrne mod,
gegremed grymme, grap on wrae
faum folmum, and him on fæm gebræc
yrre on mode; æele bescyrede
his wierbrecan wuldorgestealdum.
- 65
- Sceof þa and scyrede scyppend ure
oferhidig cyn engla of heofnum,
wærleas werod. Waldend sende
lawendne here on langne si,
geomre gastas; wæs him gylp forod,
- 70
- beot forborsten, and forbiged þrym,
wlite gewemmed. Heo on wrace syan
seomodon swearte, sie ne þorfton
hlude hlihhan, ac heo helltregum
werige wunodon and wean cuon,
- 75
- sar and sorge, susl þrowedon
þystrum beþeahte, þearl æfterlean
þæs þe heo ongunnon wi gode winnan.
þa wæs so swa ær sibb on heofnum,
fægre freoþoþeawas, frea eallum leof,
- 80
- þeoden his þegnum; þrymmas weoxon
dugua mid drihtne, dreamhæbbendra.
Wæron þa gesome, þa þe swegl bua,
wuldres eel. Wroht wæs asprungen,
oht mid englum and orlegni,
- 85
- sian herewosan heofon ofgæfon,
leohte belorene. Him on laste setl,
wuldorspedum welig, wide stodan
gifum growende on godes rice,
beorht and geblædfæst, buendra leas,
- 90
- sian wræcstowe werige gastas
under hearmlocan heane geforan.
þa þeahtode þeoden ure
modgeþonce, hu he þa mæran gesceaft,
eelstaolas eft gesette,
- 95
- swegltorhtan seld, selran werode,
þa hie gielpsceaþan ofgifen hæfdon,
heah on heofenum. Forþam halig god
under roderas feng, ricum mihtum,
wolde þæt him eore and uproder
- 100
- and sid wæter geseted wurde
woruldgesceafte on wrara gield,
þara þe forhealdene of hleo sende.
Ne wæs her þa giet nymþe heolstersceado
wiht geworden, ac þes wida grund
- 105
- stod deop and dim, drihtne fremde,
idel and unnyt. On þone eagum wlat
stifrihþ cining, and þa stowe beheold,
dreama lease, geseah deorc gesweorc
semian sinnihte sweart under roderum,
- 110
- wonn and weste, oþæt þeos woruldgesceaft
þurh word gewear wuldorcyninges.
Her ærest gesceop ece drihten,
helm eallwihta, heofon and eoran,
rodor arærde, and þis rume land
- 115
- gestaþelode strangum mihtum,
frea ælmihtig. Folde wæs þa gyta
græs ungrene; garsecg þeahte
sweart synnihte, side and wide,
wonne wegas. þa wæs wuldortorht
- 120
- heofonweardes gast ofer holm boren
miclum spedum. Metod engla heht,
lifes brytta, leoht for cuman
ofer rumne grund. Raþe wæs gefylled
heahcininges hæs; him wæs halig leoht
- 125
- ofer westenne, swa se wyrhta bebead.
þa gesundrode sigora waldend
ofer laguflode leoht wi þeostrum,
sceade wi sciman. Sceop þa bam naman,
lifes brytta. Leoht wæs ærest
- 130
- þurh drihtnes word dæg genemned,
wlitebeorhte gesceaft. Wel licode
frean æt fryme forþbæro tid,
dæg æresta; geseah deorc sceado
sweart swirian geond sidne grund.
- 135
- þa seo tid gewat ofer timber sceacan
middangeardes, metod æfter sceaf
scirum sciman, scippend ure,
æfen ærest. Him arn on last,
þrang þystre genip, þam þe se þeoden self
- 140
- sceop nihte naman. Nergend ure
hie gesundrode; sian æfre
drugon and dydon drihtnes willan,
ece ofer eoran. a com oer dæg,
leoht æfter þeostrum. Heht þa lifes weard
- 145
- on mereflode middum weoran
hyhtlic heofontimber. Holmas dælde
waldend ure and geworhte þa
roderas fæsten; þæt se rica ahof
up from eoran þurh his agen word,
- 150
- frea ælmihtig. Flod wæs adæled
under heahrodore halgum mihtum,
wæter of wætrum, þam þe wunia gyt
under fæstenne folca hrofes.
þa com ofer foldan fus siian
- 155
- mære mergen þridda. Næron metode a gyta
widlond ne wegas nytte, ac stod bewrigen fæste
folde mid flode. Frea engla heht
þurh his word wesan wæter gemæne,
þa nu under roderum heora ryne healda,
- 160
- stowe gestefnde. a stod hrae
holm under heofonum, swa se halga bebead,
sid ætsomne, a gesundrod wæs
lago wi lande. Geseah þa lifes weard
drige stowe, dugoa hyrde,
- 165
- wide æteowde, þa se wuldorcyning
eoran nemde. Gesette yum heora
onrihtne ryne, rumum flode,
and gefetero...
Ne þuhte þa gerysne rodora wearde,
- 170
- þæt Adam leng ana wære
neorxnawonges, niwre gesceafte,
hyrde and healdend. Forþon him heahcyning,
frea ælmihtig fultum tiode;
wif aweahte and þa wrae sealde,
- 175
- lifes leohtfruma, leofum rince.
He þæt andweorc of Adames
lice aleoode, and him listum ateah
rib of sidan. He wæs reste fæst,
and softe swæf, sar ne wiste,
- 180
- earfoa dæl, ne þær ænig com
blod of benne, ac him brego engla
of lice ateah liodende ban,
wer unwundod, of þam worhte god
freolice fæmnan. Feorh in gedyde,
- 185
- ece saula. Heo wæron englum gelice,
þa wæs Eue, Adames bryd,
gaste gegearwod. Hie on geogoe bu
wlitebeorht wæron on woruld cenned
meotodes mihtum. Man ne cuon
- 190
- don ne dreogan, ac him drihtnes wæs
bam on breostum byrnende lufu.
þa gebletsode bliheort cyning,
metod alwihta, monna cynnes
a forman twa, fæder and moder,
- 195
- wif and wæpned. He þa worde cwæ:
"Tema nu and wexa, tudre fylla
eoran ælgrene, incre cynne,
sunum and dohtrum. Inc sceal sealt wæter
wunian on gewealde and eall worulde gesceaft.
- 200
- Bruca blæddaga and brimhlæste
and heofonfugla. Inc is halig feoh
and wilde deor on geweald geseald,
and lifigende, a e land treda,
feorheaceno cynn, a e flod wecce
- 205
- geond hronrade. Inc hyra eall."
þa sceawode scyppend ure
his weorca wlite and his wæstma blæd,
niwra gesceafta. Neorxnawong stod
god and gastlic, gifena gefylled
- 210
- fremum forweardum. Fægere leohte
þæt lie land lago yrnende,
wylleburne. Nalles wolcnu a giet
ofer rumne grund regnas bæron,
wann mid winde, hwære wæstmum stod
- 215
- folde gefrætwod. Heoldon forryne
eastreamas heora æele feower
of þam niwan neorxnawonge.
þa wæron adælede drihtnes mihtum
ealle of anum, þa he þas eoran gesceop,
- 220
- wætre wlitebeorhtum, and on woruld sende.
þæra anne hata ylde,
eorbuende,
Fison folcweras; se foldan dæl
brade bebuge beorhtum streamum
Hebeleac utan. On þære eyltyrf
- 225
- nias finda nean and feorran
gold and gymcynn, gumþeoda bearn,
a selestan, þæs þe us secga bec.
þonne seo æftre Ethiopia
land and liodgeard belige uton,
- 230
- ginne rice, þære is Geon noma.
þridda is Tigris, seo wi þeodscipe,
ea inflede, Assirie beli.
Swilce is seo feore, þa nu geond folc monig
weras Eufraten wide nemna.
- 235
- "ac niota inc þæs ores ealles, forlæta þone ænne beam,
waria inc wi þone wæstm. Ne wyr inc wilna gæd."
Hnigon þa mid heafdum heofoncyninge
georne togenes and sædon ealles þanc,
lista and þara lara. He let heo þæt land buan,
- 240
- hwærf him þa to heofenum halig drihten,
stiferh cyning. Stod his handgeweorc
somod on sande, nyston sorga wiht
to begrornianne, butan heo godes willan
lengest læsten. Heo wæron leof gode
- 245
- enden heo his halige word healdan woldon.
Hæfde se alwalda engelcynna
þurh handmægen, halig drihten,
tene getrimede, þæm he getruwode wel
þæt hie his giongorscipe fyligan wolden,
- 250
- wyrcean his willan, forþon he him gewit forgeaf
and mid his handum gesceop, halig drihten.
Gesett hæfde he hie swa gesæliglice, ænne hæfde he swa swine
geworhtne,
swa mihtigne on his modgeþohte, he let hine swa micles
wealdan,
hehstne to him on heofona rice, hæfde he hine swa hwitne
geworhtne,
- 255
- swa wynlic wæs his wæstm on heofonum þæt him
com from weroda drihtne,
gelic wæs he þam leohtum steorrum. Lof sceolde he drihtnes
wyrcean,
dyran sceolde he his dreamas on heofonum, and sceolde his
drihtne þancian
þæs leanes þe he him on þam leohte gescerede þonne læte he
his hine lange wealdan.
Ac he awende hit him to wyrsan þinge, ongan him winn up
ahebban
- 260
- wi þone hehstan heofnes waldend, þe site on þam halgan stole.
Deore wæs he drihtne urum; ne mihte him bedyrned weoran
þæt his engyl ongan ofermod wesan,
ahof hine wi his hearran, sohte hetespræce,
gylpword ongean, nolde gode þeowian,
- 265
- cwæ þæt his lic wære leoht and scene,
hwit and hiowbeorht. Ne meahte he æt his hige findan
þæt he gode wolde geongerdome,
þeodne þeowian. þuhte him sylfum
þæt he mægyn and cræft maran hæfde
- 270
- þonne se halga god habban mihte
folcgestælna. Feala worda gespæc
se engel ofermodes. þohte þurh his anes cræft
hu he him strenglicran stol geworhte,
heahran on heofonum; cwæ þæt hine his hige speone
- 275
- þæt he west and nor wyrcean ongunne,
trymede getimbro; cwæ him tweo þuhte
þæt he gode wolde geongra weoran.
"Hwæt sceal ic winnan?" cwæ he. "Nis me wihtæ þearf
hearran to habbanne. Ic mæg mid handum swa fela
- 280
- wundra gewyrcean. Ic hæbbe geweald micel
to gyrwanne godlecran stol,
hearran on heofne. Hwy sceal ic æfter his hyldo eowian,
bugan him swilces geongordomes? Ic mæg wesan god swa he.
Bigstanda me strange geneatas, þa ne willa me æt þam strie
geswican,
- 285
- hæleþas heardmode. Hie habba me to hearran gecorene,
rofe rincas; mid swilcum mæg man ræd geþencean,
fon mid swilcum folcgesteallan. Frynd synd hie mine georne,
holde on hyra hygesceaftum. Ic mæg hyra hearra wesan,
rædan on þis rice. Swa me þæt riht ne þince,
- 290
- þæt ic oleccan awiht þurfe
gode æfter gode ænegum. Ne wille ic leng his geongra wurþan."
þa hit se allwalda eall gehyrde,
þæt his engyl ongan ofermede micel
ahebban wi his hearran and spræc healic word
- 295
- dollice wi drihten sinne, sceolde he þa dæd ongyldan,
worc þæs gewinnes gedælan, and sceolde his wite habban,
ealra morra mæst. Swa de monna gehwilc
þe wi his waldend winnan ongynne
mid mane wi þone mæran drihten. þa wear se mihtiga gebolgen,
- 300
- hehsta heofones waldend, wearp hine of þan hean stole.
Hete hæfde he æt his hearran gewunnen, hyldo hæfde his
ferlorene,
gram wear him se goda on his mode. Forþon he sceolde grund
gesecean
heardes hellewites, þæs þe he wann wi heofnes waldend.
Acwæ hine þa fram his hyldo and hine on helle wearp,
- 305
- on þa deopan dala, þær he to deofle wear,
se feond mid his geferum eallum. Feollon þa ufon of heofnum
þurhlonge swa þreo niht and dagas,
þa englas of heofnum on helle, and heo ealle forsceop
drihten to deoflum. Forþon heo his dæd and word
- 310
- noldon weorian, forþon he heo on wyrse leoht
under eoran neoan, ællmihtig god,
sette sigelease on þa sweartan helle.
þær hæbba heo on æfyn ungemet lange,
ealra feonda gehwilc, fyr edneowe,
- 315
- þonne cym on uhtan easterne wind,
forst fyrnum cald. Symble fyr oe gar,
sum heard geswinc habban sceoldon.
Worhte man hit him to wite, (hyra woruld wæs gehwyrfed),
forman sie, fylde helle
- 320
- mid þam andsacum. Heoldon englas for
heofonrices hehe, þe ær godes hyldo gelæston.
Lagon þa ore fynd on þam fyre, þe ær swa feala hæfdon
gewinnes wi heora waldend. Wite þolia,
hatne heaowelm helle tomiddes,
- 325
- brand and brade ligas, swilce eac þa biteran recas,
þrosm and þystro, forþon hie þegnscipe
godes forgymdon. Hie hyra gal beswac,
engles oferhygd, noldon alwaldan
word weorþian, hæfdon wite micel,
- 330
- wæron þa befeallene fyre to botme
on þa hatan hell þurh hygeleaste
and þurh ofermetto, sohton oþer land,
þæt wæs leohtes leas and wæs liges full,
fyres fær micel. Fynd ongeaton
- 335
- þæt hie hæfdon gewrixled wita unrim
þurh heora miclan mod and þurh miht godes
and þurh ofermetto ealra swiost.
þa spræc se ofermoda cyning, þe ær wæs engla scynost,
hwitost on heofne and his hearran leof,
- 340
- drihtne dyre, o hie to dole wurdon,
þæt him for galscipe god sylfa wear
mihtig on mode yrre. Wearp hine on þæt morer innan,
nier on þæt niobedd, and sceop him naman sian,
cwæ se hehsta hatan sceolde
- 345
- Satan sian, het hine þære sweartan helle
grundes gyman, nalles wi god winnan.
Satan maelode, sorgiende spræc,
se e helle for healdan sceolde,
gieman þæs grundes. Wæs ær godes engel,
- 350
- hwit on heofne, o hine his hyge forspeon
and his ofermetto ealra swiost,
þæt he ne wolde wereda drihtnes
word wurian. Weoll him on innan
hyge ymb his heortan, hat wæs him utan
- 355
- wralic wite. He þa worde cwæ:
"Is þæs ænga styde ungelic swie
þam orum ham þe we ær cuon,
hean on heofonrice, þe me min hearra onlag,
þeah we hine for þam alwaldan agan ne moston,
- 360
- romigan ures rices. Næf he þeah riht gedon
þæt he us hæf befælled fyre to botme,
helle þære hatan, heofonrice benumen;
hafa hit gemearcod mid moncynne
to gesettanne. þæt me is sorga mæst,
- 365
- þæt Adam sceal, þe wæs of eoran geworht,
minne stronglican stol behealdan,
wesan him on wynne, and we þis wite þolien,
hearm on þisse helle. Wa la, ahte ic minra handa geweald
and moste ane tid ute weoran,
- 370
- wesan ane winterstunde, þonne ic mid þys werode--
Ac licga me ymbe irenbenda,
ride racentan sal. Ic eom rices leas;
habba me swa hearde helle clommas
fæste befangen. Her is fyr micel,
- 375
- ufan and neoone. Ic a ne geseah
laran landscipe. Lig ne aswama,
hat ofer helle. Me habba hringa gespong,
slihearda sal sies amyrred,
afyrred me min fee; fet synt gebundene,
- 380
- handa gehæfte. Synt þissa heldora
wegas forworhte, swa ic mid wihte ne mæg
of þissum lioobendum. Licga me ymbe
heardes irenes hate geslægene
grindlas greate. Mid þy me god hafa
- 385
- gehæfted be þam healse, swa ic wat he minne hige cue;
and þæt wiste eac weroda drihten,
þæt sceolde unc Adame yfele gewuran
ymb þæt heofonrice, þær ic ahte minra handa geweald.
Ac oliaþ we nu þrea on helle, (þæt syndon þystro and hæto),
- 390
- grimme, grundlease. Hafa us god sylfa
forswapen on þas sweartan mistas; swa he us ne mæg ænige
synne gestælan,
þæt we him on þam lande la gefremedon, he hæf us þeah þæs
leohtes bescyrede,
beworpen on ealra wita mæste. Ne magon we þæs wrace
gefremman,
geleanian him mid laes wihte þæt he us hafa þæs leohtes
bescyrede.
- 395
- He hæf nu gemearcod anne middangeard, þær he hæf mon
geworhtne
æfter his onlicnesse. Mid þam he wile eft gesettan
heofona rice mid hluttrum saulum. We þæs sculon hycgan
georne,
þæt we on Adame, gif we æfre mægen,
and on his eafrum swa some, andan gebetan,
- 400
- onwendan him þær willan sines, gif we hit mægen wihte
aþencan.
Ne gelyfe ic me nu þæs leohtes furor þæs þe he him þence
lange niotan,
þæs eades mid his engla cræfte. Ne magon we þæt on aldre
gewinnan,
þæt we mihtiges godes mod onwæcen. Uton owendan hit nu monna
bearnum,
þæt heofonrice, nu we hit habban ne moton, gedon þæt hie his
hyldo forlæten,
- 405
- þæt hie þæt onwendon þæt he mid his worde bebead. þonne weor
he him wra on mode,
ahwet hie from his hyldo. þonne sculon hie þas helle secan
and þas grimman grundas. þonne moton we hie us to giongrum
habban,
fira bearn on þissum fæstum clomme. Onginna nu ymb þa fyrde
þencean!
Gif ic ænegum þægne þeodenmadmas
- 410
- geara forgeafe, þenden we on þan godan rice
gesælige sæton and hæfdon ure setla geweald,
þonne he me na on leofran tid leanum ne meahte
mine gife gyldan, gif his gien wolde
minra þegna hwilc geþafa wuran,
- 415
- þæt he up heonon ute mihte
cuman þurh þas clustro, and hæfde cræft mid him
þæt he mid feerhoman fleogan meahte,
windan on wolcne, þær geworht stonda
Adam and Eue on eorrice
- 420
- mid welan bewunden, and we synd aworpene hider
on þas deopan dalo. Nu hie drihtne synt
wurran micle, and moton him þone welan agan
þe we on heofonrice habban sceoldon,
rice mid rihte; is se ræd gescyred
- 425
- monna cynne. þæt me is on minum mode swa sar,
on minum hyge hreowe, þæt hie heofonrice
agan to aldre. Gif hit eower ænig mæge
gewendan mid wihte þæt hie word godes
lare forlæten, sona hie him þe laran beo.
- 430
- Gif hie breca his gebodscipe, þonne he him abolgen wureþ;
sian bi him se wela onwended and wyr him wite gegarwod,
sum heard hearmscearu. Hycga his ealle,
hu ge hi beswicen! Sian ic me sefte mæg
restan on þyssum racentum, gif him þæt rice losa.
- 435
- Se þe þæt gelæste, him bi lean gearo
æfter to aldre, þæs we her inne magon
on þyssum fyre for fremena gewinnan.
Sittan læte ic hine wi me sylfne, swa hwa swa þæt secgan cyme
on þas hatan helle, þæt hie heofoncyninges
- 440
- unwurlice wordum and dædum
lare"
Angan hine þa gyrwan godes andsaca,
fus on frætwum, (hæfde fæcne hyge),
hælehelm on heafod asette and þone full hearde geband,
- 445
- spenn mid spangum; wiste him spræca fela,
wora worda. Wand him up þanon,
hwearf him þurh þa helldora, (hæfde hyge strangne),
leolc on lyfte laþwendemod,
swang þæt fyr on twa feondes cræfte;
- 450
- wolde dearnunga drihtnes geongran,
mid mandædum men beswican,
forlædan and forlæran, þæt hie wurdon la gode.
He þa geferde þurh feondes cræft
oæt he Adam on eorrice,
- 455
- godes handgesceaft, gearone funde,
wislice geworht, and his wif somed,
freo fægroste, swa hie fela cuon
godes gegearwigean, þa him to gingran self
metod mancynnes mearcode selfa.
- 460
- And him bi twegin beamas stodon
þa wæron utan ofætes gehlædene,
gewered mid wæstme, swa hie waldend god,
heah heofoncyning handum gesette,
þæt þær yldo bearn moste on ceosan
- 465
- godes and yfeles, gumena æghwilc,
welan and wawan. Næs se wæstm gelic!
Oer wæs swa wynlic, wlitig and scene,
lie and lofsum, þæt wæs lifes beam;
moste on ecnisse æfter lybban,
- 470
- wesan on worulde, se þæs wæstmes onbat,
swa him æfter þy yldo ne derede,
ne suht sware, ac moste symle wesan
lungre on lustum and his lif agan,
hyldo heofoncyninges her on worulde,
- 475
- habban him to wæron witode geþingþo
on þone hean heofon, þonne he heonon wende.
þonne wæs se oer eallenga sweart,
dim and þystre; þæt wæs deaes beam,
se bær bitres fela. Sceolde bu witan
- 480
- ylda æghwilc yfles and godes
gewand on þisse worulde. Sceolde on wite a
mid swate and mid sorgum sian libban,
swa hwa swa gebyrgde þæs on þam beame geweox.
Sceolde hine yldo beniman ellendæda,
- 485
- dreamas and drihtscipes, and him beon dea scyred.
Lytle hwile sceolde he his lifes niotan,
secan þonne landa sweartost on fyre.
Sceolde feondum þeowian, þær is ealra frecna mæste
leodum to langre hwile. þæt wiste se laa georne,
- 490
- dyrne deofles boda þe wi drihten wann.
Wearp hine þa on wyrmes lic and wand him þa ymbutan
þone deaes beam þurh deofles cræft,
genam þær þæs ofætes and wende hine eft þanon
þær he wiste handgeweorc heofoncyninges.
- 495
- Ongon hine þa frinan forman worde
se laa mid ligenum: "Langa þe awuht,
Adam, up to gode? Ic eom on his ærende hider
feorran gefered, ne þæt nu fyrn ne wæs
þæt ic wi hine sylfne sæt. þa het he me on þysne si faran,
- 500
- het þæt þu þisses ofætes æte, cwæ þæt þin abal and cræft
and þin modsefa mara wurde,
and þin lichoma leohtra micle,
þin gesceapu scenran, cwæ þæt þe æniges sceattes
earf
ne wurde on worulde. Nu þu willan hæfst,
- 505
- hyldo geworhte heofoncyninges,
to þance geþenod þinum hearran,
hæfst þe wi drihten dyrne geworhtne. Ic gehyrde hine þine dæd
and word
lofian on his leohte and ymb þin lif sprecan.
Swa þu læstan scealt þæt on þis land hider
- 510
- his bodan bringa. Brade synd on worulde
grene geardas, and god site
on þam hehstan heofna rice,
ufan alwalda. Nele þa earfeu
sylfa habban þæt he on þysne si fare,
- 515
- gumena drihten, ac he his gingran sent
to þinre spræce. Nu he þe mid spellum het
listas læran. Læste þu georne
his ambyhto, nim þe þis ofæt on hand,
bit his and byrige. þe weor on þinum breostum rum,
- 520
- wæstm þy wlitegra. þe sende waldend god,
þin hearra þas helpe of heofonrice."
Adam maelode þær he on eoran stod,
selfsceafte guma: "þonne ic sigedrihten,
mihtigne god, mælan gehyrde
- 525
- strangre stemne, and me her stondan het,
his bebodu healdan, and me þas bryd forgeaf,
wlitesciene wif, and me warnian het
þæt ic on þone deaes beam bedroren ne wurde,
beswicen to swie, he cwæ þæt þa sweartan helle
- 530
- healdan sceolde se e bi his heortan wuht
laes gelæde. Nat þeah þu mid ligenum fare
þurh dyrne geþanc þe þu drihtnes eart
boda of heofnum. Hwæt, ic þinra bysna ne mæg,
worda ne wisna wuht oncnawan,
- 535
- sies ne sagona. Ic wat hwæt he me self bebead,
nergend user, þa ic hine nehst geseah;
he het me his word weorian and wel healdan,
læstan his lare. þu gelic ne bist
ænegum his engla þe ic ær geseah,
- 540
- ne þu me oiewdest ænig tacen
þe he me þurh treowe to onsende,
min hearra þurh hyldo. þy ic þe hyran ne cann,
ac þu meaht þe for faran. Ic hæbbe me fæstne geleafan
up to þam ælmihtegan gode þe me mid his earmum worhte,
- 545
- her mid handum sinum. He mæg me of his hean rice
geofian mid goda gehwilcum, þeah he his gingran ne sende."
Wende hine wramod þær he þæt wif geseah
on eorrice Euan stondan,
sceone gesceapene, cwæ þæt sceaena mæst
- 550
- eallum heora eaforum æfter sian
wurde on worulde: "Ic wat, inc waldend god
abolgen wyr, swa ic him þisne bodscipe
selfa secge, þonne ic of þys sie cume
ofer langne weg, þæt git ne læstan wel
- 555
- hwilc ærende swa he easten hider
on þysne si sende. Nu sceal he sylf faran
to incre andsware; ne mæg his ærende
his boda beodan; þy ic wat þæt he inc abolgen wyr,
mihtig on mode. Gif þu þeah minum wilt,
- 560
- wif willende, wordum hyran,
þu meaht his þonne rume ræd geþencan.
Gehyge on þinum breostum þæt þu inc bam twam meaht
wite bewarigan, swa ic þe wisie.
æt þisses ofetes! þonne wura þin eagan swa leoht
- 565
- þæt þu meaht swa wide ofer woruld ealle
geseon sian, and selfes stol
herran þines, and habban his hyldo for.
Meaht þu Adame eft gestyran,
gif þu his willan hæfst and he þinum wordum getryw.
- 570
- Gif þu him to soe sægst hwylce þu selfa hæfst
bisne on breostum, þæs þu gebod godes
lare læstes, he þone laan stri,
yfel andwyrde an forlæte
on breostcofan, swa wit him bu tu
- 575
- an sped spreca. Span þu hine georne
þæt he þine lare læste, þy læs gyt la gode,
incrum waldende, weoran þyrfen.
Gif þu þæt angin fremest, idesa seo betste,
forhele ic incrum herran þæt me hearmes swa fela
- 580
- Adam gespræc, eargra worda.
Tyh me untryowa, cwy þæt ic seo teonum georn,
gramum ambyhtsecg, nales godes engel.
Ac ic cann ealle swa geare engla gebyrdo,
heah heofona gehlidu; wæs seo hwil þæs lang
- 585
- þæt ic geornlice gode þegnode
þurh holdne hyge, herran minum,
drihtne selfum; ne eom ic deofle gelic."
Lædde hie swa mid ligenum and mid listum speon
idese on þæt unriht, oþæt hire on innan ongan
- 590
- weallan wyrmes geþeaht, (hæfde hire wacran hige
metod gemearcod), þæt heo hire mod ongan
lætan æfter þam larum; forþon heo æt þam laan onfeng
ofer drihtnes word deaes beames
weorcsumne wæstm. Ne wear wyrse dæd
- 595
- monnum gemearcod! þæt is micel wundor
þæt hit ece god æfre wolde
þeoden þolian, þæt wurde þegn swa monig
forlædd be þam lygenum þe for þam larum com.
Heo þa þæs ofætes æt, alwaldan bræc
- 600
- word and willan. þa meahte heo wide geseon
þurh þæs laan læn þe hie mid ligenum beswac,
dearnenga bedrog, þe hire for his dædum com,
þæt hire þuhte hwitre heofon and eore,
and eall þeos woruld wlitigre, and geweorc godes
- 605
- micel and mihtig, þeah heo hit þurh monnes geþeaht
ne sceawode; ac se sceaa georne
swicode ymb þa sawle þe hire ær þa siene onlah,
þæt heo swa wide wlitan meahte
ofer heofonrice. þa se forhatena spræc
- 610
- þurh feondscipe (nalles he hie freme lærde):
"þu meaht nu þe self geseon, swa ic hit þe secgan ne þearf,
Eue seo gode, þæt þe is ungelic
wlite and wæstmas, sian þu minum wordum getruwodest,
læstes mine lare. Nu scine þe leoht fore
- 615
- glædlic ongean þæt ic from gode brohte
hwit of heofonum; nu þu his hrinan meaht.
Sæge Adame hwilce þu gesihe hæfst
þurh minne cime cræfta. Gif giet þurh cuscne siodo
læst mina lara, þonne gife ic him þæs leohtes genog
- 620
- þæs ic þe swa godes gegired hæbbe.
Ne wite ic him þa womcwidas, þeah he his wyre ne sie
to alætanne; þæs fela he me laes spræc."
Swa hire eaforan sculon æfter lybban:
þonne hie la gedo, hie sculon lufe wyrcean,
- 625
- betan heora hearran hearmcwyde ond habban his hyldo for.
þa gieng to Adame idesa scenost,
wifa wlitegost þe on woruld come,
forþon heo wæs handgeweorc heofoncyninges,
þeah heo þa dearnenga fordon wurde,
- 630
- forlæd mid ligenum, þæt hie la gode
þurh þæs wraan geþanc weoran sceolden,
þurh þæs deofles searo dom forlætan,
hierran hyldo, hefonrices þolian
monige hwile. Bi þam men full wa
- 635
- þe hine ne warna þonne he his geweald hafa!
Sum heo hire on handum bær, sum hire æt heortan læg,
æppel unsælga, þone hire ær forbead
drihtna drihten, deabeames ofet,
and þæt word acwæ wuldres aldor,
- 640
- þæt þæt micle mor menn ne þorfton
þegnas þolian, ac he þeoda gehwam
hefonrice forgeaf, halig drihten,
widbradne welan, gif hie þone wæstm an
lætan wolden þe þæt lae treow
- 645
- on his bogum bær, bitre gefylled;
þæt wæs deaes beam þe him drihten forbead.
Forlec hie þa mid ligenum se wæs la gode,
on hete heofoncyninges, and hyge Euan,
wifes wac geþoht, þæt heo ongan his wordum truwian,
- 650
- læstan his lare, and geleafan nom
þæt he þa bysene from gode brungen hæfde
þe he hire swa wærlice wordum sægde,
iewde hire tacen and treowa gehet,
his holdne hyge. þa heo to hire hearran spræc:
- 655
- "Adam, frea min, þis ofet is swa swete,
blie on breostum, and þes boda sciene,
godes engel god, ic on his gearwan geseo
þæt he is ærendsecg uncres hearran,
hefoncyninges. His hyldo is unc betere
- 660
- to gewinnanne þonne his wiermedo.
Gif þu him heodæg wuht hearmes gesprece,
he forgif hit þeah, gif wit him geongordom
læstan willa. Hwæt scal þe swa lalic stri
wi þines hearran bodan? Unc is his hyldo þearf;
- 665
- he mæg unc ærendian to þam alwaldan,
heofoncyninge. Ic mæg heonon geseon
hwær he sylf site, (þæt is su and east),
welan bewunden, se as woruld gesceop;
geseo ic him his englas ymbe hweorfan
- 670
- mid feerhaman, ealra folca mæst,
wereda wynsumast. Hwa meahte me swelc gewit gifan,
gif hit gegnunga god ne onsende,
heofones waldend? Gehyran mæg ic rume
and swa wide geseon on woruld ealle
- 675
- ofer þas sidan gesceaft, ic mæg swegles gamen
gehyran on heofnum. Wear me on hige leohte
utan and innan, siþan ic þæs ofætes onbat.
Nu hæbbe ic his her on handa, herra se goda;
gife ic hit þe georne. Ic gelyfe þæt hit from gode come,
- 680
- broht from his bysene, þæs me þes boda sægde
wærum wordum. Hit nis wuhte gelic
elles on eoran, buton swa þes ar sæge,
þæt hit gegnunga from gode come."
Hio spræc him þicce to and speon hine ealne dæg
- 685
- on þa dimman dæd þæt hie drihtnes heora
willan bræcon. Stod se wraa boda,
legde him lustas on and mid listum speon,
fylgde him frecne; wæs se feond full neah
þe on þa frecnan fyrd gefaren hæfde
- 690
- ofer langne weg; leode hogode
on þæt micle mor men forweorpan,
forlæran and forlædan, þæt hie læn godes,
ælmihtiges gife an forleten,
heofenrices geweald. Hwæt, se hellsceaa
- 695
- gearwe wiste þæt hie godes yrre
habban sceoldon and hellgeþwing,
þone nearwan ni niede onfon,
sian hie gebod godes forbrocen hæfdon,
þa he forlærde mid ligenwordum
- 700
- to þam unræde idese sciene,
wifa wlitegost, þæt heo on his willan spræc,
wæs him on helpe handweorc godes
to forlæranne.
Heo spræc a to Adame idesa sceonost
- 705
- ful þiclice, o þam þegne ongan
his hige hweorfan, þæt he þam gehate getruwode
þe him þæt wif wordum sægde.
Heo dyde hit þeah þurh holdne hyge, nyste þæt þær hearma swa
fela,
fyrenearfea, fylgean sceolde
- 710
- monna cynne, þæs heo on mod genam
þæt heo þæs laan bodan larum hyrde,
ac wende þæt heo hyldo heofoncyninges
worhte mid þam wordum þe heo þam were swelce
tacen oiewde and treowe gehet,
- 715
- oþæt Adame innan breostum
his hyge hwyrfde and his heorte ongann
wendan to hire willan. He æt þam wife onfeng
helle and hinnsi, þeah hit nære haten swa,
ac hit ofetes noman agan sceolde;
- 720
- hit wæs þeah deaes swefn and deofles gespon,
hell and hinnsi and hælea forlor,
menniscra mor, þæt hie to mete dædon,
ofet unfæle. Swa hit him on innan com,
hran æt heortan, hloh þa and plegode
- 725
- boda bitre gehugod, sægde begra þanc
hearran sinum: "Nu hæbbe ic þine hyldo me
witode geworhte, and þinne willan gelæst
to ful monegum dæge. Men synt forlædde,
Adam and Eue. Him is unhyldo
- 730
- waldendes witod, nu hie wordcwyde his,
lare forleton. Forþon hie leng ne magon
healdan heofonrice, ac hie to helle sculon
on þone sweartan si. Swa þu his sorge ne þearft
beran on þinum breostum, þær þu gebunden ligst,
- 735
- murnan on mode, þæt her men bun
þone hean heofon, þeah wit hearmas nu,
þreaweorc þolia, and þystre land,
and þurh þin micle mod monig forleton
on heofonrice heahgetimbro,
- 740
- godlice geardas. Unc wear god yrre
forþon wit him noldon on heofonrice
hnigan mid heafdum halgum drihtne
þurh geongordom; ac unc gegenge ne wæs
þæt wit him on þegnscipe þeowian wolden.
- 745
- Forþon unc waldend wear wra on mode,
on hyge hearde, and us on helle bedraf,
on þæt fyr fylde folca mæste,
and mid handum his eft on heofonrice
rihte rodorstolas and þæt rice forgeaf
- 750
- monna cynne. Mæg þin mod wesan
blie on breostum, forþon her synt bu tu gedon:
ge þæt hælea bearn heofonrice sculon
leode forlætan and on þæt lig to þe
hate hweorfan, eac is hearm gode,
- 755
- modsorg gemacod. Swa hwæt swa wit her morres þolia,
hit is nu Adame eall forgolden
mid hearran hete and mid hælea forlore,
monnum mid mores cwealme. Forþon is min mod gehæled,
hyge ymb heortan gerume, ealle synt uncre hearmas gewrecene
- 760
- laes þæt wit lange þoledon. Nu wille ic eft þam lige near,
Satan ic þær secan wille; he is on þære sweartan helle
hæft mid hringa gesponne." Hwearf him eft nier
boda bitresta; sceolde he þa bradan ligas
secan helle gehlio, þær his hearra læg
- 765
- simon gesæled. Sorgedon ba twa,
Adam and Eue, and him oft betuh
gnornword gengdon; godes him ondredon,
heora herran hete, heofoncyninges ni
swie onsæton; selfe forstodon
- 770
- his word onwended. þæt wif gnornode,
hof hreowigmod, (hæfde hyldo godes,
lare forlæten), þa heo þæt leoht geseah
ellor scrian þæt hire þurh untreowa
tacen iewde se him þone teonan geræd,
- 775
- þæt hie helle ni habban sceoldon,
hyna unrim; forþam him higesorga
burnon on breostum. Hwilum to gebede feollon
sinhiwan somed, and sigedrihten
godne gretton and god nemdon,
- 780
- heofones waldend, and hine bædon
þæt hie his hearmsceare habban mosten,
georne fulgangan, þa hie godes hæfdon
bodscipe abrocen. Bare hie gesawon
heora lichaman; næfdon on þam lande þa giet
- 785
- sæla gesetena, ne hie sorge wiht
weorces wiston, ac hie wel meahton
libban on þam lande, gif hie wolden lare godes
forweard fremman. þa hie fela spræcon
sorhworda somed, sinhiwan twa.
- 790
- Adam gemælde and to Euan spræc:
"Hwæt, þu Eue, hæfst yfele gemearcod
uncer sylfra si. Gesyhst þu nu þa sweartan helle
grædige and gifre. Nu þu hie grimman meaht
heonane gehyran. Nis heofonrice
- 795
- gelic þam lige, ac þis is landa betst,
þæt wit þurh uncres hearran þanc habban moston,
þær þu þam ne hierde þe unc þisne hearm geræd,
þæt wit waldendes word forbræcon,
heofoncyninges. Nu wit hreowige magon
- 800
- sorgian for þis sie. Forþon he unc self bebead
þæt wit unc wite warian sceolden,
hearma mæstne. Nu slit me hunger and þurst
bitre on breostum, þæs wit begra ær
wæron orsorge on ealle tid.
- 805
- Hu sculon wit nu libban oe on þys lande wesan,
gif her wind cym, westan oe eastan,
suan oe noran? Gesweorc up fære,
cyme hægles scur hefone getenge,
fære forst on gemang, se by fyrnum ceald.
- 810
- Hwilum of heofnum hate scine,
blic þeos beorhte sunne, and wit her baru standa,
unwered wædo. Nys unc wuht beforan
to scursceade, ne sceattes wiht
to mete gemearcod, ac unc is mihtig god,
- 815
- waldend wramod. To hwon sculon wit weoran nu?
Nu me mæg hreowan þæt ic bæd heofnes god,
waldend þone godan, þæt he þe her worhte to me
of lium minum, nu þu me forlæred hæfst
on mines herran hete. Swa me nu hreowan mæg
- 820
- æfre to aldre þæt ic þe minum eagum geseah."
a spræc Eue eft, idesa scienost,
wifa wlitegost; hie wæs geweorc godes,
þeah heo þa on deofles cræft bedroren wurde:
"þu meaht hit me witan, wine min Adam,
- 825
- wordum þinum; hit þe þeah wyrs ne mæg
on þinum hyge hreowan þonne hit me æt
heortan de."
Hire þa Adam andswarode:
"Gif ic waldendes willan cue,
hwæt ic his to hearmsceare habban sceolde,
- 830
- ne gesawe þu no sniomor, þeah me on sæ wadan
hete heofones god heonone nu þa,
on flod faran, nære he firnum þæs deop,
merestream þæs micel, þæt his o min mod getweode,
ac ic to þam grunde genge, gif ic godes meahte
- 835
- willan gewyrcean. Nis me on worulde niod
æniges þegnscipes, nu ic mines þeodnes hafa
hyldo forworhte, þæt ic hie habban ne mæg.
Ac wit þus baru ne magon bu tu ætsomne
wesan to wuhte. Uton gan on þysne weald innan,
- 840
- on þisses holtes hleo." Hwurfon hie ba twa,
togengdon gnorngende on þone grenan weald,
sæton onsundran, bidan selfes gesceapu
heofoncyninges, þa hie þa habban ne moston
þe him ær forgeaf ælmihtig god.
- 845
- þa hie heora lichoman leafum beþeahton,
weredon mid y wealde, wæda ne hæfdon;
ac hie on gebed feollon bu tu ætsomne
morgena gehwilce, bædon mihtigne
þæt hie ne forgeate god ælmihtig,
- 850
- and him gewisade waldend se goda,
hu hie on þam leohte for libban sceolden.
þa com feran frea ælmihtig
ofer midne dæg, mære þeoden,
on neorxnawang neode sine;
- 855
- wolde neosian nergend usser,
bilwit fæder, hwæt his bearn dyde;
wiste forworhte þam he ær wlite sealde.
Gewitan him þa gangan geomermode
under beamsceade blæde bereafod,
- 860
- hyddon hie on heolstre, þa hie halig word
drihtnes gehyrdon, and ondredon him.
þa sona ongann swegles aldor
weard ahsian woruldgesceafta,
het him recene to rice þeoden
- 865
- his sunu gangan. Him þa sylfa oncwæ,
hean hleorade hrægles þearfa:
"Ic wreo me her wæda leasne,
liffrea min, leafum þecce.
Scyldfull mine sceaen is me sare,
- 870
- frecne on ferhe; ne dear nu for gan
for e andweardne. Ic eom eall eall nacod."
Him a ædre god andswarede:
"Saga me þæt, sunu min, for hwon secest u
sceade sceomiende? þu sceonde æt me
- 875
- furum ne anfenge, ac gefean eallum.
For hwon wast þu wean and wrihst sceome,
gesyhst sorge, and þin sylf þecest
lic mid leafum, sagast lifceare
hean hygegeomor, þæt þe sie hrægles þearf,
- 880
- nymþe u æppel ænne byrgde
of am wudubeame þe ic þe wordum forbead?"
Him þa Adam eft andswarode:
"Me a blæda on hand bryd gesealde,
freolucu fæmne, freadrihten min,
- 885
- e ic þe on teonan geþah. Nu ic þæs tacen wege
sweotol on me selfum. Wat ic sorga y ma."
a æs Euan frægn ælmihtig god:
"Hwæt druge þu, dohtor, dugeþa genohra,
niwra gesceafta neorxnawanges,
- 890
- growendra gifa, þa þu gitsiende
on beam gripe, blæda name
on treowes telgum, and me on teonan
æte þa unfreme, Adame sealdest
wæstme þa inc wæron wordum minum
- 895
- fæste forbodene?" Him þa freolecu mæg,
ides æwiscmod andswarode:
"Me nædre beswac and me neodlice
to forsceape scyhte and to scyldfrece,
fah wyrm þurh fægir word, oþæt ic fracolice
- 900
- feondræs gefremede, fæhe geworhte,
and þa reafode, swa hit riht ne wæs,
beam on bearwe and þa blæda æt."
þa nædran sceop nergend usser,
frea ælmihtig fagum wyrme
- 905
- wide sias and þa worde cwæ:
"þu scealt wideferh werig þinum
breostum bearm tredan bradre eoran,
faran feeleas, þenden þe feorh wuna,
gast on innan. þu scealt greot etan
- 910
- þine lifdagas. Swa þu lalice
wrohte onstealdest, þe þæt wif feo,
hata under heofnum and þin heafod trede
fah mid fotum sinum. þu scealt fiersna sætan
tohtan niwre; tuddor bi gemæne
- 915
- incrum orlegni a þenden stande
woruld under wolcnum. Nu þu wast and canst,
la leodsceaa, hu þu lifian scealt."
a to Euan god yrringa spræc:
"Wend þe from wynne! þu scealt wæpnedmen
- 920
- wesan on gewealde, mid weres egsan
hearde genearwad, hean þrowian
þinra dæda gedwild, deaes bidan,
and þurh wop and heaf on woruld cennan
þurh sar micel sunu and dohtor."
- 925
- Abead eac Adame ece drihten,
lifes leohtfruma, la ærende:
"þu scealt oerne eel secean,
wynleasran wic, and on wræc hweorfan
nacod niedwædla, neorxnawanges
- 930
- dugeum bedæled; þe is gedal witod
lices and sawle. Hwæt, þu lalice
wrohte onstealdest; forþon þu winnan scealt
and on eoran þe þine andlifne
selfa geræcan, wegan swatig hleor,
- 935
- þinne hlaf etan, þenden þu her leofast,
oþæt þe to heortan hearde gripe
adl unlie þe þu on æple ær
selfa forswulge; forþon þu sweltan scealt."
Hwæt, we nu gehyra hwær us hearmstafas
- 940
- wrae onwocan and woruldyrmo.
Hie þa wuldres weard wædum gyrede,
scyppend usser; het heora sceome þeccan
frea frumhrægle; het hie from hweorfan
neorxnawange on nearore lif.
- 945
- Him on laste beleac lisa and wynna
hihtfulne ham halig engel
be frean hæse fyrene sweorde;
ne mæg þær inwitfull ænig geferan
womscyldig mon, ac se weard hafa
- 950
- miht and strengo, se þæt mære lif
dugeum deore drihtne healde.
No hwære ælmihtig ealra wolde
Adame and Euan arna ofteon,
fæder æt fryme, þeah þe hie him from swice,
- 955
- ac he him to frofre let hwæere for wesan
hyrstedne hrof halgum tunglum
and him grundwelan ginne sealde;
het þam sinhiwum sæs and eoran
tuddorteondra teohha gehwilcre
- 960
- to woruldnytte wæstmas fedan.
Gesæton þa æfter synne sorgfulre land,
eard and eyl unspedigran
fremena gehwilcre þonne se frumstol wæs
þe hie æfter dæde of adrifen wurdon.
- 965
- Ongunnon hie þa be godes hæse
bearn astrienan, swa him metod bebead.
Adames and Euan aforan wæron
freolicu twa frumbearn cenned,
Cain and Abel. Us cya bec,
- 970
- hu þa dædfruman dugeþa stryndon,
welan and wiste, willgebroor.
Oer his to eoran elnes tilode,
se wæs ærboren; oer æhte heold
fæder on fultum, oþæt for gewat
- 975
- dægrimes worn. Hie þa drihtne lac
begen brohton. Brego engla beseah
on Abeles gield eagum sinum,
cyning eallwihta, Caines ne wolde
tiber sceawian. þæt wæs torn were
- 980
- hefig æt heortan. Hygewælm asteah
beorne on breostum, blatende ni,
yrre for æfstum. He þa unræden
folmum gefremede, freomæg ofsloh,
broor sinne, and his blod ageat,
- 985
- Cain Abeles. Cwealmdreore swealh
þæs middangeard, monnes swate.
æfter wælswenge wea wæs aræred,
tregena tuddor. Of am twige sian
ludon lawende leng swa swior
- 990
- ree wæstme. Ræhton wide
geond werþeoda wrohtes telgan,
hrinon hearmtanas hearde and sare
drihta bearnum, (do gieta swa),
of þam brad blado bealwa gehwilces
- 995
- sprytan ongunnon. We þæt spell magon,
wælgrimme wyrd, wope cwian,
nales holunge; ac us hearde sceod
freolecu fæmne þurh forman gylt
þe wi metod æfre men gefremeden,
- 1000
- eorbuende, sian Adam wear
of godes mue gaste eacen.
a worde frægn wuldres aldor
Cain, hwær Abel eoran wære.
Him a se cystleasa cwealmes wyrhta
- 1005
- ædre æfter þon andswarode:
"Ne can ic Abeles or ne fore,
hleomæges si, ne ic hyrde wæs
broer mines." Him þa brego engla,
godspedig gast gean þingade:
- 1010
- "Hwæt, befealdest þu folmum þinum
wraum on wælbedd wærfæstne rinc,
broor þinne, and his blod to me
cleopa and cige. þu þæs cwealmes scealt
wite winnan and on wræc hweorfan,
- 1015
- awyrged to widan aldre. Ne sele þe wæstmas eore
wlitige to woruldnytte, ac heo wældreore swealh
halge of handum þinum; forþon heo þe hrora oftih,
glæmes grene folde. þu scealt geomor hweorfan,
arleas of earde þinum, swa þu Abele wurde
- 1020
- to feorhbanan; forþon þu flema scealt
widlast wrecan, winemagum la."
Him þa ædre Cain andswarode:
"Ne þearf ic ænigre are wenan
on woruldrice, ac ic forworht hæbbe,
- 1025
- heofona heahcyning, hyldo þine,
lufan and freode; forþon ic lastas sceal
wean on wenum wide lecgan,
hwonne me gemitte manscyldigne,
se me feor oe neah fæhe gemonige,
- 1030
- broorcwealmes. Ic his blod ageat,
dreor on eoran. þu to dæge þissum
ademest me fram dugue and adrifest from
earde minum. Me to aldorbanan
weore wrara sum. Ic awyrged sceal,
- 1035
- þeoden, of gesyhe þinre hweorfan."
Him þa selfa oncwæ sigora drihten:
"Ne þearft u þe ondrædan deaes brogan,
feorhcwealm nu giet, þeah þu from scyle
freomagum feor fah gewitan.
- 1040
- Gif þe monna hwelc mundum sinum
aldre beneote, hine on cyme
æfter þære synne seofonfeald wracu,
wite æfter weorce." Hine waldend on,
tirfæst metod, tacen sette,
- 1045
- freoobeacen frea, þy læs hine feonda hwilc
mid guþræce gretan dorste
feorran oe nean. Heht þa from hweorfan
meder and magum manscyldigne,
cnosle sinum. Him þa Cain gewat
- 1050
- gongan geomormod gode of gesyhe,
wineleas wrecca, and him þa wic geceas
eastlandum on, eelstowe
fædergeardum feor, þær him freolecu mæg,
ides æfter æelum eaforan fedde.
- 1055
- Se æresta wæs Enos haten,
frumbearn Caines. Sian fæsten ongon
mid þam cneomagum ceastre timbran;
þæt wæs under wolcnum weallfæstenna
ærest ealra þara þe æelingas,
- 1060
- sweordberende, settan heton.
þanon his eaforan ærest wocan,
bearn from bryde, on þam burhstede.
Se yldesta wæs Iared haten,
sunu Enoses. Sian wocan,
- 1065
- þa þæs cynnes cneowrim icton,
mægburg Caines. Malalehel wæs
æfter Iarede yrfes hyrde
fæder on laste, oþæt he for gewat.
Sian Mathusal magum dælde,
- 1070
- bearn æfter bearne brorum sinum
æelinga gestreon, oþæt aldorgedal
frod fyrndagum fremman sceolde,
lif oflætan. Lameh onfeng
æfter fæder dæge fletgestealdum,
- 1075
- botlgestreonum. Him bryda twa,
idesa on ele eaforan feddon,
Ada and Sella; þara anum wæs
Iabal noma, se þurh gleawne geþanc
herbuendra hearpan ærest
- 1080
- handum sinum hlyn awehte,
swinsigende sweg, sunu Lamehes.
Swylce on ære mæge maga wæs haten
on þa ilcan tid Tubalcain,
se þurh snytro sped smicræftega wæs,
- 1085
- and þurh modes gemynd monna ærest,
sunu Lamehes, sulhgeweorces
fruma wæs ofer foldan, sian folca bearn
æres cuon and isernes,
burhsittende, brucan wide.
- 1090
- þa his wifum twæm wordum sægde
Lameh seolfa, leofum gebeddum,
Adan and Sellan unarlic spel:
"Ic on moror ofsloh minra sumne
hyldemaga; honda gewemde
- 1095
- on Caines cwealme mine,
fylde mid folmum fæder Enoses,
ordbanan Abeles, eoran sealde
wældreor weres. Wat ic gearwe
þæt þam lichryre on last cyme
- 1100
- socyninges seofonfeald wracu,
micel æfter mane. Min sceal swior
mid grimme gryre golden wuran
fyll and feorhcwealm, þonne ic for scio."
þa wear Adame on Abeles gyld
- 1105
- eafora on ele oþer feded,
sofæst sunu, þam wæs Seth noma.
Se wæs eadig and his yldrum ah
freolic to frofre, fæder and meder,
Adames and Euan, wæs Abeles gield
- 1110
- on woruldrice. þa word acwæ
ord moncynnes: "Me ece sunu
sealde selfa sigora waldend,
lifes aldor on leofes stæl,
þæs þe Cain ofsloh, and me cearsorge
- 1115
- mid þys magotimbre of mode asceaf
þeoden usser. Him þæs þanc sie!"
Adam hæfde, þa he eft ongan
him to eelstæfe ores strienan
bearnes be bryde, beorn ellenrof,
- 1120
- XXX and C þisses lifes,
wintra on worulde. Us gewritu secga
þæt her eahtahund iecte sian
mægum and mæcgum mægburg sine
Adam on eoran; ealra hæfde
- 1125
- nigenhund wintra
and XXX eac, þa he þas woruld
þurh gastgedal ofgyfan sceolde.
Him on laste Seth leod weardode,
eafora æfter yldrum; eþelstol heold
- 1130
- and wif begeat. Wintra hæfde
fif and hundteontig þa he furum ongan
his mægburge men geicean
sunum and dohtrum. Sethes eafora
se yldesta wæs Enos haten;
- 1135
- se nemde god niþa bearna
ærest ealra, sian Adam stop
on grene græs gaste geweorad.
Seth wæs gesælig; sian strynde
seofon winter her suna and dohtra
- 1140
- ond eahtahund. Ealra hæfde
XII and nigonhund, þa seo tid gewear
þæt he frigedal fremman sceolde.
Him æfter heold, þa he of worulde gewat,
Enos yrfe, sian eore swealh
- 1145
- sædberendes Sethes lice.
He wæs leof gode and lifde her
wintra hundnigontig ær he be wife her
þurh gebedscipe bearn astrynde;
him þa cenned wear Cainan ærest
- 1150
- eafora on ele. Sian eahtahund
and fiftyno on frio drihtnes
gleawferh hæle geogoe strynde,
suna and dohtra; swealt, þa he hæfde,
frod fyrnwita, V and nigonhund.
- 1155
- þære cneorisse wæs Cainan sian
æfter Enose aldordema,
weard and wisa. Wintra hæfde
efne hundseofontig ær him sunu woce.
þa wear on ele eafora feded,
- 1160
- mago Cainanes, Malalehel wæs haten.
Sian eahtahund æelinga rim
and feowertig eac feorum geicte
Enoses sunu. Ealra nigonhund
wintra hæfde þa he woruld ofgeaf
- 1165
- and tyne eac, þa his tiddæge
under rodera rum rim wæs gefylled.
Him on laste heold land and yrfe
Malalehel sian missera worn.
Se frumgara fif and sixtig
- 1170
- wintra hæfde þa he be wife ongann
bearna strynan. Him bryd sunu
meowle to monnum brohte. Se maga wæs
on his mæge, mine gefræge,
guma on geogoe, Iared haten.
- 1175
- Lifde sian and lissa breac
Malalehel lange, mondreama her,
woruldgestreona. Wintra hæfde
fif and hundnigontig, þa he for gewat,
and eahtahund; eaforan læfde
- 1180
- land and leodweard. Longe sian
Geared gumum gold brittade.
Se eorl wæs æele, æfæst hæle,
and se frumgar his freomagum leof.
Fif and hundteontig on fyore lifde
- 1185
- wintra gebidenra on woruldrice
and syxtig eac þa seo sæl gewear
þæt his wif sunu on woruld brohte;
se eafora wæs Enoc haten,
freolic frumbearn. Fæder her þa gyt
- 1190
- his cynnes for cneorim icte,
eaforan eahtahund; ealra hæfde
V and syxtig, þa he for gewat,
and nigonhund eac nihtgerimes,
wine frod wintres, þa he þas woruld ofgeaf
- 1195
- ond Geared þa gleawum læfde
land and leodweard, leofum rince.
Enoch sian ealdordom ahof,
freoosped folces wisa, nalles feallan let
dom and drihtscipe,
- 1200
- þenden he hyrde wæs heafodmaga.
Breac blæddaga, bearna strynde
þreohund wintra. Him wæs þeoden hold,
rodera waldend. Se rinc heonon
on lichoman lisse sohte,
- 1205
- drihtnes dugue, nales deae swealt
middangeardes, swa her men doþ,
geonge and ealde, þonne him god heora
æhta and ætwist eoran gestreona
on genime and heora aldor somed,
- 1210
- ac he cwic gewat mid cyning engla
of þyssum lænan life feran
on þam gearwum þe his gast onfeng
ær hine to monnum modor brohte.
He þam yldestan eaforan læfde
- 1215
- folc, frumbearne; V and syxtig
wintra hæfde þa he woruld ofgeaf,
and eac III hund. þrage sian
Mathusal heold maga yrfe,
se on lichoman lengest þissa
- 1220
- worulddreama breac. Worn gestrynde
ær his swyltdæge suna and dohtra;
hæfde frod hæle, þa he from sceolde
niþþum hweorfan, nigonhund wintra
and hundseofontig to. Sunu æfter heold,
- 1225
- Lamech leodgeard, lange sian
woruld bryttade. Wintra hæfde
twa and hundteontig þa seo tid gewear
þæt se eorl ongan æele cennan,
sunu and dohtor. Sian lifde
- 1230
- fif and hundnigontig, frea moniges breac
wintra under wolcnum, werodes aldor,
and V hund eac; heold þæt folc
teala,
bearna strynde, him byras wocan,
eaforan and idesa. He þone yldestan
- 1235
- Noe nemde, se nium ær
land bryttade sian Lamech gewat.
Hæfde æelinga aldorwisa
V hund wintra þa he furum ongan
bearna strynan, þæs þe bec cweaþ.
- 1240
- Sem wæs haten sunu Noes,
se yldesta, oer Cham,
þridda Iafeth. þeoda tymdon
rume under roderum, rim miclade
monna mæge geond middangeard
- 1245
- sunum and dohtrum. a giet wæs Sethes cynn,
leofes leodfruman on lufan swie
drihtne dyre and domeadig,
oþæt bearn godes bryda ongunnon
on Caines cynne secan,
- 1250
- wergum folce, and him þær wif curon
ofer metodes est monna eaforan,
scyldfulra mæg scyne and fægere.
þa reordade rodora waldend
wra moncynne and þa worde cwæ:
- 1255
- "Ne syndon me on ferhe freo from gewitene
cneorisn Caines, ac me þæt cynn hafa
sare abolgen. Nu me Sethes bearn
torn niwia and him to nima
mæge to gemæccum minra feonda;
- 1260
- þær wifa wlite onwod grome,
idesa ansien, and ece feond
folcdriht wera, þa ær on frie wæron."
Sian hundtwelftig geteled rime
wintra on worulde wræce bisgodon
- 1265
- fæge þeoda, hwonne frea wolde
on wærlogan wite settan
and on dea slean dædum scyldige
gigantmæcgas, gode unleofe,
micle mansceaan, metode lae.
- 1270
- þa geseah selfa sigoro waldend
hwæt wæs monna manes on eoran
and þæt hie wæron womma riste,
inwitfulle. He þæt unfægere
wera cneorissum gewrecan þohte,
- 1275
- forgripan gumcynne grimme and sare,
heardum mihtum. Hreaw hine swie
þæt he folcmægþa fruman aweahte,
æelinga ord, þa he Adam sceop,
cwæ þæt he wolde for wera synnum
- 1280
- eall aæan þæt on eoran wæs,
forleosan lica gehwilc þara þe lifes gast
fæmum þeahte. Eall þæt frea wolde
on ære toweardan tide acwellan
þe þa nealæhte nia bearnum.
- 1285
- Noe wæs god, nergende leof,
swie gesælig, sunu Lameches,
domfæst and gedefe. Drihten wiste
þæt þæs æelinges ellen dohte
breostgehygdum; foron him brego sægde,
- 1290
- halig æt hleore, helm allwihta,
hwæt he fah werum fremman wolde;
geseah unrihte eoran fulle,
side sælwongas synnum gehladene,
widlum gewemde. þa waldend spræc,
- 1295
- nergend usser, and to Noe cwæ:
"Ic wille mid flode folc acwellan
and cynna gehwilc cucra wuhta,
þara þe lyft and flod læda and feda,
feoh and fuglas. þu scealt fri habban
- 1300
- mid sunum þinum, onne sweart wæter,
wonne wælstreamas werodum swelga,
sceaum scyldfullum. Ongyn þe scip wyrcan,
merehus micel. On þam þu monegum scealt
reste geryman, and rihte setl
- 1305
- ælcum æfter agenum eoran tudre.
Gescype scylfan on scipes bosme.
þu þæt fær gewyrc fiftiges wid,
rittiges heah and þreohund lang
elngemeta, and wi ya gewyrc
- 1310
- gefeg fæste. þær sceal fæsl wesan
cwiclifigendra cynna gehwilces
on þæt wudufæsten wocor gelæded
eoran tudres; earc sceal þy mare."
Noe fremede swa hine nergend heht,
- 1315
- hyrde þam halgan heofoncyninge,
ongan ofostlice þæt hof wyrcan,
micle merecieste. Magum sægde
þæt wæs þrealic þing þeodum toweard,
ree wite. Hie ne rohton þæs!
- 1320
- Geseah þa ymb wintra worn wærfæst metod
geofonhusa mæst gearo hlifigean,
innan and utan eoran lime
gefæstnod wi flode, fær Noes,
þy selestan. þæt is syndrig cynn;
- 1325
- symle bi þy heardra þe hit hreoh wæter,
swearte sæstreamas swior beata.
a to Noe cwæ nergend usser:
"Ic þe þæs mine, monna leofost,
wære gesylle, þæt þu weg nimest
- 1330
- and feora fæsl þe þu ferian scealt
geond deop wæter dægrimes worn
on lides bosme. Læd, swa ic þe hate,
under earce bord eaforan þine,
frumgaran þry, and eower feower wif.
- 1335
- Ond þu seofone genim on þæt sundreced
tudra gehwilces geteled rimes,
þara þe to mete mannum lifige,
and þara oerra ælces twa.
Swilce þu of eallum eoran wæstmum
- 1340
- wiste under wægbord werodum gelæde,
þam þe mid sceolon mereflod nesan.
Fed freolice feora wocre
o ic þære lafe lagosia eft
reorde under roderum ryman wille.
- 1345
- Gewit þu nu mid hiwum on þæt hof gangan,
gasta werode. Ic þe godne wat,
fæsthydigne; þu eart freoo wyre,
ara mid eaforum. Ic on andwlitan
nu ofor seofon niht sigan læte
- 1350
- wællregn ufan widre eoran.
Feowertig daga fæhe ic wille
on weras stælan and mid wægþreate
æhta and agend eall acwellan
þa beutan beo earce bordum
- 1355
- þonne sweart racu stigan onginne."
Him þa Noe gewat, swa hine nergend het,
under earce bord eaforan lædan,
weras on wægþæl and heora wif somed;
and eall þæt to fæsle frea ælmihtig
- 1360
- habban wolde under hrof gefor
to heora ætgifan, swa him ælmihtig
weroda drihten þurh his word abead.
Him on hoh beleac heofonrices weard
merehuses mu mundum sinum,
- 1365
- sigora waldend, and segnade
earce innan agenum spedum
nergend usser. Noe hæfde,
sunu Lameches, syxhund wintra
þa he mid bearnum under bord gestah,
- 1370
- gleaw mid geogoe, be godes hæse,
dugeum dyrum. Drihten sende
regn from roderum and eac rume let
willeburnan on woruld þringan
of ædra gehwære, egorstreamas
- 1375
- swearte swogan. Sæs up stigon
ofer stæweallas. Strang wæs and ree
se e wætrum weold; wreah and þeahte
manfæhu bearn middangeardes
wonnan wæge, wera eelland;
- 1380
- hof hergode, hygeteonan wræc
metod on monnum. Mere swie grap
on fæge folc feowertig daga,
nihta oer swilc. Ni wæs ree,
wællgrim werum; wuldorcyninges
- 1385
- ya wræcon arleasra feorh
of flæschoman. Flod ealle wreah,
hreoh under heofonum hea beorgas
geond sidne grund and on sund ahof
earce from eoran and þa æelo mid,
- 1390
- þa segnade selfa drihten,
scyppend usser, þa he þæt scip beleac.
Sian wide rad wolcnum under
ofer holmes hrincg hof seleste,
for mid fearme. Fære ne moston
- 1395
- wægliendum wætres brogan
hæste hrinon, ac hie halig god
ferede and nerede. Fiftena stod
deop ofer dunum se drenceflod
monnes elna; þæt is mæro wyrd!
- 1400
- þam æt niehstan wæs nan to gedale,
nymþe heof wæs ahafen on þa hean lyft,
þa se egorhere eoran tuddor
eall acwealde, buton þæt earce bord
heold heofona frea, þa hine halig god
- 1405
- ece upp forlet edmodne flod
streamum stigan, stiferh cyning.
þa gemunde god mereliende,
sigora waldend sunu Lameches
and ealle þa wocre þe he wi wætre beleac,
- 1410
- lifes leohtfruma, on lides bosme.
Gelædde þa wigend weroda drihten
worde ofer widland. Willflod ongan
lytligan eft. Lago ebbade,
sweart under swegle. Hæfde so metod
- 1415
- eaforum egstream eft gecyrred,
torhtne ryne, regn gestilled.
For famig scip L and C
nihta under roderum, sian nægledbord,
fær seleste, flod up ahof,
- 1420
- oþæt rimgetæl rere þrage
daga for gewat. a on dunum gesæt
heah mid hlæste holmærna mæst,
earc Noes, þe Armenia
hatene syndon. þær se halga bad,
- 1425
- sunu Lameches, sora gehata
lange þrage, hwonne him lifes weard
frea ælmihtig frecenra sia
reste ageafe, þæra he rume dreah
þa hine on sunde geond sidne grund
- 1430
- wonne ya wide bæron.
Holm wæs heononweard; hæle langode,
wægliende, swilce wif heora,
hwonne hie of nearwe ofer nægledbord
ofer streamstae stæppan mosten
- 1435
- and of enge ut æhta lædan.
þa fandode forweard scipes,
hwæer sincende sæflod þa gyt
wære under wolcnum. Let þa ymb worn daga
þæs þe heah hlioo horde onfengon
- 1440
- and æelum eac eoran tudres
sunu Lameches sweartne fleogan
hrefn ofer heahflod of huse ut.
Noe tealde þæt he on neod hine,
gif he on þære lade land ne funde,
- 1445
- ofer sid wæter secan wolde
on wægþele. Eft him seo wen geleah,
ac se feonde gespearn fleotende hreaw;
salwigfeera secan nolde.
He þa ymb seofon niht sweartum hrefne
- 1450
- of earce forlet æfter fleogan
ofer heah wæter haswe culufran
on fandunga hwæer famig sæ
deop þa gyta dæl ænigne
grenre eoran ofgifen hæfde.
- 1455
- Heo wide hire willan sohte
and rume fleah. Nohweere reste fand,
þæt heo for flode fotum ne meahte
land gespornan ne on leaf treowes
steppan for streamum, ac wæron steap hleoo
- 1460
- bewrigen mid wætrum. Gewat se wilda fugel
on æfenne earce secan
ofer wonne wæg, werig sigan,
hungri to handa halgum rince.
a wæs culufre eft of cofan sended
- 1465
- ymb wucan wilde. Seo wide fleah
oþæt heo rumgal restestowe
fægere funde and þa fotum stop
on beam hyre; gefeah bliemod
þæs þe heo gesittan swie werig
- 1470
- on treowes telgum torhtum moste.
Heo feera onsceoc, gewat fleogan eft
mid lacum hire, liend brohte
elebeames twig an to handa,
grene blædæ. þa ongeat hrae
- 1475
- flotmonna frea þæt wæs frofor cumen,
earfosia bot. þa gyt se eadega wer
ymb wucan þriddan wilde culufran
ane sende. Seo eft ne com
to lide fleogan, ac heo land begeat,
- 1480
- grene bearwas; nolde gladu æfre
under salwed bord syan ætywan
on þellfæstenne, þa hire þearf ne wæs.
þa to Noe spræc nergend usser,
heofonrices weard, halgan reorde:
- 1485
- "þe is eelstol eft gerymed,
lisse on lande, lagosia rest
fæger on foldan. Gewit on freo gangan
ut of earce, and on eoran bearm
of þam hean hofe hiwan læd þu
- 1490
- and ealle þa wocre þe ic wægþrea on
lie nerede þenden lago hæfde
þrymme geþeahtne þriddan
eyl."
He fremede swa and frean hyrde,
stah ofer streamweall, swa him seo stefn bebead,
- 1495
- lustum miclum, and alædde þa
of wægþele wrara lafe.
þa Noe ongan nergende lac
rædfæst reran, and recene genam
on eallum dæl æhtum sinum,
- 1500
- am e him to dugeum drihten sealde,
gleaw to þam gielde, and þa gode selfum
torhtmod hæle tiber onsægde,
cyninge engla. Huru cu dyde
nergend usser, þa he Noe
- 1505
- gebletsade and his bearn somed,
þæt he þæt gyld on þanc agifen hæfde
and on geogohade godum dædum
ær geearnod þæt him ealra wæs
ara este ælmihtig god,
- 1510
- domfæst dugeþa. þa gyt drihten cwæ,
wuldris aldor word to Noe:
"Tyma nu and tiedra, tires bruca,
mid gefean fryo; fylla eoran,
eall geicea. Eow is eelstol
- 1515
- and holmes hlæst and heofonfuglas
and wildu deor on geweald geseald,
eore ælgrene and eacen feoh.
Næfre ge mid blode beodgereordu
unarlice eowre þicgea,
- 1520
- besmiten mid synne sawldreore.
ælc hine selfa ærest begrinde
gastes dugeum þæra þe mid gares orde
orum aldor oþringe. Ne earf he þy edleane gefeon
modgeþance, ac ic monnes feorh
- 1525
- to slagan sece swior micle,
and to broor banan, þæs þe blodgyte,
wællfyll weres wæpnum gespede,
mor mid mundum. Monn wæs to godes
anlicnesse ærest gesceapen.
- 1530
- ælc hafa magwlite metodes and engla
þara þe healdan wile halige þeawas.
Weaxa and wrida, wilna bruca,
ara on eoran; æelum fylla
eowre fromcynne foldan sceatas,
- 1535
- teamum and tudre. Ic eow treowa þæs
mine selle, þæt ic on middangeard
næfre egorhere eft gelæde,
wæter ofer widland. Ge on wolcnum þæs
oft and gelome andgiettacen
- 1540
- magon sceawigan, þonne ic scurbogan
minne iewe, þæt ic monnum þas
wære gelæste, þenden woruld stande."
a wæs se snotra sunu Lamehes
of fere acumen flode on laste
- 1545
- mid his eaforum þrim, yrfes hyrde
(and heora feower wif;
nemde wæron Percoba, Olla,
Olliua, Olliuani),
wærfæst metode, wætra lafe.
- 1550
- Hæle hygerofe hatene wæron,
suna Noes Sem and Cham,
Iafe þridda. From þam gumrincum
folc geludon and gefylled wear
eall þes middangeard monna bearnum.
- 1555
- a Noe ongan niwan stefne
mid hleomagum ham staelian
and to eoran him ætes tilian;
won and worhte, wingeard sette,
seow sæda fela, sohte georne
- 1560
- þa him wlitebeorhte wæstmas brohte,
geartorhte gife, grene folde.
a þæt geeode, þæt se eadega wer
on his wicum wear wine druncen,
swæf symbelwerig, and him selfa sceaf
- 1565
- reaf of lice. Swa gerysne ne wæs,
læg þa limnacod. He lyt ongeat
þæt him on his inne swa earme gelamp,
þa him on hrere heafodswima
on þæs halgan hofe heortan clypte.
- 1570
- Swie on slæpe sefa nearwode
þæt he ne mihte on gemynd drepen
hine handum self mid hrægle wryon
and sceome þeccan, swa gesceapu wæron
werum and wifum, sian wuldres þegn
- 1575
- ussum fæder and meder fyrene sweorde
on laste beleac lifes eel.
þa com ærest Cam in siian,
eafora Noes, þær his aldor læg,
ferhe forstolen. þær he freondlice
- 1580
- on his agenum fæder are ne wolde
gesceawian, ne þa sceonde huru
hleomagum helan, ac he hlihende
brorum sægde, hu se beorn hine
reste on recede. Hie þa rae stopon,
- 1585
- heora andwlitan in bewrigenum
under loum listum, þæt hie leofum men
geoce gefremede; gode wæron begen,
Sem and Iafe. a of slæpe onbrægd
sunu Lamehes, and þa sona ongeat
- 1590
- þæt him cynegodum Cham ne wolde,
þa him wæs are þearf, ænige cyan
hyldo and treowa. þæt þam halgan wæs
sar on mode, ongan þa his selfes bearn
wordum wyrgean, cwæ, he wesan sceolde
- 1595
- hean under heofnum, hleomaga þeow,
Cham on eorþan; him þa cwyde syan
and his fromcynne frecne scodon.
þa nyttade Noe sian
mid sunum sinum sidan rices
- 1600
- reohund wintra þisses lifes,
freomen æfter flode, and fiftig eac, þa he for gewat.
Sian his eaforan ead bryttedon,
bearna stryndon; him wæs beorht wela.
þa wear Iafee geogo afeded,
- 1605
- hyhtlic heorwerod heafodmaga,
sunu and dohtra. He wæs selfa til,
heold a rice, eeldreamas,
blæd mid bearnum, oþæt breosta hord,
gast ellorfus gangan sceolde
- 1610
- to godes dome. Geomor sian
fæder flettgesteald freondum dælde,
swæsum and gesibbum, sunu Iafees;
þæs teames wæs tuddor gefylled
unlytel dæl eoran gesceafta.
- 1615
- Swilce Chames suno cende wurdon,
eaforan on ele; þa yldestan
Chus and Chanan hatene wæron,
ful freolice feorh, frumbearn Chames.
Chus wæs æelum heafodwisa,
- 1620
- wilna brytta and worulddugea
brorum sinum, botlgestreona,
fæder on laste, sian for gewat
Cham of lice, þa him cwealm gesceod.
Se magoræswa mæge sinre
- 1625
- domas sægde, oþæt his dogora wæs
rim aurnen. þa se rinc ageaf
eorcunde ead, sohte oer lif,
fæder Nebroes. Frumbearn sian
eafora Chuses yrfestole weold,
- 1630
- widmære wer, swa us gewritu secgea,
þæt he moncynnes mæste hæfde
on þam mældagum mægen and strengo.
Se wæs Babylones bregorices fruma,
ærest æelinga; eelrym onhof,
- 1635
- rymde and rærde. Reord wæs þa gieta
eorbuendum an gemæne.
Swilce of Cames cneorisse woc
wermæga fela; of þam widfolce
cneorim micel cenned wæron.
- 1640
- þa wear Seme suna and dohtra
on woruldrice worn afeded,
freora bearna, ær on frod cure
wintrum wælreste werodes aldor.
On þære mæge wæron men tile,
- 1645
- þara an wæs Eber haten,
eafora Semes; of þam eorle woc
unrim þeoda, þa nu æelingas,
ealle eorbuend, Ebrei hata.
Gewiton him þa eastan æhta lædan,
- 1650
- feoh and feorme. Folc wæs anmod;
rofe rincas sohton rumre land,
oþæt hie becomon corrum miclum,
folc ferende, þær hie fæstlice
æelinga bearn, eard genamon.
- 1655
- Gesetton þa Sennar sidne and widne
leoda ræswan; leofum mannum
heora geardagum grene wongas,
fægre foldan, him forwearde
on ære dægtide dugue wæron,
- 1660
- wilna gehwilces weaxende sped.
a þær mon mænig be his mægwine,
æeling anmod, oerne bæd
þæs hie him to mære, ær seo mengeo eft
geond foldan bearm tofaran sceolde,
- 1665
- leoda mæge on landsocne
burh geworhte and to beacne torr
up arærde to rodortunglum.
þæs þe hie gesohton Sennera feld,
swa þa foremeahtige folces ræswan,
- 1670
- þa yldestan oft and gelome
lisum gewunedon; larum sohton
weras to weorce and to wrohtscipe,
oþæt for wlence and for wonhygdum
cydon cræft heora, ceastre worhton
- 1675
- and to heofnum up hlædræ rærdon,
strengum stepton stænenne weall
ofer monna gemet, mæra georne,
hæle mid honda. þa com halig god
wera cneorissa weorc sceawigan,
- 1680
- beorna burhfæsten, and þæt beacen somed,
þe to roderum up ræran ongunnon
Adames eaforan, and þæs unrædes
stiferh cyning steore gefremede,
þa he reemod reorde gesette
- 1685
- eorbuendum ungelice,
þæt hie þære spæce sped ne ahton.
þa hie gemitton mihtum spedge,
teoche æt torre, getalum myclum,
weorces wisan, ne þær wermæga
- 1690
- ænig wiste hwæt oer cwæ.
Ne meahte hie gewuran weall stænenne
up for timbran, ac hie earmlice
heapum tohlocon, hleorum gedælde;
wæs oerre æghwilc worden
- 1695
- mægburh fremde, sian metod tobræd
þurh his mihta sped monna spræce.
Toforan þa on feower wegas
æelinga bearn ungeþeode
on landsocne. Him on laste bu
- 1700
- stilic stantorr and seo steape burh
samod samworht on Sennar stod.
Weox þa under wolcnum and wriade
mægburh Semes, oþæt mon awoc
on þære cneorisse, cynebearna rim,
- 1705
- þancolmod wer, þeawum hydig.
Wurdon þam æelinge eaforan acende,
in Babilone bearn afeded
freolicu tu, and þa frumgaran,
hæle higerofe, hatene wæron
- 1710
- Abraham and Aaron; þam eorlum wæs
frea engla bam freond and aldor.
a wear Aarone eafora feded,
leoflic on life, am wæs Loth noma.
a magorincas metode geþungon,
- 1715
- Abraham and Loth, unforculice,
swa him from yldrum æelu wæron
on woruldrice; foron hie wide nu
dugeum dema drihtfolca bearn.
þa þæs mæles wæs mearc agongen
- 1720
- þæt him Abraham idese brohte,
wif to hame, þær he wic ahte,
fæger and freolic. Seo fæmne wæs
Sarra haten, þæs þe us secgea bec.
Hie þa wintra fela woruld bryttedon,
- 1725
- sinc ætsomne, sibbe heoldon
geara mengeo. Nohwære gifee wear
Abrahame þa gyt þæt him yrfeweard
wlitebeorht ides on woruld brohte,
Sarra Abrahame, suna and dohtra.
- 1730
- Gewat him þa mid cnosle ofer Caldea folc
feran mid feorme fæder Abrahames;
snotor mid gesibbum secean wolde
Cananea land. Hine cneowmægas,
metode gecorene mid siedon
- 1735
- of þære eeltyrf, Abraham and Loth.
Him þa cynegode on Carran
æelinga bearn eard genamon,
weras mid wifum. On þam wicum his
fæder Abrahames feorh gesealde,
- 1740
- wærfæst hæle; wintra hæfde
twa hundteontig, geteled rime,
and fife eac, þa he for gewat
misserum frod metodsceaft seon.
a se halga spræc, heofonrices weard,
- 1745
- to Abrahame, ece drihten:
"Gewit þu nu feran and þine fare lædan,
ceapas to cnosle. Carran ofgif,
fæder eelstol. Far, swa ic þe hate,
monna leofost, and þu minum wel
- 1750
- larum hyre, and þæt land gesec
þe ic þe ælgrene ywan wille,
brade foldan. þu gebletsad scealt
on mundbyrde minre lifigan.
Gif e ænig eorbuendra
- 1755
- mid wean grete, ic hine wergo on
mine sette and modhete,
longsumne ni; lisse selle,
wilna wæstme þam þe wuria.
þurh þe eorbuende ealle onfo,
- 1760
- folcbearn freoo and freondscipe,
blisse minre and bletsunge
on woruldrice. Wriende sceal
mæge þinre monrim wesan
swie under swegle sunum and dohtrum,
- 1765
- oþæt fromcyme folde weore,
þeodlond monig þine gefylled."
Him þa Abraham gewat æhte lædan
of Egipta eelmearce,
gumcystum god, golde and seolfre
- 1770
- swifeorm and gesælig, swa him sigora weard,
waldend usser þurh his word abead,
ceapas from Carran; sohton Cananea
lond and leodgeard. þa com leof gode
on þa eelturf idesa lædan,
- 1775
- swæse gebeddan and his suhtrian
wif on willan. Wintra hæfde
fif and hundseofontig a he faran sceolde,
Carran ofgifan and cneowmagas.
Him þa feran gewat fæder ælmihtiges
- 1780
- lare gemyndig land sceawian
geond þa folcsceare be frean hæse
Abraham wide, oþæt ellenrof
to Sicem com sie spedig,
cynne Cananeis. þa hine cyning engla
- 1785
- Abrahame iewde selfa,
domfæst wereda and drihten cwæ:
"þis is seo eore þe ic ælgrene
tudre þinum torhte wille
wæstmum gewlo on geweald don,
- 1790
- rume rice." þa se rinc gode
wibed worhte and þa waldende
lifes leohtfruman lac onsægde
gasta helme. Him þa gyt gewat
Abraham eastan eagum wlitan
- 1795
- on landa cyst, (lisse gemunde
heofonweardes gehat, þa him þurh halig word
sigora selfcyning so gecyde),
oþæt drihtweras duguþum geforan
þær is botlwela Bethlem haten.
- 1800
- Beorn bliemod and his broor sunu
for oferforan folcmæro land
eastan mid æhtum, æfæste men
weallsteapan hleou, and him þa wic curon
þær him wlitebeorhte wongas geþuhton.
- 1805
- Abraham þa oere sie
wibed worhte. He þær wordum god
torhtum cigde, tiber onsægde
his liffrean, (him þæs lean ageaf
nalles hneawlice þurh his hand metend),
- 1810
- on þam gledstyde gumcystum til.
ær ræsbora þrage sian
wicum wunode and wilna breac,
beorn mid bryde, oþæt brohþrea
Cananea wear cynne getenge,
- 1815
- hunger se hearda, hamsittendum,
wælgrim werum. Him þa wishydig
Abraham gewat on Egypte,
drihtne gecoren, drohta secan,
fleah wærfæst wean; wæs þæt wite to strang.
- 1820
- Abraham maelode, geseah Egypta
hornsele hwite and hea byrig
beorhte blican; ongan þa his bryd frea,
wishydig wer, wordum læran:
"Sian Egypte eagum moton
- 1825
- on þinne wlite wlitan wlance monige,
þonne æelinga eorlas wena,
mæg ælfscieno, þæt þu min sie
beorht gebedda, þe wile beorna sum
him geagnian. Ic me onegan mæg
- 1830
- þæt me wrara sum wæpnes ecge
for freondmynde feore beneote.
Saga þu, Sarra, þæt þu sie sweostor min,
lices mæge, þonne þe leodweras
fremde fricgen hwæt sie freondlufu
- 1835
- elleodigra uncer twega,
feorren cumenra. þu him fæste hel
soan spræce; swa þu minum scealt
feore gebeorgan, gif me freoo drihten
on woruldrice, waldend usser,
- 1840
- an ælmihtig, swa he ær dyde,
lengran lifes. Se us þas lade sceop,
þæt we on Egiptum are sceolde
fremena friclan and us fremu secan."
þa com ellenrof eorl siian,
- 1845
- Abraham mid æhtum on Egypte,
þær him folcweras fremde wæron,
wine uncue. Wordum spræcon
ymb þæs wifes wlite wlonce monige,
dugeum dealle; him drihtlicu mæg,
- 1850
- on wlite modgum mænegum uhte,
cyninges þegnum. Hie þæt cu dydon
heora folcfrean þæt fægerro lyt
for æelinge idesa sunnon,
ac hie Sarran swior micle,
- 1855
- wynsumne wlite wordum heredon,
oþæt he lædan heht leoflic wif to
his selfes sele. Sinces brytta,
æelinga helm heht Abrahame
duguum stepan. Hwæere drihten wear,
- 1860
- frea Faraone fah and yrre
for wifmyne; þæs wrae ongeald
hearde mid hiwum hægstealdra wyn.
Ongæt hwæere gumena aldor
hwæt him waldend wræc witeswingum;
- 1865
- heht him Abraham to egesum gereadne
brego Egipto, and his bryd ageaf,
wif to gewealde; heht him wine ceosan,
ellor æelingas, ore dugee.
Abead þa þeodcyning þegnum sinum,
- 1870
- ombihtscealcum, þæt hie hine arlice
ealles onsundne eft gebrohten
of þære folcsceare, þæt he on frie wære.
a Abraham æhte lædde
of Egypta eelmearce;
- 1875
- hie ellenrofe idese feredon,
bryd and begas, þæt hie to Bethlem
on cue wic ceapas læddon,
eadge eorwelan ore sie,
wif on willan and heora woruldgestreon.
- 1880
- Ongunnon him þa bytlian and heora burh ræran,
and sele settan, salo niwian.
Weras on wonge wibed setton
neah þam þe Abraham æror rærde
his waldende þa westan com.
- 1885
- þær se eadga eft ecan drihtnes
niwan stefne noman weorade;
tilmodig eorl tiber onsægde
þeodne engla, þancode swie
lifes leohtfruman lisse and ara.
- 1890
- Wunedon on þam wicum, hæfdon wilna geniht
Abraham and Loth. Ead bryttedon,
oþæt hie on þam lande ne meahton leng somed
blædes brucan and heora begra þær
æhte habban, ac sceoldon arfæste,
- 1895
- þa rincas þy rumor secan
ellor eelseld. Oft wæron teonan
wærfæstra wera weredum gemæne,
heardum hearmplega. þa se halga ongan
ara gemyndig Abraham sprecan
- 1900
- fægre to Lothe: "Ic eom fædera þin
sibgebyrdum, þu min suhterga.
Ne sceolon unc betweonan teonan weaxan,
wroht wriian-- ne þæt wille god!
Ac wit synt gemagas; unc gemæne ne sceal
- 1905
- elles awiht, nymþe eall tela
lufu langsumu. Nu þu, Loth, geþenc,
þæt unc modige ymb mearce sitta,
þeoda þrymfæste þegnum and gesium,
folc Cananea and Feretia,
- 1910
- rofum rincum. Ne willa rumor unc
landriht heora; foron wit lædan sculon,
teon of þisse stowe, and unc staolwangas
rumor secan. Ic ræd sprece,
bearn Arones, begra uncer,
- 1915
- sone secge. Ic þe selfes dom
life, leofa. Leorna þe seolfa
and geþancmeta þine mode
on hwilce healfe þu wille hwyrft don,
cyrran mid ceape, nu ic þe cyst abead."
- 1920
- Him þa Loth gewat land sceawigan
be Iordane, grene eoran.
Seo wæs wætrum weaht and wæstmum þeaht,
lagostreamum leoht, and gelic godes
neorxnawange, oþæt nergend
god
- 1925
- for wera synnum wylme gesealde
Sodoman and Gomorran, sweartan lige.
Him þa eard geceas and eelsetl
sunu Arones on Sodoma byrig;
æhte sine ealle lædde,
- 1930
- beagas from Bethlem and botlgestreon,
welan, wunden gold. Wunode sian
be Iordane geara mænego.
þær folcstede fægre wæron,
men arlease, metode lae.
- 1935
- Wæron Sodomisc cynn synnum þriste,
dædum gedwolene; drugon heora selfra
ecne unræd. æfre ne wolde
þam leodþeawum Loth onfon,
ac he þære mæge monwisan fleah,
- 1940
- þeah þe he on þam lande lifian sceolde,
facen and fyrene, and hine fægre heold,
þeawfæst and geþyldig on þam þeodscipe,
emne þon gelicost, lara gemyndig,
þe he ne cue hwæt þa cynn dydon.
- 1945
- Abraham wunode eeleardum
Cananea for. Hine cyning engla,
metod moncynnes mundbyrde heold,
wilna wæstmum and worulddugeum,
lufum and lissum; forþon his lof secga
- 1950
- wide under wolcnum wera cneorisse,
foldwonga bearn. He frean hyrde
estum on ele, enden he eardes breac,
halig and higefrod; næfre hleowlora
æt edwihtan æfre weore
- 1955
- feorhberendra forht and acol,
mon for metode, þe him æfter a
þurh gemynda sped mode and dædum,
worde and gewitte, wise þance,
o his ealdorgedal oleccan wile.
- 1960
- a ic aldor gefrægn Elamitarna
fromne folctogan, fyrd gebeodan,
Orlahomar; him Ambrafel
of Sennar side worulde
for on fultum. Gewiton hie feower þa
- 1965
- þeodcyningas þrymme micle
secan su anon Sodoman and Gomorran.
þa wæs guhergum be Iordane
wera eelland wide geondsended,
folde feondum. Sceolde forht monig
- 1970
- blachleor ides bifiende gan
on fremdes fæm; feollon wergend
bryda and beaga, bennum seoce.
Him þa togeanes mid guþræce
fife foran folccyningas
- 1975
- sweotum suon, woldon Sodome burh
wraum werian; þa wintra XII
normonnum ær niede sceoldon
gombon gieldan and gafol sellan,
oþæt þa leode leng ne woldon
- 1980
- Elamitarna aldor swian
folcgestreonum, ac him from swicon.
Foron þa tosomne (francan wæron hlude),
wrae wælherigas. Sang se wanna fugel
under deoresceaftum, deawigfeera,
- 1985
- hræs on wenan. Hæle onetton
on mægencorrum, modum þryge,
oþæt folcgetrume gefaren hæfdon
sid tosomne suan and noran,
helmum þeahte. þær wæs heard plega,
- 1990
- wælgara wrixl, wigcyrm micel,
hlud hildesweg. Handum brugdon
hæle of scæum hringmæled sweord,
ecgum dihtig. þær wæs eafynde
eorle orlegceap, se e ær ne wæs
- 1995
- nies genihtsum. Normen wæron
sufolcum swice; wurdon Sodomware
and Gomorre, goldes bryttan,
æt þæm lindcrodan leofum bedrorene,
fyrdgesteallum. Gewiton feorh heora
- 2000
- fram þam folcstyde fleame nergan,
secgum ofslegene; him on swae feollon
æelinga bearn, ecgum ofþegde,
willgesias. Hæfde wigsigor
Elamitarna ordes wisa,
- 2005
- weold wælstowe. Gewat seo wæpna laf
fæsten secan. Fynd gold strudon,
ahydan þa mid herge hordburh wera,
Sodoman and Gomorran, þa sæl ageald,
mære ceastra. Mæg siedon,
- 2010
- fæmnan and wuduwan, freondum beslægene,
from hleowstole. Hettend læddon
ut mid æhtum Abrahames mæg
of Sodoma byrig. We þæt so magon
secgan furur, hwelc sian wear
- 2015
- æfter þæm gehnæste herewulfa si,
þara þe læddon Loth and leoda god,
sumonna sinc, sigore gulpon.
Him þa secg hrae gewat siian,
an gara laf, se a gue genæs,
- 2020
- Abraham secan. Se þæt orlegweorc
þam Ebriscan eorle gecyde,
forslegen swie Sodoma folc,
leoda dugue and Lothes si.
þa þæt inwitspell Abraham sægde
- 2025
- freondum sinum; bæd him fultumes
wærfæst hæle willgeoftan,
Aner and Manre, Escol þriddan,
cwæ þæt him wære weorce on mode,
sorga sarost, þæt his suhtriga
- 2030
- þeownyd þolode; bæd him þræcrofe
þa rincas þæs ræd ahicgan,
þæt his hyldemæg ahreded wurde,
beorn mid bryde. Him þa broor þry
æt spræce þære spedum miclum
- 2035
- hældon hygesorge heardum wordum,
ellenrofe, and Abrahame
treowa sealdon, þæt hie his torn mid him
gewræcon on wraum, oe on wæl feollan.
þa se halga heht his heorwerod
- 2040
- wæpna onfon. He þær wigena fand,
æscberendra, XVIII
and CCC eac þeodenholdra,
þara þe he wiste þæt meahte wel æghwylc
on fyrd wegan fealwe linde.
- 2045
- Him þa Abraham gewat and þa eorlas þry
þe him ær treowe sealdon mid heora folcgetrume;
wolde his mæg huru,
Loth alynnan of lascipe.
Rincas wæron rofe, randas wægon
- 2050
- for fromlice on foldwege.
Hildewulfas herewicum neh
gefaren hæfdon. þa he his frumgaran,
wishydig wer, wordum sægde,
þares afera, him wæs þearf micel
- 2055
- þæt hie on twa healfe
grimme gugemot gystum eowdon
heardne handplegan; cwæ þæt him se halga,
ece drihten, eae mihte
æt þam sperenie spede lænan.
- 2060
- þa ic nean gefrægn under nihtscuwan
hæle to hilde. Hlyn wear on wicum
scylda and sceafta, sceotendra fyll,
guflana gegrind; gripon unfægre
under sceat werum scearpe garas,
- 2065
- and feonda feorh feollon icce,
þær hlihende hue feredon
secgas and gesias. Sigor eft ahwearf
of normonna nigeteone,
æsctir wera. Abraham sealde
- 2070
- wig to wedde, nalles wunden gold,
for his suhtrigan, sloh and fylde
feond on fitte. Him on fultum grap
heofonrices weard. Hergas wurdon
feower on fleame, folccyningas,
- 2075
- leode ræswan. Him on laste stod
hihtlic heorwerod, and hæle lagon,
on swae sæton, þa þe Sodoma
and Gomorra golde berofan,
bestrudon stigwitum. Him þæt stie geald
- 2080
- fædera Lothes. Fleonde wæron
Elamitarna aldordugue
dome bedrorene, oþæt hie Domasco
unfeor wæron. Gewat him Abraham a
on þa wigrode wiertrod seon
- 2085
- lara monna. Loth wæs ahreded,
eorl mid æhtum, idesa hwurfon,
wif on willan. Wide gesawon
freora feorhbanan fuglas slitan
on ecgwale. Abraham ferede
- 2090
- sumonna eft sinc and bryda,
æelinga bearn, ole nior,
mæge heora magum. Næfre mon ealra
lifigendra her lytle werede
þon wurlicor wigsi ateah,
- 2095
- þara þe wi swa miclum mægne geræsde.
þa wæs su þanon Sodoma folce
guspell wegen, hwelc gromra wear
feonda fromlad. Gewat him frea leoda,
eorlum bedroren, Abraham secan,
- 2100
- freonda feasceaft. Him ferede mid
Solomia sinces hyrde;
þæt wæs se mæra Melchisedec,
leoda bisceop. Se mid lacum com
fyrdrinca fruman fægre gretan,
- 2105
- Abraham arlice, and him on sette
godes bletsunge, and swa gyddode:
"Wæs u gewurod on wera rime
for þæs eagum þe e æsca tir
æt gue forgeaf! þæt is god selfa,
- 2110
- se e hettendra herga þrymmas
on geweald gebræc, and þe wæpnum læt
rancstræte for rume wyrcan,
hue ahreddan and hæle fyllan.
On swae sæton; ne meahton siwerod
- 2115
- gue spowan, ac hie god flymde,
se e æt feohtan mid frumgarum
wi ofermægnes egsan sceolde
handum sinum, and halegu treow,
seo þu wi rodora weard rihte healdest."
- 2120
- Him þa se beorn bletsunga lean
þurh hand ageaf, and þæs hereteames
ealles teoan sceat Abraham sealde
godes bisceope. þa spræc gucyning,
Sodoma aldor, secgum befylled,
- 2125
- to Abrahame (him wæs ara þearf).
"Forgif me mennen minra leoda,
þe þu ahreddest herges cræftum
wera wælclommum! Hafa þe wunden gold
þæt ær agen wæs ussum folce,
- 2130
- feoh and frætwa! Læt me freo lædan
eft on eel æelinga bearn,
on weste wic wif and cnihtas,
earme wydewan! Eaforan syndon deade,
folcgesias, nyme fea ane,
- 2135
- þe me mid sceoldon mearce healdan."
Him þa Abraham andswarode
ædre for eorlum, elne gewurod,
dome and sigore, drihtlice spræc:
"Ic þe gehate, hælea waldend,
- 2140
- for þam halgan, þe heofona is
and þisse eoran agendfrea,
wordum minum, nis woruldfeoh,
þe ic me agan wille,
sceat ne scilling, þæs ic on sceotendum,
- 2145
- þeoden mæra, þines ahredde,
æelinga helm, þy læs þu eft cwee
þæt ic wurde, willgesteallum,
eadig on eoran ærgestreonum
Sodoma rices; ac þu selfa
most heonon
- 2150
- hue lædan, þe ic þe æt hilde gesloh,
ealle buton dæle þissa drihtwera,
Aneres and Mamres and Escoles.
Nelle ic þa rincas rihte benæman,
ac hie me fulleodon æt æscþræce,
- 2155
- fuhton þe æfter frofre. Gewit þu ferian nu
ham hyrsted gold and healsmæge,
leoda idesa. þu þe lara ne þearft
hælea hildþræce hwile onsittan,
normanna wig; ac nefuglas
- 2160
- under beorhhleoþum blodige sitta,
þeodherga wæle þicce gefylled."
Gewat him þa se healdend ham siian
mid þy hereteame þe him se halga forgeaf,
Ebrea leod arna gemyndig.
- 2165
- þa gen Abrahame eowde selfa
heofona heahcyning halige spræce,
trymede tilmodigne and him to reordode:
"Meda syndon micla þina! Ne læt þu þe þin mod asealcan,
wærfæst willan mines! Ne þearft þu þe wiht ondrædan,
- 2170
- þenden þu mine lare læstest, ac ic þe lifigende her
wi weana gehwam wreo and scylde
folmum minum; ne þearft þu forht wesan."
Abraham þa andswarode,
dædrof drihtne sinum, frægn hine dægrime frod:
- 2175
- "Hwæt gifest þu me, gasta waldend,
freomanna to frofre, nu ic þus feasceaft eom?
Ne þearf ic yrfestol eaforan bytlian
ænegum minra, ac me æfter sculon
mine woruldmagas welan bryttian.
- 2180
- Ne sealdest þu me sunu; foron mec sorg drece
on sefan swie. Ic sylf ne mæg
ræd ahycgan. Gæ gerefa min
fægen freobearnum; fæste mynte
ingeþancum þæt me æfter sie
- 2185
- eaforan sine yrfeweardas.
Geseo þæt me of bryde bearn ne wocon."
Him þa ædre god andswarode:
"Næfre gerefan ræda þine
eafora yrfe, ac þin agen bearn
- 2190
- frætwa healde, þonne þin flæsc lige.
Sceawa heofon, and hyrste gerim,
rodores tungel, þa nu rume heora
wuldorfæstne wlite wide dæla
ofer brad brymu beorhte scinan.
- 2195
- Swilc bi mægburge menigo þinre
folcbearnum frome. Ne læt þu þin ferh wesan
sorgum asæled. Gien þe sunu weore,
bearn of bryde þurh gebyrd cumen,
se e æfter bi yrfes hyrde,
- 2200
- gode mære. Ne geomra þu!
Ic eom se waldend se þe for wintra fela
of Caldea ceastre alædde,
feowera sumne, gehet þe folcstede
wide to gewealde. Ic þe wære nu,
- 2205
- mago Ebrea, mine selle,
þæt sceal fromcynne folde þine,
sidland manig, geseted wuran,
eoran sceatas o Eufraten,
and from Egypta eelmearce
- 2210
- swa mid nias swa Nilus sceade
and eft Wendelsæ wide rice.
Eall þæt sculon agan eaforan þine,
þeodlanda gehwilc, swa þa þreo wæter
steape stanbyrig streamum bewinda,
- 2215
- famige flodas folcmæga byht."
þa wæs Sarran sar on mode,
þæt him Abrahame ænig ne wear
þurh gebedscipe bearn gemæne,
freolic to frofre. Ongann þa ferhcearig
- 2220
- to were sinum wordum mælan:
"Me þæs forwyrnde waldend heofona,
þæt ic mægburge moste þinre
rim miclian roderum under
eaforum þinum. Nu ic eom orwena
- 2225
- þæt unc se eylstæf æfre
weore
gifee ætgædere. Ic eom geomorfrod!
Drihten min, do swa ic þe bidde!
Her is fæmne, freolecu mæg,
ides Egyptisc, an on gewealde.
- 2230
- Hat þe þa recene reste gestigan,
and afanda hwæer frea wille
ænigne þe yrfewearda
on woruld lætan þurh þæt wif cuman."
þa se eadega wer idese larum
- 2235
- geafode, heht him þeowmennen
on bedd gan bryde larum.
Hire mod astah þa heo wæs magotimbre
be Abrahame eacen worden.
Ongan æfþancum agendfrean
- 2240
- halsfæst herian, higeþrye wæg,
wæs lawendo, lustum ne wolde
þeowdom þolian, ac heo þriste ongan
wi Sarran swie winnan.
þa ic þæt wif gefrægn wordum cyan
- 2245
- hire mandrihtne modes sorge,
sarferh sægde and swie cwæ:
"Ne fremest þu gerysnu and riht wi me.
þafodest þu gena þæt me þeowmennen,
sian Agar e, idese laste,
- 2250
- beddreste gestah, swa ic bena wæs,
drehte dogora gehwam dædum
and wordum
unarlice. þæt Agar sceal ongieldan,
gif ic mot for þe mine wealdan,
Abraham leofa. þæs sie ælmihtig,
- 2255
- drihtna drihten, dema mid unc twih."
Hire þa ædre andswarode
wishidig wer wordum sinum:
"Ne forlæte ic þe, þenden wit lifia bu,
arna lease, ac þu þin agen most
- 2260
- mennen ateon, swa þin mod freo."
a wear unblie Abrahames cwen,
hire worcþeowe wra on mode,
heard and hree, higeteonan spræc
fræcne on fæmnan. Heo þa fleon gewat
- 2265
- þrea and þeowdom; þolian ne wolde
yfel and ondlean, þæs e ær dyde
to Sarran, ac heo on si gewat
westen secan. þær hie wuldres þegn,
engel drihtnes an gemitte
- 2270
- geomormode, se hie georne frægn:
"Hwider fundast þu, feasceaft ides,
sias dreogan? þec Sarre ah."
Heo him ædre andswarode:
"Ic fleah wean, wana wilna gehwilces,
- 2275
- hlæfdigan hete, hean of wicum,
tregan and teonan. Nu sceal tearighleor
on westenne witodes bidan,
hwonne of heortan hunger oe wulf
sawle and sorge somed abregde."
- 2280
- Hire þa se engel andswarode:
"Ne ceara þu feor heonon fleame dælan
somwist incre, ac þu sece eft,
earna þe ara, eamod ongin
dreogan æfter dugeum, wes drihtenhold.
- 2285
- þu scealt, Agar, Abrahame sunu
on woruld bringan. Ic þe wordum nu
minum secge, þæt se magorinc sceal
mid yldum wesan Ismahel haten.
Se bi unhyre, orlæggifre,
- 2290
- and wierbreca wera cneorissum,
magum sinum; hine monige on
wrae winna mid wæpenþræce.
Of þam frumgaran folc awæcnia,
þeod unmæte. Gewit þu þinne eft
- 2295
- waldend secan; wuna þæm þe agon!"
Heo þa ædre gewat engles larum
hire hlafordum, swa se halga bebead,
godes ærendgast, gleawan spræce.
þa wear Abrahame Ismael geboren,
- 2300
- efne þa he on worulde wintra hæfde
VI and LXXX. Sunu weox and ah,
swa se engel ær þurh his agen word,
fæle freooscealc, fæmnan sægde.
þa se eoden ymb XIII gear,
- 2305
- ece drihten, wi Abrahame spræc:
"Leofa, swa ic þe lære, læst uncre wel
treowrædenne! Ic þe on tida gehwone
duguum stepe. Wes þu dædum from
willan mines! Ic þa wære for
- 2310
- soe gelæste, þe ic þe sealde geo
frofre to wedde, þæs þin ferh bemearn.
þu scealt halgian hired þinne.
Sete sigores tacn so on gehwilcne
wæpnedcynnes, gif þu wille on me
- 2315
- hlaford habban oe holdne freond
þinum fromcynne. Ic þæs folces beo
hyrde and healdend, gif ge hyra me
breostgehygdum and bebodu willa
min fullian. Sceal monna gehwilc
- 2320
- þære cneorisse cildisc wesan
wæpnedcynnes, þæs þe on woruld cym,
ymb seofon niht sigores tacne
geagnod me, oe of eoran
þurh feondscipe feor adæled,
- 2325
- adrifen from duguum. Do swa ic hate!
Ic eow treowige, gif ge þæt tacen gegaþ
sogeleafan. þu scealt sunu agan,
bearn be bryde þinre, þone sculon burhsittende
ealle Isaac hatan. Ne þearf þe þæs eaforan sceomigan,
- 2330
- ac ic þam magorince mine sylle
godcunde gife gastes mihtum,
freondsped fremum. He onfon sceal
blisse minre and bletsunge,
lufan and lisse. Of þam leodfruman
- 2335
- brad folc cuma, bregowearda fela
rofe arisa, rices hyrdas,
woruldcyningas wide mære."
Abraham a ofestum legde
hleor on eoran, and mid hucse bewand
- 2340
- þa hleoorcwydas on hige sinum,
modgeance. He þæs mældæges
self ne wende þæt him Sarra,
bryd blondenfeax bringan meahte
on woruld sunu; wiste gearwe
- 2345
- þæt þæt wif huru wintra hæfde
efne C, geteled rimes.
He þa metode oncwæ missarum frod:
"Lifge Ismael larum swilce,
þeoden, þinum, and þe þanc wege,
- 2350
- heardrædne hyge, heortan strange,
to dreoganne dæges and nihtes
wordum and dædum willan þinne."
Him þa fægere frea ælmihtig,
ece drihten, andswarode:
- 2355
- "þe sceal wintrum frod on woruld bringan
Sarra sunu, so for gan
wyrd æfter þissum wordgemearcum.
Ic Ismael estum wille
bletsian nu, swa þu bena eart
- 2360
- þinum frumbearne, þæt feorhdaga
on woruldrice worn gebide,
tanum tudre. þu þæs tia beo!
Hwære ic Isace, eaforan þinum,
geongum bearne, þam þe gen nis
- 2365
- on woruld cumen, willa spedum
dugea gehwilcre on dagum wille
swior stepan and him soe to
modes wære mine gelæstan,
halige higetreowa, and him hold wesan."
- 2370
- Abraham fremede swa him se eca bebead,
sette friotacen be frean hæse
on his selfes sunu, heht þæt segn wegan
heah gehwilcne, þe his hina wæs
wæpnedcynnes, wære gemyndig,
- 2375
- gleaw on mode, a him god sealde
soe treowa, and þa seolf onfeng
torhtum tacne. A his tir metod,
domfæst cyning, dugeum iecte
on woruldrice; he him þæs worhte to,
- 2380
- sian he on fære furum meahte
his waldendes willan fremman.
þa þæt wif ahloh wereda drihtnes
nalles glædlice, ac heo gearum frod
þone hleoorcwyde husce belegde
- 2385
- on sefan swie. So ne gelyfde,
þæt þære spræce sped folgode.
þa þæt gehyrde heofona waldend,
þæt on bure ahof bryd Abrahames
hihtleasne hleahtor, þa cwæ halig god:
- 2390
- "Ne wile Sarran so gelyfan
wordum minum. Sceal seo wyrd swa þeah
for steallian swa ic þe æt fryme gehet.
So ic þe secge, on þas sylfan tid
of idese bi eafora wæcned.
- 2395
- þonne ic þas ilcan ore sie
wic gesece, þe beo wordgehat
min gelæsted. þu on magan wlitest,
þin agen bearn, Abraham leofa!"
Gewiton him þa ædre ellorfuse
- 2400
- æfter þære spræce spedum feran
of þam hleoorstede, halige gastas,
lastas legdon, (him wæs Lothes mæg
sylfa on gesie), oþæt hie on Sodoman,
weallsteape burg, wlitan meahton.
- 2405
- Gesawon ofer since salo hlifian,
reced ofer readum golde. Ongan þa rodera waldend,
arfæst wi Abraham sprecan, sægde him unlytel spell:
"Ic on þisse byrig bearhtm gehyre,
synnigra cyrm swie hludne,
- 2410
- ealogalra gylp, yfele spræce
werod under weallum habban; forþon wærlogona sint,
folces firena hefige. Ic wille fandigan nu,
mago Ebrea, hwæt þa men don,
gif hie swa swie synna fremma
- 2415
- þeawum and geþancum, swa hie on þweorh spreca
facen and inwit; þæt sceal fyr wrecan,
swefyl and sweart lig sare and grimme,
hat and hæste hænum folce."
Weras basnedon witelaces,
- 2420
- wean under weallum, and heora wif somed.
Duguum wlance drihtne guldon
god mid gnyrne, oþæt gasta helm,
lifes leohtfruma leng ne wolde
torn þrowigean, ac him to sende
- 2425
- stimod cyning strange twegen
aras sine, þa on æfentid
sie gesohton Sodoma ceastre.
Hie þa æt burhgeate beorn gemitton
sylfne sittan sunu Arones,
- 2430
- þæt þam gleawan were geonge þuhton
men for his eagum. Aras þa metodes þeow
gastum togeanes, gretan eode
cuman culice, cynna gemunde
riht and gerisno, and þam rincum bead
- 2435
- nihtfeormunge. Him þa nergendes
æele ærendracan andswarodon:
"Hafa arna þanc, þara þe þu unc bude!
Wit be þisse stræte stille þenca
sæles bidan, sian sunnan eft
- 2440
- for to morgen metod up forlæt."
þa to fotum Loth
þam giestum hnah, and him georne bead
reste and gereorda and his recedes hleow
and þegnunge. Hie on þanc curon
- 2445
- æelinges est, eodon sona,
swa him se Ebrisca eorl wisade,
in undor edoras. þær him se æela geaf,
gleawferh hæle, giestlinysse
fægre on flette, oþæt for gewat
- 2450
- æfenscima. þa com æfter niht
on last dæge. Lagustreamas wreah,
þrym mid þystro þisses lifes,
sæs and sidland. Comon Sodomware,
geonge and ealde, gode unleofe
- 2455
- corrum miclum cuman acsian,
þæt hie behæfdon herges mægne
Loth mid giestum. Heton lædan ut
of þam hean hofe halige aras,
weras to gewealde, wordum cwædon
- 2460
- þæt mid þam hæleum hæman wolden
unscomlice, arna ne gymden.
þa aras hrae, se e oft ræd ongeat,
Loth on recede, eode lungre ut,
spræc þa ofer ealle æelinga gedriht
- 2465
- sunu Arones, snytra gemyndig:
"Her syndon inne unwemme twa
dohtor mine. Do, swa ic eow bidde
(ne can þara idesa ower gieta
þurh gebedscipe beorna neawest)
- 2470
- and geswica þære synne. Ic eow sylle þa,
ær ge sceonde wi gesceapu fremmen,
ungifre yfel ylda bearnum.
Onfo þæm fæmnum, læta fri agon
gistas mine, þa ic for gode wille
- 2475
- gemundbyrdan, gif ic mot, for eow."
Him þa seo mænigeo þurh gemæne word,
arlease cyn, andswarode:
"þis þince gerisne and riht micel,
þæt þu e aferige of þisse folcsceare.
- 2480
- þu þas wereode wræccan laste
freonda feasceaft feorran gesohtest,
wineþearfende. Wilt u, gif þu most,
wesan usser her aldordema,
leodum lareow?" þa ic on Lothe gefrægn
- 2485
- hæne heremæcgas handum gripan,
faum folmum. Him fylston wel
gystas sine, and hine of gromra þa,
cuman arfæste, clommum abrugdon
in under edoras, and þa ofstlice
- 2490
- anra gehwilcum ymbstandendra
folces Sodoma fæste forsæton
heafodsiena. Wear eal here sona
burhwarena blind. Abrecan ne meahton
reemode reced æfter gistum,
- 2495
- swa hie fundedon, ac þær frome wæron
godes spellbodan. Hæfde gistmægen
stie strengeo, styrnde swie
werode mid wite. Spræcon wordum þa
fæle freooscealcas fægre to Lothe:
- 2500
- "Gif þu sunu age oe swæsne mæg,
oe on þissum folcum freond ænigne
eac þissum idesum þe we her on wlita,
alæde of þysse leodbyrig, þa e leofe sien,
ofestum miclum, and þin ealdor nere,
- 2505
- þy læs þu forweore mid þyssum wærlogan.
Unc hit waldend heht for wera synnum
Sodoma and Gomorra sweartan lige,
fyre gesyllan and þas folc slean,
cynn on ceastrum mid cwealmþrea
- 2510
- and his torn wrecan. þære tide is
neah geþrungen. Gewit þu nergean þin
feorh foldwege. þe is frea milde."
Him þa ædre Loth andswarode:
"Ne mæg ic mid idesum aldornere mine
- 2515
- swa feor heonon feegange
sie gesecan. Git me sibblufan
and freondscipe fægre cya,
treowe and hyldo tiia me.
Ic wat hea burh her ane neah,
- 2520
- lytle ceastre. Lyfa me þær
are and reste, þæt we aldornere
on Sigor up secan moten.
Gif git þæt fæsten fyre willa
steape forstandan, on þære stowe we
- 2525
- gesunde magon sæles bidan,
feorh generigan." Him þa freondlice
englas arfæste andswaredon:
"þu scealt þære bene, nu þu ymb þa burh sprycest,
tia weoran. Teng recene to
- 2530
- þam fæstenne; wit þe frie healda
and mundbyrde. Ne moton wyt
on wærlogum wrecan torn godes,
swebban synnig cynn, ær on þu on Sægor þin
bearn gelæde and bryd somed."
- 2535
- þa onette Abrahames mæg
to þam fæstenne. Fee ne sparode
eorl mid idesum, ac he ofstum for
lastas legde, oþæt he gelædde
bryd mid bearnum under burhlocan
- 2540
- in Sægor his. þa sunne up,
folca fricandel, furum eode,
þa ic sendan gefrægn swegles aldor
swefl of heofnum and sweartne lig
werum to wite, weallende fyr,
- 2545
- þæs hie on ærdagum drihten tyndon
lange þrage. Him þæs lean forgeald
gasta waldend! Grap heahþrea
on hæencynn. Hlynn wear on ceastrum,
cirm arleasra cwealmes on ore,
- 2550
- laan cynnes. Lig eall fornam
þæt he grenes fond goldburgum in,
swylce þær ymbutan unlytel dæl
sidre foldan geondsended wæs
bryne and brogan. Bearwas wurdon
- 2555
- to axan and to yslan, eoran wæstma,
efne swa wide swa a witelac
ree geræhton rum land wera.
Strudende fyr steapes and geapes,
swogende leg, forswealh eall geador
- 2560
- þæt on Sodoma byrig secgas ahton
and on Gomorra. Eall þæt god spilde,
frea mid þy folce. þa þæt fyrgebræc,
leoda lifgedal, Lothes gehyrde
bryd on burgum, under bæc beseah
- 2565
- wi þæs wælfylles. Us gewritu secga
þæt heo on sealtstanes sona wurde
anlicnesse. æfre sian
se monlica (þæt is mære spell)
stille wunode, þær hie strang begeat
- 2570
- wite, þæs heo wordum wuldres þegna
hyran ne wolde. Nu sceal heard and steap
on þam wicum wyrde bidan,
drihtnes domes, hwonne dogora rim,
woruld gewite. þæt is wundra sum,
- 2575
- þara e geworhte wuldres aldor.
Him þa Abraham gewat ana gangan
mid ærdæge þæt he eft gestod
þær wordum ær wi his waldend spræc
frod frumgara. He geseah from foldan up
- 2580
- wide fleogan wælgrimne rec.
Hie þæs wlenco onwod and wingedrync
þæt hie firendæda to frece wurdon,
synna þriste, so ofergeaton,
drihtnes domas, and hwa him dugea forgeaf,
- 2585
- blæd on burgum. Forþon him brego engla
wylmhatne lig to wræce sende.
Waldend usser gemunde wærfæst þa
Abraham arlice, swa he oft dyde
leofne mannan. Loth generede,
- 2590
- mæg þæs ores, þa seo mænegeo forwear.
Ne dorste þa dædrof hæle
for frean egesan on þam fæstenne
leng eardigean, ac him Loth gewat
of byrig gangan and his bearn somed
- 2595
- wælstowe fyrr wic sceawian,
oþæt hie be hlie heare dune
eorscræf fundon. þær se eadega Loth
wærfæst wunode, waldende leof,
dægrimes worn and his dohtor twa.
- 2600
- Hie dydon swa; druncnum eode
seo yldre to ær on reste
heora bega fæder. Ne wiste blondenfeax
hwonne him fæmnan to bryde him bu wæron,
on ferhcofan fæste genearwod
- 2605
- mode and gemynde, þæt he mæga si
wine druncen gewitan ne meahte.
Idesa wurdon eacne, eaforan brohtan
willgesweostor on woruld sunu
heora ealdan fæder. þara æelinga
- 2610
- modor oerne Moab nemde,
Lothes dohter, seo on life wæs
wintrum yldre. Us gewritu secgea,
godcunde bec, þæt seo gingre
hire agen bearn Ammon hete.
- 2615
- Of þam frumgarum folces unrim,
þrymfæste twa þeoda awocon.
Ore þara mæga Moabitare
eorbuende ealle hata,
widmære cynn, ore weras nemna,
- 2620
- æelinga bearn, Ammonitare.
Gewat him þa mid bryde broor Arones
under Abimelech æhte lædan
mid his hiwum. Hæleum sægde
þæt Sarra his sweostor wære,
- 2625
- Abraham wordum (bearh his aldre),
þy he wiste gearwe þæt he winemaga,
on folce lyt freonda hæfde.
þa se þeoden his þegnas sende,
heht hie bringan to him selfum.
- 2630
- þa wæs ellþeodig ore sie
wif Abrahames from were læded
on fremdes fæm. Him þær fylste þa
ece drihten, swa he oft dyde,
nergend usser. Com nihtes self,
- 2635
- þær se waldend læg wine druncen.
Ongan þa socyning þurh swefn sprecan
to þam æelinge and him yrre hweop:
"þu Abrahames idese gename,
bryde æt beorne. þe abregdan sceal
- 2640
- for þære dæde dea of breostum
sawle þine." Him symbelwerig
sinces brytta þurh slæp oncwæ:
"Hwæt, þu æfre, engla þeoden,
þurh þin yrre wilt aldre lætan,
- 2645
- heah beheowan, þæne þe her
leofa
rihtum þeawum, bi on ræde fæst,
modgeþance, and him miltse
to þe sece? Me sægde ær
þæt wif hire wordum selfa
- 2650
- unfricgendum, þæt heo Abrahames
sweostor wære. Næbbe ic synne wi hie,
facna ænig gefremed gena."
Him þa ædre eft ece drihten,
sofæst metod, þurh þæt swefn oncwæ:
- 2655
- "Agif Abrahame idese sine,
wif to gewealde, gif þu on worulde leng,
æelinga helm, aldres recce.
He is god and gleaw, mæg self wi god
sprecan,
geseon sweglcyning. þu sweltan scealt
- 2660
- mid feo and mid feorme, gif u þam frumgaran
bryde wyrnest. He abiddan mæg,
gif he ofstum me ærendu wile
þeawfæst and geþyldig þin abeodan,
þæt ic þe lissa lifigendum giet
- 2665
- on dagum læte duguþa brucan
sinces gesundne." þa slæpe tobrægd
forht folces weard. Heht him fetigean to
gesprecan sine, spedum sægde
eorlum Abimeleh, egesan geread,
- 2670
- waldendes word. Weras him ondredon
for þære dæde drihtnes handa
sweng æfter swefne. Heht sylf cyning
him þa Abraham to ofstum miclum.
þa reordode rice þeoden:
- 2675
- "Mago Ebrea, þæs þu me wylle
wordum secgean, hu geworhte ic þæt,
sian þu usic under, Abraham, þine
on þas eelturf æhta læddest,
þæt þu me þus swie searo renodest?
- 2680
- þu ellþeodig usic woldest
on þisse folcsceare facne besyrwan,
synnum besmitan, sægdest wordum
þæt Sarra þin sweostor wære,
lices mæge, woldest lalice
- 2685
- þurh þæt wif on me wrohte alecgean,
ormæte yfel. We þe arlice
gefeormedon, and þe freondlice
on þisse werþeode wic getæhton,
land to lissum. þu us leanast nu,
- 2690
- unfreondlice fremena þancast!"
Abraham þa andswarode:
"Ne dyde ic for facne ne for feondscipe
ne for wihte þæs ic þe wean ue.
Ac ic me, gumena baldor, gubordes sweng
- 2695
- leodmagum feor lare gebearh,
sian me se halga of hyrde frean,
mines fæder fyrn alædde.
Ic fela sian folca gesohte,
wina uncura, and þis wif mid me,
- 2700
- freonda feasceaft. Ic þæs færes a
on wenum sæt hwonne me wrara sum
ellþeodigne aldre beheowe,
se e him þas idese eft agan wolde.
Foron ic wigsmium wordum sægde
- 2705
- þæt Sarra min sweostor wære
æghwær eoran þær wit earda leas
mid wealandum winnan sceoldon.
Ic þæt ilce dreah on þisse eyltyrf,
sian ic þina, þeoden mæra,
- 2710
- mundbyrde geceas. Ne wæs me on mode cu,
hwæer on þyssum folce frean ælmihtiges
egesa wære, þa ic her ærest com.
Forþon ic þegnum þinum dyrnde
and sylfum þe swiost micle
- 2715
- soan spræce, þæt me Sarra
bryde laste beddreste gestah."
þa ongan Abimæleh Abraham swian
woruldgestreonum and him his wif ageaf.
Sealde him to bote, þæs þe he his bryd genam,
- 2720
- gangende feoh and glæd seolfor
and weorcþeos. Spræc þa
wordum eac
to Abrahame æelinga helm:
"wuna mid usic and þe wic geceos
on þissum lande þær þe leofost sie,
- 2725
- eelstowe, þe ic agan sceal.
Wes us fæle freond, we e feoh sylla!"
Cwæ þa eft rae ore worde
to Sarran sinces brytta:
"Ne þearf e on edwit Abraham settan,
- 2730
- in freadrihten, þæt þu flettpaas,
mæg ælfscieno, mine træde,
ac him hygeteonan hwitan seolfre
deope bete. Ne ceara incit dugua
of isse eyltyrf ellor secan,
- 2735
- winas uncue, ac wunia her."
Abraham fremede swa hine his aldor heht,
onfeng freondscipe be frean hæse,
lufum and lissum. He wæs leof gode.
Foron he sibbe gesælig dreah
- 2740
- and his scippende under sceade gefor,
hleowferum þeaht, her þenden lifde.
þa gien wæs yrre god Abimelehe
for þære synne þe he wi Sarrai
and wi Abrahame ær gefremede,
- 2745
- þa he gedælde him deore twa,
wif and wæpned. He þæs weorc gehleat,
frecne wite. Ne meahton freo ne þeowe
heora bregoweardas bearnum ecan
monrim mæge, ac him þæt metod forstod,
- 2750
- oþæt se halga his hlaforde
Abraham ongan arna biddan
ecne drihten. Him engla helm
getigode, tuddorsped onleac
folccyninge freora and þeowra,
- 2755
- wera and wifa; let weaxan eft
heora rimgetel rodora waldend,
ead and æhta. ælmihtig wear
milde on mode, moncynnes weard,
Abimeleche, swa hine Abraham bæd.
- 2760
- þa com feran frea ælmihtig
to Sarrai, swa he self gecwæ,
waldend usser, hæfde wordbeot
leofum gelæsted, lifes aldor
eaforan and idese. Abrahame woc
- 2765
- bearn of bryde, þone brego engla,
ær y magotudre modor wære
eacen be eorle, Isaac nemde.
Hine Abraham on mid his agene hand
beacen sette, swa him bebead metod,
- 2770
- wuldortorht ymb wucan, þæs þe hine on woruld
to moncynne modor brohte.
Cniht weox and þag, swa him cynde wæron
æele from yldrum. Abraham hæfde
wintra hundteontig þa him wif sunu
- 2775
- on þanc gebær. He þæs rage bad,
sian him ærest þurh his agen word
þone dægwillan drihten bodode.
þa seo wyrd gewear þæt þæt wif geseah
for Abrahame Ismael plegan,
- 2780
- ær hie æt swæsendum sæton bu tu,
halig on hige, and heora hiwan eall,
druncon and drymdon. þa cwæ drihtlecu mæg,
bryd to beorne: "Forgif me, beaga weard,
min swæs frea, hat siian
- 2785
- Agar ellor and Ismael
lædan mid hie! Ne beo we leng somed
willum minum, gif ic wealdan mot.
Næfre Ismael wi Isace,
wi min agen bearn yrfe dæle
- 2790
- on laste þe, þonne þu of lice
aldor asendest." þa wæs Abrahame
weorce on mode þæt he on wræc drife
his selfes sunu, þa com so metod
freom on fultum, wiste ferh guman
- 2795
- cearum on clommum. Cyning engla spræc
to Abrahame, ece drihten:
"Læt þe aslupan sorge of breostum,
modgewinnan, and mæge hire,
bryde þinre! Hat bu tu aweg
- 2800
- Agar feran and Ismael,
cniht of cye! Ic his cynn gedo
brad and bresne bearna tudre,
wæstmum spedig, swa ic þe wordum gehet."
þa se wer hyrde his waldende,
- 2805
- draf of wicum dreorigmod tu,
idese of earde and his agen bearn.
"Sweotol is and gesene þæt þe so metod
on gesie is, swegles aldor,
se e sigor sele snytru mihtum
- 2810
- and þin mod tryme,
godcundum gifum. Foron e giena speow,
þæs þu wi freond oe feond fremman ongunne
wordum oe dædum. Waldend scufe,
frea on forwegas folmum sinum
- 2815
- willan þinne. þæt is wide cu
burhsittendum. Ic þe bidde nu,
wine Ebrea, wordum minum,
þæt þu tilmodig treowa selle,
wæra þina, þæt þu wille me
- 2820
- wesan fæle freond fremena to leane,
þara þe ic to duguum e gedon hæbbe,
sian u feasceaft feorran come
on þas werþeode wræccan laste.
Gyld me mid hyldo, þæt ic þe hneaw ne wæs
- 2825
- landes and lissa. Wes þissum leodum nu
and mægburge minre arfæst,
gif þe alwalda, ure drihten,
scirian wille, se e gesceapu healde,
þæt þu randwigum rumor mote
- 2830
- on isse folcsceare frætwa dælan,
modigra gestreon, mearce settan."
a Abraham Abimelehe
wære sealde þæt he wolde swa.
Sian wæs se eadega eafora þares
- 2835
- in Filistea folce eardfæst,
leod Ebrea lange þrage,
feasceaft mid fremdum. Him frea engla
wic getæhte þæt weras hata
burhsittende Bersabea lond.
- 2840
- ær se halga heahsteap reced,
burh timbrede and bearo sette,
weobedd worhte, and his waldende
on þam glædstede gild onsægde,
lac geneahe, þam þe lif forgeaf,
- 2845
- gesæliglic swegle under.
þa þæs rinces se rica ongan
cyning costigan, cunnode georne
hwilc þæs æelinges ellen wære,
stium wordum spræc him stefne to:
- 2850
- "Gewit þu ofestlice, Abraham, feran,
lastas lecgan and þe læde mid
þin agen bearn. þu scealt Isaac me
onsecgan, sunu inne, sylf to tibre.
Sian þu gestigest steape dune,
- 2855
- hrincg þæs hean landes, þe ic þe heonon getæce,
up þinum agnum fotum, þær þu scealt ad gegærwan,
bælfyr bearne þinum, and blotan sylf
sunu mid sweordes ecge, and þonne sweartan lige
leofes lic forbærnan and me lac bebeodan."
- 2860
- Ne forsæt he þy sie, ac sona ongann
fysan to fore. Him wæs frean engla
word ondrysne and his waldend leof.
þa se eadga Abraham sine
nihtreste ofgeaf. Nalles nergendes
- 2865
- hæse wihogode, ac hine se halga wer
gyrde grægan sweorde, cyde þæt him gasta weardes
egesa on breostum wunode. Ongan þa his esolas bætan
gamolferh goldes brytta, heht hine geonge twegen
men mid siian. Mæg wæs his agen þridda
- 2870
- and he feora sylf. þa he fus gewat
from his agenum hofe Isaac lædan,
bearn unweaxen, swa him bebead metod.
Efste þa swie and onette
for foldwege, swa him frea tæhte
- 2875
- wegas ofer westen, oþæt wuldortorht,
dæges þriddan up ofer deop wæter
ord aræmde. þa se eadega wer
geseah hlifigan hea dune
swa him sægde ær swegles aldor.
- 2880
- a Abraham spræc to his ombihtum:
"Rincas mine, resta incit
her on þissum wicum. Wit eft cuma,
sian wit ærende uncer twega
gastcyninge agifen habba."
- 2885
- Gewat him þa se æeling and his agen sunu
to þæs gemearces þe him metod tæhte,
wadan ofer wealdas. Wudu bær sunu,
fæder fyr and sweord. a þæs fricgean ongann
wer wintrum geong wordum Abraham:
- 2890
- "Wit her fyr and sweord, frea min, habba;
hwær is þæt tiber, þæt þu torht gode
to þam brynegielde bringan þencest?"
Abraham maelode (hæfde on an gehogod
þæt he gedæde swa hine drihten het):
- 2895
- "Him þæt socyning sylfa finde,
moncynnes weard, swa him gemet þince."
Gestah þa stihydig steape dune
up mid his eaforan, swa him se eca bebead,
þæt he on hrofe gestod hean landes
- 2900
- on þære stowe þe him se stranga to,
wærfæst metod wordum tæhte.
Ongan þa ad hladan, æled weccan,
and gefeterode fet and honda
bearne sinum and þa on bæl ahof
- 2905
- Isaac geongne, and þa ædre gegrap
sweord be gehiltum, wolde his sunu cwellan
folmum sinum, fyre scencan
mæges dreore. þa metodes egn,
ufan engla sum, Abraham hlude
- 2910
- stefne cygde. He stille gebad
ares spræce and þam engle oncwæ.
Him þa ofstum to ufan of roderum
wuldorgast godes wordum mælde:
"Abraham leofa, ne sleah þin agen bearn,
- 2915
- ac þu cwicne abregd cniht of ade,
eaforan þinne! Him an wuldres god!
Mago Ebrea, þu medum scealt
þurh þæs halgan hand, heofoncyninges,
soum sigorleanum selfa onfon,
- 2920
- ginfæstum gifum. þe wile gasta weard
lissum gyldan þæt þe wæs leofre his
sibb and hyldo þonne þin sylfes bearn."
Ad stod onæled. Hæfde Abrahame
metod moncynnes, mæge Lothes,
- 2925
- breost geblissad, þa he him his bearn forgeaf,
Isaac cwicne. a se eadega bewlat,
rinc ofer exle, and him þær rom geseah
unfeor þanon ænne standan,
broor Arones, brembrum fæstne.
- 2930
- þone Abraham genam and hine on ad ahof
ofestum miclum for his agen bearn.
Abrægd þa mid þy bille, brynegield onhread,
reccendne weg rommes blode,
onbleot þæt lac gode, sægde leana þanc
- 2935
- and ealra þara sæla þe he him si and ær,
gifena drihten, forgifen hæfde.
Verse Indeterminate Unknown
- Hwæt! We feor and neah gefrigen haba
ofer middangeard Moyses domas,
wræclico wordriht, wera cneorissum,--
in uprodor eadigra gehwam
- 5
- æfter bealusie bote lifes,
lifigendra gehwam langsumne ræd,--
hæleum secgan. Gehyre se e wille!
þone on westenne weroda drihten,
sofæst cyning, mid his sylfes miht
- 10
- gewyrode, and him wundra fela,
ece alwalda, in æht forgeaf.
He wæs leof gode, leoda aldor,
horsc and hreergleaw, herges wisa,
freom folctoga. Faraones cyn,
- 15
- godes andsacan, gyrdwite band,
þær him gesealde sigora waldend,
modgum magoræswan, his maga feorh,
onwist eles, Abrahames sunum.
Heah wæs þæt handlean and him hold frea,
- 20
- gesealde wæpna geweald wi wrara gryre,
ofercom mid þy campe cneomaga fela,
feonda folcriht. a wæs forma si
þæt hine weroda god wordum nægde,
þær he him gesægde sowundra fela,
- 25
- hu þas woruld worhte witig drihten,
eoran ymbhwyrft and uprodor,
gesette sigerice, and his sylfes naman,
one yldo bearn ær ne cuon,
frod fædera cyn, þeah hie fela wiston.
- 30
- Hæfde he þa geswied soum cræftum
and gewurodne werodes aldor,
Faraones feond, on forwegas.
þa wæs ingere ealdum witum
deae gedrenced drihtfolca mæst;
- 35
- hordwearda hryre heaf wæs geniwad,
swæfon seledreamas, since berofene.
Hæfde mansceaan æt middere niht
frecne gefylled, frumbearna fela,
abrocene burhweardas. Bana wide scra,
- 40
- la leodhata, land drysmyde
deadra hræwum, dugo for gewat,
wop wæs wide, worulddreama lyt.
Wæron hleahtorsmium handa belocene,
alyfed lasi leode gretan;
- 45
- folc ferende, feond wæs bereafod,
hergas on helle. Heofung þider becom,
druron deofolgyld. Dæg wæs mære
ofer middangeard þa seo mengeo for.
Swa þæs fæsten dreah fela missera,
- 50
- ealdwerige, Egypta folc,
þæs þe hie widefer wyrnan þohton
Moyses magum, gif hie metod lete,
on langne lust leofes sies.
Fyrd wæs gefysed, from se e lædde,
- 55
- modig magoræswa, mægburh heora.
Oferfor he mid þy folce fæstena worn,
land and leodweard lara manna,
enge anpaas, uncu gelad,
oþæt hie on Gumyrce gearwe bæron,
- 60
- (wæron land heora lyfthelme beþeaht),
mearchofu morheald. Moyses ofer þa,
fela meoringa, fyrde gelædde.
Heht þa ymb twa niht tirfæste hæle,
sian hie feondum ofaren hæfdon,
- 65
- ymbwicigean werodes bearhtme
mid ælfere æthanes byrig,
mægnes mæste mearclandum on.
Nearwe genyddon on norwegas,
wiston him be suan Sigelwara land,
- 70
- forbærned burhhleou, brune leode,
hatum heofoncolum. þær halig god
wi færbryne folc gescylde,
bælce oferbrædde byrnendne heofon,
halgan nette hatwendne lyft.
- 75
- Hæfde wederwolcen widum fæmum
eoran and uprodor efne gedæled,
lædde leodwerod, ligfyr adranc,
hate heofontorht. Hæle wafedon,
drihta gedrymost. Dægsceades hleo
- 80
- wand ofer wolcnum; hæfde witig god
sunnan sifæt segle ofertolden,
swa þa mæstrapas men ne cuon,
ne a seglrode geseon meahton,
eorbuende ealle cræfte,
- 85
- hu afæstnod wæs feldhusa mæst,
sian he mid wuldre geweorode
þeodenholde. þa wæs þridda wic
folce to frofre. Fyrd eall geseah
hu þær hlifedon halige seglas,
- 90
- lyftwundor leoht; leode ongeton,
dugo Israhela, þæt þær drihten cwom
weroda drihten, wicsteal metan.
Him beforan foran fyr and wolcen
in beorhtrodor, beamas twegen,
- 95
- þara æghwæer efngedælde
heahþegnunga haliges gastes,
deormodra si dagum and nihtum.
þa ic on morgen gefrægn modes rofan
hebban herebyman hludan stefnum,
- 100
- wuldres woman. Werod eall aras,
modigra mægen, swa him Moyses bebead,
mære magoræswa, metodes folce,
fus fyrdgetrum. For gesawon
lifes latþeow lifweg metan;
- 105
- swegl sie weold, sæmen æfter
foron flodwege. Folc wæs on salum,
hlud herges cyrm. Heofonbeacen astah
æfena gehwam, oer wundor,
syllic æfter sunnan setlrade beheold,
- 110
- ofer leodwerum lige scinan,
byrnende beam. Blace stodon
ofer sceotendum scire leoman;
scinon scyldhreoan, sceado swiredon,
neowle nihtscuwan neah ne mihton
- 115
- heolstor ahydan; heofoncandel barn.
Niwe nihtweard nyde sceolde
wician ofer weredum, þy læs him westengryre,
har hæbroga, holmegum wederum
on ferclamme ferh getwæfde.
- 120
- Hæfde foregenga fyrene loccas,
blace beamas; bellegsan hweop
in þam hereþreate, hatan lige,
þæt he on westenne werod forbærnde,
nyme hie modhwate Moyses hyrde.
- 125
- Scean scir werod, scyldas lixton,
gesawon randwigan rihte stræte,
segn ofer sweoton, oþæt sæfæsten
landes æt ende leodmægne forstod,
fus on forweg. Fyrdwic aras;
- 130
- wyrpton hie werige, wiste genægdon
modige meteþegnas, hyra mægen beton.
Bræddon æfter beorgum, sian byme sang,
flotan feldhusum. þa wæs feore wic,
randwigena ræst, be þan readan sæ.
- 135
- ær on fyrd hyra færspell becwom,
oht inlende. Egsan stodan,
wælgryre weroda; wræcmon gebad
lane lastweard, se e him lange ær
eelleasum onnied gescraf,
- 140
- wean witum fæst. Wære ne gymdon,
eah þe se yldra cyning ær ge...
þa wear yrfeweard ingefolca,
manna æfter mamum, þæt he swa miceles geah.
Ealles þæs forgeton sian grame wurdon
- 145
- Egypta cyn ymbe antwig;
a heo his mægwinum moror fremedon,
wroht berenedon, wære fræton.
Wæron heaowylmas heortan getenge,
mihtmod wera; manum treowum
- 150
- woldon hie þæt feorhlean facne gyldan,
þætte hie þæt dægweorc dreore gebohte,
Moyses leode, þær him mihtig god
on am spildsie spede forgefe.
þa him eorla mod ortrywe wear
- 155
- sian hie gesawon of suwegum
fyrd Faraonis for ongangan,
oferholt wegan, eored lixan,
(garas trymedon, gu hwearfode,
blicon bordhreoan, byman sungon),
- 160
- þufas þunian, þeod mearc tredan,
on hwæl
Hreopon herefugolas, hilde grædige,
deawigfeere ofer drihtneum,
wonn wælceasega. Wulfas sungon
- 165
- atol æfenleo ætes on wenan,
carleasan deor, cwyldrof beodan
on lara last leodmægnes fyl.
Hreopon mearcweardas middum nihtum,
fleah fæge gast, folc wæs gehæged.
- 170
- Hwilum of þam werode wlance þegnas
mæton milpaas meara bogum.
Him þær segncyning wi þone segn foran,
manna þengel, mearcþreate rad;
guweard gumena grimhelm gespeon,
- 175
- cyning cinberge, (cumbol lixton),
wiges on wenum, wælhlencan sceoc,
het his hereciste healdan georne
fæst fyrdgetrum. Freond onsegon
laum eagan landmanna cyme.
- 180
- Ymb hine wægon wigend unforhte,
hare heorowulfas hilde gretton,
þurstige þræcwiges, þeodenholde.
Hæfde him alesen leoda dugee
tireadigra twa þusendo,
- 185
- þæt wæron cyningas and cneowmagas,
on þæt eade riht, æelum deore.
Foron anra gehwilc ut alædde
wæpnedcynnes, wigan æghwilcne
þara þe he on am fyrste findan mihte.
- 190
- Wæron ingemen ealle ætgædere,
cyningas on corre. Cu oft gebad
horn on heape to hwæs hægstealdmen,
guþreat gumena, gearwe bæron.
Swa þær eorp werod, ecan læddon,
- 195
- la æfter laum, leodmægnes worn,
þusendmælum; þider wæron fuse.
Hæfdon hie gemynted to þam mægenheapum
to þam ærdæge Israhela cynn
billum abreotan on hyra broorgyld.
- 200
- Forþon wæs in wicum wop up ahafen,
atol æfenleo, egesan stodon,
weredon wælnet, þa se woma cwom.
Flugon frecne spel, feond wæs anmod,
werud wæs wigblac, oþæt wlance forsceaf
- 205
- mihtig engel, se a menigeo beheold,
þæt þær gelae mid him leng ne mihton
geseon tosomne; si wæs gedæled.
Hæfde nydfara nihtlangne fyrst,
þeah e him on healfa gehwam hettend seomedon,
- 210
- mægen oe merestream; nahton maran hwyrft.
Wæron orwenan eelrihtes,
sæton æfter beorgum in blacum reafum,
wean on wenum; wæccende bad
eall seo sibgedriht somod ætgædere
- 215
- maran mægenes, o Moyses bebead
eorlas on uhttid ærnum bemum
folc somnigean, frecan arisan,
habban heora hlencan, hycgan on ellen,
beran beorht searo, beacnum cigean
- 220
- sweot sande near. Snelle gemundon
weardas wigleo, werod wæs gefysed,
brudon ofer burgum, (byman gehyrdon),
flotan feldhusum, fyrd wæs on ofste.
Sian hie getealdon wi þam teonhete
- 225
- on þam forherge fean twelfe
moderofra; mægen wæs onhrered.
Wæs on anra gehwam æelan cynnes
alesen under lindum leoda dugue
on folcgetæl fiftig cista;
- 230
- hæfde cista gehwilc cues werodes
garberendra, gufremmendra,
X hund geteled, tireadigra.
þæt wæs wiglic werod; wace ne gretton
in þæt rincgetæl ræswan herges,
- 235
- þa þe for geogue gyt ne mihton
under bordhreoan breostnet wera
wi flane feond folmum werigean,
ne him bealubenne gebiden hæfdon
ofer linde lærig, licwunde swor,
- 240
- gylpplegan gares. Gamele ne moston,
hare heaorincas, hilde onþeon,
gif him modheapum mægen swirade,
ac hie be wæstmum on wig curon,
hu in leodscipe læstan wolde
- 245
- mod mid aran, eac þan mægnes cræft,
garbeames feng.
þa wæs handrofra here ætgædere,
fus forwegas. Fana up gerad,
beama beorhtost; bidon ealle þa gen
- 250
- hwonne siboda sæstreamum neah
leoht ofer lindum lyftedoras bræc.
Ahleop þa for hæleum hildecalla,
bald beohata, bord up ahof,
heht þa folctogan fyrde gestillan,
- 255
- þenden modiges meel monige gehyrdon.
Wolde reordigean rices hyrde
ofer hereciste halgan stefne,
werodes wisa wurmyndum spræc:
"Ne beo ge þy forhtran, þeah þe Faraon brohte
- 260
- sweordwigendra side hergas,
eorla unrim! Him eallum wile
mihtig drihten þurh mine hand
to dæge þissum dædlean gyfan,
þæt hie lifigende leng ne moton
- 265
- ægnian mid yrmum Israhela cyn.
Ne willa eow andrædan deade fean,
fæge ferhlocan, fyrst is æt ende
lænes lifes. Eow is lar godes
abroden of breostum. Ic on beteran ræd,
- 270
- þæt ge gewurien wuldres aldor,
and eow liffrean lissa bidde,
sigora gesynto, þær ge siien.
þis is se ecea Abrahames god,
frumsceafta frea, se as fyrd were,
- 275
- modig and mægenrof, mid þære miclan hand."
Hof a for hergum hlude stefne
lifigendra leod, þa he to leodum spræc:
"Hwæt, ge nu eagum to on locia,
folca leofost, færwundra sum,
- 280
- hu ic sylfa sloh and þeos swire hand
grene tacne garsecges deop.
Y up fære, ofstum wyrce
wæter wealfæsten. Wegas syndon dryge,
haswe herestræta, holm gerymed,
- 285
- ealde staolas, þa ic ær ne gefrægn
ofer middangeard men geferan,
fage feldas, þa for heonon
in ece tid ye þeahton,
sælde sægrundas. Suwind fornam
- 290
- bæweges blæst, brim is areafod,
sand sæcir spaw. Ic wat so gere
þæt eow mihtig god miltse gecyde,
eorlas ærglade. Ofest is selost
þæt ge of feonda fæme weoren,
- 295
- nu se agend up arærde
reade streamas in randgebeorh.
Syndon þa foreweallas fægre gestepte,
wrætlicu wægfaru, o wolcna hrof."
æfter þam wordum werod eall aras,
- 300
- modigra mægen. Mere stille bad.
Hofon herecyste hwite linde,
segnas on sande. Sæweall astah,
uplang gestod wi Israhelum
andægne fyrst. Wæs seo eorla gedriht
- 305
- anes modes,
fæstum fæmum freoowære heold.
Nalles hige gehyrdon haliges lare,
sian leofes leoþ læste near
sweg swirode and sances bland.
- 310
- þa þæt feore cyn fyrmest eode,
wod on wægstream, wigan on heape,
ofer grenne grund, Iudisc fea
on orette on uncu gelad
for his mægwinum. Swa him mihtig god
- 315
- þæs dægweorces deop lean forgeald,
sian him gesælde sigorworca hre,
þæt he ealdordom agan sceolde
ofer cynericu, cneowmaga blæd.
Hæfdon him to segne, þa hie on sund stigon,
- 320
- ofer bordhreoan beacen aræred
in þam garheape, gyldenne leon,
drihtfolca mæst, deora cenost.
Be þam herewisan hyno ne woldon
be him lifigendum lange þolian,
- 325
- þonne hie to gue garwudu rærdon
eoda ænigre. þracu wæs on ore,
heard handplega, hægsteald modige
wæpna wælslihtes, wigend unforhte,
bilswau blodige, beadumægnes ræs,
- 330
- grimhelma gegrind, þær Iudas for.
æfter þære fyrde flota modgade,
Rubenes sunu. Randas bæron
sæwicingas ofer sealtne mersc,
manna menio; micel angetrum
- 335
- eode unforht. He his ealdordom
synnum aswefede, þæt he sior for
on leofes last. Him on leodsceare
frumbearnes riht freobroor oþah,
ead and æelo; he wæs gearu swa þeah.
- 340
- þær for æfter him folca þryum
sunu Simeones sweotum comon;
þridde þeodmægen (þufas wundon
ofer garfare) gucyste onþrang
deawig sceaftum. Dægwoma becwom
- 345
- ofer garsecge, godes beacna sum,
morgen mæretorht; mægen for gewat.
þa þær folcmægen for æfter orum,
isernhergum. An wisode
mægenþrymmum mæst, þy he mære wear,
- 350
- on forwegas folc æfter wolcnum,
cynn æfter cynne. Cue æghwilc
mægburga riht, swa him Moises bead,
eorla æelo. Him wæs an fæder,
leof leodfruma, landriht geþah,
- 355
- frod on ferhe, freomagum leof.
Cende cneowsibbe cenra manna
heahfædera sum, halige þeode,
Israela cyn, onriht godes,
swa þæt orþancum ealde recca
- 360
- þa þe mægburge mæst gefrunon,
frumcyn feora, fæderæelo gehwæs.
Niwe flodas Noe oferla,
þrymfæst þeoden, mid his þrim sunum,
þone deopestan drencefloda
- 365
- þara e gewurde on woruldrice.
Hæfde him on hrere halige treowa;
forþon he gelædde ofer lagustreamas
mamhorda mæst, mine gefræge.
On feorhgebeorh foldan hæfde
- 370
- eallum eorcynne ece lafe,
frumcneow gehwæs, fæder and moder
tuddorteondra, geteled rime
mismicelra þonne men cunnon,
snottor sæleoda. Eac þon sæda gehwilc
- 375
- on bearm scipes beornas feredon,
þara þe under heofonum hæle bryttiga.
Swa þæt wise men wordum secga
þæt from Noe nigoa wære
fæder Abrahames on folctale.
- 380
- þæt is se Abraham se him engla god
naman niwan asceop; eac þon neah and feor
halige heapas in gehyld bebead,
werþeoda geweald; he on wræce lifde.
Sian he gelædde leofost feora
- 385
- haliges hæsum; heahlond stigon
sibgemagas, on Seone beorh.
Wære hie þær fundon, wuldor gesawon,
halige heahtreowe, swa hæle gefrunon.
þær eft se snottra sunu Dauides,
- 390
- wuldorfæst cyning, witgan larum
getimbrede tempel gode,
alh haligne, eorcyninga
se wisesta on woruldrice,
heahst and haligost, hæleum gefrægost,
- 395
- mæst and mærost, þara þe manna bearn,
fira æfter foldan, folmum geworhte.
To þam meelstede magan gelædde
Abraham Isaac. Adfyr onbran;
fyrst ferhbana no þy fægenra wæs.
- 400
- Wolde þone lastweard lige gesyllan,
in bælblyse beorna selost,
his swæsne sunu to sigetibre,
angan ofer eoran yrfelafe,
feores frofre, a he swa for gebad,
- 405
- leodum to lafe, langsumne hiht.
He þæt gecyde, þa he þone cniht genam
fæste mid folmum, folccu geteag
ealde lafe, (ecg grymetode),
þæt he him lifdagas leofran ne wisse
- 410
- þonne he hyrde heofoncyninge.
Up aræmde Abraham þa;
se eorl wolde slean eaferan sinne
unweaxenne, ecgum reodan
magan mid mece, gif hine metod lete.
- 415
- Ne wolde him beorht fæder bearn ætniman,
halig tiber, ac mid handa befeng.
þa him styran cwom stefn of heofonum,
wuldres hleoor, word æfter spræc:
"Ne sleh þu, Abraham, þin agen bearn,
- 420
- sunu mid sweorde! So is gecyed,
nu þin cunnode cyning alwihta,
þæt þu wi waldend wære heolde,
fæste treowe, seo þe freoo sceal
in lifdagum lengest weoran,
- 425
- awa to aldre unswiciendo.
Hu þearf mannes sunu maran treowe?
Ne behwylfan mæg heofon and eore
his wuldres word, widdra and siddra
þonne befæman mæge foldan sceattas,
- 430
- eoran ymbhwyrft and uprodor,
garsecges gin and þeos geomre lyft.
He a swere, engla þeoden,
wyrda waldend and wereda god,
sofæst sigora, þurh his sylfes lif,
- 435
- þæt þines cynnes and cneowmaga,
randwiggendra, rim ne cunnon,
yldo ofer eoran, ealle cræfte
to gesecgenne soum wordum,
nyme hwylc þæs snottor in sefan weore
- 440
- þæt he ana mæge ealle geriman
stanas on eoran, steorran on heofonum,
sæbeorga sand, sealte ya;
ac hie gesitta be sæm tweonum
o Egipte incaeode
- 445
- land Cananea, leode þine,
freobearn fæder, folca selost."
Folc wæs afæred, flodegsa becwom
gastas geomre, geofon deae hweop.
Wæron beorhhliu blode bestemed,
- 450
- holm heolfre spaw, hream wæs on yum,
wæter wæpna ful, wælmist astah.
Wæron Egypte eft oncyrde,
flugon forhtigende, fær ongeton,
woldon herebleae hamas findan,
- 455
- gylp wear gnornra. Him ongen genap
atol ya gewealc, ne ær ænig becwom
herges to hame, ac behindan beleac
wyrd mid wæge. þær ær wegas lagon,
mere modgode, mægen wæs adrenced.
- 460
- Streamas stodon, storm up gewat
heah to heofonum, herewopa mæst.
Lae cyrmdon, (lyft up geswearc),
fægum stæfnum, flod blod gewod.
Randbyrig wæron rofene, rodor swipode
- 465
- meredeaa mæst, modige swulton,
cyningas on corre, cyre swirode
sæs æt ende. Wigbord scinon
heah ofer hæleum, holmweall astah,
merestream modig. Mægen wæs on cwealme
- 470
- fæste gefeterod, forganges weg
searwum æsæled, sand basnodon,
witodre fyrde, hwonne waema stream,
sincalda sæ, sealtum yum
æflastum gewuna ece staulas,
- 475
- nacud nydboda, neosan come,
fah feegast, se e feondum geneop.
Wæs seo hæwene lyft heolfre geblanden,
brim berstende blodegesan hweop,
sæmanna si, oþæt so metod
- 480
- þurh Moyses hand modge rymde,
wide wæde, wælfæmum sweop.
Flod famgode, fæge crungon,
lagu land gefeol, lyft wæs onhrered,
wicon weallfæsten, wægas burston,
- 485
- multon meretorras, þa se mihtiga sloh
mid halige hand, heofonrices weard,
on werbeamas. Wlance eode
ne mihton forhabban helpendra pa,
merestreames mod, ac he manegum gesceod
- 490
- gyllende gryre. Garsecg wedde,
up ateah, on sleap. Egesan stodon,
weollon wælbenna. Witrod gefeol
heah of heofonum handweorc godes,
famigbosma flodwearde sloh,
- 495
- unhleowan wæg, alde mece,
þæt y deadrepe drihte swæfon,
synfullra sweot. Sawlum lunnon
fæste befarene, flodblac here,
sian hie on bugon brun yppinge,
- 500
- modewæga mæst. Mægen eall gedreas
a gedrencte wæron dugo
Egypta,
Faraon mid his folcum. He onfond hrae,
sian grund gestah godes andsaca,
þæt wæs mihtigra mereflodes weard;
- 505
- wolde heorufæmum hilde gesceadan,
yrre and egesfull. Egyptum wear
þæs dægweorces deop lean gesceod,
foram þæs heriges ham eft ne com
ealles ungrundes ænig to lafe,
- 510
- þætte si heora secgan moste,
bodigean æfter burgum bealospella mæst,
hordwearda hryre, hælea cwenum,
ac þa mægenþreatas meredea geswealh,
spelbodan eac. Se e sped ahte,
- 515
- ageat gylp wera. Hie wi god wunnon!
þanon Israhelum ece rædas
on merehwearfe Moyses sægde,
heahþungen wer, halige spræce,
deop ærende. Dægword nemna
- 520
- swa gyt wereode, on gewritum finda
doma gehwilcne, þara e him drihten bebead
on þam sifate soum wordum,
gif onlucan wile lifes wealhstod,
beorht in breostum, banhuses weard,
- 525
- ginfæsten god gastes cægon.
Run bi gerecenod, ræd for gæ,
hafa wislicu word on fæme,
wile meagollice modum tæcan
þæt we gesne ne syn godes þeodscipes,
- 530
- metodes miltsa. He us ma onlyh,
nu us boceras beteran secga
lengran lifwynna. þis is læne dream,
wommum awyrged, wreccum alyfed,
earmra anbid. Eellease
- 535
- þysne gystsele gihum healda,
murna on mode, manhus witon
fæst under foldan, þær bi fyr and wyrm,
open ece scræf. Yfela gehwylces
swa nu regnþeofas rice dæla,
- 540
- yldo oe ærdea. Eftwyrd cym,
mægenþrymma mæst ofer middangeard,
dæg dædum fah. Drihten sylfa
on þam meelstede manegum deme,
þonne he sofæstra sawla læde,
- 545
- eadige gastas, on uprodor,
þær is leoht and lif, eac þon lissa blæd;
dugo on dreame drihten heriga,
weroda wuldorcyning, to widan feore.
Swa reordode ræda gemyndig
- 550
- manna mildost, mihtum swied,
hludan stefne; here stille bad
witodes willan, wundor ongeton,
modiges muhæl; he to mænegum spræc:
"Micel is þeos menigeo, mægenwisa trum,
- 555
- fullesta mæst, se as fare læde;
hafa us on Cananea cyn gelyfed
burh and beagas, brade rice;
wile nu gelæstan þæt he lange gehet
mid asware, engla drihten,
- 560
- in fyrndagum fæderyncynne,
gif ge gehealda halige lare,
þæt ge feonda gehwone for oferganga,
gesitta sigerice be sæm tweonum,
beorselas beorna. Bi eower blæd micel!"
- 565
- æfter þam wordum werod wæs on salum,
sungon sigebyman, (segnas stodon),
on fægerne sweg; folc wæs on lande,
hæfde wuldres beam werud gelæded,
halige heapas, on hild godes.
- 570
- Life gefegon þa hie olæded hæfdon
feorh of feonda dome, þeah e hie hit frecne genedon,
weras under wætera hrofas. Gesawon hie þær weallas standan,
ealle him brimu blodige þuhton, þurh þa heora beadosearo
wægon.
Hredon hildespelle, sian hie þam herge
wiforon;
- 575
- hofon hereþreatas hlude stefne,
for þam dædweorce drihten heredon,
weras wuldres sang; wif on orum,
folcsweota mæst, fyrdleo golan
aclum stefnum, eallwundra fela.
- 580
- þa wæs efynde Afrisc meowle
on geofones stae golde geweorod.
Handa hofon halswurunge,
blie wæron, bote gesawon,
heddon herereafes, hæft wæs onsæled.
- 585
- Ongunnon sælafe segnum dælan
on ylafe, ealde madmas,
reaf and randas. Heo on riht sceodon
gold and godweb, Iosepes gestreon,
wera wuldorgesteald. Werigend lagon
- 590
- on deastede, drihtfolca mæst.
Verse Indeterminate Unknown
- Gefrægn ic Hebreos eadge lifgean
in Hierusalem, goldhord dælan,
cyningdom habban, swa him gecynde wæs,
sian þurh metodes mægen on Moyses hand
- 5
- wear wig gifen, wigena mænieo,
and hie of Egyptum ut aforon,
mægene micle. þæt wæs modig cyn!
þenden hie þy rice rædan moston,
burgum wealdan, wæs him beorht wela.
- 10
- þenden þæt folc mid him hiera fæder wære
healdan woldon, wæs him hyrde god,
heofonrices weard, halig drihten,
wuldres waldend. Se am werude geaf
mod and mihte, metod alwihta,
- 15
- þæt hie oft fela folca feore gesceodon,
heriges helmum, þara þe him hold ne wæs,
oþæt hie wlenco anwod æt winþege
deofoldædum, druncne geohtas.
þa hie æcræftas ane forleton,
- 20
- metodes mægenscipe, swa no man scyle
his gastes lufan wi gode dælan.
þa geseah ic þa gedriht in gedwolan
hweorfan,
Israhela cyn unriht don,
wommas wyrcean. þæt wæs weorc gode!
- 25
- Oft he þam leodum to lare sende,
heofonrices weard, halige gastas,
þa þam werude wisdom budon.
Hie þære snytro so gelyfdon
lytle hwile, oþæt hie langung beswac
- 30
- eoran dreamas eces rædes,
þæt hie æt siestan sylfe forleton
drihtnes domas, curon deofles cræft.
þa wear reemod rices eoden,
unhold þeodum þam þe æhte geaf.
- 35
- Wisde him æt fryme, a e on fruman ær on
wæron mancynnes metode dyrust,
dugoa dyrust, drihtne leofost;
herepa tæhte to þære hean
byrig,
eorlum eleodigum, on eelland
- 40
- þær Salem stod searwum afæstnod,
weallum geweorod. To þæs witgan foron,
Caldea cyn, to ceastre for,
þær Israela æhta wæron,
bewrigene mid weorcum; to þam þæt werod gefor,
- 45
- mægenþreat mære, manbealwes georn.
Awehte þone wælni wera aldorfrea,
Babilones brego, on his burhstede,
Nabochodonossor, þurh nihete,
þæt he secan ongan sefan gehygdum
- 50
- hu he Israelum eaost meahte
þurh gromra gang guman oþringan.
Gesamnode þa suan and noran
wælhreow werod, and west foran
herige hæencyninga to þære hean byrig.
- 55
- Israela eelweardas
hæfdon lufan, lifwelan, þenden hie let
metod.
þa ic ean gefrægn ealdfeonda cyn
winburh wera. þa wigan ne gelyfdon,
bereafodon þa receda wuldor readan golde,
- 60
- since and seolfre, Salomones templ.
Gestrudan gestreona under stanhlium,
swilc eall swa þa eorlas agan sceoldon,
oþæt hie burga gehwone abrocen hæfdon,
þara þe þam folce to frie stodon.
- 65
- Gehlodon him to hue hordwearda gestreon,
feoh and frætwa, swilc þær
funden wæs,
and þa mid þam æhtum eft siedon,
and gelæddon eac on langne si
Israela cyn, on eastwegas
- 70
- to Babilonia, beorna unrim,
under hand hæle hæenum deman.
Nabochodonossor him on nyd dyde
Israela bearn ofer ealle lufen,
wæpna lafe to weorcþeowum.
- 75
- Onsende þa sinra þegna
worn þæs werudes west toferan,
þæt him þara leoda land geheolde,
ene eel, æfter Ebreum.
Het þa secan sine gerefan
- 80
- geond Israela earme lafe,
hwilc þære geogoe gleawost wære
boca bebodes, þe þær brungen wæs.
Wolde þæt þa cnihtas cræft leornedon,
þæt him snytro on sefan secgan mihte,
- 85
- nales y þe he þæt moste oe gemunan wolde
þæt he þara gifena gode þancode
þe him þær to dugue drihten scyrede.
þa hie þær fundon þry freagleawe
æele cnihtas and æfæste,
- 90
- ginge and gode in godsæde;
an wæs Annanias, oer Azarias,
þridda Misael, metode gecorene.
þa þry comon to þeodne foran,
hearde and higeþancle, þær se hæena sæt,
- 95
- cyning corres georn, in Caldea byrig.
þa hie þam wlancan wisdom sceoldon,
weras Ebrea, wordum cyan,
higecræft heane, þurh halig mod,
þa se beorn bebead, Babilone weard,
- 100
- swimod cyning, sinum þegnum,
þæt þa frumgaras be feore dæde,
þæt þam gengum þrym gad ne wære
wiste ne wæde in woruldlife.
þa wæs breme Babilone weard,
- 105
- mære and modig ofer middangeard,
egesful ylda bearnum. No he æ fremede,
ac in oferhygde æghwæs lifde.
þa þam folctogan on frumslæpe,
sian to reste gehwearf rice þeoden,
- 110
- com on sefan hwurfan swefnes woma,
hu woruld wære wundrum geteod,
ungelic yldum o edsceafte.
Wear him on slæpe so gecyed,
þætte rices gehwæs ree sceolde gelimpan,
- 115
- eoran dreamas, ende wuran.
þa onwoc wulfheort, se ær wingal swæf,
Babilone weard. Næs him blie hige,
ac him sorh astah, swefnes woma.
No he gemunde þæt him meted wæs.
- 120
- Het þa tosomne sinra leoda
þa wiccungdom widost bæron,
frægn þa a mænigeo hwæt hine gemætte,
þenden reordberend reste wunode.
Wear he on þam egesan acol worden,
- 125
- þa he ne wisse word ne angin
swefnes sines; het him secgan þeah.
þa him unblie andswaredon
deofolwitgan (næs him dom gearu
to asecganne swefen cyninge):
- 130
- "Hu magon we swa dygle, drihten, ahicgan
on sefan þinne, hu e swefnede,
oe wyrda gesceaft wisdom bude,
gif þu his ærest ne meaht or areccan?"
þa him unblie andswarode
- 135
- wulfheort cyning, witgum sinum:
"Næron ge swa eacne ofer ealle men
modgeþances swa ge me sægdon,
and þæt gecwædon, þæt ge cuon
mine aldorlege, swa me æfter wear,
- 140
- oe ic furor findan sceolde.
Nu ge mætinge mine ne cunnon,
þa þe me for werode wisdom bera.
Ge swelta deae, nymþe ic dom wite
soan swefnes, þæs min sefa myndga."
- 145
- Ne meahte þa seo mænigeo on þam meelstede
þurh witigdom wihte aþencean
ne ahicgan, þa hit forhæfed gewear
þætte hie sædon swefn cyninge,
wyrda gerynu, oþæt witga cwom,
- 150
- Daniel to dome, se wæs drihtne gecoren,
snotor and sofæst, in þæt seld gangan.
Se wæs ordfruma earmre lafe
þære þe þam hæenan hyran sceolde.
Him god sealde gife of heofnum
- 155
- þurh hleoorcwyde haliges gastes,
þæt him engel godes eall asægde
swa his mandrihten gemæted wear.
a eode Daniel, þa dæg lyhte,
swefen reccan sinum frean,
- 160
- sægde him wislice wereda gesceafte,
þætte sona ongeat swimod cyning
ord and ende þæs þe him ywed wæs.
a hæfde Daniel dom micelne,
blæd in Babilonia mid bocerum,
- 165
- sian he gesæde swefen cyninge,
þæt he ær for fyrenum onfon ne meahte,
Babilonie weard, in his breostlocan.
No hwæere þæt Daniel gedon mihte
þæt he wolde metodes mihte gelyfan,
- 170
- ac he wyrcan ongan weoh on felda
þam þe deormode Diran heton,
se wæs on ære eode e swa hatte,
bresne Babilonige. þære burge weard
anne manlican ofer metodes est,
- 175
- gyld of golde, gumum arærde,
for þam þe gleaw ne wæs, gumrices weard,
ree and rædleas, riht ......
þa wear hælea hlyst þa hleoor cwom
byman stefne ofer burhware.
- 180
- þa hie for þam cumble on cneowum sæton,
onhnigon to þam herige hæne þeode,
wuredon wihgyld, ne wiston wræstran ræd,
efndon unrihtdom, swa hyra aldor dyde,
mane gemenged, mode gefrecnod.
- 185
- Fremde folcmægen, swa hyra frea ærest,
unræd efnde, (him þæs æfter becwom
yfel endelean), unriht dyde.
þær þry wæron on þæs þeodnes byrig,
eorlas Israela, þæt hie a noldon
- 190
- hyra þeodnes dom þafigan onginnan,
þæt hie to þam beacne gebedu rærde,
eah e ær on herige byman sungon.
a wæron æelum god Abrahames bearn,
wæron wærfæste, wiston drihten
- 195
- ecne uppe, ælmihtigne.
Cnihtas cynegode cu gedydon,
þæt hie him þæt gold to gode noldon
habban ne healdan, ac þone hean cyning,
gasta hyrde, e him gife sealde.
- 200
- Oft hie to bote balde gecwædon
þæt hie þæs wiges wihte ne rohton,
ne hie to þam gebede mihte gebædon
hæen heriges wisa, þæt hie þider hweorfan wolden,
guman to þam gyldnan gylde, þe he him to gode geteode.
- 205
- þegnas þeodne sægdon þæt hie þære geþeahte wæron,
hæftas hearan, in þisse hean byrig,
þa þis hegan ne willa, ne þysne wig wurigean,
þe u þe to wuldre wundrum teodest.
a him bolgenmod Babilone weard
- 210
- yrre andswarode, eorlum onmælde
grimme þam gingum, and geocre oncwæ,
þæt hie gegnunga gyldan sceolde
oe þrowigean þreanied micel,
frecne fyres wylm, nyme hie fries wolde
- 215
- wilnian to þam wyrrestan, weras Ebrea,
guman to þam golde, þe he him to gode teode.
Noldon þeah þa hyssas hyran larum
in hige hænum. Hogedon georne
þæt æ godes ealle gelæste,
- 220
- and ne awacodon wereda drihtne,
ne þan mæ gehwurfe in hæendom,
ne hie to facne freoo wilnedan,
þeah þe him se bitera dea geboden wære.
þa wear yrre anmod cyning, het he ofn onhætan
- 225
- to cwale cnihta feorum foram þe hie his cræftas onsocon.
þa he wæs gegleded, swa he grimmost mihte,
frecne fyres lige, þa he þyder folc samnode,
and gebindan het, Babilone weard,
grim and gealhmod, godes spelbodan.
- 230
- Het þa his scealcas scufan þa hyssas
in bælblyse, beornas geonge.
Gearo wæs se him geoce gefremede; þeah þe hie swa grome nydde
in fæm fyres lige, hwæere heora feorh generede
mihtig metodes weard. Swa þæt mænige gefrunon,
- 235
- halige him þær help geteode, sende him of hean rodore
god, gumena weard, gast þone halgan.
Engel in þone ofn innan becwom þær hie þæt aglac drugon,
freobearn fæmum beþeahte under þam fyrenan hrofe.
Ne mihte þeah heora wlite gewemman owiht
- 240
- wylm þæs wæfran liges, þa hie se waldend nerede.
Hreohmod wæs se hæena þeoden, het hie hrae bærnan.
æled wæs ungescead micel. þa wæs se ofen onhæted,
isen eall urhgleded. Hine ær esnas mænige
wurpon wudu on innan, swa him wæs on wordum gedemed;
- 245
- bæron brandas on bryne blacan fyres,
(wolde wulfheort cyning wall onsteallan,
iserne ymb æfæste), oþæt up gewat
lig ofer leofum and þurh lust gesloh
micle mare þonne gemet wære.
- 250
- a se lig gewand on lae men,
hæne of halgum. Hyssas wæron
bliemode, burnon scealcas
ymb ofn utan, alet gehwearf
teonfullum on teso. ær to geseah
- 255
- Babilone brego. Blie wæron
eorlas Ebrea, ofestum heredon
drihten on dreame, dydon swa hie cuon
ofne on innan, aldre generede.
Guman glædmode god wuredon,
- 260
- under þæs fæme þe geflymed wear
frecne fyres hæto. Freobearn wurdon
alæten liges gange, ne hie him þær la gedydon.
Næs him se sweg to sorge on ma þe sunnan scima,
ne se bryne beot mæcgum þe in þam beote
wæron,
- 265
- ac þæt fyr fyr scyde to am þe a scylde
worhton,
hwearf on þa hæenan hæftas fram þam halgan
cnihton,
werigra wlite minsode, þa e y worce gefægon.
Geseah a swimod cyning, a he his sefan
ontreowde,
wundor on wite agangen; him þæt wræclic þuhte.
- 270
- Hyssas hale hwurfon in þam hatan ofne,
ealle æfæste ry; him eac þær wæs
an on gesyhe, engel ælmihtiges.
Him þær on ofne owiht ne
derede,
ac wæs þær inne ealles gelicost
- 275
- efne þonne on sumera sunne scine,
and deaw dryge on dæge weore,
winde geondsawen. þæt wæs wuldres god
þe hie generede wi þam nihete.
a Azarias ingeþancum
- 280
- hleorade halig þurh hatne lig,
dreag dæda georn, drihten herede,
wer womma leas, and þa word acwæ:
"Metod alwihta, hwæt! þu eart mihtum swi
nias to nergenne. Is þin nama mære,
- 285
- wlitig and wuldorfæst ofer wereode.
Siendon þine domas in daga gehwam
soe and geswide and gesigefæste,
swa þu eac sylfa eart.
Syndon þine willan on woruldspedum
- 290
- rihte and gerume, rodora waldend.
Geoca user georne nu, gasta scyppend,
and þurh hyldo help, halig drihten,
nu we þec for þreaum and for eonydum
and for eamedum arna bidda,
- 295
- lige belegde. We æs lifgende
worhton on worulde, eac on wom dyde
user yldran; for oferhygdum
bræcon bebodo burhsittende,
had oferhogedon halgan lifes.
- 300
- Siendon we towrecene geond widne grund,
heapum tohworfene, hyldelease;
is user lif geond landa fela
fraco and gefræge folca manegum,
þa usic bewræcon to þæs wyrrestan
- 305
- eorcyninga æhta gewealde,
on hæft heorugrimra, and we nu hæenra
þeowned þolia. þæs þe þanc sie,
wereda wuldorcyning, þæt þu us þas wrace teodest.
Ne forlet þu usic ane, ece drihten,
- 310
- for am miltsum e ec men hliga,
and for am treowum þe þu, tirum fæst,
nia nergend, genumen hæfdest
to Abrahame and to Isaace
and to Iacobe, gasta scyppend.
- 315
- þu him þæt gehete þurh hleoorcwyde,
þæt þu hyra frumcyn in fyrndagum
ican wolde, þætte æfter him
on cneorissum cenned wurde,
and seo mænigeo mære wære,
- 320
- had to hebbanne swa heofonsteorran
bebuga bradne hwyrft, oe brimfaroþes,
sæfaroa sand, geond sealtne wæg
in eare grynde, þæt his
unrim a
in wintra worn wuran sceolde.
- 325
- Fyl nu frumspræce, eah heora fea lifigen!
Wlitiga þinne wordcwyde and þin wuldor on us!
Gecy cræft and miht þæt þa Caldeas
and folca fela gefrigen habba,
a þe under heofenum hæene lifigea,
- 330
- and þæt þu ana eart ece drihten,
weroda waldend, woruldgesceafta,
sigora settend, sofæst metod!"
Swa se halga wer hergende wæs
metodes miltse and his mihta sped
- 335
- rehte þurh reorde. a of roderum wæs
engel ælbeorht ufan onsended,
wlitescyne wer on his wuldorhaman,
se him cwom to frofre and to feorhnere
mid lufan and mid lisse. Se one lig tosceaf,
- 340
- halig and heofonbeorht, hatan fyres,
tosweop hine and toswende þurh þa swian miht,
ligges leoman, þæt hyra
lice ne wæs
owiht geegled, ac he on andan sloh
fyr on feondas for fyrendædum.
- 345
- þa wæs on þam ofne, þær se engel becwom,
windig and wynsum, wedere gelicost
þonne hit on sumeres tid sended weore
dropena drearung on dæges hwile,
wearmlic wolcna scur. Swylc bi wedera cyst,
- 350
- swylc wæs on þam fyre frean mihtum
halgum to helpe. Wear se hata lig
todrifen and todwæsced þær þa dædhwatan
geond þone ofen eodon, and se engel mid,
feorh nerigende, se ær feora wæs,
- 355
- Annanias and Azarias
and Misael. þær þa modhwatan
þry on geancum eoden heredon,
bædon bletsian bearn Israela
eall landgesceaft ecne drihten,
- 360
- eoda waldend. Swa hie þry cwædon,
modum horsce, þurh gemæne word:
"e gebletsige, bylywit fæder,
woruldcræfta wlite and weorca gehwilc!
Heofonas and englas, and hluttor wæter,
- 365
- þa e ofer roderum on rihtne gesceaft
wunia in wuldre, a þec wuria!
And þec, ælmihtig, ealle gesceafte,
rodorbeorhtan tunglu, þa þe ryne healda,
sunna and mona, sundor anra gehwilc
- 370
- herige in hade! And heofonsteorran,
deaw and deor scur, a ec domige!
And þec, mihtig god, gastas lofige!
Byrnende fyr and beorht sumor
nergend herga! Niht somod and dæg,
- 375
- and þec landa gehwilc, leoht and þeostro,
herige on hade, somod hat and ceald!
And þec, frea mihtig, forstas and snawas,
winterbiter weder and wolcenfaru,
lofige on lyfte! And þec ligetu,
- 380
- blace, berhtmhwate, þa þec bletsige!
Eall eoran grund, ece drihten,
hyllas and hrusan and hea beorgas,
sealte sæwægas, sofæst metod,
eastream ya and upcyme,
- 385
- wætersprync wylla, a ec wuria!
Hwalas ec heriga, and hefonfugolas,
lyftlacende, þa e lagostreamas,
wæterscipe wecga! And wildu deor
and neata gehwilc naman bletsie!
- 390
- And manna bearn modum lufia,
and þec Israela, æhta scyppend,
heriga in hade, herran sinne!
And þec haligra heortan cræftas,
sofæstra gehwæs sawle and gastas,
- 395
- lofia liffrean, lean sellende
eallum eadmodum, ece drihten!
Annanias ec and Adzarias
and Misael metod domige
breostgeancum! We þec bletsia,
- 400
- frea folca gehwæs, fæder ælmihtig,
so sunu metodes, sawla nergend,
hælea helpend, and þec, halig gast,
wuria in wuldre, witig drihten!
We ec heriga, halig drihten,
- 405
- and gebedum brema! þu gebletsad eart,
gewurad wideferh ofer worulde hrof,
heahcyning heofones, halgum mihtum,
lifes leohtfruma, ofer landa gehwilc!"
a þæt ehtode ealdor þeode,
- 410
- Nabochodonossor, wi þam nehstum
folcgesium: "þæt eower fela geseah,
þeode mine, þæt we þry sendon,
geboden to bæle in byrnende
fyres leoman. Nu ic þær feower men
- 415
- geseo to soe, nales me sefa leoge."
a cwæ se e wæs cyninges ræswa,
wis and wordgleaw: "þæt is wundra sum
þæt we ær eagum on locia.
Geenc, eoden min, þine gerysna!
- 420
- Ongyt georne hwa þa gyfe sealde
gingum gædelingum! Hie god heriga,
anne ecne, and ealles him
be naman gehwam on neod spreca,
þancia þrymmes þristum wordum,
- 425
- cwea he sie ana ælmihtig god,
witig wuldorcyning, worlde and heofona.
Aban þu þa beornas, brego Caldea,
ut of ofne. Nis hit owihtes god
þæt hie sien on þam lae leng þonne þu þurfe."
- 430
- Het þa se cyning to him cnihtas gangan.
Hyssas hearde hyrdon lare,
cyrdon cynegode swa hie gecyde wæron,
hwurfon hæle geonge to þam hæenan foran.
Wæron þa bende forburnene þe him on banum
lagon,
- 435
- lasearo leoda cyninges, and hyra lice geborgen.
Næs hyra wlite gewemmed, ne nænig wroht on hrægle,
ne feax fyre beswæled, ac hie on frie drihtnes
of am grimman gryre glade treddedon,
gleawmode guman, on gastes hyld.
- 440
- a gewat se engel up secan him ece dreamas
on heanne hrof heofona rices,
heh þegn and hold halgum metode.
Hæfde on þam wundre gewurod e þa gewyrhto ahton.
Hyssas heredon drihten for þam hæenan folce,
- 445
- septon hie socwidum and him sædon fela
sora tacna, oþæt he sylfa gelyfde
þæt se wære mihta waldend se e hie of am mirce generede.
Gebead þa se bræsna Babilone weard
swimod sinum leodum, þæt se wære his aldre scyldig,
- 450
- se æs onsoce þætte so wære
mære mihta waldend, se hie of þam morre alysde.
Agæf him þa his leoda lafe þe þær gelædde wæron
on æht ealdfeondum, þæt hie
are hæfdon.
Wæs heora blæd in Babilone, sian hie þone bryne fandedon,
- 455
- dom wear æfter dugue gecyed, sian hie drihtne gehyrdon.
Wæron hyra rædas rice, sian hie rodera waldend,
halig heofonrices weard, wi þone hearm gescylde.
þa ic secan gefrægn soum wordum,
sian he wundor onget,
- 460
- Babilone weard, þurh fyres bryne,
hu þa hyssas þry hatan ofnes,
færgryre fyres, oferfaren hæfdon.
Wylm þurhwodon, swa him wiht ne sceod
grim gleda ni, godes spelbodan,
- 465
- frecnan fyres, ac him fri drihtnes
wi þæs egesan gryre aldor gescylde.
a se eoden ongan geinges wyrcan;
het þa tosomne sine leode,
and þa on þam mele ofer menigo bebead
- 470
- wyrd gewordene and wundor godes,
þætte on þam cnihtum gecyed wæs:
"Onhicga nu halige mihte,
wise wundor godes! We gesawon
þæt he wi cwealme gebearh cnihtum on ofne,
- 475
- lacende lig, þam þe his lof bæron;
forþam he is ana ece drihten,
dema ælmihtig, se e him dom forgeaf,
spowende sped, þam þe his spel bera.
Foron witiga þurh wundor monig
- 480
- halgum gastum þe his hyld curon.
Cu is þæt me Daniel dyglan swefnes
so gesæde, þæt ær swie ostod
manegum on mode minra leoda,
forþam ælmihtig eacenne gast
- 485
- in sefan sende, snyttro cræftas."
Swa wordum spræc werodes ræswa,
Babilone weard, sian he beacen onget,
swutol tacen godes. No þy sel dyde,
ac þam æelinge oferhygd gesceod,
- 490
- wear him hyrra hyge and on heortan geanc
mara on modsefan þonne gemet wære,
oþæt hine mid nyde nyor asette
metod ælmihtig, swa he manegum de
þara þe þurh oferhyd up astige.
- 495
- þa him wear on slæpe swefen ætywed,
Nabochodonossor; him þæt neh gewear.
þuhte him þæt on foldan fægre stode
wudubeam wlitig, se wæs wyrtum fæst,
beorht on blædum. Næs he bearwe gelic,
- 500
- ac he hlifode to heofontunglum,
swilce he oferfæmde foldan sceatas,
ealne middangeard, o merestreamas,
twigum and telgum. ær he to geseah,
þuhte him þæt se wudubeam wilddeor scylde,
- 505
- ane æte eallum heolde,
swylce fuglas eac heora feorhnere
on þæs beames bledum name.
uhte him þæt engel ufan of roderum
stigan cwome and stefne abead,
- 510
- torhtan reorde. Het þæt treow ceorfan
and þa wildan deor on weg fleon,
swylce eac þa fugolas, þonne his fyll come.
Het þonne besnædan seolfes blædum,
twigum and telgum, and þeh tacen wesan,
- 515
- wunian wyrtruman þæs wudubeames
eoran fæstne, oþæt eft cyme
grene bleda, þonne god sylle.
Het eac gebindan beam þone miclan
ærenum clammum and isernum,
- 520
- and gesæledne in susl don,
þæt his mod wite þæt migtigra
wite wealde þonne he him wi mæge.
þa of slæpe onwoc, (swefn wæs æt ende),
eorlic æeling, him þæs egesa stod,
- 525
- gryre fram am gaste e þyder god sende.
Het þa tosomne sine leode,
folctogan feran, frægn ofer ealle
swimod cyning hwæt þæt swefen bude,
nalles þy he wende þæt hie hit wiston,
- 530
- ac he cunnode hu hie cwean woldon.
a wæs to am dome Daniel haten,
godes spelboda. Him wæs gæst geseald,
halig of heofonum, se his hyge trymede.
On þam drihtenweard deopne wisse
- 535
- sefan sidne geþanc and snytro cræft,
wisne wordcwide. Oft he wundor manig,
metodes mihta, for men ætbær.
þa he secgan ongan swefnes woman,
heahheort and hæen heriges wisa,
- 540
- ealne þone egesan þe him eowed wæs.
Bæd hine areccan hwæt seo run bude,
hofe haligu word and in hige funde
to gesecganne soum wordum
hwæt se beam bude þe he blican geseah,
- 545
- and him witgode wyrda geþingu.
He a swigode, hwæere so ongeat,
Daniel æt þam dome, þæt his drihten wæs,
gumena aldor, wi god scyldig.
Wandode se wisa, hwære he worde cwæ,
- 550
- æcræftig ar, to þam æelinge:
"þæt is, weredes weard, wundor unlytel,
þæt þu gesawe þurh swefen cuman,
heofonheane beam and þa halgan word,
yrre and egeslicu, þa se engel cwæ,
- 555
- þæt þæt treow sceolde, telgum besnæded,
foran afeallan, þæt ær fæste stod,
and þonne mid deorum dreamleas beon,
westen wunian, and his wyrtruman
foldan befolen, fyrstmearc wesan
- 560
- stille on staole, swa seo stefn gecwæ,
ymb seofon tida sæde eft onfon.
Swa þin blæd li. Swa se beam geweox,
heah to heofonum, swa þu hæleum eart
ana eallum eorbuendum
- 565
- weard and wisa. Nis þe wierbreca,
man on moldan, nyme metod ana.
Se ec aceorfe of cyningdome,
and ec wineleasne on wræc sende,
and þonne onhweorfe heortan þine,
- 570
- þæt þu ne gemyndgast æfter mandreame,
ne gewittes wast butan wildeora þeaw,
ac þu lifgende lange þrage
heorta hlypum geond holt wunast.
Ne bi þec mælmete nymþe mores græs,
- 575
- ne rest witod, ac þec regna scur
wece and wrece swa wildu deor,
oþæt þu ymb seofon winter so gelyfest,
þæt sie an metod eallum mannum,
reccend and rice, se on roderum is.
- 580
- Is me swa þeah willa þæt se wyrtruma
stille wæs on staole, swa seo stefn gecwæ,
and ymbe seofan tide sæde onfenge.
Swa þin rice restende bi,
anwalh for eorlum, oþæt þu eft cymst.
- 585
- Gehyge þu, frea min, fæstlicne ræd.
Syle ælmyssan, wes earmra hleo,
þinga for eodne, ær am seo þrah cyme
þæt he þec aworpe of woruldrice.
Oft metod alæt monige eode
- 590
- wyrcan bote, þonne hie woldon sylfe,
fyrene fæstan, ær him fær godes
þurh egesan gryre aldre gesceode."
No þæs fela Daniel to his drihtne gespræc
sora worda þurh snytro cræft,
- 595
- þæt þæs a se rica reccan wolde,
middangeardes weard, ac his mod astah,
heah fram heortan; he þæs hearde ongeald.
Ongan a gyddigan þurh gylp micel
Caldea cyning þa he ceastergeweorc,
- 600
- Babilone burh, on his blæde geseah,
Sennera feld sidne bewindan,
heah hlifigan; þæt se heretyma
werede geworhte þurh wundor micel,
wear a anhydig ofer ealle men,
- 605
- swimod in sefan, for ære sundorgife
þe him god sealde, gumena rice,
world to gewealde in wera life:
"u eart seo micle and min seo mære burh
þe ic geworhte to wurmyndum,
- 610
- rume rice. Ic reste on þe,
eard and eel, agan wille."
a for am gylpe gumena drihten
forfangen wear and on fleam gewat,
ana on oferhyd ofer ealle men.
- 615
- Swa wod wera on gewindagum
geocrostne si in godes wite,
ara þe eft lifigende leode begete,
Nabochodonossor, sian him ni godes,
hre of heofonum, hete gesceode.
- 620
- Seofon winter samod susl þrowode,
wildeora westen, winburge cyning.
a se earfomæcg up locode,
wilddeora gewita, þurh wolcna gang.
Gemunde þa on mode þæt metod wære,
- 625
- heofona heahcyning, hælea bearnum
ana ece gast. þa he eft onhwearf
wodan gewittes, þær þe he ær wide bær
herewosan hige, heortan getenge.
þa his gast ahwearf in godes gemynd,
- 630
- mod to mannum, sian he metod onget.
Gewat þa earmsceapen eft siian,
nacod nydgenga, ni geafian,
wundorlic wræcca and wæda leas,
mætra on modgeanc, to mancynne,
- 635
- onne gumena weard in gylpe wæs.
Stod middangeard æfter mandrihtne,
eard and eel æfter þam æelinge,
seofon winter samod, swa no swirode
rice under roderum oþæt se ræswa com.
- 640
- þa wæs eft geseted in aldordom
Babilone weard, hæfde beteran eaw,
leohtran geleafan in liffruman,
þætte god sealde gumena gehwilcum
welan swa wite, swa he wolde sylf.
- 645
- Ne lengde þa leoda aldor
witegena wordcwyde, ac he wide bead
metodes mihte þær he meld ahte,
sifæt sægde sinum leodum,
wide wae þe he mid wilddeorum ateah,
- 650
- oþæt him frean godes in gast becwom
rædfæst sefa, a he to roderum beseah.
Wyrd wæs geworden, wundor gecyed,
swefn geseed, susl awunnen,
dom gedemed, swa ær Daniel cwæ,
- 655
- þæt se folctoga findan sceolde
earfosias for his ofermedlan.
Swa he ofstlice godspellode
metodes mihtum for mancynne,
sian in Babilone burhsittendum
- 660
- lange hwile lare sægde,
Daniel domas. Sian deora gesi,
wildra wærgenga, of wae cwom,
Nabochodonossor of niwracum,
sian weardode wide rice,
- 665
- heold hælea gestreon and þa hean burh,
frod, foremihtig folca ræswa,
Caldea cyning, oþæt him cwelm gesceod,
swa him ofer eoran andsaca ne wæs
gumena ænig oþæt him god wolde
- 670
- þurh hryre hreddan hea rice.
Sian þær his aferan ead bryttedon,
welan, wunden gold, in þære widan byrig,
ealhstede eorla, unwaclice,
heah hordmægen, þa hyra hlaford læg.
- 675
- a in ære eode awoc his þæt þridde cneow.
Wæs Baldazar burga aldor,
weold wera rices, oþæt him wlenco gesceod,
oferhyd egle. a wæs endedæg
æs e Caldeas cyningdom ahton.
- 680
- a metod onlah Medum and Persum
aldordomes ymb lytel fæc,
let Babilone blæd swirian,
þone þa hæle healdan sceoldon.
Wiste he ealdormen in unrihtum,
- 685
- a e y rice rædan sceoldon.
a þæt gehogode hamsittende,
Meda aldor, þæt ær man ne ongan,
þæt he Babilone abrecan wolde,
alhstede eorla, þær æelingas
- 690
- under wealla hleo welan brytnedon.
þæt wæs þara fæstna folcum cuost,
mæst and mærost þara þe men bun,
Babilon burga, oþæt Baldazar
þurh gylp grome godes frasade.
- 695
- Sæton him æt wine wealle belocene,
ne onegdon na orlegra ni,
þeah e feonda folc feran cwome
herega gerædum to þære heahbyrig
þæt hie Babilone abrecan mihton.
- 700
- Gesæt þa to symble siestan dæge
Caldea cyning mid cneomagum,
þær medugal wear mægenes wisa.
Het þam æelum beran Israela gestreon,
huslfatu halegu, on hand werum,
- 705
- þa ær Caldeas mid cynerymme,
cempan in ceastre, clæne genamon,
gold in Gerusalem, a hie Iudea
blæd forbræcon billa ecgum,
and þurh hleoorcyme, herige genamon
- 710
- beorhte frætwe. a hie tempel strudon,
Salomanes seld, swie gulpon.
a wear bliemod burga aldor,
gealp gramlice gode on andan,
cwæ þæt his hergas hyrran wæron
- 715
- and mihtigran mannum to frie
þonne Israela ece drihten.
Him þæt tacen wear þær he to starude,
egeslic for eorlum innan healle,
þæt he for leodum ligeword gecwæ,
- 720
- þa þær in egesan engel drihtnes
let his hand cuman in þæt hea seld,
wrat þa in wage worda gerynu,
baswe bocstafas, burhsittendum.
a wear folctoga forht on mode,
- 725
- acul for þam egesan. Geseah he engles hand
in sele writan Sennera wite.
þæt gyddedon gumena mænigeo,
hæle in healle, hwæt seo hand write
to þam beacne burhsittendum.
- 730
- Werede comon on þæt wundor seon.
Sohton þa swie in sefan gehydum,
hwæt seo hand write haliges gastes.
Ne mihton arædan runcræftige men
engles ærendbec, æelinga cyn,
- 735
- oþæt Daniel com, drihtne gecoren,
snotor and sofæst, in þæt seld gangan.
am wæs on gaste godes cræft micel,
to þam ic georne gefrægn gyfum ceapian
burhge weardas þæt he him bocstafas
- 740
- arædde and arehte, hwæt seo run bude.
Him æcræftig andswarode,
godes spelboda, gleaw geances:
"No ic wi feohsceattum ofer folc bere
drihtnes domas, ne e dugee can,
- 745
- ac þe unceapunga orlæg secge,
worda gerynu, þa þu wendan ne miht.
þu for anmedlan in æht bere
huslfatu halegu, on hand werum.
On þam ge deoflu drincan ongunnon,
- 750
- a ær Israela in æ hæfdon
æt godes earce, oþæt hie gylp beswac,
windruncen gewit, swa þe wuran sceal.
No þæt þin aldor æfre wolde
godes goldfatu in gylp beran,
- 755
- ne y hraor hremde, eah e here brohte
Israela gestreon in his æhte geweald,
ac þæt oftor gecwæ aldor eoda
soum wordum ofer sin mægen,
sian him wuldres weard wundor gecyde,
- 760
- þæt he wære ana ealra gesceafta
drihten and waldend, se him dom forgeaf,
unscyndne blæd eoran rices,
and þu lignest nu þæt sie lifgende,
se ofer deoflum dugeþum wealde."
Verse Indeterminate Unknown
- þæt wear underne eorbuendum,
þæt meotod hæfde miht and strengo
a he gefestnade foldan sceatas.
Seolfa he gesette sunnan and monan,
- 5
- stanas and eoran, stream ut on sæ,
wæter and wolcn, urh his wundra miht.
Deopne ymblyt clene ymbhalde
meotod on mihtum, and alne middangeard.
He selfa mæg sæ geondwlitan,
- 10
- grundas in geofene, godes agen bearn,
and he ariman mæg rægnas scuran,
dropena gehwelcne. Daga enderim
seolua he gesette þurh his soan miht.
Swa se wyrhta þurh his wuldres gast
- 15
- serede and sette on six dagum
eoran dæles, up on heofonum,
and heanne holm. Hwa is þæt
e cunne
oronc clene nyme ece god?
Dreamas he gedelde, dugue and geþeode,
- 20
- Adam ærest, and þæt æele cyn,
engla ordfruman, þæt þe eft forwar.
uhte him on mode þæt hit mihte swa,
þæt hie weron seolfe swegles brytan,
wuldres waldend. Him ær wirse gelamp,
- 25
- a heo in helle ham staeledon,
an æfter orum, in þæt atole scref,
þær heo brynewelme bidan sceolden
saran sorge, nales swegles leoht
habban in heofnum heahgetimbrad,
- 30
- ac gedufan sceolun in one deopan wælm
niær under nessas in one neowlan grund,
gredige and gifre. God ana wat
hu he þæt scyldige werud forscrifen hefde!
Cleopa onne se alda ut of helle,
- 35
- wrice wordcwedas weregan reorde,
eisegan stefne: "Hwær com engla rym,
þe we on heofnum habban sceoldan?
þis is eostræ ham, earle gebunden
fæstum fyrclommum; flor is on welme
- 40
- attre onæled. Nis nu ende feor
þæt we sceolun ætsomne susel þrowian,
wean and wergu, nalles wuldres
blæd
habban in heofnum, hehselda wyn.
Hwæt, we for dryhtene iu dreamas hefdon,
- 45
- song on swegle selrum tidum,
þær nu ymb one æcan æele stonda,
hele ymb hehseld, heriga drihten
wordum and wercum, and ic in wite sceal
bidan in bendum, and me bættran ham
- 50
- for oferhygdum æfre ne wene."
a him andsweradan atole gastas,
swarte and synfulle, susle begnornende:
"þu us gelærdæst urh lyge inne
þæt we helende heran ne scealdon.
- 55
- uhte þe anum þæt u ahtest alles gewald,
heofnes and eorþan, wære halig god,
scypend seolfa. Nu earttu sceaana sum,
in fyrlocan feste gebunden.
Wendes u urh wuldor æt þu woruld ahtest,
- 60
- alra onwald, and we englas mid ec.
Atol is þin onseon! Habba we alle swa
for inum leasungum lyre gefered.
Segdest us to soe þæt in sunu wære
meotod moncynnes; hafustu nu mare susel!"
- 65
- Swa firenfulle facnum wordum
heora aldorægn on reordadon,
on cearum cwidum. Crist heo afirde,
dreamum bedelde. Hæfdan dryhtnes liht
for oferhygdum ufan forleton,
- 70
- hæfdon hym to hyhte helle floras,
beornende bealo. Blace hworfon
scinnan forscepene, sceaan hwearfedon,
earme æglecan, geond þæt atole scref,
for am anmedlan þe hie ær drugon.
- 75
- Eft reordade ore sie
feonda aldor. Wæs þa forht agen,
seoan he es wites worn gefelde.
He spearcade, onne he spreocan ongan
fyre and atre; ne bi swelc fæger dream
- 80
- onne he in witum wordum indraf:
"Ic wæs iu in heofnum halig ængel,
dryhtene deore; hefde me dream mid gode,
micelne for meotode, and eos menego swa some.
þa ic in mode minum hogade
- 85
- þæt ic wolde towerpan wuldres leoman,
bearn helendes, agan me burga gewald
eall to æhte, and eos earme heap
þe ic hebbe to helle ham geledde.
Wene þæt tacen sutol þa ic aseald wes
on wærgu,
- 90
- nier under nessas in one neowlan grund.
Nu ic eow hebbe to hæftum ham gefærde
alle of earde. Nis her eadiges tir,
wloncra winsele, ne worulde dream,
ne ængla reat, ne we upheofon
- 95
- agan moten. Is es atola ham
fyre onæled. Ic eom fah wi god.
æce æt helle duru dracan eardiga,
hate on rere; heo us helpan ne magon.
Is æs walica ham wites afylled;
- 100
- nagan we æs heolstres þæt we us gehydan mægon
in issum neowlan genipe. Hær is nedran swæg,
wyrmas gewunade. Is is wites clom
feste gebunden. Feond seondon ree,
dimme and deorce. Ne her dæg lyhte
- 105
- for scedes sciman, sceppendes leoht.
Iu ahte ic gewald ealles wuldres,
ær ic moste in eossum atolan æele gebidan
hwæt me drihten god deman wille,
fagum on flora. Nu ic feran com
- 110
- deofla menego to issum dimman ham.
Ac ic sceal on flyge and on flyhte ragum
earda neosan, and eower ma,
þe es oferhydes ord onstaldon.
Ne urfon we es wenan, þæt us wuldorcyning
- 115
- æfre wille eard alefan,
æel to æhte, swa he ær dyde,
ecne onwald; ah him alles gewald,
wuldres and wita, waldendes sunu.
Foron ic sceal hean and earm hweorfan y widor,
- 120
- wadan wræclastas, wuldre benemed,
duguum bedeled, nænigne dream agan
uppe mid ænglum, þes e ic ær gecwæ
þæt ic wære seolfa swægles brytta,
wihta wealdend. Ac hit me
wyrse gelomp!"
- 125
- Swa se werega gast wordum sæde
his earfoo ealle ætsomne,
fah in fyrnum, (fyrleoma stod
geond þæt atole scræf attre geblonden):
"Ic eom limwæstmum þæt ic gelutian ne mæg
- 130
- on þyssum sidan sele, synnum forwundod.
Hwæt, her hat and ceald hwilum mencga;
hwilum ic gehere hellescealcas,
gnornende cynn, grundas mænan,
nier under næssum; hwilum nacode men
- 135
- winna ymb wyrmas. Is þes windiga sele
eall inneweard atole gefylled.
Ne mot ic hihtlicran hames brucan,
burga ne bolda, ne on þa beorhtan gescæft
ne mot ic æfre ma eagum starian.
- 140
- Is me nu wyrsa þæt ic wuldres leoht
uppe mid englum æfre cue,
song on swegle, þær sunu meotodes
habba eadige bearn ealle ymbfangen
seolfa mid sange. Ne ic þam sawlum ne mot
- 145
- ænigum scean,
butan þam anum þe he agan nyle;
þa ic mot to hæftum ham geferian,
bringan to bolde in þone biteran grund.
Ealle we syndon ungelice
- 150
- þonne þe we iu in heofonum hæfdon ærror
wlite and weormynt. Ful oft wuldres sweg
brohton to bearme bearn hælendes,
þær we ymb hine utan ealle hofan,
leomu ymb leofne, lofsonga word,
- 155
- drihtne sædon. Nu ic eom dædum fah,
gewundod mid wommum; sceal nu þysne wites clom
beoran beornende in bæce minum,
hat on helle, hyhtwillan leas."
þa gyt feola cwide firna herde,
- 160
- atol æglæca, ut of helle,
witum werig. Word spearcum fleah
attre gelicost, þonne he ut þorhdraf:
"Eala drihtenes þrym! Eala dugua helm!
Eala meotodes miht! Eala middaneard!
- 165
- Eala dæg leohta! Eala dream godes!
Eala engla þreat! Eala upheofen!
Eala þæt ic eam ealles leas ecan dreames,
þæt ic mid handum ne mæg heofon geræcan,
ne mid eagum ne mot up locian,
- 170
- ne huru mid earum ne sceal æfre geheran
þære byrhtestan beman stefne!
æs ic wolde of selde sunu meotodes,
drihten adrifan, and agan me þæs dreames gewald,
wuldres and wynne, me þær wyrse gelamp
- 175
- þonne ic to hihte agan moste.
Nu ic eom asceaden fram þære sciran driht,
alæded fram leohte in þone laan ham.
Ne mæg ic þæt gehicgan hu ic in æm becwom,
in þis neowle genip, nisynnum fah,
- 180
- aworpen of worulde. Wat ic nu þa
þæt bi alles leas ecan dreamas
se e heofencyninge heran ne þence,
meotode cweman. Ic þæt morer sceal,
wean and witu and wrace dreogan,
- 185
- goda bedæled, iudædum fah,
þæs e ic geþohte adrifan drihten of selde,
weoroda waldend; sceal nu wreclastas
settan sorhgcearig, sias wide."
Hwearf þa to helle þa he gehened wæs,
- 190
- godes andsaca; dydon his gingran swa,
gifre and grædige, þa hig god bedraf
in þæt hate hof þam is hel nama.
Forþan sceal gehycgan hælea æghwylc
þæt he ne abælige bearn waldendes.
- 195
- Læte him to bysne hu þa blacan feond
for oferhygdum ealle forwurdon.
Neoman us to wynne weoroda drihten,
uppe ecne gefean, engla waldend.
He þæt gecydde þæt he mægencræft hæfde,
- 200
- mihta miccle, þa he þa mænego adraf,
hæftas of æm hean selde. Gemunan we þone halgan drihten,
ecne in wuldre mid alra gescefta ealdre;
ceosan us eard in wuldre mid ealra cyninga cyninge,
se is Crist genemned;
- 205
- beoran on breostum blie geþohtas,
sibbe and snytero; gemunan so and riht,
þonne we to hehselde hnigan þenca,
and þone anwaldan ara biddan.
þonne behofa se e her wuna
- 210
- weorulde wynnum þæt him wlite scine
þonne he oer lif eft gesece,
fægere land þonne þeos folde seo;
is þær wlitig and wynsum, wæstmas scina,
beorhte ofer burgum. þær is brade lond,
- 215
- hyhtlicra ham in heofonrice,
Criste gecwemra. Uta cerran þider
þær he sylfa sit, sigora waldend,
drihten hælend, in æm deoran ham,
and ymb þæt hehsetl hwite standa
- 220
- engla fean and eadigra,
halige heofenþreatas heriga drihten
wordum and weorcum. Heora wlite scine
geond ealra worulda woruld mid wuldorcyninge.
a get ic furor gefregen feond ondetan;
- 225
- wæs him eall ful strang wom and witu; hæfdon wuldorcyning
for oferhigdum anforlæten;
cwædon eft hrae ore worde:
"Nu is gesene þæt we syngodon
uppe on earde. Sceolon nu æfre þæs
- 230
- dreogan domlease gewinn drihtnes mihtum.
Hwæt, we in wuldres wlite wunian moston
þær we halgan gode heran woldon,
and him sang ymb seld secgan sceoldon
þusendmælum. þa we þær wæron,
- 235
- wunodon on wynnum, geherdon wuldres sweg,
beman stefne. Byrhtword aras
engla ordfruma, and to þæm æþelan
hnigan him sanctas; sigetorht aras
ece drihten, ofer us gestod
- 240
- and gebletsode bilewitne heap
dogra gehwilcne, and his se deora sunu,
gasta scyppend. God seolfa wæs
eallum andfeng þe ær up becom,
and hine on eoran ær gelefde.
- 245
- þa æs ofþuhte þæt se þeoden wæs
strang and stimod. Ongan ic þa steppan for
ana wi englum, and to him eallum spræc:
'Ic can eow læran langsumne ræd,
gif ge willa minre mihte gelefan.
- 250
- Uta oferhycgan helm þone micclan,
weroda waldend, agan us þis wuldres leoht,
eall to æhte. þis is idel gylp
þæt we ær drugon ealle hwile.'
a gewear usic þæt we woldon swa
- 255
- drihten adrifan of þam deoran ham,
cyning of cestre. Cu is wide
þæt wreclastas wunian moton,
grimme grundas. God seolfa him
rice halde. He is ana cyning,
- 260
- þe us eorre gewear, ece drihten,
meotod mihtum swi. Sceal nu þeos menego her
licgan on leahtrum, sume on lyft scacan,
fleogan ofer foldan; fyr bi ymbutan
on æghwylcum, þæh he uppe seo.
- 265
- Ne mot he þam sawlum þe ær seca up,
eadige of eorþan æfre gehrinan,
ah ic be hondum mot hæþenre sceale
gripan to grunde, godes andsacan.
Sume sceolon hweorfan geond hælea land
- 270
- and unsibbe oft onstyrian
monna mægum geond middaneard.
Ic her geþolian sceal þinga æghwylces,
bitres niæs beala gnornian,
sic and sorhful, þæs ic seolfa weold,
- 275
- þonne ic on heofonum ham staelode,
hwæer us se eca æfre wille
on heofona rice ham alefan,
eel to æhte, swa he ær dyde."
Swa gnornedon godes andsacan,
- 280
- hate on helle. Him wæs hælend god
wra geworden for womcwidum.
Forþon mæg gehycgan, se e his heorte deah,
þæt he him afirre frecne geþohtas,
lae leahtras, lifigendra gehwylc.
- 285
- Gemunan symle on mode meotodes strengo;
gearwian us togenes grene stræte
up to englum, þær is se ælmihtiga god.
And us befæman wile freobearn godes,
gif we þæt on eoran ær geþenca,
- 290
- and us to þam halgan helpe gelefa.
þonne he us no forlæte, ah lif syle
uppe mid englum, eadigne dream.
Tæce us se torhta trumlicne ham,
beorhte burhweallas. Beorhte scina
- 295
- gesælige sawle, sorgum bedælde,
þær heo æfre for wunian moten
cestre and cynestol. Uton cyþan þæt!
Deman we on eoran, ærror lifigend,
onlucan mid listum locen waldendes,
- 300
- ongeotan gastlice! Us ongean cuma
þusend engla, gif þider moton,
and þæt on eoran ær gewyrca.
Forþon se bi eadig se e æfre wile
man oferhycgen, meotode cweman,
- 305
- synne adwæscan. Swa he sylfa cwæ:
"Sofæste men, sunnan gelice,
fægre gefrætewod in heora fæder rice
scina in sceldbyrig." þær heo sceppend seolf
frie befæme, fæder mancynnes,
- 310
- ahefe holdlice in heofones leoht,
þær heo mid wuldorcyninge wunian moton
awa to aldre,
agan dreama dream mid drihtne gode,
a to worulde a buton ende.
- 315
- Eala hwæt! Se awyrgda wrae geþohte
þæt he heofencyninge heran ne wolde,
fæder frefergendum. Flor attre weol,
hat under hæftum; hreopan deofla,
wide geond windsele wean cwanedon,
- 320
- man and morur. Wæs seo menego þær
swylce onæled; wæs þæt eall full strong,
þonne wæs heora aldor, þe ær ærest com
for on feþan, fæste gebunden
fyre and lige. þæt wæs fæstlic þreat;
- 325
- ec sceoldon his þegnas þær gewunian
atolan eles, nalles up þanon
geheran in heofonum haligne dream,
þær heo oft fægerne folga hæfdon
uppe mid englum. Wæron þa alles þæs
- 330
- goda lease, ah nymþe gryndes ad
wunian ne moten and þone werigan sele
þær is wom and wop wide gehered,
and gristbitungc and gnornungc
mecga.
Nabba he to hyhte nymþe cyle and fyr,
- 335
- wean and witu and wyrma þreat,
dracan and næddran and þone dimman ham.
Foron mihte geheran, se e æt hylle wæs
twelf milum neh, þæt ær wæs toa geheaw,
hlude and geomre. Godes andsacan
- 340
- hweorfan geond helle hate onæled
ufan and utan (him wæs æghwær wa),
witum werige, wuldres bescyrede,
dreamum bedælde. Heofon deop gehygd,
þa heo on heofonum ham staelodon,
- 345
- þæt hie woldon benæman nergendne Crist
rodera rices, ah he on riht geheold
hired heofona and þæt halige seld.
Nis nænig swa snotor ne swa cræftig,
ne þæs swa gleaw, nymþe god seolfa,
- 350
- þæt asecgan mæge swegles leoman,
hu scima þær scine ymbutan
meotodes mihte, geond þæt mære cynn,
þær habba englas eadigne dream,
sanctas singa (þæt is se seolfa) for god.
- 355
- þonne beo þa eadigan þe of eoran cuma,
bringa to bearme blostman stences,
wyrte wynsume (þæt synd word godes),
þonne hie befæme fæder mancynnes,
and hie gesegna mid his swiran hond,
- 360
- læde to lihte, þær hi lif agon
a to aldre, uplicne ham,
byrhtne burhstyde. Blæd bi æghwæm
þæm e hælende heran þence,
and wel is þam e þæt wyrcan mot.
- 365
- Wæs þæt encgelcyn ær genemned,
Lucifer haten, leohtberende,
on geardagum in godes rice.
þa he in wuldre wrohte onstalde
þæt he oferhyda agan wolde.
- 370
- þa Satanus swearte geþohte
þæt he wolde on heofonum hehseld wyrcan
uppe mid þam ecan. þæt wæs ealdor heora,
yfeles ordfruma. Him þæt eft gehreaw,
þa he to helle hnigan sceolde,
- 375
- and his hired mid hine, in hyno geglidan,
nergendes ni, and no seoan
þæt hi mosten in þone ecan andwlitan seon
buton ende. þa him egsa becom,
dyne for deman, þa he duru in helle
- 380
- bræc and begde. Blis wear monnum
þa hi hælendes heafod gesawon.
þonne wæs þam atolan þe we ær nemdon
þa wæron mid egsan ealle afyrhte,
wide geond windsele wordum mændon:
- 385
- "þis is stronglic, nu þes storm becom,
þegen mid þreate, þeoden engla.
Him beforan fere fægere leoht
þonne we æfre ær eagum gesawon,
buton þa we mid englum uppe wæron.
- 390
- Wile nu ure witu þurh his wuldres cræft
eall toweorpan. Nu es egsa com,
dyne for drihtne, sceal þes dreorga heap
ungeara nu atol þrowian.
Hit is se seolfa sunu waldendes,
- 395
- engla drihten. Wile uppe heonan
sawla lædan, and we seoan a
þæs yrreweorces heno geþolia."
Hwearf þa to helle hælea bearnum,
meotod þurh mihte; wolde manna rim,
- 400
- fela þusenda, for gelædan
up to ele. þa com engla sweg,
dyne on dægred; hæfde drihten seolf
feond oferfohten. Wæs seo fæhe þa gyt
open on uhtan, þa se egsa becom.
- 405
- Let þa up faran eadige sawle,
Adames cyn, ac ne moste Efe þa gyt
wlitan in wuldre ær heo wordum cwæ:
"Ic þe æne abealh, ece drihten,
þa wit Adam twa eaples þigdon
- 410
- þurh næddran ni, swa wit na ne sceoldon.
Gelærde unc se atola, se e æfre nu
beorne on bendum, þæt wit blæd ahton,
haligne ham, heofon to gewalde.
þa wit æs awærgdan wordum gelyfdon,
- 415
- namon mid handum on þam halgan treo
beorhte blæda; unc þæs bitere forgeald
þa wit in þis hate scræf hweorfan sceoldon,
and wintra rim wunian seoan,
þusenda feolo, þearle onæled.
- 420
- Nu ic þe halsige, heofenrices weard,
for þan hirede þe u hider læddest,
engla þreatas, þæt ic up heonon
mæge and mote mid minre mæge.
And ymb þreo niht com þegen hælendes
- 425
- ham to helle; is nu hæftum strong,
witum werig, swylce him wuldorcyning
for onmædlan eorre geworden.
Segdest us to soe þætte seolfa god
wolde helwarum ham gelihtan.
- 430
- Aras þa anra gehwylc, and wi earm gesæt,
hleonade wi handa. þeah hylle gryre
egeslic þuhte, wæron ealle þæs
fægen in firnum þæt freodrihten
wolde him to helpe helle gesecan."
- 435
- Ræhte þa mid handum to heofencyninge,
bæd meotod miltse þurh Marian had:
"Hwæt, þu fram minre dohtor, drihten, onwoce
in middangeard mannum to helpe.
Nu is gesene þæt u eart sylfa god
- 440
- and ece ordfruma ealra gesceafta."
Let þa up faran ece drihten;
wuldre hæfde wites clomma
feondum ofæsted, and heo furor sceaf
in þæt neowle genip, nearwe gebeged,
- 445
- þær nu Satanus swearte þinga,
earm aglæca, and þa atolan mid him,
witum werige. Nalles wuldres leoht
habban moton, ah in helle grund,
ne hi edcerres æfre moton
- 450
- wenan seoan. Him wæs drihten god
wra geworden, sealde him wites clom,
atole to æhte, and egsan gryre,
dimne and deorcne deaes scuwan,
hatne helle grund, hinsigryre.
- 455
- þæt, la, wæs fæger, þæt se fea com
up to earde, and se eca mid him,
meotod mancynnes in þa mæran burh!
Hofon hine mid him handum halige
witigan up to ele, Abrahames cynn.
- 460
- Hæfde þa drihten seolf dea oferwunnen,
feond geflemed; þæt in fyrndagum
witegan sædon þæt he swa wolde.
þis wæs on uhtan eall geworden,
ær dægrede, þæt se dyne becom,
- 465
- hlud of heofonum, þa he helle duru
forbræc and forbegde; ban weornodon
þa hie swa leohtne leoman gesawon.
Gesæt þa mid þære fyrde frumbearn godes,
sæde socwidum: "Snotre gastas,
- 470
- ic eow þurh mine mihte geworhte,
Adam ærest and þæt æele wif.
þa hie begeton on godes willan
feowertig bearna, þæt for þonon
on middangeard menio onwocon,
- 475
- and wintra feola wunian moston,
eorlas on ele, oæt eft gelamp
þæt hie afyrde eft feond in
firenum;
fah is æghwær.
Ic on neorxnawonge niwe asette
- 480
- treow mid telgum, þæt a tanas up
æpla bæron, and git æton þa
beorhtan blæda, swa inc se balewa het,
handþegen helle. Hæfdon forþon hatne grund,
þæs git ofergymdon hælendes word,
- 485
- æten þa egsan. Wæs se atola beforan,
se inc bam forgeaf balewe geþohtas.
þa me gereaw þæt min handgeweorc
þæs carcernes clom rowade.
Næs a monna gemet, ne mægen engla,
- 490
- ne witegena weorc, ne wera snytero,
þæt eow mihte helpan, nime hælend god,
se þæt wite ær to wrece gesette.
Ferde to foldan þurh fæmnan had
ufan from ele, and on eorþan gebad
- 495
- tintregan fela and teonan
micelne.
Me seredon ymb secgas monige
dæges and nihtes, hu heo me deaes cwealm,
rices rædboran, hrefnan mihten.
þa wæs þæs mæles mearc agangen
- 500
- þæt on worulde wæs wintra gerimes
þreo and þritig geara ær ic þrowode.
Gemunde ic æs mænego on þam
minnan ham
lange þæs e ic of hæftum ham gelædde
up to earde, þæt heo agan sceolon
- 505
- drihtnes domas and dugue þrym;
wunia in wynnum, habba wuldres blæd
þusendmælum. Ic eow þingade
þa me on beame beornas sticedon,
garum on galgum. Heow se giunga þær,
- 510
- and ic eft up becom ece dreamas
to haligum drihtne."
Swa wuldres weard wordum sæde,
meotod moncynnes ær on morgen
þæs þe drihten god of deae aras.
- 515
- Næs nan þæs stronglic stan gefæstnod,
þeah he wære mid irne eall ymbfangen,
þæt mihte þam miclan mægne wihabban,
ah he ut eode, engla drihten,
on þæm fæstenne, and gefatian het
- 520
- englas eallbeorhte andleofan gingran,
and huru secgan het Simon Petre
þæt he moste in Galileam god sceawian,
ecne and trumne, swa he ær dyde.
þa ic gongan gefregn gingran ætsomne
- 525
- ealle to Galileam; hæfdon gastes bled,
ongeton haligne godes sunu
swa heo gesegon hwær sunu meotodes
þa on upp gestod, ece
drihten,
god in Galileam. To æs gingran þider
- 530
- ealle urnon, þær se eca wæs.
Feollon on foldan, and to fotum hnigon;
þanceden þeodne þæt hit þus gelomp
þæt hi sceawodon scyppend engla.
þa sona spræc Simon Petrus:
- 535
- "Eart þu þis, drihten, dome gewurad?
We e gesawon æt sumum cyrre,
þec gelegdon on lane bend
hæþene mid hondum; him þæt gehreowan mæg
þonne heo endestæf eft gesceawia."
- 540
- Sume hie ne mihton mode oncnawan
þæt wæs se deora (Didimus wæs haten)
ær he mid hondum hælend genom
sylfne be sidan þær he his swat forlet;
feollon to foldan fulwihtes bæe.
- 545
- Fæger wæs þæt ongin þæt freodrihten
geþrowode, þeoden ure.
He on beame astah and his blod ageat,
god on galgan, þurh his gastes mægen.
Forþon men sceolon mæla gehwylce
- 550
- secgan drihtne þanc dædum and weorcum,
þæs e he us of hæftum ham gelædde
up to ele, þær we agan sceolon
drihtnes domas,
and we in wynnum wunian moton.
- 555
- Us is wuldres leoht
torht ontyned, þam e teala þence.
þa wæs on eoran ece drihten
feowertig daga folgad folcum,
gecyed mancynne, ær he in þa mæran gesceaft,
- 560
- burhleoda fruma, bringan wolde
haligne gast to heofonrice.
Astah up on heofonum engla scyppend,
weoroda waldend. þa com wolcna sweg,
halig of heofonum. Mid wæs hond godes,
- 565
- onfeng freodrihten, and hine for lædde
to þam halgan ham heofna ealdor.
Him ymbflugon engla þreatas
þusendmælum. þa hit þus gelomp,
þa gyt nergende Crist gecwæ þæt he þæs
- 570
- ymb tene niht twelf apostolas
mid his gastes gife, gingran geswide.
Hæfde þa gesette sawla unrim
god lifigende. þa wæs Iudas of,
se e ær on tifre torhtne gesalde,
- 575
- drihten hælend; him seo dæd ne geþeah,
þæs he bebohte bearn wealdendes
on seolfres sinc; him þæt swearte forgeald
earm æglæca innon helle.
Site nu on þa swiran hond sunu his fæderes;
- 580
- dæle dogra gehwæm drihten weoroda
help and hælo hæleþa bearnum
geond middangeard. þæt is monegum cu
þæt he ana is ealra gescefta
wyrhta and waldend þurh his wuldres cræft.
- 585
- Site him on heofnum halig encgel,
waldend mid witegum. Hafa wuldres bearn
his seolfes seld swegl betolden.
Leaa us þider to leohte þurh his læcedom,
þær we moton seolfe sittan mid drihtne,
- 590
- uppe mid englum, habban þæt ilce leoht,
þær his hired nu halig earda,
wuna in wynnum, þær is wuldres bled
torht ontyned. Uton teala hycgan
þæt we hælende heran georne,
- 595
- Criste cweman. þær is cure lif
þonne we on eoran mægen æfre gestreonan.
Hafa nu geþingod to us þeoden mæra,
ælmihtig god,
on domdæge drihten seolfa.
- 600
- Hate hehenglas hluddre stefne
beman blawan ofer burga geseotu
geond foldan sceatas.
þonne of þisse moldan men onwecna;
deade of duste arisa þurh drihtnes miht.
- 605
- þæt bi daga lengust, and dinna mæst
hlud gehered, þonne hælend cyme,
waldend mid wolcnum in þas woruld fære.
Wile þonne gesceadan wlitige and unclæne
on twa healfe, tile and yfle.
- 610
- Him þa sofæstan on þa swiran hond
mid rodera weard reste gestiga.
þonne beo blie þa in burh moton
gongan in godes rice,
and heo gesena mid his swiran hond
- 615
- cynincg alwihta, cleopa ofer ealle:
"Ge sind wilcuman! Ga in wuldres leoht
to heofona rice, þær ge habba
a to aldre ece reste."
þonne stonda þa forworhtan, þa e firnedon;
- 620
- beo beofigende hwonne him bearn godes
deman wille þurh his dæda sped.
Wena þæt heo moten to þære mæran byrig
up to englum swa ore dydon,
ac him bi reordende
- 625
- ece drihten, ofer ealle gecwæ:
"Astiga nu, awyrgde, in þæt witehus
ofostum miclum. Nu ic eow ne con."
Sona æfter þæm wordum werige gastas,
helle hæftas, hwyrftum scriþa
- 630
- þusendmælum, and þider leaa
in þæt sceaena scræf, scufa to grunde
in þæt nearwe ni, and no seoan
þæt hie up þonan æfre moton,
ah þær geþolian sceolon earmlic wite,
- 635
- clom and carcern, and þone caldan grund
deopne adreogan and deofles spellunge,
hu hie him on edwit oft asetta
swarte suslbonan, stæle feondas
fæhe and firne, þær e hie
freodrihten,
- 640
- ecne anwaldan, oft forgeaton,
þone þe hie him to hihte habban sceoldon.
Uton, la, geþencan geond þas worulde,
þæt we hælende heran onginnen!
Georne þurh godes gife gemunan gastes bled,
- 645
- hu eadige þær uppe sitta
selfe mid swegle, sunu hælendes!
þær is geat gylden gimmum gefrætewod,
wynnum bewunden, þæm þe in wuldres leoht
gongan moten to godes rice,
- 650
- and ymb þa weallas wlitige scina
engla gastas and eadige sawla,
þa e heonon fera.
þær martiras meotode cwema,
and heriga hehfæder halgum stefnum,
- 655
- cyning in cestre. Cweþa ealle þus:
"þu eart hælea helm and heofendema,
engla ordfruma, and eoran tudor
up gelæddest to þissum
eadigan ham."
Swa wuldres weard wordum heriga
- 660
- þegnas ymb þeoden, þær is þrym micel,
sang æt selde, is sylf cyning,
ealra aldor, in ære ecan gesceft.
þæt is se drihten, see dea for us
geþrowode, þeoden engla.
- 665
- Swylce he fæste feowertig daga,
metod mancynnes, þurh his mildsa sped.
þa gewear þone weregan, þe ær aworpen wæs
of heofonum þæt he in helle gedeaf,
þa costode cyning alwihta.
- 670
- Brohte him to bearme brade stanas,
bæd him for hungre hlafas wyrcan--
"gif þu swa micle mihte hæbbe."
þa him andswarode ece drihten:
"Wendest þu, awyrgda, þæt awriten nære,
- 675
- nymþe me ænne
ac geseted hafast, sigores agend,
lifigendum liht, lean butan ende,
on heofenrice, halige dreamas."
þa he mid hondum genom
- 680
- atol þurh edwit, and on esle ahof,
herm bealowes gast, and on beorh astah,
asette on dune drihten hælend:
"Loca nu ful wide ofer londbuende.
Ic þe geselle on þines seolfes
dom
- 685
- folc and foldan. Foh hider to me
burh and breotone bold to gewealde,
rodora rices, gif þu seo riht cyning
engla and monna, swa u ær myntest."
þa him andswarode ece drihten:
- 690
- "Gewit þu, awyrgda, in þæt witescræf,
Satanus seolf; þe is susl weotod
gearo togegnes, nalles godes rice.
Ah ic þe hate þurh þa hehstan miht
þæt u hellwarum hyht ne abeode,
- 695
- ah þu him secgan miht sorga mæste,
þæt u gemettes meotod alwihta,
cyning moncynnes. Cer e on bæcling!
Wite þu eac, awyrgda, hu wid and sid
helheoo dreorig, and mid hondum amet.
- 700
- Grip wi þæs grundes; gang þonne swa
oæt þu þone ymbhwyrft alne cunne,
and ærest amet ufan to grunde,
and hu sid seo se swarta em.
Wast þu þonne þe geornor þæt þu wi god wunne,
- 705
- seoan þu þonne hafast handum ametene
hu heh and deop hell inneweard seo,
grim græfhus. Gong ricene to,
ær twa seondon tida agongene,
þæt u merced hus ameten hæbbe."
- 710
- þa þam werigan wear wracu getenge.
Satan seolua ran and on susle gefeol,
earm æglece. Hwilum mid folmum mæt
wean and witu. Hwilum se wonna læg
læhte wi þes laþan. Hwilum he licgan geseah
- 715
- hæftas in hylle. Hwilum hream astag,
onne he on þone atolan eagum gesawun.
Hæfdon gewunnon godes andsacan
blac bealowes gast, þæt he on botme stod.
þa him þuhte þæt þanon wære
- 720
- to helleduru hund þusenda
mila gemearcodes, swa hine se mihtiga het
þæt þurh sinne cræft susle amæte.
a he gemunde þæt he on grunde stod.
Locade leas wiht geond þæt lae scræf,
- 725
- atol mid egum, oæt egsan gryre
deofla mænego þonne up astag.
Wordum in witum ongunnon þa werigan gastas
reordian and cwean:
"La, þus beo nu on yfele! Noldæs ær teala!"
- 730
- Finit Liber II. Amen.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwæt! We gefrunan on fyrndagum
twelfe under tunglum tireadige hæle,
þeodnes þegnas. No hira þrym alæg
camprædenne þonne cumbol hneotan,
- 5
- syan hie gedældon, swa him dryhten sylf,
heofona heahcyning, hlyt getæhte.
þæt wæron mære men ofer eoran,
frome folctogan ond fyrdhwate,
rofe rincas, þonne rond ond hand
- 10
- on herefelda helm ealgodon,
on meotudwange. Wæs hira Matheus sum,
se mid Iudeum ongan godspell ærest
wordum writan wundorcræfte.
þam halig god hlyt geteode
- 15
- ut on þæt igland þær ænig þa git
ellþeodigra eles ne mihte
blædes brucan. Oft him bonena hand
on herefelda hearde gesceode.
Eal wæs þæt mearcland morre bewunden,
- 20
- feondes facne, folcstede gumena,
hælea eel. Næs þær hlafes wist
werum on þam wonge, ne wæteres drync
to bruconne, ah hie blod ond fel,
fira flæschoman, feorrancumenra,
- 25
- egon geond þa þeode. Swelc wæs þeaw hira
þæt hie æghwylcne elleodigra
dydan him to mose meteþearfendum,
þara þe þæt ealand utan sohte.
Swylc wæs þæs folces freooleas tacen,
- 30
- unlædra eafo, þæt hie eagena gesih,
hettend heorogrimme, heafodgimmas
agetton gealgmode gara ordum.
Syan him geblendan bitere tosomne,
dryas þurh dwolcræft, drync unheorne,
- 35
- se onwende gewit, wera ingeþanc,
heortan on hrere, (hyge wæs oncyrred),
þæt hie ne murndan æfter mandreame,
hæleþ heorogrædige, ac hie hig ond gærs
for meteleaste mee gedrehte.
- 40
- þa wæs Matheus to þære mæran byrig
cumen in þa ceastre. þær wæs cirm micel
geond Mermedonia, manfulra hlo,
fordenera gedræg, syþþan deofles þegnas
geascodon æelinges si.
- 45
- Eodon him þa togenes, garum gehyrsted,
lungre under linde, (nalas late wæron),
eorre æscberend, to þam orlege.
Hie þam halgan þær handa gebundon
ond fæstnodon feondes cræfte,
- 50
- hæle hellfuse, ond his heafdes segl
abreoton mid billes ecge. Hwære he in breostum þa git
herede in heortan heofonrices weard,
þeah e he atres drync atulne onfenge.
Eadig ond onmod, he mid elne for
- 55
- wyrode wordum wuldres aldor,
heofonrices weard, halgan stefne,
of carcerne. Him wæs Cristes lof
on fyrhlocan fæste bewunden.
He þa wepende weregum tearum
- 60
- his sigedryhten sargan reorde
grette, gumena brego, geomran stefne,
weoruda wilgeofan, ond þus wordum cwæ:
"Hu me elþeodige inwitwrasne
searonet seowa! A ic symles wæs
- 65
- on wega gehwam willan þines
georn on mode; nu urh geoha sceal
dæde fremman swa þa dumban neat.
þu ana canst ealra gehygdo,
meotud mancynnes, mod in hrere.
- 70
- Gif þin willa sie, wuldres aldor,
þæt me wærlogan wæpna ecgum,
sweordum, aswebban, ic beo sona gearu
to adreoganne þæt u, drihten min,
engla eadgifa, eelleasum,
- 75
- dugea dædfruma, deman wille.
Forgif me to are, ælmihtig god,
leoht on þissum life, þy læs ic lungre scyle,
ablended in burgum, æfter billhete
þurh hearmcwide heorugrædigra,
- 80
- lara leodsceaena, leng þrowian
edwitspræce. Ic to anum þe,
middangeardes weard, mod staþolige,
fæste fyrhlufan, ond þe, fæder engla,
beorht blædgifa, biddan wille
- 85
- æt u me ne gescyrige mid scyldhetum,
werigum wrohtsmium, on þone wyrrestan,
dugoa demend, dea ofer eoran."
æfter þyssum wordum com wuldres tacen
halig of heofenum, swylce hadre segl
- 90
- to þam carcerne. þær gecyed wear
þæt halig god helpe gefremede,
a wear gehyred heofoncyninges stefn
wrætlic under wolcnum, wordhleores sweg
mæres þeodnes. He his maguþegne
- 95
- under hearmlocan hælo ond frofre
beadurofum abead beorhtan stefne:
"Ic þe, Matheus, mine sylle sybbe
under swegle. Ne beo u on sefan to forht,
ne on mode ne murn. Ic þe mid wunige
- 100
- ond þe alyse of þyssum leoubendum,
ond ealle þa menigo þe þe mid wunia
on nearonedum. þe is neorxnawang,
blæda beorhtost, boldwela fægrost,
hama hyhtlicost, halegum mihtum
- 105
- torht ontyned. þær u tyres most,
to widan feore willan brucan.
Geþola þeoda þrea! Nis seo þrah micel
þæt þe wærlogan witebendum,
synnige urh searocræft, swencan motan.
- 110
- Ic þe Andreas ædre onsende
to hleo ond to hrore in þas hæenan burg.
He e alyse of þyssum leodhete.
Is to þære tide tælmet hwile
emne mid soe seofon ond twentig
- 115
- nihtgerimes, þæt u of nede most,
sorgum geswenced, sigore gewyrod,
hweorfan of henum in gehyld godes."
Gewat him þa se halga helm ælwihta,
engla scyppend, to þam uplican
- 120
- eelrice. He is on riht cyning,
staolfæst styrend, in stowa gehwam.
a wæs Matheus miclum onbryrded
niwan stefne. Nihthelm toglad,
lungre leorde. Leoht æfter com,
- 125
- dægredwoma. Dugu samnade,
hæne hildfrecan, heapum þrungon,
(gusearo gullon, garas hrysedon),
bolgenmode, under bordhreoan.
Woldon cunnian hwæer cwice lifdon
- 130
- þa þe on carcerne clommum fæste
hleoleasan wic hwile wunedon,
hwylcne hie to æte ærest mihton
æfter fyrstmearce feores berædan.
Hæfdon hie on rune ond on rimcræfte
- 135
- awriten, wælgrædige, wera endestæf,
hwænne hie to mose meteþearfendum
on þære werþeode weoran sceoldon.
Cirmdon caldheorte, (coror orum getang),
ree ræsboran. Rihtes ne gimdon,
- 140
- meotudes mildse. Oft hira mod onwod
under dimscuan deofles larum,
þonne hie unlædra eafeum gelyfdon.
Hie a gemetton modes glawne,
haligne hæle, under heolstorlocan
- 145
- bidan beadurofne þæs him beorht cyning,
engla ordfruma, unnan wolde.
a wæs first agan frumrædenne
þinggemearces butan þrim nihtum,
swa hit wælwulfas awriten hæfdon
- 150
- þæt hie banhringas abrecan þohton,
lungre tolysan lic ond sawle,
ond þonne todælan dugue ond geogoe,
werum to wiste ond to wilþege,
fæges flæschoman. Feorh ne bemurndan,
- 155
- grædige gurincas, hu þæs gastes si
æfter swyltcwale geseted wurde.
Swa hie symble ymb þritig þing gehedon
nihtgerimes; wæs him neod micel
þæt hie tobrugdon blodigum ceaflum
- 160
- fira flæschoman him to foddorþege.
þa wæs gemyndig, se e middangeard
gestaelode strangum mihtum,
hu he in ellþeodigum yrmum wunode,
belocen leoubendum, þe oft his lufan adreg
- 165
- for Ebreum ond Israhelum;
swylce he Iudea galdorcræftum
wistod stranglice. þa sio stefn gewear
gehered of heofenum, þær se halga wer
in Achaia, Andreas, wæs,
- 170
- (leode lærde on lifes weg),
þa him cirebaldum cininga wuldor,
meotud mancynnes, modhord onleac,
weoruda drihten, ond þus wordum cwæ:
"u scealt feran ond fri lædan,
- 175
- sie gesecan, þær sylfætan
eard weardiga, eel healdaþ
mororcræftum. Swa is þære menigo þeaw
þæt hie uncura ængum ne willa
on þam folcstede feores geunnan
- 180
- syþþan manfulle on Mermedonia
onfindaþ feasceaftne. þær sceall feorhgedal,
earmlic ylda cwealm, æfter wyrþan.
ær ic seomian wat þinne sigebroor
mid þam burgwarum bendum fæstne.
- 185
- Nu bi fore þreo niht þæt he on þære þeode sceal
fore hæenra handgewinne
þurh gares gripe gast onsendan,
ellorfusne, butan u ær cyme."
ædre him Andreas agef andsware:
- 190
- "Hu mæg ic, dryhten min, ofer deop gelad
fore gefremman on feorne weg
swa hrædlice, heofona scyppend,
wuldres waldend, swa u worde becwist?
æt mæg engel þin ea geferan,
- 195
- halig of heofenum con him holma begang,
sealte sæstreamas ond swanrade,
warofarua gewinn ond wæterbrogan,
wegas ofer widland. Ne synt me winas cue,
eorlas elþeodige, ne þær æniges wat
- 200
- hælea gehygdo, ne me herestræta
ofer cald wæter cue sindon."
Him a ondswarude ece dryhten:
"Eala, Andreas, þæt u a woldest
þæs sifætes sæne weorþan!
- 205
- Nis þæt uneae eallwealdan gode
to gefremmanne on foldwege,
æt sio ceaster hider on þas cneorisse
under swegles gang aseted wyre,
breogostol breme, mid þam burgwarum,
- 210
- gif hit worde becwi wuldres agend.
Ne meaht u þæs sifætes sæne weoran,
ne on gewitte to wac, gif u wel þencest
wi þinne waldend wære gehealdan,
treowe tacen. Beo u on tid gearu;
- 215
- ne mæg þæs ærendes ylding wyran.
u scealt þa fore geferan ond þin feorh beran
in gramra gripe, ær þe gugewinn
þurh hæenra hildewoman,
beorna beaducræft, geboden wyre.
- 220
- Scealtu æninga mid ærdæge,
emne to morgene, æt meres ende
ceol gestigan ond on cald wæter
brecan ofer bæweg. Hafa bletsunge
ofer middangeard mine, þær u fere!"
- 225
- Gewat him þa se halga healdend ond wealdend,
upengla fruma, eel secan,
middangeardes weard, þone mæran ham,
þær sofæstra sawla moton
æfter lices hryre lifes brucan.
- 230
- þa wæs ærende æelum cempan
aboden in burgum, ne wæs him blea hyge,
ah he wæs anræd ellenweorces,
heard ond higerof, nalas hildlata,
gearo, gue fram, to godes campe.
- 235
- Gewat him þa on uhtan mid ærdæge
ofer sandhleou to sæs farue,
þriste on geþance, ond his þegnas mid,
gangan on greote. Garsecg hlynede,
beoton brimstreamas. Se beorn wæs on hyhte,
- 240
- syþan he on warue widfæme scip
modig gemette. þa com morgentorht
beacna beorhtost ofer breomo sneowan,
halig of heolstre. Heofoncandel blac
ofer lagoflodas. He ær lidweardas,
- 245
- þrymlice þry þegnas gemette,
modiglice menn, on merebate
sittan sifrome, swylce hie ofer sæ comon.
þæt wæs drihten sylf, dugea wealdend,
ece ælmihtig, mid his englum twam.
- 250
- Wæron hie on gescirplan scipferendum,
eorlas onlice ealiendum,
þonne hie on flodes fæm ofer feorne weg
on cald wæter ceolum laca.
Hie a gegrette, se e on greote stod,
- 255
- fus on faroe, fægn reordade:
"Hwanon comon ge ceolum lian,
macræftige menn, on mereþissan,
ane ægflotan? Hwanon eagorstream
ofer ya gewealc eowic brohte?"
- 260
- Him a ondswarode ælmihti god,
swa þæt ne wiste, se e þæs wordes bad,
hwæt se manna wæs meelhegendra,
þe he þær on waroe wiþingode:
"We of Marmedonia mæge syndon
- 265
- feorran geferede. Us mid flode bær
on hranrade heahstefn naca,
snellic sæmearh, snude bewunden,
oþæt we þissa leoda land gesohton,
wære bewrecene, swa us wind fordraf."
- 270
- Him þa Andreas eamod oncwæ:
"Wolde ic þe biddan, þeh ic þe beaga lyt,
sincweorunga, syllan meahte,
þæt u us gebrohte brante ceole,
hea hornscipe, ofer hwæles eel
- 275
- on þære mæge. Bi e meor wi god,
þæt u us on lade lie weore."
Eft him ondswarode æelinga helm
of ylide, engla scippend:
"Ne magon þær gewunian widferende,
- 280
- ne þær elþeodige eardes bruca,
ah in þære ceastre cwealm þrowia,
þa e feorran þyder feorh gelædaþ,
ond þu wilnast nu ofer widne mere
þæt u on þa fæge þine feore spilde."
- 285
- Him þa Andreas agef ondsware:
"Usic lust hwete on þa leodmearce,
mycel modes hiht, to þære mæran byrig,
þeoden leofesta, gif u us þine wilt
on merefaroe miltse gecyan."
- 290
- Him ondswarode engla þeoden,
neregend fira, of nacan stefne:
"We e estlice mid us willa
ferigan freolice ofer fisces bæ
efne to þam lande þær þe lust myne
- 295
- to gesecanne, syan ge eowre
gafulrædenne agifen habba,
sceattas gescrifene, swa eow scipweardas,
aras ofer ybord, unnan willa."
Him þa ofstlice Andreas wi,
- 300
- wineþearfende, wordum mælde:
"Næbbe ic fæted gold ne feohgestreon,
welan ne wiste ne wira gespann,
landes ne locenra beaga, þæt ic þe mæge lust ahwettan,
willan in worulde, swa u worde becwist."
- 305
- Him þa beorna breogo, þær he on bolcan sæt,
ofer waroa geweorp wiþingode:
"Hu gewear þe þæs, wine leofesta,
æt u sæbeorgas secan woldes,
merestreama gemet, mamum bedæled,
- 310
- ofer cald cleofu ceoles neosan?
Nafast þe to frofre on farostræte
hlafes wiste ne hlutterne
drync to dugoe. Is se drohta strang
þam þe lagolade lange cunnaþ."
- 315
- a him Andreas urh ondsware,
wis on gewitte, wordhord onleac:
"Ne gedafena þe, nu þe dryhten geaf
welan ond wiste ond woruldspede,
æt u ondsware mid oferhygdum,
- 320
- sece sarcwide. Selre bi æghwam
þæt he eamedum ellorfusne
oncnawe culice, swa þæt Crist bebead,
þeoden þrymfæst. We his þegnas synd
gecoren to cempum. He is cyning on riht,
- 325
- wealdend ond wyrhta wuldorþrymmes,
an ece god eallra gesceafta,
swa he ealle befeh anes cræfte,
hefon ond eoran, halgum mihtum,
sigora selost. He æt sylfa cwæ,
- 330
- fæder folca gehwæs, ond us feran het
geond ginne grund gasta streonan:
'Fara nu geond ealle eoran sceatas
emne swa wide swa wæter bebuge,
oe stedewangas stræte gelicgaþ.
- 335
- Bodia æfter burgum beorhtne geleafan
ofer foldan fæm. Ic eow freoo healde.
Ne urfan ge on þa fore frætwe lædan,
gold ne seolfor. Ic eow goda gehwæs
on eowerne agenne dom est ahwette.'
- 340
- Nu u seolfa miht si userne
gehyran hygeþancol. Ic sceal hrae cunnan
hwæt u us to duguum gedon wille."
Him þa ondswarode ece dryhten:
"Gif ge syndon þegnas þæs þe þrym ahof
- 345
- ofer middangeard, swa ge me secgaþ,
ond ge geheoldon þæt eow se halga bead,
þonne ic eow mid gefean ferian wille
ofer brimstreamas, swa ge benan sint."
þa in ceol stigon collenfyrhe,
- 350
- ellenrofe, æghwylcum wear
on merefaroe mod geblissod.
a ofer ya geswing Andreas ongann
mereliendum miltsa biddan
wuldres aldor, ond þus wordum cwæ:
- 355
- "Forgife þe dryhten domweorunga,
willan in worulde ond in wuldre blæd,
meotud manncynnes, swa u me hafast
on þyssum sifæte sybbe gecyed!"
Gesæt him þa se halga helmwearde neah,
- 360
- æele be æelum. æfre ic ne hyrde
þon cymlicor ceol gehladenne
heahgestreonum. Hæle in sæton,
þeodnas þrymfulle, þegnas wlitige.
a reordode rice þeoden,
- 365
- ece ælmihtig, heht his engel gan,
mærne maguþegn, ond mete syllan,
frefran feasceafte ofer flodes wylm,
þæt hie þe ea mihton ofer ya geþring
drohtaþ adreogan. þa gedrefed wear,
- 370
- onhrered hwælmere. Hornfisc plegode,
glad geond garsecg, ond se græga mæw
wælgifre wand. Wedercandel swearc,
windas weoxon, wægas grundon,
streamas styredon, strengas gurron,
- 375
- wædo gewætte. Wæteregsa stod
þreata þryum. þegnas wurdon
acolmode. ænig ne wende
þæt he lifgende land begete,
þara þe mid Andreas on eagorstream
- 380
- ceol gesohte. Næs him cu þa gyt
hwa þam sæflotan sund wisode.
Him þa se halga on holmwege
ofer argeblond, Andreas þa git,
þegn þeodenhold, þanc gesægde,
- 385
- ricum ræsboran, þa he gereordod wæs:
"e þissa swæsenda sofæst meotud,
lifes leohtfruma, lean forgilde,
weoruda waldend, ond þe wist gife,
heofonlicne hlaf, swa u hyldo wi me
- 390
- ofer firigendstream freode gecydest!
Nu synt geþreade þegnas mine,
geonge gurincas. Garsecg hlymme,
geofon geotende. Grund is onhrered,
deope gedrefed, dugu is geswenced,
- 395
- modigra mægen myclum gebysgod."
Him of helman oncwæ hælea scyppend:
"Læt nu geferian flotan userne,
lid to lande ofer lagufæsten,
ond þonne gebidan beornas þine,
- 400
- aras on earde, hwænne u eft cyme."
Edre him þa eorlas agefan ondsware,
þegnas þrohthearde, þafigan ne woldon
æt hie forleton æt lides stefnan
leofne lareow ond him land curon:
- 405
- "Hwider hweorfa we hlafordlease,
geomormode, gode orfeorme,
synnum wunde, gif we swica þe?
We bio lae on landa gehwam,
folcum fracoe, þonne fira bearn,
- 410
- ellenrofe, æht besittaþ,
hwylc hira selost symle gelæste
hlaforde æt hilde, þonne hand ond rond
on beaduwange billum forgrunden
æt niplegan nearu þrowedon."
- 415
- þa reordade rice þeoden,
wærfæst cining, word stunde ahof:
"Gif u þegn sie þrymsittendes,
wuldorcyninges, swa u worde becwist,
rece þa gerynu, hu he reordberend
- 420
- lærde under lyfte. Lang is þes sifæt
ofer fealuwne flod; frefra þine
mæcgas on mode. Mycel is nu gena
lad ofer lagustream, land swie feorr
to gesecanne. Sund is geblonden,
- 425
- grund wi greote. God eae mæg
heaoliendum helpe gefremman."
Ongan þa gleawlice gingran sine,
wuldorspedige weras wordum trymman:
"Ge þæt gehogodon, þa ge on holm stigon,
- 430
- þæt ge on fara folc feorh gelæddon,
ond for dryhtnes lufan dea þrowodon,
on ælmyrcna eelrice
sawle gesealdon. Ic þæt sylfa wat,
þæt us gescylde scyppend engla,
- 435
- weoruda dryhten. Wæteregesa sceal,
geyd ond gereatod þurh þrycining,
lagu lacende, lira wyran.
Swa gesælde iu, þæt we on sæbate
ofer warugewinn wæda cunnedan,
- 440
- faroridende. Frecne þuhton
egle ealada. Eagorstreamas
beoton bordstæu, brim oft oncwæ,
y oerre. Hwilum upp astod
of brimes bosme on bates fæm
- 445
- egesa ofer ylid. ælmihtig þær,
meotud mancynnes, on mereþyssan
beorht basnode. Beornas wurdon
forhte on mode, fries wilnedon,
miltsa to mærum. þa seo menigo ongan
- 450
- clypian on ceole, cyning sona aras,
engla eadgifa, yum stilde,
wæteres wælmum. Windas þreade,
sæ sessade, smylte wurdon
merestreama gemeotu. a ure mod ahloh
- 455
- syan we gesegon under swegles gang
windas ond wægas ond wæterbrogan
forhte gewordne for frean egesan.
Forþan ic eow to soe secgan wille,
þæt næfre forlæte lifgende god
- 460
- eorl on eoran, gif his ellen deah."
Swa hleorode halig cempa,
eawum geþancul. þegnas lærde
eadig oreta, eorlas trymede,
oæt hie semninga slæp ofereode,
- 465
- mee be mæste. Mere sweoerade,
ya ongin eft oncyrde,
hreoh holmþracu. þa þam halgan wear
æfter gryrehwile gast geblissod.
Ongan a reordigan rædum snottor,
- 470
- wis on gewitte, wordlocan onspeonn:
"Næfre ic sælidan selran mette,
macræftigran, þæs e me þynce,
rowend rofran, rædsnotterran,
wordes wisran. Ic wille þe,
- 475
- eorl unforcu, anre nu gena
bene biddan, þeah ic þe beaga lyt,
sincweorunga, syllan mihte,
fætedsinces. Wolde ic freondscipe,
þeoden þrymfæst, þinne, gif ic mehte,
- 480
- begitan godne. þæs u gife hleotest,
haligne hyht on heofonþrymme,
gif u lidwerigum larna þinra
este wyrest. Wolde ic anes to e,
cynerof hæle, cræftes neosan,
- 485
- æt u me getæhte, nu þe tir cyning
ond miht forgef, manna scyppend,
hu u wægflotan wære bestemdon,
sæhengeste, sund wisige.
Ic wæs on gifee iu ond nu þa
- 490
- syxtyne sium on sæbate,
mere hrerendum mundum freorig,
eagorstreamas, (is ys ane ma),
swa ic æfre ne geseah ænigne mann,
þrybearn hælea, þe gelicne,
- 495
- steoran ofer stæfnan. Streamwelm hwile,
beateþ brimstæo. Is þes bat ful scrid,
fære famigheals, fugole gelicost
glide on geofone. Ic georne wat
þæt ic æfre ne geseah ofer ylade
- 500
- on sæleodan syllicran cræft.
Is þon geliccost swa he on landsceare
stille stande, þær hine storm ne mæg,
wind awecgan, ne wæterflodas
brecan brondstæfne, hwæere on brim snowe
- 505
- snel under segle. u eart seolfa geong,
wigendra hleo, nalas wintrum frod,
hafast þe on fyrhe, farolacende,
eorles ondsware. æghwylces canst
worda for worulde wislic andgit."
- 510
- Him ondswarode ece dryhten:
"Oft þæt gesæle, þæt we on sælade,
scipum under scealcum, þonne sceor cyme,
breca ofer bæweg, brimhengestum.
Hwilum us on yum earfolice
- 515
- gesæle on sæwe, þeh we si nesan,
frecne geferan. Flodwylm ne mæg
manna ænigne ofer meotudes est
lungre gelettan: ah him lifes geweald,
se e brimu binde, brune ya
- 520
- y ond þreata. He þeodum sceal
racian mid rihte, se e rodor ahof
ond gefæstnode folmum sinum,
worhte ond wreede, wuldras fylde
beorhtne boldwelan, swa gebledsod wear
- 525
- engla eel þurh his anes miht.
Forþan is gesyne, so orgete,
cu oncnawen, þæt u cyninges eart
þegen geþungen, þrymsittendes,
forþan þe sona sæholm oncneow,
- 530
- garsecges begang, þæt u gife hæfdes
haliges gastes. Hærn eft onwand,
arya geblond. Egesa gestilde,
widfæme wæg. Wædu swæorodon
seoþan hie ongeton þæt e god hæfde
- 535
- wære bewunden, se e wuldres blæd
gestaolade strangum mihtum."
þa hleorade halgan stefne
cempa collenferh, cyning wyrude,
wuldres waldend, ond þus wordum cwæ:
- 540
- "Wes u gebledsod, brego mancynnes,
dryhten hælend! A þin dom lyfa!
Ge neh ge feor is þin nama halig,
wuldre gewlitegad ofer werþeoda,
miltsum gemærsod. Nænig manna is
- 545
- under heofonhwealfe, hælea cynnes,
ætte areccan mæg oe rim wite
hu rymlice, þeoda baldor,
gasta geocend, þine gife dælest.
Huru is gesyne, sawla nergend,
- 550
- þæt u þissum hysse hold gewurde
ond hine geongne geofum wyrodest,
wis on gewitte ond wordcwidum.
Ic æt efenealdum æfre ne mette
on modsefan maran snyttro."
- 555
- Him a of ceole oncwæ cyninga wuldor,
frægn fromlice fruma ond ende:
"Saga, þances gleaw þegn, gif u cunne,
hu æt gewurde be werum tweonum,
þæt a arleasan inwidþancum,
- 560
- Iudea cynn wi godes bearne
ahof hearmcwide. Hæle unsælige
no ær gelyfdon in hira liffruman,
grome gealgmode, þæt he god wære,
þeah e he wundra feala weorodum gecyde,
- 565
- sweotulra ond gesynra. Synnige ne mihton
oncnawan þæt cynebearn, se e acenned wear
to hleo ond to hrore hælea cynne,
eallum eorwarum. æþelinge weox
word ond wisdom, ah he þara wundra a,
- 570
- domagende, dæl nænigne
frætre þeode beforan cyde."
Him a Andreas agef andsware:
"Hu mihte þæt gewyran in werþeode,
þæt u ne gehyrde hælendes miht,
- 575
- gumena leofost, hu he his gif cyde
geond woruld wide, wealdendes bearn?
Sealde he dumbum gesprec, deafe gehyrdon,
healtum ond hreofum hyge blissode,
a þe limseoce lange wæron,
- 580
- werige, wanhale, witum gebundene,
æfter burhstedum blinde gesegon.
Swa he on grundwæge gumena cynnes
manige missenlice men of deae
worde awehte. Swylce he eac wundra feala
- 585
- cynerof cyde þurh his cræftes miht.
He gehalgode for heremægene
win of wætere ond wendan het,
beornum to blisse, on þa beteran gecynd.
Swylce he afedde of fixum twam
- 590
- ond of fif hlafum fira cynnes
fif usendo. Fean sæton,
reonigmode, reste gefegon,
werige æfter wae, wiste þegon,
menn on moldan, swa him gemedost wæs.
- 595
- Nu u miht gehyran, hyse leofesta,
hu us wuldres weard wordum ond dædum
lufode in life, ond þurh lare speon
to þam fægeran gefean, þær freo moton,
eadige mid englum, eard weardigan,
- 600
- þa e æfter deae dryhten seca."
a gen weges weard wordhord onleac,
beorn ofer bolcan, beald reordade:
"Miht u me gesecgan, þæt ic so wite,
hwæer wealdend þin wundor on eoran,
- 605
- þa he gefremede nalas feam sium,
folcum to frofre beforan cyde,
þær bisceopas ond boceras
ond ealdormenn æht besæton,
mæelhægende? Me þæt þince,
- 610
- æt hie for æfstum inwit syredon
þurh deopne gedwolan. Deofles larum
hæle hynfuse hyrdon to georne,
wraum wærlogan. Hie seo wyrd beswac,
forleolc ond forlærde. Nu hie lungre sceolon,
- 615
- werige mid werigum, wræce þrowian,
biterne bryne on banan fæme."
Him a Andreas agef ondsware:
"Secge ic e to soe æt he swie oft
beforan fremede folces ræswum
- 620
- wundor æfter wundre on wera gesiehe,
swylce deogollice dryhten gumena
folcræd fremede, swa he to frie hogode."
Him ondswarode æelinga helm:
"Miht u, wis hæle, wordum gesecgan,
- 625
- maga mode rof, mægen þa he cyde,
deormod on digle, a mid dryhten oft,
rodera rædend, rune besæton?"
Him þa Andreas ondsware agef:
"Hwæt frinest u me, frea leofesta,
- 630
- wordum wrætlicum, ond þe wyrda gehwære
þurh snyttra cræft so oncnawest?"
a git him wæges weard wiþingode:
"Ne frine ic e for tæle ne urh teoncwide
on hranrade, ac min hige blissa,
- 635
- wynnum wrida, þurh þine wordlæe,
æelum ecne. Ne eom ic ana æt,
ac manna gehwam mod bi on hyhte,
fyrh afrefred, þam þe feor oe neah
on mode geman hu se maga fremede,
- 640
- godbearn on grundum. Gastas hweorfon,
sohton sifrome swegles dreamas,
engla eel þurh þa æelan miht."
Edre him Andreas agef ondsware:
"Nu ic on þe sylfum so oncnawe,
- 645
- wisdomes gewit, wundorcræfte
sigesped geseald, (snyttrum blowe,
beorhtre blisse, breost innanweard),
nu ic þe sylfum secgan wille
oor ond ende, swa ic þæs æelinges
- 650
- word ond wisdom on wera gemote
þurh his sylfes mu symle gehyrde.
Oft gesamnodon side herigeas,
folc unmæte, to frean dome,
þær hie hyrcnodon haliges lare.
- 655
- onne eft gewat æelinga helm,
beorht blædgifa, in bold oer,
ær him togenes, god herigende,
to am meelstede manige comon,
snottre selerædend. Symble gefegon,
- 660
- beornas bliheorte, burhweardes cyme.
Swa gesælde iu þæt se sigedema
ferde, frea mihtig. Næs þær folces ma
on sifate, sinra leoda,
nemne ellefne orettmæcgas,
- 665
- geteled tireadige. He wæs twelfta sylf.
þa we becomon to þam cynestole,
þær getimbred wæs tempel dryhtnes,
heah ond horngeap, hæleum gefrege,
wuldre gewlitegod. Huscworde ongan
- 670
- þurh inwitanc ealdorsacerd
herme hyspan, hordlocan onspeon,
wroht webbade. He on gewitte oncneow
þæt we sofæstes swae folgodon,
læston larcwide. He lungre ahof
- 675
- woe wierhydig wean onblonden:
'Hwæt, ge syndon earme ofer ealle menn!
Wada widlastas, weorn gefera
earfosia, ellþeodiges nu
butan leodrihte larum hyra,
- 680
- eadiges orhlytte æeling cya,
secga solice þæt mid suna meotudes
drohtigen dæghwæmlice. þæt is duguum cu
hwanon þam ordfruman æelu onwocon.
He wæs afeded on þysse folcsceare,
- 685
- cildgeong acenned mid his cneomagum.
þus syndon haten hamsittende,
fæder ond modur, þæs we gefrægen habba
þurh modgemynd, Maria ond Ioseph.
Syndon him on æelum oere twegen
- 690
- beornas geborene, broorsybbum,
suna Iosephes, Simon ond Iacob.'
Swa hleorodon hælea ræswan,
dugo domgeorne, dyrnan þohton
meotudes mihte. Man eft gehwearf,
- 695
- yfel endeleas, þær hit ær aras.
þa se þeoden gewat þegna heape
fram þam meelstede mihtum geswied,
dugea dryhten, secan digol land.
He þurh wundra feala on þam westenne
- 700
- cræfta gecyde þæt he wæs cyning on riht
ofer middangeard, mægene geswied,
waldend ond wyrhta wuldorþrymmes,
an ece god eallra gesceafta.
Swylce he oerra unrim cyde
- 705
- wundorworca on wera gesyhe.
Syþþan eft gewat ore sie
getrume mycle, þæt he in temple gestod,
wuldres aldor. Wordhleoor astag
geond heahræced. Haliges lare
- 710
- synnige ne swulgon, þeah he sora swa feala
tacna gecyde, þær hie to segon.
Swylce he wrætlice wundor agræfene,
anlicnesse engla sinra
geseh, sigora frea, on seles wage,
- 715
- on twa healfe torhte gefrætwed,
wlitige geworhte. He worde cwæ:
'is is anlicnes engelcynna
þæs bremestan þe mid þam burgwarum
in þære ceastre is. Cheruphim et Seraphim
- 720
- þa on swegeldreamum syndon nemned.
Fore onsyne ecan dryhtnes
standa stifere, stefnum heriga,
halgum hleorum, heofoncyninges þrym,
meotudes mundbyrd. Her amearcod is
- 725
- haligra hiw, þurh handmægen
awriten on wealle wuldres þegnas.'
þa gen worde cwæ weoruda dryhten,
heofonhalig gast, fore þam heremægene:
'Nu ic bebeode beacen ætywan,
- 730
- wundor geweoran on wera gemange,
æt þeos onlicnes eoran sece,
wlitig of wage, ond word sprece,
secge socwidum, (þy sceolon gelyfan
eorlas on cye), hwæt min æelo sien.'
- 735
- Ne dorste þa forhylman hælendes bebod
wundor fore weorodum, ac of wealle ahleop,
frod fyrngeweorc, þæt he on foldan stod,
stan fram stane. Stefn æfter cwom,
hlud þurh heardne, hleoor dynede,
- 740
- wordum wemde. Wrætlic þuhte
stihycgendum stanes ongin.
Septe sacerdas sweotolum tacnum,
witig werede ond worde cwæ:
'Ge synd unlæde, earmra geþohta
- 745
- searowum beswicene, oe sel nyton,
mode gemyrde. Ge mon ciga
godes ece bearn, þone þe grund ond sund,
heofon ond eoran ond hreo wægas,
salte sæstreamas ond swegl uppe
- 750
- amearcode mundum sinum.
þis is se ilca ealwalda god
one on fyrndagum fæderas cuon.
He Abrahame ond Isace
ond Iocobe gife bryttode,
- 755
- welum weorode, wordum sægde
ærest Habrahame æeles geþingu,
þæt of his cynne cenned sceolde
weoran wuldres god. Is seo wyrd mid eow
open, orgete, magan eagum nu
- 760
- geseon sigores god, swegles agend.'
æfter þyssum wordum weorud hlosnode
geond þæt side sel, (swigodon ealle),
a a yldestan eft ongunnon
secgan synfulle, (so ne oncneowan),
- 765
- þæt hit drycræftum gedon wære,
scingelacum, þæt se scyna stan
mælde for mannum. Man wridode
geond beorna breost, brandhata ni
weoll on gewitte, weorm blædum fag,
- 770
- attor ælfæle. þær orcnawe wear
þurh teoncwide tweogende mod,
mæcga misgehygd morre bewunden.
a se þeoden bebead þryweorc faran,
stan on stræte of stedewange,
- 775
- ond for gan foldweg tredan,
grene grundas, godes ærendu
larum lædan on þa leodmearce
to Channaneum, cyninges worde
beodan Habrahame mid his eaforum twæm
- 780
- of eorscræfe ærest fremman,
lætan landreste, leoo gadrigean,
gaste onfon ond geogohade,
edniwinga andweard cuman,
frode fyrnweotan, folce gecyan,
- 785
- hwylcne hie god mihtum ongiten hæfdon.
Gewat he þa feran, swa him frea mihtig,
scyppend wera, gescrifen hæfde,
ofer mearcpau, þæt he on Mambre becom
beorhte blican, swa him bebead meotud,
- 790
- þær þa lichoman lange þrage,
heahfædera hra, beheled wæron.
Het þa ofstlice up astandan
Habraham ond Isaac, æeling þriddan
Iacob of greote to godes geþinge,
- 795
- sneome of slæpe þæm fæstan. Het hie to þam sie gyrwan,
faran to frean dome. Sceoldon hie þam folce gecyan
hwa æt frumsceafte furum teode
eoran eallgrene ond upheofon,
hwær se wealdend wære þe þæt weorc staolade.
- 800
- Ne dorston þa gelettan leng owihte
wuldorcyninges word. Geweotan a a witigan þry
modige mearcland tredan. Forlætan moldern wunigean
open eorscræfu, woldon hie ædre gecyan
frumweorca fæder. þa þæt folc gewear
- 805
- egesan geaclod, þær þa æelingas
wordum weorodon wuldres aldor.
Hie a ricene het rices hyrde
to eadwelan oþre sie
secan mid sybbe swegles dreamas,
- 810
- ond þæs to widan feore willum neotan.
Nu u miht gehyran, hyse leofesta,
hu he wundra worn wordum cyde,
swa þeah ne gelyfdon larum sinum
modblinde menn. Ic wat manig nu gyt
- 815
- mycel mære spell e se maga fremede,
rodera rædend, a u aræfnan ne miht,
hrere behabban, hygeþances gleaw."
þus Andreas ondlangne dæg
herede hleoorcwidum haliges lare,
- 820
- oæt hine semninga slæp ofereode
on hronrade heofoncyninge neh.
a gelædan het lifes brytta
ofer ya geþræc englas sine,
fæmum ferigean on fæder wære
- 825
- leofne mid lissum ofer lagufæsten,
oæt sæwerige slæp ofereode.
þurh lyftgelac on land becwom
to þære ceastre þe him cining engla
a þa aras siigean,
- 830
- eadige on upweg, eles neosan.
Leton þone halgan be herestræte
swefan on sybbe under swegles hleo,
bline bidan burhwealle neh,
his nihetum, nihtlangne fyrst,
- 835
- oþæt dryhten forlet dægcandelle
scire scinan. Sceadu sweerodon,
wonn under wolcnum. þa com wederes blæst,
hador heofonleoma, ofer hofu blican.
Onwoc þa wiges heard, (wang sceawode),
- 840
- fore burggeatum. Beorgas steape,
hleou hlifodon, ymbe harne stan
tigelfagan trafu, torras stodon,
windige weallas. þa se wisa oncneow
þæt he Marmedonia mæge hæfde
- 845
- sie gesohte, swa him sylf bebead,
þa he him fore gescraf, fæder mancynnes.
Geseh he þa on greote gingran sine,
beornas beadurofe, biryhte him
swefan on slæpe. He sona ongann
- 850
- wigend weccean, ond worde cwæ:
"Ic eow secgan mæg so orgete,
þæt us gystrandæge on geofones stream
ofer arwelan æeling ferede.
In þam ceole wæs cyninga wuldor,
- 855
- waldend wereode. Ic his word oncneow,
þeh he his mægwlite bemien hæfde."
Him þa æelingas ondsweorodon,
geonge gencwidum, gastgerynum:
"We e, Andreas, eae gecya
- 860
- si userne, þæt u sylfa miht
ongitan gleawlice gastgehygdum.
Us sæwerige slæp ofereode.
þa comon earnas ofer ya wylm
faran on flyhte, feerum hremige,
- 865
- us ofslæpendum sawle abrugdon,
mid gefean feredon flyhte on lyfte,
brehtmum blie, beorhte ond lie.
Lissum lufodon ond in lofe wunedon,
þær wæs singal sang ond swegles gong,
- 870
- wlitig weoroda heap ond wuldres þreat.
Utan ymbe æelne englas stodon,
þegnas ymb þeoden, þusendmælum,
heredon on heho halgan stefne
dryhtna dryhten. Dream wæs on hyhte.
- 875
- We ær heahfæderas halige oncneowon
ond martyra mægen unlytel,
sungon sigedryhtne sofæstlic lof,
dugo domgeorne. þær wæs Dauid mid,
eadig oretta, Essages sunu,
- 880
- for Crist cumen, cining Israhela.
Swylce we gesegon for suna meotudes,
æelum ecne, eowic standan,
twelfe getealde, tireadige hæle.
Eow þegnodon þrymsittende,
- 885
- halige heahenglas. am bi hælea well
þe þara blissa brucan moton.
þær wæs wuldres wynn, wigendra þrym,
æelic onginn, næs þær ænigum gewinn.
þam bi wræcsi witod, wite geopenad,
- 890
- þe þara gefeana sceal fremde weoran,
hean hwearfian, þonne heonon gangaþ."
þa wæs modsefa myclum geblissod
haliges on hrere, syþan hleoorcwide
gingran gehyrdon, þæt hie god wolde
- 895
- onmunan swa mycles ofer menn ealle,
ond þæt word gecwæ wigendra hleo:
"Nu ic, god dryhten, ongiten hæbbe
þæt u on farostræte feor ne wære,
cyninga wuldur, þa ic on ceol gestah,
- 900
- eh ic on yfare, engla þeoden,
gasta geocend, ongitan ne cue.
Weor me nu milde, meotud ælmihtig,
blie, beorht cyning! Ic on brimstreame
spræc worda worn, wat æfter nu
- 905
- hwa me wyrmyndum on wudubate
ferede ofer flodas. þæt is frofre gast
hælea cynne. þær is help gearu,
milts æt mærum, manna gehwylcum,
sigorsped geseald, þam þe sece to him."
- 910
- a him fore eagum onsyne wear
æeling oywed in þa ilcan tid,
cining cwicera gehwæs, þurh cnihtes had.
þa he worde cwæ, wuldres aldor:
"Wes u, Andreas, hal, mid þas willgedryht,
- 915
- fergefeonde! Ic þe frie healde,
þæt þe ne moton mangenilan,
grame grynsmias, gaste gescean."
Feoll þa to foldan, frioo wilnode
wordum wis hæle, winedryhten frægn:
- 920
- "Hu geworhte ic þæt, waldend fira,
synnig wi seolfne, sawla nergend,
þæt ic þe swa godne ongitan ne meahte
on wægfære, þær ic worda gespræc
minra for meotude ma þonne ic sceolde?"
- 925
- Him andswarode ealwalda god:
"No u swa swie synne gefremedest
swa u in Achaia ondsæc dydest,
æt u on feorwegas feran ne cue
ne in þa ceastre becuman mehte,
- 930
- þing gehegan þreora nihta
fyrstgemearces, swa ic þe feran het
ofer wega gewinn. Wast nu þe gearwor
þæt ic eae mæg anra gehwylcne
fremman ond fyrþran freonda minra
- 935
- on landa gehwylc, þær me leofost bi.
Aris nu hrædlice, ræd ædre ongit,
beorn gebledsod, swa þe beorht fæder
geweora wuldorgifum to widan aldre,
cræfte ond mihte. u in þa ceastre gong
- 940
- under burglocan, þær þin broor is.
Wat ic Matheus þurh mænra hand
hrinen heorudolgum, heafodmagan
searonettum beseted. þu hine secan scealt,
leofne alysan of lara hete,
- 945
- ond eal þæt mancynn þe him mid wunige,
elþeodigra inwitwrasnum,
bealuwe gebundene. Him sceal bot hrae
weorþan in worulde ond in wuldre lean,
swa ic him sylfum ær secgende wæs.
- 950
- Nu u, Andreas, scealt edre genean
in gramra gripe. Is þe gu weotod,
heardum heoruswengum scel þin hra dæled
wundum weoran, wættre geliccost
faran flode blod. Hie þin feorh ne magon
- 955
- deae gedælan, þeh u drype olie,
synnigra slege. u þæt sar aber;
ne læt þe ahweorfan hæenra þrym,
grim gargewinn, þæt u gode swice,
dryhtne þinum. Wes a domes georn;
- 960
- læt e on gemyndum hu þæt manegum wear
fira gefrege geond feala landa,
þæt me bysmredon bennum fæstne
weras wansælige. Wordum tyrgdon,
slogon ond swungon, synnige ne mihton
- 965
- þurh sarcwide so gecyan.
þa ic mid Iudeum gealgan þehte,
(rod wæs aræred), þær rinca sum
of minre sidan swat ut forlet,
dreor to foldan. Ic adreah feala
- 970
- yrmþa ofer eoran. Wolde ic eow on on
þurh bline hige bysne onstellan,
swa on ellþeode ywed wyre.
Manige syndon in þysse mæran byrig
þara þe u gehweorfest to heofonleohte
- 975
- þurh minne naman, þeah hie morres feala
in fyrndagum gefremed habban."
Gewat him þa se halga heofonas secan,
eallra cyninga cining, þone clænan ham,
eamedum upp, þær is ar gelang
- 980
- fira gehwylcum, þam þe hie findan cann.
a wæs gemyndig modgeþyldig,
beorn beaduwe heard, eode in burh hrae,
anræd oretta, elne gefyrred,
maga mode rof, meotude getreowe,
- 985
- stop on stræte, (stig wisode),
swa him nænig gumena ongitan ne mihte,
synfulra geseon. Hæfde sigora weard
on þam wangstede wære betolden
leofne leodfruman mid lofe sinum.
- 990
- Hæfde þa se æeling in geþrungen,
Cristes cempa, carcerne neh.
Geseh he hæenra hlo ætgædere,
fore hlindura hyrdas standan,
seofone ætsomne. Ealle swylt fornam,
- 995
- druron domlease. Dearæs forfeng
hæle heorodreorige. a se halga gebæd
bilwytne fæder, breostgehygdum
herede on heho heofoncyninges þrym,
godes dryhtendom. Duru sona onarn
- 1000
- þurh handhrine haliges gastes,
ond þær in eode, elnes gemyndig,
hæle hildedeor. Hæene swæfon,
dreore druncne, deawang rudon.
Geseh he Matheus in þam mororcofan,
- 1005
- hæle higerofne under heolstorlocan,
secgan dryhtne lof, domweoringa
engla eodne. He ær ana sæt
geohum geomor in þam gnornhofe.
Geseh þa under swegle swæsne geferan,
- 1010
- halig haligne. Hyht wæs geniwad.
Aras þa togenes, gode þancade
þæs e hie onsunde æfre moston
geseon under sunnan. Syb wæs gemæne
bam þam gebrorum, blis edniwe.
- 1015
- æghwæer oerne earme beþehte,
cyston hie ond clypton. Criste wæron begen
leofe on mode. Hie leoht ymbscan
halig ond heofontorht. Hreor innan wæs
wynnum awelled. þa worde ongan
- 1020
- ærest Andreas æelne geferan
on clustorcleofan mid cwide sinum
gretan godfyrhtne, sæde him gugeingu,
feohtan fara monna: "Nu is þis folc on
luste,
hæle hyder on
- 1025
- gewyrht eardes neosan."
æfter þyssum wordum wuldres þegnas,
begen þa gebroor, to gebede hyldon,
sendon hira bene fore bearn godes.
Swylce se halga in þam hearmlocan
- 1030
- his god grette ond him geoce bæd,
hælend helpe, ær þan hra crunge
fore hæenra hildeþrymme,
ond þa gelædde of leoobendum
fram þam fæstenne on fri dryhtnes
- 1035
- tu ond hundteontig geteled rime,
swylce feowertig,
generede fram nie, (þær he nænigne forlet
under burglocan bennum fæstne),
ond þær wifa þa gyt, weorodes to eacan,
- 1040
- anes wana þe fiftig
forhte gefreoode. Fægen wæron sies,
lungre leordan, nalas leng bidon
in þam gnornhofe gugeþingo.
Gewat þa Matheus menigo lædan
- 1045
- on gehyld godes, swa him se halga bebead.
Weorod on wilsi wolcnum beþehte,
þe læs him scyldhatan scyan comon
mid earhfare, ealdgenilan.
þær þa modigan mid him mæel gehedan,
- 1050
- treowgeþoftan, ær hie on tu hweorfan.
æger þara eorla orum trymede
heofonrices hyht, helle witu
wordum werede. Swa a wigend mid him,
hæle higerofe, halgum stefnum
- 1055
- cempan coste cyning weoradon,
wyrda waldend, þæs wuldres ne bi
æfre mid eldum ende befangen.
Gewat him þa Andreas inn on ceastre
glædmod gangan, to þæs e he gramra gemot,
- 1060
- fara folcmægen, gefrægen hæfde,
oæt he gemette be mearcpae
standan stræte neah stapul ærenne.
Gesæt him þa be healfe, hæfde hluttre lufan,
ece upgemynd engla blisse;
- 1065
- þanon basnode under burhlocan
hwæt him guweorca gifee wurde.
þa gesamnedon side herigeas,
folces frumgaras. To þam fæstenne
wærleasra werod wæpnum comon,
- 1070
- hæne hildfrecan, to þæs þa hæftas ær
under hlinscuwan hearm þrowedon.
Wendan ond woldon wierhycgende
þæt hie on elþeodigum æt geworhton,
weotude wiste. Him seo wen gelah,
- 1075
- syan mid corre carcernes duru
eorre æscberend opene fundon,
onhliden hamera geweorc, hyrdas deade.
Hie þa unhyige eft gecyrdon,
luste belorene, laspell beran,
- 1080
- sægdon þam folce þæt ær feorrcundra,
ellreordigra, ænigne to lafe
in carcerne cwicne ne gemetton,
ah þær heorodreorige hyrdas lagan,
gæsne on greote, gaste berofene,
- 1085
- fægra flæschaman. þa wear forht manig
for þam færspelle folces ræswa,
hean, hygegeomor, hungres on wenum,
blates beodgastes. Nyston beteran ræd,
þonne hie þa belidenan him to lifnere
- 1090
- deade gefeormedon. Duruþegnum wear
in ane tid eallum ætsomne
þurh heard gelac hildbedd styred.
a ic lungre gefrægn leode tosomne
burgwaru bannan. Beornas comon,
- 1095
- wiggendra þreat, wicgum gengan,
on mearum modige, mæelhegende,
æscum dealle. þa wæs eall geador
to þam þingstede þeod gesamnod.
Leton him þa betweonum taan wisian
- 1100
- hwylcne hira ærest orum sceolde
to foddurþege feores ongyldan;
hluton hellcræftum, hæengildum
teledon betwinum. a se tan gehwearf
efne ofer ænne ealdgesia,
- 1105
- se wæs uweota eorla dugoe,
heriges on ore. Hrae sian wear
fetorwrasnum fæst, feores orwena.
Cleopode þa collenferh cearegan reorde,
cwæ he his sylfes sunu syllan wolde
- 1110
- on æhtgeweald, eaforan geongne,
lifes to lisse. Hie a lac hrae
þegon to þance. þeod wæs oflysted,
metes modgeomre, næs him to mame wynn,
hyht to hordgestreonum. Hungre wæron
- 1115
- þearle geþreatod, swa se eodsceaa
reow ricsode. þa wæs rinc manig,
gufrec guma, ymb þæs geongan feorh
breostum onbryrded. To þam beadulace
wæs þæt weatacen wide gefrege,
- 1120
- geond þa burh bodad beorne manegum,
þæt hie þæs cnihtes cwealm corre gesohton,
dugue ond eogoe, dæl onfengon
lifes to leofne. Hie lungre to þæs,
hæene herigweardas, here samnodan
- 1125
- ceastrewarena. Cyrm upp astah
a se geonga ongann geomran stefne,
gehæfted for herige, hearmleo galan,
freonda feasceaft, fries wilnian.
Ne mihte earmsceapen are findan,
- 1130
- freoe æt þam folce, þe him feores wolde,
ealdres geunnan. Hæfdon æglæcan
sæcce gesohte. Sceolde sweordes ecg,
scerp ond scurheard, of sceaan folme,
fyrmælum fag, feorh acsigan.
- 1135
- a þæt Andrea earmlic þuhte,
þeodbealo þearlic to geolianne,
þæt he swa unscyldig ealdre sceolde
lungre linnan. Wæs se leodhete
þrist ond þrohtheard.
þrymman sceocan,
- 1140
- modige maguþegnas, morres on luste,
woldon æninga, ellenrofe,
on þam hysebeorre heafolan gescenan,
garum agetan. Hine god forstod,
halig of heho, hæenum folce.
- 1145
- Het wæpen wera wexe gelicost
on þam orlege eall formeltan,
þy læs scyldhatan scean mihton,
egle ondsacan, ecga þryum.
Swa wear alysed of leodhete,
- 1150
- geong of gyrne. Gode ealles þanc,
dryhtna dryhtne, þæs e he dom gife
gumena gehwylcum, þara þe geoce to him
sece mid snytrum. þær bi symle gearu
freod unhwilen, þam þe hie findan cann.
- 1155
- þa wæs wop hæfen in wera burgum,
hlud heriges cyrm. Hreopon friccan,
mændon meteleaste, mee stodon,
hungre gehæfte. Hornsalu wunedon,
weste winræced, welan ne benohton
- 1160
- beornas to brucanne on þa bitran tid,
gesæton searuþancle sundor to rune
ermu eahtigan. Næs him to ele wynn.
Fregn þa gelome freca oerne:
"Ne hele se e hæbbe holde lare,
- 1165
- on sefan snyttro! Nu is sæl cumen,
þrea ormæte, is nu þearf mycel
þæt we wisfæstra wordum hyran."
þa for þære dugoe deoful ætywde,
wann ond wliteleas, hæfde weriges hiw.
- 1170
- Ongan þa meldigan morþres brytta,
hellehinca, þone halgan wer
wierhycgende, ond þæt word gecwæ:
"Her is gefered ofer feorne weg
æelinga sum innan ceastre,
- 1175
- ellþeodigra, þone ic Andreas
nemnan herde. He eow neon gesceod
a he aferede of fæstenne
manncynnes ma þonne gemet wære.
Nu ge magon eae oncydæda
- 1180
- wrecan on gewyrhtum. Læta wæpnes
spor
iren ecgheard, ealdorgeard sceoran,
fæges feorhhord. Ga fromlice
þæt ge wierfeohtend wiges gehnægan."
Him þa Andreas agef ondsware:
- 1185
- "Hwæt, u þristlice þeode lærest,
bældest to beadowe! Wæst þe bæles cwealm,
hatne in helle, ond þu here fysest,
fean to gefeohte. Eart u fag wi god,
dugoa demend. Hwæt, u deofles stræl,
- 1190
- icest þine yrmo. e se ælmihtiga
heanne gehnægde, ond on heolstor besceaf,
þær þe cyninga cining clamme belegde,
ond þe syan a Satan nemdon,
a e dryhtnes a deman cuon."
- 1195
- a gyt se wiermeda wordum lærde
folc to gefeohte, feondes cræfte:
"Nu ge gehyra hælea gewinnan,
se yssum herige mæst hearma gefremede.
æt is Andreas, se me on flite
- 1200
- wordum wrætlicum for wera menigo."
a wæs beacen boden burhsittendum.
Ahleopon hildfrome heriges brehtme
ond to weallgeatum wigend þrungon,
cene under cumblum, corre mycle
- 1205
- to am orlege, ordum ond bordum.
þa worde cwæ weoroda dryhten,
meotud mihtum swi sægde his magoþegne:
"Scealt u, Andreas, ellen fremman!
Ne mi u for menigo, ah þinne modsefan
- 1210
- staola wi strangum! Nis seo stund latu
þæt þe wælreowe witum belecgaþ,
cealdan clommum. Cy þe sylfne,
herd hige þinne, heortan staola,
þæt hie min on e mægen oncnawan.
- 1215
- Ne magon hie ond ne moton ofer mine est
þinne lichoman, lehtrum scyldige,
deae gedælan, eah u drype þolige,
mirce manslaga. Ic þe mid wunige."
æfter þam wordum com werod unmæte,
- 1220
- lyswe larsmeoas, mid lindgecrode,
bolgenmode; bæron ut hræe
ond þam halgan þær handa gebundon.
Siþþan geypped wæs æelinga wynn,
ond hie andweardne eagum meahton
- 1225
- gesion sigerofne, þær wæs sec manig
on þam welwange wiges oflysted
leoda dugue. Lyt sorgodon
hwylc him þæt edlean æfter wurde.
Heton þa lædan ofer landsceare,
- 1230
- ragmælum teon, torngenilan,
swa hie hit frecnost findan meahton.
Drogon deormodne æfter dunscræfum,
ymb stanhleoo, stærcedferþne,
efne swa wide swa wegas to lagon,
- 1235
- enta ærgeweorc, innan burgum,
stræte stanfage. Storm upp aras
æfter ceasterhofum, cirm unlytel
hænes heriges. Wæs þæs halgan lic
sarbennum soden, swate bestemed,
- 1240
- banhus abrocen. Blod yum weoll,
hatan heolfre. Hæfde him on innan
ellen untweonde, wæs þæt æele mod
asundrad fram synnum, þeah he sares swa feala
deopum dolgslegum dreogan sceolde.
- 1245
- Swa wæs ealne dæg oæt æfen com
sigetorht swungen. Sar eft gewod
ymb þæs beornes breost, oþæt beorht gewat
sunne swegeltorht to sete glidan.
Læddan þa leode lane gewinnan
- 1250
- to carcerne. He wæs Criste swa þeah
leof on mode. Him wæs leoht sefa
halig heortan neh, hige untyddre.
þa se halga wæs under heolstorscuwan,
eorl ellenheard, ondlange niht
- 1255
- searoþancum beseted. Snaw eoran band
wintergeworpum. Weder coledon
heardum hægelscurum, swylce hrim ond forst,
hare hildstapan, hælea eel
lucon, leoda gesetu. Land wæron freorig
- 1260
- cealdum cylegicelum, clang wæteres þrym
ofer eastreamas, is brycgade
blæce brimrade. Bliheort wunode
eorl unforcu, elnes gemyndig,
þrist ond þrohtheard in þreanedum
- 1265
- wintercealdan niht. No on gewitte blon,
acol for þy egesan, þæs þe he ær ongann,
þæt he a domlicost dryhten herede,
weorade wordum, oæt wuldres gim
heofontorht onhlad. a com hælea þreat
- 1270
- to ære dimman ding, dugu unlytel,
wadan wælgifre weorodes brehtme.
Heton ut hræe æeling lædan
in wrara geweald, wærfæstne hæle.
a wæs eft swa ær ondlangne dæg
- 1275
- swungen sarslegum. Swat yum weoll
þurh bancofan, blodlifrum swealg,
hatan heolfre. Hra weorces ne sann,
wundum werig. þa cwom wopes hring
þurh þæs beornes breost, blat ut faran,
- 1280
- weoll wauman stream, ond he worde cwæ:
"Geseoh nu, dryhten god, drohta minne,
weoruda willgeofa! þu wæst ond const
anra gehwylces earfesias.
Ic gelyfe to e, min liffruma,
- 1285
- þæt u mildheort me for þinum mægenspedum,
nerigend fira, næfre wille,
ece ælmihtig, anforlætan,
swa ic þæt gefremme, þenden feorh leofa,
min on moldan, þæt ic, meotud, þinum
- 1290
- larum leofwendum lyt geswice.
þu eart gescyldend wi sceaan wæpnum,
ece eadfruma, eallum þinum;
ne læt nu bysmrian banan manncynnes,
facnes frumbearn, þurh feondes cræft
- 1295
- leahtrum belecgan þa þin lof bera."
a ær ætywde se atola gast,
wra wærloga. Wigend lærde
for þam heremægene helle dioful
awerged in witum, ond þæt word gecwæ:
- 1300
- "Slea synnigne ofer seolfes mu,
folces gewinnan! Nu to feala reordaþ."
þa wæs orlege eft onhrered,
niwan stefne. Ni upp aras
oþæt sunne gewat to sete glidan
- 1305
- under niflan næs. Niht helmade,
brunwann oferbræd beorgas steape,
ond se halga wæs to hofe læded,
deor ond domgeorn, in þæt dimme ræced;
sceal þonne in neadcofan nihtlangne fyrst
- 1310
- wærfæst wunian wic unsyfre.
þa com seofona sum to sele geongan,
atol æglæca yfela gemyndig,
morres manfrea myrce gescyrded,
deoful deareow duguum bereafod,
- 1315
- ongan þa þam halgan hospword sprecan:
"Hwæt hogodest u, Andreas, hidercyme þinne
on wrara geweald? Hwæt is wuldor þin,
þe u oferhigdum upp arærdest,
þa u goda ussa gild gehnægdest?
- 1320
- Hafast nu þe anum eall getihhad
land ond leode, swa dyde lareow þin.
Cyneþrym ahof, þam wæs Crist nama,
ofer middangeard, þynden hit meahte swa.
þone Herodes ealdre besnyede,
- 1325
- forcom æt campe cyning Iudea,
rices berædde, ond hine rode befealg,
þæt he on gealgan his gast onsende.
Swa ic nu bebeode bearnum minum,
þegnum þryfullum, æt hie e hnægen,
- 1330
- gingran æt gue. Læta gares ord,
earh ættre gemæl, in gedufan
in fæges fer. Ga fromlice,
æt ge gufrecan gylp forbegan."
Hie wæron reowe, ræsdon on sona
- 1335
- gifrum grapum. Hine god forstod,
staulfæst steorend, þurh his strangan miht.
Syan hie oncneowon Cristes rode
on his mægwlite, mære tacen,
wurdon hie a acle on þam onfenge,
- 1340
- forhte, afærde, ond on fleam numen.
Ongan eft swa ær ealdgenila,
helle hæftling, hearmleo galan:
"Hwæt wear eow swa rofum, rincas mine,
lindgesteallan, þæt eow swa lyt gespeow?"
- 1345
- Him þa earmsceapen
agef ondsware,
fah fyrnsceaþa, ond his fæder oncwæ:
"Ne magan we him lungre la ætfæstan,
swilt þurh searwe. Ga þe sylfa to!
þær þu gegninga gue findest,
- 1350
- frecne feohtan, gif u furur dearst
to þam anhagan aldre genean.
We e magon eae, eorla leofost,
æt þam secgplegan selre gelæran;
ær u gegninga gue fremme,
- 1355
- wiges woman, weald, hu e sæle
æt þam gegnslege. Utan gangan eft,
þæt we bysmrigen bendum fæstne,
owitan him his wræcsi. Habba word gearu
wi þam æglæcan eall getrahtod!"
- 1360
- þa hleorade hludan stefne,
witum bewæled, ond þæt word gecwæ:
"þu þe, Andreas, aclæccræftum
lange feredes! Hwæt, u leoda feala
forleolce ond forlærdest! Nu leng ne miht
- 1365
- gewealdan þy weorce. þe synd witu þæs grim
weotud be gewyrhtum. þu scealt werigmod,
hean, hrora leas, hearm þrowigan,
sare swyltcwale. Secgas mine
to þam guplegan gearwe sindon,
- 1370
- þa þe æninga ellenweorcum
unfyrn faca feorh ætþringan.
Hwylc is þæs mihtig ofer middangeard,
þæt he þe alyse of leoubendum,
manna cynnes, ofer mine est?"
- 1375
- Him þa Andreas agef ondsware:
"Hwæt, me eae ælmihtig god,
nia neregend, se e in niedum iu
gefæstnode fyrnum clommum!
þær u syan a, susle gebunden,
- 1380
- in wræc wunne, wuldres blunne,
syan u forhogedes heofoncyninges word.
þær wæs yfles or, ende næfre
þines wræces weore. u scealt widan feorh
ecan þine yrmu. þe bi a symble
- 1385
- of dæge on dæg drohtaþ strengra."
a wear on fleame se e a fæho iu
wi god geara grimme gefremede.
Com þa on uhtan mid ærdæge
hæenra hlo haliges neosan
- 1390
- leoda weorude. Heton lædan ut
þrohtheardne þegn þriddan sie,
woldon aninga ellenrofes
mod gemyltan. Hit ne mihte swa!
a wæs niowinga ni onhrered,
- 1395
- heard ond hetegrim. Wæs se halga wer
sare geswungen, searwum gebunden,
dolgbennum þurhdrifen, endon dæg lihte.
Ongan þa geomormod to gode cleopian,
heard of hæfte, halgan stefne
- 1400
- weop werigfer, ond þæt word gecwæ:
"Næfre ic geferde mid frean willan
under heofonhwealfe heardran drohtno,
þær ic dryhtnes æ deman sceolde.
Sint me leou tolocen, lic sare gebrocen,
- 1405
- banhus blodfag, benne wealla,
seonodolg swatige. Hwæt, u sigora weard,
dryhten hælend, on dæges tide
mid Iudeum geomor wurde
a u of gealgan, god lifigende,
- 1410
- fyrnweorca frea, to fæder cleopodest,
cininga wuldor, ond cwæde us:
'Ic e, fæder engla, frignan wille,
lifes leohtfruma, hwæt forlætest u me?'
Ond ic nu þry dagas þolian sceolde
- 1415
- wælgrim witu. Bidde ic, weoroda god,
þæt ic gast minne agifan mote,
sawla symbelgifa, on þines sylfes hand.
u æt gehete þurh þin halig word,
þa u us twelfe trymman ongunne,
- 1420
- þæt us heterofra hild ne gesceode,
ne lices dæl lungre oeoded,
ne synu ne ban on swae lagon,
ne loc of heafde to forlore wurde,
gif we þine lare læstan woldon.
- 1425
- Nu sint sionwe toslopen, is min swat adropen,
licga æfter lande loccas todrifene,
fex on foldan. Is me feorhgedal
leofre mycle þonne þeos lifcearo."
Him þa stefn oncwæ, stihycgendum,
- 1430
- wuldorcyninges word hlorode:
"Ne wep þone wræcsi, wine leofesta,
nis þe to frecne. Ic þe frie healde,
minre mundbyrde mægene besette.
Me is miht ofer eall,
- 1435
- sigorsped geseald. So þæt gecye
mænig æt mele on þam myclan dæge,
þæt æt geweore, þæt eos wlitige gesceaft,
heofon ond eore, hreosaþ togadore,
ær awæged sie worda ænig
- 1440
- þe ic þurh minne mu melan onginne.
Geseoh nu seolfes swæe, swa þin swat aget
þurh bangebrec blodige stige,
lices lælan. No þe laes ma
þurh daroa gedrep gedon motan,
- 1445
- þa þe heardra mæst hearma gefremedan."
þa on last beseah leoflic cempa
æfter wordcwidum wuldorcyninges.
Geseh he geblowene bearwas standan
blædum gehrodene, swa he ær his blod aget.
- 1450
- a worde cwæ wigendra hleo:
"Sie e anc ond lof, þeoda waldend,
to widan feore wuldor on heofonum,
æs u me on sare, sigedryhten min,
ellþeodigne, an ne forlæte."
- 1455
- Swa se dædfruma dryhten herede
halgan stefne oæt hador sægl
wuldortorht gewat under wau scrian.
þa þa folctogan feoran sie,
egle ondsacan, æeling læddon
- 1460
- to þam carcerne, woldon cræfta gehygd,
magorædendes mod oncyrran
on þære deorcan niht. þa com dryhten god
in þæt hlinræced, hælea wuldor,
ond þa wine synne wordum grette
- 1465
- ond frofre gecwæ, fæder manncynnes,
lifes lareow, heht his lichoman
hales brucan: "Ne scealt u in henum a leng
searohæbbendra sar þrowian."
Aras þa mægene rof, sægde meotude þanc,
- 1470
- hal of hæfte heardra wita.
Næs him gewemmed wlite, ne wloh of hrægle
lungre alysed, ne loc of heafde,
ne ban gebrocen, ne blodig wund
lice gelenge, ne laes dæl,
- 1475
- þurh dolgslege dreore bestemed,
ac wæs eft swa ær þurh þa æelan miht
lof lædende, ond on his lice trum.
Hwæt, ic hwile nu haliges lare,
leogiddinga, lof þæs þe worhte,
- 1480
- wordum wemde, wyrd undyrne
ofer min gemet. Mycel is to secganne,
langsum leornung, þæt he in life adreag,
eall æfter orde. þæt scell æglæwra
mann on moldan þonne ic me tælige
- 1485
- findan on fere, þæt fram fruman cunne
eall þa earfeo þe he mid elne adreah,
grimra gua. Hwære git sceolon
lytlum sticcum leoworda dæl
furur reccan. þæt is fyrnsægen,
- 1490
- hu he weorna feala wita geolode,
heardra hilda, in þære hæenan byrig.
He be wealle geseah wundrum fæste
under sælwage sweras unlytle,
stapulas standan, storme bedrifene,
- 1495
- eald enta geweorc. He wi anne þæra,
mihtig ond modrof, mæel gehede,
wis, wundrum gleaw, word stunde ahof:
"Geher u, marmanstan, meotudes rædum,
fore þæs onsyne ealle gesceafte
- 1500
- forhte geweora, þonne hie fæder geseo
heofonas ond eoran herigea mæste
on middangeard mancynn secan.
Læt nu of þinum staþole streamas weallan,
ea inflede, nu e ælmihtig
- 1505
- hate, heofona cyning, þæt u hrædlice
on þis fræte folc for onsende
wæter widrynig to wera cwealme,
geofon geotende. Hwæt, u golde eart,
sincgife, sylla! On e sylf cyning
- 1510
- wrat, wuldres god, wordum cyde
recene geryno, ond ryhte æ
getacnode on tyn wordum,
meotud mihtum swi. Moyse sealde,
swa hit sofæste syþan heoldon,
- 1515
- modige magoþegnas, magas sine,
godfyrhte guman, Iosua ond Tobias.
Nu u miht gecnawan þæt þe cyning engla
gefrætwode furur mycle
giofum geardagum þonne eall gimma cynn.
- 1520
- þurh his halige hæs þu scealt hræe cyan
gif u his ondgitan ænige hæbbe."
Næs þa wordlatu wihte þon mare
þæt se stan togan. Stream ut aweoll,
fleow ofer foldan. Famige walcan
- 1525
- mid ærdæge eoran þehton,
myclade mereflod. Meoduscerwen wear
æfter symbeldæge, slæpe tobrugdon
searuhæbbende. Sund grunde onfeng,
deope gedrefed. Dugu wear afyrhted
- 1530
- þurh þæs flodes fær. Fæge swulton,
geonge on geofene guræs fornam
þurh sealtne weg. þæt wæs
sorgbyrþen,
biter beorþegu. Byrlas ne gældon,
ombehtþegnas. þær wæs ælcum genog
- 1535
- fram dæges orde drync sona gearu.
Weox wæteres þrym. Weras cwanedon,
ealde æscberend. Wæs him ut myne
fleon fealone stream, woldon feore beorgan,
to dunscræfum drohta secan,
- 1540
- eoran ondwist. Him þæt engel forstod,
se a burh oferbrægd blacan lige,
hatan heaowælme. Hreoh wæs þær inne
beatende brim. Ne mihte beorna hlo
of þam fæstenne fleame spowan.
- 1545
- Wægas weoxon, wadu hlynsodon,
flugon fyrgnastas, flod yum weoll.
ær wæs yfynde innan burgum
geomorgidd wrecen. Geho mændan
forhtfer manig, fusleo golon.
- 1550
- Egeslic æled eagsyne wear,
heardlic hereteam, hleoor gryrelic.
þurh lyftgelac leges blæstas
weallas ymbwurpon, wæter mycladon.
þær wæs wop wera wide gehyred,
- 1555
- earmlic ylda gedræg. þa þær an ongann,
feasceaft hæle, folc gadorigean,
hean, hygegeomor, heofende spræc:
"Nu ge magon sylfe so gecnawan,
þæt we mid unrihte ellþeodigne
- 1560
- on carcerne clommum belegdon,
witebendum. Us seo wyrd scye,
heard ond hetegrim. þæt is her swa cu,
is hit mycle selre, þæs þe ic so talige,
þæt we hine alysan of leoobendum,
- 1565
- ealle anmode, (ofost is selost),
ond us þone halgan helpe biddan,
geoce ond frofre. Us bi gearu sona
sybb æfter sorge, gif we secaþ to him."
þa þær Andrea orgete wear
- 1570
- on fyrhlocan folces gebæro,
þær wæs modigra mægen forbeged,
wigendra þrym. Wæter fæmedon,
fleow firgendstream, flod wæs on luste,
oþþæt breost oferstag, brim weallende,
- 1575
- eorlum o exle. þa se æeling het
streamfare stillan, stormas restan
ymbe stanhleou. Stop ut hræe
cene collenfer, carcern ageaf,
gleawmod, gode leof. Him wæs gearu sona
- 1580
- þurh streamræce stræt gerymed.
Smeolt wæs se sigewang, symble wæs dryge
folde fram flode, swa his fot gestop.
Wurdon burgware blie on mode,
ferhgefeonde. þa wæs for cumen
- 1585
- geoc æfter gyrne. Geofon swarode
þurh haliges hæs, hlyst yst forgeaf,
brimrad gebad. þa se beorg tohlad,
eorscræf egeslic, ond þær in forlet
flod fæmian, fealewe wægas,
- 1590
- geotende gegrind grund eall forswealg.
Nalas he þær ye ane bisencte,
ach þæs weorodes eac a wyrrestan,
faa folcsceaan, feowertyne
gewiton mid þy wæge in forwyrd sceacan
- 1595
- under eorþan grund. þa wear acolmod,
forhtfer manig folces on laste.
Wendan hie wifa ond wera cwealmes,
þearlra geþinga rage hnagran,
syan mane faa, mororscyldige,
- 1600
- gugelacan under grund hruron.
Hie a anmode ealle cwædon:
"Nu is gesyne æt þe so meotud,
cyning eallwihta, cræftum wealde,
se isne ar hider onsende
- 1605
- þeodum to helpe. Is nu þearf mycel
þæt we gumcystum georne hyran."
þa se halga ongann hæle blissigean,
wigendra þreat wordum retan:
"Ne beo ge to forhte, þeh þe fell curen
- 1610
- synnigra cynn. Swylt þrowode,
witu be gewyrhtum. Eow is wuldres leoht
torht ontyned, gif ge teala hycga."
Sende þa his bene fore bearn godes,
bæd haligne helpe gefremman
- 1615
- gumena geogoe, þe on geofene ær
þurh flodes fæm feorh gesealdon,
æt þa gastas, gode orfeorme,
in wita forwyrd, wuldre bescyrede,
in feonda geweald gefered ne wurdan.
- 1620
- þa æt ærende ealwealdan gode
æfter hleoorcwidum haliges gastes
wæs on þanc sprecen, eoda ræswan.
Het þa onsunde ealle arisan,
geonge of greote, þa ær geofon cwealde.
- 1625
- þa þær ofostlice upp astodon
manige on mele, mine gefrege,
eaforan unweaxne, a wæs eall eador
leoolic ond gastlic, þeah hie lungre ær
þurh flodes fær feorh aleton.
- 1630
- Onfengon fulwihte ond freouwære,
wuldres wedde witum aspedde,
mundbyrd meotudes. þa se modiga het,
cyninges cræftiga, ciricean getimbran,
gerwan godes tempel, þær sio geogo aras
- 1635
- þurh fæder fulwiht ond se flod onsprang.
þa gesamnodon secga þreate
weras geond þa winburg wide ond side,
eorlas anmode, ond hira idesa mid,
cwædon holdlice hyran woldon,
- 1640
- onfon fromlice fullwihtes bæ
dryhtne to willan, ond diofolgild,
ealde eolhstedas, anforlætan.
þa wæs mid þy folce fulwiht hæfen,
æele mid eorlum, ond æ godes
- 1645
- riht aræred, ræd on lande
mid þam ceasterwarum, cirice gehalgod.
þær se ar godes anne gesette,
wisfæstne wer, wordes gleawne,
in þære beorhtan byrig bisceop þam leodum,
- 1650
- ond gehalgode fore þam heremægene
þurh apostolhad, Platan nemned,
þeodum on þearfe, ond þriste bebead
þæt hie his lare læston georne,
feorhræd fremedon. Sægde his fusne hige,
- 1655
- þæt he þa goldburg ofgifan wolde,
secga seledream ond sincgestreon,
beorht beagselu, ond him brimþisan
æt sæs faroe secan wolde.
þæt wæs þam weorode weorc to geþoligenne,
- 1660
- þæt hie se leodfruma leng ne wolde
wihte gewunian. þa him wuldres god
on þam sifæte sylfum ætywde,
ond þæt word gecwæ, weoruda dryhten:
"folc of firenum? Is him fus hyge
- 1665
- ga geomriende, geoho mæna
weras wif samod. Hira wop becom,
murnende mod
fore sneowan.
Ne scealt u þæt eowde anforlætan
- 1670
- on swa niowan gefean, ah him naman minne
on ferlocan fæste getimbre.
Wuna in þære winbyrig, wigendra hleo,
salu sinchroden, seofon nihta fyrst.
Syan u mid mildse minre ferest."
- 1675
- þa eft gewat ore sie
modig, mægene rof, Marmedonia
ceastre secan. Cristenra weox
word ond wisdom, syan wuldres þegn,
æþelcyninges ar, eagum sawon.
- 1680
- Lærde þa þa leode on geleafan weg,
trymede torhtlice, tireadigra
wenede to wuldre weorod unmæte,
to þam halgan ham heofona rices,
þær fæder ond sunu ond frofre gast
- 1685
- in þrinnesse þrymme wealde
in woruld worulda wuldorgestealda.
Swylce se halga herigeas þreade,
deofulgild todraf ond gedwolan fylde.
þæt wæs Satane sar to geþolienne,
- 1690
- mycel modes sorg, þæt he a menigeo geseah
hweorfan higeblie fram helltrafum
þurh Andreas este lare
to fægeran gefean, þær næfre feondes ne bi,
gastes gramhydiges, gang on lande.
- 1695
- þa wæron gefylde æfter frean dome
dagas on rime, swa him dryhten bebead,
þæt he þa wederburg wunian sceolde.
Ongan hine þa fysan ond to flote gyrwan,
blissum hremig, wolde on brimþisan
- 1700
- Achaie ore sie
sylfa gesecan, þær he sawulgedal,
beaducwealm gebad. þæt þam banan ne wear
hleahtre behworfen, ah in helle ceafl
si asette, ond syan no,
- 1705
- fah, freonda leas, frofre benohte.
a ic lædan gefrægn leoda weorode
leofne lareow to lides stefnan,
mæcgas modgeomre. þær manegum wæs
hat æt heortan hyge weallende.
- 1710
- Hie a gebrohton æt brimes næsse
on wægþele wigan unslawne.
Stodon him a on ofre æfter reotan
þendon hie on yum æelinga wunn
ofer seolhpau geseon mihton,
- 1715
- ond þa weoredon wuldres agend,
cleopodon on corre, ond cwædon þus:
"An is ece god eallra gesceafta!
Is his miht ond his æht ofer middangeard
breme gebledsod, ond his blæd ofer eall
- 1720
- in heofonþrymme halgum scine,
wlitige on wuldre to widan ealdre,
ece mid englum. þæt is æele cyning!"
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwæt! Ic þysne sang sigeomor fand
on seocum sefan, samnode wide
hu þa æelingas ellen cydon,
torhte ond tireadige. Twelfe wæron,
- 5
- dædum domfæste, dryhtne gecorene,
leofe on life. Lof wide sprang,
miht ond mæro, ofer middangeard,
þeodnes þegna, þrym unlytel.
Halgan heape hlyt wisode
- 10
- þær hie dryhtnes æ deman sceoldon,
reccan fore rincum. Sume on Romebyrig,
frame, fyrdhwate, feorh ofgefon
þurg Nerones nearwe searwe,
Petrus ond Paulus. Is se apostolhad
- 15
- wide geweorod ofer werþeoda!
Swylce Andreas in Achagia
for Egias aldre genede.
Ne þreodode he fore þrymme eodcyninges,
æniges on eoran, ac him ece geceas
- 20
- langsumre lif, leoht unhwilen,
syþþan hildeheard, heriges byrhtme,
æfter guplegan gealgan þehte.
Hwæt, we eac gehyrdon be Iohanne
æglæawe menn æelo reccan!
- 25
- Se manna wæs, mine gefrege,
þurh cneorisse Criste leofast
on weres hade, syan wuldres cyning,
engla ordfruma, eoran sohte
þurh fæmnan hrif, fæder manncynnes.
- 30
- He in Effessia ealle þrage
leode lærde, þanon lifes weg
sie gesohte, swegle dreamas,
beorhtne boldwelan. Næs his broor læt,
sies sæne, ac urh sweordes bite
- 35
- mid Iudeum Iacob sceolde
fore Herode ealdre gedælan,
feorh wi flæsce. Philipus wæs
mid Asseum, þanon ece lif
þurh rode cwealm ricene gesohte,
- 40
- syan on galgan in Gearapolim
ahangen wæs hildecorre.
Huru, wide wear wurd undyrne
þæt to Indeum aldre gelædde
beaducræftig beorn, Bartholameus!
- 45
- þone heht Astrias in Albano,
hæen ond hygeblind, heafde beneotan,
forþan he a hæengild hyran ne wolde,
wig weorian. Him wæs wuldres dream,
lifwela leofra þonne þas leasan godu.
- 50
- Swylce Thomas eac þriste genede
on Indea ore dælas,
þær manegum wear mod onlihted,
hige onhyrded, þurh his halig word.
Syan collenfer cyninges broor
- 55
- awehte for weorodum, wundorcræfte,
þurh dryhtnes miht, þæt he of deae aras,
geong ond guhwæt, ond him wæs Gad nama,
ond a þæm folce feorg gesealde,
sin æt sæcce. Sweordræs fornam
- 60
- þurh hæene hand, þær se halga gecrang,
wund for weorudum, þonon wuldres leoht
sawle gesohte sigores to leane.
Hwæt, we þæt gehyrdon þurg halige bec,
þæt mid Sigelwarum so yppe wear,
- 65
- dryhtlic dom godes! Dæges or onwoc,
leohtes geleafan, land wæs gefælsod
þurh Matheus mære lare.
þone het Irtacus urh yrne hyge,
wælreow cyning, wæpnum aswebban.
- 70
- Hyrde we þæt Iacob in Ierusalem
fore sacerdum swilt þrowode.
urg stenges sweng stimod gecrang,
eadig for æfestum. Hafa nu ece lif
mid wuldorcining, wiges to leane.
- 75
- Næron a twegen tohtan sæne,
lindgelaces, land Persea
sohton sifrome, Simon ond Thaddeus,
beornas beadorofe! Him wear bam samod
an endedæg. æele sceoldon
- 80
- urh wæpenhete weorc þrowigan,
sigelean secan, ond þone soan gefean,
dream æfter deae, þa gedæled wear
lif wi lice, ond þas lænan gestreon,
idle æhtwelan, ealle forhogodan.
- 85
- us a æelingas ende gesealdon,
XII tilmodige. Tir unbræcne
wegan on gewitte wuldres þegnas.
Nu ic þonne bidde beorn se e lufige
þysses giddes begang þæt he geomrum me
- 90
- þone halgan heap helpe bidde,
fries ond fultomes. Hu, ic freonda beþearf
lira on lade, þonne ic sceal langne ham,
eardwic uncu, ana gesecan,
lætan me on laste lic, eoran dæl,
- 95
- wælreaf wunigean weormum to hrore.
Her mæg findan foreþances gleaw,
se e hine lyste leogiddunga,
hwa þas fitte fegde. feoh þær on ende standeþ,
eorlas þæs on eoran brucaþ. Ne moton hie awa ætsomne,
- 100
- woruldwunigende; wen sceal gedreosan,
ur on ele, æfter tohreosan
læne lices frætewa, efne swa lagu toglide.
þonne cen ond yr cræftes
neosa
nihtes nearowe, on him nyd lige,
- 105
- cyninges þeodom. Nu u cunnon miht
hwa on þam wordum wæs werum
oncyig.
Sie þæs gemyndig, mann se e lufige
þisses galdres begang, þæt he geoce me
ond frofre fricle. Ic sceall feor heonan,
- 110
- an elles for, eardes neosan,
si asettan, nat ic sylfa hwær,
of þisse worulde. Wic sindon uncu,
eard ond eel, swa bi ælcum menn
nemþe he godcundes gastes bruce.
- 115
- Ah utu we þe geornor to gode cleopigan,
sendan usse bene on þa beorhtan gesceaft,
þæt we þæs botles brucan motan,
hames in heho, þær is hihta mæst,
þær cyning engla clænum gilde
- 120
- lean unhwilen. Nu a his lof stande,
mycel ond mære, ond his miht seomaþ,
ece ond edgiong, ofer ealle gesceaft.
Finit.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Huru, æs behofa hælea æghwylc
þæt he his sawle si sylfa geþence,
hu þæt bi deoplic þonne se dea cyme,
asyndre þa sybbe þe ær samod wæron,
- 5
- lic ond sawle! Lang bi syan
þæt se gast nime æt gode sylfum
swa wite swa wuldor, swa him on worulde ær
efne þæt eorfæt ær geworhte.
Sceal se gast cuman geohum hremig,
- 10
- symble ymbe seofon niht sawle findan
þone lichoman þe hie ær lange wæg,
þreo hund wintra, butan ær þeodcyning,
ælmihtig god, ende worulde
wyrcan wille, weoruda dryhten.
- 15
- Cleopa þonne swa cearful cealdan reorde,
sprece grimlice se gast to þam duste:
"Hwæt, druh u dreorega, to hwan drehtest u me,
eoran fulnes eal forwisnad,
lames gelicnes! Lyt u gemundest
- 20
- to hwan þinre sawle þing siþan wurde,
syan of lichoman læded wære!
Hwæt, wite u me, weriga! Hwæt, u huru wyrma
gyfl
lyt geþohtest, þa u lustgryrum eallum
ful geeodest, hu u on eoran scealt
- 25
- wyrmum to wiste! Hwæt, u on worulde ær
lyt geþohtest hu þis is þus lang hider!
Hwæt, þe la engel ufan of roderum
sawle onsende þurh his sylfes hand,
meotod ælmihtig, of his mægenþrymme,
- 30
- ond þe gebohte blode þy halgan,
ond þu me mid þy heardan hungre gebunde
ond gehæftnedest helle witum!
Eardode ic þe on innan. Ne meahte ic e of cuman,
flæsce befangen, ond me fyrenlustas
- 35
- þine geþrungon. þæt me þuhte ful oft
þæt hit wære XXX þusend wintra
to þinum deadæge. A ic uncres gedales onbad
earfolice. Nis nu huru se ende to god!
Wære þu þe wiste wlanc ond wines sæd,
- 40
- þrymful þunedest, ond ic ofþyrsted wæs
godes lichoman, gastes drynces.
Foran þu ne hogodest her on life,
syan ic e on worulde wunian sceolde,
þæt u wære þurh flæsc ond þurh fyrenlustas
- 45
- strange gestryned ond gestaolod þurh me,
ond ic wæs gast on e fram gode sended.
Næfre u me wi swa heardum helle witum
ne generedest þurh þinra nieda lust.
Scealt u minra gesynta sceame þrowian
- 50
- on am myclan dæge þonne eall manna cynn
se ancenneda ealle gesamna.
Ne eart u þon leofra nænigum lifigendra
men to gemæccan, ne meder ne fæder
ne nænigum gesybban, þonne se swearta hrefen,
- 55
- syan ic ana of e ut siode
þurh þæs sylfes hand þe ic ær onsended wæs.
Ne magon þe nu heonon adon hyrsta þa
readan
ne gold ne seolfor ne þinra goda nan,
ne þinre bryde beag ne þin boldwela,
- 60
- ne nan þara goda þe u iu ahtest,
ac her sceolon onbidan ban bereafod,
besliten synum, ond þe þin sawl sceal
minum unwillum oft gesecan,
wemman þe mid wordum, swa u worhtest to me.
- 65
- Eart u nu dumb ond deaf, ne synt þine dreamas awiht.
Sceal ic e nihtes swa þeah nede gesecan,
synnum gesargod, ond eft sona fram þe
hweorfan on hancred, þonne halige men
lifiendum gode lofsang do,
- 70
- secan þa hamas þe u me her scrife,
ond þa arleasan eardungstowe,
ond þe sculon her moldwyrmas manige ceowan,
slitan sarlice swearte wihta,
gifre ond grædige. Ne synt þine æhta awihte
- 75
- þe u her on moldan mannum eowdest.
Foran þe wære selre swie mycle
þonne þe wæron ealle eoran speda,
(butan þu hie gedælde dryhtne sylfum),
þær u wurde æt fryme fugel oe fisc on sæ,
- 80
- oe on eoran neat ætes tilode,
feldgangende feoh butan snyttro,
oe on westenne wildra deora
þæt wyrreste, þær swa god wolde,
ge þeah u wære wyrma cynna
- 85
- þæt grimmeste, þær swa god wolde,
þonne u æfre on moldan man gewurde
oe æfre fulwihte onfon sceolde.
þonne u for unc bæm andwyrdan scealt
on am miclan dæge, þonne mannum beo
- 90
- wunda onwrigene, þa e on worulde ær
fyrenfulle men fyrn geworhton,
onne wyle dryhten sylf dæda gehyran
hælea gehwylces, heofena scippend,
æt ealra manna gehwæs mues reorde
- 95
- wunde wierlean. Ac hwæt wylt u þær
on þam domdæge dryhtne secgan?
þonne ne bi nan na to þæs lytel li on lime aweaxen,
þæt u ne scyle for anra gehwylcum onsundrum
riht agildan, þonne ree bi
- 100
- dryhten æt þam dome. Ac hwæt do wyt unc?
Sculon wit þonne eft ætsomne sian brucan
swylcra yrma, swa u unc her ær scrife!"
Fyrna þus þæt flæschord, sceall þonne feran onweg,
secan hellegrund, nallæs heofondreamas,
- 105
- dædum gedrefed. Lige dust þær hit wæs,
ne mæg him ondsware ænige gehatan,
geomrum gaste, geoce oe frofre.
Bi þæt heafod tohliden, handa toliode,
geaglas toginene, goman toslitene,
- 110
- sina beo asocene, swyra becowen,
fingras tohrorene.
Rib reafia ree wyrmas,
beo hira tungan totogenne on tyn healfa
hungregum to frofre; forþan hie ne magon huxlicum
- 115
- wordum wrixlian wi þone werian gast.
Gifer hatte se wyrm, þe þa eaglas beo
nædle scearpran. Se genydde to
ærest eallra on þam eorscræfe,
þæt he þa tungan totyh ond þa te þurhsmyh
- 120
- ond þa eagan þurhete ufan on þæt heafod
ond to ætwelan orum geryme,
wyrmum to wiste, þonne þæt werie
lic acolod bi þæt he lange ær
werede mid wædum. Bi þonne wyrma gifel,
- 125
- æt on eorþan. þæt mæg æghwylcum
men to gemynde, modsnotra gehwam!
onne bi hyhtlicre þæt sio halige sawl
fære to am flæsce, frofre bewunden.
Bi þæt ærende eadiglicre
- 130
- funden on ferhe. Mid gefean sece
lustum þæt lamfæt þæt hie ær lange wæg.
þonne þa gastas gode word spreca,
snottre, sigefæste, ond þus solice
þone lichoman lustum gretaþ:
- 135
- "Wine leofesta, þeah e
wyrmas gyt
gifre gretaþ, nu is þin gast cumen,
fægere gefrætewod, of mines fæder rice,
arum bewunden. Eala, min dryhten,
þær ic þe moste mid me lædan,
- 140
- þæt wyt englas ealle gesawon,
heofona wuldor, swylc swa u me ær her scrife!
Fæstest u on foldan ond gefyldest me
godes lichoman, gastes drynces.
Wære u on wædle, sealdest me wilna geniht.
- 145
- Foran u ne þearft sceamian, þonne sceadene beoþ
þa synfullan ond þa sofæstan
on þam mæran dæge, þæs u me geafe,
ne e hreowan þearf her on life
ealles swa mycles swa u me sealdest
- 150
- on gemotstede manna ond engla.
Bygdest u þe for hæleum ond ahofe me on ecne dream.
Forþan me a langaþ, leofost manna,
on minum hige hearde, þæs þe ic þe on þyssum hynum wat
wyrmum to wiste, ac þæt wolde god,
- 155
- þæt þu æfre þus lalic legerbed cure.
Wolde ic þe onne secgan þæt u ne sorgode,
foran wyt bio gegæderode æt godes dome.
Moton wyt þonne ætsomne syþan brucan
ond unc on heofonum heahþungene beon.
- 160
- Ne þurfon wyt beon cearie æt cyme dryhtnes,
ne þære andsware yfele habban
sorge in hrere, ac wyt sylfe magon
æt am dome þær dædum agilpan,
hwylce earnunga uncre wæron.
- 165
- Wat ic þæt þu wære on woruldrice
geþungen þrymlice þysses"
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- sorh cyme
manig ond mislic in manna dream.
Eorl oerne mid æfþancum
ond mid teonwordum tæle behindan,
- 5
- sprece fægere beforan, ond þæt facen swa
þeah
hafa in his heortan, hord unclæne.
By þonne þæs wommes gewita weoruda dryhten.
Foran se witiga cwæ:
"Ne syle u me ætsomne mid þam synfullum
- 10
- in wita forwyrd, weoruda dryhten,
ne me on life forleos mid þam ligewyrhtum,
þam þe ful smee spræce habba,
ond in gastcofan grimme geþohtas,
gehata holdlice, swa hyra hyht ne gæ,
- 15
- wære mid welerum." Wea bi in mode,
siofa synnum fah, sare geblonden,
gefylled mid facne, þeah he fæger word
utan ætywe. ænlice beo,
swa a beon bera buta ætsomne
- 20
- arlicne anleofan, ond ætterne tægel
hafa on hindan, hunig on mue,
wynsume wist. Hwilum wundiaþ
sare mid stinge, þonne se sæl cyme.
Swa bio gelice þa leasan men,
- 25
- þa e mid tungan treowa gehataþ
fægerum wordum, facenlice þencaþ,
þonne hie æt nehstan nearwe beswicaþ,
hafa on gehatum hunigsmæccas,
smene sybcwide, ond in siofan innan
- 30
- þurh deofles cræft dyrne wunde.
Swa is nu þes middangeard mane geblonden,
wana ond weaxe. Waca se ealda,
dwele ond drefe dæges ond nihtes
miltse mid mane, mægene getrywe,
- 35
- ehte æfestra, inwit sawe,
ni mid geneahe. Nænig oerne
freo in fyrhe nimþe feara hwylc,
þæt he solice sybbe healde,
gastlice lufe, swa him god bebead.
- 40
- Forþan eallunga hyht geceose,
woruld wynsume, se e wis ne bi,
snottor, searocræftig sawle rædes.
Uton to þam beteran, nu we bot cunnon,
hycgan ond hyhtan, þæt we heofones leoht
- 45
- uppe mid englum agan moton
gastum to geoce, þonne god wile
eoran lifes ende gewyrcan!
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwæt! Ic swefna cyst secgan wylle,
hwæt me gemætte to midre nihte,
syþan reordberend reste wunedon!
þuhte me þæt ic gesawe syllicre treow
- 5
- on lyft lædan, leohte bewunden,
beama beorhtost. Eall þæt beacen wæs
begoten mid golde. Gimmas stodon
fægere æt foldan sceatum, swylce þær fife wæron
uppe on þam eaxlegespanne. Beheoldon þær engel dryhtnes
ealle,
- 10
- fægere þurh forgesceaft. Ne wæs ær huru fracodes gealga,
ac hine þær beheoldon halige gastas,
men ofer moldan, ond eall þeos mære gesceaft.
Syllic wæs se sigebeam, ond ic synnum fah,
forwunded mid wommum. Geseah ic wuldres treow,
- 15
- wædum geweorode, wynnum scinan,
gegyred mid golde; gimmas hæfdon
bewrigene weorlice wealdendes treow.
Hwære ic þurh þæt gold ongytan meahte
earmra ærgewin, þæt hit ærest ongan
- 20
- swætan on þa swiran healfe. Eall ic wæs mid sorgum
gedrefed,
forht ic wæs for þære fægran gesyhe. Geseah ic þæt fuse
beacen
wendan wædum ond bleom; hwilum hit wæs mid wætan bestemed,
beswyled mid swates gange, hwilum mid since gegyrwed.
Hwære ic þær licgende lange hwile
- 25
- beheold hreowcearig hælendes treow,
oæt ic gehyrde þæt hit hleorode.
Ongan þa word sprecan wudu selesta:
"þæt wæs geara iu, (ic þæt gyta geman),
þæt ic wæs aheawen holtes on ende,
- 30
- astyred of stefne minum. Genaman me ær strange feondas,
geworhton him þær to wæfersyne, heton me heora wergas hebban.
Bæron me ær beornas on eaxlum, oæt hie me on beorg asetton,
gefæstnodon me þær feondas genoge. Geseah ic þa frean
mancynnes
efstan elne mycle þæt he me wolde on gestigan.
- 35
- þær ic þa ne dorste ofer dryhtnes word
bugan oe berstan, þa ic bifian geseah
eoran sceatas. Ealle ic mihte
feondas gefyllan, hwære ic fæste stod.
Ongyrede hine þa geong hæle, (þæt wæs god ælmihtig),
- 40
- strang ond stimod. Gestah he on gealgan heanne,
modig on manigra gesyhe, þa he wolde mancyn lysan.
Bifode ic þa me se beorn ymbclypte. Ne dorste ic hwære bugan
to eoran,
feallan to foldan sceatum, ac ic sceolde fæste standan.
Rod wæs ic aræred. Ahof ic ricne cyning,
- 45
- heofona hlaford, hyldan me ne dorste.
þurhdrifan hi me mid deorcan næglum. On me syndon þa dolg
gesiene,
opene inwidhlemmas. Ne dorste ic hira nænigum scean.
Bysmeredon hie unc butu ætgædere. Eall ic wæs mid blode
bestemed,
begoten of þæs guman sidan, sian he hæfde his gast onsended.
- 50
- Feala ic on þam beorge gebiden hæbbe
wrara wyrda. Geseah ic weruda god
þearle þenian. þystro hæfdon
bewrigen mid wolcnum wealdendes hræw,
scirne sciman, sceadu foreode,
- 55
- wann under wolcnum. Weop eal gesceaft,
cwidon cyninges fyll. Crist wæs on rode.
Hwæere þær fuse feorran cwoman
to þam æelinge. Ic þæt eall beheold.
Sare ic wæs mid sorgum gedrefed, hnag ic
hwære þam secgum to handa,
- 60
- eamod elne mycle. Genamon hie þær ælmihtigne god,
ahofon hine of am hefian wite. Forleton me þa hilderincas
standan steame bedrifenne; eall ic wæs mid strælum forwundod.
Aledon hie ær limwerigne, gestodon him æt his lices heafdum,
beheoldon hie ær heofenes dryhten, ond he hine ær hwile
reste,
- 65
- mee æfter am miclan gewinne. Ongunnon him þa moldern wyrcan
beornas on banan gesyhe; curfon hie æt of beorhtan stane,
gesetton hie æron sigora wealdend. Ongunnon him þa sorhleo
galan
earme on þa æfentide, þa hie woldon eft siian,
mee fram þam mæran þeodne. Reste he ær mæte weorode.
- 70
- Hwæere we ær greotende gode hwile
stodon on staole, syan stefn up gewat
hilderinca. Hræw colode,
fæger feorgbold. þa us man fyllan ongan
ealle to eoran. þæt wæs egeslic wyrd!
- 75
- Bedealf us man on deopan seaþe. Hwære me þær dryhtnes þegnas,
freondas gefrunon,
ond gyredon me golde ond seolfre.
Nu u miht gehyran, hæle min se leofa,
þæt ic bealuwara weorc gebiden hæbbe,
- 80
- sarra sorga. Is nu sæl cumen
þæt me weoria wide ond side
menn ofer moldan, ond eall þeos mære gesceaft,
gebiddaþ him to þyssum beacne. On me bearn godes
þrowode hwile. Forþan ic þrymfæst nu
- 85
- hlifige under heofenum, ond ic hælan mæg
æghwylcne anra, þara þe him bi egesa to me.
Iu ic wæs geworden wita heardost,
leodum laost, ærþan ic him lifes weg
rihtne gerymde, reordberendum.
- 90
- Hwæt, me þa geweorode wuldres ealdor
ofer holmwudu, heofonrices weard!
Swylce swa he his modor eac, Marian sylfe,
ælmihtig god for ealle menn
geweorode ofer eall wifa cynn.
- 95
- Nu ic þe hate, hæle min se leofa,
þæt u þas gesyhe secge mannum,
onwreoh wordum þæt hit is wuldres beam,
se e ælmihtig god on þrowode
for mancynnes manegum synnum
- 100
- ond Adomes ealdgewyrhtum.
Dea he þær byrigde, hwæere eft dryhten aras
mid his miclan mihte mannum to helpe.
He a on heofenas astag. Hider eft fundaþ
on þysne middangeard mancynn secan
- 105
- on domdæge dryhten sylfa,
ælmihtig god, ond his englas mid,
þæt he þonne wile deman, se ah domes geweald,
anra gehwylcum swa he him ærur her
on þyssum lænum life geearnaþ.
- 110
- Ne mæg þær ænig unforht wesan
for þam worde þe se wealdend cwy.
Frine he for þære mænige hwær se man sie,
se e for dryhtnes naman deaes wolde
biteres onbyrigan, swa he ær on am beame dyde.
- 115
- Ac hie þonne forhtia, ond fea þencaþ
hwæt hie to Criste cwean onginnen.
Ne þearf ær þonne ænig anforht wesan
þe him ær in breostum bere beacna selest,
ac urh a rode sceal rice gesecan
- 120
- of eorwege æghwylc sawl,
seo þe mid wealdende wunian þence."
Gebæd ic me þa to þan beame blie mode,
elne mycle, þær ic ana wæs
mæte werede. Wæs modsefa
- 125
- afysed on forwege, feala ealra gebad
langunghwila. Is me nu lifes hyht
þæt ic þone sigebeam secan mote
ana oftor þonne ealle men,
well weorþian. Me is willa to am
- 130
- mycel on mode, ond min mundbyrd is
geriht to þære rode. Nah ic ricra feala
freonda on foldan, ac hie for heonon
gewiton of worulde dreamum, sohton him wuldres cyning,
lifiaþ nu on heofenum mid heahfædere,
- 135
- wuniaþ on wuldre, ond ic wene me
daga gehwylce hwænne me dryhtnes rod,
þe ic her on eoran ær sceawode,
on þysson lænan life gefetige
ond me þonne gebringe þær is blis mycel,
- 140
- dream on heofonum, þær is dryhtnes folc
geseted to symle, þær is singal blis,
ond me þonne asette þær ic syþþan mot
wunian on wuldre, well mid þam halgum
dreames brucan. Si me dryhten freond,
- 145
- se e her on eorþan ær þrowode
on þam gealgtreowe for guman synnum.
He us onlysde ond us lif forgeaf,
heofonlicne ham. Hiht wæs geniwad
mid bledum ond mid blisse þam þe þær bryne þolodan.
- 150
- Se sunu wæs sigorfæst on þam sifate,
mihtig ond spedig, þa he mid manigeo com,
gasta weorode, on godes rice,
anwealda ælmihtig, englum to blisse
ond eallum am halgum þam þe on heofonum ær
- 155
- wunedon on wuldre, þa heora wealdend cwom,
ælmihtig god, þær his eel wæs.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- þa wæs agangen geara hwyrftum
tu hund ond þreo geteled rimes,
swylce XXX eac, þinggemearces,
wintra for worulde, þæs þe wealdend god
- 5
- acenned wear, cyninga wuldor,
in middangeard þurh mennisc heo,
sofæstra leoht. þa wæs syxte gear
Constantines caserdomes,
þæt he Romwara in rice wear
- 10
- ahæfen, hildfruma, to hereteman.
Wæs se leodhwata lindgeborga
eorlum arfæst. æelinges weox
rice under roderum. He wæs riht cyning,
guweard gumena. Hine god trymede
- 15
- mærum ond mihtum, þæt he manegum wear
geond middangeard mannum to hroer,
werþeodum to wræce, syan wæpen ahof
wi hetendum. Him wæs hild boden,
wiges woma. Werod samnodan
- 20
- Huna leode ond Hregotan,
foron fyrdhwate Francan ond Hugas.
Wæron hwate weras,
gearwe to gue. Garas lixtan,
wriene wælhlencan. Wordum ond bordum
- 25
- hofon herecombol. þa wæron heardingas
sweotole gesamnod ond eal sib geador.
For folca gedryht. Fyrdleo agol
wulf on wealde, wælrune ne ma.
Urigfeera earn sang ahof,
- 30
- laum on laste. Lungre scynde
ofer burg enta beaduþreata mæst,
hergum to hilde, swylce Huna cyning
ymbsittendra awer meahte
abannan to beadwe burgwigendra.
- 35
- For fyrda mæst. Fean trymedon
eoredcestum, þæt on ælfylce
dearelacende on Danubie,
stærcedfyrhe, stæe wicedon
ymb þæs wæteres wylm. Werodes breahtme
- 40
- woldon Romwara rice geþringan,
hergum ahyan. þær wear Huna cyme
cu ceasterwarum. þa se casere heht
ongean gramum gugelæcan
under earhfære ofstum myclum
- 45
- bannan to beadwe, beran ut þræce
rincas under roderum. Wæron Romware,
secgas sigerofe, sona gegearwod
wæpnum to wigge, þeah hie werod læsse
hæfdon to hilde þonne Huna cining;
- 50
- ridon ymb rofne, þonne rand dynede,
campwudu clynede, cyning þreate for,
herge to hilde. Hrefen uppe gol,
wan ond wælfel. Werod wæs on tyhte.
Hleopon hornboran, hreopan friccan,
- 55
- mearh moldan træd. Mægen samnode,
cafe to cease. Cyning wæs afyrhted,
egsan geaclad, sian elþeodige,
Huna ond Hrea here sceawede,
æt he on Romwara rices ende
- 60
- ymb þæs wæteres stæ werod samnode,
mægen unrime. Modsorge wæg
Romwara cyning, rices ne wende
for werodleste, hæfde wigena to lyt,
eaxlgestealna wi ofermægene,
- 65
- hrora to hilde. Here wicode,
eorlas ymb æeling, egstreame neah
on neaweste nihtlangne fyrst,
þæs þe hie feonda gefær fyrmest gesægon.
þa wear on slæpe sylfum ætywed
- 70
- þam casere, þær he on corre swæf,
sigerofum gesegen swefnes woma.
þuhte him wlitescyne on weres hade
hwit ond hiwbeorht hælea nathwylc
geywed ænlicra þonne he ær oe si
- 75
- gesege under swegle. He of slæpe onbrægd,
eofurcumble beþeaht. Him se ar hrae,
wlitig wuldres boda, wi þingode
ond be naman nemde, (nihthelm toglad):
"Constantinus, heht þe cyning engla,
- 80
- wyrda wealdend, wære beodan,
dugua dryhten. Ne ondræd þu e,
eah þe elþeodige egesan hwopan,
heardre hilde. þu to heofenum beseoh
on wuldres weard, þær u wrae findest,
- 85
- sigores tacen." He wæs sona gearu
þurh þæs halgan hæs, hreerlocan onspeon,
up locade, swa him se ar abead,
fæle friowebba. Geseah he frætwum beorht
wliti wuldres treo ofer wolcna hrof,
- 90
- golde geglenged, (gimmas lixtan);
wæs se blaca beam bocstafum awriten,
beorhte ond leohte: "Mid þys beacne u
on þam frecnan fære feond oferswies,
geletest la werod." þa þæt leoht gewat,
- 95
- up siode, ond se ar somed,
on clænra gemang. Cyning wæs þy blira
ond þe sorgleasra, secga aldor,
on fyrhsefan, þurh þa fægeran gesyh.
Heht þa onlice æelinga hleo,
- 100
- beorna beaggifa, swa he þæt beacen geseah,
heria hildfruma, þæt him on heofonum ær
geiewed wear, ofstum myclum,
Constantinus, Cristes rode,
tireadig cyning, tacen gewyrcan.
- 105
- Heht þa on uhtan mid ærdæge
wigend wreccan, ond wæpenþræce
hebban heorucumbul, ond þæt halige treo
him beforan ferian on feonda gemang,
beran beacen godes. Byman sungon
- 110
- hlude for hergum. Hrefn weorces gefeah,
urigfera, earn si beheold,
wælhreowra wig. Wulf sang ahof,
holtes gehlea. Hildegesa stod.
þær wæs borda gebrec ond beorna geþrec,
- 115
- heard handgeswing ond herga gring,
syan heo earhfære ærest metton.
On þæt fæge folc flana scuras,
garas ofer geolorand on gramra gemang,
hetend heorugrimme, hildenædran,
- 120
- þurh fingra geweald for onsendan.
Stopon stihidige, stundum wræcon,
bræcon bordhrean, bil in dufan,
þrungon þræchearde. þa wæs þuf hafen,
segn for sweotum, sigeleo galen.
- 125
- Gylden grima, garas lixtan
on herefelda. Hæene grungon,
feollon frielease. Flugon instæpes
Huna leode, swa þæt halige treo
aræran heht Romwara cyning,
- 130
- heaofremmende. Wurdon heardingas
wide towrecene. Sume wig fornam.
Sume unsofte aldor generedon
on þam heresie. Sume healfcwice
flugon on fæsten ond feore burgon
- 135
- æfter stanclifum, stede weardedon
ymb Danubie. Sume drenc fornam
on lagostreame lifes æt ende.
a wæs modigra mægen on luste,
ehton elþeoda o þæt æfen for
- 140
- fram dæges orde. Daroæsc flugon,
hildenædran. Heap wæs gescyrded,
lara lindwered. Lythwon becwom
Huna herges ham eft þanon.
þa wæs gesyne þæt sige forgeaf
- 145
- Constantino cyning ælmihtig
æt þam dægweorce, domweorunga,
rice under roderum, þurh his rode treo.
Gewat þa heriga helm ham eft þanon,
hue hremig, (hild wæs gesceaden),
- 150
- wigge geweorod. Com þa wigena hleo
þegna þreate þrybold secan,
beadurof cyning burga neosan.
Heht þa wigena weard þa wisestan
snude to sionoe, þa þe snyttro cræft
- 155
- þurh fyrngewrito gefrigen hæfdon,
heoldon higeþancum hælea rædas.
a þæs fricggan ongan folces aldor,
sigerof cyning, ofer sid weorod,
wære þær ænig yldra oe gingra
- 160
- þe him to soe secggan meahte,
galdrum cyan, hwæt se god wære,
boldes brytta, "þe þis his beacen wæs
þe me swa leoht oywde ond mine leode generede,
tacna torhtost, ond me tir forgeaf,
- 165
- wigsped wi wraum, þurh þæt wlitige treo."
Hio him ondsware ænige ne meahton
agifan togenes, ne ful geare cuon
sweotole gesecggan be þam sigebeacne.
þa þa wisestan wordum cwædon
- 170
- for þam heremægene þæt hit heofoncyninges
tacen wære, ond þæs tweo nære.
þa þæt gefrugnon þa þurh fulwihte
lærde wæron, (him wæs leoht sefa,
ferh gefeonde, þeah hira fea wæron),
- 175
- æt hie for þam casere cyan moston
godspelles gife, hu se gasta helm,
in þrynesse þrymme geweorad,
acenned wear, cyninga wuldor,
ond hu on galgan wear godes agen bearn
- 180
- ahangen for hergum heardum witum.
Alysde leoda bearn of locan deofla,
geomre gastas, ond him gife sealde
þurh þa ilcan gesceaft þe him geywed wear
sylfum on gesyhe, sigores tacen,
- 185
- wi þeoda þræce. Ond hu y þriddan dæge
of byrgenne beorna wuldor
of deae aras, dryhten ealra
hælea cynnes, ond to heofonum astah.
us gleawlice gastgerynum
- 190
- sægdon sigerofum, swa fram Siluestre
lærde wæron. æt þam se leodfruma
fulwihte onfeng ond þæt for geheold
on his dagana tid, dryhtne to willan.
a wæs on sælum sinces brytta,
- 195
- niheard cyning. Wæs him niwe gefea
befolen in fyrhe, wæs him frofra mæst
ond hyhta nihst heofonrices weard.
Ongan þa dryhtnes æ dæges ond nihtes
þurh gastes gife georne cyan,
- 200
- ond hine solice sylfne getengde
goldwine gumena in godes þeowdom,
æscrof, unslaw. þa se æeling fand,
leodgebyrga, þurh larsmias,
guheard, garþrist, on godes bocum
- 205
- hwær ahangen wæs heriges beorhtme
on rode treo rodora waldend
æfstum þurh inwit, swa se ealda feond
forlærde ligesearwum, leode fortyhte,
Iudea cyn, þæt hie god sylfne
- 210
- ahengon, herga fruman. þæs hie in hynum sculon
to widan feore wergu dreogan!
þa wæs Cristes lof þam casere
on firhsefan, for gemyndig
ymb þæt mære treo, ond þa his modor het
- 215
- feran foldwege folca þreate
to Iudeum, georne secan
wigena þreate hwær se wuldres beam,
halig under hrusan, hyded wære,
æelcyninges rod. Elene ne wolde
- 220
- þæs sifates sæne weoran,
ne æs wilgifan word gehyrwan,
hiere sylfre suna, ac wæs sona gearu,
wif on willsi, swa hire weoruda helm,
byrnwiggendra, beboden hæfde.
- 225
- Ongan þa ofstlice eorla mengu
to flote fysan. Fearohengestas
ymb geofenes stæ gearwe stodon,
sælde sæmearas, sunde getenge.
a wæs orcnæwe idese sifæt,
- 230
- sian wæges helm werode gesohte.
þær wlanc manig æt Wendelsæ
on stæe stodon. Stundum wræcon
ofer mearcpau, mægen æfter orum,
ond þa gehlodon hildesercum,
- 235
- bordum ond ordum, byrnwigendum,
werum ond wifum, wæghengestas.
Leton þa ofer fifelwæg famige scrian
bronte brimþisan. Bord oft onfeng
ofer earhgeblond ya swengas;
- 240
- sæ swinsade. Ne hyrde ic si ne ær
on egstreame idese lædan,
on merestræte, mægen fægerre.
þær meahte gesion, se one si beheold,
brecan ofer bæweg, brimwudu snyrgan
- 245
- under swellingum, sæmearh plegean,
wadan wægflotan. Wigan wæron blie,
collenferhe, cwen sies gefeah,
syþþan to hye hringedstefnan
ofer lagofæsten geliden hæfdon
- 250
- on Creca land. Ceolas leton
æt sæfearoe, sande bewrecene,
ald yhofu, oncrum fæste
on brime bidan beorna geþinges,
hwonne heo sio gucwen gumena þreate
- 255
- ofer eastwegas eft gesohte.
ær wæs on eorle egesyne
brogden byrne ond bill gecost,
geatolic guscrud, grimhelm manig,
ænlic eoforcumbul. Wæron æscwigan,
- 260
- secggas ymb sigecwen, sies gefysde.
Fyrdrincas frome foron on luste
on Creca land, caseres bodan,
hilderincas, hyrstum gewerede.
þær wæs gesyne sincgim locen
- 265
- on þam hereþreate, hlafordes gifu.
Wæs seo eadhreige Elene gemyndig,
þriste on geþance, þeodnes willan
georn on mode þæt hio Iudeas
ofer herefeldas heape gecoste
- 270
- lindwigendra land gesohte,
secga þreate. Swa hit sian gelamp
ymb lytel fæc þæt æt leodmægen,
gurofe hæleþ to Hierusalem
cwomon in þa ceastre corra mæste,
- 275
- eorlas æscrofe, mid þa æelan cwen.
Heht a gebeodan burgsittendum
þam snoterestum side ond wide
geond Iudeas, gumena gehwylcum,
meelhegende, on gemot cuman,
- 280
- þa e deoplicost dryhtnes geryno
þurh rihte æ reccan cuon.
a wæs gesamnod of sidwegum
mægen unlytel, þa e Moyses æ
reccan cuon. þær on rime wæs
- 285
- þreo M þæra leoda
alesen to lare. Ongan þa leoflic wif
weras Ebrea wordum negan:
"Ic þæt gearolice ongiten hæbbe
þurg witgena wordgeryno
- 290
- on godes bocum þæt ge geardagum
wyre wæron wuldorcyninge,
dryhtne dyre ond dædhwæte.
Hwæt, ge ealle snyttro unwislice,
wrae wiweorpon, þa ge wergdon þane
- 295
- þe eow of werge þurh his wuldres miht,
fram ligcwale, lysan þohte,
of hæftnede. Ge mid horu speowdon
on þæs ondwlitan þe eow eagena leoht,
fram blindnesse bote gefremede
- 300
- edniowunga þurh þæt æele spald,
ond fram unclænum oft generede
deofla gastum. Ge to deaþe þone
deman ongunnon, se e of deae sylf
woruld awehte on wera corþre
- 305
- in þæt ærre lif eowres cynnes.
Swa ge modblinde mengan ongunnon
lige wi soe, leoht wi þystrum,
æfst wi are, inwitþancum
wroht webbedan. Eow seo wergu foran
- 310
- sceþe scyldfullum. Ge þa sciran miht
deman ongunnon, ond gedweolan lifdon,
þeostrum geþancum, o þysne dæg.
Gangaþ nu snude, snyttro geþencaþ,
weras wisfæste, wordes cræftige,
- 315
- þa e eowre æ æelum cræftige
on ferhsefan fyrmest hæbben,
þa me solice secgan cunnon,
ondsware cyan for eowic for
tacna gehwylces þe ic him to sece."
- 320
- Eodan þa on geruman reonigmode
eorlas æcleawe, egesan geþreade,
gehum geomre, georne sohton
þa wisestan wordgeryno,
þæt hio þære cwene oncwean meahton
- 325
- swa tiles swa trages, swa hio him to sohte.
Hio þa on þreate M manna
fundon ferhgleawra, þa þe fyrngemynd
mid Iudeum gearwast cuon.
þrungon þa on þreate þær on þrymme bad
- 330
- in cynestole caseres mæg,
geatolic gucwen golde gehyrsted.
Elene maþelode ond for eorlum spræc:
"Gehyra, higegleawe, halige rune,
word ond wisdom. Hwæt, ge witgena
- 335
- lare onfengon, hu se liffruma
in cildes had cenned wurde,
mihta wealdend. Be þam Moyses sang,
ond þæt word gecwæ weard Israhela:
'Eow acenned bi cniht on degle,
- 340
- mihtum mære, swa þæs modor ne bi
wæstmum geeacnod þurh weres frige.'
Be am Dauid cyning dryhtleo agol,
frod fyrnweota, fæder Salomones,
ond þæt word gecwæþ wigona baldor:
- 345
- 'Ic frumþa god fore sceawode,
sigora dryhten. He on gesyhe wæs,
mægena wealdend, min on þa swiran,
þrymmes hyrde. þanon ic ne wende
æfre to aldre onsion mine.'
- 350
- Swa hit eft be eow Essaias,
witga for weorodum, wordum mælde,
deophycggende þurh dryhtnes gast:
'Ic up ahof eaforan gingne
ond bearn cende, þam ic blæd forgeaf,
- 355
- halige higefrofre, ac hie hyrwdon me,
feodon þurh feondscipe, nahton foreþances,
wisdomes gewitt; ond þa weregan neat,
þe man daga gehwam drife ond þirsce,
ongitaþ hira goddend, nales gnyrnwræcum
- 360
- feoga frynd hiera þe him fodder gifa,
ond me Israhela æfre ne woldon
folc oncnawan, þeah ic feala for him
æfter woruldstundum wundra gefremede.'
Hwæt, we þæt gehyrdon þurh halige bec
- 365
- þæt eow dryhten geaf dom unscyndne,
meotod mihta sped, Moyse sægde
hu ge heofoncyninge hyran sceoldon,
lare læstan. Eow þæs lungre aþreat,
ond ge þam ryhte wiroten hæfdon,
- 370
- onscunedon þone sciran scippend eallra,
dryhtna dryhten, ond gedwolan fylgdon
ofer riht godes. Nu ge raþe gangaþ
ond findaþ gen þa þe fyrngewritu
þurh snyttro cræft selest cunnen,
- 375
- æriht eower, þæt me ondsware
þurh sidne sefan secgan cunnen."
Eodan a mid mengo modcwanige,
collenferhe, swa him sio cwen bead.
Fundon þa D forþsnottera
- 380
- alesen leodmæga, þa e leornungcræft
þurh modgemynd mæste hæfdon,
on sefan snyttro. Heo to salore eft
ymb lytel fæc laode wæron,
ceastre weardas. Hio sio cwen ongan
- 385
- wordum genegan, (wlat ofer ealle):
"Oft ge dyslice dæd gefremedon,
werge wræcmæcggas, ond gewritu herwdon,
fædera lare, næfre furur þonne nu,
a ge blindnesse bote forsegon,
- 390
- ond ge wisocon soe ond rihte,
þæt in Bethleme bearn wealdendes,
cyning anboren, cenned wære,
æelinga ord. þeah ge þa æ cuon,
witgena word, ge ne woldon þa,
- 395
- synwyrcende, so oncnawan."
Hie þa anmode ondsweredon:
"Hwæt, we Ebreisce æ leornedon,
þa on fyrndagum fæderas cuon
æt godes earce, ne we geare cunnon
- 400
- þurh hwæt u us hearde, hlæfdige, us
eorre wurde. We æt æbylg nyton
þe we gefremedon on þysse folcscere,
þeodenbealwa, wi þec æfre."
Elene maelade ond for eorlum spræc,
- 405
- undearninga ides reordode
hlude for herigum: "Ge nu hrae ganga,
sundor asecaþ þa e snyttro mid eow,
mægn ond modcræft, mæste hæbben,
þæt me þinga gehwylc þriste gecyan,
- 410
- untraglice, þe ic him to sece."
Eodon þa fram rune, swa him sio rice cwen,
bald in burgum, beboden hæfde,
geomormode, georne smeadon,
sohton searoþancum, hwæt sio syn wære
- 415
- þe hie on þam folce gefremed hæfdon
wi þam casere, þe him sio cwen wite.
þa þær for eorlum an reordode,
gidda gearosnotor, (am wæs Iudas nama,
wordes cræftig): "Ic wat geare
- 420
- þæt hio wile secan be am sigebeame
on am þrowode þeoda waldend,
eallra gnyrna leas, godes agen bearn,
þone orscyldne eofota gehwylces
þurh hete hengon on heanne beam
- 425
- in fyrndagum fæderas usse.
þæt wæs þrealic geþoht! Nu is þearf mycel
þæt we fæstlice ferh staelien,
þæt we æs morres meldan ne weoren
hwær þæt halige trio beheled wurde
- 430
- æfter wigþræce, þy læs toworpen sien
frod fyrngewritu ond þa fæderlican
lare forleten. Ne bi lang ofer æt
þæt Israhela æelu moten
ofer middangeard ma ricsian,
- 435
- æcræft eorla, gif is yppe bi,
swa þa þæt ilce gio min yldra fæder
sigerof sægde, (þam wæs Sachius nama),
frod fyrnwiota, fæder minum,
eaferan,
- 440
- wende hine of worulde ond þæt word gecwæ:
'Gif þe þæt gelimpe on lifdagum
þæt u gehyre ymb þæt halige treo
frode frignan, ond geflitu ræran
be am sigebeame on þam socyning
- 445
- ahangen wæs, heofonrices weard,
eallre sybbe bearn, þonne þu snude gecy,
min swæs sunu, ær þec swylt nime.
Ne mæg æfre ofer þæt Ebrea þeod
rædþeahtende rice healdan,
- 450
- duguum wealdan, ac þara dom leofa
ond hira dryhtscipe,
in woruld weorulda willum gefylled,
e þone ahangnan cyning heriaþ ond lofia.'
þa ic fromlice fæder minum,
- 455
- ealdum æwitan, ageaf ondsware:
'Hu wolde þæt geweoran on woruldrice
þæt on þone halgan handa sendan
to feorhlege fæderas usse
þurh wra gewitt, gif hie wiston ær
- 460
- þæt he Crist wære, cyning on roderum,
so sunu meotudes, sawla nergend?'
a me yldra min ageaf ondsware,
frod on fyrhe fæder reordode:
'Ongit, guma ginga, godes heahmægen,
- 465
- nergendes naman. Se is nia gehwam
unasecgendlic, þone sylf ne mæg
on moldwege man aspyrigean.
Næfre ic þa geþeahte þe þeos þeod ongan
secan wolde, ac ic symle mec
- 470
- asced þara scylda, nales sceame worhte
gaste minum. Ic him georne oft
þæs unrihtes ondsæc fremede,
þonne uweotan æht bisæton,
on sefan sohton hu hie sunu meotudes
- 475
- ahengon, helm wera, hlaford eallra
engla ond elda, æelust bearna.
Ne meahton hie swa disige dea ofæstan,
weras wonsælige, swa hie wendon ær,
sarum settan, þeah he sume hwile
- 480
- on galgan his gast onsende,
sigebearn godes. þa sian wæs
of rode ahæfen rodera wealdend,
eallra þrymma þrym, þreo niht sian
in byrgenne bidende wæs
- 485
- under þeosterlocan, ond þa þy þriddan dæg
ealles leohtes leoht lifgende aras,
eoden engla, ond his þegnum hine,
so sigora frea, seolfne geywde,
beorht on blæde. þonne broor þin
- 490
- onfeng æfter fyrste fulwihtes bæ,
leohtne geleafan. þa for lufan dryhtnes
Stephanus wæs stanum worpod;
ne geald he yfel yfele, ac his ealdfeondum
þingode þrohtherd, bæd þrymcyning
- 495
- þæt he him þa weadæd to wræce ne sette,
þæt hie for æfstum unscyldigne,
synna leasne, Sawles larum
feore beræddon, swa he þurh feondscipe
to cwale monige Cristes folces
- 500
- demde to deaþe. Swa þeah him dryhten eft
miltse gefremede, þæt he manegum wear
folca to frofre, syan him fryma god,
nia nergend, naman oncyrde,
ond he syan wæs sanctus Paulus
- 505
- be naman haten, ond him nænig wæs
ælærendra oer betera
under swegles hleo syþan æfre,
þara þe wif oe wer on woruld cendan,
þeah he Stephanus stanum hehte
- 510
- abreotan on beorge, broor þinne.
Nu u meaht gehyran, hæle min se leofa,
hu arfæst is ealles wealdend,
þeah we æbylg wi hine oft gewyrcen,
synna wunde, gif we sona eft
- 515
- þara bealudæda bote gefremmaþ
ond þæs unrihtes eft geswicaþ.
Foran ic solice ond min swæs fæder
syþan gelyfdon
þæt geþrowade eallra þrymma god,
- 520
- lifes lattiow, lalic wite
for oferþearfe ilda cynnes.
Foran ic þe lære þurh leoorune,
hyse leofesta, þæt u hospcwide,
æfst ne eofulsæc æfre ne fremme,
- 525
- grimne geagncwide, wi godes bearne.
þonne u geearnast þæt þe bi ece lif,
selust sigeleana, seald in heofonum.'
us mec fæder min on fyrndagum
unweaxenne wordum lærde,
- 530
- septe socwidum, (þam wæs Symon nama),
guma gehum frod. Nu ge geare cunnon
hwæt eow þæs on sefan selest þince
to gecyanne, gif eos cwen usic
frigne ymb æt treo, nu ge fyrhsefan
- 535
- ond modgeþanc minne cunnon."
Him þa togenes þa gleawestan
on wera þreate wordum mældon:
"Næfre we hyrdon hæle ænigne
on þysse þeode, butan þec nu a,
- 540
- þegn oerne þyslic cyan
ymb swa dygle wyrd. Do swa þe þynce,
fyrngidda frod, gif u frugnen sie
on wera corre. Wisdomes beearf,
worda wærlicra ond witan snyttro,
- 545
- se ære æelan sceal ondwyrde agifan
for þyslicne þreat on meþle."
Weoxan word cwidum, weras þeahtedon
on healfa gehwær, sume hyder, sume þyder,
þrydedon ond þohton. þa cwom þegna heap
- 550
- to þam heremele. Hreopon friccan,
caseres bodan: "Eow þeos cwen laþaþ,
secgas to salore, þæt ge seonodomas
rihte reccen. Is eow rædes þearf
on meelstede, modes snyttro."
- 555
- Heo wæron gearwe, geomormode
leodgebyrgean, þa hie laod wæron
þurh heard gebann; to hofe eodon,
cydon cræftes miht. þa sio cwen ongan
weras Ebresce wordum negan,
- 560
- fricggan fyrhwerige ymb fyrngewritu,
hu on worulde ær witgan sungon,
gasthalige guman, be godes bearne,
hwær se þeoden geþrowade,
so sunu meotudes, for sawla lufan.
- 565
- Heo wæron stearce, stane heardran,
noldon þæt geryne rihte cyan,
ne hire andsware ænige secgan,
torngenilan, þæs hio him to sohte,
ac hio worda gehwæs wiersæc fremedon,
- 570
- fæste on fyrhe, þæt heo frignan ongan,
cwædon þæt hio on aldre owiht swylces
ne ær ne si æfre hyrdon.
Elene maþelade ond him yrre oncwæ:
"Ic eow to soe secgan wille,
- 575
- ond þæs in life lige ne wyre,
gif ge þissum lease leng gefylga
mid fæcne gefice, þe me fore standaþ,
þæt eow in beorge bæl fornime,
hattost heaowelma, ond eower hra brytta,
- 580
- lacende lig, þæt eow sceal þæt leas
apundrad weoran to woruldgedale.
Ne magon ge a word gesean þe ge hwile nu on unriht
wrigon under womma sceatum, ne magon ge þa wyrd bemian,
bedyrnan þa deopan mihte." a wurdon hie deaes on wenan,
- 585
- ades ond endelifes, ond þær þa ænne betæhton
giddum gearusnottorne, (þam wæs Iudas nama
cenned for cneomagum), þone hie þære cwene agefon,
sægdon hine sundorwisne: "He þe mæg so gecyan,
onwreon wyrda geryno, swa u hine wordum frignest,
- 590
- æriht from orde o ende for.
He is for eoran æeles cynnes,
wordcræftes wis ond witgan sunu,
bald on mele; him gebyrde is
þæt he gencwidas gleawe hæbbe,
- 595
- cræft in breostum. He gecye þe
for wera mengo wisdomes gife
þurh þa myclan miht, swa þin mod lufaþ."
Hio on sybbe forlet secan gehwylcne
agenne eard, ond þone ænne genam,
- 600
- Iudas to gisle, ond þa georne bæd
þæt he be ære rode riht getæhte
þe ær in legere wæs lange bedyrned,
ond hine seolfne sundor acigde.
Elene maþelode to þam anhagan,
- 605
- tireadig cwen: "þe synt tu gearu,
swa lif swa dea, swa þe leofre bi
to geceosanne. Cy ricene nu
hwæt u þæs to þinge þafian wille."
Iudas hire ongen þingode (ne meahte he þa gehu bebugan,
- 610
- oncyrran rex genilan; he wæs on þære cwene gewealdum):
"Hu mæg þæm geweoran þe on westenne
mee ond meteleas morland tryde,
hungre gehæfted, ond him hlaf ond stan
on gesihe bu samod geweora,
- 615
- streac ond hnesce, þæt he þone stan nime
wi hungres hleo, hlafes ne gime,
gewende to wædle, ond þa wiste wisæce,
beteran wihyccge, þonne he bega beneah?"
Him þa seo eadige ondwyrde ageaf
- 620
- Elene for eorlum undearnunga:
"Gif u in heofonrice habban wille
eard mid englum ond on eoran lif,
sigorlean in swegle, saga ricene me
hwær seo rod wunige radorcyninges,
- 625
- halig under hrusan, þe ge hwile nu
þurh morres man mannum dyrndun."
Iudas maelade, (him wæs geomor sefa,
hat æt heortan, ond gehwæres wa,
ge he heofonrices hyht swa mode
- 630
- ond þis ondwearde anforlete,
rice under roderum, ge he a rode ne tæhte):
"Hu mæg ic þæt findan þæt swa fyrn gewear
wintra gangum? Is nu worn sceacen,
CC oe ma geteled rime.
- 635
- Ic ne mæg areccan, nu ic þæt rim ne can.
Is nu feala siþan forgewitenra
frodra ond godra þe us fore wæron,
gleawra gumena. Ic on geogoe wear
on sidagum syan acenned,
- 640
- cnihtgeong hæle. Ic ne can þæt ic nat,
findan on fyrhe þæt swa fyrn gewear."
Elene maelade him on ondsware:
"Hu is þæt geworden on þysse werþeode
þæt ge swa monigfeald on gemynd witon,
- 645
- alra tacna gehwylc swa Troiana
þurh gefeoht fremedon? þæt wæs fyr mycle,
open ealdgewin, þonne þeos æele gewyrd,
geara gongum. Ge þæt geare cunnon
edre gereccan, hwæt þær eallra wæs
- 650
- on manrime mororslehtes,
darelacendra deadra gefeallen
under bordhagan. Ge þa byrgenna
under stanhleoum, ond þa stowe swa some,
ond þa wintergerim on gewritu setton."
- 655
- Iudas maelade, gnornsorge wæg:
"We þæs hereweorces, hlæfdige min,
for nydþearfe nean myndgiaþ,
ond þa wiggþræce on gewritu setton,
þeoda gebæru, ond þis næfre
- 660
- þurh æniges mannes mu gehyrdon
hæleum cyan, butan her nu a."
Him seo æele cwen ageaf ondsware:
"Wisæcest u to swie soe ond rihte
ymb þæt lifes treow, ond nu lytle ær
- 665
- sægdest solice be þam sigebeame
leodum þinum, ond nu on lige cyrrest."
Iudas hire ongen þingode, cwæ þæt he þæt on gehu
gespræce
ond on tweon swiost, wende him trage hnagre.
Him oncwæ hrae caseres mæg:
- 670
- "Hwæt, we æt hyrdon þurh halige bec
hæleum cyan þæt ahangen wæs
on Caluarie cyninges freobearn,
godes gastsunu. þu scealt geagninga
wisdom onwreon, swa gewritu secgaþ,
- 675
- æfter stedewange hwær seo stow sie
Caluarie, ær þec cwealm nime,
swilt for synnum, þæt ic hie syan mæge
geclænsian Criste to willan,
hæleum to helpe, þæt me halig god
- 680
- gefylle, frea mihtig, feores ingeþanc,
weoruda wuldorgeofa, willan minne,
gasta geocend." Hire Iudas oncwæ
stihycgende: "Ic þa stowe ne can,
ne þæs wanges wiht ne þa wisan cann."
- 685
- Elene maelode þurh eorne hyge:
"Ic þæt geswerige þurh sunu meotodes,
þone ahangnan god, þæt u hungre scealt
for cneomagum cwylmed weoran,
butan þu forlæte þa leasunga
- 690
- ond me sweotollice so gecye."
Heht þa swa cwicne corre lædan,
scufan scyldigne (scealcas ne gældon)
in drygne sea, þær he dugua leas
siomode in sorgum VII nihta fyrst
- 695
- under hearmlocan hungre geþreatod,
clommum beclungen, ond þa cleopigan ongan
sarum besylced on þone seofean dæg,
mee ond meteleas, (mægen wæs geswirod):
"Ic eow healsie þurh heofona god
- 700
- þæt ge me of yssum earfeum up forlæten,
heanne fram hungres genilan. Ic þæt halige treo
lustum cye, nu ic hit leng ne mæg
helan for hungre. Is þes hæft to an strang,
þreanyd þæs þearl ond þes þroht to æs heard
- 705
- dogorrimum. Ic adreogan ne mæg,
ne leng helan be am lifes treo,
þeah ic ær mid dysige þurhdrifen wære
ond æt so to late seolf gecneowe."
þa æt gehyrde sio þær hæleum scead,
- 710
- beornes gebæro, hio bebead hrae
þæt hine man of nearwe ond of nydcleofan,
fram þam engan hofe, up forlete.
Hie æt ofstlice efnedon sona,
ond hine mid arum up gelæddon
- 715
- of carcerne, swa him seo cwen bebead.
Stopon þa to þære stowe stihycgende
on þa dune up e dryhten ær
ahangen wæs, heofonrices weard,
godbearn on galgan, ond hwære geare nyste,
- 720
- hungre gehyned, hwær sio halige rod,
þurh feondes searu foldan getyned,
lange legere fæst leodum dyrne
wunode wælreste. Word stunde ahof
elnes oncyig, ond on Ebrisc spræc:
- 725
- "Dryhten hælend, þu e ahst doma geweald,
ond þu geworhtest þurh þines wuldres miht
heofon ond eoran ond holmþræce,
sæs sidne fæm, samod ealle gesceaft,
ond þu amæte mundum þinum
- 730
- ealne ymbhwyrft ond uprador,
ond þu sylf sitest, sigora waldend,
ofer þam æelestan engelcynne,
þe geond lyft fara leohte bewundene,
mycle mægenþrymme. Ne mæg þær manna gecynd
- 735
- of eorwegum up geferan
in lichoman mid þa leohtan gedryht,
wuldres aras. þu geworhtest þa
ond to þegnunge þinre gesettest,
halig ond heofonlic. þara on hade sint
- 740
- in sindreame syx genemned,
þa ymbsealde synt mid syxum eac
firum gefrætwad, fægere scinaþ.
þara sint IIII þe on flihte a
þa þegnunge þrymme beweotigaþ
- 745
- fore onsyne eces deman,
singallice singaþ in wuldre
hædrum stefnum heofoncininges lof,
woa wlitegaste, ond þas word cweaþ
clænum stefnum, (þam is ceruphin nama):
- 750
- 'Halig is se halga heahengla god,
weoroda wealdend! Is æs wuldres ful
heofun ond eore ond eall heahmægen,
tire getacnod.' Syndon tu on þam,
sigorcynn on swegle, þe man seraphin
- 755
- be naman hate. He sceal neorxnawang
ond lifes treo legene sweorde
halig healdan. Heardecg cwacaþ,
beofaþ brogdenmæl, ond bleom wrixle
grapum gryrefæst. þæs u, god dryhten,
- 760
- wealdest widan fyrh, ond þu womfulle
scyldwyrcende sceaan of radorum
awurpe wonhydige. þa sio werge sceolu
under heolstorhofu hreosan sceolde
in wita forwyrd, þær hie in wylme nu
- 765
- dreogaþ deacwale in dracan fæme,
þeostrum forþylmed. He þinum wisoc
aldordome. þæs he in ermum sceal,
ealra fula ful, fah þrowian,
þeowned þolian. þær he þin ne mæg
- 770
- word aweorpan, is in witum fæst,
ealre synne fruma, susle gebunden.
Gif þin willa sie, wealdend engla,
þæt ricsie se e on rode wæs,
ond þurh Marian in middangeard
- 775
- acenned wear in cildes had,
þeoden engla, (gif he þin nære
sunu synna leas, næfre he sora swa feala
in woruldrice wundra gefremede
dogorgerimum; no u of deae hine
- 780
- swa þrymlice, þeoda wealdend,
aweahte for weorodum, gif he in wuldre þin
þurh a beorhtan bearn ne wære),
gedo nu, fæder engla, for beacen þin.
Swa u gehyrdest þone halgan wer
- 785
- Moyses on mele, þa u, mihta god,
geywdest þam eorle on þa æelan tid
under beorhhlie ban Iosephes,
swa ic þe, weroda wyn, gif hit sie willa þin,
þurg þæt beorhte gesceap biddan wille
- 790
- þæt me þæt goldhord, gasta scyppend,
geopenie, þæt yldum wæs
lange behyded. Forlæt nu, lifes fruma,
of am wangstede wynsumne up
under radores ryne rec astigan
- 795
- lyftlacende. Ic gelyfe þe sel
ond þy fæstlicor ferh staelige,
hyht untweondne, on þone ahangnan Crist,
þæt he sie solice sawla nergend,
ece ælmihtig, Israhela cining,
- 800
- walde widan ferh wuldres on heofenum,
a butan ende ecra gestealda."
a of ære stowe steam up aras
swylce rec under radorum. þær aræred wear
beornes breostsefa. He mid bæm handum,
- 805
- eadig ond ægleaw, upweard plegade.
Iudas maþelode, gleaw in geþance:
"Nu ic þurh so hafu seolf gecnawen
on heardum hige þæt u hælend eart
middangeardes. Sie e, mægena god,
- 810
- þrymsittendum þanc butan ende,
þæs u me swa meum ond swa manweorcum
þurh þin wuldor inwrige wyrda geryno.
Nu ic þe, bearn godes, biddan wille,
weoroda willgifa, nu ic wat þæt u eart
- 815
- gecyed ond acenned allra cyninga þrym,
þæt u ma ne sie minra gylta,
þara þe ic gefremede nalles feam sium,
metud, gemyndig. Læt mec, mihta god,
on rimtale rices þines
- 820
- mid haligra hlyte wunigan
in þære beorhtan byrig, þær is broor min
geweorod in wuldre, þæs he wære wi þec,
Stephanus, heold, þeah he stangreopum
worpod wære. He hafa wigges lean,
- 825
- blæd butan blinne. Sint in bocum his
wundor þa he worhte on gewritum cyed."
Ongan þa wilfægen æfter þam wuldres treo,
elnes anhydig, eoran delfan
under turfhagan, þæt he on XX
- 830
- fotmælum feor funde behelede,
under neolum nier næsse gehydde
in þeostorcofan. He ær III mette
in þam reonian hofe roda ætsomne,
greote begrauene, swa hio geardagum
- 835
- arleasra sceolu eoran beþeahton,
Iudea cynn. Hie wi godes bearne
ni ahofun, swa hie no sceoldon,
þær hie leahtra fruman larum ne hyrdon.
þa wæs modgemynd myclum geblissod,
- 840
- hige onhyrded, þurh þæt halige treo,
inbryrded breostsefa, syan beacen geseh,
halig under hrusan. He mid handum befeng
wuldres wynbeam, ond mid weorode ahof
of foldgræfe. Feegestas
- 845
- eodon, æelingas, in on þa ceastre.
Asetton þa on gesyhe sigebeamas III
eorlas anhydige fore Elenan cneo,
collenferhe. Cwen weorces gefeah
on ferhsefan, ond þa frignan ongan
- 850
- on hwylcum þara beama bearn wealdendes,
hælea hyhtgifa, hangen wære:
"Hwæt, we þæt hyrdon þurh halige bec
tacnum cyan, þæt twegen mid him
geþrowedon, ond he wæs þridda sylf
- 855
- on rode treo. Rodor eal geswearc
on þa slian tid. Saga, gif u cunne,
on hwylcre þyssa þreora þeoden engla
geþrowode, þrymmes hyrde."
Ne meahte hire Iudas, ne ful gere wiste,
- 860
- sweotole gecyþan be am sigebeame,
on hwylcne se hælend ahafen wære,
sigebearn godes, ær he asettan heht
on þone middel þære mæran byrig
beamas mid bearhtme, ond gebidan þær
- 865
- oæt him gecyde cyning ælmihtig
wundor for weorodum be am wuldres treo.
Gesæton sigerofe, sang ahofon,
rædþeahtende, ymb þa roda þreo
o þa nigoan tid, hæfdon neowne gefean
- 870
- mærum gemeted. þa þær menigo cwom,
folc unlytel, ond gefærenne man
brohton on bære beorna þreate
on neaweste, (wæs þa nigoe tid),
gingne gastleasne. þa ær Iudas wæs
- 875
- on modsefan miclum geblissod.
Heht þa asettan sawlleasne,
life belidenes lic on eoran,
unlifgendes, ond up ahof
rihtes wemend þara roda twa
- 880
- fyrhgleaw on fæme ofer þæt fæge hus,
deophycgende. Hit wæs dead swa ær,
lic legere fæst. Leomu colodon
þreanedum beþeaht. þa sio þridde wæs
ahafen halig. Hra wæs on anbide
- 885
- oæt him uppan æelinges wæs
rod aræred, rodorcyninges beam,
sigebeacen so. He sona aras
gaste gegearwod, geador bu samod
lic ond sawl. þær wæs lof hafen
- 890
- fæger mid þy folce. Fæder weorodon,
ond þone soan sunu wealdendes
wordum heredon. Sie him wuldor ond þanc
a butan ende eallra gesceafta!
a wæs þam folce on ferhsefan,
- 895
- ingemynde, swa him a scyle,
wundor þa þe worhte weoroda dryhten
to feorhnere fira cynne,
lifes lattiow. þa þær ligesynnig
on lyft astah lacende feond.
- 900
- Ongan þa hleorian helledeofol,
eatol æclæca, yfela gemyndig:
"Hwæt is þis, la, manna, þe minne eft
þurh fyrngeflit folgaþ wyrde,
ice ealdne ni, æhta strude?
- 905
- þis is singal sacu. Sawla ne moton
manfremmende in minum leng
æhtum wunigan. Nu cwom elþeodig,
þone ic ær on firenum fæstne talde,
hafa mec bereafod rihta gehwylces,
- 910
- feohgestreona. Nis æt fæger si.
Feala me se hælend hearma gefremede,
nia nearolicra, se e in Nazare
afeded wæs. Syan furþum weox
of cildhade, symle cirde to him
- 915
- æhte mine. Ne mot ænige nu
rihte spowan. Is his rice brad
ofer middangeard. Min is geswirod
ræd under roderum. Ic þa rode ne þearf
hleahtre herigean. Hwæt, se hælend me
- 920
- in þam engan ham oft getynde,
geomrum to sorge! Ic þurh Iudas ær
hyhtful gewear, ond nu gehyned eom,
goda geasne, þurh Iudas eft,
fah ond freondleas. Gen ic findan can
- 925
- þurh wrohtstafas wiercyr sian
of am wearhtreafum, ic awecce wi e
oerne cyning, se ehte þin,
ond he forlæte lare þine
ond manþeawum minum folgaþ,
- 930
- ond þec þonne sende in þa sweartestan
ond þa wyrrestan witebrogan,
þæt u, sarum forsoht, wisæcest fæste
þone ahangnan cyning, þam u hyrdest ær."
Him a gleawhydig Iudas oncwæ,
- 935
- hæle hildedeor, (him wæs halig gast
befolen fæste, fyrhat lufu,
weallende gewitt þurh witgan snyttro),
ond þæt word gecwæ, wisdomes ful:
"Ne þearft u swa swie, synna gemyndig,
- 940
- sar niwigan ond sæce ræran,
morres manfrea, þæt þe se mihtiga cyning
in neolnesse nyer bescufe,
synwyrcende, in susla grund
domes leasne, se e deadra feala
- 945
- worde awehte. Wite u þe gearwor
þæt u unsnyttrum anforlete
leohta beorhtost ond lufan dryhtnes,
þone fægran gefean, ond on fyrbæe
suslum beþrungen syan wunodest,
- 950
- ade onæled, ond þær awa scealt,
wierhycgende, wergu dreogan,
yrmu butan ende." Elene gehyrde
hu se feond ond se freond geflitu rærdon,
tireadig ond trag, on twa halfa,
- 955
- synnig ond gesælig. Sefa wæs þe glædra
þæs þe heo gehyrde þone hellesceaþan
oferswiedne, synna bryttan,
ond þa wundrade ymb þæs weres snyttro,
hu he swa geleafful on swa lytlum fæce
- 960
- ond swa uncyig æfre wurde,
gleawnesse þurhgoten. Gode þancode,
wuldorcyninge, þæs hire se willa gelamp
þurh bearn godes bega gehwæres,
ge æt þære gesyhe þæs sigebeames,
- 965
- ge æs geleafan þe hio swa leohte oncneow,
wuldorfæste gife in þæs weres breostum.
a wæs gefrege in þære folcsceare,
geond þa werþeode wide læded,
mære morgenspel manigum on andan
- 970
- þara þe dryhtnes æ dyrnan woldon,
boden æfter burgum, swa brimo fæme,
in ceastra gehwære, þæt Cristes rod,
fyrn foldan begræfen, funden wære,
selest sigebeacna þara þe si oe ær
- 975
- halig under heofenum ahafen wurde,
ond wæs Iudeum gnornsorga mæst,
werum wansæligum, wyrda laost,
þær hie hit for worulde wendan meahton,
cristenra gefean. a sio cwen bebead
- 980
- ofer eorlmægen aras fysan
ricene to rade. Sceoldon Romwarena
ofer heanne holm hlaford secean
ond þam wiggende wilspella mæst
seolfum gesecgan, þæt æt sigorbeacen
- 985
- þurh meotodes est meted wære,
funden in foldan, þæt ær feala mæla
behyded wæs halgum to teonan,
cristenum folce. þa am cininge wear
þurh þa mæran word mod geblissod,
- 990
- ferh gefeonde. Næs þa fricgendra
under goldhoman gad in burgum,
feorran geferede. Wæs him frofra mæst
geworden in worlde æt am willspelle,
hlihende hyge, þe him hereræswan
- 995
- ofer eastwegas, aras brohton,
hu gesundne si ofer swonrade
secgas mid sigecwen aseted hæfdon
on Creca land. Hie se casere heht
ofstum myclum eft gearwian
- 1000
- sylfe to sie. Secgas ne gældon
syan andsware edre gehyrdon,
æelinges word. Heht he Elenan hæl
abeodan beadurofre, gif hie brim nesen
ond gesundne si settan mosten,
- 1005
- hæle hwætmode, to þære halgan byrig.
Heht hire þa aras eac gebeodan
Constantinus þæt hio cirican þær
on þam beorhhlie begra rædum
getimbrede, tempel dryhtnes
- 1010
- on Caluarie Criste to willan,
hæleum to helpe, þær sio halige rod
gemeted wæs, mærost beama
þara þe gefrugnen foldbuende
on eorwege. Hio geefnde swa,
- 1015
- sian winemagas westan brohton
ofer lagufæsten leofspell manig.
a seo cwen bebead cræftum getyde
sundor asecean þa selestan,
þa þe wrætlicost wyrcan cuon
- 1020
- stangefogum, on þam stedewange
girwan godes tempel, swa hire gasta weard
reord of roderum. Heo þa rode heht
golde beweorcean ond gimcynnum,
mid þam æelestum eorcnanstanum
- 1025
- besettan searocræftum ond þa in seolfren fæt
locum belucan. þær þæt lifes treo,
selest sigebeama, sian wunode
æelum anbræce. þær bi a gearu
wrau wannhalum wita gehwylces,
- 1030
- sæce ond sorge. Hie sona þær
þurh þa halgan gesceaft helpe findaþ,
godcunde gife. Swylce Iudas onfeng
æfter fyrstmearce fulwihtes bæ,
ond geclænsod wear Criste getrywe,
- 1035
- lifwearde leof. His geleafa wear
fæst on ferhe, sian frofre gast
wic gewunode in þæs weres breostum,
bylde to bote. He þæt betere geceas,
wuldres wynne, ond þam wyrsan wisoc,
- 1040
- deofulgildum, ond gedwolan fylde,
unrihte æ. Him wear ece rex,
meotud milde, god, mihta wealdend.
þa wæs gefulwad se e ær feala tida
leoht gearu
- 1045
- inbryrded breostsefa on þæt betere lif,
gewended to wuldre. Huru, wyrd gescreaf
þæt he swa geleaffull ond swa leof gode
in worldrice weoran sceolde,
Criste gecweme. þæt gecyed wear,
- 1050
- sian Elene heht Eusebium
on rædgeþeaht, Rome bisceop,
gefetian on fultum, forsnoterne,
hælea gerædum to þære halgan byrig,
þæt he gesette on sacerdhad
- 1055
- in Ierusalem Iudas þam folce
to bisceope burgum on innan,
þurh gastes gife to godes temple
cræftum gecorene, ond hine Cyriacus
þurh snyttro geþeaht syan nemde
- 1060
- niwan stefne. Nama wæs gecyrred
beornes in burgum on þæt betere for,
æ hælendes. þa gen Elenan wæs
mod gemynde ymb þa mæran wyrd,
geneahhe for þam næglum þe æs nergendes
- 1065
- fet þurhwodon ond his folme swa some,
mid þam on rode wæs rodera wealdend
gefæstnod, frea mihtig. Be am frignan ongan
cristenra cwen, Cyriacus bæd
þæt hire þa gina gastes mihtum
- 1070
- ymb wundorwyrd willan gefylde,
onwrige wuldorgifum, ond þæt word acwæ
to þam bisceope, bald reordode:
"þu me, eorla hleo, þone æelan beam,
rode rodera cininges ryhte getæhtes,
- 1075
- on þa ahangen wæs hæenum folmum
gasta geocend, godes agen bearn,
nerigend fira. Mec þæra nægla gen
on fyrhsefan fyrwet myngaþ.
Wolde ic þæt u funde þa e in foldan gen
- 1080
- deope bedolfen dierne sindon,
heolstre behyded. A min hige sorga,
reonig reote, ond gereste no
ærþan me gefylle fæder ælmihtig,
wereda wealdend, willan minne,
- 1085
- nia nergend, þurh þara nægla cyme,
halig of hieha. Nu u hrædlice
eallum eamedum, ar selesta,
þine bene onsend in a beorhtan gesceaft,
on wuldres wyn. Bide wigena þrym
- 1090
- þæt þe gecye, cyning ælmihtig,
hord under hrusan þæt gehyded gen,
duguum dyrne, deogol bide."
þa se halga ongan hyge staolian,
breostum onbryrded, bisceop þæs folces.
- 1095
- Glædmod eode gumena þreate
god hergendra, ond þa geornlice
Cyriacus on Caluariæ
hleor onhylde, hygerune ne ma,
gastes mihtum to gode cleopode
- 1100
- eallum eamedum, bæd him engla weard
geopenigean uncue wyrd,
niwan on nearwe, hwær he þara nægla swiost
on þam wangstede wenan þorfte.
Leort a tacen for, þær hie to sægon,
- 1105
- fæder, frofre gast, urh fyres bleo
up eigean þær þa æelestan
hælea gerædum hydde wæron
þurh nearusearwe, næglas on eoran.
a cwom semninga sunnan beorhtra
- 1110
- lacende lig. Leode gesawon
hira willgifan wundor cyan,
a ær of heolstre, swylce heofonsteorran
oe goldgimmas, grunde getenge,
næglas of nearwe neoan scinende
- 1115
- leohte lixton. Leode gefægon,
weorud willhreig, sægdon wuldor gode
ealle anmode, þeah hie ær wæron
þurh deofles spild in gedwolan lange,
acyrred fram Criste. Hie cwædon þus:
- 1120
- "Nu we seolfe geseo sigores tacen,
sowundor godes, þeah we wisocun ær
mid leasingum. Nu is in leoht cymen,
onwrigen, wyrda bigang. Wuldor þæs age
on heannesse heofonrices god!"
- 1125
- a wæs geblissod se e to bote gehwearf
þurh bearn godes, bisceop þara leoda,
niwan stefne. He þam næglum onfeng,
egesan geaclod, ond þære arwyran
cwene brohte. Hæfde Ciriacus
- 1130
- eall gefylled, swa him seo æele bebead,
wifes willan. þa wæs wopes hring,
hat heafodwylm ofer hleor goten,
(nalles for torne tearas feollon
ofer wira gespon), wuldres gefylled
- 1135
- cwene willa. Heo on cneow sette
leohte geleafan, lac weorode,
blissum hremig, þe hire brungen wæs
gnyrna to geoce. Gode þancode,
sigora dryhtne, þæs þe hio so gecneow
- 1140
- ondweardlice þæt wæs oft bodod
feor ær beforan fram fruman worulde,
folcum to frofre. Heo gefylled wæs
wisdomes gife, ond þa wic beheold
halig heofonlic gast, hreer weardode,
- 1145
- æelne inno, swa hie ælmihtig
sigebearn godes sioan freoode.
Ongan þa geornlice gastgerynum
on sefan secean sofæstnesse
weg to wuldre. Huru, weroda god
- 1150
- gefullæste, fæder on roderum,
cining ælmihtig, þæt seo cwen begeat
willan in worulde. Wæs se witedom
þurh fyrnwitan beforan sungen
eall æfter orde, swa hit eft gelamp
- 1155
- inga gehwylces. þeodcwen ongan
þurh gastes gife georne secan
nearwe geneahhe, to hwan hio þa næglas selost
ond deorlicost gedon meahte,
dugoum to hroer, hwæt þæs wære dryhtnes willa.
- 1160
- Heht a gefetigean forsnotterne
ricene to rune, þone þe rædgeþeaht
þurh gleawe miht georne cue,
frodne on ferhe, ond hine frignan ongan
hwæt him þæs on sefan selost þuhte
- 1165
- to gelæstenne, ond his lare geceas
þurh þeodscipe. He hire þriste oncwæ:
"þæt is gedafenlic þæt u dryhtnes word
on hyge healde, halige rune,
cwen seleste, ond þæs cininges bebod
- 1170
- georne begange, nu þe god sealde
sawle sigesped ond snyttro cræft,
nerigend fira. þu as næglas hat
þam æelestan eorcyninga
burgagendra on his bridels don,
- 1175
- meare to midlum. þæt manigum sceall
geond middangeard mære weoran,
þonne æt sæcce mid þy oferswian mæge
feonda gehwylcne, þonne fyrdhwate
on twa healfe tohtan secaþ,
- 1180
- sweordgenilan, þær hie ymb sige winna,
wra wi wraum. He ah æt wigge sped,
sigor æt sæcce, ond sybbe gehwær,
æt gefeohte fri, se e foran læde
bridels on blancan, þonne beadurofe
- 1185
- æt garþræce, guman gecoste,
bera bord ond ord. þis bi beorna gehwam
wi æglæce unoferswied
wæpen æt wigge. Be am se witga sang,
snottor searuþancum, (sefa deop gewod,
- 1190
- wisdomes gewitt), he þæt word gecwæ:
'Cuþ þæt gewyre þæt þæs cyninges sceal
mearh under modegum midlum geweorod,
bridelshringum. Bi þæt beacen gode
halig nemned, ond se hwæteadig,
- 1195
- wigge weorod, se þæt wicg byr.'"
þa þæt ofstlice eall gelæste
Elene for eorlum. æelinges heht,
beorna beaggifan, bridels frætwan,
hire selfre suna sende to lace
- 1200
- ofer geofenes stream gife unscynde.
Heht þa tosomne þa heo seleste
mid Iudeum gumena wiste,
hælea cynnes, to þære halgan byrig
cuman in þa ceastre. þa seo cwen ongan
- 1205
- læran leofra heap þæt hie lufan dryhtnes,
ond sybbe swa same sylfra betweonum,
freondræddenne, fæste gelæston
leahtorlease in hira lifes tid,
ond þæs latteowes larum hyrdon,
- 1210
- cristenum þeawum, þe him Cyriacus
bude, boca gleaw. Wæs se bissceophad
fægere befæsted. Oft him feorran to
laman, limseoce, lefe cwomon,
healte, heorudreorige, hreofe ond blinde,
- 1215
- heane, hygegeomre, symle hælo þær
æt þam bisceope, bote fundon
ece to aldre. a gen him Elene forgeaf
sincweorunga, þa hio wæs sies fus
eft to ele, ond þa eallum bebead
- 1220
- on þam gumrice god hergendum,
werum ond wifum, þæt hie weoreden
mode ond mægene þone mæran dæg,
heortan gehigdum, in am sio halige rod
gemeted wæs, mærost beama
- 1225
- þara þe of eoran up aweoxe,
geloden under leafum. Wæs þa lencten agan
butan VI nihtum ær sumeres cyme
on Maias kalend. Sie þara manna gehwam
behliden helle duru, heofones ontyned,
- 1230
- ece geopenad engla rice,
dream unhwilen, ond hira dæl scired
mid Marian, þe on gemynd nime
þære deorestan dægweorunga
rode under roderum, þa se ricesta
- 1235
- ealles oferwealdend earme beþeahte. Finit.
þus ic frod ond fus þurh þæt fæcne hus
wordcræftum wæf ond wundrum læs,
þragum þreodude ond geþanc reodode
nihtes nearwe. Nysse ic gearwe
- 1240
- be ære rode riht ær me rumran geþeaht
þurh a mæran miht on modes þeaht
wisdom onwreah. Ic wæs weorcum fah,
synnum asæled, sorgum gewæled,
bitrum gebunden, bisgum beþrungen,
- 1245
- ær me lare onlag þurh leohtne had
gamelum to geoce, gife unscynde
mægencyning amæt ond on gemynd begeat,
torht ontynde, tidum gerymde,
bancofan onband, breostlocan onwand,
- 1250
- leoucræft onleac. þæs ic lustum breac,
willum in worlde. Ic þæs wuldres treowes
oft, nales æne, hæfde ingemynd
ær ic þæt wundor onwrigen hæfde
ymb þone beorhtan beam, swa ic on bocum fand,
- 1255
- wyrda gangum, on gewritum cyan
be am sigebeacne. A wæs secg o æt
cnyssed cearwelmum, cen drusende,
þeah he in medohealle mamas þege,
æplede gold. yr gnornode
- 1260
- nyd gefera, nearusorge dreah,
enge rune, þær him eh fore
milpaas mæt, modig þrægde
wirum gewlenced. wen is geswirad,
gomen æfter gearum, geogo is gecyrred,
- 1265
- ald onmedla. ur wæs geara
geogohades glæm. Nu synt geardagas
æfter fyrstmearce for gewitene,
lifwynne geliden, swa lagu toglide,
flodas gefysde. feoh æghwam bi
- 1270
- læne under lyfte; landes frætwe
gewitaþ under wolcnum winde geliccost,
þonne he for hæleum hlud astige,
wæe be wolcnum, wedende fære
ond eft semninga swige gewyre,
- 1275
- in nedcleofan nearwe gehearod,
þream forþrycced.
Swa a þeos world eall gewite,
ond eac swa some þe hire on wurdon
atydrede, tionleg nime,
- 1280
- onne dryhten sylf dom gesece
engla weorude. Sceall æghwylc ær
reordberendra riht gehyran
dæda gehwylcra þurh þæs deman mu,
ond worda swa same wed gesyllan,
- 1285
- eallra unsnyttro ær gesprecenra,
þristra geþonca. þonne on þreo dæle
in fyres feng folc anra gehwylc,
þara þe gewurdon on widan feore
ofer sidne grund. Sofæste bio
- 1290
- yfemest in þam ade, eadigra gedryht,
dugu domgeorne, swa hie adreogan magon
ond butan earfeum eae geþolian,
modigra mægen. Him gemetgaþ eall
ældes leoma, swa him eost bi,
- 1295
- sylfum geseftost. Synfulle beo,
mane gemengde, in am midle þread,
hæle higegeomre, in hatne wylm,
þrosme beþehte. Bi se þridda dæl,
awyrgede womsceaan, in þæs wylmes grund,
- 1300
- lease leodhatan, lige befæsted
þurh ærgewyrht, arleasra sceolu,
in gleda gripe. Gode no syan
of am mororhofe in gemynd cuma,
wuldorcyninge, ac hie worpene beo
- 1305
- of am heauwylme in hellegrund,
torngenilan. Bi þam twam dælum
ungelice. Moton engla frean
geseon, sigora god. Hie asodene beo,
asundrod fram synnum, swa smæte gold
- 1310
- þæt in wylme bi womma gehwylces
þurh ofnes fyr eall geclænsod,
amered ond gemylted. Swa bi þara manna ælc
ascyred ond asceaden scylda gehwylcre,
deopra firena, þurh þæs domes fyr.
- 1315
- Moton þonne siþan sybbe brucan,
eces eadwelan. Him bi engla weard
milde ond blie, þæs e hie mana gehwylc
forsawon, synna weorc, ond to suna metudes
wordum cleopodon. Foran hie nu on wlite scinaþ
- 1320
- englum gelice, yrfes brucaþ
wuldorcyninges to widan feore.
Amen.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- cyninge.
u eart se weallstan þe a wyrhtan iu
wiwurpon to weorce. Wel þe gerise
þæt þu heafod sie healle mærre,
- 5
- ond gesomnige side weallas
fæste gefoge, flint unbræcne,
þæt geond eorb... ...g eall eagna gesihþe
wundrien to worlde wuldres ealdor.
Gesweotula nu þurh searocræft þin sylfes weorc,
- 10
- sofæst, sigorbeorht, ond sona forlæt
weall wi wealle. Nu is þam weorce þearf
þæt se cræftga cume ond se cyning sylfa,
ond þonne gebete, nu gebrosnad is,
hus under hrofe. He þæt hra gescop,
- 15
- leomo læmena; nu sceal liffrea
þone wergan heap wraþum ahreddan,
earme from egsan, swa he oft dyde.
Eala þu reccend ond þu riht cyning,
se þe locan healde, lif ontyne,
- 20
- eadga... upwegas, oþrum forwyrne
wlitigan wilsiþes, gif his weorc ne deag.
Huru we for þearfe þas word spreca,
ond m... ...gia þone þe mon gescop
þæt he ne ...ete... ...ceose weoran
- 25
- cearfulra þing, þe we in carcerne
sitta sorgende, sunnan wena,
hwonne us liffrea leoht ontyne,
weore ussum mode to mundboran,
ond þæt tydre gewitt tire bewinde,
- 30
- gedo usic þæs wyre, þe he to wuldre forlet,
þa we heanlice hweorfan sceoldan
to þis enge lond, ele bescyrede.
Forþon secgan mæg, se e so sprice,
þæt he ahredde, þa forhwyrfed wæs,
- 35
- frumcyn fira. Wæs seo fæmne geong,
mæg manes leas, þe he him to meder geceas;
þæt wæs geworden butan weres frigum,
þæt þurh bearnes gebyrd bryd eacen wear.
Nænig efenlic þam, ær ne siþþan,
- 40
- in worlde gewear wifes gearnung;
þæt degol wæs, dryhtnes geryne.
Eal giofu gæstlic grundsceat geondspreot;
þær wisna fela wear inlihted
lare longsume þurh lifes fruman
- 45
- þe ær under homan biholen lægon,
witgena wosong, þa se waldend cwom,
se þe reorda gehwæs ryne gemicla
ara þe geneahhe noman scyppendes
þurh horscne had hergan willa.
- 50
- Eala sibbe gesih, sancta Hierusalem,
cynestola cyst, Cristes burglond,
engla eþelstol, ond þa ane in þe
saule sofæstra simle geresta,
wuldrum hremge. Næfre wommes tacn
- 55
- in þam eardgearde eawed weorþe,
ac þe firina gehwylc feor abuge,
wærgo ond gewinnes. Bist to wuldre full
halgan hyhtes, swa þu gehaten eart.
Sioh nu sylfa þe geond þas sidan gesceaft,
- 60
- swylce rodores hrof rume geondwlitan
ymb healfa gehwone, hu þec heofones cyning
sie gesece, ond sylf cyme,
nime eard in þe, swa hit ær gefyrn
witgan wisfæste wordum sægdon,
- 65
- cydon Cristes gebyrd, cwædon þe to frofre,
burga betlicast. Nu is þæt bearn cymen,
awæcned to wyrpe weorcum Ebrea,
bringe blisse þe, benda onlyse
niþum genedde. Nearoþearfe conn,
- 70
- hu se earma sceal are gebidan.
Eala wifa wynn geond wuldres þrym,
fæmne freolicast ofer ealne foldan sceat
þæs þe æfre sundbuend secgan hyrdon,
arece us þæt geryne þæt þe of roderum cwom,
- 75
- hu þu eacnunge æfre onfenge
bearnes þurh gebyrde, ond þone gebedscipe
æfter monwisan mod ne cues.
Ne we solice swylc ne gefrugnan
in ærdagum æfre gelimpan,
- 80
- þæt u in sundurgiefe swylce befenge,
ne we þære wyrde wenan þurfon
toweard in tide. Huru treow in þe
weorlicu wunade, nu þu wuldres þrym
bosme gebære, ond no gebrosnad wear
- 85
- mæghad se micla. Swa eal manna bearn
sorgum sawa, swa eft ripa,
cenna to cwealme. Cwæ sio eadge mæg
symle sigores full, sancta Maria:
"Hwæt is þeos wundrung þe ge wafia,
- 90
- ond geomrende gehþum mæna,
sunu Solimæ somod his dohtor?
Fricga þurh fyrwet hu ic fæmnan had,
mund minne geheold, ond eac modor gewear
mære meotudes suna. Forþan þæt monnum nis
- 95
- cu geryne, ac Crist onwrah
in Dauides dyrre mægan
þæt is Euan scyld eal forpynded,
wærga aworpen, ond gewuldrad is
se heanra had. Hyht is onfangen
- 100
- þæt nu bletsung mot bæm gemæne,
werum ond wifum, a to worulde for
in þam uplican engla dreame
mid sofæder symle wunian."
Eala earendel, engla beorhtast,
- 105
- ofer middangeard monnum sended,
ond sofæsta sunnan leoma,
torht ofer tunglas, þu tida gehwane
of sylfum þe symle inlihtes!
Swa þu, god of gode gearo acenned,
- 110
- sunu soþan fæder, swegles in wuldre
butan anginne æfre wære,
swa þec nu for þearfum þin agen geweorc
bide þurh byldo, þæt þu þa beorhtan us
sunnan onsende, ond þe sylf cyme
- 115
- þæt u inleohte þa þe longe ær,
þrosme beþeahte ond in þeostrum her,
sæton sinneahtes; synnum bifealdne
deorc deaþes sceadu dreogan sceoldan.
Nu we hyhtfulle hælo gelyfa
- 120
- þurh þæt word godes weorodum brungen,
þe on fryme wæs fæder ælmihtigum
efenece mid god, ond nu eft gewear
flæsc firena leas, þæt seo fæmne gebær
geomrum to geoce. God wæs mid us
- 125
- gesewen butan synnum; somod eardedon
mihtig meotudes bearn ond se monnes sunu
geþwære on þeode. We þæs þonc magon
secgan sigedryhtne symle bi gewyrhtum,
þæs þe he hine sylfne us sendan wolde.
- 130
- Eala gæsta god, hu þu gleawlice
mid noman ryhte nemned wære
Emmanuhel, swa hit engel gecwæ
ærest on Ebresc! þæt is eft gereht,
rume bi gerynum: "Nu is rodera weard,
- 135
- god sylfa mid us." Swa þæt gomele gefyrn
ealra cyninga cyning ond þone clænan eac
sacerd solice sægdon toweard,
swa se mæra iu, Melchisedech,
gleaw in gæste godþrym onwrah
- 140
- eces alwaldan. Se wæs æ bringend,
lara lædend, þam longe his
hyhtan hidercyme, swa him gehaten wæs,
þætte sunu meotudes sylfa wolde
gefælsian foldan mæge,
- 145
- swylce grundas eac gæstes mægne
siþe gesecan. Nu hie softe þæs
bidon in bendum hwonne bearn godes
cwome to cearigum. Forþon cwædon swa,
suslum geslæhte: "Nu þu sylfa cum,
- 150
- heofones heahcyning. Bring us hælolif,
werigum witeþeowum, wope forcymenum,
bitrum brynetearum. Is seo bot gelong
eal æt þe anum ...... oferþearfum.
Hæftas hygegeomre hider ...es;
- 155
- ne læt þe behindan, þonne þu heonan cyrre,
mænigo þus micle, ac þu miltse on us
gecy cynelice, Crist nergende,
wuldres æþeling, ne læt awyrgde ofer us
onwald agan. Læf us ecne gefean
- 160
- wuldres þines, þæt þec weorien,
weoroda wuldorcyning, þa þu geworhtes ær
hondum þinum. þu in heannissum
wunast wideferh mid waldend fæder."
"Eala Ioseph min, Iacobes bearn,
- 165
- mæg Dauides, mæran cyninges,
nu þu freode scealt fæste gedælan,
alætan lufan mine!" "Ic lungre eam
deope gedrefed, dome bereafod,
foron ic worn for þe worde hæbbe
- 170
- sidra sorga ond sarcwida,
hearmes gehyred, ond me hosp spreca,
tornworda fela. Ic tearas sceal
geotan geomormod. God eaþe mæg
gehælan hygesorge heortan minre,
- 175
- afrefran feasceaftne. Eala fæmne geong,
mæg Maria!" Hwæt bemurnest u,
cleopast cearigende? Ne ic culpan in þe,
incan ænigne, æfre onfunde,
womma geworhtra, ond þu þa word spricest
- 180
- swa þu sylfa sie synna gehwylcre
firena gefylled." Ic to fela hæbbe
þæs byrdscypes bealwa onfongen!
Hu mæg ic ladigan laþan spræce,
oþþe ondsware ænige findan
- 185
- wraþum towiþere? Is þæt wide cu
þæt ic of þam torhtan temple dryhtnes
onfeng freolice fæmnan clæne,
womma lease, ond nu gehwyrfed is
þurh nathwylces. Me nawþer deag,
- 190
- secge ne swige. Gif ic so sprece,
þonne sceal Dauides dohtor sweltan,
stanum astyrfed. Gen strengre is
þæt ic morþor hele; scyle manswara,
laþ leoda gehwam lifgan siþþan,
- 195
- fraco in folcum." þa seo fæmne onwrah
ryhtgeryno, ond þus reordade:
"So ic secge þurh sunu meotudes,
gæsta geocend, þæt ic gen ne conn
þurh gemæcscipe monnes ower,
- 200
- ænges on eoran, ac me eaden wear,
geongre in geardum, þæt me Gabrihel,
heofones heagengel, hælo gebodade.
Sægde solice þæt me swegles gæst
leoman onlyhte, sceolde ic lifes þrym
- 205
- geberan, beorhtne sunu, bearn eacen godes,
torhtes tirfruman. Nu ic his tempel eam
gefremed butan facne, in me frofre gæst
geeardode. Nu þu ealle forlæt
sare sorgceare. Saga ecne þonc
- 210
- mærum meotodes sunu þæt ic his modor gewear,
fæmne for seþeah, ond þu fæder cweden
woruldcund bi wene; sceolde witedom
in him sylfum beon soe gefylled."
Eala þu soa ond þu sibsuma
- 215
- ealra cyninga cyning, Crist ælmihtig,
hu þu ær wære eallum geworden
worulde þrymmum mid þinne wuldorfæder
cild acenned þurh his cræft ond meaht!
Nis ænig nu eorl under lyfte,
- 220
- secg searoþoncol, to þæs swie gleaw
þe þæt asecgan mæge sundbuendum,
areccan mid ryhte, hu þe rodera weard
æt fryme genom him to freobearne.
þæt wæs þara þinga þe her þeoda cynn
- 225
- gefrugnen mid folcum æt fruman ærest
geworden under wolcnum, þæt witig god,
lifes ordfruma, leoht ond þystro
gedælde dryhtlice, ond him wæs domes geweald,
ond þa wisan abead weoroda ealdor:
- 230
- "Nu sie geworden forþ a to widan feore
leoht, lixende gefea, lifgendra gehwam
þe in cneorissum cende weoren."
Ond þa sona gelomp, þa hit swa sceolde,
leoma leohtade leoda mægþum,
- 235
- torht mid tunglum, æfter þon tida bigong.
Sylfa sette þæt þu sunu wære
efeneardigende mid þinne engan frean
ærþon oht þisses æfre gewurde.
þu eart seo snyttro þe þas sidan gesceaft
- 240
- mid þi waldende worhtes ealle.
Forþon nis ænig þæs horsc, ne þæs hygecræftig,
þe þin fromcyn mæge fira bearnum
sweotule geseþan. Cum, nu, sigores weard,
meotod moncynnes, ond þine miltse her
- 245
- arfæst ywe! Us is eallum neod
þæt we þin medrencynn motan cunnan,
ryhtgeryno, nu we areccan ne mægon
þæt fædrencynn fier owihte.
þu þisne middangeard milde geblissa
- 250
- þurh inne hercyme, hælende Crist,
ond þa gyldnan geatu, þe in geardagum
ful longe ær bilocen stodan,
heofona heahfrea, hat ontynan,
ond usic þonne gesece þurh þin sylfes gong
- 255
- eamod to eorþan. Us is þinra arna þearf!
Hafa se awyrgda wulf tostenced,
deor dædscua, dryhten, þin eowde,
wide towrecene. þæt u, waldend, ær
blode gebohtes, þæt se bealofulla
- 260
- hyne heardlice, ond him on hæft nime
ofer usse nioda lust. Forþon we, nergend, þe
bidda geornlice breostgehygdum
þæt þu hrædlice helpe gefremme
wergum wreccan, þæt se wites bona
- 265
- in helle grund hean gedreose,
ond þin hondgeweorc, hæleþa scyppend,
mote arisan ond on ryht cuman
to þam upcundan æþelan rice,
þonan us ær þurh synlust se swearta gæst
- 270
- forteah ond fortylde, þæt we, tires wone,
a butan ende sculon ermþu dreogan,
butan þu usic þon ofostlicor, ece dryhten,
æt þam leodsceaþan, lifgende god,
helm alwihta, hreddan wille.
- 275
- Eala þu mæra middangeardes
seo clæneste cwen ofer eorþan
þara þe gewurde to widan feore,
hu þec mid ryhte ealle reordberend
hata ond secga, hæle geond foldan,
- 280
- bliþe mode, þæt þu bryd sie
þæs selestan swegles bryttan.
Swylce þa hyhstan on heofonum eac,
Cristes þegnas, cweþa ond singa
þæt þu sie hlæfdige halgum meahtum
- 285
- wuldorweorudes, ond worldcundra
hada under heofonum, ond helwara.
Forþon þu þæt ana ealra monna
geþohtest þrymlice, þristhycgende,
þæt þu þinne mæghad meotude brohtes,
- 290
- sealdes butan synnum. Nan swylc ne cwom
ænig oþer ofer ealle men,
bryd beaga hroden, þe þa beorhtan lac
to heofonhame hlutre mode
siþþan sende. Foron heht sigores fruma
- 295
- his heahbodan hider gefleogan
of his mægenþrymme ond þe meahta sped
snude cyan, þæt þu sunu dryhtnes
þurh clæne gebyrd cennan sceolde
monnum to miltse, ond þe, Maria, for
- 300
- efne unwemme a gehealdan.
Eac we þæt gefrugnon, þæt gefyrn bi þe
sofæst sægde sum wobora
in ealddagum, Esaias,
þæt he wære gelæded þæt he lifes gesteald
- 305
- in þam ecan ham eal sceawode.
Wlat þa swa wisfæst witga geond þeodland
oþþæt he gestarode þær gestaþelad wæs
æþelic ingong. Eal wæs gebunden
deoran since duru ormæte,
- 310
- wundurclommum bewriþen. Wende swie
þæt ænig elda æfre ne meahte
swa fæstlice forescyttelsas
on ecnesse o inhebban,
oþþe æs ceasterhlides clustor onlucan,
- 315
- ær him godes engel þurh glædne geþonc
þa wisan onwrah ond þæt word acwæ:
"Ic þe mæg secgan þæt so gewear
þæt as gyldnan gatu giet sume siþe
god sylf wile gæstes mægne
- 320
- gefælsian, fæder ælmihtig,
ond þurh þa fæstan locu foldan neosan,
ond hio þonne æfter him ece stonda
simle singales swa beclysed
þæt nænig oþer, nyme nergend god,
- 325
- hy æfre ma eft onluce."
Nu þæt is gefylled þæt se froda þa
mid eagum þær on wlatade.
þu eart þæt wealldor, þurh þe waldend frea
æne on þas eoran ut siade,
- 330
- ond efne swa þec gemette, meahtum gehrodene,
clæne ond gecorene, Crist ælmihtig.
Swa e æfter him engla þeoden
eft unmæle ælces þinges
lioþucægan bileac, lifes brytta.
- 335
- Iowa us nu þa are þe se engel þe,
godes spelboda, Gabriel brohte.
Huru þæs bidda burgsittende
þæt u þa frofre folcum cye,
þinre sylfre sunu. Siþþan we motan
- 340
- anmodlice ealle hyhtan,
nu we on þæt bearn foran breostum staria.
Geþinga us nu þristum wordum
þæt he us ne læte leng owihte
in þisse deadene gedwolan hyran,
- 345
- ac þæt he usic geferge in fæder rice,
þær we sorglease siþþan motan
wunigan in wuldre mid weoroda god.
Eala þu halga heofona dryhten,
þu mid fæder þinne gefyrn wære
- 350
- efenwesende in þam æþelan ham.
Næs ænig þa giet engel geworden,
ne þæs miclan mægenþrymmes nan
e in roderum up rice biwitiga,
þeodnes þrygesteald ond his þegnunga,
- 355
- þa þu ærest wære mid þone ecan frean
sylf settende þas sidan gesceaft,
brade brytengrundas. Bæm inc is gemæne
heahgæst hleofæst. We þe, hælend Crist,
þurh eamedu ealle bidda
- 360
- þæt þu gehyre hæfta stefne,
þinra niedþiowa, nergende god,
hu we sind geswencte þurh ure sylfra gewill.
Habba wræcmæcgas wergan gæstas,
hetlen helsceaþa, hearde genyrwad,
- 365
- gebunden bealorapum. Is seo bot gelong
eall æt þe anum, ece dryhten.
Hreowcearigum help, þæt þin hidercyme
afrefre feasceafte, þeah we fæhþo wi þec
þurh firena lust gefremed hæbben.
- 370
- Ara nu onbehtum ond usse yrmþa geþenc,
hu we tealtriga tydran mode,
hwearfia heanlice. Cym nu, hæleþa cyning,
ne lata to lange. Us is lissa þearf,
þæt þu us ahredde ond us hælogiefe
- 375
- sofæst sylle, þæt we siþþan for
þa sellan þing symle moten
geþeon on þeode, þinne willan.
Eala seo wlitige, weormynda full,
heah ond halig, heofoncund þrynes,
- 380
- brade geblissad geond brytenwongas
þa mid ryhte sculon reordberende,
earme eorware ealle mægene
hergan healice, nu us hælend god
wærfæst onwrah þæt we hine witan moton.
- 385
- Forþon hy, dædhwæte, dome geswide,
þæt sofæste seraphinnes cynn,
uppe mid englum a bremende,
unaþreotendum þrymmum singa
ful healice hludan stefne,
- 390
- fægre feor ond neah. Habbaþ folgoþa
cyst mid cyninge. Him þæt Crist forgeaf,
þæt hy motan his ætwiste eagum brucan
simle singales, swegle gehyrste,
weorian waldend wide ond side,
- 395
- ond mid hyra fiþrum frean ælmihtges
onsyne weardia, ecan dryhtnes,
ond ymb þeodenstol þringa georne
hwylc hyra nehst mæge ussum nergende
flihte lacan frigeardum in.
- 400
- Lofia leoflicne ond in leohte him
þa word cweþa, ond wuldria
æþelne ordfruman ealra gesceafta:
"Halig eart þu, halig, heahengla brego,
so sigores frea, simle þu bist halig,
- 405
- dryhtna dryhten! A þin dom wuna
eorlic mid ældum in ælce tid
wide geweorþad. þu eart weoroda god,
forþon þu gefyldest foldan ond rodoras,
wigendra hleo, wuldres þines,
- 410
- helm alwihta. Sie þe in heannessum
ece hælo, ond in eorþan lof,
beorht mid beornum. þu gebletsad leofa,
þe in dryhtnes noman dugeþum cwome
heanum to hroþre. þe in heahþum sie
- 415
- a butan ende ece herenis."
Eala hwæt, þæt is wræclic wrixl in wera life,
þætte moncynnes milde scyppend
onfeng æt fæmnan flæsc unwemme,
ond sio weres friga wiht ne cuþe,
- 420
- ne þurh sæd ne cwom sigores agend
monnes ofer moldan; ac þæt wæs ma cræft
þonne hit eorbuend ealle cuþan
þurh geryne, hu he, rodera þrim,
heofona heahfrea, helpe gefremede
- 425
- monna cynne þurh his modor hrif.
Ond swa forgongende folca nergend
his forgifnesse gumum to helpe
dæle dogra gehwam, dryhten weoroda.
Forþon we hine domhwate dædum ond wordum
- 430
- hergen holdlice. þæt is healic ræd
monna gehwylcum þe gemynd hafa,
þæt he symle oftost ond inlocast
ond geornlicost god weorþige.
He him þære lisse lean forgilde,
- 435
- se gehalgoda hælend sylfa,
efne in þam ele þær he ær ne cwom,
in lifgendra londes wynne,
þær he gesælig siþþan earda,
ealne widan feorh wuna butan ende. Amen.
- 440
- Nu u geornlice gæstgerynum,
mon se mæra, modcræfte sec
þurh sefan snyttro, þæt þu so wite
hu þæt geeode, þa se ælmihtiga
acenned wear þurh clænne had,
- 445
- siþþan he Marian, mæga weolman,
mærre meowlan, mundheals geceas,
þæt þær in hwitum hræglum gewerede
englas ne oeowdun, þa se æþeling cwom,
beorn in Betlem. Bodan wæron gearwe
- 450
- þa þurh hleoþorcwide hyrdum cydon,
sægdon sone gefean, þætte sunu wære
in middangeard meotudes acenned,
in Betleme. Hwæþre in bocum ne cwi
þæt hy in hwitum þær hræglum oywden
- 455
- in þa æþelan tid, swa hie eft dydon
a se brega mæra to Bethania,
þeoden þrymfæst, his þegna gedryht
gelaade, leof weorud. Hy þæs lareowes
on þam wildæge word ne gehyrwdon,
- 460
- hyra sincgiefan. Sona wæron gearwe,
hæle mid hlaford, to þære halgan byrg,
þær him tacna fela tires brytta
onwrah, wuldres helm, wordgerynum,
ærþon up stige ancenned sunu,
- 465
- efenece bearn, agnum fæder,
þæs ymb feowertig þe he of foldan ær
from deae aras, dagena rimes.
Hæfde þa gefylled, swa ær biforan sungon,
witgena word geond woruld innan
- 470
- þurh his þrowinga. þegnas heredon,
lufedun leofwendum lifes agend,
fæder frumsceafta. He him fægre þæs
leofum gesiþum lean æfter geaf,
ond þæt word acwæ waldend engla,
- 475
- gefysed, frea mihtig, to fæder rice:
"Gefeo ge on fere! Næfre ic from hweorfe,
ac ic lufan symle læste wi eowic,
ond eow meaht giefe ond mid wunige,
awo to ealdre, þæt eow æfre ne bi
- 480
- þurh gife mine godes onsien.
Fara nu geond ealne yrmenne grund,
geond widwegas, weoredum cya,
bodia ond brema beorhtne geleafan,
ond fulwia folc under roderum.
- 485
- Hweorfa to hæþnum, hergas breotaþ,
fylla ond feoga, feondscype dwæsca,
sibbe sawa on sefan manna
þurh meahta sped. Ic eow mid wunige,
for on frofre, ond eow frie healde
- 490
- strengu staþolfæstre on stowa gehware."
a wear semninga sweg on lyfte
hlud gehyred. Heofonengla þreat,
weorud wlitescyne, wuldres aras,
cwomun on corre. Cyning ure gewat
- 495
- þurh þæs temples hrof þær hy to segun,
þa þe leofes þa gen last weardedun
on þam þingstede, þegnas gecorene.
Gesegon hi on heahþu hlaford stigan,
godbearn of grundum. Him wæs geomor sefa
- 500
- hat æt heortan, hyge murnende,
þæs þe hi swa leofne leng ne mostun
geseon under swegle. Song ahofun
aras ufancunde, æþeling heredun,
lofedun liffruman, leohte gefegun
- 505
- þe of þæs hælendes heafelan lixte.
Gesegon hy ælbeorhte englas twegen
fægre ymb þæt frumbearn frætwum blican,
cyninga wuldor. Cleopedon of heahþu
wordum wrætlicum ofer wera mengu
- 510
- beorhtan reorde: "Hwæt bida ge,
Galilesce guman on hwearfte?
Nu ge sweotule geseo sone dryhten
on swegl faran; sigores agend
wile up heonan eard gestigan,
- 515
- æþelinga ord, mid þas engla gedryht,
ealra folca fruma, fæder eþelstoll.
We mid þyslice þreate willa
ofer heofona gehlidu hlaford fergan
to þære beorhtan byrg mid þas blian gedryht,
- 520
- ealra sigebearna þæt seleste
ond æþeleste, þe ge her on staria
ond in frofre geseo frætwum blican.
Wile eft swa þeah eoran mæge
sylfa gesecan side herge,
- 525
- ond þonne gedeman dæda gehwylce
þara e gefremedon folc under roderum."
a wæs wuldres weard wolcnum bifongen,
heahengla cyning, ofer hrofas upp,
haligra helm. Hyht wæs geniwad,
- 530
- blis in burgum, þurh þæs beornes cyme.
Gesæt sigehremig on þa swiþran hand
ece eadfruma agnum fæder.
Gewitan him þa gongan to Hierusalem
hæle hygerofe, in þa halgan burg,
- 535
- geomormode, þonan hy god nyhst
up stigende eagum segun,
hyra wilgifan. þær wæs wopes hring,
torne bitolden; wæs seo treowlufu
hat æt heortan, hreer innan weoll,
- 540
- beorn breostsefa. Bidon ealle þær
þegnas þrymfulle þeodnes gehata
in þære torhtan byrig tyn niht þa gen,
swa him sylf bibead swegles agend,
ærþon up stige ealles waldend
- 545
- on heofona gehyld. Hwite cwoman
eorla eadgiefan englas togeanes.
æt is wel cweden, swa gewritu secga,
þæt him albeorhte englas togeanes
in þa halgan tid heapum cwoman,
- 550
- sigan on swegle. þa wæs symbla mæst
geworden in wuldre. Wel þæt gedafena
þæt to þære blisse, beorhte gewerede,
in þæs þeodnes burg þegnas cwoman,
weorud wlitescyne. Gesegon wilcuman
- 555
- on heahsetle heofones waldend,
folca feorhgiefan, frætwum ealles waldend
middangeardes ond mægenþrymmes.
"Hafa nu se halga helle bireafod
ealles þæs gafoles þe hi geardagum
- 560
- in þæt orlege unryhte swealg.
Nu sind forcumene ond in cwicsusle
gehynde ond gehæfte, in helle grund
duguþum bidæled, deofla cempan.
Ne meahtan wiþerbrogan wige spowan,
- 565
- wæpna wyrpum, siþþan wuldres cyning,
heofonrices helm, hilde gefremede
wiþ his ealdfeondum anes meahtum,
þær he of hæfte ahlod huþa mæste
of feonda byrig, folces unrim,
- 570
- þisne ilcan þreat þe ge her on staria.
Wile nu gesecan sawla nergend
gæsta giefstol, godes agen bearn,
æfter guplegan. Nu ge geare cunnon
hwæt se hlaford is se þisne here læde,
- 575
- nu ge fromlice freondum togeanes
gonga glædmode. Geatu, ontyna!
Wile in to eow ealles waldend,
cyning on ceastre, corre ne lytle,
fyrnweorca fruma, folc gelædan
- 580
- in dreama dream, e he on deoflum genom
þurh his sylfes sygor. Sib sceal gemæne
englum ond ældum a for heonan
wesan wideferh. Wær is ætsomne
godes ond monna, gæsthalig treow,
- 585
- lufu, lifes hyht, ond ealles leohtes gefea."
Hwæt, we nu gehyrdan hu þæt hælubearn
þurh his hydercyme hals eft forgeaf,
gefreode ond gefreoþade folc under wolcnum,
mære meotudes sunu, þæt nu monna gehwylc
- 590
- cwic þendan her wuna, geceosan mot
swa helle hienþu swa heofones mærþu,
swa þæt leohte leoht swa a laþan niht,
swa þrymmes þræce swa þystra wræce,
swa mid dryhten dream swa mid deoflum hream,
- 595
- swa wite mid wraþum swa wuldor mid arum,
swa lif swa dea, swa him leofre bi
to gefremmanne, þenden flæsc ond gæst
wunia in worulde. Wuldor þæs age
þrynysse þrym, þonc butan ende!
- 600
- æt is þæs wyre þætte werþeode
secgen dryhtne þonc dugua gehwylcre
þe us si ond ær simle gefremede
þurh monigfealdra mægna geryno.
He us æt giefe ond æhta sped,
- 605
- welan ofer widlond, ond weder liþe
under swegles hleo. Sunne ond mona,
æþelast tungla eallum scina,
heofoncondelle, hæleþum on eoran.
Dreose deaw ond ren, dugue weccaþ
- 610
- to feorhnere fira cynne,
ieca eorwelan. þæs we ealles sculon
secgan þonc ond lof þeodne ussum,
ond huru þære hælo þe he us to hyhte forgeaf,
a he þa yrmpu eft oncyrde
- 615
- æt his upstige þe we ær drugon,
ond geþingade þeodbuendum
wi fæder swæsne fæhþa mæste,
cyning anboren. Cwide eft onhwearf
saulum to sibbe, se þe ær sungen wæs
- 620
- þurh yrne hyge ældum to sorge:
"Ic þec ofer eoran geworhte, on þære þu scealt yrmþum
lifgan,
wunian in gewinne ond wræce dreogan,
feondum to hroþor fusleo galan,
ond to þære ilcan scealt eft geweorþan,
- 625
- wyrmum aweallen, þonan wites fyr
of þære eoran scealt eft gesecan."
Hwæt, us þis se æþeling yre gefremede
þa he leomum onfeng ond lichoman,
monnes magutudre! Siþþan meotodes sunu
- 630
- engla eþel up gestigan
wolde, weoroda god, us se willa bicwom
heanum to helpe on þa halgan tid.
Bi þon giedd awræc Iob, swa he cue,
herede helm wera, hælend lofede,
- 635
- ond mid siblufan sunu waldendes
freonoman cende, ond hine fugel nemde,
þone Iudeas ongietan ne meahtan
in ære godcundan gæstes strengu.
Wæs þæs fugles flyht feondum on eorþan
- 640
- dyrne ond degol, þam þe deorc gewit
hæfdon on hreþre, heortan stænne.
Noldan hi þa torhtan tacen oncnawan
þe him beforan fremede freobearn godes,
monig mislicu, geond middangeard.
- 645
- Swa se fæla fugel flyges cunnode;
hwilum engla eard up gesohte,
modig meahtum strang, þone maran ham,
hwilum he to eorþan eft gestylde,
þurh gæstes giefe grundsceat sohte,
- 650
- wende to worulde. Bi þon se witga song:
"He wæs upp hafen engla fæmum
in his þa miclan meahta spede,
heah ond halig, ofer heofona þrym."
Ne meahtan þa þæs fugles flyht gecnawan
- 655
- þe þæs upstiges ondsæc fremedon,
ond þæt ne gelyfdon, þætte liffruma
in monnes hiw ofer mægna þrym,
halig from hrusan, ahafen wurde.
a us geweorade se þas world gescop,
- 660
- godes gæstsunu, ond us giefe sealde,
uppe mid englum ece staþelas,
ond eac monigfealde modes snyttru
seow ond sette geond sefan monna.
Sumum wordlaþe wise sende
- 665
- on his modes gemynd þurh his muþes gæst,
æele ondgiet. Se mæg eal fela
singan ond secgan þam bi snyttru cræft
bifolen on fere. Sum mæg fingrum wel
hlude fore hæleþum hearpan stirgan,
- 670
- gleobeam gretan. Sum mæg godcunde
reccan ryhte æ. Sum mæg ryne tungla
secgan, side gesceaft. Sum mæg searolice
wordcwide writan. Sumum wiges sped
giefe æt guþe, þonne gargetrum
- 675
- ofer scildhreadan sceotend senda,
flacor flangeweorc. Sum mæg fromlice
ofer sealtne sæ sundwudu drifan,
hreran holmþræce. Sum mæg heanne beam
stælgne gestigan. Sum mæg styled sweord,
- 680
- wæpen gewyrcan. Sum con wonga bigong,
wegas widgielle. Swa se waldend us,
godbearn on grundum, his giefe brytta.
Nyle he ængum anum ealle gesyllan
gæstes snyttru, þy læs him gielp sceþþe
- 685
- þurh his anes cræft ofer oþre for.
us god meahtig geofum unhneawum,
cyning alwihta, cræftum weoraþ
eorþan tuddor; swylce eadgum blæd
sele on swegle, sibbe ræreþ
- 690
- ece to ealdre engla ond monna;
swa he his weorc weorþa. Bi þon se witga cwæ
þæt ahæfen wæren halge gimmas,
hædre heofontungol, healice upp,
sunne ond mona. Hwæt sindan þa
- 695
- gimmas swa scyne buton god sylfa?
He is se sofæsta sunnan leoma,
englum ond eorwarum æþele scima.
Ofer middangeard mona lixe,
gæstlic tungol, swa seo godes circe
- 700
- þurh gesomninga soes ond ryhtes
beorhte blice. Swa hit on bocum cwiþ,
siþþan of grundum godbearn astag,
cyning clænra gehwæs, þa seo circe her
æfyllendra eahtnysse bad
- 705
- under hæþenra hyrda gewealdum.
þær a synsceaan soþes ne giemdon,
gæstes þearfe, ac hi godes tempel
bræcan ond bærndon, blodgyte worhtan,
feodan ond fyldon. Hwæþre for bicwom
- 710
- þurh gæstes giefe godes þegna blæd
æfter upstige ecan dryhtnes.
Bi þon Salomon song, sunu Dauiþes,
giedda gearosnottor gæstgerynum,
waldend werþeoda, ond þæt word acwæ:
- 715
- "Cu þæt geweore, þætte cyning engla,
meotud meahtum swi, munt gestylle,
gehleape hea dune, hyllas ond cnollas
bewri mid his wuldre, woruld alyse,
ealle eorbuend, þurh þone æþelan styll."
- 720
- Wæs se forma hlyp þa he on fæmnan astag,
mæge unmæle, ond þær mennisc hiw
onfeng butan firenum þæt to frofre gewear
eallum eorwarum. Wæs se oþer stiell
bearnes gebyrda, þa he in binne wæs
- 725
- in cildes hiw claþum bewunden,
ealra þrymma þrym. Wæs se þridda hlyp,
rodorcyninges ræs, þa he on rode astag,
fæder, frofre gæst. Wæs se feora stiell
in byrgenne, þa he þone beam ofgeaf,
- 730
- foldærne fæst. Wæs se fifta hlyp
þa he hellwarena heap forbygde
in cwicsusle, cyning inne gebond,
feonda foresprecan, fyrnum teagum,
gromhydigne, þær he gen lige
- 735
- in carcerne clommum gefæstnad,
synnum gesæled. Wæs se siexta hlyp,
haliges hyhtplega, þa he to heofonum astag
on his ealdcye. þa wæs engla þreat
on þa halgan tid hleahtre bliþe
- 740
- wynnum geworden. Gesawan wuldres þrym,
æþelinga ord, eles neosan,
beorhtra bolda. þa wear burgwarum
eadgum ece gefea æþelinges plega.
þus her on grundum godes ece bearn
- 745
- ofer heahhleoþu hlypum stylde,
modig æfter muntum. Swa we men sculon
heortan gehygdum hlypum styllan
of mægne in mægen, mærþum tilgan
þæt we to þam hyhstan hrofe gestigan
- 750
- halgum weorcum, þær is hyht ond blis,
geþungen þegnweorud. Is us þearf micel
þæt we mid heortan hælo secen,
þær we mid gæste georne gelyfa
þæt þæt hælobearn heonan up stige
- 755
- mid usse lichoman, lifgende god.
Forþon we a sculon idle lustas,
synwunde forseon, ond þæs sellran gefeon.
Habba we us to frofre fæder on roderum
ælmeahtigne. He his aras þonan,
- 760
- halig of heahu, hider onsende,
þa us gescildaþ wi sceþþendra
eglum earhfarum, þi læs unholdan
wunde gewyrcen, þonne wrohtbora
in folc godes for onsende
- 765
- of his brægdbogan biterne stræl.
Forþon we fæste sculon wi þam færscyte
symle wærlice wearde healdan,
þy læs se attres ord in gebuge,
biter bordgelac, under banlocan,
- 770
- feonda færsearo. þæt bi frecne wund,
blatast benna. Utan us beorgan þa,
þenden we on eoran eard weardien;
utan us to fæder freoþa wilnian,
biddan bearn godes ond þone blian gæst
- 775
- þæt he us gescilde wi sceaþan wæpnum,
laþra lygesearwum, se us lif forgeaf,
leomu, lic ond gæst. Si him lof symle
þurh woruld worulda, wuldor on heofnum.
Ne þearf him ondrædan deofla strælas
- 780
- ænig on eoran ælda cynnes,
gromra garfare, gif hine god scildeþ,
dugua dryhten. Is þam dome neah
þæt we gelice sceolon leanum hleotan,
swa we widefeorh weorcum hlodun
- 785
- geond sidne grund. Us secga bec
hu æt ærestan eadmod astag
in middangeard mægna goldhord,
in fæmnan fæm freobearn godes,
halig of heahþu. Huru ic wene me
- 790
- ond eac ondræde dom y reþran,
onne eft cyme engla þeoden,
þe ic ne heold teala þæt me hælend min
on bocum bibead. Ic þæs brogan sceal
geseon synwræce, þæs þe ic so talge,
- 795
- þær monig beo on gemot læded
fore onsyne eces deman.
þonne cen cwaca, gehyre cyning mælan,
rodera ryhtend, sprecan reþe word
þam þe him ær in worulde wace hyrdon,
- 800
- þendan yr ond nyd yþast meahtan
frofre findan. þær sceal forht monig
on þam wongstede werig bidan
hwæt him æfter dædum deman wille
wraþra wita. Biþ se wen scæcen
- 805
- eorþan frætwa. ur wæs longe
lagu flodum bilocen, lifwynna dæl,
feoh on foldan. þonne frætwe sculon
byrnan on bæle; blac rasette
recen reada leg, reþe scriþe
- 810
- geond woruld wide. Wongas hreosa,
burgstede bersta. Brond bi on tyhte,
æle ealdgestreon unmurnlice,
gæsta gifrast, þæt geo guman heoldan,
þenden him on eorþan onmedla wæs.
- 815
- Forþon ic leofra gehwone læran wille
þæt he ne agæle gæstes þearfe,
ne on gylp geote, þenden god wille
þæt he her in worulde wunian mote,
somed siþian sawel in lice,
- 820
- in þam gæsthofe. Scyle gumena gehwylc
on his geardagum georne biþencan
þæt us milde bicwom meahta waldend
æt ærestan þurh þæs engles word.
Bi nu eorneste þonne eft cyme,
- 825
- ree ond ryhtwis. Rodor bi onhrered,
ond þas miclan gemetu middangeardes
beofia þonne. Beorht cyning leana
þæs þe hy on eorþan eargum dædum
lifdon leahtrum fa. þæs hi longe sculon
- 830
- ferwerige onfon in fyrbae,
wælmum biwrecene, wraþlic ondlean,
þonne mægna cyning on gemot cyme,
þrymma mæste. þeodegsa bi
hlud gehyred bi heofonwoman,
- 835
- cwaniendra cirm, cerge reota
fore onsyne eces deman,
þa þe hyra weorcum wace truwia.
ær biþ oywed egsa mara
þonne from frumgesceape gefrægen wurde
- 840
- æfre on eoran. þær bi æghwylcum
synwyrcendra on þa snudan tid
leofra micle þonne eall þeos læne gesceaft,
þær he hine sylfne on þam sigeþreate
behydan mæge, þonne herga fruma,
- 845
- æþelinga ord, eallum deme,
leofum ge laum, lean æfter ryhte,
þeoda gehwylcre. Is us þearf micel
þæt we gæstes wlite ær þam gryrebrogan
on þas gæsnan tid georne biþencen.
- 850
- Nu is þon gelicost swa we on laguflode
ofer cald wæter ceolum lian
geond sidne sæ, sundhengestum,
flodwudu fergen. Is þæt frecne stream
ya ofermæta þe we her on laca
- 855
- geond þas wacan woruld, windge holmas
ofer deop gelad. Wæs se drohta strong
ærþon we to londe geliden hæfdon
ofer hreone hrycg. þa us help bicwom,
þæt us to hælo hyþe gelædde,
- 860
- godes gæstsunu, ond us giefe sealde
þæt we oncnawan magun ofer ceoles bord
hwær we sælan sceolon sundhengestas,
ealde ymearas, ancrum fæste.
Utan us to þære hye hyht staþelian,
- 865
- a us gerymde rodera waldend,
halge on heahþu, þa he heofonum astag.
onne mid fere foldbuende
se micla dæg meahtan dryhtnes
æt midre niht mægne bihlæme,
- 870
- scire gesceafte, swa oft sceaa fæcne,
þeof þristlice, þe on þystre fare,
on sweartre niht, sorglease hæle
semninga forfeh slæpe gebundne,
eorlas ungearwe yfles genæge.
- 875
- Swa on Syne beorg somod up cyme
mægenfolc micel, meotude getrywe,
beorht ond bliþe. Him weorþe blæd gifen!
þonne from feowerum foldan sceatum,
þam ytemestum eorþan rices,
- 880
- englas ælbeorhte on efen blawa
byman on brehtme. Beofa middangeard,
hruse under hæleþum. Hlyda tosomne,
trume ond torhte, wi tungla gong,
singa ond swinsiaþ suþan ond norþan,
- 885
- eastan ond westan, ofer ealle gesceaft.
Wecca of deae dryhtgumena bearn,
eall monna cynn, to meotudsceafte
egeslic of þære ealdan moldan, hata hy upp astandan
sneome of slæpe þy fæstan. þær mon mæg sorgende folc
- 890
- gehyran hygegeomor, hearde gefysed,
cearum cwiþende cwicra gewyrhtu,
forhte afærde. þæt bi foretacna mæst
þara þe ær oþþe si æfre gewurde
monnum oþywed, þær gemengde beo
- 895
- onhælo gelac engla ond deofla,
beorhtra ond blacra. Weorþe bega cyme,
hwitra ond sweartra, swa him is ham sceapen
ungelice, englum ond deoflum.
þonne semninga on Syne beorg
- 900
- suþaneastan sunnan leoma
cyme of scyppende scynan leohtor
þonne hit men mægen modum ahycgan,
beorhte blican, þonne bearn godes
þurh heofona gehleodu hider oywe.
- 905
- Cyme wundorlic Cristes onsyn,
æþelcyninges wlite, eastan fram roderum,
on sefan swete sinum folce,
biter bealofullum, gebleod wundrum,
eadgum ond earmum ungelice.
- 910
- He bi þam godum glædmod on gesihþe,
wlitig, wynsumlic, weorude þam halgan,
on gefean fæger, freond ond leoftæl,
lufsum ond liþe leofum monnum
to sceawianne þone scynan wlite,
- 915
- wene mid willum, waldendes cyme,
mægencyninges, þam þe him on mode ær
wordum ond weorcum wel gecwemdun.
He bi þam yflum egeslic ond grimlic
to geseonne, synnegum monnum,
- 920
- þam þær mid firenum cuma, for forworhte.
þæt mæg wites to wearninga þam þe hafa wisne geþoht,
þæt se him eallunga owiht ne ondræde,
se for ære onsyne egsan ne weorþe
forht on fere, þonne he frean gesih
- 925
- ealra gesceafta ondweardne faran
mid mægenwundrum mongum to þinge,
ond him on healfa gehwone heofonengla þreat
ymbutan fara, ælbeorhtra scolu,
hergas haligra, heapum geneahhe.
- 930
- Dyne deop gesceaft, ond fore dryhtne fære
wælmfyra mæst ofer widne grund.
Hlemme hata leg, heofonas bersta,
trume ond torhte, tungol ofhreosa.
þonne weorþe sunne sweart gewended
- 935
- on blodes hiw, seo e beorhte scan
ofer ærworuld ælda bearnum;
mona þæt sylfe, þe ær moncynne
nihtes lyhte, niþer gehreose
ond steorran swa some streda of heofone,
- 940
- þurh a strongan lyft stormum abeatne.
Wile ælmihtig mid his engla gedryht,
mægencyninga meotod, on gemot cuman,
þrymfæst þeoden. Bi þær his þegna eac
hreþeadig heap. Halge sawle
- 945
- mid hyra frean fara, þonne folca weard
þurh egsan þrea eoran mæge
sylfa gesece. Weorþe geond sidne grund
hlud gehyred heofonbyman stefn,
ond on seofon healfa swoga windas,
- 950
- blawa brecende bearhtma mæste,
wecca ond wonia woruld mid storme,
fylla mid fere foldan gesceafte.
onne heard gebrec, hlud, unmæte,
swar ond swilic, swegdynna mæst,
- 955
- ældum egeslic, eawed weorþe.
þær mægen werge monna cynnes
wornum hweorfa on widne leg,
þa þær cwice mete cwelmende fyr,
sume up, sume niþer, ældes fulle.
- 960
- þonne bi untweo þæt þær Adames
cyn, cearena full, cwiþe gesargad,
nales fore lytlum, leode geomre,
ac fore þam mæstan mægenearfeþum,
onne eall þreo on efen nime
- 965
- won fyres wælm wide tosomne,
se swearta lig, sæs mid hyra fiscum,
eorþan mid hire beorgum, ond upheofon
torhtne mid his tunglum. Teonleg somod
þryþum bærne þreo eal on an
- 970
- grimme togædre. Grorna gesargad
eal middangeard on þa mæran tid.
Swa se gifra gæst grundas geondsece;
hiþende leg heahgetimbro
fylle on foldwong fyres egsan,
- 975
- widmære blæst woruld mid ealle,
hat, heorogifre. Hreosa geneahhe
tobrocene burgweallas. Beorgas gemelta
ond heahcleofu, þa wi holme ær
fæste wi flodum foldan sceldun,
- 980
- sti ond stæfæst, staþelas wi wæge,
wætre windendum. þonne wihta gehwylce,
deora ond fugla, dealeg nime,
fære æfter foldan fyrswearta leg,
weallende wiga. Swa ær wæter fleowan,
- 985
- flodas afysde, þonne on fyrbae
swela sæfiscas; sundes getwæfde
wægdeora gehwylc werig swelte,
byrneþ wæter swa weax. þær bi wundra ma
þonne hit ænig on mode mæge aþencan,
- 990
- hu þæt gestun ond se storm ond seo stronge lyft
breca brade gesceaft. Beornas greta,
wepa wanende wergum stefnum,
heane, hygegeomre, hreowum gedreahte.
Seoþe swearta leg synne on fordonum,
- 995
- ond goldfrætwe gleda forswelga,
eall ærgestreon eþelcyninga.
ær bi cirm ond cearu, ond cwicra gewin,
gehreow ond hlud wop bi heofonwoman,
earmlic ælda gedreag. þonan ænig ne mæg,
- 1000
- firendædum fah, fri gewinnan,
legbryne losian londes ower,
ac þæt fyr nime þurh foldan gehwæt,
græfe grimlice, georne asece
innan ond utan eoran sceatas,
- 1005
- oþþæt eall hafa ældes leoma
woruldwidles wom wælme forbærned.
onne mihtig god on þone mæran beorg
mid þy mæstan mægenþrymme cyme,
heofonengla cyning, halig scine,
- 1010
- wuldorlic ofer weredum, waldende god,
ond hine ymbutan æþeldugu betast,
halge herefean, hlutre blica,
eadig engla gedryht. Ingeþoncum
forhte beofia fore fæder egsan.
- 1015
- Forþon nis ænig wundor hu him woruldmonna
seo unclæne gecynd, cearum sorgende,
hearde ondrede, onne sio halge gecynd,
hwit ond heofonbeorht, heagengla mægen,
for ære onsyne beo egsan afyrhte,
- 1020
- bida beofiende beorhte gesceafte
dryhtnes domes. Daga egeslicast
weorþe in worulde, þonne wuldorcyning
þurh þrym þrea þeoda gehwylce,
hate arisan reordberende
- 1025
- of foldgrafum, folc anra gehwylc,
cuman to gemote moncynnes gehwone.
þonne eall hrae Adames cynn
onfeh flæsce, weorþe foldræste
eardes æt ende. Sceal þonne anra gehwylc
- 1030
- fore Cristes cyme cwic arisan,
leoum onfon ond lichoman,
edgeong wesan. Hafa eall on him
þæs þe he on foldan in fyrndagum,
godes oþþe gales, on his gæste gehlod,
- 1035
- geara gongum, hafa ætgædre bu,
lic ond sawle. Sceal on leoht cuman
sinra weorca wlite ond worda gemynd
ond heortan gehygd fore heofona cyning.
onne biþ geyced ond geedniwad
- 1040
- moncyn þurh meotud. Micel arise
dryhtfolc to dome, siþþan deaþes bend
tolese liffruma. Lyft bi onbærned,
hreosa heofonsteorran, hyþa wide
gifre glede, gæstas hweorfa
- 1045
- on ecne eard. Opene weorþa
ofer middangeard monna dæde.
Ne magun hord weras, heortan geþohtas,
fore waldende wihte bemiþan.
Ne sindon him dæda dyrne, ac þær bi dryhtne cu
- 1050
- on þam miclan dæge, hu monna gehwylc
ær earnode eces lifes,
ond eall ondweard þæt hi ær oþþe si
worhtun in worulde. Ne bi þær wiht forholen
monna gehygda, ac se mæra dæg
- 1055
- hreþerlocena hord, heortan geþohtas,
ealle ætywe. ær sceal geþencan
gæstes þearfe, se þe gode mynte
bringan beorhtne wlite, þonne bryne costa,
hat, heorugifre, hu gehealdne sind
- 1060
- sawle wi synnum fore sigedeman.
onne sio byman stefen ond se beorhta segn,
ond þæt hate fyr ond seo hea dugu,
ond se engla þrym ond se egsan þrea,
ond se hearda dæg ond seo hea rod,
- 1065
- ryht aræred rices to beacne,
folcdryht wera biforan bonna,
sawla gehwylce þara þe si oþþe ær
on lichoman leoþum onfengen.
onne weoroda mæst fore waldende,
- 1070
- ece ond edgeong, ondweard gæ
neode ond nyde, bi noman gehatne,
bera breosta hord fore bearn godes,
feores frætwe. Wile fæder eahtan
hu gesunde suna sawle bringen
- 1075
- of þam ele þe hi on lifdon.
onne beo bealde þa þe beorhtne wlite
meotude bringa. Bi hyra meaht ond gefea
swie gesæliglic sawlum to gielde,
wuldorlean weorca. Wel is þam þe motun
- 1080
- on þa grimman tid gode lician.
þær him sylfe geseo sorga mæste,
synfa men, sarigfere.
Ne bi him to are þæt þær fore ellþeodum
usses dryhtnes rod ondweard stonde,
- 1085
- beacna beorhtast, blode bistemed,
heofoncyninges hlutran dreore,
biseon mid swate þæt ofer side gesceaft
scire scine. Sceadu beo bidyrned
þær se leohta beam leodum byrhte.
- 1090
- þæt þeah to teonum geteod weorþe,
þeodum to þrea, þam þe þonc gode
womwyrcende wita ne cuþun,
þæs he on þone halgan beam ahongen wæs
fore moncynnes manforwyrhtu,
- 1095
- þær he leoflice lifes ceapode,
þeoden moncynne, on þam dæge,
mid þy weore, þe no wom dyde
his lichoma leahtra firena,
mid þy usic alysde. þæs he eftlean wile
- 1100
- þurh eorneste ealles gemonian,
onne sio reade rod ofer ealle
swegle scine on þære sunnan gyld.
On þa forhtlice firenum fordone,
swearte synwyrcend, sorgum wlita,
- 1105
- geseo him to bealwe þæt him betst bicwom,
þær hy hit to gode ongietan woldan.
Ond eac þa ealdan wunde ond þa openan dolg
on hyra dryhtne geseo dreorigfere,
swa him mid næglum þurhdrifan nihycgende
- 1110
- þa hwitan honda ond þa halgan fet,
ond of his sidan swa some swat forletan,
þær blod ond wæter bu tu ætsomne
ut bicwoman fore eagna gesyh,
rinnan fore rincum, þa he on rode wæs.
- 1115
- Eall þis magon him sylfe geseon þonne,
open, orgete, þæt he for ælda lufan,
firenfremmendra, fela þrowade.
Magun leoda bearn leohte oncnawan
hu hine lygnedon lease on geþoncum,
- 1120
- hysptun hearmcwidum, ond on his hleor somod
hyra spatl speowdon. Spræcon him edwit,
ond on þone eadgan ondwlitan swa some
helfuse men hondum slogun,
folmum areahtum ond fystum eac,
- 1125
- ond ymb his heafod heardne gebigdon
beag þyrnenne, blinde on geþoncum,
dysge ond gedwealde. Gesegun þa dumban gesceaft,
eoran ealgrene ond uprodor,
forhte gefelan frean þrowinga,
- 1130
- ond mid cearum cwidun, þeah hi cwice næron,
þa hyra scyppend sceaþan onfengon
syngum hondum. Sunne wear adwæsced,
þream aþrysmed; þa sio þeod geseah
in Hierusalem godwebba cyst
- 1135
- þæt ær am halgan huse sceolde
to weorþunga weorud sceawian;
ufan eall forbærst þæt hit on eorþan læg
on twam styccum. þæs temples segl,
wundorbleom geworht to wlite þæs huses,
- 1140
- sylf slat on tu, swylce hit seaxes ecg
scearp þurhwode. Scire burstan
muras ond stanas monge æfter foldan,
ond seo eore eac, egsan myrde,
beofode on bearhtme, ond se brada sæ
- 1145
- cyde cræftes meaht ond of clomme bræc
up yrringa on eorþan fæm,
ge on stede scynum steorran forleton
hyra swæsne wlite. On þa sylfan tid
heofon hluttre ongeat hwa hine healice
- 1150
- torhtne getremede tungolgimmum;
forþon he his bodan sende, þa wæs geboren ærest
gesceafta scircyning. Hwæt, eac scyldge men
gesegon to soe, þy sylfan dæge
þe on þrowade, þeodwundor micel,
- 1155
- þætte eore ageaf þa hyre on lægun.
Eft lifgende up astodan
þa þe heo ær fæste bifen hæfde,
deade bibyrgde, þe dryhtnes bibod
heoldon on hreþre. Hell eac ongeat,
- 1160
- scyldwreccende, þæt se scyppend cwom,
waldende god, þa heo þæt weorud ageaf,
hloþe of am hatan hreþre. Hyge wear mongum blissad,
sawlum sorge toglidene. Hwæt, eac sæ cyde
hwa hine gesette on sidne grund,
- 1165
- tirmeahtig cyning; forþon he hine tredne him
ongean gyrede, þonne god wolde
ofer sine ye gan. Eahstream ne dorste
his frean fet flode bisencan,
ge eac beamas onbudon hwa hy mid bledum sceop,
- 1170
- monge, nales fea, a mihtig god
on hira anne gestag þær he earfeþu
geþolade fore þearfe þeodbuendra,
lalicne dea leodum to helpe.
a wear beam monig blodigum tearum
- 1175
- birunnen under rindum, reade ond þicce;
sæp wear to swate. þæt asecgan ne magun
foldbuende þurh frod gewit,
hu fela þa onfundun þa gefelan ne magun
dryhtnes þrowinga, deade gesceafte.
- 1180
- þa þe æþelast sind eoran gecynda,
ond heofones eac heahgetimbro,
eall fore þam anum unrot gewear,
forhtafongen. þeah hi fergewit
of hyra æþelum ænig ne cuþen,
- 1185
- wendon swa þeah wundrum, þa hyra waldend for
of lichoman. Leode ne cuþon,
modblinde men meotud oncnawan,
flintum heardran, þæt hi frea nerede
fram hellcwale halgum meahtum,
- 1190
- alwalda god. þæt æt ærestan
foreþoncle men from fruman worulde
þurh wis gewit, witgan dryhtnes,
halge higegleawe, hæleþum sægdon,
oft, nales æne, ymb þæt æþele bearn,
- 1195
- æt se earcnanstan eallum sceolde
to hleo ond to hroþer hæleþa cynne
weoran in worulde, wuldres agend,
eades ordfruma, þurh þa æþelan cwenn.
Hwæs wene se þe mid gewitte nyle
- 1200
- gemunan þa mildan meotudes lare,
ond eal a earfeu þe he fore ældum adreag,
forþon þe he wolde þæt we wuldres eard
in ecnesse agan mosten?
Swa þam bi grorne on þam grimman dæge
- 1205
- domes þæs miclan, þam þe dryhtnes sceal,
deafirenum forden, dolg sceawian,
wunde ond wite. On werigum sefan
geseo sorga mæste, hu se sylfa cyning
mid sine lichoman lysde of firenum
- 1210
- þurh milde mod, þæt hy mostun manweorca
tome lifgan, ond tires blæd
ecne agan. Hy þæs eles þonc
hyra waldende wita ne cuþon;
forþon þær to teonum þa tacen geseo
- 1215
- orgeatu on gode, ungesælge,
þonne Crist site on his cynestole,
on heahsetle, heofonmægna god,
fæder ælmihtig. Folca gehwylcum
scyppend scinende scrife bi gewyrhtum,
- 1220
- eall æfter ryhte rodera waldend.
onne beo gesomnad on þa swiþran hond
þa clænan folc, Criste sylfum
gecorene bi cystum, þa ær sinne cwide georne
lustum læstun on hyra lifdagum,
- 1225
- ond þær womsceaþan on þone wyrsan dæl
fore scyppende scyrede weorþa,
hate him gewitan on þa winstran hond,
sigora socyning, synfulra weorud.
þær hy arasade reota ond beofia
- 1230
- fore frean forhte, swa fule swa gæt,
unsyfre folc, arna ne wena.
onne bi gæsta dom fore gode sceaden
wera cneorissum, swa hi geworhtun ær,
þær bi on eadgum egesyne
- 1235
- þreo tacen somod, þæs þe hi hyra þeodnes wel
wordum ond weorcum willan heoldon.
An is ærest orgeate þær
þæt hy fore leodum leohte blicaþ,
blæde ond byrhte ofer burga gesetu.
- 1240
- Him on scina ærgewyrhtu,
on sylfra gehwam sunnan beorhtran.
Oþer is to eacan ondgete swa some,
þæt hy him in wuldre witon waldendes giefe,
ond on seo, eagum to wynne,
- 1245
- þæt hi on heofonrice hlutre dreamas
eadge mid englum agan motun.
onne bi þridde, hu on þystra bealo
þæt gesælige weorud gesih þæt fordone
sar þrowian, synna to wite,
- 1250
- weallendne lig, ond wyrma slite
bitrum ceaflum, byrnendra scole.
Of þam him aweaxe wynsum gefea,
þonne hi þæt yfel geseo ore dreogan,
þæt hy þurh miltse meotudes genæson.
- 1255
- onne hi þy geornor gode þoncia
blædes ond blissa þe hy bu geseo,
þæt he hy generede from nicwale
ond eac forgeaf ece dreamas;
bi him hel bilocen, heofonrice agiefen.
- 1260
- Swa sceal gewrixled þam þe ær wel heoldon
þurh modlufan meotudes willan.
onne bi þam oþrum ungelice
willa geworden. Magon weana to fela
geseon on him selfum, synne genoge
- 1265
- atolearfoa ær gedenra.
þær him sorgendum sar oclife,
þroht þeodbealu, on þreo healfa.
An is þara þæt hy him yrmþa to fela,
grim helle fyr, gearo to wite
- 1270
- ondweard seo, on þam hi awo sculon,
wræc winnende, wærgu dreogan.
þonne is him oþer earfeþu swa some
scyldgum to sconde, þæt hi þær scoma mæste
dreoga fordone. On him dryhten gesih
- 1275
- nales feara sum firenbealu lalic,
ond þæt ællbeorhte eac sceawia
heofonengla here, ond hæleþa bearn,
ealle eorbuend ond atol deofol,
mircne mægencræft, manwomma gehwone
- 1280
- magun þurh þa lichoman, leahtra firene,
geseon on þam sawlum. Beo þa syngan flæsc
scandum þurhwaden swa þæt scire glæs,
þæt mon yþæst mæg eall þurhwlitan.
onne bi þæt þridde þearfendum sorg,
- 1285
- cwiþende cearo, þæt hy on þa clænan seo,
hu hi fore goddædum glade blissia,
þa hy, unsælge, ær forhogdun
to donne þonne him dagas læstun;
ond be hyra weorcum wepende sar
- 1290
- þæt hi ær freolice fremedon unryht.
Geseo hi þa betran blæde scinan;
ne bi him hyra yrmu an to wite,
ac þara oþerra ead to sorgum,
þæs þe hy swa fægre gefean on fyrndagum
- 1295
- ond swa ænlice anforletun,
þurh leaslice lices wynne,
earges flæschoman idelne lust.
þær hi ascamode, scondum gedreahte,
swicia on swiman; synbyrþenne,
- 1300
- firenweorc bera, on þæt þa folc seo.
Wære him þonne betre þæt hy bealodæde,
ælces unryhtes, ær gescomeden
fore anum men, eargra weorca,
godes bodan sægdon þæt hi to gyrne wiston
- 1305
- firendæda on him. Ne mæg þurh þæt flæsc se scrift
geseon on þære sawle, hwæþer him mon so þe lyge
saga on hine sylfne, þonne he þa synne bigæ.
Mæg mon swa þeah gelacnigan leahtra gehwylcne,
yfel unclæne, gif he hit anum geseg,
- 1310
- ond nænig bihelan mæg on þam heardan dæge
wom unbeted, ær hit þa weorud geseo.
Eala, þær we nu magon wraþe firene
geseon on ussum sawlum, synna wunde,
mid lichoman leahtra gehygdu,
- 1315
- eagum unclæne ingeþoncas!
Ne þæt ænig mæg oþrum gesecgan
mid hu micle elne æghwylc wille
þurh ealle list lifes tiligan,
feores forhtlice, for aolian,
- 1320
- synrust þwean ond hine sylfne þrean,
ond þæt wom ærran wunde hælan,
þone lytlan fyrst þe her lifes sy,
þæt he mæge fore eagum eorbuendra
unscomiende eles mid monnum
- 1325
- brucan bysmerleas, þendan bu somod
lic ond sawle lifgan mote.
Nu we sceolon georne gleawlice þurhseon
usse hreþercofan heortan eagum,
innan uncyste. We mid þam orum ne magun,
- 1330
- heafodgimmum, hygeþonces fer
eagum þurhwlitan ænge þinga,
hwæþer him yfel þe god under wunige,
þæt he on þa grimman tid gode licie,
þonne he ofer weoruda gehwylc wuldre scine
- 1335
- of his heahsetle hlutran lege.
þær he fore englum ond fore elþeodum
to þam eadgestum ærest mæle,
ond him swæslice sibbe gehate,
heofona heahcyning; halgan reorde
- 1340
- frefre he fægre ond him friþ beode,
hate hy gesunde ond gesenade
on eþel faran engla dreames,
ond þæs to widan feore willum neotan:
"Onfo nu mid freondum mines fæder rice
- 1345
- þæt eow wæs ær woruldum wynlice gearo,
blæd mid blissum, beorht eles wlite,
hwonne ge þa lifwelan mid þam leofstum,
swase swegldreamas, geseon mosten.
Ge þæs earnedon þa ge earme men,
- 1350
- woruldþearfende, willum onfengun
on mildum sefan. onne hy him þurh minne noman
eamode to eow arna bædun,
þonne ge hyra hulpon ond him hleo gefon,
hingrendum hlaf ond hrægl nacedum;
- 1355
- ond þa þe on sare seoce lagun,
æfdon unsofte, adle gebundne,
to þam ge holdlice hyge staþeladon
mid modes myne. Eall ge þæt me dydon,
onne ge hy mid sibbum sohtun, ond hyra sefan trymedon
- 1360
- for on frofre. þæs ge fægre sceolon
lean mid leofum lange brucan."
Onginne þonne to þam yflum ungelice
wordum mælan þe him bi on þa wynstran hond,
þurh egsan þrea, alwalda god.
- 1365
- Ne þurfon hi þonne to meotude miltse gewenan,
lifes ne lissa, ac þær lean cuma
werum bi gewyrhtum worda ond dæda,
reordberendum; sceolon þone ryhtan dom
anne geæfnan, egsan fulne.
- 1370
- Bi þær seo miccle milts afyrred
þeodbuendum, on þam dæge,
þæs ælmihtigan, þonne he yrringa
on þæt fræte folc firene stæle
laþum wordum, hate hyra lifes riht
- 1375
- ondweard ywan þæt he him ær forgeaf
syngum to sælum. Onginne sylf cwean,
swa he to anum sprece, ond hwæþre ealle mæne,
firensynnig folc, frea ælmihtig:
"Hwæt, ic þec mon minum hondum
- 1380
- ærest geworhte, ond þe ondgiet sealde.
Of lame ic þe leoþo gesette, geaf ic e lifgendne
gæst,
arode þe ofer ealle gesceafte, gedyde ic þæt þu onsyn
hæfdest,
mægwlite me gelicne. Geaf ic þe eac meahta sped,
welan ofer widlonda gehwylc, nysses þu wean ænigne dæl,
- 1385
- ystra þæt þu þolian sceolde. þu þæs þonc ne wisses.
þa ic e swa scienne gesceapen hæfde,
wynlicne geworht, ond þe welan forgyfen
þæt u mostes wealdan worulde gesceaftum,
a ic þe on þa fægran foldan gesette
- 1390
- to neotenne neorxnawonges
beorhtne blædwelan, bleom scinende,
a þu lifes word læstan noldes,
ac min bibod bræce be þines bonan worde.
Fæcnum feonde furþor hyrdes,
- 1395
- sceþþendum scaþan, þonne þinum scyppende.
Nu ic a ealdan race anforlæte,
hu þu æt ærestan yfle gehogdes,
firenweorcum forlure þæt ic e to fremum sealde.
þa ic þe goda swa fela forgiefen hæfde
- 1400
- ond þe on þam eallum eades to lyt
mode þuhte, gif þu meahte sped
efenmicle gode agan ne moste,
a þu of þan gefean fremde wurde,
feondum to willan feor aworpen.
- 1405
- Neorxnawonges wlite nyde sceoldes
agiefan geomormod, gæsta eþel,
earg ond unrot, eallum bidæled
dugeþum ond dreamum, ond þa bidrifen wurde
on þas þeostran weoruld, þær þu þolades siþþan
- 1410
- mægenearfeþu micle stunde,
sar ond swar gewin ond sweartne dea,
ond æfter hingonge hreosan sceoldes
hean in helle, helpendra leas.
a mec ongon hreowan þæt min hondgeweorc
- 1415
- on feonda geweald feran sceolde,
moncynnes tuddor mancwealm seon,
sceolde uncune eard cunnian,
sare siþas. þa ic sylf gestag,
maga in modor, þeah wæs hyre mægdenhad
- 1420
- æghwæs onwalg. Wear ic ana geboren
folcum to frofre. Mec mon folmum biwond,
biþeahte mid þearfan wædum, ond mec þa on þeostre alegde
biwundenne mid wonnum claþum. Hwæt, ic þæt for worulde
geþolade!
Lytel þuhte ic leoda bearnum, læg ic on heardum stane,
- 1425
- cildgeong on crybbe. Mid þy ic þe wolde cwealm afyrran,
hat helle bealu, þæt þu moste halig scinan
eadig on þam ecan life, foron ic þæt earfeþe wonn.
Næs me for mode, ac ic on magugeogue
yrmþu geæfnde, arleas licsar,
- 1430
- þæt ic þurh þa wære þe gelic,
ond þu meahte minum weorþan
mægwlite gelic, mane bidæled.
Ond fore monna lufan min þrowade
heafod hearmslege; hleor geþolade,
- 1435
- oft ondlata, arleasra spatl,
of mue onfeng, manfremmendra.
Swylce hi me geblendon bittre tosomne
unswetne drync ecedes ond geallan.
onne ic fore folce onfeng feonda genilan,
- 1440
- fylgdon me mid firenum, fæhþe ne rohtun,
ond mid sweopum slogun. Ic þæt sar for e
þurh eamedu eall geþolade,
hosp ond heardcwide. þa hi hwæsne beag
ymb min heafod heardne gebygdon,
- 1445
- þream biþrycton, se wæs of þornum geworht.
a ic wæs ahongen on heanne beam,
rode gefæstnad, a hi ricene mid spere
of minre sidan swat ut guton,
dreor to foldan, þæt þu of deofles þurh þæt
- 1450
- nydgewalde genered wurde.
a ic, womma leas, wite þolade,
yfel earfeþu, oþþæt ic anne forlet
of minum lichoman lifgendne gæst.
Geseo nu þa feorhdolg þe ge gefremedun ær
- 1455
- on minum folmum ond on fotum swa some,
þurh þa ic hongade hearde gefæstnad;
meaht her eac geseon orgete nu gen
on minre sidan swatge wunde.
Hu þær wæs unefen racu unc gemæne!
- 1460
- Ic onfeng þin sar þæt þu moste gesælig
mines eþelrices eadig neotan,
ond þe mine deae deore gebohte
þæt longe lif þæt þu on leohte siþþan,
wlitig, womma leas, wunian mostes.
- 1465
- Læg min flæschoma in foldan bigrafen,
niþre gehyded, se e nængum scod,
in byrgenne, þæt þu meahte beorhte uppe
on roderum wesan, rice mid englum.
For hwon forlete þu lif þæt scyne
- 1470
- þæt ic þe for lufan mid mine lichoman
heanum to helpe hold gecypte?
Wurde þu þæs gewitleas þæt þu waldende
þinre alysnesse þonc ne wisses?
Ne ascige ic nu owiht bi þam bitran
- 1475
- deae minum þe ic adreag fore þe,
ac forgield me þin lif, þæs þe ic iu þe min
þurh woruldwite weor gesealde;
æs lifes ic manige þe þu mid leahtrum hafast
ofslegen synlice sylfum to sconde.
- 1480
- For hwan þu þæt selegescot þæt ic me swæs on þe
gehalgode, hus to wynne,
þurh firenlustas, fule synne,
unsyfre bismite sylfes willum?
Ge þu þone lichoman þe ic alysde me
- 1485
- feondum of fæme, ond þa him firene forbead,
scyldwyrcende scondum gewemdest.
For hwon ahenge þu mec hefgor on þinra honda rode
þonne iu hongade? Hwæt, me þeos heardra þynce!
Nu is swærra mid mec þinra synna rod
- 1490
- þe ic unwillum on beom gefæstnad,
þonne seo oþer wæs þe ic ær gestag,
willum minum, þa mec þin wea swiþast
æt heortan gehreaw, þa ic þec from helle ateah,
þær þu hit wolde sylfa siþþan gehealdan.
- 1495
- Ic wæs on worulde wædla þæt u wurde welig in heofonum,
earm ic wæs on ele þinum þæt þu wurde eadig on
minum.
þa u þæs ealles ænigne þonc
þinum nergende nysses on mode.
Bibead ic eow þæt ge broþor mine
- 1500
- in woruldrice wel aretten
of þam æhtum þe ic eow on eoran geaf,
earmra hulpen. Earge ge þæt læstun,
þearfum forwyrndon þæt hi under eowrum þæce mosten
in gebugan, ond him æghwæs oftugon,
- 1505
- þurh heardne hyge, hrægles nacedum,
moses meteleasum. þeah hy him þurh minne noman
werge, wonhale, wætan bædan,
drynces gedreahte, duguþa lease,
þurste geþegede, ge him þriste oftugon.
- 1510
- Sarge ge ne sohton, ne him swæslic word
frofre gespræcon, þæt hy þy freoran hyge
mode gefengen. Eall ge þæt me dydan,
to hynþum heofoncyninge. þæs ge sceolon hearde adreogan
wite to widan ealdre, wræc mid deoflum geþolian."
- 1515
- onne þær ofer ealle egeslicne cwide
sylf sigora weard, sares fulne,
ofer þæt fæge folc for forlæte,
cwi to þara synfulra sawla feþan:
"Fara nu, awyrgde, willum biscyrede
- 1520
- engla dreames, on ece fir
þæt wæs Satane ond his gesiþum mid,
deofle gegearwad ond þære deorcan scole,
hat ond heorogrim. On þæt ge hreosan sceolan!"
Ne magon hi þonne gehynan heofoncyninges bibod,
- 1525
- rædum birofene. Sceolon raþe feallan
on grimne grund þa ær wiþ gode wunnon.
Bi þonne rices weard reþe ond meahtig,
yrre ond egesful. Ondweard ne mæg
on þissum foldwege feond gebidan.
- 1530
- Swape sigemece mid þære swiran hond
þæt on þæt deope dæl deofol gefealla
in sweartne leg, synfulra here
under foldan sceat, fæge gæstas
on wraþra wic, womfulra scolu
- 1535
- werge to forwyrde on witehus,
deasele deofles. Nales dryhtnes gemynd
siþþan geseca, synne ne aspringa,
þær hi leahtrum fa, lege gebundne,
swylt þrowia. Bi him synwracu
- 1540
- ondweard undyrne; þæt is ece cwealm.
Ne mæg þæt hate dæl of heolocynne
in sinnehte synne forbærnan
to widan feore, wom of þære sawle,
ac þær se deopa sea dreorge fede,
- 1545
- grundleas gieme gæsta on þeostre,
æle hy mid þy ealdan lige, ond mid þy egsan forste,
wraþum wyrmum ond mid wita fela,
frecnum feorhgomum, folcum scende.
þæt we magon eahtan ond on an cweþan,
- 1550
- soe secgan, þæt se sawle weard,
lifes wisdom, forloren hæbbe,
se þe nu ne gieme hwæþer his gæst sie
earm þe eadig, þær he ece sceal
æfter hingonge hamfæst wesan.
- 1555
- Ne bisorga he synne to fremman,
wonhydig mon, ne he wihte hafa
hreowe on mode þæt him halig gæst
losige þurh leahtras on þas lænan tid.
onne mansceaa fore meotude forht,
- 1560
- deorc on þam dome stande, ond deae fah,
wommum awyrged, bi se wærloga
fyres afylled. Feores unwyre,
egsan geþread, ondweard gode
won ond wliteleas hafa werges bleo,
- 1565
- facentacen feores. onne firena bearn
tearum geota, þonne þæs tid ne biþ,
synne cwiþa; ac hy to si do
gæstum helpe, onne þæs giman nele
weoruda waldend, hu þa womsceaþan
- 1570
- hyra ealdgestreon on þa openan tid
sare greten. Ne biþ þæt sorga tid
leodum alyfed, þæt þær læcedom
findan mote, se þe nu his feore nyle
hælo strynan þenden her leofa.
- 1575
- Ne bi þær ængum godum gnorn ætywed,
ne nængum yflum wel, ac þær æghwæþer
anfealde gewyrht ondweard wige.
Foron sceal onettan, se þe agan wile
lif æt meotude, þenden him leoht ond gæst
- 1580
- somodfæst seon. He his sawle wlite
georne bigonge on godes willan,
ond wær weore worda ond dæda,
þeawa ond geþonca, þenden him þeos woruld,
sceadum scriþende, scinan mote,
- 1585
- þæt he ne forleose on þas lænan tid
his dreames blæd ond his dagena rim,
ond his weorces wlite ond wuldres lean,
þætte heofones cyning on þa halgan tid
sofæst syle to sigorleanum
- 1590
- þam þe him on gæstum georne hyra.
þonne heofon ond hel hæleþa bearnum,
fira feorum, fylde weorþe.
Grundas swelga godes ondsacan,
lacende leg lawende men,
- 1595
- þrea þeodsceaþan, ond no þonan læte
on gefean faran to feorhnere,
ac se bryne binde bidfæstne here,
feo firena bearn. Frecne me þince
þæt þas gæstberend giman nella,
- 1600
- men on mode, þonne man fremma,
hwæt him se waldend to wrace gesette,
laþum leodum. þonne lif ond dea
sawlum swelga. Bi susla hus
open ond oeawed, alogum ongean,
- 1605
- æt sceolon fyllan firengeorne men
sweartum sawlum. þonne synna to wrace
scyldigra scolu ascyred weorþe
heane from halgum on hearmcwale.
ær sceolan þeofas ond þeodsceaþan,
- 1610
- lease ond forlegene, lifes ne wenan,
ond mansworan morþorlean seon,
heard ond heorogrim. þonne hel nime
wærleasra weorud, ond hi waldend giefe
feondum in forwyrd; fa þrowia
- 1615
- ealdorbealu egeslic. Earm bi se þe wile
firenum gewyrcan, þæt he fah scyle
from his scyppende ascyred weoran
æt domdæge to deae niþer,
under helle cinn in þæt hate fyr,
- 1620
- under liges locan, þær hy leomu ræca
to bindenne ond to bærnenne
ond to swingenne synna to wite.
onne halig gæst helle biluce,
morþerhusa mæst, þurh meaht godes,
- 1625
- fyres fulle, ond feonda here,
cyninges worde. Se biþ cwealma mæst
deofla ond monna! þæt is dreamleas hus,
ær ænig ne mæg ower losian
caldan clommum. Hy bræcon cyninges word,
- 1630
- beorht boca bibod; forþon hy abidan sceolon
in sinnehte, sar endeleas,
firendædum fa, for þrowian,
a þe her forhogdun heofonrices þrym.
þonne þa gecorenan fore Crist bera
- 1635
- beorhte frætwe. Hyra blæd leofa
æt domdæge, agan dream mid gode
liþes lifes, þæs þe alyfed biþ
haligra gehwam on heofonrice.
æt is se eþel þe no geendad weorþe,
- 1640
- ac þær symle for synna lease
dream weardia, dryhten lofia,
leofne lifes weard, leohte biwundne,
sibbum bisweede, sorgum biwerede,
dreamum gedyrde, dryhtne gelyfde.
- 1645
- Awo to ealdre engla gemanan
bruca mid blisse, beorhte mid lisse,
freoga folces weard. Fæder ealra geweald
hafa ond healde haligra weorud.
ær is engla song, eadigra blis,
- 1650
- þær is seo dyre dryhtnes onsien
eallum þam gesælgum sunnan leohtra.
ær is leofra lufu, lif butan endedeae,
glæd gumena weorud, giogu butan ylde,
heofondugua þrym, hælu butan sare,
- 1655
- ryhtfremmendum ræst butan gewinne,
domeadigra dæg butan þeostrum,
beorht blædes full, blis butan sorgum,
fri freondum bitweon for butan æfestum,
gesælgum on swegle, sib butan niþe
- 1660
- halgum on gemonge. Nis þær hungor ne þurst,
slæp ne swar leger, ne sunnan bryne,
ne cyle ne cearo, ac þær cyninges giefe
awo bruca eadigra gedryht,
weoruda wlitescynast, wuldres mid dryhten.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Se bi gefeana fægrast þonne hy æt fryme gemeta,
engel ond seo eadge sawl! Ofgiefeþ hio þas eorþan wynne,
forlæte þas lænan dreamas, ond hio wiþ þam lice gedæle.
onne cwi se engel, (hafa yldran had),
- 5
- grete gæst oþerne, abeode him godes ærende:
"Nu þu most feran þider þu fundadest
longe ond gelome. Ic þec lædan sceal.
Wegas þe sindon weþe, ond wuldres leoht
torht ontyned. Eart nu tidfara
- 10
- to þam halgan ham." þær næfre hreow cyme,
edergong fore yrmþum, ac þær biþ engla dream,
sib ond gesælignes, ond sawla ræst,
ond þær a to feore gefeon motun,
dryman mid dryhten, þa þe his domas her
- 15
- æfna on eorþan. He him ece lean
healde on heofonum, þær se hyhsta
ealra cyninga cyning ceastrum wealde.
æt sind þa getimbru þe no tydria,
ne þam fore yrmþum þe þær in wunia
- 20
- lif aspringe, ac him bi lenge hu sel;
geoguþe bruca ond godes miltsa.
þider sofæstra sawla motun
cuman æfter cwealme, þa þe her Cristes æ
læra ond læsta, ond his lof ræra;
- 25
- oferwinna þa awyrgdan gæstas, bigyta him wuldres ræste,
hwider sceal þæs monnes mod astigan,
ær oþþe æfter, þonne he his ænne her
gæst bigonge, þæt se gode mote,
womma clæne, in geweald cuman.
- 30
- Monge sindon geond middangeard
hadas under heofonum, þa þe in haligra
rim arisa. We þæs ryht magun
æt æghwylcum anra gehyran,
gif we halig bebodu healdan willa;
- 35
- mæg nu snottor guma sæle brucan
godra tida, ond his gæste for
weges willian. Woruld is onhrered,
colaþ Cristes lufu, sindan costinga
geond middangeard monge arisene,
- 40
- swa þæt geara iu godes spelbodan
wordum sægdon ond þurh witedom
eal anemdon, swa hit nu gonge.
Ealda eorþan blæd æþela gehwylcre
ond of wlite wenda wæstma gecyndu;
- 45
- bi seo siþre tid sæda gehwylces
mætre in mægne. Forþon se mon ne þearf
to þisse worulde wyrpe gehycgan,
þæt he us fægran gefean bringe
ofer þa niþas þe we nu dreoga,
- 50
- ærþon endien ealle gesceafte
a he gesette on siex dagum,
a nu under heofonum hadas cenna,
micle ond mæte. Is þes middangeard
dalum gedæled. Dryhten sceawa
- 55
- hwær þa eardien þe his æ healden;
gesih he þa domas dogra gehwylce
wonian ond wendan of woruldryhte
a he gesette þurh his sylfes word.
He fela finde, fea beo gecorene.
- 60
- Sume him þæs hades hlisan willa
wegan on wordum ond þa weorc ne do.
Bi him eorwela ofer þæt ece lif
hyhta hyhst, se gehwylcum sceal
foldbuendra fremde geweorþan.
- 65
- Forþon hy nu hyrwa haligra mod,
a þe him to heofonum hyge staþelia,
witon þæt se eel ece bide
ealra þære mengu þe geond middangeard
dryhtne þeowia ond þæs deoran ham
- 70
- wilnia bi gewyrhtum. Swa þas woruldgestreon
on þa mæran god bimutad weorþa,
onne þæt gegyrna þa þe him godes egsa
hleonaþ ofer heafdum. Hy þy hyhstan beo
þrymme geþreade, þisses lifes
- 75
- þurh bibodu bruca ond þæs betran for
wysca ond wenaþ. Wuldres bycga,
sella ælmessan, earme frefra,
beo rummode ryhtra gestreona,
lufia mid lacum þa þe læs agun,
- 80
- dæghwam dryhtne þeowiaþ. He hyra dæde sceawa.
Sume þa wunia on westennum,
seca ond gesitta sylfra willum
hamas on heolstrum. Hy æs heofoncundan
boldes bida. Oft him brogan to
- 85
- lane gelæde, se þe him lifes ofonn,
eawe him egsan, hwilum idel wuldor,
brægdwis bona hafa bega cræft,
eahte anbuendra. Fore him englas stonda,
gearwe mid gæsta wæpnum, beoþ hyra geoca gemyndge,
- 90
- healda haligra feorh, witon hyra hyht mid dryhten.
þæt synd þa gecostan cempan þa þam cyninge þeowa,
se næfre þa lean alege þam þe his lufan adreoge.
Magun we nu nemnan þæt us neah gewear
þurh haligne had gecyþed,
- 95
- hu Gulac his in godes willan
mod gerehte, man eall forseah,
eorlic æþelu, upp gemunde
ham in heofonum. Him wæs hyht to þam,
siþþan hine inlyhte se þe lifes weg
- 100
- gæstum gearwa, ond him giefe sealde
engelcunde, þæt he ana ongan
beorgseþel bugan, ond his blæd gode
þurh eamedu ealne gesealde,
one þe he on geogue bigan sceolde
- 105
- worulde wynnum. Hine weard biheold
halig of heofonum, se þæt hluttre mod
in þæs gæstes god georne trymede.
Hwæt, we hyrdon oft þæt se halga wer
in þa ærestan ældu gelufade
- 110
- frecnessa fela! Fyrst wæs swa þeana
in godes dome, hwonne Gulace
on his ondgietan engel sealde
þæt him sweraden synna lustas.
Tid wæs toweard; hine twegen ymb
- 115
- weardas wacedon, þa gewin drugon,
engel dryhtnes ond se atela gæst.
Nalæs hy him gelice lare bæron
in his modes gemynd mongum tidum.
Oþer him þas eorþan ealle sægde
- 120
- læne under lyfte, ond þa longan god
herede on heofonum, þær haligra
sawla gesitta in sigorwuldre
dryhtnes dreamas; he him dæda lean
georne gielde, þam þe his giefe willa
- 125
- þicgan to þonce ond him þas woruld
uttor lætan þonne þæt ece lif.
Oþer hyne scyhte, þæt he sceaena gemot
nihtes sohte ond þurh neþinge
wunne æfter worulde, swa do wræcmæcgas
- 130
- þa þe ne bimurna monnes feore
þæs þe him to honda huþe gelæde,
butan hy þy reafe rædan motan.
Swa hy hine trymedon on twa healfa
oþþæt þæs gewinnes weoroda dryhten
- 135
- on þæs engles dom ende gereahte.
Feond wæs geflymed; siþ þam frofre gæst
in Gulaces geoce gewunade,
lufade hine ond lærde lenge hu geornor,
þæt him leofedan londes wynne,
- 140
- bold on beorhge. Oft þær broga cwom
egeslic ond uncu, ealdfeonda ni,
searocræftum swiþ; hy him sylf hyra
onsyn ywdon, ond þær ær fela
setla gesæton. þonan si tugon
- 145
- wide wae, wuldre byscyrede,
lyftlacende. Wæs seo londes stow
bimiþen fore monnum, oþþæt meotud onwrah
beorg on bearwe, þa se bytla cwom
se þær haligne ham arærde,
- 150
- nales þy he giemde þurh gitsunga
lænes lifwelan, ac þæt lond gode
fægre gefreoþode, siþþan feond oferwon
Cristes cempa. He gecostad wear
in gemyndigra monna tidum,
- 155
- ara þe nu gena þurh gæstlicu
wundor hine weoria ond his wisdomes
hlisan healda, þæt se halga þeow
elne geeode, þa he ana gesæt
dygle stowe. ær he dryhtnes lof
- 160
- reahte ond rærde; oft þurh reorde abead,
þam þe þrowera þeawas lufedon,
godes ærendu, þa him gæst onwrah
lifes snyttru, þæt he his lichoman
wynna forwyrnde ond woruldblissa,
- 165
- seftra setla ond symbeldaga,
swylce eac idelra eagena wynna,
gierelan gielplices. Him wæs godes egsa
mara in gemyndum þonne he menniscum
þrymme æfter þonce þegan wolde.
- 170
- God wæs Gulac! He in gæste bær
heofoncundne hyht, hælu geræhte
ecan lifes. Him wæs engel neah,
fæle freouweard, þam þe feara sum
mearclond gesæt. þær he mongum wear
- 175
- bysen on Brytene, siþþan biorg gestah
eadig oretta, ondwiges heard.
Gyrede hine georne mid gæstlicum
wæpnum wong bletsade,
him to ætstælle ærest arærde
- 180
- Cristes rode, þær se cempa oferwon
frecnessa fela. Frome wurdun monge
godes þrowera; we þæs Gulaces
deorwyrne dæl dryhtne cenna.
He him sige sealde ond snyttrucræft,
- 185
- mundbyrd meahta, þonne mengu cwom
feonda færscytum fæhe ræran.
Ne meahton hy æfeste anforlætan,
ac to Gulaces gæste gelæddun
frasunga fela. Him wæs fultum neah,
- 190
- engel hine elne trymede, þonne hy him yrre hweopan,
frecne fyres wylme. Stodan him on feehwearfum,
cwædon þæt he on þam beorge byrnan sceolde
ond his lichoman lig forswelgan,
þæt his earfeþu eal gelumpe
- 195
- modcearu mægum, gif he monna dream
of þam orlege eft ne wolde
sylfa gesecan, ond his sibbe ryht
mid moncynne maran cræfte
willum bewitigan, lætan wræce stille.
- 200
- Swa him yrsade, se for ealle spræc
feonda mengu. No þy forhtra wæs
Gulaces gæst, ac him god sealde
ellen wiþ þam egsan þæt þæs ealdfeondes
scyldigra scolu scome þrowedon;
- 205
- wæron teonsmias tornes fulle,
cwædon þæt him Gulac eac gode sylfum
earfeþa mæst ana gefremede,
siþþan he for wlence on westenne
beorgas bræce, þær hy bidinge,
- 210
- earme ondsacan, æror mostun
æfter tintergum tidum brucan,
onne hy of waþum werge cwoman
restan ryneþragum, rowe gefegon;
wæs him seo gelyfed þurh lytel fæc.
- 215
- Stod seo dygle stow dryhtne in gemyndum
idel ond æmen, eþelriehte feor,
bad bisæce betran hyrdes.
To þon ealdfeondas ondan noman,
swa hi singales sorge dreoga.
- 220
- Ne motun hi on eorþan eardes brucan,
ne hy lyft swefe in leoma ræstum,
ac hy hleolease hama þolia,
in cearum cwiþa, cwealmes wisca,
willen þæt him dryhten þurh deaes cwealm
- 225
- to hyra earfea ende geryme.
Ne mostun hy Gulaces gæste sceþþan,
ne þurh sarslege sawle gedælan
wi lichoman, ac hy ligesearwum
ahofun hearmstafas, hleahtor alegdon,
- 230
- sorge seofedon, þa hi swira oferstag
weard on wonge. Sceoldon wræcmæcgas
ofgiefan gnornende grene beorgas.
Hwæþre hy þa gena, godes ondsacan,
sægdon sarstafum, swiþe geheton,
- 235
- þæt he deaþa gedal dreogan sceolde,
gif he leng bide laþran gemotes,
hwonne hy mid mengu maran cwome,
þa þe for his life lyt sorgedon.
Gulac him ongean þingode, cwæ þæt hy gielpan ne þorftan
- 240
- dædum wi dryhtnes meahtum. "þeah þe ge me dea gehaten,
mec wile wi þam niþum genergan se þe eowrum nydum wealde.
An is ælmihtig god, se mec mæg eae gescyldan;
he min feorg freoþa. Ic eow fela wille
soþa gesecgan. Mæg ic þis setl on eow
- 245
- butan earfeum ana geringan.
Ne eam ic swa fealog, swa ic eow fore stonde,
monna weorudes, ac me mara dæl
in godcundum gæstgerynum
wuna ond weaxe, se me wraþe healde.
- 250
- Ic me anum her eae getimbre
hus ond hleona; me on heofonum sind
lare gelonge. Mec þæs lyt tweoþ
þæt me engel to ealle gelæde
spowende sped spreca ond dæda.
- 255
- Gewita nu, awyrgde, werigmode,
from þissum earde þe ge her on stonda,
fleo on feorweg. Ic me fri wille
æt gode gegyrnan; ne sceal min gæst mid eow
gedwolan dreogan, ac mec dryhtnes hond
- 260
- munda mid mægne. Her sceal min wesan
eorlic eþel, nales eower leng."
a wear breahtm hæfen. Beorg ymbstodan
hwearfum wræcmæcgas. Wo up astag,
cearfulra cirm. Cleopedon monige,
- 265
- feonda foresprecan, firenum gulpon:
"Oft we ofersegon bi sæm tweonum
þeoda þeawas, þræce modigra,
þara þe in gelimpe life weoldon.
No we oferhygdu anes monnes
- 270
- geond middangeard maran fundon.
u þæt gehatest þæt u ham on us
gegan wille, e eart godes
yrming.
Bi hwon scealt þu lifgan, þeah þu lond age?
Ne þec mon hider mose fede;
- 275
- beo þe hungor ond þurst hearde gewinnan,
gif þu gewitest swa wilde deor
ana from eþele. Nis þæt onginn wiht!
Geswic þisses setles! Ne mæg þec sellan ræd
mon gelæran þonne þeos mengu eall.
- 280
- We þe beo holde gif u us hyran wilt,
oþþe þec ungearo eft geseca
maran mægne, þæt þe mon ne þearf
hondum hrinan, ne þin hra feallan
wæpna wundum. We þas wic magun
- 285
- fotum afyllan; folc in rice
meara þreatum ond monfarum.
Beo þa gebolgne, þa þec breodwia,
treda þec ond terga, ond hyra torn wreca,
tobera þec blodgum lastum; gif þu ure bidan þencest,
- 290
- we þec niþa genæga. Ongin þe generes wilnian,
far þær u freonda wene, gif u þines feores recce."
Gearo wæs Gulac, hine god fremede
on ondsware ond on elne strong.
Ne wond he for worde, ac his wiþerbreocum
- 295
- sorge gesægde, cue him so genog:
"Wid is þes westen, wræcsetla fela,
eardas onhæle earmra gæsta.
Sindon wærlogan þe þa wic buga.
þeah ge þa ealle ut abanne,
- 300
- ond eow eac gewyrce widor sæce,
ge her ateo in þa tornwræce
sigeleasne si. No ic eow sweord ongean
mid gebolgne hond oberan þence,
worulde wæpen, ne sceal þes wong gode
- 305
- þurh blodgyte gebuen weoran,
ac ic minum Criste cweman þence
leofran lace. Nu ic þis lond gestag,
fela ge me earda þurh idel word
aboden habba. Nis min breostsefa
- 310
- forht ne fæge, ac me frie healde
ofer monna cyn se þe mægna gehwæs
weorcum wealde. Nis me wiht æt eow
leofes gelong, ne ge me laþes wiht
gedon motun. Ic eom dryhtnes þeow,
- 315
- he mec þurh engel oft afrefre.
Foron mec longeþas lyt gegreta,
sorge sealdun, nu mec sawelcund
hyrde bihealde. Is min hyht mid god,
ne ic me eorwelan owiht sinne,
- 320
- ne me mid mode micles gyrne,
ac me dogra gehwam dryhten sende
þurh monnes hond mine þearfe."
Swa modgade, se wi mongum stod,
awreed weorlice wuldres cempa
- 325
- engla mægne. Gewat eal þonan
feonda mengu. Ne wæs se fyrst micel
þe hi Gulace forgiefan þohtan.
He wæs on elne ond on eamedum,
bad on beorge, (wæs him botles neod),
- 330
- forlet longeþas lænra dreama.
No he hine wi monna miltse gedælde,
ac gesynta bæd sawla gehwylcre,
þonne he to eoran on þam anade
hleor onhylde. Him of heofonum wear
- 335
- onbryrded breostsefa blie gæste.
Oft eahtade, (wæs him engel neah),
hu þisse worulde wynna þorfte
mid his lichoman læsast brucan.
No him fore egsan earmra gæsta
- 340
- treow getweode, ne he tid forsæt
þæs þe he for his dryhtne dreogan sceolde,
þæt hine æreste elne binoman
slæpa sluman oþþe sæne mod.
Swa sceal oretta a in his mode
- 345
- gode compian, ond his gæst beran
oft on ondan þam þe eahtan wile
sawla gehwylcre þær he gesælan mæg.
Symle hy Gulac in godes willan
fromne fundon, þonne flygereowe
- 350
- þurh nihta genipu neosan cwoman,
þa þe onhæle eardas weredon,
hwæþre him þæs wonges wyn swerade;
woldun þæt him to mode fore monlufan
sorg gesohte, þæt he siþ tuge
- 355
- eft to eþle. Ne wæs þæt ongin swylc,
onne hine engel on þam anade
geornast grette ond him giefe sealde,
þæt hine ne meahte meotudes willan
longa gelettan, ac he on þæs lareowes
- 360
- wære gewunade. Oft worde bicwæ:
"Huru, þæs bihofa, se e him halig gæst
wisa on willan ond his weorc tryma,
laþa hine liþum wordum, gehate him lifes reste,
þæt he þæs latteowes larum hyre,
- 365
- ne lete him ealdfeond eft oncyrran
mod from his meotude. Hu sceal min cuman
gæst to geoce, nemne ic gode sylle
hyrsumne hige, þæt him heortan geþonc
...... ær oþþe si ende geweore,
- 370
- þæt ge mec to wundre wegan motun.
Ne mæg min lichoma wi þas lænan gesceaft
dea gedælan, ac he gedreosan sceal,
swa þeos eore eall þe ic her on stonde.
eah ge minne flæschoman fyres wylme
- 375
- forgripen gromhydge gifran lege,
næfre ge mec of þissum wordum onwenda þendan mec min gewit
gelæste.
þeah þe ge hine sarum forsæcen, ne motan ge mine sawle
gretan,
ac ge on betran gebringa. Foran ic gebidan wille
þæs þe me min dryhten deme. Nis me þæs deaþes sorg.
- 380
- eah min ban ond blod bu tu geweorþen
eorþan to eacan, min se eca dæl
in gefean fare, þær he fægran
botles bruce. Nis þisses beorges setl
meodumre ne mara þonne hit men duge
- 385
- se þe in þrowingum þeodnes willan
dæghwam dreoge. Ne sceal se dryhtnes þeow
in his modsefan mare gelufian
eorþan æhtwelan þonne his anes gemet,
þæt he his lichoman lade hæbbe."
- 390
- a wæs eft swa ær ealdfeonda ni,
wroht onwylled; wo oþer
ne lythwon leoode, þonne in lyft astag
ceargesta cirm. Symle Cristes lof
in Gulaces godum mode
- 395
- weox ond wunade, ond hine weoruda god
freoade on foldan, swa he feora gehwylc
healde in hælo, þær se hyra gæst
þih in þeawum. He wæs þeara sum;
ne won he æfter worulde, ac he in wuldre ahof
- 400
- modes wynne. Hwylc wæs mara þonne se?
An oretta ussum tidum
cempa gecye þæt him Crist fore
woruldlicra ma wundra gecyde.
He hine scilde wi sceþendra
- 405
- eglum onfengum earmra gæsta;
wæron hy reowe to ræsanne
gifrum grapum. No god wolde
þæt seo sawl þæs sar þrowade
in lichoman, lyfde seþeana
- 410
- þæt hy him mid hondum hrinan mosten,
ond þæt fri wi hy gefreoþad wære.
Hy hine þa hofun on þa hean lyft,
sealdon him meahte ofer monna cynn,
þæt he fore eagum eall sceawode
- 415
- under haligra hyrda gewealdum
in mynsterum monna gebæru,
þara þe hyra lifes þurh lust brucan,
idlum æhtum ond oferwlencum,
gierelum gielplicum, swa bi geogue þeaw,
- 420
- þær þæs ealdres egsa ne styre.
No þær þa feondas gefeon þorfton,
ac þæs blædes hrae gebrocen hæfdon
þe him alyfed wæs lytle hwile,
þæt hy his lichoman leng ne mostan
- 425
- witum wælan; ne him wiht gescod
þæs þe hy him to teonan þurhtogen hæfdon.
Læddun hine þa of lyfte to þam leofestan
earde on eoran, þæt he eft gestag
beorg on bearwe. Bonan gnornedon,
- 430
- mændon murnende þæt hy monnes bearn
þream oferþunge, ond swa þearfendlic
him to earfeum ana cwome,
gif hy him ne meahte maran sarum
gyldan gyrnwræce. Gulac sette
- 435
- hyht in heofonas, hælu getreowde,
hæfde feonda feng feore gedyged.
Wæs seo æreste earmra gæsta
costung ofercumen. Cempa wunade
bliþe on beorge, wæs his blæd mid god.
- 440
- uhte him on mode þæt se moncynnes
eadig wære se þe his anum her
feore gefreoade, þæt him feondes hond
æt þam ytmestan ende ne scode,
þonne him se dryhtnes dom wisade
- 445
- to þam nyhstan nydgedale.
Hwæþre him þa gena gyrna gemyndge
edwitsprecan ermþu geheton
tornum teoncwidum. Treow wæs gecyþed,
þætte Gulace god leanode
- 450
- ellen mid arum, þæt he ana gewon.
Him se werga gæst wordum sægde:
"No we þe þus swie swencan þorftan,
þær þu fromlice freonda larum
hyran wolde, þa þu hean ond earm
- 455
- on þis orlege ærest cwome,
a þu gehete þæt þec halig gæst
wi earfeþum eae gescilde,
for þam myrcelse þe þec monnes hond
from þinre onsyne æþelum ahwyrfde.
- 460
- In þam mægwlite monge lifga,
gyltum forgiefene; nales gode þiga,
ac hy lichoman fore lufan cwema
wista wynnum. Swa ge weormyndu
in dolum dreame dryhtne gielda.
- 465
- Fela ge fore monnum miþa þæs þe ge in mode gehycga;
ne beo eowre dæda dyrne, þeah þe ge hy in dygle gefremme.
We þec in lyft gelæddun, oftugon þe londes wynna,
woldun þu þe sylfa gesawe þæt we þec so onstældun.
Ealles þu þæs wite awunne; forþon þu hit onwendan ne
meahtes."
- 470
- a wæs agongen þæt him god wolde
æfter þrowinga þonc gegyldan
þæt he martyrhad mode gelufade,
sealde him snyttru on sefan gehygdum,
mægenfæste gemynd. He wi mongum stod
- 475
- ealdfeonda, elne gebylded,
sægde him to sorge þæt hy sigelease
þone grenan wong ofgiefan sceoldan:
"Ge sind forscadene, on eow scyld site!
Ne cunnon ge dryhten duguþe biddan,
- 480
- ne mid eamedum are secan,
þeah þe eow alyfde lytle hwile,
þæt ge min onwald agan mosten;
ne ge þæt geþyldum þicgan woldan,
ac mec yrringa up gelæddon,
- 485
- þæt ic of lyfte londa getimbru
geseon meahte. Wæs me swegles leoht
torht ontyned, þeah ic torn druge.
Setton me in edwit þæt ic eae forbær
rume regulas ond reþe mod
- 490
- geongra monna in godes templum;
woldan þy gehyrwan haligra lof,
sohtun þa sæmran, ond þa sellan no
demdan æfter dædum. Ne beo þa dyrne swa þeah.
Ic eow so siþþon secgan wille.
- 495
- God scop geogue ond gumena dream;
ne magun þa æfteryld in þam ærestan
blæde geberan, ac hy blissia
worulde wynnum, oæt wintra rim
gegæ in þa geogue, þæt se gæst lufa
- 500
- onsyn ond ætwist yldran hades,
e gemete monige geond middangeard
þeowia in þeawum. þeodum ywaþ
wisdom weras, wlencu forleosa,
sian geogue gea gæst aflih.
- 505
- þæt ge ne scira, ac ge scyldigra
synne secga, soþfæstra no
mod ond monþeaw mæran willa.
Gefeo in firenum, frofre ne wena,
þæt ge wræcsia wyrpe gebiden.
- 510
- Oft ge in gestalum stonda; þæs cyme steor of heofonum.
Me þonne sige sende se usic semon mæg,
se þe lifa gehwæs lengu wealde."
Swa hleoþrade halig cempa;
wæs se martyre from moncynnes
- 515
- synnum asundrad. Sceolde he sares þa gen
dæl adreogan, eah þe dryhten his
witum weolde. Hwæt, þæt wundra sum
monnum þuhte, þæt he ma wolde
afrum onfengum earme gæstas
- 520
- hrinan leton, ond þæt hwæþre gelomp!
Wæs þæt gen mara, þæt he middangeard
sylfa gesohte, ond his swat ageat
on bonena hond; ahte bega geweald,
lifes ond deaes, þa he lustum dreag
- 525
- eamod on eoran ehtendra ni.
Forþon is nu arlic þæt we æfæstra
dæde demen, secgen dryhtne lof
ealra þara bisena þe us bec fore
þurh his wundra geweorc wisdom cyþa.
- 530
- Geofu wæs mid Gulac in godcundum
mægne gemeted. Micel is to secgan
eall æfter orde, þæt he on elne adreag:
one foregengan fæder ælmihtig
wi onhælum ealdorgewinnum
- 535
- sylfa gesette, þær his sawl wear
clæne ond gecostad. Cu is wide
geond middangeard þæt his mod geþah
in godes willan; is þæs gen fela
to secgenne, þæs þe he sylfa adreag
- 540
- under nygista nearwum clommum.
He þa sar forseah, a þære sawle wel
þæs mundboran þe þæt mod geheold,
þæt him ne getweode treow in breostum,
ne him gnornunga gæste scodun,
- 545
- ac se hearda hyge halig wunade,
oþþæt he þa bysgu oferbiden hæfde.
þrea wæron þearle, þegnas grimme,
ealle hy þam feore fyl gehehton.
No hy hine to deae deman moston,
- 550
- synna hyrdas, ac seo sawul bad
in lichoman leofran tide.
Georne hy ongeaton þæt hyne god wolde
nergan wi niþum ond hyra nydwræce
deope deman. Swa dryhten mæg,
- 555
- ana ælmihtig, eadigra gehwone
wi earfeþum eae gescildan.
Hwære hine gebrohton bolgenmode,
wrae wræcmæcgas, wuldres cempan,
halig husulbearn, æt heldore,
- 560
- þær firenfulra fæge gæstas
æfter swyltcwale secan onginna
ingong ærest in þæt atule hus,
niþer under næssas neole grundas.
Hy hine bregdon, budon orlege,
- 565
- egsan ond ondan arleaslice,
frecne fore, swa bi feonda þeaw,
þonne hy sofæstra sawle willa
synnum beswican ond searocræftum.
Ongunnon gromheorte godes orettan
- 570
- in sefan swencan, swiþe geheton
þæt he in þone grimman gryre gongan sceolde,
hweorfan gehyned to helwarum,
ond þær in bendum bryne þrowian.
Woldun hy geteon mid torncwidum
- 575
- earme aglæcan in orwennysse,
meotudes cempan. Hit ne meahte swa!
Cwædon cearfulle, Criste lae,
to Gulace mid grimnysse:
"Ne eart u gedefe, ne dryhtnes þeow
- 580
- clæne gecostad, ne cempa god,
wordum ond weorcum wel gecyþed,
halig in heortan. Nu þu in helle scealt
deope gedufan, nales dryhtnes leoht
habban in heofonum, heahgetimbru,
- 585
- seld on swegle, forþon þu synna to fela,
facna gefremedes in flæschoman.
We þe nu willa womma gehwylces
lean forgieldan, þær þe laþast bi
in am grimmestan gæstgewinne."
- 590
- Him se eadga wer ondswarode,
Gulac in gæste mid godes mægne:
"Do efne swa, gif eow dryhten Crist,
lifes leohtfruma lyfan wylle,
weoruda waldend, þæt ge his wergengan
- 595
- in þone laan leg lædan motan.
þæt is in gewealdum wuldorcyninges,
se eow gehynde ond in hæft bidraf
under nearone clom, nergende Crist.
Eom ic eamod his ombiehthera,
- 600
- þeow geþyldig. Ic geþafian sceal
æghwær ealles his anne dom,
ond him geornlice gæstgemyndum
wille wideferh wesan underþyded,
hyran holdlice minum hælende
- 605
- þeawum ond geþyncum, ond him þoncian
ealra þara giefena þe god gescop
englum ærest ond eorwarum;
ond ic bletsige blie mode
lifes leohtfruman, ond him lof singe
- 610
- þurh gedefne dom dæges ond nihtes,
herge in heortan heofonrices weard.
þæt eow æfre ne bi ufan alyfed
leohtes lissum, þæt ge lof moten
dryhtne secgan, ac ge deae sceolon
- 615
- weallendne wean wope besingan,
heaf in helle, nales herenisse
halge habban heofoncyninges.
Ic þone deman in dagum minum
wille weorþian wordum ond dædum,
- 620
- lufian in life, swa is lar ond ar
to spowendre spræce gelæded,
þam þe in his weorcum willan ræfna.
Sindon ge wærlogan, swa ge in wræcsie
longe lifdon, lege bisencte,
- 625
- swearte beswicene, swegle benumene,
dreame bidrorene, deae bifolene,
firenum bifongne, feores orwenan,
þæt ge blindnesse bote fundon.
Ge þa fægran gesceaft in fyrndagum,
- 630
- gæstlicne goddream, gearo forsegon,
þa ge wihogdun halgum dryhtne.
Ne mostun ge a wunian in wyndagum,
ac mid scome scyldum scofene wurdon
fore oferhygdum in ece fyr,
- 635
- ær ge sceolon dreogan dea ond þystro,
wop to widan ealdre; næfre ge þæs wyrpe gebida.
Ond ic þæt gelyfe in liffruman,
ecne onwealdan ealra gesceafta,
þæt he mec for miltsum ond mægenspedum,
- 640
- nia nergend, næfre wille
þurh ellenweorc anforlætan,
þam ic longe in lichoman
ond in minum gæste gode campode
þurh monigfealdra mægna gerynu.
- 645
- Foron ic getrywe in þone torhtestan
þrynesse þrym, se geþeahtingum
hafa in hondum heofon ond eoran,
þæt ge mec mid niþum næfre motan
tornmode teon in tintergu,
- 650
- mine myrran ond mansceaþan,
swearte sigelease. Eom ic solice
leohte geleafan ond mid lufan dryhtnes
fægre gefylled in minum feorhlocan,
breostum inbryrded to þam betran ham,
- 655
- leomum inlyhted to þam leofestan
ecan earde, þær is eþellond
fæger ond gefealic in fæder wuldre,
ær eow næfre fore nergende
leohtes leoma ne lifes hyht
- 660
- in godes rice agiefen weorþe,
for þam oferhygdum þe eow in mod astag
þurh idel gylp ealles to swie.
Wendun ge ond woldun, wiþerhycgende,
þæt ge scyppende sceoldan gelice
- 665
- wesan in wuldre. Eow þær wyrs gelomp,
a eow se waldend wrae bisencte
in þæt swearte susl, þær eow sian wæs
ad inæled attre geblonden,
þurh deopne dom dream afyrred,
- 670
- engla gemana. Swa nu awa sceal
wesan wideferh, þæt ge wærnysse
brynewylm hæbben, nales bletsunga.
Ne þurfun ge wenan, wuldre biscyrede,
þæt ge mec synfulle mid searocræftum
- 675
- under scæd sconde scufan motan,
ne in bælblæsan bregdon on hinder
in helle hus, þær eow is ham sceapen,
sweart sinnehte, sacu butan ende,
grim gæstcwalu. þær ge gnornende
- 680
- dea sceolon dreogan, ond ic dreama wyn
agan mid englum in þam uplican
rodera rice, þær is ryht cyning,
help ond hælu hæleþa cynne,
dugu ond drohta." a cwom dryhtnes ar,
- 685
- halig of heofonum, se þurh hleoþor abead
ufancundne ege earmum gæstum;
het eft hrae unscyldigne
of þam wræcsie wuldres cempan
lædan limhalne, þæt se leofesta
- 690
- gæst gegearwad in godes wære
on gefean ferde. a wear feonda þreat
acol for am egsan. Ofermæcga spræc,
dyre dryhtnes þegn, dæghluttre scan.
Hæfde Gulaces gæst in gewealdum
- 695
- modig mundbora, meahtum spedig,
þeostra þegnas þreaniedlum bond,
nyd onsette ond geneahhe bibead:
"Ne sy him banes bryce ne blodig wund,
lices læla ne laþes wiht,
- 700
- þæs þe ge him to dare gedon motan,
ac ge hine gesundne asettaþ þær ge hine sylfne genoman.
He sceal þy wonge wealdan, ne magon ge him þa wic forstondan.
Ic eom se dema, se mec dryhten heht
snude gesecgan, þæt ge him sara gehwylc
- 705
- hondum gehælde, ond him hearsume
on his sylfes dom siþþan wæron.
Ne sceal ic mine onsyn fore eowere
mengu miþan. Ic eom meotudes þegn.
Eom ic þara twelfa sum þe he getreoweste
- 710
- under monnes hiw mode gelufade.
He mec of heofonum hider onsende,
geseah þæt ge on eoran fore æfstum
on his wergengan wite legdon.
Is þæt min broþor, mec his bysgu gehreaw.
- 715
- Ic þæt gefremme, þær se freond wuna
on þære socne, þe ic þa sibbe wi hine
healdan wille, nu ic his helpan mot,
þæt ge min onsynn oft sceawia.
Nu ic his geneahhe neosan wille;
- 720
- sceal ic his word ond his weorc in gewitnesse
dryhtne lædon. He his dæde conn."
a wæs Gulaces gæst geblissad,
siþþan Bartholomeus aboden hæfde
godes ærendu. Gearwe stodun
- 725
- hæftas hearsume, þa þæs halgan word
lyt oferleordun. Ongon þa leofne si
dragan domeadig dryhtnes cempa
to þam onwillan eoran dæle.
Hy hine bæron ond him bryce heoldon,
- 730
- hofon hine hondum ond him hryre burgun.
Wæron hyra gongas under godes egsan
smeþe ond gesefte. Sigehreig cwom
bytla to þam beorge. Hine bletsadon
monge mægwlitas, meaglum reordum,
- 735
- treofugla tuddor, tacnum cydon
eadges eftcyme. Oft he him æte heold,
þonne hy him hungrige ymb hond flugon
grædum gifre, geoce gefegon.
Swa þæt milde mod wi moncynnes
- 740
- dreamum gedælde, dryhtne þeowde,
genom him to wildeorum wynne, siþþan he þas woruld forhogde.
Smolt wæs se sigewong ond sele niwe,
fæger fugla reord, folde geblowen;
geacas gear budon. Guþlac moste
- 745
- eadig ond onmod eardes brucan.
Stod se grena wong in godes wære;
hæfde se heorde, se þe of heofonum cwom,
feondas afyrde. Hwylc wæs fægerra
willa geworden in wera life,
- 750
- þara þe yldran usse gemunde,
oþþe we selfe siþþan cuþen?
Hwæt we þissa wundra gewitan sindon!
Eall þas geeodon in ussera
tida timan. Forþon þæs tweogan ne þearf
- 755
- ænig ofer eoran ælda cynnes,
ac swilc god wyrce gæsta lifes
to trumnaþe, þy læs þa tydran mod
þa gewitnesse wendan þurfe,
þonne hy in gesihþe soþes bruca.
- 760
- Swa se ælmihtiga ealle gesceafte
lufa under lyfte in lichoman,
monna mæge geond middangeard.
Wile se waldend þæt we wisdom a
snyttrum swelgen, þæt his so fore us
- 765
- on his giefena gyld genge weore,
a he us to are ond to ondgiete
syle ond sende, sawlum ryme
liþe lifwegas leohte geræhte.
Nis þæt huru læsast þæt seo lufu cyþe,
- 770
- þonne heo in monnes mode getimbre
gæstcunde gife, swa he Gulaces
dagas ond dæde þurh his dom ahof.
Wæs se fruma fæstlic feondum on ondan,
geseted wi synnum, þær he siþþan lyt
- 775
- wære gewonade, oft his word gode
þurh eamedu up onsende,
let his ben cuman in þa beorhtan gesceaft,
þoncade þeodne þæs þe he in þrowingum
bidan moste, hwonne him betre lif
- 780
- þurh godes willan agyfen wurde.
Swa wæs Gulaces gæst gelæded
engla fæmum in uprodor,
fore onsyne eces deman
læddon leoflice. Him wæs lean geseald,
- 785
- setl on swegle, þær he symle mot
awo to ealdre eardfæst wesan,
blie bidan. Is him bearn godes
milde mundbora, meahtig dryhten,
halig hyrde, heofonrices weard.
- 790
- Swa sofæstra sawla motun
in ecne geard up gestigan
rodera rice, þa þe ræfna her
wordum ond weorcum wuldorcyninges
lare longsume, on hyra lifes tid
- 795
- earnia on eoran ecan lifes,
hames in heahþu. þæt beo husulweras,
cempan gecorene, Criste leofe,
bera in breostum beorhtne geleafan,
haligne hyht, heortan clæne
- 800
- weoria waldend, habba wisne geþoht,
fusne on forweg to fæder ele,
gearwaþ gæstes hus, ond mid gleawnesse
feond oferfeohta ond firenlustas
forbera in breostum, broþorsibbe
- 805
- georne bigonga, in godes willan
swenca hi sylfe, sawle frætwa
halgum gehygdum, heofoncyninges bibod
fremma on foldan. Fæsten lufia,
beorga him bealoniþ ond gebedu seca,
- 810
- swinca wi synnum, healda so ond ryht.
Him þæt ne hreowe æfter hingonge,
onne hy hweorfa in þa halgan burg,
gonga gegnunga to Hierusalem,
þær hi to worulde wynnum motun
- 815
- godes onsyne georne bihealdan,
sibbe ond gesihe, þær heo so wuna,
wlitig, wuldorfæst, ealne widan ferh
on lifgendra londes wynne.
æt is wide cu wera cneorissum,
- 820
- folcum gefræge, þætte frymþa god
þone ærestan ælda cynnes
of þære clænestan, cyning ælmihtig,
foldan geworhte. a wæs fruma niwe
elda tudres, onstæl wynlic,
- 825
- fæger ond gefealic. Fæder wæs acenned
Adam ærest þurh est godes
on neorxnawong, þær him nænges wæs
willan onsyn, ne welan brosnung,
ne lifes lyre ne lices hryre,
- 830
- ne dreames dryre ne deaes cyme,
ac he on þam lande lifgan moste
ealra leahtra leas, longe neotan
niwra gefeana. þær he no þorfte
lifes ne lissa in þam leohtan ham
- 835
- þurh ælda tid ende gebidan,
ac æfter fyrste to þam færestan
heofonrices gefean hweorfan mostan,
leomu lic somud ond lifes gæst,
ond þær siþþan a in sindreamum
- 840
- to widan feore wunian mostun
dryhtne on gesihe, butan deae for,
gif hy halges word healdan woldun
beorht in breostum, ond his bebodu læstan,
æfnan on ele. Hy to ær aþreat
- 845
- þæt hy waldendes willan læsten,
ac his wif genom wyrmes larum
blede forbodene, ond of beame ahneop
wæstm biweredne ofer word godes,
wuldorcyninges, ond hyre were sealde
- 850
- þurh deofles searo deaberende gyfl
þæt a sinhiwan to swylte geteah.
Siþþan se eþel ugenge wear
Adame ond Euan, eardwica cyst
beorht obroden, ond hyra bearnum swa,
- 855
- eaferum æfter, þa hy on uncyu,
scomum scudende, scofene wurdon
on gewinworuld. Weorces onguldon,
deopra firena, þurh deaes cwealm,
þe hy unsnyttrum ær gefremedon.
- 860
- þære synwræce siþþan sceoldon
mæg ond mæcgas morþres ongyldon,
godscyldge gyrn þurh gæstgedal,
deopra firena. Dea in geþrong
fira cynne, feond rixade
- 865
- geond middangeard. Nænig monna wæs
of þam sigetudre siþþan æfre
godes willan þæs georn, ne gynnwised,
þæt he bibugan mæge þone bitran drync
þone Eue fyrn Adame geaf,
- 870
- byrelade bryd geong; þæt him bam gescod
in þam deoran ham. Dea ricsade
ofer foldbuend, þeah þe fela wære
gæsthaligra, þær hi godes willan
on mislicum monna gebihþum
- 875
- æfter stedewonga stowum fremedon;
sume ær, sume si, sume in urra
æfter tælmearce tida gemyndum
sigorlean sohtun. Us secga bec
hu Gulac wear þurh godes willan
- 880
- eadig on Engle. He him ece geceas
meaht ond mundbyrd. Mære wurdon
his wundra geweorc wide ond side,
breme æfter burgum geond Bryten innan,
hu he monge oft þurh meaht godes
- 885
- gehælde hygegeomre hefigra wita,
þe hine unsofte, adle gebundne,
sarge gesohtun of siwegum,
freorigmode. Symle frofre þær
æt þam godes cempan gearwe fundon,
- 890
- helpe ond hælo. Nænig hæleþa is
þe areccan mæge oþþe rim wite
ealra þara wundra þe he in worulde her
þurh dryhtnes giefe dugeþum gefremede.
Oft to þam wicum weorude cwomun
- 895
- deofla deamægen duguþa byscyrede
hloþum þringan, þær se halga þeow
elnes anhydig eard weardade.
þær hy mislice mongum reordum
on þam westenne woe hofun
- 900
- hludne herecirm, hiwes binotene,
dreamum bidrorene. Dryhtnes cempa,
from folctoga, feonda þreatum
wistod stronglice. Næs seo stund latu
earmra gæsta, ne þæt onbid long,
- 905
- þæt þa wrohtsmias wop ahofun,
hreopun hrelease, hleoþrum brugdon.
Hwilum wedende swa wilde deor
cirmdon on corre, hwilum cyrdon eft
minne mansceaþan on mennisc hiw
- 910
- breahtma mæste, hwilum brugdon eft
awyrgde wærlogan on wyrmes bleo,
earme adloman attre spiowdon.
Symle hy Gulac gearene fundon,
þonces gleawne. He geþyldum bad,
- 915
- þeah him feonda hlo feorhcwealm bude.
Hwilum him to honda hungre geþreatad
fleag fugla cyn, þær hy feorhnere
witude fundon ond hine weoredon
meaglum stefnum. Hwilum mennisce
- 920
- aras eamedum eft neosedon,
ond þær sifrome on þam sigewonge
æt þam halgan þeowan helpe gemetton,
ferþes frofre. Nænig forþum wæs,
þæt he æwiscmod eft siade,
- 925
- hean, hyhta leas, ac se halga wer
ælda gehwylces þurh þa æþelan meaht,
þe hine seoslige sohtun on earfe,
hæle hygegeomre, hælde bu tu
lic ond sawle, þenden lifes weard,
- 930
- ece ælmihtig, unnan wolde
þæt he blædes her brucan moste,
worulde lifes. Wæs gewinnes þa
yrmþa for eoran endedogor
þurh nydgedal neah geþrungen,
- 935
- siþþan he on westenne wiceard geceas,
fiftynu gear, þa wæs frofre gæst
eadgum æbodan ufan onsended,
halig of heahþu. Hreþer innan born,
afysed on forsi. Him færinga
- 940
- adl in gewod. He on elne swa þeah
ungeblyged bad beorhtra gehata
bliþe in burgum. Wæs þam bancofan
æfter nihtglome neah geþrungen,
breosthord onboren. Wæs se bliþa gæst
- 945
- fus on forweg. Nolde fæder engla
in þisse wonsælgan worulde life
leahtra leasne longfyrst ofer þæt
wunian leton, þe him on weorcum her
on his dagena tid dædum gecwemde
- 950
- elne unslawe. a se ælmihtiga
let his hond cuman þær se halga þeow,
deormod on degle domeadig bad,
heard ond hygerof. Hyht wæs geniwad,
blis in breostum. Wæs se bancofa
- 955
- adle onæled, inbendum fæst,
lichord onlocen. Leomu hefegedon,
sarum gesohte. He þæt so gecneow
þæt hine ælmihtig ufan neosade,
meotud fore miltsum. He his modsefan
- 960
- wi þam færhagan fæste trymede
feonda gewinna. Næs he forht seþeah,
ne seo adlþracu egle on mode,
ne deagedal, ac him dryhtnes lof
born in breostum, brondhat lufu
- 965
- sigorfæst in sefan, seo him sara gehwylc
symle forswide. Næs him sorgcearu
on þas lænan tid, þeah his lic ond gæst
hyra somwiste, sinhiwan tu,
deore gedælden. Dagas for scridun,
- 970
- nihthelma genipu. Wæs neah seo tid
þæt he fyrngewyrht fyllan sceolde
þurh deaes cyme, domes hleotan,
efne þæs ilcan þe usse yldran fyrn
frecne onfengon, swa him biforan worhton
- 975
- þa ærestan ælda cynnes.
a wæs Gulace on þa geocran tid
mægen gemegad, mod swiþe heard,
elnes anhydig. Wæs seo adl þearl,
hat ond heorogrim. Hreþer innan weol,
- 980
- born banloca. Bryþen wæs ongunnen
þætte Adame Eue gebyrmde
æt fruman worulde. Feond byrlade
ærest þære idese, ond heo Adame,
hyre swæsum were, siþþan scencte
- 985
- bittor bædeweg. þæs þa byre siþþan
grimme onguldon gafulrædenne
þurh ærgewyrht, þætte ænig ne wæs
fyra cynnes from fruman sian
mon on moldan, þætte meahte him
- 990
- gebeorgan ond bibugan þone bleatan drync,
deopan deaweges, ac him duru sylfa
on þa slinan tid sona ontyne,
ingong geopena. Ne mæg ænig þam
flæsce bifongen feore wistondan,
- 995
- ricra ne heanra, ac hine ræse on
gifrum grapum. Swa wæs Gulace
enge anhoga ætryhte þa
æfter nihtscuan neah geþyded,
wiga wælgifre. Hine wunade mid
- 1000
- an ombehtþegn, se hine æghwylce
daga neosade. Ongan a deophydig,
gleawmod gongan to godes temple,
þær he eþelbodan inne wiste,
þone leofestan lareow gecorenne,
- 1005
- ond þa in eode eadgum to spræce,
wolde hyrcnigan halges lara,
mildes meþelcwida. Fonde þa his mondryhten
adlwerigne; him æt in gefeol
hefig æt heortan. Hygesorge wæg,
- 1010
- micle modceare. Ongan a his magu frignan:
"Hu gewear þe þus, winedryhten min,
fæder, freonda hleo, fer gebysgad,
nearwe geneged? Ic næfre þe,
þeoden leofesta, þyslicne ær
- 1015
- gemette þus mene. Meaht þu meelcwidum
worda gewealdan? Is me on wene geþuht,
þæt þe untrymnes adle gongum
on þisse nyhstan niht bysgade,
sarbennum gesoht. þæt me sorgna is
- 1020
- hatost on hreþre, ær þu hyge minne
fer afrefre. Wast þu, freodryhten,
hu þeos adle scyle ende gesettan?"
Him þa si oncwæ, sona ne meahte
oro up geteon; wæs him in bogen
- 1025
- bittor bancoþa. Beald reordade
eadig on elne, ondcwis ageaf:
"Ic wille secgan þæt me sar gehran,
wærc in gewod in isse wonnan niht,
lichord onleac. Leomu hefegia,
- 1030
- sarum gesohte. Sceal þis sawelhus,
fæge flæschoma, foldærne biþeaht,
leomu lames geþacan, legerbedde fæst
wunian wælræste. Wiga nealæce,
unlæt laces. Ne bi þæs lengra swice
- 1035
- sawelgedales þonne seofon niht
fyrstgemearces, þæt min feorh heonan
on þisse eahteþan ende gesece
dæg scriþende. þonne dogor beo
on moldwege min for scriþen,
- 1040
- sorg geswerad, ond ic siþþan mot
fore meotudes cneowum meorda hleotan,
gingra geafena, ond godes lomber
in sindreamum siþþan awo
for folgian; is nu fus ider
- 1045
- gæst siþes georn. Nu þu gearwe const
leoma lifgedal; long is þis onbid
worulde lifes." a wæs wop ond heaf,
geongum geocor sefa, geomrende hyge,
siþþan he gehyrde þæt se halga wæs
- 1050
- forsiþes fus. He þæs færspelles
fore his mondryhtne modsorge wæg,
hefige æt heortan. Hreþer innan swearc,
hyge hreowcearig, þæs þe his hlaford geseah
ellorfusne. He þæs onbæru
- 1055
- habban ne meahte, ac he hate let
torn þoliende tearas geotan,
weallan wægdropan. Wyrd ne meahte
in fægum leng feorg gehealdan,
deore frætwe, þonne him gedemed wæs.
- 1060
- Ongeat gæsta halig geomormodes
drusendne hyge. Ongan þa duguþa hleo,
glædmod gode leof, geongran retan,
wine leofestan wordum negan:
"Ne beo þu unrot, eah þeos adl me
- 1065
- innan æle. Nis me earfee
to geþolianne þeodnes willan,
dryhtnes mines, ne ic þæs deaes hafu
on þas seocnan tid sorge on mode,
ne ic me herehloe helle þegna
- 1070
- swie onsitte, ne mæg synne on me
facnes frumbearn fyrene gestælan,
lices leahtor, ac in lige sceolon
sorgwylmum soden sar wanian,
wræcsi wepan, wilna biscirede
- 1075
- in þam deasele dugua gehwylcre,
lufena ond lissa. Min þæt leofe bearn,
ne beo þu on sefan to seoc. Ic eom siþes fus
upeard niman edleana georn
in þam ecan gefean, ærgewyrhtum
- 1080
- geseon sigora frean, min þæt swæse bearn.
Nis me wracu ne gewin, þæt ic wuldres god
sece swegelcyning, þær is sib ond blis,
domfæstra dream, dryhten ondweard,
þam ic georne gæstgerynum,
- 1085
- in þas dreorgan tid dædum cwemde,
mode ond mægne. Ic þa meorde wat
leahtorlease, lean unhwilen,
halig on heahþu. þær min hyht myne
to gesecenne, sawul funda
- 1090
- of licfate to þam longan gefean
in eadwelan. Nis þes eþel me
ne sar ne sorg. Ic me sylfum wat
æfter lices hryre lean unhwilen."
a se wuldormaga worda gestilde,
- 1095
- rof runwita; wæs him ræste neod,
reonigmodum. Rodor swamode
ofer nia bearn, nihtrim scridon,
deorc ofer dugeum. þa se dæg bicwom
on þam se lifgenda in lichoman,
- 1100
- ece ælmihtig ærist gefremede,
dryhten mid dreame, a he of deae aras
onwald of eoran in þa eastortid,
ealra þrymma þrym, reata mæstne
to heofonum ahof, a he from helle astag.
- 1105
- Swa se eadga wer in þa æþelan tid
on þone beorhtan dæg blissum hremig,
milde ond gemetfæst, mægen unsofte
elne geæfnde. Aras a eorla wynn,
heard hygesnottor, swa he hraþost meahte,
- 1110
- mee for am miclan bysgum. Ongon þa his mod staþelian
leohte geleafan, lac onsægde
deophycgende dryhtne to willan
gæstgerynum in godes temple,
ond his þegne ongon, swa þam þeodne geras,
- 1115
- þurh gæstes giefe godspel bodian,
secgan sigortacnum, ond his sefan trymman
wundrum to wuldre in þa wlitigan gesceaft
to eadwelan, swa he ær ne si
æfre to ealdre ore swylce
- 1120
- on þas lænan tid lare gehyrde,
ne swa deoplice dryhtnes geryne
þurh menniscne mu areccan
on sidum sefan. Him wæs soþra geþuht
þæt hit ufancundes engles wære
- 1125
- of swegldreamum, swiþor micle
mægenþegnes word, þonne æniges monnes lar,
wera ofer eoran. Him þæt wundra mæst
gesewen þuhte, þæt swylc snyttrucræft
ænges hælea her hreþer weardade,
- 1130
- dryhta bearna, wæs þæs deoplic eall
word ond wisdom, ond þæs weres stihtung,
mod ond mægencræft, þe him meotud engla,
gæsta geocend forgiefen hæfde.
Wæron feowere a for gewitene
- 1135
- dagas on rime, þæs se dryhtnes þegn
on elne bad, adle gebysgad,
sarum geswenced. Ne he sorge wæg
geocorne sefan gæstgedales,
dreorigne hyge. Dea nealæcte,
- 1140
- stop stalgongum, strong ond hree
sohte sawelhus. Com se seofea dæg
ældum ondweard, þæs þe him in gesonc,
hat, heortan neah, hildescurum
flacor flanþracu, feorhhord onleac,
- 1145
- searocægum gesoht. Ongon a snottor hæle,
ar, onbehtþegn, æþeles neosan
to þam halgan hofe, fond þa hlingendne
fusne on forsiþ frean unwenne,
gæsthaligne in godes temple
- 1150
- soden sarwylmum. Wæs þa sihste tid
on midne dæg, wæs his mondryhtne
endedogor ætryhte þa.
Nearwum genæged nydcostingum,
awrecen wælpilum, wlo ne meahte
- 1155
- oro up geteon, ellenspræce
hleoþor ahebban. Ongon a hygegeomor,
freorig ond ferwerig, fusne gretan,
mene modglædne, bæd hine þurh mihta scyppend,
gif he his wordcwida wealdan meahte,
- 1160
- spræce ahebban, þæt him on spellum gecyde,
onwrige worda gongum, hu he his wisna truwade,
drohtes on ære dimman adle, æron hine dea onsægde.
Him se eadga wer ageaf ondsware,
leof mon leofum, þeah he late meahte,
- 1165
- eorl ellenheard, oreþe gebredan:
"Min þæt swæse bearn, nis nu swiþe feor
þam ytemestan endedogor
nydgedales, þæt u þa nyhstan scealt
in woruldlife worda minra,
- 1170
- næfre leana biloren, lare gehyran,
noht longe ofer þis. Læst ealle well
wære ond winescype, word þa wit spræcon,
leofast manna." "Næfre ic lufan sibbe,
þeoden, æt þearfe þine forlæte
- 1175
- asanian!" "Beo þu on si gearu,
siþþan lic ond leomu ond þes lifes gæst
asundrien somwist hyra
þurh feorggedal. Fys æfter þon
þæt þu gesecge sweostor minre,
- 1180
- þære leofestan, on longne weg
to þam fægran gefean forsi minne,
on ecne eard, ond hyre eac gecy
wordum minum, þæt ic me warnade
hyre onsyne ealle þrage
- 1185
- in woruldlife, for y ic wilnode
þæt wit unc eft in þam ecan gefean
on sweglwuldre geseon mostun
fore onsyne eces deman
leahtra lease. þær sceal lufu uncer
- 1190
- wærfæst wunian, þær wit wilna a
in ære beorhtan byrig brucan motun,
eades mid englum. u hyre eac saga
þæt heo þis banfæt beorge bifæste,
lame biluce, lic orsawle
- 1195
- in þeostorcofan, þær hit þrage sceal
in sondhofe siþþan wunian."
a wear modgeþanc miclum gebisgad,
þream forþrycced, þurh þæs þeodnes word,
ombehtþegne, þa he ædre oncneow
- 1200
- frean feorhgedal, þæt hit feor ne wæs,
endedogor. Ongon þa ofostlice
to his winedryhtne wordum mælan:
"Ic þec halsige, hæleþa leofost
gumena cynnes, þurh gæsta weard,
- 1205
- þæt þu hygesorge heortan minre
geeþe, eorla wyn. Nis þe ende feor,
þæs þe ic on galdrum ongieten hæbbe.
Oft mec geomor sefa gehþa gemanode,
hat æt heortan, hyge gnornende
- 1210
- nihtes nearwe, ond ic næfre þe,
fæder, frofor min, frignan dorste.
Symle ic gehyrde, þonne heofones gim,
wyncondel wera, west onhylde,
sweglbeorht sunne setlgonges fus
- 1215
- on æfentid, oþerne mid þec,
þegn æt geþeahte. Ic þæs þeodnes word,
ares uncuþes oft neosendes,
dægwoman bitweon ond þære deorcan niht,
meþelcwide mæcges, ond on morgne swa,
- 1220
- ongeat geomormod, gæstes spræce,
gleawes in geardum. Huru, ic giet ne wat,
ær þu me, frea min, furþor cye
þurh cwide þinne, hwonan his cyme sindon."
a se eadga wer ageaf ondsware
- 1225
- leofum æfter longre hwile, swa he late meahte,
elnes oncyig, oreþe gewealdan:
"Hwæt, þu me, wine min, wordum nægest,
fusne frignest, þæs þe ic furþum ær
æfre on ealdre ængum ne wolde
- 1230
- monna ofer moldan melda weoran,
þegne on þeode, butan þe nu a,
þy læs þæt wundredan weras ond idesa,
ond on gea gutan, gieddum mænden
bi me lifgendum. Huru, ic nolde sylf
- 1235
- þurh gielpcwide gæstes mines
frofre gelettan, ne fæder mines
æfre geæfnan, æbylg godes.
Symle me onsende sigedryhten min,
folca feorhgiefa, siþþan ic furþum ongon
- 1240
- on þone æfteran anseld bugan
geargemearces, gæst haligne,
engel ufancundne, se mec efna gehwam,
meahtig meotudes þegn, ond on morgne eft,
sigorfæst gesohte, ond me sara gehwylc
- 1245
- gehælde hygesorge, ond me in hreþre bileac
wuldres wilboda wisdomes giefe
micle monigfealdran þonne ænig mon wite
in life her, þe me alyfed nis
to gecyþenne cwicra ængum
- 1250
- on foldwege fira cynnes,
þæt me ne meahte monna ænig
bideaglian hwæt he dearninga
on hyge hogde heortan geþoncum,
siþþan he me fore eagum onsyne wear.
- 1255
- A ic on mode ma monna gehwylcne
þeodnes þrymcyme o þisne dæg.
Leofast monna, nu ic for lufan þinre,
ond geferscype þæt wit fyrn mid unc
longe læstan, nelle ic lætan þe
- 1260
- æfre unrotne æfter ealdorlege
mene modseocne minre geweoran,
soden sorgwælmum. A ic sibbe wiþ þe
healdan wille. Nu of hreþerlocan
to þam soþan gefean sawel funda.
- 1265
- Nis seo tid latu, tydra þis banfæt,
greothord gnorna, gæst hine fyse
on ecne geard, utsiþes georn
on sellan gesetu. Nu ic swie eom
weorce gewergad." a to þam wage gesag,
- 1270
- heafelan onhylde, hyrde þa gena
ellen on innan. Oro stundum teah
mægne modig, him of mue cwom
swecca swetast. Swylce on sumeres tid
stinca on stowum staþelum fæste
- 1275
- wynnum æfter wongum wyrta geblowene,
hunigflowende, swa þæs halgan wæs
ondlongne dæg oþ æfen for
oro up hlæden. þa se æþela glæm
setlgong sohte, swearc norrodor
- 1280
- won under wolcnum, woruld miste oferteah,
þystrum biþeahte, þrong niht ofer tiht
londes frætwa. a cwom leohta mæst,
halig of heofonum hædre scinan,
beorhte ofer burgsalu. Bad se þe sceolde
- 1285
- eadig on elne endedogor,
awrecen wælstrælum. Wuldres scima,
æþele ymb æþelne, ondlonge niht
scan scirwered. Scadu sweþredon,
tolysed under lyfte. Wæs se leohta glæm
- 1290
- ymb þæt halge hus, heofonlic condel,
from æfenglome oþþæt eastan cwom
ofer deop gelad dægredwoma,
wedertacen wearm. Aras se wuldormago,
eadig elnes gemyndig, spræc to his onbehtþegne,
- 1295
- torht to his treowum gesiþe: "Tid is þæt þu fere,
ond þa ærendu eal biþence,
ofestum læde, swa ic þe ær bibead,
lac to leofre. Nu of lice is,
goddreama georn, gæst swie fus."
- 1300
- Ahof þa his honda, husle gereorded,
eamod þy æþelan gyfle, swylce he his eagan ontynde,
halge heafdes gimmas, biseah þa to heofona rice,
glædmod to geofona leanum, ond þa his gæst onsende
weorcum wlitigne in wuldres dream.
- 1305
- a wæs Gulaces gæst gelæded
eadig on upweg. Englas feredun
to þam longan gefean, lic colode,
belifd under lyfte. a þær leoht ascan,
beama beorhtast. Eal þæt beacen wæs
- 1310
- ymb þæt halge hus, heofonlic leoma,
from foldan up swylce fyren tor
ryht aræred o rodera hrof,
gesewen under swegle, sunnan beorhtra,
æþeltungla wlite. Engla þreatas
- 1315
- sigeleo sungon, sweg wæs on lyfte
gehyred under heofonum, haligra dream.
Swa se burgstede wæs blissum gefylled,
swetum stencum ond sweglwundrum,
eadges yrfestol, engla hleores,
- 1320
- eal innanweard. þær wæs ænlicra
ond wynsumra þonne hit in worulde mæge
stefn areccan, hu se stenc ond se sweg,
heofonlic hleoþor ond se halga song,
gehyred wæs, heahþrym godes,
- 1325
- breahtem æfter breahtme. Beofode þæt ealond,
foldwong onþrong. a afyrhted wear
ar, elnes biloren, gewat þa ofestlice
beorn unhyig, þæt he bat gestag,
wæghengest wræc, wæterþisa for,
- 1330
- snel under sorgum. Swegl hate scan,
blac ofer burgsalo. Brimwudu scynde,
leoht, lade fus. Lagumearg snyrede,
gehlæsted to hye, þæt se hærnflota
æfter sundplegan sondlond gespearn,
- 1335
- grond wi greote. Gnornsorge wæg
hate æt heortan, hyge geomurne,
mene modsefan, se þe his mondryhten,
life bilidenne, last weardian
wiste, wine leofne. Him þæs wopes hring
- 1340
- torne gemonade. Teagor yum weol,
hate hleordropan, ond on hreþre wæg
micle modceare. He þære mæge sceolde
lace gelædan laspel to so.
Cwom þa freorigfer þær seo fæmne wæs,
- 1345
- wuldres wynmæg. He þa wyrd ne ma,
fæges forsi. Fusleo agol
wineþearfende, ond þæt word acwæ:
"Ellen biþ selast þam þe oftost sceal
dreogan dryhtenbealu, deope behycgan
- 1350
- þroht þeodengedal, þonne seo þrag cyme,
wefen wyrdstafum. þæt wat se þe sceal
aswæman sarigfer, wat his sincgiefan
holdne biheledne. He sceal hean þonan
geomor hweorfan. þam bi gomenes wana
- 1355
- e þa earfea oftost dreoge
on sargum sefan. Huru, ic swie ne þearf
hinsiþ behlehhan. Is hlaford min,
beorna bealdor, ond broþor þin,
se selesta bi sæm tweonum
- 1360
- þara þe we on Engle æfre gefrunen
acennedne þurh cildes had
gumena cynnes, to godes dome,
werigra wraþu, worulddreamum of,
winemæga wyn, in wuldres þrym,
- 1365
- gewiten, winiga hleo, wica neosan
eardes on upweg. Nu se eoran dæl,
banhus abrocen burgum in innan
wuna wælræste, ond se wuldres dæl
of licfæte in leoht godes
- 1370
- sigorlean sohte, ond þe secgan het
þæt git a mosten in þam ecan gefean
mid þa sibgedryht somudeard niman,
weorca wuldorlean, willum neotan
blædes ond blissa. Eac þe abeodan het
- 1375
- sigedryhten min, þa he wæs siþes fus,
þæt þu his lichoman, leofast mæga,
eoran bieahte. Nu þu ædre const
sifæt minne. Ic sceal sarigfer,
heanmod hweorfan, hyge drusendne."
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Him þa Azarias ingeþoncum
hleoþrede halig þurh hatne lig,
dreag dædum georn, dryhten herede,
wis in weorcum, ond þas word acwæ:
- 5
- "Meotud allwihta, þu eart meahtum swi
niþas to nerganne. Is þin noma mære,
wlitig ond wuldorfæst ofer werþeode.
Sindon þine domas on dæda gehwam
soe geswide ond gesigefæste,
- 10
- eac þine willan in woruldspedum
ryhte mid ræde. Rodera waldend,
geoca us georne, gæsta scyppend,
ond þurh hyldo help, halig dryhten,
nu we þec for þearfum ond for þreanydum
- 15
- ond fore eamedum arena biddaþ,
lege bilegde. We þæs lifgende
worhton in worulde, eac þon wom dydon
yldran usse, in oferhygdum
þin bibodu bræcon burgsittende,
- 20
- had oferhogedon halgan lifes.
Wurdon we towrecene geond widne grund,
heapum tohworfne, hylda lease;
wæs ure lif geond londa fela
fracu ond gefræge foldbuendum.
- 25
- Nu þu usic bewræce in þas wyrrestan
eorcyninges æhtgewealda,
in hæft heorogrimmes, sceolon we þær hæþenra
þreanyd
hæfdes
- 30
- to Abrahame ond to Isace
ond Iacobe, gæsta scyppend.
þu him gehete þurh hleoþorcwidas
þæt þu hyra fromcynn on fyrndagum
ycan wolde, þæt hit æfter him
- 35
- on cyneryce cenned wurde,
yced on eorþan, þæt swa unrime,
had to hebban, swa heofonsteorran
buga bradne hwearft o brimflodas,
swa waroþa sond ymb sealt wæter,
- 40
- yþe geond eargrund, þæt swa unrime
ymb wintra hwearft weoran sceolde.
Fyl nu þa frumspræce, þeah þe user fea lifgen,
wlitega þine wordcwidas ond in wuldor us.
Gecy cræft ond meaht, nu þec Caldeas
- 45
- ond eac fela folca gefregen habban
þæt þu ana eart ece dryhten,
sigerof settend ond so meotod,
wuldres waldend ond woruldsceafta."
Swa se halga wer hergende wæs
- 50
- meotudes miltse, ond his modsefan
rehte þurh reorde. a of roderum wear
engel ælbeorhta ufon onsended,
wlitescyne wer in his wuldorhoman,
cwom him þa to are ond to ealdornere
- 55
- þurh lufan ond þurh lisse. Se þone lig tosceaf,
halig ond heofonbeorht, hatan fyres,
þæt se bittra bryne beorgan sceolde
for þæs engles ege æfæstum þrim.
Tosweop ond toswengde þurh swies meaht
- 60
- liges leoman, swa hyra lice ne scod,
ac wæs in þam ofne, þa se engel cwom,
windig ond wynsum, wedere onlicust,
þonne on sumeres tid sended weorþe
dropena dreorung mid dæges hwile.
- 65
- Se wæs in þam fire for frean meahtum
halgum to helpe. Wear se hata lig
todrifen ond todwæsced, þær þa dædhwatan
þry mid geþoncum þeoden heredon,
bædon bletsian bearn in worulde
- 70
- ealle gesceafte ecne dryhten,
þeoda waldend. Swa hi þry cwædon,
modum horsce, þurh gemæne word:
"Bletsige þec, bilwit fæder,
woruldsceafta wuldor ond weorca gehwylc,
- 75
- heofonas ond englas ond hluttor wæter,
ond eal mægen eorþan gesceafta.
Bletsige þec, sofæst cyning, sunne ond mona,
leohte leoman, lifgende god,
hædre ond hlutre ond heofondreame
- 80
- wæstem weorian. Ful oft þu, wuldorcyning,
þurh lyft lætest leodum to freme
mildne morgenren. Monig sceal siþþan
wyrt onwæcnan, eac þon wudubearwas
tanum tydra. Trymma eorwelan,
- 85
- hleo ond hluttra. Næfre hlisan ah
meotud þan maran þonne he wi monna bearn
wyrce weldædum. Wis bi se þe con
ongytan þone geocend, þe us eall good syle
þe we habba þenden we her beo,
- 90
- ond us milde meotod mare gehate,
gif we geearnia, elne willa,
onne feran sceal þurh frean hæse
sundor anra gehwæs sawl of lice.
Ond þec, god dryhten, gæstas hergen,
- 95
- byrnende fyr ond beorht sumor,
wearme wederdagas, waldend manna,
frean on fere. Fremest eorwelan
þurh monigne had, milde dryhten,
ond þec dæg ond niht, domfæst cyning,
- 100
- lofigen ond lufigen, lux et tenebre
,
þe þas werþeoda weardum healda.
Deop dryhtnes bibod drugon hi þæt longe.
Ond þec, Crist cyning, ceolas weorian,
fæder, forst ond snaw, folca waldend,
- 105
- winterbitera weder ond wolcna genipu,
ond þec liexende ligetta hergen,
blace, breahtumhwate, brytenrices weard,
dyrne dryhten. A þin dom sy
god ond genge. þu þæs geornlice
- 110
- wyrcest, wuldorcyning. Wæstmum herge,
bletsien bledum, ond þin blæd wese
a for ece, ælmihtig god.
Wesa ond weaxa ealle werþeode,
lifga bi þam lissum þe us se leofa cyning,
- 115
- ece dryhten, ær gesette
sinum bearnum to brice, bremen dryhten.
Ond þec, halga god, hea duna
geond middangeard miltsum hergen,
fæger folde ond fæder rice.
- 120
- Foron waldend scop wudige moras,
lofe leanige leohtes hyrde.
Bletsige þec, sofæst cyning, sæs ond wætra
hea holmas, haligne dryhten,
domlice deop wæter; ond dryhtnes bibod
- 125
- geofonfloda gehwylc georne bihealde,
þonne merestreamas meotudes ræswum
wæter onwealca. Witon ealdgecynd
þæt ær gescop ece dryhten
lagufloda bigong, leohtes hyrde,
- 130
- on þam wunia widferende
sie on sunde seldlicra fela.
Bletsien þec þa ealle, ece dryhten,
þurh þinne willan, wuldorfæst cyning,
ond þec ealle æsprynge, ece dryhten,
- 135
- heanne hergen. Ful oft þu hluttor lætest
wæter wynlico to woruldhyhte
of clife clænum. þæt us se cyning gescop
monnum to miltse ond to mægeneacan.
Bletsien þec, bilwit fæder,
- 140
- fiscas ond fuglas, felameahtigne,
ealle þa þe onhrera hreo wægas
on þam bradan brime, bremen dryhten,
hergen haligne, ond heofonfuglas,
þa þe lacende geond lyft fara.
- 145
- Bletsien þec, dryhten, deor ond nyten.
Meotud monna bearn miltsum hergen
ond ecne god, Israhela cynn.
Bletsien þe þine sacerdas, sofæst
cyning,
milde mæsseras mærne dryhten,
- 150
- ond þine þeowas, eoda hyrde,
swylce haligra hluttre saule,
ond, ece god, eamodheorte.
Nu þec Ananias ond Azarias
ond Misahel, meotud, miltsum herga.
- 155
- Nu we geonge þry god bletsia,
felameahtigne fæder in heofonum,
þone soan sunu ond þone sigefæstan gæst.
Forþon us onsende sigora waldend
engel to are, se þe us bearg
- 160
- fyr ond feondas, ond mid fiþrum bewreah
wi brynebrogan." Breahtmum hwurfun
ymb þæt hate hus hæne leode,
a þæt ongeaton godes ondsacan
þæt hi ne meahtan, ne meotod wolde,
- 165
- acwellan cnyhta æ, ac hy Crist scilde.
Hwearf þa to healle, swa he hraþost meahte,
eorl acolmod, þæt he ofer his ealdre gestod.
Abead þa for þære dugue deop ærende,
haligra gehyld, (hlyst wæs þær inne),
- 170
- gromhydig guma: "þæt ic geare wiste,
þæt we III hæfdon, þeoda wisa,
geonge cniehtas, for gæstlufan
gebunden to bæle in byrnendes
fyres leoman. Nu ic þær IIII men
- 175
- seo to soe, nales me sylfa
gerad.
Hweorfa nu æfter heore, nængum hat sceþe,
ofnes æled, ac him is engel mid,
hafa beorhtne blæd; ne mæg him bryne sceþþan
wlitigne wuldorhoman." a þam wordum swealg
- 180
- brego Caldea, gewat þa to þam bryne gongan
anhydig eorl, þæt he ofer þam ade gestod.
Het þa of þam lige lifgende bearn
Nabocodonossor near ætgongan.
Ne forhogodon þæt þa halgan, siþþan hi hwætmode
- 185
- woruldcyninges weorn gehyrdon,
ac eodon of þam fyre, feorh unwemme,
wuldre gewlitegad, swa hyra wædum ne scod
gifre gleda ni, ac hi mid gæstlufan
synne geswencton ond gesigefæston,
- 190
- modum gleawe, in monþeawum,
þurh foreþoncas fyr gedygdon.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hæbbe ic gefrugnen þætte is feor heonan
eastdælum on æþelast londa,
firum gefræge. Nis se foldan sceat
ofer middangeard mongum gefere
- 5
- folcagendra, ac he afyrred is
þurh meotudes meaht manfremmendum.
Wlitig is se wong eall, wynnum geblissad
mid þam fægrestum foldan stencum.
ænlic is þæt iglond, æþele se wyrhta,
- 10
- modig, meahtum spedig, se þa moldan gesette.
ær bi oft open eadgum togeanes
onhliden hleoþra wyn, heofonrices duru.
þæt is wynsum wong, wealdas grene,
rume under roderum. Ne mæg þær ren ne snaw,
- 15
- ne forstes fnæst, ne fyres blæst,
ne hægles hryre, ne hrimes dryre,
ne sunnan hætu, ne sincaldu,
ne wearm weder, ne winterscur
wihte gewyrdan, ac se wong seoma
- 20
- eadig ond onsund. Is þæt æþele lond
blostmum geblowen. Beorgas þær ne muntas
steape ne stonda, ne stanclifu
heah hlifia, swa her mid us,
ne dene ne dalu ne dunscrafu,
- 25
- hlæwas ne hlincas, ne þær hleona oo
unsmeþes wiht, ac se æþela feld
wrida under wolcnum, wynnum geblowen.
Is þæt torhte lond twelfum herra,
folde fæmrimes, swa us gefreogum gleawe
- 30
- witgan þurh wisdom on gewritum cyþa,
þonne ænig þara beorga þe her beorhte mid us
hea hlifia under heofontunglum.
Smylte is se sigewong; sunbearo lixe,
wuduholt wynlic. Wæstmas ne dreosa,
- 35
- beorhte blede, ac þa beamas a
grene stonda, swa him god bibead.
Wintres ond sumeres wudu bi gelice
bledum gehongen; næfre brosnia
leaf under lyfte, ne him lig sceþe
- 40
- æfre to ealdre, ærþon edwenden
worulde geweore. Swa iu wætres þrym
ealne middangeard mereflod þeahte,
eorþan ymbhwyrft, þa se æþela wong,
æghwæs onsund, wi yfare
- 45
- gehealden stod hreora wæga,
eadig, unwemme, þurh est godes;
bide swa geblowen o bæles cyme,
dryhtnes domes, þonne dearæced,
hæleþa heolstorcofan, onhliden weorþa.
- 50
- Nis þær on þam londe lagenila,
ne wop ne wracu, weatacen nan,
yldu ne yrmu ne se enga dea,
ne lifes lyre, ne laþes cyme,
ne synn ne sacu ne sarwracu,
- 55
- ne wædle gewin, ne welan onsyn,
ne sorg ne slæp ne swar leger,
ne wintergeweorp, ne wedra gebregd,
hreoh under heofonum, ne se hearda forst,
caldum cylegicelum, cnyse ænigne.
- 60
- þær ne hægl ne hrim hreosa to foldan,
ne windig wolcen, ne þær wæter fealleþ,
lyfte gebysgad, ac þær lagustreamas,
wundrum wrætlice, wyllan onspringa
fægrum flodwylmum. Foldan leccaþ
- 65
- wæter wynsumu of þæs wuda midle;
þa monþa gehwam of þære moldan tyrf
brimcald breca, bearo ealne geondfara,
þragum þrymlice. Is þæt þeodnes gebod,
þætte twelf siþum þæt tirfæste
- 70
- lond geondlace lagufloda wynn.
Sindon þa bearwas bledum gehongne,
wlitigum wæstmum, þær no wania o,
halge under heofonum, holtes frætwe.
Ne fealla þær on foldan fealwe blostman,
- 75
- wudubeama wlite, ac þær wrætlice
on þam treowum symle telgan gehladene,
ofett edniwe, in ealle tid
on þam græswonge grene stondaþ,
gehroden hyhtlice haliges meahtum,
- 80
- beorhtast bearwa. No gebrocen weorþe
holt on hiwe, þær se halga stenc
wunaþ geond wynlond; þæt onwended ne bi
æfre to ealdre, ærþon endige
frod fyrngeweorc se hit on frymþe gescop.
- 85
- one wudu weardaþ wundrum fæger
fugel feþrum strong, se is fenix haten.
þær se anhaga eard bihealdeþ,
deormod drohta; næfre him deaþ sceþe
on þam willwonge, þenden woruld stondeþ.
- 90
- Se sceal þære sunnan si behealdan
ond ongean cuman godes condelle,
glædum gimme, georne bewitigan,
hwonne up cyme æþelast tungla
ofer ymere estan lixan,
- 95
- fæder fyrngeweorc frætwum blican,
torht tacen godes. Tungol beoþ ahyded,
gewiten under waþeman westdælas on,
bideglad on dægred, ond seo deorce niht
won gewite; þonne waþum strong
- 100
- fugel feþrum wlonc on firgenstream
under lyft, ofer lagu loca georne,
hwonne up cyme eastan glidan
ofer sidne sæ swegles leoma.
Swa se æþela fugel æt þam æspringe
- 105
- wlitigfæst wuna wyllestreamas,
þær se tireadga twelf siþum hine
bibaþa in þam burnan ær þæs beacnes cyme,
sweglcondelle, ond symle swa oft
of þam wilsuman wyllgespryngum
- 110
- brimcald beorge æt baa gehwylcum.
Siþþan hine sylfne æfter sundplegan
heahmod hefe on heanne beam,
þonan yþast mæg on eastwegum
si bihealdan, hwonne swegles tapur
- 115
- ofer holmþræce hædre blice,
leohtes leoma. Lond beo gefrætwad,
woruld gewlitegad, siþþan wuldres gim
ofer geofones gong grund gescineþ
geond middangeard, mærost tungla.
- 120
- Sona swa seo sunne sealte streamas
hea oferhlifa, swa se haswa fugel
beorht of þæs bearwes beame gewite,
fare feþrum snell flyhte on lyfte,
swinsa ond singe swegle togeanes.
- 125
- onne bi swa fæger fugles gebæru,
onbryrded breostsefa, blissum hremig;
wrixle wocræfte wundorlicor
beorhtan reorde, þonne æfre byre monnes
hyrde under heofonum, siþþan heahcyning,
- 130
- wuldres wyrhta, woruld staþelode,
heofon ond eorþan. Biþ þæs hleores sweg
eallum songcræftum swetra ond wlitigra
ond wynsumra wrenca gehwylcum.
Ne magon þam breahtme byman ne hornas,
- 135
- ne hearpan hlyn, ne hæleþa stefn
ænges on eorþan, ne organan,
sweghleoþres geswin, ne swanes fere,
ne ænig þara dreama þe dryhten gescop
gumum to gliwe in þas geomran woruld.
- 140
- Singe swa ond swinsa sælum geblissad,
oþþæt seo sunne on surodor
sæged weorþe. þonne swia he
ond hlyst gefe, heafde onbrygde,
þrist, þonces gleaw, ond þriwa ascæce
- 145
- feþre flyhthwate; fugol bi geswiged.
Symle he twelf siþum tida gemearca
dæges ond nihtes. Swa gedemed is
bearwes bigengan, þæt he þær brucan mot
wonges mid willum, ond welan neotan,
- 150
- lifes ond lissa, londes frætwa,
oþþæt he þusende þisses lifes,
wudubearwes weard, wintra gebideþ.
onne bi gehefgad haswigfera,
gomol, gearum frod, grene eoran
- 155
- aflyh, fugla wyn, foldan geblowene,
ond þonne gesece side rice
middangeardes, þær no men buga
eard ond eþel. þær he ealdordom
onfeh foremihtig ofer fugla cynn,
- 160
- geþungen on þeode, ond þrage mid him
westen wearda. þonne waþum strong
west gewite wintrum gebysgad
fleogan feþrum snel. Fuglas þringa
utan ymbe æþelne; æghwylc wille
- 165
- wesan þegn ond þeow þeodne mærum,
oþþæt hy geseca Syrwara lond
corra mæste. Him se clæna þær
oscufe scearplice, þæt he in scade wearda,
on wudubearwe, weste stowe,
- 170
- biholene ond bihydde hæleþa monegum.
ær he heanne beam on holtwuda
wuna ond wearda, wyrtum fæstne
under heofunhrofe, þone hata men
Fenix on foldan, of þæs fugles noman.
- 175
- Hafa þam treowe forgiefen tirmeahtig cyning,
meotud moncynnes, mine gefræge,
þæt se ana is ealra beama
on eorwege uplædendra
beorhtast geblowen; ne mæg him bitres wiht
- 180
- scyldum scean, ac gescylded a
wuna ungewyrded, þenden woruld stonde.
onne wind lige, weder bi fæger,
hluttor heofones gim halig scine,
beo wolcen towegen, wætra þryþe
- 185
- stille stonda, biþ storma gehwylc
aswefed under swegle, suþan blice
wedercondel wearm, weorodum lyhte,
onne on þam telgum timbran onginne,
nest gearwian. Bi him neod micel
- 190
- þæt he þa yldu ofestum mote
þurh gewittes wylm wendan to life,
feorg geong onfon. þonne feor ond neah
þa swetestan somna ond gædra
wyrta wynsume ond wudubleda
- 195
- to þam eardstede, æþelstenca gehwone,
wyrta wynsumra, þe wuldorcyning,
fæder fryma gehwæs, ofer foldan gescop
to indryhtum ælda cynne,
swetes under swegle. þær he sylf biere
- 200
- in þæt treow innan torhte frætwe;
þær se wilda fugel in þam westenne
ofer heanne beam hus getimbre,
wlitig ond wynsum, ond gewica þær
sylf in þam solere, ond ymbsete utan
- 205
- in þam leafsceade lic ond feþre
on healfa gehware halgum stencum
ond þam æþelestum eorþan bledum.
Site siþes fus. þonne swegles gim
on sumeres tid, sunne hatost,
- 210
- ofer sceadu scine ond gesceapu dreoge,
woruld geondwlite, þonne weore his
hus onhæted þurh hador swegl.
Wyrta wearmia, willsele styme
swetum swæccum, þonne on swole byrne
- 215
- þurh fyres feng fugel mid neste.
Bæl bi onæled. þonne brond þece
heorodreorges hus, hreoh onette,
fealo lig feorma ond fenix byrne,
fyrngearum frod. þonne fyr þige
- 220
- lænne lichoman; lif bi on sie,
fæges feorhhord, þonne flæsc ond ban
adleg æle. Hwæþre him eft cyme
æfter fyrstmearce feorh edniwe,
siþþan þa yslan eft onginna
- 225
- æfter ligþræce lucan togædre,
geclungne to cleowenne. þonne clæne bi
beorhtast nesta, bæle forgrunden
heaþorofes hof; hra bi acolad,
banfæt gebrocen, ond se bryne sweþra.
- 230
- þonne of þam ade æples gelicnes
on þære ascan bi eft gemeted,
of þam weaxe wyrm, wundrum fæger,
swylce he of ægerum ut alæde,
scir of scylle. þonne on sceade weaxe,
- 235
- þæt he ærest bi swylce earnes brid,
fæger fugeltimber; onne furþor gin
wrida on wynnum, þæt he bi wæstmum gelic
ealdum earne, and æfter þon
feþrum gefrætwad, swylc he æt fryme wæs,
- 240
- beorht geblowen. þonne bræd weorþe
eal edniwe eft acenned,
synnum asundrad, sumes onlice
swa mon to ondleofne eoran wæstmas
on hærfeste ham gelæde,
- 245
- wiste wynsume, ær wintres cyme,
on rypes timan, þy læs hi renes scur
awyrde under wolcnum; þær hi wrae meta,
fodorþege gefean, þonne forst ond snaw
mid ofermægne eorþan þecca
- 250
- wintergewædum. Of þam wæstmum sceal
eorla eadwela eft alædan
þurh cornes gecynd, þe ær clæne bi
sæd onsawen. þonne sunnan glæm
on lenctenne, lifes tacen,
- 255
- wece woruldgestreon, þæt þa wæstmas beo
þurh agne gecynd eft acende,
foldan frætwe. Swa se fugel weorþe,
gomel æfter gearum, geong edniwe,
flæsce bifongen. No he foddor þige,
- 260
- mete on moldan, nemne meledeawes
dæl gebyrge, se dreose oft
æt middre nihte; bi þon se modga his
feorh afede, oþþæt fyrngesetu,
agenne eard, eft gesece.
- 265
- þonne bi aweaxen wyrtum in gemonge
fugel feþrum deal; feorh bi niwe,
geong, geofona ful, þonne he of greote his
lic leoþucræftig, þæt ær lig fornom,
somna, swoles lafe, searwum gegædra
- 270
- ban gebrosnad, æfter bælþræce,
ond þonne gebringe ban ond yslan,
ades lafe, eft ætsomne,
ond þonne þæt wælreaf wyrtum bitelde,
fægre gefrætwed. onne afysed bi
- 275
- agenne eard eft to secan.
þonne fotum ymbfeh fyres lafe,
clam biclyppe, ond his cyþþu eft,
sunbeorht gesetu, sece on wynnum,
eadig eþellond. Eall bi geniwad
- 280
- feorh ond feþerhoma, swa he æt frymþe wæs,
þa hine ærest god on þone æþelan wong
sigorfæst sette. He his sylfes þær
ban gebringe, þa ær brondes wylm
on beorhstede bæle forþylmde,
- 285
- ascan to eacan. þonne eal geador
bebyrge beaducræftig ban ond yslan
on þam ealonde. Bi him edniwe
þære sunnan segn, þonne swegles leoht,
gimma gladost, ofer garsecg up,
- 290
- æþeltungla wyn, eastan lixe.
Is se fugel fæger forweard hiwe,
bleobrygdum fag ymb þa breost foran.
Is him þæt heafod hindan grene,
wrætlice wrixled, wurman geblonden.
- 295
- þonne is se finta fægre gedæled,
sum brun, sum basu, sum blacum splottum
searolice beseted. Sindon þa fiþru
hwit hindanweard, ond se hals grene
nioþoweard ond ufeweard, ond þæt nebb lixe
- 300
- swa glæs oþþe gim, geaflas scyne
innan ond utan. Is seo eaggebyrd
stearc ond hiwe stane gelicast,
gladum gimme, þonne in goldfate
smiþa orþoncum biseted weorþe.
- 305
- Is ymb þone sweoran, swylce sunnan hring,
beaga beorhtast brogden ferum.
Wrætlic is seo womb neoþan, wundrum fæger,
scir ond scyne. Is se scyld ufan
frætwum gefeged ofer þæs fugles bæc.
- 310
- Sindon þa scancan scyllum biweaxen,
fealwe fotas. Se fugel is on hiwe
æghwæs ænlic, onlicost pean,
wynnum geweaxen, þæs gewritu secga.
Nis he hinderweard, ne hygegælsa,
- 315
- swar ne swongor, swa sume fuglas,
þa þe late þurh lyft laca fiþrum,
ac he is snel ond swift ond swiþe leoht,
wlitig ond wynsum, wuldre gemearcad.
Ece is se æþeling se þe him þæt ead gefe!
- 320
- þonne he gewite wongas secan,
his ealdne eard, of þisse eþeltyrf.
Swa se fugel fleoge, folcum oeawe
mongum monna geond middangeard,
þonne somnia suþan ond norþan,
- 325
- eastan ond westan, eoredciestum,
fara feorran ond nean folca þryþum
þær hi sceawiaþ scyppendes giefe
fægre on þam fugle, swa him æt fruman sette
sigora socyning sellicran gecynd,
- 330
- frætwe fægerran ofer fugla cyn.
onne wundria weras ofer eorþan
wlite ond wæstma, ond gewritum cyþa,
mundum mearcia on marmstane,
hwonne se dæg ond seo tid dryhtum geeawe
- 335
- frætwe flyhthwates. onne fugla cynn
on healfa gehwone heapum þringa,
siga sidwegum, songe lofia,
mæra modigne meaglum reordum,
ond swa þone halgan hringe betelda
- 340
- flyhte on lyfte; fenix biþ on middum,
þreatum biþrungen. þeoda wlita,
wundrum wafia, hu seo wilgedryht
wildne weorþia, worn æfter oþrum,
cræftum cyþa ond for cyning mæra
- 345
- leofne leodfruman, læda mid wynnum
æþelne to earde, oþþæt se anhoga
ofleoge, feþrum snel, þæt him gefylgan ne mæg
drymendra gedryht, þonne dugua wyn
of þisse eorþan tyrf eþel sece.
- 350
- Swa se gesæliga æfter swylthwile
his ealdcyþe eft geneosa,
fægre foldan. Fugelas cyrra
from þam gufrecan geomormode
eft to earde. þonne se æþeling bi
- 355
- giong in geardum. God ana wat,
cyning ælmihtig, hu his gecynde bi,
wifhades þe weres; þæt ne wat ænig
monna cynnes, butan meotod ana,
hu þa wisan sind wundorlice,
- 360
- fæger fyrngesceap, ymb þæs fugles gebyrd.
þær se eadga mot eardes neotan,
wyllestreama wuduholtum in,
wunian in wonge, oþþæt wintra bi
þusend urnen. þonne him weorþe
- 365
- ende lifes; hine ad þece
þurh æledfyr. Hwæþre eft cyme
aweaht wrætlice wundrum to life.
Forþon he drusende dea ne bisorga,
sare swyltcwale, þe him symle wat
- 370
- æfter ligþræce lif edniwe,
feorh æfter fylle, þonne fromlice
þurh briddes had gebreadad weore
eft of ascan, edgeong wese
under swegles hleo. Bi him self gehwæer
- 375
- sunu ond swæs fæder, ond symle eac
eft yrfeweard ealdre lafe.
Forgeaf him se meahta moncynnes fruma
þæt he swa wrætlice weorþan sceolde
eft þæt ilce þæt he ær þon wæs,
- 380
- feþrum bifongen, þeah hine fyr nime.
Swa þæt ece lif eadigra gehwylc
æfter sarwræce sylf geceose
þurh deorcne dea, þæt he dryhtnes mot
æfter geardagum geofona neotan
- 385
- on sindreamum, ond siþþan a
wunian in wuldre weorca to leane.
þisses fugles gecynd fela gelices
bi þam gecornum Cristes þegnum
beacna in burgum, hu hi beorhtne gefean
- 390
- þurh fæder fultum on þas frecnan tid
healdaþ under heofonum, ond him heanne blæd
in þam uplican ele gestrynaþ.
Habbaþ we geascad þæt se ælmihtiga
worhte wer ond wif þurh his wundra sped,
- 395
- ond hi þa gesette on þone selestan
foldan sceata, þone fira bearn
nemna neorxnawong, þær him nænges wæs
eades onsyn, þenden eces word,
halges hleoþorcwide, healdan woldan
- 400
- on þam niwan gefean. þær him niþ gescod,
ealdfeondes æfest, se him æt gebead,
beames blede, þæt hi bu þegun
æppel unrædum ofer est godes,
byrgdon forbodene. þær him bitter wear
- 405
- yrmþu æfter æte ond hyra eaferum swa,
sarlic symbel sunum ond dohtrum.
Wurdon teonlice toþas idge
ageald æfter gylte. Hæfdon godes yrre,
bittre bealosorge. þæs þa byre siþþan
- 410
- gyrne onguldon, þe hi þæt gyfl þegun
ofer eces word. Forþon hy eles wyn
geomormode ofgiefan sceoldon
þurh nædran niþ, þa heo nearwe biswac
yldran usse in ærdagum
- 415
- þurh fæcne fer, þæt hi feor þonan
in þas deadene drohta sohton,
sorgfulran gesetu. Him wear selle lif
heolstre bihyded, ond se halga wong
þurh feondes searo fæste bityned
- 420
- wintra mengu, oþþæt wuldorcyning
þurh his hidercyme halgum togeanes,
moncynnes gefea, meþra frefrend,
ond se anga hyht, eft ontynde.
Is þon gelicast, þæs þe us leorneras
- 425
- wordum secga, ond writu cyþa,
þisses fugles gefær, þonne frod ofgiefe
eard ond eþel, ond geealdad bi.
Gewite werigmod, wintrum gebysgad,
þær he holtes hleo heah gemete,
- 430
- in þam he getimbre tanum ond wyrtum
þam æþelestum eardwic niwe,
nest on bearwe. Bi him neod micel
þæt he feorhgeong eft onfon mote
þurh liges blæst lif æfter deaþe,
- 435
- edgeong wesan, ond his ealdcyþu,
sunbeorht gesetu, secan mote
æfter fyrbae. Swa a foregengan,
yldran usse, anforleton
þone wlitigan wong ond wuldres setl,
- 440
- leoflic on laste, tugon longne si
in hearmra hond, þær him hettende,
earme aglæcan, oft gescodan.
Wæron hwæþre monge, þa þe meotude wel
gehyrdun under heofonum halgum eawum,
- 445
- dædum domlicum, þæt him dryhten wear,
heofona heahcyning, hold on mode.
æt is se hea beam in þam halge nu
wic weardia, þær him wihte ne mæg
ealdfeonda nan atre sceþþan,
- 450
- facnes tacne, on þas frecnan tid.
þær him nest wyrce wi niþa gehwam
dædum domlicum dryhtnes cempa,
þonne he ælmessan earmum dæle,
dugeþa leasum, ond him dryhten gecyg,
- 455
- fæder on fultum, for onette,
lænan lifes leahtras dwæsceþ,
mirce mandæde, healde meotudes æ
beald in breostum, ond gebedu sece
clænum gehygdum, ond his cneo bige
- 460
- æþele to eorþan, flyh yfla gehwylc,
grimme gieltas, for godes egsan,
glædmod gyrne þæt he godra mæst
dæda gefremme; þam biþ dryhten scyld
in siþa gehwane, sigora waldend,
- 465
- weoruda wilgiefa. þis þa wyrta sind,
wæstma blede, þa se wilda fugel
somna under swegle side ond wide
to his wicstowe, þær he wundrum fæst
wi niþa gehwam nest gewyrce.
- 470
- Swa nu in þam wicum willan fremma
mode ond mægne meotudes cempan,
mæra tilga; þæs him meorde wile
ece ælmihtig eadge forgildan.
Beo him of þam wyrtum wic gestaþelad
- 475
- in wuldres byrig weorca to leane,
þæs þe hi geheoldan halge lare
hate æt heortan, hige weallende
dæges ond nihtes dryhten lufia,
leohte geleafan leofne ceosa
- 480
- ofer woruldwelan; ne biþ him wynne hyht
þæt hy þis læne lif long gewunien.
þus eadig eorl ecan dreames,
heofona hames mid heahcyning
earna on elne, oþþæt ende cyme
- 485
- dogorrimes, þonne dea nime,
wiga wælgifre, wæpnum geþryþed,
ealdor anra gehwæs, ond in eorþan fæm
snude sende sawlum binumene
læne lichoman, þær hi longe beo
- 490
- o fyres cyme foldan biþeahte.
onne monge beo on gemot læded
fyra cynnes; wile fæder engla,
sigora socyning, seonoþ gehegan,
dugua dryhten, deman mid ryhte.
- 495
- þonne æriste ealle gefremmaþ
men on moldan, swa se mihtiga cyning
beode, brego engla, byman stefne
ofer sidne grund, sawla nergend.
Bi se deorca dea dryhtnes meahtum
- 500
- eadgum geendad. æele hweorfa,
þreatum þringa, þonne þeos woruld,
scyldwyrcende, in scome byrne,
ade onæled. Weorþe anra gehwylc
forht on ferþþe, þonne fyr brice
- 505
- læne londwelan, lig eal þige
eoran æhtgestreon, æpplede gold
gifre forgripe, grædig swelge
londes frætwe. þonne on leoht cyme
ældum þisses in þa openan tid
- 510
- fæger ond gefealic fugles tacen,
þonne anwald eal up astelle
of byrgenum, ban gegædra,
leomu lic somod, ond lifes gæst,
fore Cristes cneo. Cyning þrymlice
- 515
- of his heahsetle halgum scine,
wlitig wuldres gim. Wel biþ þam þe mot
in þa geomran tid gode lician.
ær þa lichoman, leahtra clæne,
gonga glædmode, gæstas hweorfa
- 520
- in banfatu, þonne bryne stige
heah to heofonum. Hat bi monegum
egeslic æled, þonne anra gehwylc,
sofæst ge synnig, sawel mid lice,
from moldgrafum sece meotudes dom,
- 525
- forhtafæred. Fyr bi on tihte,
æle uncyste. þær þa eadgan beo
æfter wræchwile weorcum bifongen,
agnum dædum. þæt þa æþelan sind
wyrta wynsume, mid þam se wilda fugel
- 530
- his sylfes nest bisete utan,
þæt hit færinga fyre byrne,
forswele under sunnan, ond he sylfa mid,
ond þonne æfter lige lif eft onfeh
edniwinga. Swa bi anra gehwylc
- 535
- flæsce bifongen fira cynnes,
ænlic ond edgeong, se þe his agnum her
willum gewyrce þæt him wuldorcyning
meahtig æt þam mæþle milde geweorþe.
þonne hleoþria halge gæstas,
- 540
- sawla sofæste, song ahebba,
clæne ond gecorene, herga cyninges þrym,
stefn æfter stefne, stiga to wuldre
wlitige gewyrtad mid hyra weldædum.
Beo þonne amerede monna gæstas,
- 545
- beorhte abywde þurh bryne fyres.
Ne wene þæs ænig ælda cynnes
þæt ic lygewordum leo somnige,
write wocræfte. Gehyra witedom
Iobes gieddinga. þurh gæstes blæd
- 550
- breostum onbryrded, beald reordade,
wuldre geweorad; he þæt word gecwæ:
"Ic þæt ne forhycge heortan geþoncum,
þæt ic in minum neste neobed ceose,
hæle hrawerig, gewite hean þonan
- 555
- on longne si, lame bitolden,
geomor gudæda, in greotes fæm,
ond þonne æfter deaþe þurh dryhtnes giefe
swa se fugel fenix feorh edniwe
æfter æriste agan mote,
- 560
- dreamas mid dryhten, þær seo deore scolu
leofne lofia. Ic þæs lifes ne mæg
æfre to ealdre ende gebidan,
leohtes ond lissa. þeah min lic scyle
on moldærne molsnad weorþan
- 565
- wyrmum to willan, swa þeah weoruda god
æfter swylthwile sawle alyse
ond in wuldor awece. Me þæs wen næfre
forbirste in breostum, e ic in brego engla
forweardne gefean fæste hæbbe."
- 570
- us frod guma on fyrndagum
gieddade gleawmod, godes spelboda,
ymb his æriste in ece lif,
þæt we þy geornor ongietan meahten
tirfæst tacen þæt se torhta fugel
- 575
- þurh bryne beacna. Bana lafe,
ascan ond yslan, ealle gesomna
æfter ligbryne, lædeþ siþþan
fugel on fotum to frean geardum,
sunnan togeanes. þær hi siþþan for
- 580
- wunia wintra fela, wæstmum geniwad,
ealles edgiong, þær ænig ne mæg
in þam leodscype læþþum hwopan.
Swa nu æfter deae þurh dryhtnes miht
somod siþiaþ sawla mid lice,
- 585
- fægre gefrætwed, fugle gelicast,
in eadwelum æþelum stencum,
þær seo soþfæste sunne lihte
wlitig ofer weoredum in wuldres byrig.
onne sofæstum sawlum scine
- 590
- heah ofer hrofas hælende Crist.
Him folgia fuglas scyne,
beorhte gebredade, blissum hremige,
in þam gladan ham, gæstas gecorene,
ece to ealdre. þær him yfle ne mæg
- 595
- fah feond gemah facne sceþþan,
ac þær lifga a leohte werede,
swa se fugel fenix, in freoþu dryhtnes,
wlitige in wuldre. Weorc anra gehwæs
beorhte blice in þam bliþan ham
- 600
- fore onsyne ecan dryhtnes,
symle in sibbe, sunnan gelice.
þær se beorhta beag, brogden wundrum
eorcnanstanum, eadigra gehwam
hlifa ofer heafde. Heafelan lixa,
- 605
- þrymme biþeahte. eodnes cynegold
sofæstra gehwone sellic glenge
leohte in life, þær se longa gefea,
ece ond edgeong, æfre ne sweþra,
ac hy in wlite wunia, wuldre bitolden
- 610
- fægrum frætwum, mid fæder engla.
Ne bi him on þam wicum wiht to sorge,
wroht ne weþel ne gewindagas,
hungor se hata ne se hearda þurst,
yrmþu ne yldo. Him se æþela cyning
- 615
- forgife goda gehwylc. þær gæsta gedryht
hælend herga ond heofoncyninges
meahte mærsia, singa metude lof.
Swinsa sibgedryht swega mæste
hædre ymb þæt halge heahseld godes,
- 620
- bliþe bletsia bregu selestan
eadge mid englum, efenhleoþre þus:
"Sib si þe, so god, ond snyttrucræft,
ond þe þonc sy þrymsittendum
geongra gyfena, goda gehwylces.
- 625
- Micel, unmæte mægnes strengu,
heah ond halig! Heofonas sindon
fægre gefylled, fæder ælmihtig,
ealra þrymma þrym, þines wuldres,
uppe mid englum ond on eoran somod.
- 630
- Gefreoþa usic, frymþa scyppend! þu eart fæder ælmihtig
in heannesse, heofuna waldend."
us reordia ryhtfremmende,
manes amerede, in þære mæran byrig;
cyneþrym cyþa, caseres lof
- 635
- singa on swegle sofæstra gedryht,
þam anum is ece weormynd
for butan ende. Næs his frym æfre,
eades ongyn. þeah he on eorþan her
þurh cildes had cenned wære
- 640
- in middangeard, hwæþre his meahta sped
heah ofer heofonum halig wunade,
dom unbryce. þeah he deaþes cwealm
on rode treow ræfnan sceolde,
þearlic wite, he þy þriddan dæge
- 645
- æfter lices hryre lif eft onfeng
þurh fæder fultum. Swa fenix beacna,
geong in geardum, godbearnes meaht,
þonne he of ascan eft onwæcne
in lifes lif, leomum geþungen.
- 650
- Swa se hælend us helpe gefremede
þurh his lices gedal, lif butan ende,
swa se fugel swetum his fiþru tu
ond wynsumum wyrtum gefylle,
fægrum foldwæstmum, þonne afysed bi.
- 655
- þæt sindon þa word, swa us gewritu secga,
hleoþor haligra, þe him to heofonum bi,
to þam mildan gode, mod afysed
in dreama dream, þær hi dryhtne to giefe
worda ond weorca wynsumne stenc
- 660
- in þa mæran gesceaft meotude bringa,
in þæt leohte lif. Sy him lof symle
þurh woruld worulda, ond wuldres blæd,
ar ond onwald, in þam uplican
rodera rice. He is on ryht cyning
- 665
- middangeardes ond mægenþrymmes,
wuldre biwunden in þære wlitigan byrig.
Hafa us alyfed lucis auctor
þæt we motun her merueri,
goddædum begietan gaudia in celo,
- 670
- þær we motun maxima regna
secan ond gesittan sedibus altis,
lifgan in lisse lucis et pacis,
agan eardinga almæ letitie,
brucan blæddaga, blandem et mitem
- 675
- geseon sigora frean sine fine,
ond him lof singan laude perenne,
eadge mid englum. Alleluia.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwæt! We æt hyrdon hæle eahtian,
deman dædhwate, þætte in dagum gelamp
Maximianes, se geond middangeard,
arleas cyning, eahtnysse ahof,
- 5
- cwealde cristne men, circan fylde,
geat on græswong godhergendra,
hæþen hildfruma, haligra blod,
ryhtfremmendra. Wæs his rice brad,
wid ond weorlic ofer werþeode,
- 10
- lytesna ofer ealne yrmenne grund.
Foron æfter burgum, swa he biboden hæfde,
þegnas þryfulle. Oft hi þræce rærdon,
dædum gedwolene, þa þe dryhtnes æ
feodon þurh firencræft. Feondscype rærdon,
- 15
- hofon hæþengield, halge cwelmdon,
breotun boccræftge, bærndon gecorene,
gæston godes cempan gare ond lige.
Sum wæs æhtwelig æþeles cynnes
rice gerefa. Rondburgum weold,
- 20
- eard weardade oftast symle
in þære ceastre Commedia,
heold hordgestreon. Oft he hæþengield
ofer word godes, weoh gesohte
neode geneahhe. Wæs him noma cenned
- 25
- Heliseus, hæfde ealdordom
micelne ond mærne. a his mod ongon
fæmnan lufian, (hine fyrwet bræc),
Iulianan. Hio in gæste bær
halge treowe, hogde georne
- 30
- þæt hire mæghad mana gehwylces
fore Cristes lufan clæne geheolde.
a wæs sio fæmne mid hyre fæder willan
welegum biweddad; wyrd ne ful cuþe,
freondrædenne hu heo from hogde,
- 35
- geong on gæste. Hire wæs godes egsa
mara in gemyndum, þonne eall þæt maþþumgesteald
þe in þæs æþelinges æhtum wunade.
þa wæs se weliga þæra wifgifta,
goldspedig guma, georn on mode,
- 40
- þæt him mon fromlicast fæmnan gegyrede,
bryd to bolde. Heo þæs beornes lufan
fæste wihogde, þeah þe feohgestreon
under hordlocan, hyrsta unrim
æhte ofer eorþan. Heo þæt eal forseah,
- 45
- ond þæt word acwæ on wera mengu:
"Ic þe mæg gesecgan þæt þu þec sylfne ne þearft
swiþor swencan. Gif þu sone god
lufast ond gelyfest, ond his lof rærest,
ongietest gæsta hleo, ic beo gearo sona
- 50
- unwaclice willan þines.
Swylce ic þe secge, gif þu to sæmran gode
þurh deofolgield dæde biþencest,
hæts hæþenweoh, ne meaht þu habban mec,
ne geþreatian þe to gesingan.
- 55
- Næfre þu þæs swilic sar gegearwast
þurh hæstne ni heardra wita,
þæt þu mec onwende worda þissa."
a se æþeling wear yrre gebolgen,
firendædum fah, gehyrde þære fæmnan word,
- 60
- het a gefetigan ferend snelle,
hreoh ond hygeblind, haligre fæder,
recene to rune. Reord up astag,
siþþan hy togædre garas hlændon,
hildeþremman. Hæne wæron begen
- 65
- synnum seoce, sweor ond aþum.
a reordode rices hyrde
wi þære fæmnan fæder frecne mode,
darahæbbende: "Me þin dohtor hafa
geywed orwyru. Heo me on an saga
- 70
- þæt heo mæglufan minre ne gyme,
freondrædenne. Me þa fraceu sind
on modsefan mæste weorce,
þæt heo mec swa torne tæle gerahte
fore þissum folce, het me fremdne god,
- 75
- ofer þa oþre þe we ær cuþon,
welum weorþian, wordum lofian,
on hyge hergan, oþþe hi nabban."
Geswearc þa swifer sweor æfter worde,
þære fæmnan fæder, ferlocan onspeon:
- 80
- "Ic þæt geswerge þurh so godu,
swa ic are æt him æfre finde,
oþþe, þeoden, æt þe þine hyldu
winburgum in, gif þas word sind soþ,
monna leofast, þe þu me sagast,
- 85
- þæt ic hy ne sparige, ac on spild giefe,
þeoden mæra, þe to gewealde.
Dem þu hi to deaþe, gif þe gedafen þince,
swa to life læt, swa þe leofre sy."
Eode þa fromlice fæmnan to spræce,
- 90
- anræd ond yreþweorg, yrre gebolgen,
þær he glædmode geonge wiste
wic weardian. He þa worde cwæ:
"u eart dohtor min seo dyreste
ond seo sweteste in sefan minum,
- 95
- ange for eorþan, minra eagna leoht,
Iuliana! þu on geaþe hafast
þurh þin orlegu unbiþyrfe
ofer witena dom wisan gefongen.
Wisæcest þu to swiþe sylfre rædes
- 100
- þinum brydguman, se is betra þonne þu,
æþelra for eorþan, æhtspedigra
feohgestreona. He is to freonde god.
Forþon is þæs wyrþe, þæt þu þæs weres frige,
ece eadlufan, an ne forlæte."
- 105
- Him þa seo eadge ageaf ondsware,
Iuliana (hio to gode hæfde
freondrædenne fæste gestaþelad):
"Næfre ic þæs þeodnes þafian wille
mægrædenne, nemne he mægna god
- 110
- geornor bigonge þonne he gen dyde,
lufige mid lacum þone þe leoht gescop,
heofon ond eoran ond holma bigong,
eodera ymbhwyrft. Ne mæg he elles mec
bringan to bolde. He þa brydlufan
- 115
- sceal to oþerre æhtgestealdum
idese secan; nafa he ænige her."
Hyre þa þurh yrre ageaf ondsware
fæder feondlice, nales frætwe onheht:
"Ic þæt gefremme, gif min feorh leofa
- 120
- gif þu unrædes ær ne geswicest,
ond þu fremdu godu for bigongest
ond þa forlætest þe us leofran sind,
þe þissum folce to freme stonda,
þæt þu ungeara ealdre scyldig
- 125
- þurh deora gripe deaþe sweltest,
gif þu geþafian nelt þingrædenne,
modges gemanan. Micel is þæt ongin
ond þreaniedlic þinre gelican,
þæt þu forhycge hlaford urne."
- 130
- Him þa seo eadge ageaf ondsware,
gleaw ond gode leof, Iuliana:
"Ic þe to soe secgan wille,
bi me lifgendre nelle ic lyge fremman.
Næfre ic me ondræde domas þine,
- 135
- ne me weorce sind witebrogan,
hildewoman, þe þu hæstlice
manfremmende to me beotast,
ne þu næfre gedest þurh gedwolan þinne
þæt þu mec acyrre from Cristes lofe."
- 140
- a wæs ellenwod, yrre ond reþe,
frecne ond fergrim, fæder wi dehter.
Het hi þa swingan, susle þreagan,
witum wægan, ond þæt word acwæ:
"Onwend þec in gewitte, ond þa word oncyr
- 145
- þe þu unsnyttrum ær gespræce,
þa þu goda ussa gield forhogdest."
Him seo unforhte ageaf ondsware
þurh gæstgehygd, Iuliana:
"Næfre þu gelærest þæt ic leasingum,
- 150
- dumbum ond deafum deofolgieldum,
gæsta genilum gaful onhate,
þam wyrrestum wites þegnum,
ac ic weorige wuldres ealdor
middangeardes ond mægenþrymmes,
- 155
- ond him anum to eal biþence,
þæt he mundbora min geweorþe,
helpend ond hælend wi hellsceaþum."
Hy þa þurh yrre Affricanus,
fæder fæmnan ageaf on feonda geweald
- 160
- Heliseo. He in æringe
gelædan het æfter leohtes cyme
to his domsetle. Dugu wafade
on þære fæmnan wlite, folc eal geador.
Hy þa se æeling ærest grette,
- 165
- hire brydguma, bliþum wordum:
"Min se swetesta sunnan scima,
Iuliana! Hwæt, þu glæm hafast,
ginfæste giefe, geoguhades blæd!
Gif þu godum ussum gen gecwemest,
- 170
- ond þe to swa mildum mundbyrd secest,
hyldo to halgum, beo þe ahylded fram
wraþe geworhtra wita unrim,
grimra gyrna, þe þe gegearwad sind,
gif þu onsecgan nelt soþum gieldum."
- 175
- Him seo æþele mæg ageaf ondsware:
"Næfre þu geþreatast þinum beotum,
ne wita þæs fela wrara gegearwast,
þæt ic þeodscype þinne lufie,
buton þu forlæte þa leasinga,
- 180
- weohweoringa, ond wuldres god
ongyte gleawlice, gæsta scyppend,
meotud moncynnes, in þæs meahtum sind
a butan ende ealle gesceafta."
a for þam folce frecne mode
- 185
- beotwordum spræc, bealg hine swiþe
folcagende, ond þa fæmnan het
þurh niwræce nacode þennan,
ond mid sweopum swingan synna lease.
Ahlog þa se hererinc, hospwordum spræc:
- 190
- "þis is ealdordom uncres gewynnes
on fruman gefongen! Gen ic feores þe
unnan wille, þeah þu ær fela
unwærlicra worda gespræce,
onsoce to swie þæt þu so godu
- 195
- lufian wolde. þe þa lean sceolan
wiþerhycgendre, witebrogan,
æfter weorþan, butan þu ær wiþ hi
geþingige, ond him þoncwyrþe
æfter leahtorcwidum lac onsecge,
- 200
- sibbe gesette. Læt þa sace restan,
la leodgewin. Gif þu leng ofer þis
þurh þin dolwillen gedwolan fylgest,
þonne ic nyde sceal niþa gebæded
on þære grimmestan godscyld wrecan,
- 205
- torne teoncwide, þe þu tælnissum
wiþ þa selestan sacan ongunne,
ond þa mildestan þara þe men witen,
þe þes leodscype mid him longe bieode."
Him þæt æþele mod unforht oncwæ:
- 210
- "Ne ondræde ic me domas þine,
awyrged womsceaa, ne þinra wita bealo.
Hæbbe ic me to hyhte heofonrices weard,
mildne mundboran, mægna waldend,
se mec gescylde wi þinum scinlace
- 215
- of gromra gripe, þe þu to godum tiohhast.
a sind geasne goda gehwylces,
idle, orfeorme, unbiþyrfe,
ne þær freme mete fira ænig
soe sibbe, þeah þe sece to him
- 220
- freondrædenne. He ne finde þær
duguþe mid deoflum. Ic to dryhtne min
mod staþelige, se ofer mægna gehwylc
walde wideferh, wuldres agend,
sigora gehwylces. þæt is so cyning."
- 225
- a þam folctogan fraculic þuhte
þæt he ne meahte mod oncyrran,
fæmnan foreþonc. He bi feaxe het
ahon ond ahebban on heanne beam,
þær seo sunsciene slege þrowade,
- 230
- sace singrimme, siex tida dæges,
ond he ædre het eft asettan,
lagenila, ond gelædan bibead
to carcerne. Hyre wæs Cristes lof
in ferlocan fæste biwunden,
- 235
- milde modsefan, mægen unbrice.
a wæs mid clustre carcernes duru
behliden, homra geweorc. Halig þær inne
wærfæst wunade. Symle heo wuldorcyning
herede æt heortan, heofonrices god,
- 240
- in þam nydclafan, nergend fira,
heolstre bihelmad. Hyre wæs halig gæst
singal gesi. a cwom semninga
in þæt hlinræced hælea gewinna,
yfeles ondwis. Hæfde engles hiw,
- 245
- gleaw gyrnstafa gæstgenila,
helle hæftling, to þære halgan spræc:
"Hwæt dreogest þu, seo dyreste
ond seo weorþeste wuldorcyninge,
dryhtne ussum? e þes dema hafa
- 250
- þa wyrrestan witu gegearwad,
sar endeleas, gif þu onsecgan nelt,
gleawhycgende, ond his godum cweman.
Wes þu on ofeste, swa he þec ut heonan
lædan hate, þæt þu lac hraþe
- 255
- onsecge sigortifre, ær þec swylt nime,
dea fore dugue. þy þu þæs deman scealt,
eadhreig mæg, yrre gedygan."
Frægn þa fromlice, seo þe forht ne wæs,
Criste gecweme, hwonan his cyme wære.
- 260
- Hyre se wræcmæcga wi þingade:
"Ic eom engel godes ufan siþende,
þegn geþungen, ond to þe sended,
halig of heahþu. þe sind heardlicu,
wundrum wælgrim, witu geteohhad
- 265
- to gringwræce. Het þe god beodan,
bearn waldendes, þæt þe burge þa."
a wæs seo fæmne for þam færspelle
egsan geaclad, þe hyre se aglæca,
wuldres wiþerbreca, wordum sægde.
- 270
- Ongan þa fæstlice fer staþelian,
geong grondorleas, to gode cleopian
"Nu ic þec, beorna hleo, biddan wille
ece ælmihtig, þurh þæt æþele gesceap
þe þu, fæder engla, æt fruman settest,
- 275
- þæt þu me ne læte of lofe hweorfan
þinre eadgife, swa me þes ar boda
frecne færspel, þe me fore stonde.
Swa ic þe, bilwitne, biddan wille
þæt þu me gecye, cyninga wuldor,
- 280
- þrymmes hyrde, hwæt þes þegn sy,
lyftlacende, þe mec lære from þe
on stearcne weg." Hyre stefn oncwæ
wlitig of wolcnum, word hleoþrade:
"Forfoh þone frætgan ond fæste geheald,
- 285
- oþþæt he his sifæt secge mid ryhte,
ealne from orde, hwæt his æþelu syn."
a wæs þære fæmnan fer geblissad,
domeadigre. Heo þæt deofol genom
...... "ealra cyninga cyning to cwale syllan.
- 290
- a gen ic gecræfte þæt se cempa ongon
waldend wundian, weorud to segon
þæt þær blod ond wæter bu tu ætgædre
eorþan sohtun. a gen ic Herode
in hyge bisweop þæt he Iohannes bibead
- 295
- heafde biheawan, a se halga wer
þære wiflufan wordum styrde,
unryhtre æ. Eac ic gelærde
Simon searoþoncum þæt he sacan ongon
wiþ þa gecorenan Cristes þegnas,
- 300
- ond þa halgan weras hospe gerahte
þurh deopne gedwolan, sægde hy dryas wæron.
Neþde ic nearobregdum þær ic Neron bisweac,
þæt he acwellan het Cristes þegnas,
Petrus ond Paulus. Pilatus ær
- 305
- on rode aheng rodera waldend,
meotud meahtigne minum larum.
Swylce ic Egias eac gelærde
þæt he unsnytrum Andreas het
ahon haligne on heanne beam,
- 310
- þæt he of galgan his gæst onsende
in wuldres wlite. þus ic wraþra fela
mid minum broþrum bealwa gefremede,
sweartra synna, þe ic asecgan ne mæg,
rume areccan, ne gerim witan,
- 315
- heardra heteþonca." Him seo halge oncwæ
þurh gæstes giefe, Iuliana:
"þu scealt furþor gen, feond moncynnes,
siþfæt secgan, hwa þec sende to me."
Hyre se aglæca ageaf ondsware,
- 320
- forhtafongen, friþes orwena:
"Hwæt, mec min fæder on þas fore to þe,
hellwarena cyning, hider onsende
of þam engan ham, se is yfla gehwæs
in þam grornhofe geornfulra þonne ic.
- 325
- þonne he usic sende þæt we sofæstra
þurh misgedwield mod oncyrren,
ahwyrfen from halor, we beo hygegeomre,
forhte on ferþe. Ne biþ us frea milde,
egesful ealdor, gif we yfles noht
- 330
- gedon habbaþ; ne durran we siþþan
for his onsyne ower geferan.
þonne he onsende geond sidne grund
þegnas of þystrum, hate þræce ræran,
gif we gemette sin on moldwege,
- 335
- oþþe feor oþþe neah fundne weorþen,
þæt hi usic binden ond in bælwylme
suslum swingen. Gif sofæstra
þurh myrrelsan mod ne ocyrre,
haligra hyge, we þa heardestan
- 340
- ond þa wyrrestan witu geþolia
þurh sarslege. Nu þu sylfa meaht
on sefan þinum so gecnawan,
þæt ic þisse noþe wæs nyde gebæded,
þragmælum geþread, þæt ic þe sohte."
- 345
- þa gen seo halge ongon hæleþa gewinnan,
wrohtes wyrhtan, wordum frignan,
fyrnsynna fruman: "þu me furþor scealt
secgan, sawla feond, hu þu sofæstum
þurh synna slide swiþast sceþþe,
- 350
- facne bifongen." Hyre se feond oncwæ,
wræcca wærleas, wordum mælde:
"Ic þe, ead mæg, yfla gehwylces
or gecye o ende for
þara þe ic gefremede, nalæs feam sium,
- 355
- synna wundum, þæt þu þy sweotolicor
sylf gecnawe þæt þis is so, nales leas.
Ic þæt wende ond witod tealde
þriste geþoncge, þæt ic þe meahte
butan earfeþum anes cræfte
- 360
- ahwyrfan from halor, þæt þu heofoncyninge
wisoce, sigora frean, ond to sæmran gebuge,
onsægde synna fruman. þus ic sofæstum
þurh mislic bleo mod oncyrre.
þær ic hine finde fer staþelian
- 365
- to godes willan, ic beo gearo sona
þæt ic him monigfealde modes gælsan
ongean bere grimra geþonca,
dyrnra gedwilda, þurh gedwolena rim.
Ic him geswete synna lustas,
- 370
- mæne modlufan, þæt he minum hraþe,
leahtrum gelenge, larum hyre.
Ic hine þæs swiþe synnum onæle
þæt he byrnende from gebede swice,
stepe stronglice, staþolfæst ne mæg
- 375
- fore leahtra lufan lenge gewunian
in gebedstowe. Swa ic brogan to
lane gelæde þam þe ic lifes ofonn,
leohtes geleafan, ond he larum wile
þurh modes myne minum hyran,
- 380
- synne fremman, he siþþan sceal
godra gumcysta geasne hweorfan.
Gif ic ænigne ellenrofne
gemete modigne metodes cempan
wi flanþræce, nele feor þonan
- 385
- bugan from beaduwe, ac he bord ongean
hefe hygesnottor, haligne scyld,
gæstlic gureaf, nele gode swican,
ac he beald in gebede bidsteal gife
fæste on fean, ic sceal feor þonan
- 390
- heanmod hweorfan, hroþra bidæled,
in gleda gripe, gehu mænan,
þæt ic ne meahte mægnes cræfte
gue wigongan, ac ic geomor sceal
secan oþerne ellenleasran,
- 395
- under cumbolhagan, cempan sænran,
þe ic onbryrdan mæge beorman mine,
agælan æt guþe. þeah he godes hwæt
onginne gæstlice, ic beo gearo sona,
þæt ic ingehygd eal geondwlite,
- 400
- hu gefæstnad sy fer innanweard,
wisteall geworht. Ic þæs wealles geat
ontyne þurh teonan; bi se torr þyrel,
ingong geopenad, þonne ic ærest him
þurh eargfare in onsende
- 405
- in breostsefan bitre geþoncas
þurh mislice modes willan,
þæt him sylfum selle þynce
leahtras to fremman ofer lof godes,
lices lustas. Ic beo lareow georn
- 410
- þæt he monþeawum minum lifge
acyrred culice from Cristes æ,
mod gemyrred me to gewealde
in synna sea. Ic þære sawle ma
geornor gyme ymb þæs gæstes forwyrd
- 415
- þonne þæs lichoman, se þe on legre sceal
weoran in worulde wyrme to hroþor,
bifolen in foldan." a gien seo fæmne spræc:
"Saga, earmsceapen, unclæne gæst,
hu þu þec geþyde, þystra stihtend,
- 420
- on clænra gemong? þu wi Criste geo
wærleas wunne ond gewin tuge,
hogdes wiþ halgum. þe wear helle sea
niþer gedolfen, þær þu nydbysig
fore oferhygdum eard gesohtes.
- 425
- Wende ic þæt þu þy wærra weorþan sceolde
wi sofæstum swylces gemotes
ond þy unbealdra, þe þe oft wistod
þurh wuldorcyning willan þines."
Hyre þa se werga wi þingade,
- 430
- earm aglæca: "þu me ærest saga,
hu þu gedyrstig þurh deop gehygd
wurde þus wigþrist ofer eall wifa cyn,
þæt þu mec þus fæste fetrum gebunde,
æghwæs orwigne. þu in ecne god,
- 435
- þrymsittendne, þinne getreowdes,
meotud moncynnes, swa ic in minne fæder,
hellwarena cyning, hyht staþelie.
þonne ic beom onsended wi sofæstum,
þæt ic in manweorcum mod oncyrre,
- 440
- hyge from halor, me hwilum biþ
forwyrned þurh wiþersteall willan mines,
hyhtes æt halgum, swa me her gelamp
sorg on siþe. Ic þæt sylf gecneow
to late micles, sceal nu lange ofer þis,
- 445
- scyldwyrcende, scame þrowian.
Forþon ic þec halsige þurh þæs hyhstan meaht,
rodorcyninges giefe, se þe on rode treo
geþrowade, þrymmes ealdor,
þæt þu miltsige me þearfendum,
- 450
- þæt unsælig eall ne forweorþe,
þeah ic þec gedyrstig ond þus dolwillen
siþe gesohte, þær ic swiþe me
þyslicre ær þrage ne wende."
a seo wlitescyne wuldres condel
- 455
- to þam wærlogan wordum mælde:
"þu scealt ondettan yfeldæda ma,
hean helle gæst, ær þu heonan mote,
hwæt þu to teonan þurhtogen hæbbe
micelra manweorca manna tudre
- 460
- deorcum gedwildum." Hyre þæt deofol oncwæ:
"Nu ic þæt gehyre þurh þinne hleoþorcwide,
þæt ic nyde sceal niþa gebæded
mod meldian, swa þu me beodest,
þreaned þolian. Is þeos þrag ful strong,
- 465
- þreat ormæte. Ic sceal þinga gehwylc
þolian ond þafian on þinne dom,
womdæda onwreon, þe ic wideferg
sweartra gesyrede. Oft ic syne ofteah,
ablende bealoþoncum beorna unrim
- 470
- monna cynnes, misthelme forbrægd
þurh attres ord eagna leoman
sweartum scurum, ond ic sumra fet
forbræc bealosearwum, sume in bryne sende,
in liges locan, þæt him lasta wear
- 475
- siþast gesyne. Eac ic sume gedyde
þæt him banlocan blode spiowedan,
þæt hi færinga feorh aleton
þurh ædra wylm. Sume on yfare
wurdon on wege wætrum bisencte,
- 480
- on mereflode, minum cræftum
under reone stream. Sume ic rode bifealh,
þæt hi hyra dreorge on hean galgan
lif aletan. Sume ic larum geteah,
to geflite fremede, þæt hy færinga
- 485
- ealde æfþoncan edniwedan,
beore druncne. Ic him byrlade
wroht of wege, þæt hi in winsele
þurh sweordgripe sawle forletan
of flæschoman fæge scyndan,
- 490
- sarum gesohte. Sume, þa ic funde
butan godes tacne, gymelease,
ungebletsade, þa ic bealdlice
þurh mislic cwealm minum hondum
searoþoncum slog. Ic asecgan ne mæg,
- 495
- þeah ic gesitte sumerlongne dæg,
eal þa earfeþu þe ic ær ond siþ
gefremede to facne, siþþan furþum wæs
rodor aræred ond ryne tungla,
folde gefæstnad ond þa forman men,
- 500
- Adam ond Aeue, þam ic ealdor oþrong,
ond hy gelærde þæt hi lufan dryhtnes,
ece eadgiefe anforleton,
beorhtne boldwelan, þæt him bæm gewear
yrmþu to ealdre, ond hyra eaferum swa,
- 505
- mircast manweorca. Hwæt sceal ic ma riman
yfel endeleas? Ic eall gebær,
wraþe wrohtas geond werþeode,
þa þe gewurdun widan feore
from fruman worulde fira cynne,
- 510
- eorlum on eorþan. Ne wæs ænig þara
þæt me þus þriste, swa þu nu þa,
halig mid hondum, hrinan dorste,
næs ænig þæs modig mon ofer eorþan
þurh halge meaht, heahfædra nan
- 515
- ne witgena. þeah þe him weoruda god
onwrige, wuldres cyning, wisdomes gæst,
giefe unmæte, hwæþre ic gong to þam
agan moste. Næs ænig þara
þæt mec þus bealdlice bennum bilegde,
- 520
- þream forþrycte, ær þu nu þa
þa miclan meaht mine oferswidest,
fæste forfenge, þe me fæder sealde,
feond moncynnes, þa he mec feran het,
þeoden of þystrum, þæt ic þe sceolde
- 525
- synne swetan. þær mec sorg bicwom,
hefig hondgewinn. Ic bihlyhhan ne þearf
æfter sarwræce sifæt þisne
magum in gemonge, þonne ic mine sceal
agiefan gnorncearig gafulrædenne
- 530
- in þam reongan ham." a se gerefa het,
gealgmod guma, Iulianan
of þam engan hofe ut gelædan
on hyge halge hæþnum to spræce
to his domsetle. Heo þæt deofol teah,
- 535
- breostum inbryrded, bendum fæstne,
halig hæþenne. Ongan þa hreowcearig
sifæt seofian, sar cwanian,
wyrd wanian, wordum mælde:
"Ic þec halsige, hlæfdige min,
- 540
- Iuliana, fore godes sibbum,
þæt þu furþur me fraceþu ne wyrce,
edwit for eorlum, þonne þu ær dydest,
þa þu oferswiþdest þone snotrestan
under hlinscuan helwarena cyning
- 545
- in feonda byrig; þæt is fæder user,
morþres manfrea. Hwæt, þu mec þreades
þurh sarslege! Ic to soþe wat
þæt ic ær ne si ænig ne mette
in woruldrice wif þe gelic,
- 550
- þristran geþohtes ne þweorhtimbran
mægþa cynnes. Is on me sweotul
þæt þu unscamge æghwæs wurde
on ferþe frod." a hine seo fæmne forlet
æfter þræchwile þystra neosan
- 555
- in sweartne grund, sawla gewinnan,
on wita forwyrd. Wiste he þi gearwor,
manes melda, magum to secgan,
susles þegnum, hu him on sie gelomp.
"georne ær
- 560
- heredon on heahþu ond his halig word,
sægdon solice þæt he sigora gehwæs
ofer ealle gesceaft ana weolde,
ecra eadgiefa." a cwom engel godes
frætwum blican ond þæt fyr tosceaf,
- 565
- gefreode ond gefreoade facnes clæne,
leahtra lease, ond þone lig towearp,
heorogiferne, þær seo halie stod,
mægþa bealdor, on þam midle gesund.
þæt þam weligan wæs weorc to þolianne,
- 570
- þær he hit for worulde wendan meahte,
sohte synnum fah, hu he sarlicast
þurh þa wyrrestan witu meahte
feorhcwale findan. Næs se feond to læt,
se hine gelærde þæt he læmen fæt
- 575
- biwyrcan het wundorcræfte,
wiges womum, ond wudubeamum,
holte bihlænan. a se hearda bibead
þæt mon þæt lamfæt leades gefylde,
ond þa onbærnan het bælfira mæst,
- 580
- ad onælan, se wæs æghwonan
ymbboren mid brondum. Bæ hate weol.
Het þa ofestlice yrre gebolgen
leahtra lease in þæs leades wylm
scufan butan scyldum. þa toscaden wear
- 585
- lig tolysed. Lead wide sprong,
hat, heorogifre. Hæle wurdon acle
arasad for þy ræse. þær on rime forborn
þurh þæs fires fnæst fif ond hundseofontig
hænes herges. a gen sio halge stod
- 590
- ungewemde wlite. Næs hyre wloh ne hrægl,
ne feax ne fel fyre gemæled,
ne lic ne leoþu. Heo in lige stod
æghwæs onsund, sægde ealles þonc
dryhtna dryhtne. þa se dema wear
- 595
- hreoh ond hygegrim, ongon his hrægl teran,
swylce he grennade ond gristbitade,
wedde on gewitte swa wilde deor,
grymetade gealgmod ond his godu tælde,
þæs þe hy ne meahtun mægne wiþstondan
- 600
- wifes willan. Wæs seo wuldres mæg
anræd ond unforht, eafoa gemyndig,
dryhtnes willan. þa se dema het
aswebban sorgcearig þurh sweordbite
on hyge halge, heafde bineotan
- 605
- Criste gecorene. Hine se cwealm ne þeah,
siþþan he þone fintan furþor cuþe.
a wear þære halgan hyht geniwad
ond þæs mægdnes mod miclum geblissad,
siþþan heo gehyrde hæle eahtian
- 610
- inwitrune, þæt hyre endestæf
of gewindagum weorþan sceolde,
lif alysed. Het þa leahtra ful
clæne ond gecorene to cwale lædan,
synna lease. a cwom semninga
- 615
- hean helle gæst, hearmleo agol,
earm ond unlæd, þone heo ær gebond
awyrgedne ond mid witum swong,
cleopade þa for corþre, ceargealdra full:
"Gylda nu mid gyrne, þæt heo goda ussa
- 620
- meaht forhogde, ond mec swiþast
geminsade, þæt ic to meldan wear.
Læta hy laþra leana hleotan
þurh wæpnes spor, wreca ealdne ni,
synne gesohte. Ic þa sorge gemon,
- 625
- hu ic bendum fæst bisga unrim
on anre niht earfea dreag,
yfel ormætu." þa seo eadge biseah
ongean gramum, Iuliana,
gehyrde heo hearm galan helle deofol.
- 630
- Feond moncynnes ongon þa on fleam sceacan,
wita neosan, ond þæt word acwæ:
"Wa me forworhtum! Nu is wen micel
þæt heo mec eft wille earmne gehynan
yflum yrmþum, swa heo mec ær dyde."
- 635
- a wæs gelæded londmearce neah
ond to þære stowe þær hi stearcferþe
þurh cumbolhete cwellan þohtun.
Ongon heo þa læran ond to lofe trymman
folc of firenum ond him frofre gehet,
- 640
- weg to wuldre, ond þæt word acwæ:
"Gemuna wigena wyn ond wuldres þrym,
haligra hyht, heofonengla god.
He is þæs wyre, þæt hine werþeode
ond eal engla cynn up on roderum
- 645
- hergen, heahmægen, þær is help gelong
ece to ealdre, þam þe agan sceal.
Forþon ic, leof weorud, læran wille,
æfremmende, þæt ge eower hus
gefæstnige, þy læs hit ferblædum
- 650
- windas toweorpan. Weal sceal þy trumra
strong wiþstondan storma scurum,
leahtra gehygdum. Ge mid lufan sibbe,
leohte geleafan, to þam lifgendan
stane stihydge staþol fæstnia,
- 655
- soe treowe ond sibbe mid eow
healda æt heortan, halge rune
þurh modes myne. þonne eow miltse giefe
fæder ælmihtig, þær ge frofre agun
æt mægna gode, mæste þearfe
- 660
- æfter sorgstafum. Forþon ge sylfe neton
utgong heonan, ende lifes.
Wærlic me þince þæt ge wæccende
wi hettendra hildewoman
wearde healden, þy læs eow wiþerfeohtend
- 665
- weges forwyrnen to wuldres byrig.
Bidda bearn godes þæt me brego engla,
meotud moncynnes, milde geweorþe,
sigora sellend. Sibb sy mid eowic,
symle soþ lufu." a hyre sawl wear
- 670
- alæded of lice to þam langan gefean
þurh sweordslege. þa se synscaþa
to scipe sceohmod sceaþena þreate
Heliseus ehstream sohte,
leolc ofer laguflod longe hwile
- 675
- on swonrade. Swylt ealle fornom
secga hloþe ond hine sylfne mid,
ærþon hy to lande geliden hæfdon,
þurh þearlic þrea. þær XXX wæs
ond feowere eac feores onsohte
- 680
- þurh wæges wylm wigena cynnes,
heane mid hlaford, hroþra bidæled,
hyhta lease helle sohton.
Ne þorftan þa þegnas in þam þystran ham,
seo geneatscolu in þam neolan scræfe,
- 685
- to þam frumgare feohgestealda
witedra wenan, þæt hy in winsele
ofer beorsetle beagas þegon,
æpplede gold. Ungelice wæs
læded lofsongum lic haligre
- 690
- micle mægne to moldgræfe,
þæt hy hit gebrohton burgum in innan,
sidfolc micel. þær sian wæs
geara gongum godes lof hafen
þrymme micle oþ þisne dæg
- 695
- mid þeodscipe. Is me þearf micel
þæt seo halge me helpe gefremme,
þonne me gedæla deorast ealra,
sibbe toslita sinhiwan tu,
micle modlufan. Min sceal of lice
- 700
- sawul on sifæt, nat ic sylfa hwider,
eardes uncygu; of sceal ic þissum,
secan oþerne ærgewyrhtum,
gongan iudædum. Geomor hweorfe
cen yr ond nyd . Cyning biþ reþe,
- 705
- sigora syllend, þonne synnum fah
eh wen ond ur acle bida
hwæt him æfter dædum deman wille
lifes to leane. lagu feoh beofa,
seoma sorgcearig. Sar eal gemon,
- 710
- synna wunde, þe ic siþ oþþe ær
geworhte in worulde. þæt ic wopig sceal
tearum mænan. Wæs an tid to læt
þæt ic yfeldæda ær gescomede,
þenden gæst ond lic geador siþedan
- 715
- onsund on earde. þonne arna biþearf,
þæt me seo halge wi þone hyhstan cyning
geþingige. Mec þæs þearf monaþ,
micel modes sorg. Bidde ic monna gehwone
gumena cynnes, þe þis gied wræce,
- 720
- þæt he mec neodful bi noman minum
gemyne modig, ond meotud bidde
þæt me heofona helm helpe gefremme,
meahta waldend, on þam miclan dæge,
fæder, frofre gæst, in þa frecnan tid,
- 725
- dæda demend, ond se deora sunu,
þonne seo þrynis þrymsittende
in annesse ælda cynne
þurh þa sciran gesceaft scrife bi gewyrhtum
meorde monna gehwam. Forgif us, mægna god,
- 730
- þæt we þine onsyne, æþelinga wyn,
milde gemeten on þa mæran tid.
Amen.
- 6. MS god hergendra.<text>
- 12. MS of.<text>
- 16. MS bærdon.<text>
- 38. MS þære.<text>
- 46. MS in.<text>
- 78. MS swor.<text>
- 86. MS geweald.<text>
- 91. MS glæd mod.<text>
- 116. MS ænig.<text>
- 128. MS þrea med lic.<text>
- 151. MS gæste.<text>
- 171. MS yldo.<text>
- 196. MS wiþer hycgen de.<text>
- 218. MS metet.<text>
- 264. MS welgrim.<text>
- 271. MS to cleopianne.<text>
- 288. MS domeadigra, a late spelling.
<text>
- 294. MS bispeop.<text>
- 313. MS asengan.<text>
- 325. MS se.<text>
- 334. MS ge mete.<text>
- 338. MS neod cyrre.<text>
- 348. MS sofæst at the end of one line,
tum at the beginning of the next.<text>
- 354. MS sindon.<text>
- 371. MS hyra.<text>
- 456. MS ond (Tironian "and" ) dettan
.<text>
- 467. MS þy.<text>
- 468. MS of.<text>
- 479. MS onweg.<text>
- 485. MS eald.<text>
- 486. MS drucne.<text>
- 492. MS þeah.<text>
- 508. MS ge wordun.<text>
- 521. MS miclam.<text>
- 521. MS min.<text>
- 544. MS helwerena.<text>
- 545. MS his.<text>
- 549. MS wiþ.<text>
- 555. MS gewinna.<text>
- 559. A folio has been lost from the manuscript
here.<text>
- 560. missing; weorc supplied by
Holthausen.<text>
- 562. MS wolde.<text>
- 577. MS bi lænan.<text>
- 577. hearda supplied by Thorpe.<text>
- 586. MS æle.<text>
- 599. MS meahtum.<text>
- 620. MS for hogd.<text>
- 628. MS Iulianan.<text>
- 630. MS flean.<text>
- 658. a word is missing from the MS. frofre
is supplied by Strunk and Krapp, but is metrically dubious. Trautmann
supplied freme.<text>
- 687. MS sele. Note that beorsetle
is a nonce word.<text>
- 701. MS uncyþu.<text>
- 723. MS miclam.<text>
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Oft him anhaga are gebide,
metudes miltse, þeah þe he modcearig
geond lagulade longe sceolde
hreran mid hondum hrimcealde sæ,
- 5
- wadan wræclastas. Wyrd bi ful ared!
Swa cwæ eardstapa, earfeþa gemyndig,
wraþra wælsleahta, winemæga hryre:
"Oft ic sceolde ana uhtna gehwylce
mine ceare cwiþan. Nis nu cwicra nan
- 10
- þe ic him modsefan minne durre
sweotule asecgan. Ic to soþe wat
þæt biþ in eorle indryhten þeaw,
þæt he his ferlocan fæste binde,
healde his hordcofan, hycge swa he wille.
- 15
- Ne mæg werig mod wyrde wistondan,
ne se hreo hyge helpe gefremman.
Foron domgeorne dreorigne oft
in hyra breostcofan binda fæste;
swa ic modsefan minne sceolde,
- 20
- oft earmcearig, ele bidæled,
freomægum feor feterum sælan,
siþþan geara iu goldwine minne
hrusan heolstre biwrah, ond ic hean þonan
wod wintercearig ofer waþema gebind,
- 25
- sohte sele dreorig sinces bryttan,
hwær ic feor oþþe neah findan meahte
þone þe in meoduhealle min mine wisse,
oþþe mec freondleasne frefran wolde,
weman mid wynnum. Wat se þe cunna,
- 30
- hu sliþen bi sorg to geferan,
þam þe him lyt hafa leofra geholena.
Wara hine wræclast, nales wunden gold,
ferloca freorig, nalæs foldan blæd.
Gemon he selesecgas ond sincþege,
- 35
- hu hine on geogue his goldwine
wenede to wiste. Wyn eal gedreas!
Forþon wat se þe sceal his winedryhtnes
leofes larcwidum longe forþolian,
onne sorg ond slæp somod ætgædre
- 40
- earmne anhogan oft gebinda.
þince him on mode þæt he his mondryhten
clyppe ond cysse, ond on cneo lecge
honda ond heafod, swa he hwilum ær
in geardagum giefstolas breac.
- 45
- onne onwæcne eft wineleas guma,
gesih him biforan fealwe wegas,
baþian brimfuglas, brædan feþra,
hreosan hrim ond snaw, hagle gemenged.
þonne beo þy hefigran heortan benne,
- 50
- sare æfter swæsne. Sorg bi geniwad,
þonne maga gemynd mod geondhweorfe;
grete gliwstafum, georne geondsceawa
secga geseldan. Swimma eft on weg!
Fleotendra fer no þær fela bringe
- 55
- cura cwidegiedda. Cearo bi geniwad
þam þe sendan sceal swiþe geneahhe
ofer waþema gebind werigne sefan.
Forþon ic geþencan ne mæg geond þas woruld
for hwan modsefa min ne gesweorce,
- 60
- þonne ic eorla lif eal geondþence,
hu hi færlice flet ofgeafon,
modge maguþegnas. Swa þes middangeard
ealra dogra gehwam dreose ond fealleþ,
forþon ne mæg weorþan wis wer, ær he age
- 65
- wintra dæl in woruldrice. Wita sceal geþyldig,
ne sceal no to hatheort ne to hrædwyrde,
ne to wac wiga ne to wanhydig,
ne to forht ne to fægen, ne to feohgifre
ne næfre gielpes to georn, ær he geare cunne.
- 70
- Beorn sceal gebidan, þonne he beot sprice,
oþþæt collenfer cunne gearwe
hwider hreþra gehygd hweorfan wille.
Ongietan sceal gleaw hæle hu gæstlic bi,
þonne ealre þisse worulde wela weste stonde,
- 75
- swa nu missenlice geond þisne middangeard
winde biwaune weallas stondaþ,
hrime bihrorene, hryge þa ederas.
Woria þa winsalo, waldend licga
dreame bidrorene, duguþ eal gecrong,
- 80
- wlonc bi wealle. Sume wig fornom,
ferede in forwege, sumne fugel oþbær
ofer heanne holm, sumne se hara wulf
deae gedælde, sumne dreorighleor
in eorscræfe eorl gehydde.
- 85
- Yþde swa þisne eardgeard ælda scyppend
oþþæt burgwara breahtma lease
eald enta geweorc idlu stodon.
Se þonne þisne wealsteal wise geþohte
ond þis deorce lif deope geondþence,
- 90
- frod in fere, feor oft gemon
wælsleahta worn, ond þas word acwi:
"Hwær cwom mearg? Hwær cwom mago? Hwær cwom maþþumgyfa?
Hwær cwom symbla gesetu? Hwær sindon seledreamas?
Eala beorht bune! Eala byrnwiga!
- 95
- Eala þeodnes þrym! Hu seo þrag gewat,
genap under nihthelm, swa heo no wære.
Stonde nu on laste leofre duguþe
weal wundrum heah, wyrmlicum fah.
Eorlas fornoman asca þryþe,
- 100
- wæpen wælgifru, wyrd seo mære,
ond þas stanhleoþu stormas cnyssa,
hri hreosende hrusan binde,
wintres woma, þonne won cyme,
nipe nihtscua, norþan onsende
- 105
- hreo hæglfare hæleþum on andan.
Eall is earfolic eorþan rice,
onwende wyrda gesceaft weoruld under heofonum.
Her bi feoh læne, her bi freond læne,
her bi mon læne, her bi mæg læne,
- 110
- eal þis eorþan gesteal idel weorþe!"
Swa cwæ snottor on mode, gesæt him sundor æt rune.
Til biþ se þe his treowe gehealdeþ, ne sceal næfre his torn
to rycene
beorn of his breostum acyþan, nemþe he ær þa bote cunne,
eorl mid elne gefremman. Wel bi þam þe him are sece,
- 115
- frofre to fæder on heofonum, þær us eal seo fæstnung stonde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Fela bi on foldan forgesynra
geongra geofona, þa þa gæstberend
wega in gewitte, swa her weoruda god,
meotud meahtum swi, monnum dæle,
- 5
- syle sundorgiefe, sende wide
agne spede, þara æghwylc mot
dryhtwuniendra dæl onfon.
Ne bi ænig þæs earfosælig
mon on moldan, ne þæs medspedig,
- 10
- lytelhydig, ne þæs læthydig,
þæt hine se argifa ealles biscyrge
modes cræfta oþþe mægendæda,
wis on gewitte oþþe on wordcwidum,
þy læs ormod sy ealra þinga,
- 15
- þara þe he geworhte in woruldlife,
geofona gehwylcre. Næfre god deme
þæt ænig eft þæs earm geweore.
Nænig eft þæs swiþe þurh snyttrucræft
in þeode þrym þisses lifes
- 20
- for gestige, þæt him folca weard
þurh his halige giefe hider onsende
wise geþohtas ond woruldcræftas,
under anes meaht ealle forlæte,
þy læs he for wlence wuldorgeofona ful,
- 25
- mon mode swi of gemete hweorfe
ond þonne forhycge heanspedigran;
ac he gedæle, se þe ah domes geweald,
missenlice geond þisne middangeard
leoda leoþocræftas londbuendum.
- 30
- Sumum her ofer eorþan æhta onlih,
woruldgestreona. Sum bi wonspedig,
heardsælig hæle, biþ hwæþre gleaw
modes cræfta. Sum mægenstrengo
furþor onfeh. Sum freolic bi
- 35
- wlitig on wæstmum. Sum biþ wobora,
giedda giffæst. Sum biþ gearuwyrdig.
Sum bi on huntoþe hreeadigra
deora dræfend. Sum dyre bi
woruldricum men. Sum bi wiges heard,
- 40
- beadocræftig beorn, þær bord stuna.
Sum in mæle mæg modsnottera
folcrædenne for gehycgan,
þær witena biþ worn ætsomne.
Sum mæg wrætlice weorc ahycgan
- 45
- heahtimbra gehwæs; hond bi gelæred,
wis ond gewealden, swa bi wyrhtan ryht,
sele asettan, con he sidne ræced
fæste gefegan wiþ færdryrum.
Sum mid hondum mæg hearpan gretan,
- 50
- ah he gleobeames gearobrygda list.
Sum bi rynig, sum ryhtscytte,
sum leoa gleaw, sum on londe snel,
feþespedig. Sum on fealone wæg
stefnan steore, streamrade con,
- 55
- weorudes wisa, ofer widne holm,
þonne særofe snelle mægne
arum bregda yborde neah.
Sum bi syndig, sum searocræftig
goldes ond gimma, þonne him gumena weard
- 60
- hate him to mærþum maþþum renian.
Sum mæg wæpenþræce, wige to nytte,
modcræftig smi monige gefremman,
þonne he gewyrce to wera hilde
helm oþþe hupseax oe heaþubyrnan,
- 65
- scirne mece oe scyldes rond,
fæste gefeged wi flyge gares.
Sum bi arfæst ond ælmesgeorn,
þeawum geþyde. Sum bi þegn gehweorf
on meoduhealle. Sum bi meares gleaw,
- 70
- wicgcræfta wis. Sum gewealdenmod
þafa in geþylde þæt he þonne sceal.
Sum domas con, þær dryhtguman
ræd eahtia. Sum bi hrædtæfle.
Sum bi gewittig æt winþege,
- 75
- beorhyrde god. Sum bi bylda til
ham to hebbanne. Sum bi heretoga,
fyrdwisa from. Sum biþ folcwita.
Sum biþ æt þearfe þristhydigra
þegn mid his þeodne. Sum geþyld hafa,
- 80
- fæstgongel fer. Sum bi fugelbona,
hafeces cræftig. Sum bi to horse hwæt.
Sum bi swisnel, hafa searolic gomen,
gleodæda gife for gumþegnum,
leoht ond leoþuwac. Sum bi leofwende,
- 85
- hafa mod ond word monnum geþwære.
Sum her geornlice gæstes þearfe
mode bewindeþ, ond him metudes est
ofer eorwelan ealne geceose.
Sum bi deormod deofles gewinnes,
- 90
- bi a wi firenum in gefeoht gearo.
Sum cræft hafa circnytta fela,
mæg on lofsongum lifes waldend
hlude hergan, hafa healice
beorhte stefne. Sum bi boca gleaw,
- 95
- larum leoþufæst. Sum biþ listhendig
to awritanne wordgeryno.
Nis nu ofer eorþan ænig monna
mode þæs cræftig, ne þæs mægeneacen,
þæt hi æfre anum ealle weorþen
- 100
- gegearwade, þy læs him gilp scee,
oþþe fore þære mærþe mod astige,
gif he hafaþ ana ofer ealle men
wlite ond wisdom ond weorca blæd;
ac he missenlice monna cynne
- 105
- gielpes styre ond his giefe brytta,
sumum on cystum, sumum on cræftum,
sumum on wlite, sumum on wige,
sumum he syle monna milde heortan,
þeawfæstne geþoht, sum biþ þeodne hold.
- 110
- Swa weorlice wide tosawe
dryhten his duguþe. A þes dom age,
leohtbære lof, se us þis lif giefe
ond his milde mod monnum cyþe.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- us frod fæder freobearn lærde,
modsnottor mon, maga cystum eald,
wordum wisfæstum, þæt he wel þunge:
"Do a þætte duge, deag þin gewyrhtu;
- 5
- god þe biþ symle goda gehwylces
frea ond fultum, feond þam oþrum
wyrsan gewyrhta. Wene þec þy betran,
efn elne þis a þenden þu lifge.
Fæder ond modor freo þu mid heortan,
- 10
- maga gehwylcne, gif him sy meotud on lufan.
Wes þu þinum yldrum arfæst symle,
fægerwyrde, ond þe in fere læt
þine lareowas leofe in mode,
þa þec geornast to gode trymmen."
- 15
- Fæder eft his sunu frod gegrette
oþre siþe: "Heald elne þis!
Ne freme firene, ne næfre freonde þinum,
mæge man ne geþafa, þy læs þec meotud oncunne,
þæt þu sy wommes gewita. He þe mid wite gielde,
- 20
- swylce þam oþrum mid eadwelan."
riddan syþe þoncsnottor guma
breostgehygdum his bearn lærde:
"Ne gewuna wyrsa, widan feore,
ængum eahta, ac þu þe anne genim
- 25
- to gesprecan symle spella ond lara
rædhycgende. Sy ymb rice swa hit mæge."
Feorþan sie fæder eft lærde
modleofne magan, þæt he gemunde þis:
"Ne aswic sundorwine, ac a symle geheald
- 30
- ryhtum gerisnum. Ræfn elne þis,
þæt þu næfre fæcne weore freonde þinum."
Fiftan siþe fæder eft ongon
breostgeþoncum his bearn læran:
"Druncen beorg þe ond dollic word,
- 35
- man on mode ond in muþe lyge,
yrre ond æfeste ond idese lufan.
Foron sceal æwiscmod oft siþian,
se þe gewite in wifes lufan,
fremdre meowlan. þær bi a firena wen,
- 40
- lalicre scome, long ni wi god,
geotende gielp. Wes þu a giedda wis,
wær wi willan, worda hyrde."
Siextan siþe swæs eft ongon
þurh bline geþoht his bearn læran:
- 45
- "Ongiet georne hwæt sy god oþþe yfel,
ond toscead simle scearpe mode
in sefan þinum ond þe a þæt selle geceos.
A þe bi gedæled; gif þe deah hyge,
wuna wisdom in, ond þu wast geare
- 50
- ondgit yfles, heald þe elne wi,
feorma þu symle in þinum fere god."
Seofeþan siþe his sunu lærde
fæder, frod guma, sægde fela geongum:
"Seldan snottor guma sorgleas blissa,
- 55
- swylce dol seldon dryme sorgful
ymb his forgesceaft, nefne he fæhþe wite.
Wærwyrde sceal wisfæst hæle
breostum hycgan, nales breahtme hlud."
Eahtoþan siþe eald fæder ongon
- 60
- his mago monian mildum wordum:
"Leorna lare lærgedefe,
wene þec in wisdom, weoruda scyppend
hafa þe to hyhte, haligra gemynd,
ond a so to syge, þonne þu secge hwæt."
- 65
- Nigeþan siþe nægde se gomola,
eald uwita sægde eaforan worn:
"Nis nu fela folca þætte fyrngewritu
healdan wille, ac him hyge brosna,
ellen cola, idla þeodscype;
- 70
- ne habba wiht for þæt, þeah hi wom don
ofer meotudes bibod. Monig sceal ongieldan
sawelsusles. Ac læt þinne sefan healdan
for fyrngewritu ond frean
domas,
þa þe her on mæge gehwære men forlætaþ
- 75
- swiþor asigan, þonne him sy sylfum ryht."
Teoþan siþe tornsorgna ful,
eald eft ongon eaforan læran:
"Snyttra bruceþ þe fore sawle lufan
warna him wommas worda ond dæda
- 80
- on sefan symle ond soþ freme;
bi him geofona gehwylc gode geyced,
meahtum spedig, þonne he mon flyh.
Yrre ne læt þe æfre gewealdan,
heah in hreþre, heoroworda grund
- 85
- wylme bismitan, ac him warna þæt
on geheortum hyge. Hæle sceal wisfæst
ond gemetlice, modes snottor,
gleaw in gehygdum, georn wisdomes,
swa he wi ælda mæg eades hleotan.
- 90
- Ne beo þu no to tælende, ne to tweospræce,
ne þe on mode læt men to fracoþe,
ac beo leofwende, leoht on gehygdum
ber breostcofan. Swa þu, min bearn, gemyne
frode fæder lare ond þec a wi firenum geheald."
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Mæg ic be me sylfum sogied wrecan,
siþas secgan, hu ic geswincdagum
earfohwile oft þrowade,
bitre breostceare gebiden hæbbe,
- 5
- gecunnad in ceole cearselda fela,
atol yþa gewealc, þær mec oft bigeat
nearo nihtwaco æt nacan stefnan,
þonne he be clifum cnossa. Calde geþrungen
wæron mine fet, forste gebunden,
- 10
- caldum clommum, þær þa ceare seofedun
hat ymb heortan; hungor innan slat
merewerges mod. þæt se mon ne wat
þe him on foldan fægrost limpe,
hu ic earmcearig iscealdne sæ
- 15
- winter wunade wræccan lastum,
winemægum bidroren,
bihongen hrimgicelum; hægl scurum fleag.
þær ic ne gehyrde butan hlimman sæ,
iscaldne wæg. Hwilum ylfete song
- 20
- dyde ic me to gomene, ganetes hleoþor
ond huilpan sweg fore hleahtor wera,
mæw singende fore medodrince.
Stormas þær stanclifu beotan, þær him stearn oncwæ
isigfeþera; ful oft þæt earn bigeal,
- 25
- urigfeþra; ne ænig hleomæga
feasceaftig fer frefran meahte.
Forþon him gelyfe lyt, se þe ah lifes wyn
gebiden in burgum, bealosiþa hwon,
wlonc ond wingal, hu ic werig oft
- 30
- in brimlade bidan sceolde.
Nap nihtscua, norþan sniwde,
hrim hrusan bond, hægl feol on eorþan,
corna caldast. Forþon cnyssa nu
heortan geþohtas, þæt ic hean streamas,
- 35
- sealtyþa gelac sylf cunnige;
mona modes lust mæla gehwylce
fer to feran, þæt ic feor heonan
elþeodigra eard gesece.
Forþon nis þæs modwlonc mon ofer eorþan,
- 40
- ne his gifena þæs god, ne in geoguþe to þæs hwæt,
ne in his dædum to þæs deor, ne him his dryhten to þæs hold,
þæt he a his sæfore sorge næbbe,
to hwon hine dryhten gedon wille.
Ne biþ him to hearpan hyge ne to hringþege,
- 45
- ne to wife wyn ne to worulde hyht,
ne ymbe owiht elles, nefne ymb ya gewealc,
ac a hafa longunge se þe on lagu funda.
Bearwas blostmum nima, byrig fægria,
wongas wlitiga, woruld onette;
- 50
- ealle þa gemonia modes fusne
sefan to siþe, þam þe swa þence
on flodwegas feor gewitan.
Swylce geac mona geomran reorde,
singe sumeres weard, sorge beode
- 55
- bitter in breosthord. þæt se beorn ne wat,
esteadig secg, hwæt þa sume dreoga
þe þa wræclastas widost lecga.
Forþon nu min hyge hweorfe ofer hreþerlocan,
min modsefa mid mereflode
- 60
- ofer hwæles eþel hweorfe wide,
eorþan sceatas, cyme eft to me
gifre ond grædig, gielle anfloga,
hwete on hwælweg hreþer unwearnum
ofer holma gelagu. Forþon me hatran sind
- 65
- dryhtnes dreamas þonne þis deade lif,
læne on londe. Ic gelyfe no
þæt him eorwelan ece stonda.
Simle þreora sum þinga gehwylce,
ær his tid aga, to tweon weorþe;
- 70
- adl oþþe yldo oþþe ecghete
fægum fromweardum feorh oþringe.
Forþon þæt bi eorla gehwam æftercweþendra
lof lifgendra lastworda betst,
þæt he gewyrce, ær he on weg scyle,
- 75
- fremum on foldan wi feonda niþ,
deorum dædum deofle togeanes,
þæt hine ælda bearn æfter hergen,
ond his lof siþþan lifge mid englum
awa to ealdre, ecan lifes blæd,
- 80
- dream mid dugeþum. Dagas sind gewitene,
ealle onmedlan eorþan rices;
næron nu cyningas ne caseras
ne goldgiefan swylce iu wæron,
þonne hi mæst mid him mærþa gefremedon
- 85
- ond on dryhtlicestum dome lifdon.
Gedroren is þeos dugu eal, dreamas sind gewitene,
wunia þa wacran ond þas woruld healdaþ,
bruca þurh bisgo. Blæd is gehnæged,
eorþan indryhto ealda ond seara,
- 90
- swa nu monna gehwylc geond middangeard.
Yldo him on fare, onsyn blaca,
gomelfeax gnorna, wat his iuwine,
æþelinga bearn, eorþan forgiefene.
Ne mæg him þonne se flæschoma, þonne him þæt feorg losa,
- 95
- ne swete forswelgan ne sar gefelan,
ne hond onhreran ne mid hyge þencan.
þeah þe græf wille golde stregan
broþor his geborenum, byrgan be deadum,
maþmum mislicum þæt hine mid wille,
- 100
- ne mæg þære sawle þe biþ synna ful
gold to geoce for godes egsan,
þonne he hit ær hyde þenden he her leofa.
Micel biþ se meotudes egsa, forþon hi seo molde oncyrre;
se gestaþelade stiþe grundas,
- 105
- eorþan sceatas ond uprodor.
Dol biþ se þe him his dryhten ne ondrædeþ; cyme him se dea
unþinged.
Eadig bi se þe eaþmod leofaþ; cyme him seo ar of heofonum,
meotod him þæt mod gestaþela, forþon he in his meahte gelyfe.
Stieran mon sceal strongum mode, ond þæt on
staþelum healdan,
- 110
- ond gewis werum, wisum clæne,
scyle monna gehwylc mid gemete healdan
wiþ leofne ond wi laþne bealo,
þeah þe he hine wille fyres fulne
oþþe on bæle forbærnedne
- 115
- his geworhtne wine. Wyrd biþ swiþre,
meotud meahtigra þonne ænges monnes gehygd.
Uton we hycgan hwær we ham agen,
ond þonne geþencan hu we þider cumen,
ond we þonne eac tilien, þæt we to moten
- 120
- in þa ecan eadignesse,
þær is lif gelong in lufan dryhtnes,
hyht in heofonum. þæs sy þam halgan þonc,
þæt he usic geweorþade, wuldres ealdor,
ece dryhten, in ealle tid.
- 125
- Amen.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwæt, me frod wita on fyrndagum
sægde, snottor ar, sundorwundra fela.
Wordhord onwreah witgan larum
beorn boca gleaw, bodan ærcwide,
- 5
- þæt ic solice siþþan meahte
ongitan bi þam gealdre godes agen bearn,
wilgest on wicum, ond þone wacran swa some,
scyldum bescyredne, on gescead witan.
þæt mæg æghwylc mon eaþe geþencan,
- 10
- se þe hine ne læte on þas lænan tid
amyrran his gemyndum modes gælsan
ond on his dægrime druncen to rice,
þonne monige beo mæþelhegendra,
wlonce wigsmiþas winburgum in,
- 15
- sittaþ æt symble, sogied wreca,
wordum wrixla, witan fundiaþ
hwylc æscstede inne in ræcede
mid werum wunige, þonne win hwete
beornes breostsefan. Breahtem stige,
- 20
- cirm on corþre, cwide scralletaþ
missenlice. Swa beoþ modsefan
dalum gedæled, sindon dryhtguman
ungelice. Sum on oferhygdo
þrymme þringe, þrinte him in innan
- 25
- ungemedemad mod; sindan to monige þæt!
Bi þæt æfþonca eal gefylled
feondes fligepilum, facensearwum;
breoda he ond bælce, bo his sylfes
swiþor micle þonne se sella mon,
- 30
- þence þæt his wise welhwam þince
eal unforcuþ. Biþ þæs oþer swice,
þonne he þæs facnes fintan sceawa.
Wrenceþ he ond blenceþ, worn geþenceþ
hinderhoca, hygegar lete,
- 35
- scurum sceoteþ. He þa scylde ne wat
fæhþe gefremede, feoþ his betran
eorl fore æfstum, læte inwitflan
brecan þone burgweal, þe him bebead meotud
þæt he þæt wigsteal wergan sceolde,
- 40
- siteþ symbelwlonc, searwum læte
wine gewæged word ut faran,
þræfte þringan þrymme gebyrmed,
æfæstum onæled, oferhygda ful,
niþum nearowrencum. Nu þu cunnan meaht,
- 45
- gif þu þyslicne þegn gemittest
wunian in wicum, wite þe be þissum
feawum forspellum þæt þæt biþ feondes bearn
flæsce bifongen, hafa fræte lif,
grundfusne gæst gode orfeormne,
- 50
- wuldorcyninge. þæt se witga song,
gearowyrdig guma, ond þæt gyd awræc:
"Se þe hine sylfne in þa sliþnan tid
þurh oferhygda up ahlæne,
ahefe heahmodne, se sceal hean wesan
- 55
- æfter neosiþum niþer gebiged,
wunian witum fæst, wyrmum beþrungen.
þæt wæs geara iu in godes rice
þætte mid englum oferhygd astag,
widmære gewin. Wroht ahofan,
- 60
- heardne heresiþ, heofon widledan,
forsawan hyra sellan, þa hi to swice þohton
ond þrymcyning þeodenstoles
ricne beryfan, swa hit ryht ne wæs,
ond þonne gesettan on hyra sylfra dom
- 65
- wuldres wynlond. þæt him wige forstod
fæder frumsceafta; wear him seo feohte to grim.
onne bi þam oþrum ungelice
se þe her on eorþan eamod leofa,
ond wiþ gesibbra gehwone simle healde
- 70
- freode on folce ond his feond lufa,
þeah þe he him abylgnesse oft gefremede
willum in þisse worulde. Se mot wuldres dream
in haligra hyht heonan astigan
on engla eard. Ne biþ þam oþrum swa,
- 75
- se þe on ofermedum eargum dædum
leofaþ in leahtrum, ne beo þa lean gelic
mid wuldorcyning." Wite þe be þissum,
gif þu eamodne eorl gemete,
þegn on þeode, þam bi simle
- 80
- gæst gegæderad godes agen bearn
wilsum in worlde, gif me se witega ne leag.
Forþon we sculon a hycgende hælo rædes
gemunan in mode mæla gehwylcum
þone selestan sigora waldend.
- 85
- Amen.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Widsi maolade, wordhord onleac,
se þe monna mæst mægþa ofer
eorþan,
folca geondferde; oft he on flette geþah
mynelicne maþþum. Him from Myrgingum
- 5
- æþele onwocon. He mid Ealhhilde,
fælre freoþuwebban, forman siþe
Hrecyninges ham gesohte
eastan of Ongle, Eormanrices,
wraþes wærlogan. Ongon þa worn sprecan:
- 10
- "Fela ic monna gefrægn mægþum wealdan!
Sceal þeodna gehwylc þeawum lifgan,
eorl æfter oþrum ele rædan,
se þe his þeodenstol geþeon wile.
þara wæs Hwala hwile selast,
- 15
- ond Alexandreas ealra ricost
monna cynnes, ond he mæst geþah
þara þe ic ofer foldan gefrægen hæbbe.
ætla weold Hunum, Eormanric Gotum,
Becca Baningum, Burgendum Gifica.
- 20
- Casere weold Creacum ond Celic Finnum,
Hagena Holmrygum ond Heoden
Glommum.
Witta weold Swæfum, Wada Hælsingum,
Meaca Myrgingum, Mearchealf Hundingum.
þeodric weold Froncum, þyle Rondingum,
- 25
- Breoca Brondingum, Billing Wernum.
Oswine weold Eowum ond Ytum Gefwulf,
Fin Folcwalding Fresna cynne.
Sigehere lengest Sædenum weold,
Hnæf Hocingum, Helm Wulfingum,
- 30
- Wald Woingum, Wod þyringum,
Sæfer Sycgum, Sweom Ongendþeow,
Sceafthere Ymbrum, Sceafa Longbeardum,
Hun Hætwerum ond Holen Wrosnum.
Hringweald wæs haten Herefarena cyning.
- 35
- Offa weold Ongle, Alewih Denum;
se wæs þara manna modgast ealra,
no hwæþre he ofer Offan eorlscype fremede,
ac Offa geslog ærest monna,
cnihtwesende, cynerica mæst.
- 40
- Nænig efeneald him eorlscipe maran
on orette. Ane sweorde
merce gemærde wi Myrgingum
bi Fifeldore; heoldon for siþþan
Engle ond Swæfe, swa hit Offa geslog.
- 45
- Hroþwulf ond Hrogar heoldon lengest
sibbe ætsomne suhtorfædran,
siþþan hy forwræcon wicinga cynn
ond Ingeldes ord forbigdan,
forheowan æt Heorote Heaobeardna þrym.
- 50
- Swa ic geondferde fela fremdra londa
geond ginne grund. Godes ond yfles
þær ic cunnade cnosle bidæled,
freomægum feor folgade wide.
Forþon ic mæg singan ond secgan spell,
- 55
- mænan fore mengo in meoduhealle
hu me cynegode cystum dohten.
Ic wæs mid Hunum ond mid Hregotum,
mid Sweom ond mid Geatum ond mid Suþdenum.
Mid Wenlum ic wæs ond mid Wærnum ond mid wicingum.
- 60
- Mid Gefþum ic wæs ond mid Winedum ond mid Gefflegum.
Mid Englum ic wæs ond mid Swæfum ond mid ænenum.
Mid Seaxum ic wæs ond Sycgum ond mid Sweordwerum.
Mid Hronum ic wæs ond mid Deanum ond mid Heaþoreamum.
Mid þyringum ic wæs ond mid þrowendum,
- 65
- ond mid Burgendum, þær ic beag geþah;
me þær Guhere forgeaf glædlicne maþþum
songes to leane. Næs þæt sæne cyning!
Mid Froncum ic wæs ond mid Frysum ond mid Frumtingum.
Mid Rugum ic wæs ond mid Glommum ond mid Rumwalum.
- 70
- Swylce ic wæs on Eatule mid ælfwine,
se hæfde moncynnes, mine gefræge,
leohteste hond lofes to wyrcenne,
heortan unhneaweste hringa gedales,
beorhtra beaga, bearn Eadwines.
- 75
- Mid Sercingum ic wæs ond mid Seringum;
mid Creacum ic wæs ond mid Finnum ond mid Casere,
se þe winburga geweald ahte,
wiolena ond wilna, ond Wala rices.
Mid Scottum ic wæs ond mid Peohtum ond mid Scridefinnum;
- 80
- mid Lidwicingum ic wæs ond mid Leonum ond mid Longbeardum,
mid hænum ond mid hæleþum ond mid Hundingum.
Mid Israhelum ic wæs ond mid Exsyringum,
mid Ebreum ond mid Indeum ond mid Egyptum.
Mid Moidum ic wæs ond mid Persum ond mid Myrgingum,
- 85
- ond Mofdingum ond ongend Myrgingum,
ond mid Amothingum. Mid Eastþyringum ic wæs
ond mid Eolum ond mid Istum ond Idumingum.
Ond ic wæs mid Eormanrice ealle þrage,
þær me Gotena cyning gode dohte;
- 90
- se me beag forgeaf, burgwarena fruma,
on þam siex hund wæs smætes goldes,
gescyred sceatta scillingrime;
þone ic Eadgilse on æht sealde,
minum hleodryhtne, þa ic to ham bicwom,
- 95
- leofum to leane, þæs þe he me lond forgeaf,
mines fæder eþel, frea Myrginga.
Ond me þa Ealhhild oþerne forgeaf,
dryhtcwen duguþe, dohtor Eadwines.
Hyre lof lengde geond londa fela,
- 100
- þonne ic be songe secgan sceolde
hwær ic under swegle selast wisse
goldhrodene cwen giefe bryttian.
onne wit Scilling sciran reorde
for uncrum sigedryhtne song ahofan,
- 105
- hlude bi hearpan hleoþor swinsade,
þonne monige men, modum wlonce,
wordum sprecan, þa þe wel cuþan,
þæt hi næfre song sellan ne hyrdon.
onan ic ealne geondhwearf eþel Gotena,
- 110
- sohte ic a gesiþa þa selestan;
þæt wæs innweorud Earmanrices.
Hecan sohte ic ond Beadecan ond Herelingas,
Emercan sohte ic ond Fridlan ond Eastgotan,
frodne ond godne fæder Unwenes.
- 115
- Seccan sohte ic ond Beccan, Seafolan ond þeodric,
Heaþoric ond Sifecan, Hliþe ond Incgenþeow.
Eadwine sohte ic ond Elsan, ægelmund ond Hungar,
ond þa wloncan gedryht Wiþmyrginga.
Wulfhere sohte ic ond Wyrmhere; ful oft þær wig ne alæg,
- 120
- þonne Hræda here heardum sweordum
ymb Wistlawudu wergan sceoldon
ealdne eþelstol ætlan leodum.
Rædhere sohte ic ond Rondhere, Rumstan ond Gislhere,
Wiþergield ond Freoþeric, Wudgan ond Haman;
- 125
- ne wæran þæt gesiþa þa sæmestan,
þeah þe ic hy anihst nemnan sceolde.
Ful oft of þam heape hwinende fleag
giellende gar on grome þeode;
wræccan þær weoldan wundnan golde
- 130
- werum ond wifum, Wudga ond Hama.
Swa ic þæt symle onfond on þære feringe,
þæt se biþ leofast londbuendum
se þe him god syle gumena rice
to gehealdenne, þenden he her leofa."
- 135
- Swa scriþende gesceapum hweorfa
gleomen gumena geond grunda fela,
þearfe secga, þoncword sprecaþ,
simle su oþþe nor sumne gemeta
gydda gleawne, geofum unhneawne,
- 140
- se þe fore duguþe wile dom aræran,
eorlscipe æfnan, oþþæt eal scæce,
leoht ond lif somod; lof se gewyrce,
hafa under heofonum heahfæstne dom.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ful oft þæt gegonge, mid godes meahtum,
þætte wer ond wif in woruld cenna
bearn mid gebyrdum ond mid bleom gyrwa,
tennaþ ond tætaþ, oþþæt seo tid cyme,
- 5
- gegæ gearrimum, þæt þa geongan leomu,
liffæstan leoþu, geloden weorþa.
Ferga swa ond feþa fæder ond modor,
giefa ond gierwaþ. God ana wat
hwæt him weaxendum winter bringa!
- 10
- Sumum þæt gegonge on geogufeore
þæt se endestæf earfemæcgum
wealic weorþe. Sceal hine wulf etan,
har hæstapa; hinsiþ þonne
modor bimurne. Ne bi swylc monnes geweald!
- 15
- Sumne sceal hungor ahiþan, sumne sceal hreoh fordrifan,
sumne sceal gar agetan, sumne gu abreotan.
Sum sceal leomena leas lifes neotan,
folmum ætfeohtan, sum on fee lef,
seonobennum seoc, sar cwanian,
- 20
- murnan meotudgesceaft mode gebysgad.
Sum sceal on holte of hean beame
fiþerleas feallan; bi on flihte seþeah,
lace on lyfte, oþþæt lengre ne bi
westem wudubeames. þonne he on wyrtruman
- 25
- sige sworcenfer, sawle bireafod,
fealleþ on foldan, feor biþ on siþe.
Sum sceal on feþe on feorwegas
nyde gongan ond his nest beran,
tredan uriglast elþeodigra,
- 30
- frecne foldan; ah he feormendra
lyt lifgendra, la biþ æghwær
fore his wonsceaftum wineleas hæle.
Sum sceal on geapum galgan ridan,
seomian æt swylte, oþþæt sawlhord,
- 35
- bancofa blodig, abrocen weorþe.
þær him hrefn nimeþ heafodsyne,
slite salwigpad sawelleasne;
noþer he þy facne mæg folmum biwergan,
laþum lyftsceaþan, biþ his lif scæcen,
- 40
- ond he feleleas, feores orwena,
blac on beame bide wyrde,
bewegen wælmiste. Bi him werig noma!
Sumne on bæle sceal brond aswencan,
fretan frecne lig fægne monnan;
- 45
- þær him lifgedal lungre weore,
read reþe gled; reote meowle,
seo hyre bearn gesih brondas þeccan.
Sumum meces ecg on meodubence
yrrum ealowosan ealdor oþþringe,
- 50
- were winsadum; bi ær his worda to hræd.
Sum sceal on beore þurh byreles hond
meodugal mæcga; þonne he gemet ne con
gemearcian his muþe mode sine,
ac sceal ful earmlice ealdre linnan,
- 55
- dreogan dryhtenbealo dreamum biscyred,
ond hine to sylfcwale secgas nemna,
mæna mid muþe meodugales gedrinc.
Sum sceal on geoguþe mid godes meahtum
his earfosiþ ealne forspildan,
- 60
- ond on yldo eft eadig weorþan,
wunian wyndagum ond welan þicgan,
maþmas ond meoduful mægburge on,
þæs þe ænig fira mæge for gehealdan.
Swa missenlice meahtig dryhten
- 65
- geond eorþan sceat eallum dæle,
scyreþ ond scrife ond gesceapo healde,
sumum eadwelan, sumum earfeþa dæl,
sumum geogoþe glæd, sumum guþe blæd,
gewealdenne wigplegan, sumum wyrp oþþe scyte,
- 70
- torhtlicne tiir, sumum tæfle cræft,
bleobordes gebregd. Sume boceras
weorþa wisfæste. Sumum wundorgiefe
þurh goldsmiþe gearwad weorþa;
ful oft he gehyrde ond gehyrste wel,
- 75
- brytencyninges beorn, ond he him brad syle
lond to leane. He hit on lust þige.
Sum sceal on heape hæleþum cweman,
blissian æt beore bencsittendum;
þær biþ drincendra dream se micla.
- 80
- Sum sceal mid hearpan æt his hlafordes
fotum sittan, feoh þicgan,
ond a snellice snere wræstan,
lætan scralletan sceacol, se þe hleape,
nægl neomegende; biþ him neod micel.
- 85
- Sum sceal wildne fugel wloncne atemian,
heafoc on honda, oþþæt seo heoroswealwe
wynsum weorþe; deþ he wyrplas on,
fedeþ swa on feterum fiþrum dealne,
lepeþ lyftswiftne lytlum gieflum,
- 90
- oþþæt se wælisca wædum ond dædum
his ætgiefan eamod weorþe
ond to hagostealdes honda gelæred.
Swa wrætlice weoroda nergend
geond middangeard monna cræftas
- 95
- sceop ond scyrede ond gesceapo ferede
æghwylcum on eorþan eormencynnes.
Forþon him nu ealles þonc æghwa secge,
þæs þe he fore his miltsum monnum scrife.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Frige mec frodum wordum! Ne læt þinne fer onhælne,
degol þæt þu deopost cunne! Nelle ic þe min dyrne gesecgan,
gif þu me þinne hygecræft hylest ond þine heortan geþohtas.
Gleawe men sceolon gieddum wrixlan. God sceal mon ærest
hergan
- 5
- fægre, fæder userne, forþon þe he us æt frymþe geteode
lif ond lænne willan; he usic wile þara leana gemonian.
Meotud sceal in wuldre, mon sceal on eorþan
geong ealdian. God us ece biþ,
ne wenda hine wyrda ne hine wiht dreceþ,
- 10
- adl ne yldo ælmihtigne;
ne gomela he in gæste, ac he is gen swa he wæs,
þeoden geþyldig. He us geþonc syle,
missenlicu mod, monge reorde.
Feorhcynna fela fæþmeþ wide
- 15
- eglond monig. Eardas rume
meotud arærde for moncynne,
ælmihtig god, efenfela bega
þeoda ond þeawa. þing sceal gehegan
frod wiþ frodne; biþ hyra fer gelic,
- 20
- hi a sace semaþ, sibbe gelæra,
þa ær wonsælge awegen habba.
Ræd sceal mid snyttro, ryht mid wisum,
til sceal mid tilum. Tu beo gemæccan;
sceal wif ond wer in woruld cennan
- 25
- bearn mid gebyrdum. Beam sceal on eoran
leafum liþan, leomu gnornian.
Fus sceal feran, fæge sweltan
ond dogra gehwam ymb gedal sacan
middangeardes. Meotud ana wat
- 30
- hwær se cwealm cymeþ, þe heonan of cyþþe gewiteþ.
Umbor yce, þa æradl nime;
þy weorþe on foldan swa fela fira cynnes,
ne sy þæs magutimbres gemet ofer eorþan,
gif hi ne wanige se þas woruld teode.
- 35
- Dol biþ se þe his dryhten nat, to þæs oft cyme dea unþinged.
Snotre men sawlum beorga, healda hyra so mid ryhte.
Eadig bi se þe in his eþle geþih, earm se him his frynd
geswica.
Nefre sceal se him his nest aspringe, nyde
sceal þrage gebunden.
Bliþe sceal bealoleas heorte. Blind sceal his eagna þolian,
- 40
- oftigen biþ him torhtre gesihþe. Ne magon hi
tunglu bewitian,
swegltorht sunnan ne monan; þæt him biþ sar in his mode,
onge þonne he hit ana wat, ne wene þæt him þæs edhwyrft cyme.
Waldend him þæt wite teode, se him mæg wyrpe syllan,
hælo of heofodgimme, gif he wat heortan clæne.
- 45
- Lef mon læces behofa. Læran sceal mon geongne monnan,
trymman ond tyhtan þæt he teala cunne, oþþæt hine mon
atemedne hæbbe,
sylle him wist ond wædo, oþþæt hine mon on gewitte alæde.
Ne sceal hine mon cildgeongne forcweþan, ær he hine acyþan
mote;
þy sceal on þeode geþeon, þæt he wese þristhycgende.
- 50
- Styran sceal mon strongum mode. Storm oft holm gebringeþ,
geofen in grimmum sælum; onginna grome fundian
fealwe on feorran to londe, hwæþer he fæste stonde.
Weallas him wiþre healda, him biþ wind gemæne.
Swa biþ sæ smilte,
- 55
- þonne hy wind ne wece;
swa beoþ þeoda geþwære, þonne hy geþingad habba,
gesitta him on gesundum þingum, ond þonne mid gesiþum healdaþ
cene men gecynde rice. Cyning biþ anwealdes georn;
la se þe londes mona, leof se þe mare beode.
- 60
- þrym sceal mid wlenco, þriste mid cenum,
sceolun bu recene beadwe fremman.
Eorl sceal on eos boge, eorod sceal getrume
ridan,
fæste feþa stondan. Fæmne æt hyre bordan gerise;
widgongel wif word gespringe, oft hy mon wommum bilih,
- 65
- hæle hy hospe mæna, oft hyre hleor abreoþe.
Sceomiande man sceal in sceade hweorfan, scir in leohte
gerise.
Hond sceal heofod inwyrcan, hord in streonum bidan,
gifstol gegierwed stondan, hwonne hine guman gedælen.
Gifre biþ se þam golde onfeh, guma þæs on heahsetle geneah;
- 70
- lean sceal, gif we leogan nella, þam þe us þas lisse geteode.
Forst sceal freosan, fyr wudu meltan,
eorþe growan, is brycgian,
wæter helm wegan, wundrum lucan
eorþan ciþas. An sceal inbindan
- 75
- forstes fetre felameahtig god;
winter sceal geweorpan, weder eft cuman,
sumor swegle hat, sund unstille.
Deop deada wæg dyrne bi lengest;
holen sceal inæled, yrfe gedæled
- 80
- deades monnes. Dom biþ selast.
Cyning sceal mid ceape cwene gebicgan,
bunum ond beagum; bu sceolon ærest
geofum god wesan. Gu sceal in eorle,
wig geweaxan, ond wif geþeon
- 85
- leof mid hyre leodum, leohtmod wesan,
rune healdan, rumheort beon
mearum ond maþmum, meodorædenne
for gesimægen symle æghwær
eodor æþelinga ærest gegretan,
- 90
- forman fulle to frean hond
ricene geræcan, ond him ræd witan
boldagendum bæm ætsomne.
Scip sceal genægled, scyld gebunden,
leoht linden bord, leof wilcuma
- 95
- Frysan wife, þonne flota stonde;
biþ his ceol cumen ond hyre ceorl to ham,
agen ætgeofa, ond heo hine in laaþ,
wæsce his warig hrægl ond him syleþ wæde niwe,
liþ him on londe þæs his lufu bæde.
- 100
- Wif sceal wiþ wer wære gehealdan, oft hi mon wommum
belih;
fela bi fæsthydigra, fela bi fyrwetgeornra,
freo hy fremde monnan, þonne se oþer feor gewiteþ.
Lida biþ longe on siþe; a mon sceal seþeah leofes wenan,
gebidan þæs he gebædan ne mæg. Hwonne him eft gebyre weore,
- 105
- ham cyme, gif he hal leofa, nefne him holm gestyre,
mere hafa mundum mægegsan wyn.
Ceapeadig mon cyningwic þonne
leodon cypeþ, þonne liþan cyme;
wuda ond wætres nytta, þonne him biþ wic alyfed,
- 110
- mete bygeþ, gif he maran þearf, ærþon he to meþe weorþe.
Seoc se biþ þe to seldan iete; þeah hine mon on sunnan læde,
ne mæg he be þy wedre wesan, þeah hit sy wearm on sumera,
ofercumen biþ he, ær he acwele, gif he nat hwa hine cwicne
fede.
Mægen mon sceal mid mete fedan, morþor under eorþan befeolan,
- 115
- hinder under hrusan, þe hit forhelan þence;
ne biþ þæt gedefe deaþ, þonne hit gedyrned weorþe.
Hean sceal gehnigan, hadl gesigan,
ryht rogian. Ræd biþ nyttost,
yfel unnyttost, þæt unlæd nime.
- 120
- God bi genge, ond wiþ god lenge.
Hyge sceal gehealden, hond gewealden,
seo sceal in eagan, snyttro in breostum,
þær bi þæs monnes modgeþoncas.
Muþa gehwylc mete þearf, mæl sceolon tidum gongan.
- 125
- Gold geriseþ on guman sweorde,
sellic sigesceorp, sinc on cwene,
god scop gumum, garniþ werum,
wig towiþre wicfreoþa healdan.
Scyld sceal cempan, sceaft reafere,
- 130
- sceal bryde beag, bec leornere,
husl halgum men, hæþnum synne.
Woden worhte weos, wuldor alwalda,
rume roderas; þæt is rice god,
sylf socyning, sawla nergend,
- 135
- se us eal forgeaf þæt we on lifgaþ,
ond eft æt þam ende eallum wealde
monna cynne. þæt is meotud sylfa.
Ræd sceal mon secgan, rune writan,
leoþ gesingan, lofes gearnian,
- 140
- dom areccan, dæges onettan.
Til mon tiles ond tomes meares,
cuþes ond gecostes ond calcrondes;
nænig fira to fela gestryne.
Wel mon sceal wine healdan on wega gehwylcum;
- 145
- oft mon fere feor bi tune, þær him wat freond unwiotodne.
Wineleas, wonsælig mon genime him wulfas to geferan,
felafæcne deor. Ful oft hine se gefera slite;
gryre sceal for greggum, græf deadum men;
hungre heofe, nales þæt heafe bewinde,
- 150
- ne huru wæl wepe wulf se græga,
morþorcwealm mæcga, ac hit a mare wille.
Wræd sceal wunden, wracu heardum men.
Boga sceal stræle, sceal bam gelic
mon to gemæccan. Maþþum oþres weor,
- 155
- gold mon sceal gifan. Mæg god syllan
eadgum æhte ond eft niman.
Sele sceal stondan, sylf ealdian.
Licgende beam læsest growe.
Treo sceolon brædan ond treow weaxan,
- 160
- sio geond bilwitra breost arise.
Wærleas mon ond wonhydig,
ætrenmod ond ungetreow,
þæs ne gyme god.
Fela sceop meotud þæs þe fyrn gewear, het siþþan swa for
wesan.
- 165
- Wæra gehwylcum wislicu word gerisa,
gleomen gied ond guman snyttro.
Swa monige beoþ men ofer eorþan, swa beoþ modgeþoncas;
ælc him hafa sundorsefan.
Longa þonne þy læs þe him con leoþa worn,
- 170
- oþþe mid hondum con hearpan gretan;
hafaþ him his gliwes giefe, þe him god sealde.
Earm biþ se þe sceal ana lifgan,
wineleas wunian hafaþ him wyrd geteod;
betre him wære þæt he broþor ahte, begen hi anes monnes,
- 175
- eorles eaforan wæran, gif hi sceoldan eofor
onginnan
oþþe begen beran; biþ þæt sliþhende deor.
A scyle þa rincas gerædan lædan
ond him ætsomne swefan;
næfre hy mon tomælde,
- 180
- ær hy dea todæle.
Hy twegen sceolon tæfle ymbsittan, þenden him hyra torn
toglide,
forgietan þara geocran gesceafta, habban him
gomen on borde;
idle hond æmetlan geneah tæfles monnes, þonne teoselum
weorpe.
Seldan in sidum ceole, nefne he under segle yrne,
- 185
- werig scealc wiþ winde roweþ; ful oft mon
wearnum tih
eargne, þæt he elne forleose, druga his ar on borde.
Lot sceal mid lyswe, list mid gedefum;
þy weorþe se stan forstolen.
Oft hy wordum toweorpa,
- 190
- ær hy bacum tobreden;
geara is hwær aræd.
Wear fæhþo fyra cynne, siþþan furþum swealg
eore Abeles blode. Næs þæt andæge ni,
of þam wrohtdropan wide gesprungon,
- 195
- micel mon ældum, monegum þeodum
bealoblonden niþ. Slog his broor swæsne
Cain, þone cwealm nerede; cuþ wæs wide siþþan,
þæt ece ni ældum scod, swa aþolwarum.
Drugon wæpna gewin wide geond eorþan,
- 200
- ahogodan ond ahyrdon heoro sliþendne.
Gearo sceal gubord, gar on sceafte,
ecg on sweorde ond ord spere,
hyge heardum men. Helm sceal cenum,
ond a þæs heanan hyge hord unginnost.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wilt þu, fus hæle, fremdne monnan,
wisne woboran wordum gretan,
fricgan felageongne ymb forgesceaft,
biddan þe gesecge sidra gesceafta
- 5
- cræftas cyndelice cwichrerende,
þa þe dogra gehwam þurh dom godes
bringe wundra fela wera cneorissum!
Is þara anra gehwam orgeate tacen,
þam þurh wisdom woruld ealle con
- 10
- behabban on hreþre, hycgende mon,
þæt geara iu, gliwes cræfte,
mid gieddingum guman oft wrecan,
rincas rædfæste; cuþon ryht sprecan,
þæt a fricgende fira cynnes
- 15
- ond secgende searoruna gespon
a gemyndge mæst monna wiston.
Forþon scyle ascian, se þe on elne leofa,
deophydig mon, dygelra gesceafta,
bewritan in gewitte wordhordes cræft,
- 20
- fæstnian fersefan, þencan for teala;
ne sceal þæs aþreotan þegn modigne,
þæt he wislice woruld fulgonge.
Leorna þas lare. Ic þe lungre sceal
meotudes mægensped maran gesecgan,
- 25
- þonne þu hygecræftig in hreþre mæge
mode gegripan. Is sin meaht forswiþ.
Nis þæt monnes gemet moldhrerendra,
þæt he mæge in hreþre his heah geweorc
furþor aspyrgan þonne him frea sylle
- 30
- to ongietanne godes agen bibod;
ac we sculon þoncian þeodne mærum
awa to ealdre, þæs þe us se eca cyning
on gæste wlite forgiefan wille
þæt we eae magon upcund rice
- 35
- for gestigan, gif us on fere geneah
ond we willa healdan heofoncyninges bibod.
Gehyr nu þis herespel ond þinne hyge gefæstna.
Hwæt, on frymþe gescop fæder ælmihtig,
heah hordes weard, heofon ond eoran,
- 40
- sæs sidne grund, sweotule gesceafte,
þa nu in þam þream þurh þeodnes hond
heaþ ond hebbaþ þone halgan blæd.
Forþon eal swa teofanade, se þe teala cuþe,
æghwylc wiþ oþrum; sceoldon eal beran
- 45
- stiþe stefnbyrd, swa him se steora bibead
missenlice gemetu þurh þa miclan gecynd.
Swa hi to worulde wlite forþ bera
dryhtnes duguþe ond his dæda þrym,
lixende lof in þa longan tid,
- 50
- fremmaþ fæstlice frean ece word
in þam frumstole þe him frea sette,
hluttor heofones weard, healda georne
mere gemære; meaht for tih
heofoncondelle ond holmas mid,
- 55
- laþa ond lædeþ lifes agend
in his anes fæþm ealle gesceafta.
Swa him wideferh wuldor stondeþ,
ealra demena þam gedefestan,
þe us þis lif gescop, ond þis leohte beorht
- 60
- cyme morgna gehwam ofer misthleoþu
wadan ofer wægas wundrum gegierwed,
ond mid ærdæge eastan snowe
wlitig ond wynsum wera cneorissum;
lifgendra gehwam leoht for biere
- 65
- bronda beorhtost, ond his brucan mot
æghwylc on eorþan, þe him eagna gesih
sigora socyning syllan wolde.
Gewite þonne mid þy wuldre on westrodor
formære tungol faran on heape,
- 70
- oþþæt on æfenne ut garsecges
grundas pæþe, glom oþer cig;
niht æfter cyme, healde nydbibod
halgan dryhtnes. Heofontorht swegl
scir gescynde in gesceaft godes
- 75
- under foldan fæþm, farende tungol.
Forþon nænig fira þæs frod leofa
þæt his mæge æspringe þurh his ægne sped witan,
hu geond grund fære goldtorht sunne
in þæt wonne genip under wætra geþring,
- 80
- oþþe hwa þes leohtes londbuende
brucan mote, siþþan heo ofer brim hweorfe.
Forþon swa teofenede, se þe teala cuþe,
dæg wiþ nihte, deop wi hean,
lyft wi lagustream, lond wiþ wæge,
- 85
- flod wi flode, fisc wi yþum.
Ne wacia þas geweorc, ac he hi wel healde;
stonda stilice bestryþed fæste
miclum meahtlocum in þam mægenþrymme
mid þam sy ahefed heofon ond eorþe.
- 90
- Beo þonne eadge þa þær in wunia,
hyhtlic is þæt heorwerud. þæt is herga mæst,
eadigra unrim, engla þreatas.
Hy geseo symle hyra sylfra cyning,
eagum on wlita, habba æghwæs genoh.
- 95
- Nis him wihte won, þam þe wuldres cyning
geseoþ in swegle; him is symbel ond dream
ece unhwylen eadgum to frofre.
Forþon scyle mon gehycgan þæt he meotude hyre;
æghwylc ælda bearna forlæte idle lustas,
- 100
- læne lifes wynne, fundige him to lissa blisse,
forlæte heteniþa gehwone sigan
mid synna fyrnum, fere him to þam sellan rice.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Me lifes onlah se þis leoht onwrah,
ond þæt torhte geteoh, tillice onwrah.
Glæd wæs ic gliwum, glenged hiwum,
blissa bleoum, blostma hiwum.
- 5
- Secgas mec segon, symbel ne alegon,
feohgiefe gefegon; frætwed wægon
wicg ofer wongum wennan gongum,
lisse mid longum leoma gehongum.
þa wæs wæstmum aweaht, world onspreht,
- 10
- under roderum areaht, rædmægne oferþeaht.
Giestas gengdon, gerscype mengdon,
lisse lengdon, lustum glengdon.
Scrifen scrad glad þurh gescad in brad,
wæs on lagustreame lad, þær me leoþu ne biglad.
- 15
- Hæfde ic heanne had, ne wæs me in healle gad,
þæt þær rof weord rad. Oft þær rinc gebad,
þæt he in sele sæge sincgewæge,
þegnum geþyhte. þenden wæs me mægen,
horsce mec heredon, hilde generedon,
- 20
- fægre feredon, feondon biweredon.
Swa mec hyhtgiefu heold, hygedryht befeold,
staþolæhtum steold, stepegongum weold
swylce eorþe ol, ahte ic ealdorstol,
galdorwordum gol. Gomen sibbe ne ofoll,
- 25
- ac wæs gefest gear, gellende sner,
wuniendo wær wilbec bescær.
Scealcas wæron scearpe, scyl wæs hearpe,
hlude hlynede, hleoþor dynede,
sweglrad swinsade, swiþe ne minsade.
- 30
- Burgsele beofode, beorht hlifade,
ellen eacnade, ead beacnade,
freaum frodade, fromum godade,
mod mægnade, mine fægnade,
treow telgade, tir welgade,
- 35
- blæd blissade,
gold gearwade, gim hwearfade,
sinc searwade, sib nearwade.
From ic wæs in frætwum, freolic in geatwum;
wæs min dream dryhtlic, drohta hyhtlic.
- 40
- Foldan ic freoþode, folcum ic leoþode,
lif wæs min longe, leodum in gemonge,
tirum getonge, teala gehonge.
Nu min hreþer is hreoh, heofsiþum sceoh,
nydbysgum neah; gewite nihtes in fleah
- 45
- se ær in dæge wæs dyre. Scriþe nu deop in feore
brondhord geblowen, breostum in forgrowen,
flyhtum toflowen. Flah is geblowen
miclum in gemynde; modes gecynde
grete ungrynde grorn efenpynde,
- 50
- bealofus byrne, bittre toyrne.
Werig winne, widsi onginne,
sar ne sinniþ, sorgum cinni,
blæd his blinni, blisse linni,
listum linne, lustum ne tinne.
- 55
- Dreamas swa her gedreosa, dryhtscype gehreosa,
lif her men forleosa, leahtras oft geceosa;
treowþrag is to trag, seo untrume genag,
steapum eatole misþah, ond eal stund genag.
Swa nu world wendeþ, wyrde sendeþ,
- 60
- ond hetes hente, hæleþe scynde.
Wercyn gewite, wælgar slite,
flahmah fliteþ, flan mon hwite,
borgsorg bite, bald ald þwiteþ,
wræcfæc wriþa, wraþ a smiteþ,
- 65
- singryn sida, searofearo
glideþ,
gromtorn græfeþ, græft hafa,
searohwit solaþ, sumurhat cola,
foldwela fealle, feondscipe wealle,
eormægen ealdaþ, ellen cola.
- 70
- Me þæt wyrd gewæf, ond gewyrht forgeaf,
þæt ic grofe græf, ond þæt grimme græf
flean flæsce ne mæg, þonne flanhred dæg
nydgrapum nimeþ, þonne seo neaht becyme
seo me eles ofonn ond mec her eardes
onconn.
- 75
- þonne lichoma lige, lima wyrm friteþ,
ac him wenne gewige ond þa wist geþyge,
oþþæt beoþ þa ban an,
ond æt nyhstan nan nefne se neda tan
balawun her gehloten. Ne biþ se hlisa
adroren.
- 80
- ær þæt eadig geþence, he hine þe oftor swence,
byrge him þa bitran synne, hogaþ to þære betran wynne,
gemon morþa lisse, þær sindon miltsa blisse
hyhtlice in heofona rice. Uton nu halgum gelice
scyldum biscyrede scyndan generede,
- 85
- wommum biwerede, wuldre generede,
þær moncyn mot for meotude rot
sone god geseon, ond aa in sibbe gefean.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Monge sindon geond middangeard
unrimu cynn, þe we æþelu ne magon
ryhte areccan ne rim witan;
þæs wide sind geond world innan
- 5
- fugla ond deora foldhrerendra
wornas widsceope, swa wæter bibuge
þisne beorhtan bosm, brim grymetende,
sealtyþa geswing. We bi sumum hyrdon
wrætlice gecynd wildra secgan
- 10
- firum freamærne feorlondum on
eard weardian, eles neotan
æfter dunscrafum. Is þæt deor pandher
bi noman haten, þæs þe niþþa bearn,
wisfæste weras on gewritum cyþa
- 15
- bi þam anstapan. Se is æghwam freond,
dugua estig, butan dracan anum,
þam he in ealle tid ondwra leofaþ
þurh yfla gehwylc þe he geæfnan mæg.
æt is wrætlic deor, wundrum scyne
- 20
- hiwa gehwylces; swa hæle secga,
gæsthalge guman, þætte Iosephes
tunece wære telga gehwylces
bleom bregdende, þara beorhtra gehwylc
æghwæs ænlicra oþrum lixte
- 25
- dryhta bearnum, swa þæs deores hiw,
blæc brigda gehwæs, beorhtra ond scynra
wundrum lixe, þætte wrætlicra
æghwylc oþrum, ænlicra gien
ond fægerra frætwum blice,
- 30
- symle sellicra. He hafa sundorgecynd,
milde, gemetfæst. He is monþwære,
lufsum ond leoftæl, nele laþes wiht
ængum geæfnan butan þam attorsceaþan,
his fyrngeflitan, þe ic ær fore sægde.
- 35
- Symle fylle fægen, þonne foddor þige,
æfter þam gereordum ræste sece
dygle stowe under dunscrafum;
ær se þeodwiga þreonihta fæc
swife on swefote, slæpe gebiesgad.
- 40
- þonne ellenrof up astonde,
þrymme gewelgad, on þone þriddan dæg,
sneome of slæpe. Sweghleoþor cyme,
woþa wynsumast þurh þæs wildres mu.
æfter þære stefne stenc ut cyme
- 45
- of þam wongstede, wynsumra steam,
swettra ond swiþra swæcca gehwylcum,
wyrta blostmum ond wudubledum,
eallum æþelicra eorþan frætwum.
þonne of ceastrum ond cynestolum
- 50
- ond of burgsalum beornþreat monig
fara foldwegum folca þryþum,
eoredcystum, ofestum gefysde,
darelacende; deor efne swa some
æfter þære stefne on þone stenc fara.
- 55
- Swa is dryhten god, dreama rædend,
eallum eamede oþrum gesceaftum,
dugua gehwylcre, butan dracan anum,
attres ordfruman. þæt is se ealda feond,
þone he gesælde in susla grund,
- 60
- ond gefetrade fyrnum teagum,
biþeahte þreanydum, ond þy þriddan dæge
of digle aras, þæs þe he dea fore us
þreo niht þolade, þeoden engla,
sigora sellend. þæt wæs swete stenc,
- 65
- wlitig ond wynsum geond woruld ealle.
Siþþan to þam swicce sofæste men
on healfa gehwone heapum þrungon
geond ealne ymbhwyrft eorþan sceata.
Swa se snottra gecwæ sanctus Paulus:
- 70
- "Monigfealde sind geond middangeard
god ungnye þe us to giefe dæle
ond to feorhnere fæder ælmihtig,
ond se anga hyht ealra gesceafta,
uppe ge niþre." þæt is æþele stenc.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Nu ic fitte gen ymb fisca cynn
wille wocræfte wordum cyþan
þurh modgemynd bi þam miclan hwale.
Se bi unwillum oft gemeted,
- 5
- frecne ond fergrim, farelacendum,
niþþa gehwylcum; þam is noma cenned,
fyrnstreama geflotan, Fastitocalon.
Is þæs hiw gelic hreofum stane,
swylce worie bi wædes ofre,
- 10
- sondbeorgum ymbseald, særyrica mæst,
swa þæt wenaþ wægliþende
þæt hy on ealond sum eagum wliten,
ond þonne gehyda heahstefn scipu
to þam unlonde oncyrrapum,
- 15
- setlaþ sæmearas sundes æt ende,
ond þonne in þæt eglond up gewita
collenferþe; ceolas stonda
bi staþe fæste, streame biwunden.
onne gewicia werigfere,
- 20
- farolacende, frecnes ne wena,
on þam ealonde æled wecca,
heahfyr æla; hæleþ beoþ on wynnum,
reonigmode, ræste geliste.
þonne gefele facnes cræftig
- 25
- þæt him þa ferend on fæste wuniaþ,
wic weardia wedres on luste,
onne semninga on sealtne wæg
mid þa noþe niþer gewiteþ
garsecges gæst, grund gesece,
- 30
- ond þonne in deasele drence bifæste
scipu mid scealcum. Swa bi scinna þeaw,
deofla wise, þæt hi drohtende
þurh dyrne meaht dugue beswica,
ond on teosu tyhtaþ tilra dæda,
- 35
- wema on willan, þæt hy wraþe secen,
frofre to feondum, oþþæt hy fæste ær
æt þam wærlogan wic geceosa.
þonne þæt gecnawe of cwicsusle
flah feond gemah, þætte fira gehwylc
- 40
- hæleþa cynnes on his hringe biþ
fæste gefeged, he him feorgbona
þurh sliþen searo siþþan weorþe,
wloncum ond heanum, þe his willan her
firenum fremma, mid þam he færinga,
- 45
- heoloþhelme biþeaht, helle sece,
goda geasne, grundleasne wylm
under mistglome, swa se micla hwæl,
se þe bisence sæliþende
eorlas ond ymearas. He hafa oþre gecynd,
- 50
- wæterþisa wlonc, wrætlicran gien.
þonne hine on holme hungor bysga
ond þone aglæcan ætes lysteþ,
onne se mereweard mu ontyne,
wide weleras; cyme wynsum stenc
- 55
- of his innoþe, þætte oþre þurh þone,
sæfisca cynn, beswicen weoraþ,
swimma sundhwate þær se sweta stenc
ut gewite. Hi þær in fara
unware weorude, oþþæt se wida ceafl
- 60
- gefylled bi; þonne færinga
ymbe þa herehuþe hlemme togædre
grimme goman. Swa biþ gumena gehwam,
se þe oftost his unwærlice
on þas lænan tid lif bisceawa,
- 65
- læte hine beswican þurh swetne stenc,
leasne willan, þæt he biþ leahtrum fah
wi wuldorcyning. Him se awyrgda ongean
æfter hinsiþe helle ontyne,
þam þe leaslice lices wynne
- 70
- ofer ferhtgereaht fremedon on unræd.
þonne se fæcna in þam fæstenne
gebroht hafa, bealwes cræftig,
æt þam edwylme þa þe him on cleofia,
gyltum gehrodene, ond ær georne his
- 75
- in hira lifdagum larum hyrdon,
þonne he þa grimman goman bihlemme
æfter feorhcwale fæste togædre,
helle hlinduru; nagon hwyrft ne swice,
utsiþ æfre, þa þær in cuma,
- 80
- þon ma þe þa fiscas faralacende
of þæs hwæles fenge hweorfan motan.
Forþon is eallinga
dryhtna dryhtne, ond a deoflum wisace
wordum ond weorcum, þæt we wuldorcyning
- 85
- geseon moton. Uton a sibbe to him
on þas hwilnan tid hælu secan,
þæt we mid swa leofne in lofe motan
to widan feore wuldres neotan.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hyrde ic secgan gen bi sumum fugle
wundorlicne
fæger,
þæt word þe gecwæ wuldres ealdor:
- 5
- "In swa hwylce tiid swa ge mid treowe to me
on hyge hweorfa, ond ge hellfirena
sweartra geswica, swa ic symle to eow
mid siblufan sona gecyrre
þurh milde mod. Ge beo me siþþan
- 10
- torhte tireadge talade ond rimde,
beorhte gebroþor on bearna stæl."
Uton we þy geornor gode oliccan,
firene feogan, friþes earnian,
dugue to dryhtne, þenden us dæg scine,
- 15
- þæt swa æþelne eardwica cyst
in wuldres wlite wunian motan.
Finit.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Huru, æs behofaþ hæleþa æghwylc
þæt he his sawle si sylfa bewitige,
hu þæt bi deoplic þonne se dea cyme,
asundra þa sibbe, þa þe ær somud wæron,
- 5
- lic ond sawle! Long bi siþþan
þæt se gæst nime æt gode sylfum
swa wite swa wuldor, swa him in worulde ær
efne þæt eorfæt ær geworhte.
Sceal se gæst cuman gehþum hremig,
- 10
- symle ymb seofon niht sawle findan
þone lichoman þe heo ær longe wæg,
þreo hund wintra,
butan ær wyrce ece dryhten,
ælmihtig god, ende worlde.
- 15
- Cleopa þonne swa cearful caldan reorde,
sprice grimlice gæst to þam duste:
"Hwæt, drug þu dreorga, to hwon dreahtest þu
me,
eorþan fylnes eal forweornast,
lames gelicnes! Lyt þu geþohtes
- 20
- to won þinre sawle si siþþan wurde,
siþþan heo of lichoman læded wære!
Hwæt, wite þu me, werga! Hwæt, þu huru wyrma gifl
lyt geþohtes, hu þis is long hider,
ond þe þurh engel ufan of roderum
- 25
- sawle onsende þurh his sylfes hond,
meotud ælmihtig, of his mægenþrymme,
ond þe þa gebohte blode þy halgan,
ond þu me þy heardan hungre gebunde
ond gehæftnadest helle witum!
- 30
- Eardode ic þe in innan. No ic þe of meahte,
flæsce bifongen, ond me firenlustas
þine geþrungon. þæt me þuhte ful oft
þæt wære þritig þusend wintra
to þinum deadæge. Hwæt, ic uncres gedales bad
- 35
- earfolice. Nis nu se ende to god!
Wære þu þe wiste wlonc ond wines sæd,
þrymful þunedest, ond ic ofþyrsted wæs
godes lichoman, gæstes drinces.
þær þu þonne hogode her on life,
- 40
- þenden ic þe in worulde wunian sceolde,
þæt þu wære þurh flæsc ond þurh firenlustas
stronge gestyred ond gestaþelad þurh mec,
ond ic wæs gæst on þe from gode sended,
næfre þu me swa heardra helle wita
- 45
- ned gearwode þurh þinra neoda lust.
Scealt þu nu hwæþre minra gescenta scome þrowian
on þam miclan dæge, þonne monna cynn
se ancenda ealle gegædra.
Ne eart þu nu þon leofre nængum lifgendra,
- 50
- menn to gemæccan, ne medder ne fæder,
ne nængum gesibbra, þonne se swearta hrefn,
siþþan ic ana of þe ut siþade
þurh þæs sylfes hond þe ic ær onsended wæs.
Ne magon þe nu heonan adon hyrste þa readan,
- 55
- ne gold ne sylfor ne þinra goda nan,
ac her sculon abidan ban bireafod,
besliten seonwum, ond þe þin sawl sceal
minum unwillan oft gesecan,
wemman mid wordum, swa þu worhtest to me.
- 60
- Eart þu dumb ond deaf, ne sindan þine dreamas wiht.
Sceal ic þe nihtes seþeah nyde gesecan,
synnum gesargad, ond eft sona from e
hweorfan on honcred, þonne halege menn
gode lifgendum lofsong do,
- 65
- secan þa hamas þe þu me ær scrife,
ond þa arleasan eardungstowe,
ond þe sculon moldwyrmas monige ceowan,
seonowum beslitan swearte wihte,
gifre ond grædge. Ne sindon þine geahþe wiht,
- 70
- þa þu her on moldan monnum eawdest.
Forþon þe wære selle swiþe micle
þonne þe wæran ealle eorþan spede,
(butan þu hy gedælde dryhtne sylfum),
þær þu wurde æt frumsceafte fugel oþþe fisc on sæ,
- 75
- oe eorþan neat ætes tiolode,
feldgongende feoh butan snyttro,
ge on westenne wildra deora
þæt grimmeste, þær swa god wolde,
ge þeah þu wære wyrmcynna þæt wyrreste,
- 80
- þonne þu æfre on moldan mon gewurde,
oþþe æfre fulwihte onfon sceolde.
þonne þu for unc bu ondwyrdan scealt
on þam miclan dæge, þonne eallum monnum beo
wunde onwrigene, þa þe in worulde ær
- 85
- firenfulle menn fyrn geworhton,
onne wile dryhten sylf dæda gehyran,
æt ealra monna gehwam muþes reorde
wunde wiþerlean. Ac hwæt wilt þu þær
on domdæge dryhtne secgan?
- 90
- þonne ne bi nænig to þæs lytel li on lime geweaxen,
þæt þu ne scyle for æghwylc anra onsundran
ryht agieldan, onne reþe bi
dryhten æt dome. Ac hwæt do wit unc,
þonne he unc hafa geedbyrded oþre siþe?
- 95
- Sculon wit þonne ætsomne siþþan brucan
swylcra yrmþa, swa þu unc ær scrife."
Firenaþ þus þæt flæschord, sceal þonne feran on weg,
secan helle grund, nales heofondreamas,
dædum gedrefed. Lige dust þær hit wæs,
- 100
- ne mæg him ondsware ænige secgan,
ne þær edringe ænge gehatan
gæste geomrum, geoce oþþe frofre.
Biþ þæt heafod tohliden, honda tohleoþode,
geaflas toginene, goman toslitene,
- 105
- seonwe beo asogene, sweora bicowen;
rib reafia reþe wyrmas,
drinca hloþum hra, heolfres þurstge.
Bi seo tunge totogen on tyn healfe
hungrum to hroþor. Forþon heo ne mæg horsclice
- 110
- wordum wrixlan wi þone wergan gæst.
Gifer hatte se wyrm, þam þa geaflas beo
nædle scearpran. Se geneþe to
ærest ealra on þam eorscræfe;
he þa tungan totyh ond þa toþas þurhsmyh,
- 115
- ond to ætwelan oþrum geryme,
ond þa eagan þurhite ufon on þæt heafod
wyrmum to wiste, þonne biþ þæt werge
lic acolad þæt he longe ær
werede mid wædum. Bi þonne wyrmes giefl,
- 120
- æt on eorþan. þæt mæg æghwylcum
men to gemyndum modsnotterra.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Welund him be wurman wræces cunnade,
anhydig eorl earfoþa dreag,
hæfde him to gesiþþe sorge ond longaþ,
wintercealde wræce; wean oft onfond,
- 5
- siþþan hine Nihad on nede legde,
swoncre seonobende on syllan monn.
þæs ofereode, þisses swa mæg!
Beadohilde ne wæs hyre broþra deaþ
on sefan swa sar swa hyre sylfre þing,
- 10
- þæt heo gearolice ongieten hæfde
þæt heo eacen wæs; æfre ne meahte
þriste geþencan, hu ymb þæt sceolde.
þæs ofereode, þisses swa mæg!
We þæt Mæhilde monge gefrugnon
- 15
- wurdon grundlease Geates frige,
þæt hi seo sorglufu slæp ealle binom.
þæs ofereode, þisses swa mæg!
eodric ahte þritig wintra
Mæringa burg; þæt wæs monegum cuþ.
- 20
- þæs ofereode, þisses swa mæg!
We geascodan Eormanrices
wylfenne geþoht; ahte wide folc
Gotena rices. þæt wæs grim cyning.
Sæt secg monig sorgum gebunden,
- 25
- wean on wenan, wyscte geneahhe
þæt þæs cynerices ofercumen wære.
þæs ofereode, þisses swa mæg!
Site sorgcearig, sælum bidæled,
on sefan sweorce, sylfum þince
- 30
- þæt sy endeleas earfoa dæl.
Mæg þonne geþencan, þæt geond þas woruld
witig dryhten wendeþ geneahhe,
eorle monegum are gesceawa,
wislicne blæd, sumum weana dæl.
- 35
- þæt ic bi me sylfum secgan wille,
þæt ic hwile wæs Heodeninga scop,
dryhtne dyre. Me wæs Deor noma.
Ahte ic fela wintra folga tilne,
holdne hlaford, oþþæt Heorrenda nu,
- 40
- leocræftig monn londryht geþah,
þæt me eorla hleo ær gesealde.
þæs ofereode, þisses swa mæg!
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Leodum is minum swylce him mon lac gife;
willa hy hine aþecgan, gif he on þreat cyme.
Ungelic is us.
Wulf is on iege, ic on oþerre.
- 5
- Fæst is þæt eglond, fenne biworpen.
Sindon wælreowe weras þær on ige;
willa hy hine aþecgan, gif he on þreat cyme.
Ungelice is us.
Wulfes ic mines widlastum wenum dogode;
- 10
- þonne hit wæs renig weder ond ic reotugu sæt,
þonne mec se beaducafa bogum bilegde,
wæs me wyn to þon, wæs me hwæþre eac la.
Wulf, min Wulf, wena me þine
seoce gedydon, þine seldcymas,
- 15
- murnende mod, nales meteliste.
Gehyrest þu, Eadwacer? Uncerne earne hwelp
bire wulf to wuda.
þæt mon eaþe toslite þætte næfre gesomnad wæs,
uncer giedd geador.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwylc is hæleþa þæs horsc ond þæs hygecræftig
þæt þæt mæge asecgan, hwa mec on si wræce,
þonne ic astige strong, stundum reþe,
þrymful þunie, þragum wræce
- 5
- fere geond foldan, folcsalo bærne,
ræced reafige? Recas stiga,
haswe ofer hrofum. Hlin bi on eorþan,
wælcwealm wera, þonne ic wudu hrere,
bearwas bledhwate, beamas fylle,
- 10
- holme gehrefed, heahum meahtum
wrecen on waþe, wide sended;
hæbbe me on hrycge þæt ær hadas wreah
foldbuendra, flæsc ond gæstas,
somod on sunde. Saga hwa mec þecce,
- 15
- oþþe hu ic hatte, þe þa hlæst bere.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwilum ic gewite, swa ne wenaþ men,
under yþa geþræc eorþan secan,
garsecges grund. Gifen biþ gewreged,
fam gewealcen;
- 5
- hwælmere hlimme, hlude grimme,
streamas staþu beata, stundum weorpaþ
on stealc hleoþa stane ond sonde,
ware ond wæge, þonne ic winnende,
holmmægne biþeaht, hrusan styrge,
- 10
- side sægrundas. Sundhelme ne mæg
losian ær mec læte se þe min latteow bi
on siþa gehwam. Saga, þoncol mon,
hwa mec bregde of brimes fæþmum,
þonne streamas eft stille weorþa,
- 15
- yþa geþwære, þe mec ær wrugon.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwilum mec min frea fæste genearwa,
sende þonne under salwonges
bearm þone bradan, ond on bid wrice,
þrafa on þystrum þrymma sumne,
- 5
- hæste on enge, þær me heord site
hruse on hrycge. Nah ic hwyrftweges
of þam aglace, ac ic eþelstol
hæleþa hrere; hornsalu wagia,
wera wicstede, weallas beofia,
- 10
- steape ofer stiwitum. Stille þynce
lyft ofer londe ond lagu swige,
oþþæt ic of enge up aþringe,
efne swa mec wisaþ se mec wræde on
æt frumsceafte furþum legde,
- 15
- bende ond clomme, þæt ic onbugan ne mot
of þæs gewealde þe me wegas tæcne.
Hwilum ic sceal ufan yþa wregan,
streamas styrgan ond to staþe þywan
flintgrægne flod. Famig winne
- 20
- wæg wi wealle, wonn arise
dun ofer dype; hyre deorc on last,
eare geblonden, oþer fere,
þæt hy gemitta mearclonde neah
hea hlincas. þær bi hlud wudu,
- 25
- brimgiesta breahtm, bida stille
stealc stanhleoþu streamgewinnes,
hopgehnastes, þonne heah geþring
on cleofu crydeþ. þær bi ceole wen
sliþre sæcce, gif hine sæ byre
- 30
- on þa grimman tid, gæsta fulne,
þæt he scyle rice birofen weorþan,
feore bifohten fæmig ridan
yþa hrycgum. þær bi egsa sum
ældum geywed, þara þe ic hyran sceal
- 35
- strong on stiweg. Hwa gestille þæt?
Hwilum ic þurhræse, þæt me on bæce ride
won wægfatu, wide toþringe
lagustreama full, hwilum læte eft
slupan tosomne. Se bi swega mæst,
- 40
- breahtma ofer burgum, ond gebreca hludast,
þonne scearp cyme sceo wiþ oþrum,
ecg wi ecge; earpan gesceafte
fus ofer folcum fyre swæta,
blacan lige, ond gebrecu fera
- 45
- deorc ofer dryhtum gedyne micle,
fara feohtende, feallan læta
sweart sumsendu seaw of bosme,
wætan of wombe. Winnende fare
atol eoredþreat, egsa astige,
- 50
- micel modþrea monna cynne,
brogan on burgum, þonne blace scotia
scriþende scin scearpum wæpnum.
Dol him ne ondræde a deasperu,
swylte hwæþre, gif him so meotud
- 55
- on geryhtu þurh regn ufan
of gestune læte stræle fleogan,
farende flan. Fea þæt gedyga,
þara þe geræce rynegiestes wæpen.
Ic þæs orleges or anstelle,
- 60
- þonne gewite wolcengehnaste
þurh geþræc þringan þrimme micle
ofer byrnan bosm. Bierste hlude
heah hlogecrod; þonne hnige eft
under lyfte helm londe near,
- 65
- ond me on hrycg hlade þæt ic habban sceal,
meahtum gemagnad mines frean.
Swa ic þrymful þeow þragum winne,
hwilum under eorþan, hwilum yþa sceal
hean underhnigan, hwilum holm ufan
- 70
- streamas styrge, hwilum stige up,
wolcnfare wrege, wide fere
swift ond swiþfeorm. Saga hwæt ic hatte,
oþþe hwa mec rære, þonne ic restan ne mot,
oþþe hwa mec stæþe, þonne ic stille beom.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic sceal þragbysig þegne minum,
hringum hæfted, hyran georne,
min bed brecan, breahtme cyþan
þæt me halswriþan hlaford sealde.
- 5
- Oft mec slæpwerigne secg oþe meowle
gretan eode; ic him gromheortum
winterceald oncweþe. Wearm lim
gebundenne bæg hwilum berste;
se þeah biþ on þonce þegne minum,
- 10
- medwisum men, me þæt sylfe,
þær wiht wite, ond wordum min
on sped mæge spel gesecgan.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom anhaga iserne wund,
bille gebennad, beadoweorca sæd,
ecgum werig. Oft ic wig seo,
frecne feohtan. Frofre ne wene,
- 5
- þæt me geoc cyme gugewinnes,
ær ic mid ældum eal forwure,
ac mec hnossia homera lafe,
heardecg heoroscearp, hondweorc smiþa,
bita in burgum; ic abidan sceal
- 10
- laþran gemotes. Næfre læcecynn
on folcstede findan meahte,
þara þe mid wyrtum wunde gehælde,
ac me ecga dolg eacen weora
þurh deaslege dagum ond nihtum.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Mec gesette so sigora waldend
Crist to compe. Oft ic cwice bærne,
unrimu cyn eorþan getenge,
næte mid niþe, swa ic him no hrine,
- 5
- þonne mec min frea feohtan hateþ.
Hwilum ic monigra mod arete,
hwilum ic frefre þa ic ær winne on
feorran swiþe; hi þæs fela þeah,
swylce þæs oþres, þonne ic eft hyra
- 10
- ofer deop gedreag drohta bete.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hrægl min swiga, þonne ic hrusan trede,
oþþe þa wic buge, oþþe wado drefe.
Hwilum mec ahebba ofer hæleþa byht
hyrste mine, ond þeos hea lyft,
- 5
- ond mec þonne wide wolcna strengu
ofer folc byre. Frætwe mine
swoga hlude ond swinsia,
torhte singa, þonne ic getenge ne beom
flode ond foldan, ferende gæst.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic þurh muþ sprece mongum reordum,
wrencum singe, wrixle geneahhe
heafodwoþe, hlude cirme,
healde mine wisan, hleoþre ne miþe,
- 5
- eald æfensceop, eorlum bringe
blisse in burgum, þonne ic bugendre
stefne styrme; stille on wicum
sitta nigende. Saga hwæt ic hatte,
þe swa scirenige sceawendwisan
- 10
- hlude onhyrge, hæleþum bodige
wilcumena fela woþe minre.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Mec on þissum dagum deadne ofgeafun
fæder ond modor; ne wæs me feorh þa gen,
ealdor in innan. þa mec an ongon,
welhold mege, wedum þeccan,
- 5
- heold ond freoþode, hleosceorpe wrah
swa arlice swa hire agen bearn,
oþþæt ic under sceate, swa min gesceapu wæron,
ungesibbum wear eacen gæste.
Mec seo friþe mæg fedde siþþan,
- 10
- oþþæt ic aweox, widdor meahte
siþas asettan. Heo hæfde swæsra þy læs
suna ond dohtra, þy heo swa dyde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Neb wæs min on nearwe, ond ic neoþan wætre,
flode underflowen, firgenstreamum
swiþe besuncen, ond on sunde awox
ufan yþum þeaht, anum getenge
- 5
- liþendum wuda lice mine.
Hæfde feorh cwico, þa ic of fæmum cwom
brimes ond beames on blacum hrægle;
sume wæron hwite hyrste mine,
þa mec lifgende lyft upp ahof,
- 10
- wind of wæge, siþþan wide bær
ofer seolhbaþo. Saga hwæt ic hatte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hrægl is min hasofag, hyrste beorhte,
reade ond scire on reafe minum.
Ic dysge dwelle ond dole hwette
unrædsiþas, oþrum styre
- 5
- nyttre fore. Ic þæs nowiht wat
þæt heo swa gemædde, mode bestolene,
dæde gedwolene, deoraþ mine
won wisan gehwam. Wa him þæs þeawes,
siþþan heah bringa horda deorast,
- 10
- gif hi unrædes ær ne geswicaþ.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Fotum ic fere, foldan slite,
grene wongas, þenden ic gæst bere.
Gif me feorh losa, fæste binde
swearte Wealas, hwilum sellan men.
- 5
- Hwilum ic deorum drincan selle
beorne of bosme, hwilum mec bryd triede
felawlonc fotum, hwilum feorran broht
wonfeax Wale wege ond þy,
dol druncmennen deorcum nihtum,
- 10
- wæte in wætre, wyrme hwilum
fægre to fyre; me on fæme sticaþ
hygegalan hond, hwyrfe geneahhe,
swife me geond sweartne. Saga hwæt ic hatte,
þe ic lifgende lond reafige
- 15
- ond æfter deaþe dryhtum þeowige.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic seah turf tredan, X wæron ealra,
VI gebroþor ond hyra sweostor mid;
hæfdon feorg cwico. Fell hongedon
sweotol ond gesyne on seles wæge
- 5
- anra gehwylces. Ne wæs hyra ængum þy wyrs,
ne sie þy sarre, þeah hy
swa sceoldon
reafe birofene, rodra weardes
meahtum aweahte, muþum slitan
haswe blede. Hrægl bi geniwad
- 10
- þam þe ær forcymene frætwe leton
licgan on laste, gewitan lond tredan.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic wæs wæpenwiga. Nu mec wlonc þece
geong hagostealdmon golde ond sylfore,
woum wirbogum. Hwilum weras cyssa,
hwilum ic to hilde hleoþre bonne
- 5
- wilgehleþan, hwilum wycg byreþ
mec ofer mearce, hwilum merehengest
fere ofer flodas frætwum beorhtne,
hwilum mæga sum minne gefylle
bosm beaghroden; hwilum ic bordum sceal,
- 10
- heard, heafodleas, behlyþed licgan,
hwilum hongige hyrstum frætwed,
wlitig on wage, þær weras drinca,
freolic fyrdsceorp. Hwilum folcwigan
on wicge wega, þonne ic winde sceal
- 15
- sincfag swelgan of sumes bosme;
hwilum ic gereordum rincas laige
wlonce to wine; hwilum wraþum sceal
stefne minre forstolen hreddan,
flyman feondsceaþan. Frige hwæt ic hatte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hals is min hwit ond heafod fealo,
sidan swa some. Swift ic eom on feþe,
beadowæpen bere. Me on bæce standa
her swylce swe on hleorum. Hlifia tu
- 5
- earan ofer eagum. Ordum ic steppe
in grene græs. Me bi gyrn witod,
gif mec onhæle an onfinde
wælgrim wiga, þær ic wic buge,
bold mid bearnum, ond ic bide þær
- 10
- mid geogucnosle, hwonne gæst cume
to durum minum, him biþ dea witod.
Forþon ic sceal of ele eaforan mine
forhtmod fergan, fleame nergan,
gif he me æfterweard ealles weorþe;
- 15
- hine bera breost. Ic his bidan ne dear,
reþes on geruman, (nele þæt ræd teale),
ac ic sceal fromlice feþemundum
þurh steapne beorg stræte wyrcan.
Eaþe ic mæg freora feorh genergan,
- 20
- gif ic mægburge mot mine gelædan
on degolne weg þurh dune þyrel
swæse ond gesibbe; ic me siþþan ne þearf
wælhwelpes wig wiht onsittan.
Gif se nisceaþa nearwe stige
- 25
- me on swaþe seceþ, ne tosæleþ him
on þam gegnpaþe guþgemotes,
siþþan ic þurh hylles hrof geræce,
ond þurh hest hrino hildepilum
lagewinnum, þam þe ic longe fleah.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Oft ic sceal wiþ wæge winnan ond wiþ winde feohtan,
somod wi þam sæcce, þonne ic secan gewite
eorþan yþum þeaht; me biþ se eþel fremde.
Ic beom strong þæs gewinnes, gif ic stille weorþe;
- 5
- gif me þæs tosæle, hi beo swiþran þonne ic,
ond mec slitende sona flyma,
willa oþfergan þæt ic friþian sceal.
Ic him þæt forstonde, gif min steort þola
ond mec stiþne wiþ stanas moton
- 10
- fæste gehabban. Frige hwæt ic hatte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom mundbora minre heorde,
eodorwirum fæst, innan gefylled
dryhtgestreona. Dægtidum oft
spæte sperebrogan; sped biþ þy mare
- 5
- fylle minre. Frea þæt bihealde,
hu me of hrife fleoga hyldepilas.
Hwilum ic sweartum swelgan onginne
brunum beadowæpnum, bitrum ordum,
eglum attorsperum. Is min inna til,
- 10
- wombhord wlitig, wloncum deore;
men gemunan þæt me þurh muþ fare.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom wunderlicu wiht; ne mæg word sprecan,
mældan for monnum, þeah ic muþ hæbbe,
wide wombe
Ic wæs on ceole ond mines cnosles ma.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic on siþe seah S R O
H hygewloncne, heafodbeorhtne,
swiftne ofer sælwong swiþe þrægan.
Hæfde him on hrycge hildeþryþe
- 5
- N O M nægledne rad
A N E W . Widlast ferede
rynestrong on rade rofne C O
F O A H . For wæs þy beorhtre,
swylcra siþfæt. Saga hwæt ic hatte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom wunderlicu wiht, on gewin sceapen,
frean minum leof, fægre gegyrwed.
Byrne is min bleofag, swylce beorht seoma
wir ymb þone wælgim þe me waldend geaf,
- 5
- se me widgalum wisa hwilum
sylfum to sace. þonne ic sinc wege
þurh hlutterne dæg, hondweorc smiþa,
gold ofer geardas. Oft ic gæstberend
cwelle compwæpnum. Cyning mec gyrwe
- 10
- since ond seolfre ond mec on sele weorþa;
ne wyrne wordlofes, wisan mæne
mine for mengo, þær hy meodu drinca,
healde mec on heaþore, hwilum læte eft
radwerigne on gerum sceacan,
- 15
- orlegfromne. Oft ic oþrum scod
frecne æt his freonde; fah eom ic wide,
wæpnum awyrged. Ic me wenan ne þearf
þæt me bearn wræce on bonan feore,
gif me gromra hwylc guþe genæge;
- 20
- ne weorþe sio mægburg gemicledu
eaforan minum þe ic æfter woc,
nymþe ic hlafordleas hweorfan mote
from þam healdende þe me hringas geaf.
Me bi for witod, gif ic frean hyre,
- 25
- guþe fremme, swa ic gien dyde
minum þeodne on þonc, þæt ic þolian sceal
bearngestreona. Ic wiþ bryde ne mot
hæmed habban, ac me þæs hyhtplegan
geno wyrne, se mec geara on
- 30
- bende legde; forþon ic brucan sceal
on hagostealde hæleþa gestreona.
Oft ic wirum dol wife abelge,
wonie hyre willan; heo me wom sprece,
floce hyre folmum, firenaþ mec wordum,
- 35
- ungod gæle. Ic ne gyme þæs compes
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Neb is min niþerweard; neol ic fere
ond be grunde græfe, geonge swa me wisa
har holtes feond, ond hlaford min
woh fære weard æt steorte,
- 5
- wrigaþ on wonge, wege mec ond þy,
saweþ on swæ min. Ic snyþige for,
brungen of bearwe, bunden cræfte,
wegen on wægne, hæbbe wundra fela;
me biþ gongendre grene on healfe
- 10
- ond min swæ sweotol sweart on oþre.
Me þurh hrycg wrecen hongaþ under
an orþoncpil, oþer on heafde,
fæst ond forweard. Fealleþ on sidan
þæt ic toþum tere, gif me teala þenaþ
- 15
- hindeweardre, þæt biþ hlaford min.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- ætsomne cwom LX monna
to wægstæþe wicgum ridan;
hæfdon XI eoredmæcgas
fridhengestas, IIII sceamas.
- 5
- Ne meahton magorincas ofer mere feolan,
swa hi fundedon, ac wæs flod to deop,
atol yþa geþræc, ofras hea,
streamas stronge. Ongunnon stigan þa
on wægn weras ond hyra wicg somod
- 10
- hlodan under hrunge; þa þa hors obær
eh ond eorlas, æscum dealle,
ofer wætres byht wægn to lande,
swa hine oxa ne teah ne esna mægen
ne fæthengest, ne on flode swom,
- 15
- ne be grunde wod gestum under,
ne lagu drefde, ne on lyfte fleag,
ne under bæc cyrde; brohte hwæþre
beornas ofer burnan ond hyra bloncan mid
from stæe heaum, þæt hy stopan up
- 20
- on oþerne, ellenrofe,
weras of wæge, ond hyra wicg gesund.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Agof is min noma eft onhwyrfed;
ic eom wrætlic wiht on gewin sceapen.
þonne ic onbuge, ond me of bosme fare
ætren onga, ic beom eallgearo
- 5
- þæt ic me þæt feorhbealo feor aswape.
Siþþan me se waldend, se me þæt wite gescop,
leoþo forlæte, ic beo lengre þonne ær,
oþþæt ic spæte, spilde geblonden,
ealfelo attor þæt ic ær geap.
- 10
- Ne togonge þæs gumena hwylcum,
ænigum eaþe þæt ic þær ymb sprice,
gif hine hrine þæt me of hrife fleoge,
þæt þone mandrinc mægne geceapaþ,
fullwered fæste feore sine.
- 15
- Nelle ic unbunden ænigum hyran
nymþe searosæled. Saga hwæt ic hatte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom wunderlicu wiht, wræsne mine stefne,
hwilum beorce swa hund, hwilum blæte swa gat,
hwilum græde swa gos, hwilum gielle swa hafoc,
hwilum ic onhyrge þone haswan earn,
- 5
- gufugles hleoþor, hwilum glidan reorde
muþe gemæne, hwilum mæwes song,
þær ic glado sitte. gifu mec nemna,
swylce aesc ond rad os fulleste,
haegl ond is. Nu ic haten eom
- 10
- swa þa siex stafas sweotule becnaþ.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom wunderlicu wiht, wifum on hyhte,
neahbuendum nyt; nængum sceþþe
burgsittendra, nymþe bonan anum.
Staþol min is steapheah, stonde ic on bedde,
- 5
- neoþan ruh nathwær. Neþe hwilum
ful cyrtenu ceorles dohtor,
modwlonc meowle, þæt heo on mec gripe,
ræse mec on reodne, reafa min heafod,
fege mec on fæsten. Feleþ sona
- 10
- mines gemotes, seo þe mec nearwa,
wif wundenlocc. Wæt bi þæt eage.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Mec feonda sum feore besnyþede,
woruldstrenga binom, wætte siþþan,
dyfde on wætre, dyde eft þonan,
sette on sunnan, þær ic swiþe beleas
- 5
- herum þam þe ic hæfde. Heard mec siþþan
sna seaxses ecg, sindrum begrunden;
fingras feoldan, ond mec fugles wyn
geond speddropum spyrede geneahhe,
ofer brunne brerd, beamtelge swealg,
- 10
- streames dæle, stop eft on mec,
siþade sweartlast. Mec siþþan wrah
hæle hleobordum, hyde beþenede,
gierede mec mid golde; forþon me gliwedon
wrætlic weorc smiþa, wire bifongen.
- 15
- Nu þa gereno ond se reada telg
ond þa wuldorgesteald wide mære
dryhtfolca helm, nales dol wite.
Gif min bearn wera brucan willa,
hy beo þy gesundran ond þy sigefæstran,
- 20
- heortum þy hwætran ond þy hygebliþran,
ferþe þy frodran, habbaþ freonda þy ma,
swæsra ond gesibbra, soþra ond godra,
tilra ond getreowra, þa hyra tyr ond ead
estum yca ond hy arstafum
- 25
- lissum bilecga ond hi lufan fæþmum
fæste clyppa. Frige hwæt ic hatte,
niþum to nytte. Nama min is mære,
hæleþum gifre ond halig sylf.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom weor werum, wide funden,
brungen of bearwum ond of burghleoþum,
of denum ond of dunum. Dæges mec wægun
feþre on lifte, feredon mid liste
- 5
- under hrofes hleo. Hæle mec siþþan
baþedan in bydene. Nu ic eom bindere
ond swingere, sona weorpe
esne to eorþan, hwilum ealdne ceorl.
Sona þæt onfinde, se þe mec feh ongean,
- 10
- ond wi mægenþisan minre genæste,
þæt he hrycge sceal hrusan secan,
gif he unrædes ær ne geswice,
strengo bistolen, strong on spræce,
mægene binumen; nah his modes geweald,
- 15
- fota ne folma. Frige hwæt ic hatte,
e on eorþan swa esnas binde,
dole æfter dyntum be dæges leohte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Biþ foldan dæl fægre gegierwed
mid þy heardestan ond mid þy scearpestan
ond mid þy grymmestan gumena gestreona,
corfen, sworfen, cyrred, þyrred,
- 5
- bunden, wunden, blæced, wæced,
frætwed, geatwed, feorran læded
to durum dryhta. Dream bi in innan
cwicra wihta, clenge, lenge,
þara þe ær lifgende longe hwile
- 10
- wilna bruce ond no wi sprice,
ond þonne æfter deaþe deman onginne,
meldan mislice. Micel is to hycganne
wisfæstum menn, hwæt seo wiht sy.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic wiht geseah wundorlice
hornum bitweonum huþe lædan,
lyftfæt leohtlic, listum gegierwed,
huþe to þam ham of þam heresiþe;
- 5
- walde hyre on þære byrig bur atimbran,
searwum asettan, gif hit swa meahte.
a cwom wundorlicu wiht ofer wealles hrof,
seo is eallum cu eorbuendum,
ahredde þa þa huþe ond to ham bedraf
- 10
- wreccan ofer willan, gewat hyre west þonan
fæhþum feran, for onette.
Dust stonc to heofonum, deaw feol on eorþan,
niht for gewat. Nænig siþþan
wera gewiste þære wihte si.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom legbysig, lace mid winde,
bewunden mid wuldre, wedre gesomnad,
fus forweges, fyre gebysgad,
bearu blowende, byrnende gled.
- 5
- Ful oft mec gesiþas senda æfter hondum,
þæt mec weras ond wif wlonce cyssa.
þonne ic mec onhæbbe, ond hi onhnigaþ to me
monige mid miltse, þær ic monnum sceal
ycan upcyme eadignesse.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Is þes middangeard missenlicum
wisum gewlitegad, wrættum gefrætwad.
Ic seah sellic þing singan on ræcede;
wiht wæs nower werum on gemonge,
- 5
- sio hæfde wæstum wundorlicran.
Niþerweard wæs neb hyre,
fet ond folme fugele gelice;
no hwæþre fleogan mæg ne fela gongan,
hwæþre feþegeorn fremman onginne,
- 10
- gecoren cræftum, cyrre geneahhe
oft ond gelome eorlum on gemonge,
site æt symble, sæles bideþ,
hwonne ær heo cræft hyre cyþan mote
werum on wonge. Ne heo þær wiht þige
- 15
- þæs þe him æt blisse beornas habba.
Deor domes georn, hio dumb wuna;
hwæþre hyre is on fote fæger hleoþor,
wynlicu wogiefu. Wrætlic me þince,
hu seo wiht mæge wordum lacan
- 20
- þurh fot neoþan, frætwed hyrstum.
Hafa hyre on halse, þonne hio hord wara,
bær, beagum deall, broþor sine,
mæg mid mægne. Micel is to hycgenne
wisum woboran, hwæt sio wiht sie.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Is þes middangeard missenlicum
wisum gewlitegad, wrættum gefrætwad.
Siþum sellic ic seah searo hweorfan,
grindan wi greote, giellende faran.
- 5
- Næfde sellicu wiht syne ne folme,
exle ne earmas; sceal on anum fet
searoceap swifan, swiþe feran,
faran ofer feldas. Hæfde fela ribba;
mu wæs on middan. Moncynne nyt,
- 10
- fere foddurwelan, folcscipe dreoge,
wist in wige, ond werum gielde
gaful geara gehwam þæs þe guman bruca,
rice ond heane. Rece, gif þu cunne,
wis worda gleaw, hwæt sio wiht sie.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wiht cwom æfter wege wrætlicu liþan,
cymlic from ceole cleopode to londe,
hlinsade hlude; hleahtor wæs gryrelic,
egesful on earde, ecge wæron scearpe.
- 5
- Wæs hio hetegrim, hilde to sæne,
biter beadoweorca; bordweallas grof,
heardhiþende. Heterune bond,
sægde searocræftig ymb hyre sylfre gesceaft:
"Is min modor mæga cynnes
- 10
- þæs deorestan, þæt is dohtor min
eacen up liden, swa þæt is ældum cuþ,
firum on folce, þæt seo on foldan sceal
on ealra londa gehwam lissum stondan."
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic wiht geseah in wera burgum,
seo þæt feoh fede. Hafa fela toþa;
nebb biþ hyre æt nytte, niþerweard gonge,
hiþe holdlice ond to ham tyh,
- 5
- wæþe geond weallas, wyrte sece;
aa heo þa finde, þa þe fæst ne biþ;
læte hio þa wlitigan, wyrtum fæste,
stille stondan on staþolwonge,
beorhte blican, blowan ond growan.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Mec se wæta wong, wundrum freorig,
of his innaþe ærist cende.
Ne wat ic mec beworhtne wulle flysum,
hærum þurh heahcræft, hygeþoncum min.
- 5
- Wundene me ne beo wefle, ne ic wearp hafu,
ne þurh þreata geþræcu þræd me ne hlimme,
ne æt me hrutende hrisil scriþe,
ne mec ohwonan sceal am cnyssan.
Wyrmas mec ne awæfan wyrda cræftum,
- 10
- þa þe geolo godwebb geatwum frætwa.
Wile mec mon hwæþre seþeah wide ofer eorþan
hatan for hæleþum hyhtlic gewæde.
Saga socwidum, searoþoncum gleaw,
wordum wisfæst, hwæt þis gewæde sy.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic wiht geseah on wege feran,
seo wæs wrætlice wundrum gegierwed.
Hæfde feowere fet under wombe
ond ehtuwe
- 5
- monn h w M wiif m x l kf wf hors qxxs
ufon on hrycge;
hæfde tu fiþru ond twelf eagan
ond siex heafdu. Saga hwæt hio wære.
For flodwegas; ne wæs þæt na fugul ana,
- 10
- ac þær wæs æghwylces anra gelicnes
horses ond monnes, hundes ond fugles,
ond eac wifes wlite. þu wast, gif þu const,
to gesecganne, þæt we so witan,
hu þære wihte wise gonge.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic þa wihte geseah; womb wæs on hindan
þriþum aþrunten. þegn folgade,
mægenrofa man, ond micel hæfde
gefered þæt hit felde, fleah þurh his eage.
- 5
- Ne swylte he symle, þonne syllan sceal
inna þam oþrum, ac him eft cyme
bot in bosme, blæd biþ aræred;
he sunu wyrce, bi him sylfa fæder.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic þa wiht geseah wæpnedcynnes,
geogumyrþe grædig; him on gafol forlet
ferfriþende feower wellan
scire sceotan, on gesceap þeotan.
- 5
- Mon maþelade, se þe me gesægde:
"Seo wiht, gif hio gedyge, duna brice;
gif he tobirste, binde cwice."
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Gewritu secga þæt seo wiht sy
mid moncynne miclum tidum
sweotol ond gesyne. Sundorcræft hafa
maran micle, þonne hit men witen.
- 5
- Heo wile gesecan sundor æghwylcne
feorhberendra, gewite eft feran on weg.
Ne bi hio næfre niht þær oþre,
ac hio sceal wideferh wreccan laste
hamleas hweorfan; no þy heanre biþ.
- 10
- Ne hafa hio fot ne folme, ne æfre foldan
hran,
ne eagena ægþer twega,
ne mu hafaþ, ne wiþ monnum spræc,
ne gewit hafa, ac gewritu secga
þæt seo sy earmost ealra wihta,
- 15
- þara þe æfter gecyndum cenned wære.
Ne hafa hio sawle ne feorh, ac hio siþas sceal
geond þas wundorworuld wide dreogan.
Ne hafaþ hio blod ne ban, hwæþre bearnum wear
geond þisne middangeard mongum to frofre.
- 20
- Næfre hio heofonum hran, ne to helle mot,
ac hio sceal wideferh wuldorcyninges
larum lifgan. Long is to secganne
hu hyre ealdorgesceaft æfter gonge,
woh wyrda gesceapu; þæt is wrætlic þing
- 25
- to gesecganne. So is æghwylc
þara þe ymb þas wiht wordum becne;
ne hafa heo ænig lim, leofaþ efne seþeah.
Gif þu mæge reselan recene gesecgan
soþum wordum, saga hwæt hio hatte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ece is se scyppend, se þas eorþan nu
wrestuþum wealde ond þas world healde.
Rice is se reccend ond on ryht cyning
ealra anwalda, eorþan ond heofones,
- 5
- healde ond wealde, swa he ymb þas utan hweorfe.
He mec wrætlice worhte æt frymþe,
þa he þisne ymbhwyrft ærest sette,
heht mec wæccende wunian longe,
þæt ic ne slepe siþþan æfre,
- 10
- ond mec semninga slæp ofergongeþ,
beo eagan min ofestum betyned.
þisne middangeard meahtig dryhten
mid his onwalde æghwær styre;
swa ic mid waldendes worde ealne
- 15
- þisne ymbhwyrft utan ymbclyppe.
Ic eom to þon blea, þæt mec bealdlice mæg
gearu gongende grima abregan,
ond eofore eom æghwær cenra,
þonne he gebolgen bidsteal giefe;
- 20
- ne mæg mec oferswiþan segnberendra
ænig ofer eorþan, nymþe se ana god
se þisne hean heofon healdeþ ond wealdeþ.
Ic eom on stence strengre micle
þonne ricels oþþe rose sy,
- 25
- on eorþan tyrf
wynlic weaxe; ic eom wræstre þonne heo.
þeah þe lilie sy leof moncynne,
beorht on blostman, ic eom betre þonne heo;
swylce ic nardes stenc nyde oferswiþe
- 30
- mid minre swetnesse symle æghwær,
ond ic fulre eom þonne þis fen swearte
þæt her yfle adelan stince.
Eal ic under heofones hwearfte recce,
swa me leof fæder lærde æt frymþe,
- 35
- þæt ic þa mid ryhte reccan moste
þicce ond þynne; þinga gehwylces
onlicnesse æghwær healde.
Hyrre ic eom heofone, hateþ mec heahcyning
his deagol þing dyre bihealdan;
- 40
- eac ic under eorþan eal sceawige
wom wrascrafu wraþra gæsta.
Ic eom micle yldra þonne ymbhwyrft þes
oþþe þes middangeard meahte geweorþan,
ond ic giestron wæs geong acenned
- 45
- mære to monnum þurh minre modor hrif.
Ic eom fægerre frætwum goldes,
þeah hit mon awerge wirum utan;
ic eom wyrslicre þonne þes wudu fula
oe þis waro þe her aworpen lige.
- 50
- Ic eorþan eom æghwær brædre,
ond widgielra þonne þes wong grena;
folm mec mæg bifon ond fingras þry
utan eaþe ealle ymbclyppan.
Heardra ic eom ond caldra þonne se hearda forst,
- 55
- hrim heorugrimma, þonne he to hrusan cyme;
ic eom Ulcanus up irnendan
leohtan leoman lege hatra.
Ic eom on goman gena swetra
þonne þu beobread blende mid hunige;
- 60
- swylce ic eom wraþre þonne wermod sy,
þe her on hyrstum heasewe stondeþ.
Ic mesan mæg meahtelicor
ond efnetan ealdum þyrse,
ond ic gesælig mæg symle lifgan
- 65
- þeah ic ætes ne sy æfre to feore.
Ic mæg fromlicor fleogan þonne pernex
oþþe earn oþþe hafoc æfre meahte;
nis zefferus, se swifta wind,
þæt swa fromlice mæg feran æghwær;
- 70
- me is snægl swiftra, snelra regnwyrm
ond fenyce fore hreþre;
is þæs gores sunu gonge hrædra,
þone we wifel wordum nemna.
Hefigere ic eom micle þonne se hara stan
- 75
- oþþe unlytel leades clympre,
leohtre ic eom micle þonne þes lytla wyrm
þe her on flode gæ fotum dryge.
Flinte ic eom heardre þe þis fyr drifeþ
of þissum strongan style heardan,
- 80
- hnescre ic eom micle halsrefeþre,
seo her on winde wæwe on lyfte.
Ic eorþan eom æghwær brædre
ond widgelra þonne þes wong grena;
ic uttor eaþe eal ymbwinde,
- 85
- wrætlice gewefen wundorcræfte.
Nis under me ænig oþer
wiht waldendre on worldlife;
ic eom ufor ealra gesceafta,
þara þe worhte waldend user,
- 90
- se mec ana mæg ecan meahtum,
geþeon þrymme, þæt ic onþunian ne sceal.
Mara ic eom ond strengra þonne se micla hwæl,
se þe garsecges grund bihealde
sweartan syne; ic eom swiþre þonne he,
- 95
- swylce ic eom on mægene minum læsse
þonne se hondwyrm, se þe hæleþa bearn,
secgas searoþoncle, seaxe delfa.
Nu hafu ic in heafde hwite loccas
wræste gewundne, ac ic eom wide calu;
- 100
- ne ic breaga ne bruna brucan moste,
ac mec bescyrede scyppend eallum;
nu me wrætlice weaxa on heafde
þæt me on gescyldrum scinan motan
ful wrætlice wundne loccas.
- 105
- Mara ic eom ond fættra þonne amæsted swin,
bearg bellende, þe on bocwuda,
won wrotende wynnum lifde
þæt he
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- edniwu;
þæt is moddor monigra cynna,
þæs selestan, þæs sweartestan,
þæs deorestan þæs þe dryhta bearn
- 5
- ofer foldan sceat to gefean agen.
Ne magon we her in eorþan owiht lifgan,
nyme we brucen þæs þa bearn do.
þæt is to geþencanne þeoda gehwylcum,
wisfæstum werum, hwæt seo wiht sy.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic seah wyhte wrætlice twa
undearnunga ute plegan
hæmedlaces; hwitloc anfeng
wlanc under wædum, gif þæs weorces speow,
- 5
- fæmne fyllo. Ic on flette mæg
þurh runstafas rincum secgan,
þam þe bec witan, bega ætsomne
naman þara wihta. þær sceal Nyd wesan
twega oþer ond se torhta æsc
- 10
- an an linan, Acas twegen,
Hægelas swa some. Hwylc þæs hordgates
cægan cræfte þa clamme onleac
þe þa rædellan wi rynemenn
hygefæste heold heortan bewrigene
- 15
- orþoncbendum? Nu is undyrne
werum æt wine hu þa wihte mid us,
heanmode twa, hatne sindon.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic wat indryhtne æþelum deorne
giest in geardum, þam se grimma ne mæg
hungor scean ne se hata þurst,
yldo ne adle. Gif him arlice
- 5
- esne þena, se þe agan sceal
on þam sifate, hy gesunde æt ham
finda witode him wiste ond blisse,
cnosles unrim, care, gif se esne
his hlaforde hyre yfle,
- 10
- frean on fore. Ne wile forht wesan
broþor oþrum; him þæt bam scee,
þonne hy from bearme begen hweorfa
anre magan ellorfuse,
moddor ond sweostor. Mon, se þe wille,
- 15
- cyþe cynewordum hu se cuma hatte,
eþa se esne, þe ic her ymb sprice.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wrætlic honga bi weres þeo,
frean under sceate. Foran is þyrel.
Bi stiþ ond heard, stede hafa godne;
þonne se esne his agen hrægl
- 5
- ofer cneo hefe, wile þæt cuþe hol
mid his hangellan heafde gretan
þæt he efenlang ær oft gefylde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic on wincle gefrægn weaxan nathwæt,
þindan ond þunian, þecene hebban;
on þæt banlease bryd grapode,
hygewlonc hondum, hrægle þeahte
- 5
- þrindende þing þeodnes dohtor.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wer sæt æt wine mid his wifum twam
ond his twegen suno ond his twa dohtor,
swase gesweostor, ond hyra suno twegen,
freolico frumbearn; fæder wæs þær inne
- 5
- þara æþelinga æghwæres mid,
eam ond nefa. Ealra wæron fife
eorla ond idesa insittendra.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Moe word fræt. Me þæt þuhte
wrætlicu wyrd, þa ic þæt wundor gefrægn,
þæt se wyrm forswealg wera gied sumes,
þeof in þystro, þrymfæstne cwide
- 5
- ond þæs strangan staþol. Stælgiest ne wæs
wihte þy gleawra, þe he þam wordum swealg.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic gefrægn for hæleþum hring endean,
torhtne butan tungan, tila þeah he hlude
stefne ne cirmde, strongum wordum.
Sinc for secgum swigende cwæ:
- 5
- "Gehæle mec, helpend gæsta."
Ryne ongietan readan goldes
guman galdorcwide, gleawe beþencan
hyra hælo to gode, swa se hring gecwæ.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic wat eardfæstne anne standan,
deafne, dumban, se oft dæges swilge
þurh gopes hond gifrum lacum.
Hwilum on þam wicum se wonna þegn,
- 5
- sweart ond saloneb, sende oþre
under goman him golde dyrran,
þa æþelingas oft wilnia,
cyningas ond cwene. Ic þæt cyn nu gen
nemnan ne wille, þe him to nytte swa
- 10
- ond to dugþum doþ þæt se dumba her,
eorp unwita, ær forswilge.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wiga is on eorþan wundrum acenned
dryhtum to nytte, of dumbum twam
torht atyhted, þone on teon wige
feond his feonde. Forstrangne oft
- 5
- wif hine wri; he him wel here,
þeowaþ him geþwære, gif him þegnia
mæge ond mæcgas mid gemete ryhte,
feda hine fægre; he him fremum stepe
life on lissum. Leana grimme
- 10
- þam þe hine wloncne weorþan læte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic seah wrætlice wuhte feower
samed siþian; swearte wæran lastas,
swaþu swiþe blacu. Swift wæs on fore,
fuglum framra; fleag on
lyfte,
- 5
- deaf under yþe. Dreag unstille
winnende wiga se him wegas tæcneþ
ofer fæted gold feower eallum.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic seah ræpingas in ræced fergan
under hrof sales hearde twegen,
þa wæron genamnan, nearwum bendum
gefeterade fæste togædre;
- 5
- þara oþrum wæs an getenge
wonfah Wale, seo weold hyra
bega siþe bendum fæstra.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic seah on bearwe beam hlifian,
tanum torhtne. þæt treow wæs on wynne,
wudu weaxende. Wæter hine ond eorþe
feddan fægre, oþþæt he frod dagum
- 5
- on oþrum wear aglachade
deope gedolgod, dumb in bendum,
wriþen ofer wunda, wonnum hyrstum
foran gefrætwed. Nu he fæcnum weg
þurh his heafdes mægen hildegieste
- 10
- oþrum ryme. Oft hy an yste strudon
hord ætgædre; hræd wæs ond unlæt
se æftera, gif se ærra fær
genamnan in nearowe neþan moste.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hyse cwom gangan, þær he hie wisse
stondan in wincsele, stop feorran to,
hror hægstealdmon, hof his agen
hrægl hondum up, hrand under gyrdels
- 5
- hyre stondendre stiþes nathwæt,
worhte his willan; wagedan buta.
þegn onnette, wæs þragum nyt
tillic esne, teorode hwæþre
æt stunda gehwam strong ær þon hio,
- 10
- werig þæs weorces. Hyre weaxan ongon
under gyrdelse þæt oft gode men
ferþum freoga ond mid feo bicga.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic seah in healle, þær hæle druncon,
on flet beran feower cynna,
wrætlic wudutreow ond wunden gold,
sinc searobunden, ond seolfres dæl
- 5
- ond rode tacn, þæs us to roderum up
hlædre rærde, ær he helwara
burg abræce. Ic þæs beames mæg
eaþe for eorlum æþelu secgan;
þær wæs hlin ond acc ond se hearda iw
- 10
- ond se fealwa holen; frean sindon ealle
nyt ætgædre, naman habba anne,
wulfheafedtreo, þæt oft wæpen abæd
his mondryhtne, mam in healle,
goldhilted sweord. Nu me þisses gieddes
- 15
- ondsware ywe, se hine on mede
wordum secgan hu se wudu hatte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic wæs þær inne þær ic ane geseah
winnende wiht wido bennegean,
holt hweorfende; heaþoglemma feng,
deopra dolga. Daroþas wæron
- 5
- weo þære wihte, ond se wudu searwum
fæste gebunden. Hyre fota wæs
biidfæst oþer, oþer bisgo dreag,
leolc on lyfte, hwilum londe neah.
Treow wæs getenge þam þær torhtan stod
- 10
- leafum bihongen. Ic lafe geseah
minum hlaforde, þær hæle druncon,
þara flana geweorc, on flet
beran.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- eos lyft byre lytle wihte
ofer beorghleoþa. þa sind blace swiþe,
swearte salopade. Sanges rope
heapum fera, hlude cirma,
- 5
- treda bearonæssas, hwilum burgsalo
niþþa bearna. Nemna hy sylfe.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic wat anfete ellen dreogan
wiht on wonge. Wide ne fere,
ne fela ride, ne fleogan mæg
þurh scirne dæg, ne hie scip fere,
- 5
- naca nægledbord; nyt bi hwæþre
hyre mondryhtne monegum tidum.
Hafa hefigne steort, heafod lytel,
tungan lange, to nænigne,
isernes dæl; eorgræf pæþe.
- 10
- Wætan ne swelgeþ ne wiht iteþ,
foþres ne gitsa, fere oft swa þeah
lagoflod on lyfte; life ne gielpe,
hlafordes gifum, hyre swa þeana
þeodne sinum. þry sind in naman
- 15
- ryhte runstafas, þara is Rad foran.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic seah in healle hring gyldenne
men sceawian, modum gleawe,
ferþþum frode. Friþospede bæd
god nergende gæste sinum
- 5
- se þe wende wriþan; word æfter cwæ
hring on hyrede, hælend nemde
tillfremmendra. Him torhte in gemynd
his dryhtnes naman dumba brohte
ond in eagna gesih, gif þæs æþelan
- 10
- goldes tacen ongietan cuþe
ond dryhtnes dolg, don swa
þæs beages
benne cwædon. Ne mæg þære bene
æniges monnes ungefullodre
godes ealdorburg gæst gesecan,
- 15
- rodera ceastre. Ræde, se þe wille,
hu æs wrætlican wunda cwæden
hringes to hæleþum, þa he in healle wæs
wylted ond wended wloncra folmum.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic þis giedd wrece bi me ful geomorre,
minre sylfre si. Ic þæt secgan mæg,
hwæt ic yrmþa gebad, siþþan ic up weox,
niwes oþþe ealdes, no ma þonne nu.
- 5
- A ic wite wonn minra wræcsiþa.
ærest min hlaford gewat heonan of leodum
ofer yþa gelac; hæfde ic uhtceare
hwær min leodfruma londes wære.
a ic me feran gewat folga secan,
- 10
- wineleas wrecca, for minre weaþearfe.
Ongunnon þæt þæs monnes magas hycgan
þurh dyrne geþoht, þæt hy todælden unc,
þæt wit gewidost in woruldrice
lifdon lalicost, ond mec longade.
- 15
- Het mec hlaford min herheard niman,
ahte ic leofra lyt on þissum londstede,
holdra freonda. Forþon is min hyge geomor,
a ic me ful gemæcne monnan funde,
heardsæligne, hygegeomorne,
- 20
- mod miþendne, morþor hycgendne.
Bliþe gebæro ful oft wit beotedan
þæt unc ne gedælde nemne dea ana
owiht elles; eft is þæt onhworfen,
is nu swa hit no wære
- 25
- freondscipe uncer. Sceal ic feor ge neah
mines felaleofan fæhu dreogan.
Heht mec mon wunian on wuda bearwe,
under actreo in þam eorscræfe.
Eald is þes eorsele, eal ic eom oflongad,
- 30
- sindon dena dimme, duna uphea,
bitre burgtunas, brerum beweaxne,
wic wynna leas. Ful oft mec her wraþe begeat
fromsiþ frean. Frynd sind on eorþan,
leofe lifgende, leger weardia,
- 35
- þonne ic on uhtan ana gonge
under actreo geond þas eorscrafu.
þær ic sittan mot sumorlangne dæg,
þær ic wepan mæg mine wræcsiþas,
earfoþa fela; forþon ic æfre ne mæg
- 40
- þære modceare minre gerestan,
ne ealles þæs longaþes þe mec on þissum life begeat.
A scyle geong mon wesan geomormod,
heard heortan geþoht, swylce habban sceal
bliþe gebæro, eac þon breostceare,
- 45
- sinsorgna gedreag, sy æt him sylfum gelong
eal his worulde wyn, sy ful wide fah
feorres folclondes, þæt min freond site
under stanhliþe storme behrimed,
wine werigmod, wætre beflowen
- 50
- on dreorsele. Dreoge se min wine
micle modceare; he gemon to oft
wynlicran wic. Wa bi þam þe sceal
of langoþe leofes abidan.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- æt gelimpan sceal, þætte lagu flowe,
flod ofer foldan; feores bi æt ende
anra gehwylcum. Oft mæg se þe wile
in his sylfes sefan so geþencan.
- 5
- Hafa him geþinged hider þeoden user
on þam mæstan dæge, mægencyninga hyhst,
wile þonne forbærnan brego moncynnes
lond mid lige. Nis þæt lytulu spræc
to geheganne. Hat bi onæled,
- 10
- siþþan fyr nime foldan sceatas,
byrnende lig beorhte gesceafte;
bi eal þes ginna grund gleda gefylled,
reþra bronda, swa nu rixia
gromhydge guman, gylpe stryna,
- 15
- hyra hlaforde gehlæges tilga,
oþþæt hy beswica synna weardas,
þæt hi mid þy heape helle seca,
fleoga mid þam feondum. Him biþ fyr ongean,
droflic wite, þær næfre dæg scine
- 20
- leohte of lyfte, ac a bilocen stonde,
siþþan þæs gæstes gryre agiefen weorþe.
Ufan hit is enge ond hit is innan hat;
nis þæt betlic bold, ac þær is brogna hyhst,
ne noht hyhtlic ham, ac þær is helle grund,
- 25
- sarlic sifæt þam þe sibbe ful oft
tomælde mid his muþe. Ne con he þa mircan gesceaft,
hu hi butan ende ece stonde
þam þe þær for his synnum onsægd weorþe,
ond þonne a to ealdre orleg dreoge.
- 30
- Hwa is þonne þæs fergleaw, oþþe þæs fela
cunne,
þæt æfre mæge heofona heahþu gereccan,
swa georne þone godes dæl, swa he gearo stonde
clænum heortum, þam þe þisne cwide willa
ondrædan þus deopne? Sceal se dæg weorþan
- 35
- þæt we for bera firena gehwylce,
þeawas ond geþohtas; þæt bi þearlic gemot,
heardlic heremægen. Hat biþ acolod.
Ne biþ þonne on þisse worulde nymþe wætres sweg
fisces eþel;
- 40
- ne biþ her ban ne blod, ac sceal bearna gehwylc
mid lice ond mid sawle leanes fricgan
ealles þæs þe we on eorþan ær geworhtan
godes oþþe yfles. Ne mæg nænig gryre mare
geweorþan æfter worulde, ond se bi wide cu.
- 45
- Ne tytaþ her tungul, ac biþ tyr scæcen,
eorþan blædas. Forþon ic a wille
leode læran þæt hi lof godes
hergan on heahþu, hyhtum to wuldre
lifgen on geleafan, ond a lufan dryhtnes
- 50
- wyrcan in þisse worulde, ær þon se wlonca dæg
bodige þurh byman brynehatne leg,
egsan oferþrym. Ne bi nænges eorles tir
leng on þissum life, siþþan leohtes weard
ofer ealne foldan fæþm fyr onsende.
- 55
- Lixe lyftes mægen, leg onette,
blæc byrnende, blodgyte weorþe
mongum gemeldad, mægencyninges þrea;
beofa eal beorhte gesceaft, brondas laca
on þam deopan dæge, dyne upheofon.
- 60
- þonne weras ond wif woruld alæta,
eorþan yrmþu, seo þonne on ece gewyrht.
þonne bi gecyþed hwa in clænnisse
lif alifde; him bi lean gearo.
Hyht wæs a in heofonum, siþþan user hælend
wæs,
- 65
- middangeardes meotud, þurh þa mæstan gesceaft
on ful blacne beam bunden fæste
cearian clomme. Crist ealle wat
gode dæde; no þæs gilpan þearf
synfull sawel, þæt hyre sie swegl ongean,
- 70
- þonne he gehyrwe ful oft halge lare,
brigde on bysmer. Ne con he þæs brogan dæl,
yfles ondgiet, ær hit hine on fealle.
He þæt þonne onfinde, þonne se fær cymeþ,
geond middangeard monegum gecyþe,
- 75
- þæt he bi on þæt wynstre weorud wyrs gescaden,
þonne he on þa swiþran hond swican mote,
leahtra alysed. Lyt þæt geþence,
se þe him wines glæd wilna bruce,
site him symbelgal, siþ ne bemurne,
- 80
- hu him æfter þisse worulde weoran mote.
Wile þonne forgieldan gæsta dryhten
willum æfter þære wyrde, wuldres ealdor,
þam þe his synna nu sare geþenceþ,
modbysgunge micle dreoge;
- 85
- him þæt þonne geleana lifes waldend,
heofona hyrde, æfter heonansiþe
godum dædum, þæs þe he swa geomor wear,
sarig fore his synnum. Ne sceal se to sæne beon
ne þissa larna to læt, se þe him wile lifgan mid gode,
- 90
- brucan þæs boldes þe us beorht fæder
gearwa togeanes, gæsta ealdor.
þæt is sigedryhten þe þone sele frætwe,
timbre torhtlice; to sculon clæne,
womma lease, swa se waldend cwæ,
- 95
- ealra cyninga cyning. Forþon cwicra gehwylc,
deophydigra, dryhtne hyre,
þara þe wile heofona heahþu gestigan.
Hwæþre þæt gegonge, þeah þe hit sy greote beþeaht,
lic mid lame, þæt hit sceal life onfon,
- 100
- feores æfter foldan. Folc biþ gebonnen,
Adames bearn ealle to spræce;
beo þonne gegædrad gæst ond bansele,
gesomnad to þam siþe. Soþ þæt wile cyþan,
þonne we us gemitta on þam mæstan dæge,
- 105
- rincas æt þære rode, secga þonne ryhta fela,
eal swylce under heofonum gewear hates ond cealdes,
godes oþþe yfles; georne gehyre
heofoncyninga hyhst hæleþa dæde.
Næfre mon þæs hlude horn aþyte
- 110
- ne byman ablaweþ, þæt ne sy seo beorhte stefn
ofer ealne middangeard monnum hludre,
waldendes word; wongas beofia
for þam ærende þæt he to us eallum wat.
Oncweþ nu þisne cwide; cuþ sceal geweorþan
- 115
- þæt ic gewægan ne mæg wyrd under heofonum,
ac hit þus gelimpan sceal leoda gehwylcum
ofer eall beorht gesetu, byrnende lig.
Siþþan æfter þam lige lif bi gestaþelad,
welan ah in wuldre se nu wel þence.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Age mec se ælmihta god,
helpe min se halga dryhten! þu gesceope heofon ond eorþan
ond wundor eall, min wundorcyning,
þe þær on sindon, ece dryhten,
- 5
- micel ond manigfeald. Ic þe, mære god,
mine sawle bebeode ond mines sylfes lic,
ond min word ond min weorc, witig dryhten,
ond eal min leoþo, leohtes hyrde,
ond þa manigfealdan mine geþohtas.
- 10
- Getacna me, tungla hyrde,
þær selast sy sawle minre
to gemearcenne meotudes willan,
þæt ic þe geþeo þinga gehwylce,
ond on me sylfum, sofæst cyning,
- 15
- ræd arære. Regnþeof ne læt
on sceade sceþþan, þeah þe ic scyppendum
wuldorcyninge waccor hyrde,
ricum dryhtne, þonne min ræd wære.
Forgif me to lisse, lifgende god,
- 20
- bitre bealodæde. Ic þa bote gemon,
cyninga wuldor, cume to, gif ic mot.
Forgif þu me, min frea, fierst ond ondgiet
ond geþyld ond gemynd þinga gehwylces
þara þu me, soþfæst cyning, sendan wylle
- 25
- to cunnunge. Nu þu const on mec
firendæda fela, feorma mec hwæþre,
meotod, for þinre miltse, þeah þe ic ma fremede
grimra gylta þonne me god lyfde;
hæbbe ic þonne þearfe þæt ic þine seþeah,
- 30
- halges heofoncyninges, hyldo getilge
leorendum dagum, lif æfter oþrum
geseo ond gesece, þæt me siþþan þær
unne arfæst god ecan dreames,
lif alyfe, þeah þe lætlicor
- 35
- bette bealodæde þonne bibodu wæron
halgan heofonmægnes. Hwæt, þu me her fela
...... forgeafe. Gesette minne hyht on þec,
forhte foreþoncas, þæt hio fæstlice
stonde gestaelad. Onstep minne hige,
- 40
- gæsta god cyning, in gearone ræd.
Nu ic fundige to þe, fæder moncynnes,
of þisse worulde, nu ic wat þæt ic sceal,
ful unfyr faca; feorma me þonne,
wyrda waldend, in þinne wuldordream,
- 45
- ond mec geleoran læt, leofra dryhten,
geoca mines gæstes. þonne is gromra to fela
æfestum eaden, hæbbe ic þonne
æt frean frofre, þeah þe ic ær on fyrste lyt
earnode arna. Forlæt mec englas seþeah
- 50
- geniman on þinne neawest, nergende cyning,
meotud, for þinre miltse. þeah e ic mana fela
æfter dogrum dyde, ne læt þu mec næfre deofol seþeah
þin lim lædan on lane si,
þy læs hi on þone foreþonc gefeon motan
- 55
- þy þe hy him sylfum sellan þuhten
englas oferhydige þonne ece Crist.
Gelugon hy him æt þam geleafan; forþon hy longe scul...,
werge wihta, wræce þrowian.
Forstond þu mec ond gestyr him, þonne storm cyme
- 60
- minum gæste ongegn; geoca þonne,
mihtig dryhten, minre sawle,
gefreoþa hyre ond gefeorma hy, fæder moncynnes,
hædre gehogode, hæl, ece god,
meotod meahtum swiþ. Min is nu þa
- 65
- sefa synnum fah, ond ic ymb sawle eom
feam siþum forht, þeah þu me fela sealde
arna on þisse eorþan. þe sie ealles þonc
meorda ond miltsa, þara þu me sealdest.
No æs earninga ænige wæron mid;
- 70
- hwæþre ic me ealles þæs ellen wylle
habban ond hlyhhan ond me hyhtan to,
frætwian mec on ferweg ond fundian
sylf to þam siþe þe ic asettan sceal,
gæst gearwian, ond me þæt eal for gode þolian
- 75
- bliþe mode, nu ic gebunden eom
fæste in minum ferþe. Huru me frea wite
sume þara synna þe ic me sylf ne conn
ongietan gleawlice. Gode ic hæbbe
abolgen, brego moncynnes; forþon ic þus bittre wear
- 80
- gewitnad for þisse worulde, swa min gewyrhto wæron
micle fore monnum, þæt ic martirdom
deopne adreoge. Ne eom ic dema gleaw,
wis fore weorude; forþon ic þas word spræce
fus on ferþe, swa me on fryme gelomp
- 85
- yrmþu ofer eorþan, þæt ic a þolade
geara gehwylce (gode ealles þonc!)
modearfoþa ma þonne on oþrum,
fyrhto in folce; forþon ic afysed eom
earm of minum eþle. Ne mæg þæs anhoga,
- 90
- leodwynna leas, leng drohtian,
wineleas wræcca, (is him wra meotud),
gnorna on his geoguþe,
ond him ælce mæle men fullesta,
yca his yrmþu, ond he þæt eal þola,
- 95
- sarcwide secga, ond him bi a sefa geomor,
mod morgenseoc. Ic bi me tylgust
secge þis sarspel ond ymb siþ spræce,
longunge fus, ond on lagu þence,
nat min
- 100
- hwy ic gebycge bat on sæwe,
fleot on faroe; nah ic fela goldes
ne huru þæs freondes, þe me gefylste
to þam sifate, nu ic me sylf ne mæg
fore minum wonæhtum willan adreogan.
- 105
- Wudu mot him weaxan, wyrde bidan,
tanum lædan; ic for tæle ne mæg
ænigne moncynnes mode gelufian
eorl on eþle. Eala dryhten min,
meahtig mundbora! þæt ic eom mode seoc,
- 110
- bittre abolgen, is seo bot æt þe
gelong æfter life. Ic on leohte ne mæg
butan earfoþum ænge þinga
feasceaft hæle foldan ...unian;
þonne ic me to fremþum freode hæfde,
- 115
- cyþu gecwe... me wæs a cearu symle
lufena to leane, swa ic alifde nu.
Giet biþ þæt selast, þonne mon him sylf ne
mæg
wyrd onwendan, þæt he þonne wel þolige.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ongunnon him on uhtan æþelcunde mæg
gierwan to geonge; wiston gumena gemot
æþelinges lic eorærne biþeaht.
Woldan werigu wif wope bimænan
- 5
- æþelinges dea ane hwile,
reonge bereotan. Ræst wæs acolad,
heard wæs hinsi; hæle wæron modge,
þe hy æt þam beorge blie fundon.
Cwom seo murnende Maria on dægred,
- 10
- heht hy oþre mid eorles dohtor.
Sohton sarigu tu sigebearn godes
ænne in þæt eorærn þær hi ær wiston
þæt hine gehyddan hæle Iudea;
wendan þæt he on þam beorge bidan sceolde,
- 15
- ana in þære easterniht. Huru þæs oþer þing
wiston þa wifmenn, þa hy on weg cyrdon!
Ac þær cwom on uhtan an engla þreat,
behæfde heapa wyn hælendes burg.
Open wæs þæt eorærn, æþelinges lic
- 20
- onfeng feores gæst, folde beofode,
hlogan helwaran; hagosteald onwoc
modig from moldan, mægenþrym aras
sigefæst ond snottor. Sægde Iohannis,
hæle helwarum, hlyhhende spræc
- 25
- modig to þære mengo ymb his mæges ......:
"Hæfde me gehaten hælend user,
þa he me on þisne si sendan wolde,
þæt he me gesoht... siex mona,
ealles folces fruma. Nu ...... sceacen.
- 30
- Wene ic ful swiþe ond witod
...... to dæge dryhten wille
...... gesecan, sigebearn godes."
Fysde hine þa to fore frea moncynnes;
wolde heofona helm helle weallas
- 35
- forbrecan ond forbygan, þære burge þrym
onginnan reafian, reþust ealra cyninga.
Ne rohte he to þære hilde helmberendra,
ne he byrnwigend to þam burggeatum
lædan ne wolde, ac þa locu feollan,
- 40
- clustor of þam ceastrum; cyning in oþrad,
ealles folces fruma for onette,
weoruda wuldorgiefa. Wræccan þrungon,
hwylc hyra þæt sygebearn geseon moste,
Adam ond Abraham, Isac ond Iacob,
- 45
- monig modig eorl, Moyses ond Dauid,
Esaias ond Sacharias,
heahfædra fela, swylce eac hæleþa gemot,
witgena weorod, wifmonna þreat,
fela fæmnena, folces unrim.
- 50
- Geseah þa Iohannis sigebearn godes
mid þy cyneþrymme cuman to helle,
ongeat þa geomormod godes sylfes si.
Geseah he helle duru hædre scinan,
þa þe longe ær bilocen wæron,
- 55
- beþeahte mid þystre; se þegn wæs on wynne.
Abead þa bealdlice burgwarena ord
modig fore þære mengo ond to his mæge spræc
ond þa wilcuman wordum grette:
"þe þæs þonc sie, þeoden user,
- 60
- þæt þu us... ...ige secan woldest,
nu we on þissum bendum bidan ......
þonne monige binde broþorleasne
wræccan ...... (he bi wide fah),
ne bi he no þæs nearwe under niloc...
- 65
- þæs bitre gebunden under bealuclommum,
þæt he þy y ne mæge ellen habban,
þonne he his hlafordes hyldo gelyfe,
þæt hine of þam bendum bicgan wille.
Swa we ealle to þe an gelyfa,
- 70
- dryhten min se dyra. Ic adreag fela
siþþan þu end to me in siþadest,
þa þu me gesealdest sweord ond byrnan,
helm ond heorosceorp, (a ic þæt heold nu giet),
ond þu me gecydest, cyneþrymma wyn,
- 75
- þæt þu mundbora minum wære.
Eala Gabrihel, hu þu eart gleaw ond scearp,
milde ond gemyndig ond monþwære,
wis on þinum gewitte ond on þinum worde snottor!
þæt þu gecydest þa þu þone cnyht to us
- 80
- brohtest in Bethlem. Bidan we þæs longe,
setan on sorgum, sibbe oflyste,
wynnum ond wenum, hwonne we word godes
þurh his sylfes mu secgan hyrde.
Eala Maria, hu þu us modigne
- 85
- cyning acendest, þa þu þæt cild to us
brohtest in Bethlem. We þæs beofiende
under helle dorum hearde sceoldon
bidan in bendum. Bona weorces gefeah;
wæron ure ealdfind ealle on wynnum
- 90
- þonne hy gehyrdon hu we hreowen...
...on murnende mægburg usse,
oþþæt ...... sigedryhten god,
bimengdes... ...gust ealra cyninga.
nu us mon modge þe
- 95
- ageaf from usse geogoe. We þurh gifre mod
beswican us sylfe; we þa synne forþon
bera in urum breostum to bonan honda,
sculon eac to ussum feondum freoþo wilnian.
Eala Hierusalem in Iudeum,
- 100
- hu þu in þære stowe stille gewunadest!
Ne mostan þe geondferan foldbuende
ealle lifgende, þa þe lof singa.
Eala Iordane in Iudeum,
hu þu in þære stowe stille gewunadest!
- 105
- Nales þu geondflowan foldbuende;
mostan hy þynes wætres wynnum brucan.
Nu ic þe halsie, hælend user,
deope in gedyrstum, (þu eart dryhten Crist),
þæt þu us gemiltsie, monna scyppend.
- 110
- þu fore monna lufan þinre modor bosm
sylfa gesohtes, sigedryhten god,
nales fore þinre þearfe, þeoda waldend,
ac for þam miltsum þe þu moncynne
oft ætywdest, þonne him wæs are þearf.
- 115
- þu meaht ymbfon eal folca gesetu,
swylce þu meaht geriman, rice dryhten,
sæs sondgrotu, selast ealra cyninga.
Swylce ic þe halsige, hælend user,
fore ...inum cildhade, cyninga selast,
- 120
- ond fore þære wunde, weoruda dry...
þinum æriste, æþelinga wyn,
ond fore þinre me... ...ian nama,
þa ealle hellwara herga ond lof...
...lum þe þe ymb stonda,
- 125
- þa þu þe lete sittan ...... hond,
þa þu us on þisne wræcsi, weoroda dryhten,
þurh þines sylfes geweald secan woldest,
ond fore Hierusalem in Iudeum,
(sceal seo burg nu þa bidan efne swa þeah,
- 130
- þeoden leofa, þines eftcymes),
ond for Iordane in Iudeum,
(wit unc in þære burnan baþodan ætgædre).
Oferwurpe þu mid þy wætre, weoruda dryhten,
bliþe mode ealle burgwaran,
- 135
- swylce git Iohannis in Iordane
mid þy fullwihte fægre onbryrdon
ealne þisne middangeard. Sie þæs symle meotude þonc!"
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wel bi þam eorle þe him on innan hafa,
reþehygdig wer, rume heortan;
þæt him biþ for worulde weormynda mæst,
ond for ussum dryhtne doma selast.
- 5
- Efne swa he mid wætre þone weallendan
leg adwæsce, þæt he leng ne mæg
blac byrnende burgum scean,
swa he mid ælmessan ealle toscufe
synna wunde, sawla lacna.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- "Saga me hwæt þær weorudes wære ealles
on Farones fyrde, þa hy folc godes
þurh feondscipe fylgan ongunn...."
"Nat ic hit be wihte, butan ic wene þus,
- 5
- þæt þær screoda wære gescyred rime
siex hun... ...a searohæbbendra;
þæt eal fornam yþ...
wraþe wyrde in woruldrice."
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- ...g fæder, þu þe on heofonum eardast,
geweorad wuldres dreame. Sy þinum weorcum
halgad
noma niþþa bearnum; þu eart nergend wera.
Cyme þin rice wide, ond þin rædfæst willa
- 5
- aræred under rodores hrofe, eac þon on rumre foldan.
Syle us to dæge domfæstne blæd,
hlaf userne, helpend wera,
þone singalan, sofæst meotod.
Ne læt usic costunga cnyssan to swie,
- 10
- ac þu us freodom gief, folca waldend,
from yfla gehwam, a to widan feore.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Gefeoh nu on fere ond to frofre geþeoh
dryhtne þinum, ond þinne dom arær,
heald hordlocan, hyge fæste bind
mid modsefan. Monig biþ uncuþ
- 5
- treowgeþofta, teora hwilum,
waciaþ wordbeot; swa þeos woruld fare,
scurum scynde ond gesceap dreoge.
An is geleafa, an lifgende,
an is fulwiht, an fæder ece,
- 10
- an is folces fruma, se þas foldan gesceop,
dugue ond dreamas. Dom siþþan weox,
þeah þeos læne gesceaft longe stode
heolstre gehyded, helme ...edygled,
biþeaht wel treowum, þystre oferfæmed,
- 15
- siþþan geong aweox
mæge modhwatu mid moncynne;
ær gelicade þa... ...op
in þam hordfate, halgan gæste,
beorht on br... ...e scan,
- 20
- se wæs ordfruma ealles leohtes.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom ligbysig, lace mid winde,
w... ...dre gesomnad,
fus forweges, fyre gemylted,
bear... blowende, byrnende gled.
- 5
- Ful oft mec gesiþas senda æfter hondum,
þær mec weras ond wif wlonce gecyssa.
þonne ic mec onhæbbe, hi onhniga to me,
modge miltsum, swa ic mongum sceal
ycan upcyme eadignesse.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic wæs be sonde, sæwealle neah,
æt merefaroþe, minum gewunade
frumstaþole fæst; fea ænig wæs
monna cynnes, þæt minne þær
- 5
- on anæde eard beheolde,
ac mec uhtna gehwam y sio brune
lagufæme beleolc. Lyt ic wende
þæt ic ær oþþe si æfre sceolde
ofer meodubence muleas sprecan,
- 10
- wordum wrixlan. þæt is wundres dæl,
on sefan searolic þam þe swylc ne conn,
hu mec seaxes ord ond seo swiþre hond,
eorles ingeþonc ond ord somod,
þingum geþydan, þæt ic wiþ þe sceolde
- 15
- for unc anum twam ærendspræce
abeodan bealdlice, swa hit beorna ma
uncre wordcwidas widdor ne mænden.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Nu ic onsundran þe secgan wille
...... treocyn ic tudre aweox;
in mec æld... sceal ellor londes
settan ...... sealte streamas
- 5
- ...sse. Ful oft ic on bates
gesohte
þær mec mondryhten min ......
ofer heah hofu; eom nu her cumen
on ceolþele, ond nu cunnan scealt
- 10
- hu þu ymb modlufan mines frean
on hyge hycge. Ic gehatan dear
þæt þu þær tirfæste treowe findest.
Hwæt, þec þonne biddan het se þisne beam agrof
þæt þu sinchroden sylf gemunde
- 15
- on gewitlocan wordbeotunga,
þe git on ærdagum oft gespræcon,
þenden git moston on meoduburgum
eard weardigan, an lond bugan,
freondscype fremman. Hine fæhþo adraf
- 20
- of sigeþeode; heht nu sylfa þe
lustum læran, þæt þu lagu drefde,
siþþan þu gehyrde on hliþes oran
galan geomorne geac on bearwe.
Ne læt þu þec siþþan siþes getwæfan,
- 25
- lade gelettan lifgendne monn.
Ongin mere secan, mæwes eþel,
onsite sænacan, þæt þu su heonan
ofer merelade monnan findest,
þær se þeoden is þin on wenum.
- 30
- Ne mæg him worulde willa gelimpan
mara on gemyndum, þæs þe he me sægde,
þonne inc geunne alwaldend god
...... ætsomne siþþan motan
secgum ond gesiþum s...
- 35
- næglede beagas; he genoh hafa
fædan goldes
...d elþeode eþel healde,
fægre foldan
...ra hæleþa, þeah þe her min wine...
- 40
- nyde gebæded, nacan ut aþrong,
ond on yþa geong ...... sceolde
faran on flotweg, forsiþes georn,
mengan merestreamas. Nu se mon hafa
wean oferwunnen; nis him wilna gad,
- 45
- ne meara ne mama ne meododreama,
ænges ofer eorþan eorlgestreona,
þeodnes dohtor, gif he þin beneah
ofer eald gebeot incer twega.
Gecyre ic ætsomne sigel rad geador
- 50
- ear wen ond daeg aþe benemnan,
þæt he þa wære ond þa winetreowe
be him lifgendum læstan wolde,
þe git on ærdagum oft gespræconn.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wrætlic is þes wealstan, wyrde gebræcon;
burgstede burston, brosna enta geweorc.
Hrofas sind gehrorene, hreorge torras,
hrungeat berofen, hrim on lime,
- 5
- scearde scurbeorge scorene, gedrorene,
ældo undereotone. Eorgrap hafa
waldend wyrhtan forweorone, geleorene,
heardgripe hrusan, oþ hund cnea
werþeoda gewitan. Oft þæs wag gebad
- 10
- ræghar ond readfah rice æfter oþrum,
ofstonden under stormum; steap geap gedreas.
Wona giet se ...num geheapen,
fel on
grimme gegrunden
- 15
- scan heo...
...g orþonc ærsceaft
...g lamrindum beag
mod mo... ...yne swiftne gebrægd
hwætred in hringas, hygerof gebond
- 20
- weallwalan wirum wundrum togædre.
Beorht wæron burgræced, burnsele monige,
heah horngestreon, heresweg micel,
meodoheall monig man dreama full,
oþþæt þæt onwende wyrd seo swiþe.
- 25
- Crungon walo wide, cwoman woldagas,
swylt eall fornom secgrofra wera;
wurdon hyra wigsteal westen staþolas,
brosnade burgsteall. Betend crungon
hergas to hrusan. Forþon þas hofu dreorgia,
- 30
- ond þæs teaforgeapa tigelum sceade
hrostbeages hrof. Hryre wong gecrong
gebrocen to beorgum, þær iu beorn monig
glædmod ond goldbeorht gleoma gefrætwed,
wlonc ond wingal wighyrstum scan;
- 35
- seah on sinc, on sylfor, on searogimmas,
on ead, on æht, on eorcanstan,
on þas beorhtan burg bradan rices.
Stanhofu stodan, stream hate wearp
widan wylme; weal eall befeng
- 40
- beorhtan bosme, þær þa baþu wæron,
hat on hreþre. þæt wæs hyelic.
Leton þonne geotan
ofer harne stan hate streamas
un...
- 45
- ...þþæt hringmere hate
þær þa baþu wæron.
þonne is
...re; þæt is cynelic þing,
huse ...... burg....
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Oft mec fæste bileac freolicu meowle,
ides on earce, hwilum up ateah
folmum sinum ond frean sealde,
holdum þeodne, swa hio haten wæs.
- 5
- Siþan me on hreþre heafod sticade,
nioþan upweardne, on nearo fegde.
Gif þæs ondfengan ellen dohte,
mec frætwedne fyllan sceolde
ruwes nathwæt. Ræd hwæt ic mæne.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom heard ond scearp, hingonges strong,
forsiþes from, frean unforcu,
wade under wambe ond me weg sylfa
ryhtne geryme. Rinc bi on ofeste,
- 5
- se mec on þy æftanweardne,
hæle mid hrægle; hwilum ut tyh
of hole hatne, hwilum eft fare
on nearo nathwær, nydeþ swiþe
suþerne secg. Saga hwæt ic hatte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Oft ic secga seledreame sceal
fægre onþeon, þonne ic eom for boren
glæd mid golde, þær guman drinca.
Hwilum mec on cofan cysse muþe
- 5
- tillic esne, þær wit tu beoþ,
fæme on folm... ...grum þy,
wyrce his willa... ... l...
fulre, þonne ic for cyme
......
- 10
- Ne mæg ic þy miþan,
...an on leohte
...... swylce eac bi sona
...r... ...te getacnad, hwæt me to
- 15
- ...leas rinc, þa unc geryde wæs.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic seah wen ond is ofer wong faran,
beran beorc eh ; bæm wæs on siþþe
hæbbendes hyht haegl ond ac
swylce þryþa dæl, dhorn ond eh .
- 5
- Gefeah feoh ond aesc fleah ofer ear
sigel ond peordh sylfes þæs folces.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Cwico wæs ic, ne cwæ ic wiht, cwele ic efne seþeah.
ær ic wæs, eft ic cwom. æghwa mec reafa,
hafa mec on headre, ond min heafod scireþ,
bite mec on bær lic, brice mine wisan.
- 5
- Monnan ic ne bite, nympþe he me bite;
sindan þara monige þe mec bita.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom mare þonne þes middangeard,
læsse þonne hondwyrm, leohtre þonne mona,
swiftre þonne sunne. Sæs me sind ealle
flodas on fæmum ond þes foldan bearm,
- 5
- grene wongas. Grundum ic hrine,
helle underhnige, heofonas oferstige,
wuldres eþel, wide ræce
ofer engla eard, eorþan gefylle,
ealne middangeard ond merestreamas
- 10
- side mid me sylfum. Saga hwæt ic hatte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic on þinge gefrægn þeodcyninges
wrætlice wiht, wordgaldra
...... snytt... hio symle de
fira gehw...
- 5
- wisdome. Wundor me þæt
nænne mu hafa
fet ne
welan oft saca,
cwiþe cy... wear
- 10
- leoda lareow. Forþon nu longe mæg
...... ealdre ece lifgan
missenlice, þenden menn buga
eorþan sceatas. Ic þæt oft geseah
golde gegierwed, þær guman druncon,
- 15
- since ond seolfre. Secge se þe cunne,
wisfæstra hwylc, hwæt seo wiht sy.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic þa wiht geseah on weg feran;
heo wæs wrætlice wundrum gegierwed.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wundor wear on wege; wæter wear to bane.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wiht is wrætlic þam þe hyre wisan ne conn.
Singe þurh sidan. Is se sweora woh,
orþoncum geworht; hafaþ eaxle tua
scearp on gescyldrum. His gesceapo dreoge
- 5
- þe swa wrætlice be wege stonde
heah ond hleortorht hæleþum to nytte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom rices æht, reade bewæfed,
sti ond steapwong. Staþol wæs iu þa
wyrta wlitetorhtra; nu eom wraþra laf,
fyres ond feole, fæste genearwad,
- 5
- wire geweorþad. Wepe hwilum
for minum gripe se þe gold wige,
þonne ic yþan sceal ...fe,
hringum gehyrsted. Me ...i...
...go... dryhtne min...
- 10
- ...wlite bete.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic wæs lytel
fo...
...te geaf
...pe þe unc gemæne
- 5
- sweostor min,
fedde mec ...... oft ic feower teah
swæse broþor, þara onsundran gehwylc
dægtidum me drincan sealde
þurh þyrel þearle. Ic þæh on lust,
- 10
- oþþæt ic wæs yldra ond þæt an forlet
sweartum hyrde, siþade widdor,
mearcpaþas Walas træd, moras pæde,
bunden under beame, beag hæfde on healse,
wean on laste weorc þrowade,
- 15
- earfoa dæl. Oft mec isern scod
sare on sidan; ic swigade,
næfre meldade monna ængum
gif me ordstæpe egle wæron.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic on wonge aweox, wunode þær mec feddon
hruse ond heofonwolcn, oþþæt me onhwyrfdon
gearum frodne, þa me grome wurdon,
of þære gecynde þe ic ær cwic beheold,
- 5
- onwendan mine wisan, wegedon mec of earde,
gedydon þæt ic sceolde wiþ gesceape minum
on bonan willan bugan hwilum.
Nu eom mines frean folme bysigo...
...dlan dæl, gif his ellen deag,
- 10
- oþþe æfter dome ...ri...
...an mæ... ...þa fremman,
wyrcan w...
...ec on þeode utan we...
...ipe
- 15
- ond to wrohtstæp...
...eorp, eaxle gegyrde,
wo...
ond swiora smæl, sidan fealwe
þonne mec heaþosigel
- 20
- scir bescine ond mec ......
fægre feorma ond on fyrd wige
cræfte on hæfte. Cu is wide
þæt ic þristra sum þeofes cræfte
under hrægnlocan
- 25
- hwilum eawunga eþelfæsten
forweard brece, þæt ær fri hæfde.
Feringe from, he fus þonan
wende of þam wicum. Wiga se þe mine
wisan cunne, saga hwæt ic hatte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic wæs fæmne geong, feaxhar cwene,
ond ænlic rinc on ane tid;
fleah mid fuglum ond on flode swom,
deaf under yþe dead mid fiscum,
- 5
- ond on foldan stop, hæfde fer cwicu.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic swiftne geseah on swaþe feran
daeg nyd lagu haegl.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic ane geseah idese sittan.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Sæ mec fedde, sundhelm þeahte,
ond mec yþa wrugon eorþan getenge
feþelease. Oft ic flode ongean
mu ontynde. Nu wile monna sum
- 5
- min flæsc fretan, felles ne recce,
siþþan he me of sidan seaxes orde
hyd arype, ...ec hr... ...þe siþþan
ite unsodene ea... ...d.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Oft ic flodas
...s cynn... minum
ond
...yde me to mos...
- 5
- swa ic him
ne æt ham gesæt
flote cwealde
þurh orþonc ...... yþum bewrigene.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom æþelinges æht ond willa.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom æþelinges eaxlgestealla,
fyrdrinces gefara, frean minum leof,
cyninges geselda. Cwen mec hwilum
hwitloccedu hond on lege,
- 5
- eorles dohtor, þeah hio æþelu sy.
Hæbbe me on bosme þæt on bearwe geweox.
Hwilum ic on wloncum wicge ride
herges on ende; heard is min tunge.
Oft ic woboran wordleana sum
- 10
- agyfe æfter giedde. Good is min wise
ond ic sylfa salo. Saga hwæt ic hatte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom byledbreost, belcedsweora,
heafod hæbbe ond heane steort,
eagan ond earan ond ænne foot,
hrycg ond heardnebb, hneccan steapne
- 5
- ond sidan twa, sag on middum,
eard ofer ældum. Aglac dreoge,
þær mec wege se þe wudu hrere,
ond mec stondende streamas beata,
hægl se hearda, ond hrim þece,
- 10
- ...orst ...eose, ond fealle snaw
on þyrelwombne, ond ic þæt ...ol...
mæ... wonsceaft mine.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wiht is
gongende, greate swilge,
...... fell ne flæsc, fotum gong...
- 5
- ...e,
sceal mæla gehwam
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Frod wæs min fromcynn
biden in burgum, siþþan bæles weard
...... wera life bewunden,
fyre gefælsad. Nu me fah wara
- 5
- eorþan broþor, se me ærest wear
gumena to gyrne. Ic ful gearwe gemon
hwa min fromcynn fruman agette
eall of earde; ic him yfle ne mot,
ac ic hæftnyd hwilum arære
- 10
- wide geond wongas. Hæbbe ic wundra fela,
middangeardes mægen unlytel,
ac ic miþan sceal monna gehwylcum
degolfulne dom dyran cræftes,
sifæt minne. Saga hwæt ic hatte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- An wiht is on eorþan
wundrum acenned,
hreoh ond reþe, hafa ryne strongne,
grimme grymeta ond be grunde fare.
Modor is monigra mærra wihta.
- 5
- Fæger ferende funda æfre;
neol is nearograp. Nænig oþrum mæg
wlite ond wisan wordum gecyþan,
hu mislic biþ mægen þara cynna,
fyrn forgesceaft; fæder ealle bewat
- 10
- or ond ende, swylce an sunu,
mære meotudes bearn, þurh ...ed,
ond þæt hyhste mæge... ...es gæ...
dyre cræft...
......
- 15
- ...onne hy aweorp...
...þe ænig þara
...fter ne mæg
oþer cynn eorþan
þon ær wæs
- 20
- wlitig ond wynsum,
Biþ sio moddor mægene eacen,
wundrum bewreþed, wistum gehladen,
hordum gehroden, hæleþum dyre.
Mægen bi gemiclad, meaht gesweotlad,
- 25
- wlite biþ geweorþad wuldornyttingum,
wynsum wuldorgimm wloncum getenge,
clængeorn bi ond cystig, cræfte eacen;
hio biþ eadgum leof, earmum getæse,
freolic, sellic; fromast ond swiþost,
- 30
- gifrost ond grædgost grundbedd trideþ,
þæs þe under lyfte aloden wurde
ond ælda bearn eagum sawe,
swa þæt wuldor wife, worldbearna mægen,
þeah þe ferþum gleaw
- 35
- mon mode snottor mengo wundra.
Hrusan bi heardra, hæleþum frodra,
geofum bi gearora, gimmum deorra;
worulde wlitiga, wæstmum tydre,
firene dwæsce,
- 40
- oft utan beweorpe anre þecene,
wundrum gewlitegad, geond werþeode,
þæt wafia weras ofer eorþan,
þæt magon micle ...sceafte.
Biþ stanum bestreþed, stormum
- 45
- ...len ...timbred weall,
þrym... ...ed,
hrusan hrine, h...
...etenge,
oft searwum biþ
- 50
- deae ne fele,
þeah þe
...du hreren, hrif wundigen,
...risse.
Hordword onhlid, hæleþum ge...
- 55
- ...wreoh, wordum geopena,
hu mislic sy mægen þara cy....
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Nis min sele swige, ne ic sylfa hlud
ymb ...... unc dryhten scop
siþ ætsomne. Ic eom swiftre þonne he,
þragum strengra, he þreohtigra.
- 5
- Hwilum ic me reste; he sceal yrnan for.
Ic him in wunige a þenden ic lifge;
gif wit unc gedæla, me bi dea witod.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wiht cwom gongan þær weras sæton
monige on mæle, mode snottre;
hæfde an eage ond earan twa,
ond II fet, XII hund heafda,
- 5
- hrycg ond wombe ond honda twa,
earmas ond eaxle, anne sweoran
ond sidan twa. Saga hwæt ic hatte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic seah wundorlice wiht; wombe hæfde micle,
þryþum geþrungne. þegn folgade
megenstrong ond mundrof; micel me þuhte
godlic gumrinc, grap on sona
- 5
- heofones toþe
bleowe on eage; hio borcade,
wancode willum. Hio wolde seþeah
niol...
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic weox þær ic s...
ond sumor mi...
...me wæs min ti...
......
- 5
- ...d ic on staol...
...um geong, swa
seþeana
oft geond ...fgeaf,
ac ic uplong stod, þær ic ......
- 10
- ond min broþor; begen wæron hearde.
Eard wæs þy weorra þe wit on stodan,
hyrstum þy hyrra. Ful oft unc holt wrugon,
wudubeama helm wonnum nihtum,
scildon wi scurum; unc gescop meotud.
- 15
- Nu unc mæran twam magas uncre
sculon æfter cuman, eard oþringan
gingran broþor. Eom ic gumcynnes
anga ofer eorþan; is min agen bæc
wonn ond wundorlic. Ic on wuda stonde
- 20
- bordes on ende. Nis min broþor her,
ac ic sceal broþorleas bordes on ende
staþol weardian, stondan fæste;
ne wat hwær min broþor on wera æhtum
eorþan sceata eardian sceal,
- 25
- se me ær be healfe heah eardade.
Wit wæron gesome sæcce to fremmanne;
næfre uncer awþer his ellen cyde,
swa wit þære beadwe begen ne onþungan.
Nu mec unsceafta innan slita,
- 30
- wyrdaþ mec be wombe; ic gewendan ne mæg.
æt þam spore finde sped se þe se...
sawle rædes.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- se wiht,
wombe hæfde
...tne, leþre wæs beg...
...on hindan.
- 5
- Grette wea...
listum worhte,
hwilum eft
þygan, him þoncade,
siþþan u...
- 10
- swæsendum swylce þrage.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Min heafod is homere geþuren,
searopila wund, sworfen feole.
Oft ic begine þæt me ongean stica,
þonne ic hnitan sceal, hringum gyrded,
- 5
- hearde wi heardum, hindan þyrel,
for ascufan þæt mines frean
mod wen freoþa middelnihtum.
Hwilum ic under bæc bregde nebbe,
hyrde þæs hordes, þonne min hlaford wile
- 10
- lafe þicgan þara þe he of life het
wælcræfte awrecan willum sinum.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic wæs brunra beot, beam on holte,
freolic feorhbora ond foldan wæstm,
weres wynnstaþol ond wifes
sond,
gold on geardum. Nu eom guwigan
- 5
- hyhtlic hildewæpen, hringe beg...
...e... byre,
oþrum.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Frea min
...de willum sinum,
...... heah ond hyht...
- 5
- ...rpne, hwilum
...wilum sohte
frea... ...s wod,
dægrime frod, deo... ...s ,
hwilum stealc hliþo stigan sceolde
- 10
- up in eþel, hwilum eft gewat
in deop dalu duguþe secan
strong on stæpe, stanwongas grof
hrimighearde, hwilum hara scoc
forst of feaxe. Ic on fusum
rad
- 15
- oþþæt him þone gleawstol gingra broþor
min agnade ond mec of earde adraf.
Siþþan mec isern innanweardne
brun bennade; blod ut ne com,
heolfor of hreþre, þeah mec heard bite
- 20
- stiecg style. No ic þa stunde bemearn,
ne for wunde weop, ne wrecan meahte
on wigan feore wonnsceaft mine,
ac ic aglæca ealle þolige,
þæt ...e bord biton. Nu ic blace swelge
- 25
- wuda ond wætre, w... ...b... befæme
þæt mec on fealle ufan þær ic stonde,
eorpes nathwæt; hæbbe anne fot.
Nu min hord wara hiþende feond,
se þe ær wide bær wulfes gehleþan;
- 30
- oft me of wombe bewaden fere,
steppe on sti bord,
deaþes d... þonne dægcondel,
sunne
...eorc eagum wlite
- 35
- ond spe....
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Smeþr... ...ad,
hyrre þonne heofon...
glædre þonne sunne,
...style,
- 5
- smeare þonne sealtry...
leofre þonne þis leoht eall, leohtre þon w...
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom indryhten ond eorlum cu,
ond reste oft; ricum ond heanum,
folcum gefræge fere wide,
ond me fremdes ær freondum stonde
- 5
- hiþendra hyht, gif ic habban sceal
blæd in burgum oþþe beorhtne god.
Nu snottre men swiþast lufiaþ
midwist mine; ic monigum sceal
wisdom cyþan; no þær word spreca
- 10
- ænig ofer eoran. þeah nu ælda bearn
londbuendra lastas mine
swiþe seca, ic swaþe hwilum
mine bemiþe monna gehwylcum.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwæt! We Gardena in geardagum,
þeodcyninga, þrym gefrunon,
hu a æþelingas ellen fremedon.
Oft Scyld Scefing sceaþena þreatum,
- 5
- monegum mægþum, meodosetla ofteah,
egsode eorlas. Syan ærest wear
feasceaft funden, he þæs frofre gebad,
weox under wolcnum, weormyndum þah,
oþæt him æghwylc þara ymbsittendra
- 10
- ofer hronrade hyran scolde,
gomban gyldan. þæt wæs god cyning!
æm eafera wæs æfter cenned,
geong in geardum, þone god sende
folce to frofre; fyrenearfe ongeat
- 15
- þe hie ær drugon aldorlease
lange hwile. Him þæs liffrea,
wuldres wealdend, woroldare forgeaf;
Beowulf wæs breme (blæd wide sprang),
Scyldes eafera Scedelandum in.
- 20
- Swa sceal geong guma gode gewyrcean,
fromum feohgiftum on fæder bearme,
þæt hine on ylde eft gewunigen
wilgesiþas, þonne wig cume,
leode gelæsten; lofdædum sceal
- 25
- in mægþa gehwære man geþeon.
Him a Scyld gewat to gescæphwile
felahror feran on frean wære.
Hi hyne þa ætbæron to brimes faroe,
swæse gesiþas, swa he selfa bæd,
- 30
- þenden wordum weold wine Scyldinga;
leof landfruma lange ahte.
þær æt hye stod hringedstefna,
isig ond utfus, æþelinges fær.
Aledon þa leofne þeoden,
- 35
- beaga bryttan, on bearm scipes,
mærne be mæste. þær wæs madma fela
of feorwegum, frætwa, gelæded;
ne hyrde ic cymlicor ceol gegyrwan
hildewæpnum ond heaowædum,
- 40
- billum ond byrnum; him on bearme læg
madma mænigo, þa him mid scoldon
on flodes æht feor gewitan.
Nalæs hi hine læssan lacum teodan,
þeodgestreonum, þon þa dydon
- 45
- þe hine æt frumsceafte for onsendon
ænne ofer ye umborwesende.
þa gyt hie him asetton segen geldenne
heah ofer heafod, leton holm beran,
geafon on garsecg; him wæs geomor sefa,
- 50
- murnende mod. Men ne cunnon
secgan to soe, selerædende,
hæle under heofenum, hwa þæm hlæste onfeng.
a wæs on burgum Beowulf Scyldinga,
leof leodcyning, longe þrage
- 55
- folcum gefræge (fæder ellor hwearf,
aldor of earde), oþþæt him eft onwoc
heah Healfdene; heold þenden lifde,
gamol ond gureouw, glæde Scyldingas.
æm feower bearn for gerimed
- 60
- in worold wocun, weoroda ræswan,
Heorogar ond Hrogar ond Halga til;
hyrde ic þæt wæs Onelan cwen,
Heaoscilfingas healsgebedda.
þa wæs Hrogare heresped gyfen,
- 65
- wiges weormynd, þæt him his winemagas
georne hyrdon, o þæt seo geogo geweox,
magodriht micel. Him on mod bearn
þæt healreced hatan wolde,
medoærn micel, men gewyrcean
- 70
- þonne yldo bearn æfre gefrunon,
ond þær on innan eall gedælan
geongum ond ealdum, swylc him god sealde,
buton folcscare ond feorum gumena.
a ic wide gefrægn weorc gebannan
- 75
- manigre mægþe geond þisne middangeard,
folcstede frætwan. Him on fyrste gelomp,
ædre mid yldum, þæt hit wear ealgearo,
healærna mæst; scop him Heort naman
se þe his wordes geweald wide hæfde.
- 80
- He beot ne aleh, beagas dælde,
sinc æt symle. Sele hlifade,
heah ond horngeap, heaowylma bad,
laan liges; ne wæs hit lenge þa gen
þæt se ecghete aþumsweorum
- 85
- æfter wælnie wæcnan scolde.
a se ellengæst earfolice
þrage geþolode, se þe in þystrum bad,
þæt he dogora gehwam dream gehyrde
hludne in healle; þær wæs hearpan sweg,
- 90
- swutol sang scopes. Sægde se þe cuþe
frumsceaft fira feorran reccan,
cwæ þæt se ælmihtiga eoran worhte,
wlitebeorhtne wang, swa wæter bebuge,
gesette sigehreþig sunnan ond monan
- 95
- leoman to leohte landbuendum
ond gefrætwade foldan sceatas
leomum ond leafum, lif eac gesceop
cynna gehwylcum þara e cwice hwyrfaþ.
Swa a drihtguman dreamum lifdon
- 100
- eadiglice, oæt an ongan
fyrene fremman feond on helle.
Wæs se grimma gæst Grendel haten,
mære mearcstapa, se þe moras heold,
fen ond fæsten; fifelcynnes eard
- 105
- wonsæli wer weardode hwile,
siþan him scyppend forscrifen hæfde
in Caines cynne. þone cwealm gewræc
ece drihten, þæs þe he Abel slog;
ne gefeah he þære fæhe, ac he hine feor forwræc,
- 110
- metod for þy mane, mancynne fram.
þanon untydras ealle onwocon,
eotenas ond ylfe ond orcneas,
swylce gigantas, þa wi gode wunnon
lange þrage; he him æs lean forgeald.
- 115
- Gewat a neosian, syþan niht becom,
hean huses, hu hit Hringdene
æfter beorþege gebun hæfdon.
Fand þa ær inne æþelinga gedriht
swefan æfter symble; sorge ne cuon,
- 120
- wonsceaft wera. Wiht unhælo,
grim ond grædig, gearo sona wæs,
reoc ond reþe, ond on ræste genam
þritig þegna, þanon eft gewat
hue hremig to ham faran,
- 125
- mid þære wælfylle wica neosan.
a wæs on uhtan mid ærdæge
Grendles gucræft gumum undyrne;
þa wæs æfter wiste wop up ahafen,
micel morgensweg. Mære þeoden,
- 130
- æþeling ærgod, unblie sæt,
þolode ryswy, þegnsorge dreah,
syþan hie þæs laan last sceawedon,
wergan gastes; wæs þæt gewin to strang,
la ond longsum. Næs hit lengra fyrst,
- 135
- ac ymb ane niht eft gefremede
morbeala mare ond no mearn fore,
fæhe ond fyrene; wæs to fæst on þam.
þa wæs eafynde þe him elles hwær
gerumlicor ræste sohte,
- 140
- bed æfter burum, a him gebeacnod w>
ice sweotolan tacne
healegnes hete; heold hyne syþan
fyr ond fæstor se þæm feonde ætwand.
Swa rixode ond wi rihte wan,
- 145
- ana wi eallum, oþæt idel stod
husa selest. Wæs seo hwil micel;
XII wintra tid torn geþolode
wine Scyldinga, weana gehwelcne,
sidra sorga. Foram secgum wear,
- 150
- ylda bearnum, undyrne cu,
gyddum geomore, þætte Grendel wan
hwile wi Hroþgar, hetenias wæg,
fyrene ond fæhe fela missera,
singale sæce, sibbe ne wolde
- 155
- wi manna hwone mægenes Deniga,
feorhbealo feorran, fea þingian,
ne þær nænig witena wenan þorfte
beorhtre bote to banan folmum,
ac se æglæca ehtende wæs,
- 160
- deorc deaþscua, duguþe ond geogoþe,
seomade ond syrede, sinnihte heold
mistige moras; men ne cunnon
hwyder helrunan hwyrftum scriþa.
Swa fela fyrena feond mancynnes,
- 165
- atol angengea, oft gefremede,
heardra hyna. Heorot eardode,
sincfage sel sweartum nihtum;
no he þone gifstol gretan moste,
maþum for metode, ne his myne wisse.
- 170
- þæt wæs wræc micel wine Scyldinga,
modes breca. Monig oft gesæt
rice to rune; ræd eahtedon
hwæt swiferhum selest wære
wi færgryrum to gefremmanne.
- 175
- Hwilum hie geheton æt hærgtrafum
wigweorþunga, wordum bædon
þæt him gastbona geoce gefremede
wi þeodþreaum. Swylc wæs þeaw hyra,
hæþenra hyht; helle gemundon
- 180
- in modsefan, metod hie ne cuþon,
dæda demend, ne wiston hie drihten god,
ne hie huru heofena helm herian ne cuþon,
wuldres waldend. Wa bi þæm e sceal
þurh sline ni sawle bescufan
- 185
- in fyres fæþm, frofre ne wenan,
wihte gewendan; wel bi þæm þe mot
æfter deadæge drihten secean
ond to fæder fæþmum freoo wilnian.
Swa a mælceare maga Healfdenes
- 190
- singala sea, ne mihte snotor hæle
wean onwendan; wæs þæt gewin to swy,
laþ ond longsum, þe on a leode becom,
nydwracu niþgrim, nihtbealwa mæst.
þæt fram ham gefrægn Higelaces þegn,
- 195
- god mid Geatum, Grendles dæda;
se wæs moncynnes mægenes strengest
on þæm dæge þysses lifes,
æþele ond eacen. Het him ylidan
godne gegyrwan, cwæ, he gucyning
- 200
- ofer swanrade secean wolde,
mærne þeoden, þa him wæs manna þearf.
one sifæt him snotere ceorlas
lythwon logon, þeah he him leof wære;
hwetton higerofne, hæl sceawedon.
- 205
- Hæfde se goda Geata leoda
cempan gecorone þara þe he cenoste
findan mihte; XVna sum
sundwudu sohte; secg wisade,
lagucræftig mon, landgemyrcu.
- 210
- Fyrst for gewat. Flota wæs on yum,
bat under beorge. Beornas gearwe
on stefn stigon; streamas wundon,
sund wi sande; secgas bæron
on bearm nacan beorhte frætwe,
- 215
- gusearo geatolic; guman ut scufon,
weras on wilsi, wudu bundenne.
Gewat þa ofer wægholm, winde gefysed,
flota famiheals fugle gelicost,
oþæt ymb antid oþres dogores
- 220
- wundenstefna gewaden hæfde
þæt a liende land gesawon,
brimclifu blican, beorgas steape,
side sænæssas; þa wæs sund liden,
eoletes æt ende. þanon up hrae
- 225
- Wedera leode on wang stigon,
sæwudu sældon (syrcan hrysedon,
gugewædo), gode þancedon
þæs þe him yþlade eae wurdon.
þa of wealle geseah weard Scildinga,
- 230
- se þe holmclifu healdan scolde,
beran ofer bolcan beorhte randas,
fyrdsearu fuslicu; hine fyrwyt bræc
modgehygdum, hwæt þa men wæron.
Gewat him þa to waroe wicge ridan
- 235
- þegn Hrogares, þrymmum cwehte
mægenwudu mundum, meþelwordum frægn:
"Hwæt syndon ge searohæbbendra,
byrnum werede, þe þus brontne ceol
ofer lagustræte lædan cwomon,
- 240
- hider ofer holmas? ...le wæs
endesæta, ægwearde heold,
þe on land Dena lara nænig
mid scipherge sceþan ne meahte.
No her culicor cuman ongunnon
- 245
- lindhæbbende; ne ge leafnesword
gufremmendra gearwe ne wisson,
maga gemedu. Næfre ic maran geseah
eorla ofer eorþan onne is eower sum,
secg on searwum; nis þæt seldguma,
- 250
- wæpnum geweorad, næfne him his wlite leoge,
ænlic ansyn. Nu ic eower sceal
frumcyn witan, ær ge fyr heonan,
leassceaweras, on land Dena
furþur feran. Nu ge feorbuend,
- 255
- mereliende, minne gehyra
anfealdne geþoht: Ofost is selest
to gecyanne hwanan eowre cyme syndon."
Him se yldesta ondswarode,
werodes wisa, wordhord onleac:
- 260
- "We synt gumcynnes Geata leode
ond Higelaces heorgeneatas.
Wæs min fæder folcum gecyþed,
æþele ordfruma, Ecgþeow haten.
Gebad wintra worn, ær he on weg hwurfe,
- 265
- gamol of geardum; hine gearwe geman
witena welhwylc wide geond eorþan.
We þurh holdne hige hlaford þinne,
sunu Healfdenes, secean cwomon,
leodgebyrgean; wes þu us larena god.
- 270
- Habba we to þæm mæran micel ærende,
Deniga frean, ne sceal þær dyrne sum
wesan, þæs ic wene. þu wast (gif hit is
swa we soþlice secgan hyrdon)
þæt mid Scyldingum sceaona ic nat hwylc,
- 275
- deogol dædhata, deorcum nihtum
eawe þurh egsan uncune ni,
hynu ond hrafyl. Ic þæs Hrogar mæg
þurh rumne sefan ræd gelæran,
hu he frod ond god feond oferswyeþ,
- 280
- gyf him edwendan æfre scolde
bealuwa bisigu, bot eft cuman,
ond þa cearwylmas colran wuraþ;
oe a syþan earfoþrage,
þreanyd þola, þenden þær wuna
- 285
- on heahstede husa selest."
Weard maþelode, ær on wicge sæt,
ombeht unforht: "æghwæþres sceal
scearp scyldwiga gescad witan,
worda ond worca, se þe wel þence.
- 290
- Ic þæt gehyre, þæt þis is hold weorod
frean Scyldinga. Gewitaþ for beran
wæpen ond gewædu; ic eow wisige.
Swylce ic maguþegnas mine hate
wi feonda gehwone flotan eowerne,
- 295
- niwtyrwydne nacan on sande
arum healdan, oþæt eft byre
ofer lagustreamas leofne mannan
wudu wundenhals to Wedermearce,
godfremmendra swylcum gifeþe bi
- 300
- þæt þone hilderæs hal gedige."
Gewiton him þa feran. Flota stille bad,
seomode on sale sidfæþmed scip,
on ancre fæst. Eoforlic scionon
ofer hleorberan gehroden golde,
- 305
- fah ond fyrheard; ferhwearde heold
guþmod grimmon. Guman onetton,
sigon ætsomne, oþþæt hy sæl timbred,
geatolic ond goldfah, ongyton mihton;
þæt wæs foremærost foldbuendum
- 310
- receda under roderum, on þæm se rica bad;
lixte se leoma ofer landa fela.
Him þa hildedeor hof modigra
torht getæhte, þæt hie him to mihton
gegnum gangan; gubeorna sum
- 315
- wicg gewende, word æfter cwæ:
"Mæl is me to feran; fæder alwalda
mid arstafum eowic gehealde
sia gesunde. Ic to sæ wille
wi wra werod wearde healdan."
- 320
- Stræt wæs stanfah, stig wisode
gumum ætgædere. Gubyrne scan
heard hondlocen, hringiren scir
song in searwum, þa hie to sele furum
in hyra gryregeatwum gangan cwomon.
- 325
- Setton sæmeþe side scyldas,
rondas regnhearde, wi þæs recedes weal,
bugon þa to bence. Byrnan hringdon,
gusearo gumena; garas stodon,
sæmanna searo, samod ætgædere,
- 330
- æscholt ufan græg; wæs se irenþreat
wæpnum gewurþad. þa ær wlonc hæle
oretmecgas æfter æþelum frægn:
"Hwanon ferigea ge fætte scyldas,
græge syrcan ond grimhelmas,
- 335
- heresceafta heap? Ic eom Hrogares
ar ond ombiht. Ne seah ic elþeodige
þus manige men modiglicran.
Wen ic þæt ge for wlenco, nalles for wræcsium,
ac for higeþrymmum Hrogar sohton."
- 340
- Him þa ellenrof andswarode,
wlanc Wedera leod, word æfter spræc,
heard under helme: "We synt Higelaces
beodgeneatas; Beowulf is min nama.
Wille ic asecgan sunu Healfdenes,
- 345
- mærum þeodne, min ærende,
aldre þinum, gif he us geunnan wile
þæt we hine swa godne gretan moton."
Wulfgar maþelode (þæt wæs Wendla leod;
wæs his modsefa manegum gecyed,
- 350
- wig ond wisdom): "Ic þæs wine Deniga,
frean Scildinga, frinan wille,
beaga bryttan, swa þu bena eart,
þeoden mærne, ymb þinne si,
ond þe þa ondsware ædre gecyan
- 355
- e me se goda agifan þence."
Hwearf þa hrædlice þær Hrogar sæt
eald ond anhar mid his eorla gedriht;
eode ellenrof, þæt he for eaxlum gestod
Deniga frean; cuþe he dugue þeaw.
- 360
- Wulfgar maelode to his winedrihtne:
"Her syndon geferede, feorran cumene
ofer geofenes begang Geata leode;
þone yldestan oretmecgas
Beowulf nemna. Hy benan synt
- 365
- þæt hie, þeoden min, wi þe moton
wordum wrixlan. No u him wearne geteoh
inra gegncwida, glædman Hrogar.
Hy on wiggetawum wyre þincea
eorla geæhtlan; huru se aldor deah,
- 370
- se þæm heaorincum hider wisade."
Hrogar maþelode, helm Scyldinga:
"Ic hine cue cnihtwesende.
Wæs his ealdfæder Ecgþeo haten,
æm to ham forgeaf Hreþel Geata
- 375
- angan dohtor; is his eafora nu
heard her cumen, sohte holdne wine.
onne sægdon þæt sæliþende,
þa e gifsceattas Geata fyredon
þyder to þance, þæt he XXXtiges
- 380
- manna mægencræft on his mundgripe
heaþorof hæbbe. Hine halig god
for arstafum us onsende,
to Westdenum, þæs ic wen hæbbe,
wi Grendles gryre. Ic þæm godan sceal
- 385
- for his modþræce madmas beodan.
Beo u on ofeste, hat in gan
seon sibbegedriht samod ætgædere;
gesaga him eac wordum þæt hie sint wilcuman
Deniga leodum."
- 390
- word inne abead:
"Eow het secgan sigedrihten min,
aldor Eastdena, þæt he eower æþelu can,
ond ge him syndon ofer sæwylmas
heardhicgende hider wilcuman.
- 395
- Nu ge moton gangan in eowrum gugeatawum
under heregriman Hrogar geseon;
læta hildebord her onbidan,
wudu, wælsceaftas, worda geþinges."
Aras þa se rica, ymb hine rinc manig,
- 400
- þrylic þegna heap; sume þær bidon,
heaoreaf heoldon, swa him se hearda bebead.
Snyredon ætsomne, þa secg wisode,
under Heorotes hrof
heard under helme, þæt he on heoe gestod.
- 405
- Beowulf maelode (on him byrne scan,
searonet seowed smiþes orþancum):
"Wæs þu, Hrogar, hal! Ic eom Higelaces
mæg ond magoegn; hæbbe ic mæra fela
ongunnen on geogoþe. Me wear Grendles þing
- 410
- on minre eþeltyrf undyrne cu;
secga sæliend þæt þæs sele stande,
reced selesta, rinca gehwylcum
idel ond unnyt, sian æfenleoht
under heofenes hador beholen weorþe.
- 415
- þa me þæt gelærdon leode mine
þa selestan, snotere ceorlas,
þeoden Hrogar, þæt ic þe sohte,
forþan hie mægenes cræft minne cuþon,
selfe ofersawon, a ic of searwum cwom,
- 420
- fah from feondum, þær ic fife geband,
yde eotena cyn ond on yum slog
niceras nihtes, nearoþearfe dreah,
wræc Wedera ni (wean ahsodon),
forgrand gramum, ond nu wi Grendel sceal,
- 425
- wi þam aglæcan, ana gehegan
ing wi þyrse. Ic þe nu a,
brego Beorhtdena, biddan wille,
eodor Scyldinga, anre bene,
þæt u me ne forwyrne, wigendra hleo,
- 430
- freowine folca, nu ic þus feorran com,
þæt ic mote ana ond minra eorla gedryht,
þes hearda heap, Heorot fælsian.
Hæbbe ic eac geahsod þæt se æglæca
for his wonhydum wæpna ne recce.
- 435
- Ic þæt þonne forhicge (swa me Higelac sie,
min mondrihten, modes blie),
þæt ic sweord bere oþe sidne scyld,
geolorand to guþe, ac ic mid grape sceal
fon wi feonde ond ymb feorh sacan,
- 440
- la wi laþum; ær gelyfan sceal
dryhtnes dome se þe hine dea nime.
Wen ic þæt he wille, gif he wealdan mot,
in þæm gusele Geotena leode
etan unforhte, swa he oft dyde,
- 445
- mægen Hremanna. Na þu minne þearft
hafalan hydan, ac he me habban wile
dreore fahne, gif mec dea nime.
Byre blodig wæl, byrgean þence,
ete angenga unmurnlice,
- 450
- mearca morhopu; no u ymb mines ne þearft
lices feorme leng sorgian.
Onsend Higelace, gif mec hild nime,
beaduscruda betst, þæt mine breost were,
hrægla selest; þæt is Hrædlan laf,
- 455
- Welandes geweorc. Gæ a wyrd swa hio scel."
Hrogar maþelode, helm Scyldinga:
"For gewyrhtum þu, wine min Beowulf,
ond for arstafum usic sohtest.
Gesloh þin fæder fæhe mæste;
- 460
- wearþ he Heaþolafe to handbonan
mid Wilfingum; a hine Wedera cyn
for herebrogan habban ne mihte.
þanon he gesohte Sudena folc
ofer ya gewealc, Arscyldinga.
- 465
- a ic furþum weold folce Deniga
ond on geogoe heold ginne rice,
hordburh hæleþa; a wæs Heregar dead,
min yldra mæg unlifigende,
bearn Healfdenes; se wæs betera onne ic.
- 470
- Sian þa fæhe feo þingode;
sende ic Wylfingum ofer wæteres hrycg
ealde madmas; he me aþas swor.
Sorh is me to secganne on sefan minum
gumena ængum hwæt me Grendel hafa
- 475
- hyno on Heorote mid his heteþancum,
færnia gefremed. Is min fletwerod,
wigheap gewanod; hie wyrd forsweop
on Grendles gryre. God eaþe mæg
þone dolsceaan dæda getwæfan.
- 480
- Ful oft gebeotedon beore druncne
ofer ealowæge oretmecgas
þæt hie in beorsele bidan woldon
Grendles guþe mid gryrum ecga.
onne wæs þeos medoheal on morgentid,
- 485
- drihtsele dreorfah, þonne dæg lixte,
eal bencþelu blode bestymed,
heall heorudreore; ahte ic holdra þy læs,
deorre dugue, þe þa dea fornam.
Site nu to symle ond onsæl meoto,
- 490
- sigehre secgum, swa þin sefa hwette."
þa wæs Geatmæcgum geador ætsomne
on beorsele benc gerymed;
þær swiferhþe sittan eodon,
þryum dealle. þegn nytte beheold,
- 495
- se þe on handa bær hroden ealowæge,
scencte scir wered. Scop hwilum sang
hador on Heorote. þær wæs hælea dream,
dugu unlytel Dena ond Wedera.
Unfer maþelode, Ecglafes bearn,
- 500
- þe æt fotum sæt frean Scyldinga,
onband beadurune (wæs him Beowulfes si,
modges merefaran, micel æfþunca,
forþon þe he ne uþe þæt ænig oer man
æfre mæra þon ma middangeardes
- 505
- gehedde under heofenum þonne he sylfa):
"Eart þu se Beowulf, se þe wi Brecan wunne,
on sidne sæ ymb sund flite,
ær git for wlence wada cunnedon
ond for dolgilpe on deop wæter
- 510
- aldrum neþdon? Ne inc ænig mon,
ne leof ne la, belean mihte
sorhfullne si, þa git on sund reon.
þær git eagorstream earmum þehton,
mæton merestræta, mundum brugdon,
- 515
- glidon ofer garsecg; geofon yþum weol,
wintrys wylmum. Git on wæteres æht
seofon niht swuncon; he þe æt sunde oferflat,
hæfde mare mægen. þa hine on morgentid
on Heaþoræmas holm up ætbær;
- 520
- onon he gesohte swæsne edhel,
leof his leodum, lond Brondinga,
freooburh fægere, þær he folc ahte,
burh ond beagas. Beot eal wi þe
sunu Beanstanes soe gelæste.
- 525
- onne wene ic to þe wyrsan geþingea,
eah þu heaoræsa gehwær dohte,
grimre gue, gif þu Grendles dearst
nihtlongne fyrst nean bidan."
Beowulf maþelode, bearn Ecgþeowes:
- 530
- "Hwæt! þu worn fela, wine min Unfer,
beore druncen ymb Brecan spræce,
sægdest from his sie. So ic talige,
þæt ic merestrengo maran ahte,
earfeþo on yþum, onne ænig oþer man.
- 535
- Wit þæt gecwædon cnihtwesende
ond gebeotedon (wæron begen þa git
on geogofeore) þæt wit on garsecg ut
aldrum nedon, ond þæt geæfndon swa.
Hæfdon swurd nacod, þa wit on sund reon,
- 540
- heard on handa; wit unc wi hronfixas
werian þohton. No he wiht fram me
flodyþum feor fleotan meahte,
hraþor on holme; no ic fram him wolde.
a wit ætsomne on sæ wæron
- 545
- fif nihta fyrst, oþþæt unc flod todraf,
wado weallende, wedera cealdost,
nipende niht, ond norþanwind
heaogrim ondhwearf; hreo wæron yþa.
Wæs merefixa mod onhrered;
- 550
- þær me wi laum licsyrce min,
heard, hondlocen, helpe gefremede,
beadohrægl broden on breostum læg
golde gegyrwed. Me to grunde teah
fah feondscaa, fæste hæfde
- 555
- grim on grape; hwæþre me gyfeþe wear
þæt ic aglæcan orde geræhte,
hildebille; heaþoræs fornam
mihtig meredeor þurh mine hand.
Swa mec gelome lageteonan
- 560
- þreatedon þearle. Ic him þenode
deoran sweorde, swa hit gedefe wæs.
Næs hie ære fylle gefean hæfdon,
manfordædlan, þæt hie me þegon,
symbel ymbsæton sægrunde neah;
- 565
- ac on mergenne mecum wunde
be ylafe uppe lægon,
sweordum aswefede, þæt syþan na
ymb brontne ford brimliende
lade ne letton. Leoht eastan com,
- 570
- beorht beacen godes; brimu swaþredon,
þæt ic sænæssas geseon mihte,
windige weallas. Wyrd oft nere
unfægne eorl, þonne his ellen deah.
Hwæþere me gesælde þæt ic mid sweorde ofsloh
- 575
- niceras nigene. No ic on niht gefrægn
under heofones hwealf heardran feohtan,
ne on egstreamum earmran mannon;
hwaþere ic fara feng feore gedigde,
siþes werig. a mec sæ oþbær,
- 580
- flod æfter faroe on Finna land,
wadu weallendu. No ic wiht fram þe
swylcra searonia secgan hyrde,
billa brogan. Breca næfre git
æt heaolace, ne gehwæþer incer,
- 585
- swa deorlice dæd gefremede
fagum sweordum (no ic þæs fela gylpe),
þeah u þinum brorum to banan wurde,
heafodmægum; þæs þu in helle scealt
werho dreogan, þeah þin wit duge.
- 590
- Secge ic þe to soe, sunu Ecglafes,
þæt næfre Grendel swa fela gryra gefremede,
atol æglæca, ealdre þinum,
hyno on Heorote, gif þin hige wære,
sefa swa searogrim, swa þu self talast.
- 595
- Ac he hafa onfunden þæt he þa fæhe ne þearf,
atole ecgþræce eower leode
swie onsittan, Sigescyldinga;
nyme nydbade, nænegum ara
leode Deniga, ac he lust wige,
- 600
- swefe ond sendeþ, secce ne weneþ
to Gardenum. Ac ic him Geata sceal
eafo ond ellen ungeara nu,
guþe gebeodan. Gæþ eft se þe mot
to medo modig, siþþan morgenleoht
- 605
- ofer ylda bearn oþres dogores,
sunne sweglwered suþan scine."
þa wæs on salum sinces brytta,
gamolfeax ond gurof; geoce gelyfde
brego Beorhtdena, gehyrde on Beowulfe
- 610
- folces hyrde fæstrædne geþoht.
ær wæs hæleþa hleahtor, hlyn swynsode,
word wæron wynsume. Eode Wealhþeow for,
cwen Hrogares, cynna gemyndig,
grette goldhroden guman on healle,
- 615
- ond þa freolic wif ful gesealde
ærest Eastdena eþelwearde,
bæd hine bline æt þære beorþege,
leodum leofne. He on lust geþeah
symbel ond seleful, sigerof kyning.
- 620
- Ymbeode þa ides Helminga
duguþe ond geogoþe dæl æghwylcne,
sincfato sealde, oþþæt sæl alamp
þæt hio Beowulfe, beaghroden cwen
mode geþungen, medoful ætbær;
- 625
- grette Geata leod, gode þancode
wisfæst wordum þæs e hire se willa gelamp
þæt heo on ænigne eorl gelyfde
fyrena frofre. He þæt ful geþeah,
wælreow wiga, æt Wealhþeon,
- 630
- ond þa gyddode guþe gefysed;
Beowulf maþelode, bearn Ecgþeowes:
"Ic þæt hogode, þa ic on holm gestah,
sæbat gesæt mid minra secga gedriht,
þæt ic anunga eowra leoda
- 635
- willan geworhte oþe on wæl crunge,
feondgrapum fæst. Ic gefremman sceal
eorlic ellen, oþe endedæg
on þisse meoduhealle minne gebidan."
am wife þa word wel licodon,
- 640
- gilpcwide Geates; eode goldhroden
freolicu folccwen to hire frean sittan.
þa wæs eft swa ær inne on healle
þryword sprecen, eod on sælum,
sigefolca sweg, oþþæt semninga
- 645
- sunu Healfdenes secean wolde
æfenræste; wiste þæm ahlæcan
to þæm heahsele hilde geþinged,
sian hie sunnan leoht geseon ne meahton,
oþe nipende niht ofer ealle,
- 650
- scaduhelma gesceapu scrian cwoman,
wan under wolcnum. Werod eall aras.
Gegrette þa guma oþerne,
Hrogar Beowulf, ond him hæl abead,
winærnes geweald, ond þæt word acwæ:
- 655
- "Næfre ic ænegum men ær alyfde,
siþan ic hond ond rond hebban mihte,
ryþærn Dena buton þe nu a.
Hafa nu ond geheald husa selest,
gemyne mærþo, mægenellen cy,
- 660
- waca wi wraþum. Ne bi þe wilna gad,
gif þu þæt ellenweorc aldre gedigest."
a him Hroþgar gewat mid his hæleþa gedryht,
eodur Scyldinga, ut of healle;
wolde wigfruma Wealhþeo secan,
- 665
- cwen to gebeddan. Hæfde kyningwuldor
Grendle togeanes, swa guman gefrungon,
seleweard aseted; sundornytte beheold
ymb aldor Dena, eotonweard abead.
Huru Geata leod georne truwode
- 670
- modgan mægnes, metodes hyldo.
a he him of dyde isernbyrnan,
helm of hafelan, sealde his hyrsted sweord,
irena cyst, ombihtþegne,
ond gehealdan het hildegeatwe.
- 675
- Gespræc þa se goda gylpworda sum,
Beowulf Geata, ær he on bed stige:
"No ic me an herewæsmun hnagran talige,
guþgeweorca, þonne Grendel hine;
forþan ic hine sweorde swebban nelle,
- 680
- aldre beneotan, þeah ic eal mæge.
Nat he þara goda þæt he me ongean slea,
rand geheawe, þeah e he rof sie
niþgeweorca; ac wit on niht sculon
secge ofersittan, gif he gesecean dear
- 685
- wig ofer wæpen, ond siþan witig god
on swa hwæþere hond, halig dryhten,
mæro deme, swa him gemet þince."
Hylde hine þa heaþodeor, hleorbolster onfeng
eorles andwlitan, ond hine ymb monig
- 690
- snellic særinc selereste gebeah.
Nænig heora þohte þæt he þanon scolde
eft eardlufan æfre gesecean,
folc oþe freoburh, þær he afeded wæs;
ac hie hæfdon gefrunen þæt hie ær to fela micles
- 695
- in þæm winsele wældea fornam,
Denigea leode. Ac him dryhten forgeaf
wigspeda gewiofu, Wedera leodum,
frofor ond fultum, þæt hie feond heora
urh anes cræft ealle ofercomon,
- 700
- selfes mihtum. So is gecyþed
þæt mihtig god manna cynnes
weold wideferh. Com on wanre niht
scrian sceadugenga. Sceotend swæfon,
þa þæt hornreced healdan scoldon,
- 705
- ealle buton anum. þæt wæs yldum cuþ
þæt hie ne moste, þa metod nolde,
se scynscaþa under sceadu bregdan;
ac he wæccende wraþum on andan
bad bolgenmod beadwa geþinges.
- 710
- a com of more under misthleoþum
Grendel gongan, godes yrre bær;
mynte se manscaa manna cynnes
sumne besyrwan in sele þam hean.
Wod under wolcnum to þæs þe he winreced,
- 715
- goldsele gumena, gearwost wisse,
fættum fahne. Ne wæs þæt forma si
þæt he Hroþgares ham gesohte;
næfre he on aldordagum ær ne siþan
heardran hæle, healegnas fand.
- 720
- Com þa to recede rinc siian,
dreamum bedæled. Duru sona onarn,
fyrbendum fæst, syþan he hire folmum æthran;
onbræd þa bealohydig, a he gebolgen wæs,
recedes muþan. Raþe æfter þon
- 725
- on fagne flor feond treddode,
eode yrremod; him of eagum stod
ligge gelicost leoht unfæger.
Geseah he in recede rinca manige,
swefan sibbegedriht samod ætgædere,
- 730
- magorinca heap. þa his mod ahlog;
mynte þæt he gedælde, ærþon dæg cwome,
atol aglæca, anra gehwylces
lif wi lice, þa him alumpen wæs
wistfylle wen. Ne wæs þæt wyrd þa gen
- 735
- þæt he ma moste manna cynnes
icgean ofer þa niht. þryswy beheold
mæg Higelaces, hu se manscaa
under færgripum gefaran wolde.
Ne þæt se aglæca yldan þohte,
- 740
- ac he gefeng hrae forman sie
slæpendne rinc, slat unwearnum,
bat banlocan, blod edrum dranc,
synsnædum swealh; sona hæfde
unlyfigendes eal gefeormod,
- 745
- fet ond folma. For near ætstop,
nam þa mid handa higeþihtigne
rinc on ræste, ræhte ongean
feond mid folme; he onfeng hraþe
inwitþancum ond wi earm gesæt.
- 750
- Sona þæt onfunde fyrena hyrde
þæt he ne mette middangeardes,
eorþan sceata, on elran men
mundgripe maran. He on mode wear
forht on ferhe; no þy ær fram meahte.
- 755
- Hyge wæs him hinfus, wolde on heolster fleon,
secan deofla gedræg; ne wæs his drohto þær
swylce he on ealderdagum ær gemette.
Gemunde þa se goda, mæg Higelaces,
æfenspræce, uplang astod
- 760
- ond him fæste wifeng; fingras burston.
Eoten wæs utweard; eorl furþur stop.
Mynte se mæra, þær he meahte swa,
widre gewindan ond on weg þanon
fleon on fenhopu; wiste his fingra geweald
- 765
- on grames grapum. þæt wæs geocor si
þæt se hearmscaþa to Heorute ateah.
Dryhtsele dynede; Denum eallum wear,
ceasterbuendum, cenra gehwylcum,
eorlum ealuscerwen. Yrre wæron begen,
- 770
- reþe renweardas. Reced hlynsode.
þa wæs wundor micel þæt se winsele
wihæfde heaþodeorum, þæt he on hrusan ne feol,
fæger foldbold; ac he þæs fæste wæs
innan ond utan irenbendum
- 775
- searoþoncum besmiþod. þær fram sylle abeag
medubenc monig, mine gefræge,
golde geregnad, þær þa graman wunnon.
þæs ne wendon ær witan Scyldinga
þæt hit a mid gemete manna ænig,
- 780
- betlic ond banfag, tobrecan meahte,
listum tolucan, nymþe liges fæþm
swulge on swaþule. Sweg up astag
niwe geneahhe; Nordenum stod
atelic egesa, anra gehwylcum
- 785
- þara þe of wealle wop gehyrdon,
gryreleo galan godes ondsacan,
sigeleasne sang, sar wanigean
helle hæfton. Heold hine fæste
se þe manna wæs mægene strengest
- 790
- on þæm dæge þysses lifes.
Nolde eorla hleo ænige þinga
þone cwealmcuman cwicne forlætan,
ne his lifdagas leoda ænigum
nytte tealde. þær genehost brægd
- 795
- eorl Beowulfes ealde lafe,
wolde freadrihtnes feorh ealgian,
mæres þeodnes, ær hie meahton swa.
Hie þæt ne wiston, þa hie gewin drugon,
heardhicgende hildemecgas,
- 800
- ond on healfa gehwone heawan þohton,
sawle secan, þone synscaan
ænig ofer eorþan irenna cyst,
gubilla nan, gretan nolde,
ac he sigewæpnum forsworen hæfde,
- 805
- ecga gehwylcre. Scolde his aldorgedal
on æm dæge þysses lifes
earmlic wuran, ond se ellorgast
on feonda geweald feor siian.
a þæt onfunde se þe fela æror
- 810
- modes myre manna cynne,
fyrene gefremede (he wæs fag wi god),
þæt him se lichoma læstan nolde,
ac hine se modega mæg Hygelaces
hæfde be honda; wæs gehwæþer orum
- 815
- lifigende la. Licsar gebad
atol æglæca; him on eaxle wear
syndolh sweotol, seonowe onsprungon,
burston banlocan. Beowulfe wear
guhre gyfeþe; scolde Grendel þonan
- 820
- feorhseoc fleon under fenhleou,
secean wynleas wic; wiste þe geornor
þæt his aldres wæs ende gegongen,
dogera dægrim. Denum eallum wear
æfter þam wælræse willa gelumpen.
- 825
- Hæfde þa gefælsod se þe ær feorran com,
snotor ond swyferh, sele Hrogares,
genered wi nie; nihtweorce gefeh,
ellenmærþum. Hæfde Eastdenum
Geatmecga leod gilp gelæsted,
- 830
- swylce oncyþe ealle gebette,
inwidsorge, þe hie ær drugon
ond for þreanydum þolian scoldon,
torn unlytel. þæt wæs tacen sweotol,
syþan hildedeor hond alegde,
- 835
- earm ond eaxle (þær wæs eal geador
Grendles grape) under geapne hrof.
a wæs on morgen mine gefræge
ymb þa gifhealle gurinc monig;
ferdon folctogan feorran ond nean
- 840
- geond widwegas wundor sceawian,
laþes lastas. No his lifgedal
sarlic þuhte secga ænegum
þara þe tirleases trode sceawode,
hu he werigmod on weg þanon,
- 845
- nia ofercumen, on nicera mere
fæge ond geflymed feorhlastas bær.
ær wæs on blode brim weallende,
atol ya geswing eal gemenged
haton heolfre, heorodreore weol.
- 850
- Deafæge deog, sian dreama leas
in fenfreoo feorh alegde,
hæþene sawle; þær him hel onfeng.
þanon eft gewiton ealdgesias,
swylce geong manig of gomenwaþe
- 855
- fram mere modge mearum ridan,
beornas on blancum. ær wæs Beowulfes
mæro mæned; monig oft gecwæ
þætte su ne nor be sæm tweonum
ofer eormengrund oþer nænig
- 860
- under swegles begong selra nære
rondhæbbendra, rices wyrra.
Ne hie huru winedrihten wiht ne logon,
glædne Hrogar, ac þæt wæs god cyning.
Hwilum heaþorofe hleapan leton,
- 865
- on geflit faran fealwe mearas
ær him foldwegas fægere þuhton,
cystum cue. Hwilum cyninges þegn,
guma gilphlæden, gidda gemyndig,
se e ealfela ealdgesegena
- 870
- worn gemunde, word oþer fand
soe gebunden; secg eft ongan
si Beowulfes snyttrum styrian
ond on sped wrecan spel gerade,
wordum wrixlan. Welhwylc gecwæ
- 875
- þæt he fram Sigemundes secgan hyrde
ellendædum, uncuþes fela,
Wælsinges gewin, wide sias,
þara þe gumena bearn gearwe ne wiston,
fæhe ond fyrena, buton Fitela mid hine,
- 880
- þonne he swulces hwæt secgan wolde,
eam his nefan, swa hie a wæron
æt nia gehwam nydgesteallan;
hæfdon ealfela eotena cynnes
sweordum gesæged. Sigemunde gesprong
- 885
- æfter deadæge dom unlytel,
syþan wiges heard wyrm acwealde,
hordes hyrde. He under harne stan,
æþelinges bearn, ana genede
frecne dæde, ne wæs him Fitela mid.
- 890
- Hwæþre him gesælde æt þæt swurd þurhwod
wrætlicne wyrm, þæt hit on wealle ætstod,
dryhtlic iren; draca morre swealt.
Hæfde aglæca elne gegongen
þæt he beahhordes brucan moste
- 895
- selfes dome; sæbat gehleod,
bær on bearm scipes beorhte frætwa,
Wælses eafera. Wyrm hat gemealt.
Se wæs wreccena wide mærost
ofer werþeode, wigendra hleo,
- 900
- ellendædum (he þæs ær onah),
sian Heremodes hild swerode,
eafo ond ellen. He mid Eotenum wear
on feonda geweald for forlacen,
snude forsended. Hine sorhwylmas
- 905
- lemede to lange; he his leodum wear,
eallum æþellingum to aldorceare;
swylce oft bemearn ærran mælum
swiferhþes si snotor ceorl monig,
se þe him bealwa to bote gelyfde,
- 910
- þæt þæt eodnes bearn geþeon scolde,
fæderæþelum onfon, folc gehealdan,
hord ond hleoburh, hæleþa rice,
edhel Scyldinga. He þær eallum wear,
mæg Higelaces, manna cynne,
- 915
- freondum gefægra; hine fyren onwod.
Hwilum flitende fealwe stræte
mearum mæton. a wæs morgenleoht
scofen ond scynded. Eode scealc monig
swihicgende to sele þam hean
- 920
- searowundor seon; swylce self cyning
of brydbure, beahhorda weard,
tryddode tirfæst getrume micle,
cystum gecyþed, ond his cwen mid him
medostigge mæt mægþa hose.
- 925
- Hrogar maþelode (he to healle geong,
stod on stapole, geseah steapne hrof,
golde fahne, ond Grendles hond):
"isse ansyne alwealdan þanc
lungre gelimpe! Fela ic laþes gebad,
- 930
- grynna æt Grendle; a mæg god wyrcan
wunder æfter wundre, wuldres hyrde.
æt wæs ungeara þæt ic ænigra me
weana ne wende to widan feore
bote gebidan, þonne blode fah
- 935
- husa selest heorodreorig stod,
wea widscofen witena gehwylcum
ara þe ne wendon þæt hie wideferh
leoda landgeweorc laþum beweredon
scuccum ond scinnum. Nu scealc hafa
- 940
- þurh drihtnes miht dæd gefremede
e we ealle ær ne meahton
snyttrum besyrwan. Hwæt, þæt secgan mæg
efne swa hwylc mægþa swa one magan cende
æfter gumcynnum, gyf heo gyt lyfa,
- 945
- þæt hyre ealdmetod este wære
bearngebyrdo. Nu ic, Beowulf, þec,
secg betsta, me for sunu wylle
freogan on ferhþe; heald for tela
niwe sibbe. Ne bi þe nænigra gad
- 950
- worolde wilna, þe ic geweald hæbbe.
Ful oft ic for læssan lean teohhode,
hordweorþunge hnahran rince,
sæmran æt sæcce. þu þe self hafast
dædum gefremed þæt þin dom lyfa
- 955
- awa to aldre. Alwalda þec
gode forgylde, swa he nu gyt dyde!"
Beowulf maþelode, bearn Ecþeowes:
"We þæt ellenweorc estum miclum,
feohtan fremedon, frecne genedon
- 960
- eafo uncuþes. Uþe ic swiþor
þæt u hine selfne geseon moste,
feond on frætewum fylwerigne.
Ic hine hrædlice heardan clammum
on wælbedde wriþan þohte,
- 965
- þæt he for mundgripe minum scolde
licgean lifbysig, butan his lic swice.
Ic hine ne mihte, þa metod nolde,
ganges getwæman, no ic him þæs georne ætfealh,
feorhgenilan; wæs to foremihtig
- 970
- feond on feþe. Hwæþere he his folme forlet
to lifwraþe last weardian,
earm ond eaxle. No þær ænige swa þeah
feasceaft guma frofre gebohte;
no þy leng leofa lageteona,
- 975
- synnum geswenced, ac hyne sar hafa
mid nydgripe nearwe befongen,
balwon bendum. ær abidan sceal
maga mane fah miclan domes,
hu him scir metod scrifan wille."
- 980
- a wæs swigra secg, sunu Eclafes,
on gylpspræce gugeweorca,
siþan æþelingas eorles cræfte
ofer heanne hrof hand sceawedon,
feondes fingras. Foran æghwylc wæs,
- 985
- stira nægla gehwylc, style gelicost,
hæþenes handsporu hilderinces,
egl, unheoru. æghwylc gecwæ
þæt him heardra nan hrinan wolde
iren ærgod, þæt æs ahlæcan
- 990
- blodge beadufolme onberan wolde.
a wæs haten hreþe Heort innanweard
folmum gefrætwod. Fela þæra wæs,
wera ond wifa, þe þæt winreced,
gestsele gyredon. Goldfag scinon
- 995
- web æfter wagum, wundorsiona fela
secga gehwylcum þara þe on swylc stara.
Wæs þæt beorhte bold tobrocen swie,
eal inneweard irenbendum fæst,
heorras tohlidene. Hrof ana genæs,
- 1000
- ealles ansund, þe se aglæca,
fyrendædum fag, on fleam gewand,
aldres orwena. No þæt ye by
to befleonne, fremme se þe wille,
ac gesecan sceal sawlberendra,
- 1005
- nyde genydde, niþa bearna,
grundbuendra gearwe stowe,
þær his lichoma legerbedde fæst
swefeþ æfter symle. þa wæs sæl ond mæl
þæt to healle gang Healfdenes sunu;
- 1010
- wolde self cyning symbel þicgan.
Ne gefrægen ic þa mægþe maran weorode
ymb hyra sincgyfan sel gebæran.
Bugon þa to bence blædagande,
fylle gefægon; fægere geþægon
- 1015
- medoful manig magas þara
swihicgende on sele þam hean,
Hrogar ond Hroþulf. Heorot innan wæs
freondum afylled; nalles facenstafas
þeodscyldingas þenden fremedon.
- 1020
- Forgeaf þa Beowulfe bearn Healfdenes
segen gyldenne sigores to leane;
hroden hildecumbor, helm ond byrnan,
mære maþumsweord manige gesawon
beforan beorn beran. Beowulf geþah
- 1025
- ful on flette; no he þære feohgyfte
for sceotendum scamigan orfte.
Ne gefrægn ic freondlicor feower madmas
golde gegyrede gummanna fela
in ealobence orum gesellan.
- 1030
- Ymb þæs helmes hrof heafodbeorge
wirum bewunden walu utan heold,
þæt him fela laf frecne ne meahton
scurheard sceþan, þonne scyldfreca
ongean gramum gangan scolde.
- 1035
- Heht a eorla hleo eahta mearas
fætedhleore on flet teon,
in under eoderas. þara anum stod
sadol searwum fah, since gewurþad;
þæt wæs hildesetl heahcyninges,
- 1040
- onne sweorda gelac sunu Healfdenes
efnan wolde. Næfre on ore læg
widcuþes wig, onne walu feollon.
Ond a Beowulfe bega gehwæþres
eodor Ingwina onweald geteah,
- 1045
- wicga ond wæpna, het hine wel brucan.
Swa manlice mære þeoden,
hordweard hæleþa, heaþoræsas geald
mearum ond madmum, swa hy næfre man lyh,
se þe secgan wile so æfter rihte.
- 1050
- a gyt æghwylcum eorla drihten
þara þe mid Beowulfe brimlade teah
on þære medubence maþum gesealde,
yrfelafe, ond þone ænne heht
golde forgyldan, þone e Grendel ær
- 1055
- mane acwealde, swa he hyra ma wolde,
nefne him witig god wyrd forstode
ond æs mannes mod. Metod eallum weold
gumena cynnes, swa he nu git de.
Forþan bi andgit æghwær selest,
- 1060
- ferhes foreþanc. Fela sceal gebidan
leofes ond laþes se þe longe her
on yssum windagum worolde bruce.
þær wæs sang ond sweg samod ætgædere
fore Healfdenes hildewisan,
- 1065
- gomenwudu greted, gid oft wrecen,
onne healgamen Hroþgares scop
æfter medobence mænan scolde
be Finnes eaferum, a hie se fær begeat,
hæle Healfdena, Hnæf Scyldinga,
- 1070
- in Freswæle feallan scolde.
Ne huru Hildeburh herian þorfte
Eotena treowe; unsynnum wear
beloren leofum æt þam lindplegan,
bearnum ond brorum; hie on gebyrd hruron,
- 1075
- gare wunde. þæt wæs geomuru ides!
Nalles holinga Hoces dohtor
meotodsceaft bemearn, syþan morgen com,
a heo under swegle geseon meahte
morþorbealo maga, þær heo ær mæste heold
- 1080
- worolde wynne. Wig ealle fornam
Finnes þegnas nemne feaum anum,
þæt he ne mehte on þæm meelstede
wig Hengeste wiht gefeohtan,
ne þa wealafe wige forþringan
- 1085
- þeodnes egna; ac hig him geþingo budon,
þæt hie him oer flet eal gerymdon,
healle ond heahsetl, þæt hie healfre geweald
wi Eotena bearn agan moston,
ond æt feohgyftum Folcwaldan sunu
- 1090
- dogra gehwylce Dene weorþode,
Hengestes heap hringum wenede
efne swa swie sincgestreonum
fættan goldes, swa he Fresena cyn
on beorsele byldan wolde.
- 1095
- a hie getruwedon on twa healfa
fæste friouwære. Fin Hengeste
elne, unflitme aum benemde
þæt he þa wealafe weotena dome
arum heolde, þæt ær ænig mon
- 1100
- wordum ne worcum wære ne bræce,
ne þurh inwitsearo æfre gemænden
eah hie hira beaggyfan banan folgedon
eodenlease, þa him swa geþearfod wæs;
gyf þonne Frysna hwylc frecnan spræce
- 1105
- æs morþorhetes myndgiend wære,
þonne hit sweordes ecg sean scolde.
Ad wæs geæfned ond icge gold
ahæfen of horde. Herescyldinga
betst beadorinca wæs on bæl gearu.
- 1110
- æt þæm ade wæs eþgesyne
swatfah syrce, swyn ealgylden,
eofer irenheard, æþeling manig
wundum awyrded; sume on wæle crungon.
Het a Hildeburh æt Hnæfes ade
- 1115
- hire selfre sunu sweoloe befæstan,
banfatu bærnan ond on bæl don
eame on eaxle. Ides gnornode,
geomrode giddum. Gurinc astah.
Wand to wolcnum wælfyra mæst,
- 1120
- hlynode for hlawe; hafelan multon,
bengeato burston, onne blod ætspranc,
labite lices. Lig ealle forswealg,
gæsta gifrost, þara e þær gu fornam
bega folces; wæs hira blæd scacen.
- 1125
- Gewiton him a wigend wica neosian,
freondum befeallen, Frysland geseon,
hamas ond heaburh. Hengest a gyt
wælfagne winter wunode mid Finne
eal unhlitme. Eard gemunde,
- 1130
- þeah þe he ne meahte on mere drifan
hringedstefnan; holm storme weol,
won wi winde, winter yþe beleac
isgebinde, oþæt oþer com
gear in geardas, swa nu gyt de,
- 1135
- þa e syngales sele bewitia,
wuldortorhtan weder. a wæs winter scacen,
fæger foldan bearm. Fundode wrecca,
gist of geardum; he to gyrnwræce
swior þohte þonne to sælade,
- 1140
- gif he torngemot þurhteon mihte
þæt he Eotena bearn inne gemunde.
Swa he ne forwyrnde woroldrædenne,
þonne him Hunlafing hildeleoman,
billa selest, on bearm dyde,
- 1145
- þæs wæron mid Eotenum ecge cue.
Swylce ferhfrecan Fin eft begeat
sweordbealo slien æt his selfes ham,
siþan grimne gripe Gulaf ond Oslaf
æfter sæsie, sorge, mændon,
- 1150
- ætwiton weana dæl; ne meahte wæfre mod
forhabban in hreþre. a wæs heal roden
feonda feorum, swilce Fin slægen,
cyning on corþre, ond seo cwen numen.
Sceotend Scyldinga to scypon feredon
- 1155
- eal ingesteald eorcyninges,
swylce hie æt Finnes ham findan meahton
sigla, searogimma. Hie on sælade
drihtlice wif to Denum feredon,
læddon to leodum. Leo wæs asungen,
- 1160
- gleomannes gyd. Gamen eft astah,
beorhtode bencsweg; byrelas sealdon
win of wunderfatum. þa cwom Wealhþeo for
gan under gyldnum beage, þær þa godan twegen
sæton suhtergefæderan; þa gyt wæs hiera sib ætgædere,
- 1165
- æghwylc orum trywe. Swylce þær Unferþ þyle
æt fotum sæt frean Scyldinga; gehwylc hiora his ferhþe
treowde,
þæt he hæfde mod micel, þeah þe he his magum nære
arfæst æt ecga gelacum. Spræc a ides Scyldinga:
"Onfoh þissum fulle, freodrihten min,
- 1170
- sinces brytta! þu on sælum wes,
goldwine gumena, ond to Geatum spræc
mildum wordum, swa sceal man don.
Beo wi Geatas glæd, geofena gemyndig,
nean ond feorran þu nu hafast.
- 1175
- Me man sægde þæt þu e for sunu wolde
hererinc habban. Heorot is gefælsod,
beahsele beorhta; bruc þenden þu mote
manigra medo, ond þinum magum læf
folc ond rice, þonne u for scyle
- 1180
- metodsceaft seon. Ic minne can
glædne Hroþulf, þæt he þa geogoe wile
arum healdan, gyf þu ær þonne he,
wine Scildinga, worold oflætest;
wene ic þæt he mid gode gyldan wille
- 1185
- uncran eaferan, gif he þæt eal gemon,
hwæt wit to willan ond to wormyndum
umborwesendum ær arna gefremedon."
Hwearf þa bi bence þær hyre byre wæron,
Hreric ond Hromund, ond hæleþa bearn,
- 1190
- giogo ætgædere; þær se goda sæt,
Beowulf Geata, be þæm gebrorum twæm.
Him wæs ful boren ond freondlaþu
wordum bewægned, ond wunden gold
estum geeawed, earmreade twa,
- 1195
- hrægl ond hringas, healsbeaga mæst
þara þe ic on foldan gefrægen hæbbe.
Nænigne ic under swegle selran hyrde
hordmaum hæleþa, syþan Hama ætwæg
to þære byrhtan byrig Brosinga mene,
- 1200
- sigle ond sincfæt; searonias fleah
Eormenrices, geceas ecne ræd.
þone hring hæfde Higelac Geata,
nefa Swertinges, nyhstan sie,
siþan he under segne sinc ealgode,
- 1205
- wælreaf werede; hyne wyrd fornam,
syþan he for wlenco wean ahsode,
fæhe to Frysum. He þa frætwe wæg,
eorclanstanas ofer ya ful,
rice þeoden; he under rande gecranc.
- 1210
- Gehwearf þa in Francna fæþm feorh cyninges,
breostgewædu ond se beah somod;
wyrsan wigfrecan wæl reafedon
æfter gusceare, Geata leode,
hreawic heoldon. Heal swege onfeng.
- 1215
- Wealheo maþelode, heo fore þæm werede spræc:
"Bruc isses beages, Beowulf leofa,
hyse, mid hæle, ond þisses hrægles neot,
þeodgestreona, ond geþeoh tela,
cen þec mid cræfte ond þyssum cnyhtum wes
- 1220
- lara lie; ic þe þæs lean geman.
Hafast þu gefered þæt e feor ond neah
ealne wideferhþ weras ehtiga,
efne swa side swa sæ bebuge,
windgeard, weallas. Wes þenden þu lifige,
- 1225
- æþeling, eadig. Ic þe an tela
sincgestreona. Beo þu suna minum
dædum gedefe, dreamhealdende.
Her is æghwylc eorl oþrum getrywe,
modes milde, mandrihtne hold;
- 1230
- þegnas syndon geþwære, þeod ealgearo,
druncne dryhtguman do swa ic bidde."
Eode þa to setle. þær wæs symbla cyst;
druncon win weras. Wyrd ne cuþon,
geosceaft grimme, swa hit agangen wear
- 1235
- eorla manegum, syþan æfen cwom
ond him Hroþgar gewat to hofe sinum,
rice to ræste. Reced weardode
unrim eorla, swa hie oft ær dydon.
Bencþelu beredon; hit geondbræded wear
- 1240
- beddum ond bolstrum. Beorscealca sum
fus ond fæge fletræste gebeag.
Setton him to heafdon hilderandas,
bordwudu beorhtan; þær on bence wæs
ofer æþelinge yþgesene
- 1245
- heaþosteapa helm, hringed byrne,
þrecwudu þrymlic. Wæs þeaw hyra
þæt hie oft wæron an wig gearwe,
ge æt ham ge on herge, ge gehwæþer þara,
efne swylce mæla swylce hira mandryhtne
- 1250
- þearf gesælde; wæs seo þeod tilu.
Sigon þa to slæpe. Sum sare angeald
æfenræste, swa him ful oft gelamp,
siþan goldsele Grendel warode,
unriht æfnde, oþþæt ende becwom,
- 1255
- swylt æfter synnum. þæt gesyne wearþ,
widcuþ werum, þætte wrecend þa gyt
lifde æfter laþum, lange þrage,
æfter guceare. Grendles modor,
ides, aglæcwif, yrmþe gemunde,
- 1260
- se þe wæteregesan wunian scolde,
cealde streamas, siþan Cain wear
to ecgbanan angan breþer,
fæderenmæge; he þa fag gewat,
morþre gemearcod, mandream fleon,
- 1265
- westen warode. þanon woc fela
geosceaftgasta; wæs þæra Grendel sum,
heorowearh hetelic, se æt Heorote fand
wæccendne wer wiges bidan.
þær him aglæca ætgræpe wear;
- 1270
- hwæþre he gemunde mægenes strenge,
gimfæste gife e him god sealde,
ond him to anwaldan are gelyfde,
frofre ond fultum; y he þone feond ofercwom,
gehnægde helle gast. þa he hean gewat,
- 1275
- dreame bedæled, deaþwic seon,
mancynnes feond, ond his modor þa gyt,
gifre ond galgmod, gegan wolde
sorhfulne si, sunu dea wrecan.
Com þa to Heorote, ær Hringdene
- 1280
- geond þæt sæld swæfun. þa ær sona wear
edhwyrft eorlum, siþan inne fealh
Grendles modor. Wæs se gryre læssa
efne swa micle swa bi mægþa cræft,
wiggryre wifes, be wæpnedmen,
- 1285
- þonne heoru bunden, hamere geþuren,
sweord swate fah swin ofer helme
ecgum dyhttig andweard scire.
þa wæs on healle heardecg togen
sweord ofer setlum, sidrand manig
- 1290
- hafen handa fæst; helm ne gemunde,
byrnan side, þa hine se broga angeat.
Heo wæs on ofste, wolde ut þanon,
feore beorgan, þa heo onfunden wæs.
Hrae heo æþelinga anne hæfde
- 1295
- fæste befangen, þa heo to fenne gang.
Se wæs Hroþgare hæleþa leofost
on gesies had be sæm tweonum,
rice randwiga, þone e heo on ræste abreat,
blædfæstne beorn. Næs Beowulf ær,
- 1300
- ac wæs oþer in ær geteohhod
æfter maþumgife mærum Geate.
Hream wear in Heorote; heo under heolfre genam
cuþe folme; cearu wæs geniwod,
geworden in wicun. Ne wæs þæt gewrixle til,
- 1305
- þæt hie on ba healfa bicgan scoldon
freonda feorum. þa wæs frod cyning,
har hilderinc, on hreon mode,
syþan he aldorþegn unlyfigendne,
þone deorestan deadne wisse.
- 1310
- Hraþe wæs to bure Beowulf fetod,
sigoreadig secg. Samod ærdæge
eode eorla sum, æþele cempa
self mid gesium þær se snotera bad,
hwæþer him alwalda æfre wille
- 1315
- æfter weaspelle wyrpe gefremman.
Gang a æfter flore fyrdwyre man
mid his handscale (healwudu dynede),
þæt he þone wisan wordum nægde
frean Ingwina, frægn gif him wære
- 1320
- æfter neodlaum niht getæse.
Hrogar maþelode, helm Scyldinga:
"Ne frin þu æfter sælum! Sorh is geniwod
Denigea leodum. Dead is æschere,
Yrmenlafes yldra broþor,
- 1325
- min runwita ond min rædbora,
eaxlgestealla, onne we on orlege
hafelan weredon, þonne hniton feþan,
eoferas cnysedan. Swylc scolde eorl wesan,
æþeling ærgod, swylc æschere wæs!
- 1330
- Wear him on Heorote to handbanan
wælgæst wæfre; ic ne wat hwæder
atol æse wlanc eftsias teah,
fylle gefægnod. Heo þa fæhe wræc
þe þu gystran niht Grendel cwealdest
- 1335
- þurh hæstne had heardum clammum,
forþan he to lange leode mine
wanode ond wyrde. He æt wige gecrang
ealdres scyldig, ond nu oþer cwom
mihtig manscaa, wolde hyre mæg wrecan,
- 1340
- ge feor hafa fæhe gestæled
(þæs þe þincean mæg þegne monegum,
se þe æfter sincgyfan on sefan greoteþ),
hreþerbealo hearde; nu seo hand lige,
se þe eow welhwylcra wilna dohte.
- 1345
- Ic þæt londbuend, leode mine,
selerædende, secgan hyrde
þæt hie gesawon swylce twegen
micle mearcstapan moras healdan,
ellorgæstas. æra oer wæs,
- 1350
- þæs þe hie gewislicost gewitan meahton,
idese onlicnæs; oer earmsceapen
on weres wæstmum wræclastas træd,
næfne he wæs mara þonne ænig man oer;
þone on geardagum Grendel nemdon
- 1355
- foldbuende. No hie fæder cunnon,
hwæþer him ænig wæs ær acenned
dyrnra gasta. Hie dygel lond
warigea, wulfhleoþu, windige næssas,
frecne fengelad, ær fyrgenstream
- 1360
- under næssa genipu niþer gewite,
flod under foldan. Nis þæt feor heonon
milgemearces þæt se mere stande;
ofer þæm hongia hrinde bearwas,
wudu wyrtum fæst wæter oferhelma.
- 1365
- þær mæg nihta gehwæm niwundor seon,
fyr on flode. No þæs frod leofa
gumena bearna, þæt þone grund wite;
eah þe hæstapa hundum geswenced,
heorot hornum trum, holtwudu sece,
- 1370
- feorran geflymed, ær he feorh sele,
aldor on ofre, ær he in wille
hafelan hydan. Nis þæt heoru stow!
þonon ygeblond up astige
won to wolcnum, þonne wind styreþ,
- 1375
- la gewidru, oþæt lyft drysmaþ,
roderas reota. Nu is se ræd gelang
eft æt þe anum. Eard git ne const,
frecne stowe, ær þu findan miht
felasinnigne secg; sec gif þu dyrre.
- 1380
- Ic þe þa fæhe feo leanige,
ealdgestreonum, swa ic ær dyde,
wundnum golde, gyf þu on weg cymest."
Beowulf maþelode, bearn Ecgþeowes:
"Ne sorga, snotor guma; selre bi æghwæm
- 1385
- þæt he his freond wrece, þonne he fela murne.
Ure æghwylc sceal ende gebidan
worolde lifes; wyrce se þe mote
domes ær deaþe; þæt bi drihtguman
unlifgendum æfter selest.
- 1390
- Aris, rices weard, uton raþe feran
Grendles magan gang sceawigan.
Ic hit þe gehate, no he on helm losaþ,
ne on foldan fæþm, ne on fyrgenholt,
ne on gyfenes grund, ga þær he wille.
- 1395
- ys dogor þu geþyld hafa
weana gehwylces, swa ic þe wene to."
Ahleop a se gomela, gode þancode,
mihtigan drihtne, þæs se man gespræc.
þa wæs Hrogare hors gebæted,
- 1400
- wicg wundenfeax. Wisa fengel
geatolic gende; gumfeþa stop
lindhæbbendra. Lastas wæron
æfter waldswaþum wide gesyne,
gang ofer grundas, þær heo gegnum for
- 1405
- ofer myrcan mor, magoþegna bær
þone selestan sawolleasne
þara þe mid Hrogare ham eahtode.
Ofereode þa æþelinga bearn
steap stanhlio, stige nearwe,
- 1410
- enge anpaas, uncu gelad,
neowle næssas, nicorhusa fela.
He feara sum beforan gengde
wisra monna wong sceawian,
oþþæt he færinga fyrgenbeamas
- 1415
- ofer harne stan hleonian funde,
wynleasne wudu; wæter under stod
dreorig ond gedrefed. Denum eallum wæs,
winum Scyldinga, weorce on mode
to geþolianne, egne monegum,
- 1420
- oncy eorla gehwæm, syþan æscheres
on þam holmclife hafelan metton.
Flod blode weol (folc to sægon),
hatan heolfre. Horn stundum song
fuslic fyrdleo. Feþa eal gesæt.
- 1425
- Gesawon a æfter wætere wyrmcynnes fela,
sellice sædracan, sund cunnian,
swylce on næshleoum nicras licgean,
a on undernmæl oft bewitiga
sorhfulne si on seglrade,
- 1430
- wyrmas ond wildeor; hie on weg hruron,
bitere ond gebolgne, bearhtm ongeaton,
guhorn galan. Sumne Geata leod
of flanbogan feores getwæfde,
ygewinnes, þæt him on aldre stod
- 1435
- herestræl hearda; he on holme wæs
sundes þe sænra, e hyne swylt fornam.
Hræþe wear on yum mid eoferspreotum
heorohocyhtum hearde genearwod,
nia genæged, ond on næs togen,
- 1440
- wundorlic wægbora; weras sceawedon
gryrelicne gist. Gyrede hine Beowulf
eorlgewædum, nalles for ealdre mearn.
Scolde herebyrne hondum gebroden,
sid ond searofah, sund cunnian,
- 1445
- seo e bancofan beorgan cuþe,
þæt him hildegrap hreþre ne mihte,
eorres inwitfeng, aldre gesceþan;
ac se hwita helm hafelan werede,
se þe meregrundas mengan scolde,
- 1450
- secan sundgebland since geweorad,
befongen freawrasnum, swa hine fyrndagum
worhte wæpna smi, wundrum teode,
besette swinlicum, þæt hine syþan no
brond ne beadomecas bitan ne meahton.
- 1455
- Næs þæt þonne mætost mægenfultuma
þæt him on earfe lah yle Hrogares;
wæs þæm hæftmece Hrunting nama.
þæt wæs an foran ealdgestreona;
ecg wæs iren, atertanum fah,
- 1460
- ahyrded heaþoswate; næfre hit æt hilde ne swac
manna ængum þara þe hit mid mundum bewand,
se e gryresias gegan dorste,
folcstede fara; næs þæt forma si
þæt hit ellenweorc æfnan scolde.
- 1465
- Huru ne gemunde mago Ecglafes,
eafoþes cræftig, þæt he ær gespræc
wine druncen, þa he þæs wæpnes onlah
selran sweordfrecan. Selfa ne dorste
under ya gewin aldre geneþan,
- 1470
- drihtscype dreogan; þær he dome forleas,
ellenmærum. Ne wæs þæm orum swa,
syþan he hine to gue gegyred hæfde.
Beowulf maelode, bearn Ecgþeowes:
"Geþenc nu, se mæra maga Healfdenes,
- 1475
- snottra fengel, nu ic eom sies fus,
goldwine gumena, hwæt wit geo spræcon,
gif ic æt þearfe þinre scolde
aldre linnan, þæt u me a wære
forgewitenum on fæder stæle.
- 1480
- Wes þu mundbora minum magoþegnum,
hondgesellum, gif mec hild nime;
swylce þu a madmas þe þu me sealdest,
Hrogar leofa, Higelace onsend.
Mæg þonne on þæm golde ongitan Geata dryhten,
- 1485
- geseon sunu Hrædles, þonne he on þæt sinc stara,
þæt ic gumcystum godne funde
beaga bryttan, breac þonne moste.
Ond þu Unfer læt ealde lafe,
wrætlic wægsweord, widcune man
- 1490
- heardecg habban; ic me mid Hruntinge
dom gewyrce, oþe mec dea nime."
æfter þæm wordum Wedergeata leod
efste mid elne, nalas ondsware
bidan wolde; brimwylm onfeng
- 1495
- hilderince. a wæs hwil dæges
ær he þone grundwong ongytan mehte.
Sona þæt onfunde se e floda begong
heorogifre beheold hund missera,
grim ond grædig, þæt þær gumena sum
- 1500
- ælwihta eard ufan cunnode.
Grap þa togeanes, gurinc gefeng
atolan clommum. No þy ær in gescod
halan lice; hring utan ymbbearh,
þæt heo þone fyrdhom urhfon ne mihte,
- 1505
- locene leoosyrcan laþan fingrum.
Bær þa seo brimwylf, þa heo to botme com,
hringa þengel to hofe sinum,
swa he ne mihte, no he þæs modig wæs,
wæpna gewealdan, ac hine wundra þæs fela
- 1510
- swencte on sunde, sædeor monig
hildetuxum heresyrcan bræc,
ehton aglæcan. a se eorl ongeat
þæt he in nisele nathwylcum wæs,
þær him nænig wæter wihte ne sceþede,
- 1515
- ne him for hrofsele hrinan ne mehte
færgripe flodes; fyrleoht geseah,
blacne leoman, beorhte scinan.
Ongeat þa se goda grundwyrgenne,
merewif mihtig; mægenræs forgeaf
- 1520
- hildebille, hond sweng ne ofteah,
þæt hire on hafelan hringmæl agol
grædig guleo. a se gist onfand
þæt se beadoleoma bitan nolde,
aldre sceþan, ac seo ecg geswac
- 1525
- eodne æt þearfe; olode ær fela
hondgemota, helm oft gescær,
fæges fyrdhrægl; a wæs forma si
deorum madme, þæt his dom alæg.
Eft wæs anræd, nalas elnes læt,
- 1530
- mæra gemyndig mæg Hylaces.
Wearp a wundenmæl wrættum gebunden
yrre oretta, þæt hit on eoran læg,
sti ond stylecg; strenge getruwode,
mundgripe mægenes. Swa sceal man don,
- 1535
- þonne he æt gue gegan þence
longsumne lof, na ymb his lif ceara.
Gefeng þa be eaxle (nalas for fæhe mearn)
Gugeata leod Grendles modor;
brægd þa beadwe heard, þa he gebolgen wæs,
- 1540
- feorhgenilan, þæt heo on flet gebeah.
Heo him eft hraþe andlean forgeald
grimman grapum ond him togeanes feng;
oferwearp þa werigmod wigena strengest,
feþecempa, þæt he on fylle wear.
- 1545
- Ofsæt þa þone selegyst ond hyre seax geteah,
brad ond brunecg, wolde hire bearn wrecan,
angan eaferan. Him on eaxle læg
breostnet broden; þæt gebearh feore,
wi ord ond wi ecge ingang forstod.
- 1550
- Hæfde a forsiod sunu Ecgþeowes
under gynne grund, Geata cempa,
nemne him heaobyrne helpe gefremede,
herenet hearde, ond halig god
geweold wigsigor; witig drihten,
- 1555
- rodera rædend, hit on ryht gesced
yelice, syþan he eft astod.
Geseah a on searwum sigeeadig bil,
eald sweord eotenisc, ecgum þyhtig,
wigena weormynd; þæt wæs wæpna cyst,
- 1560
- buton hit wæs mare onne ænig mon oer
to beadulace ætberan meahte,
god ond geatolic, giganta geweorc.
He gefeng þa fetelhilt, freca Scyldinga
hreoh ond heorogrim hringmæl gebrægd,
- 1565
- aldres orwena, yrringa sloh,
þæt hire wi halse heard grapode,
banhringas bræc. Bil eal urhwod
fægne flæschoman; heo on flet gecrong.
Sweord wæs swatig, secg weorce gefeh.
- 1570
- Lixte se leoma, leoht inne stod,
efne swa of hefene hadre scine
rodores candel. He æfter recede wlat;
hwearf þa be wealle, wæpen hafenade
heard be hiltum Higelaces egn,
- 1575
- yrre ond anræd. Næs seo ecg fracod
hilderince, ac he hraþe wolde
Grendle forgyldan guræsa fela
ara þe he geworhte to Westdenum
oftor micle onne on ænne si,
- 1580
- þonne he Hrogares heorgeneatas
sloh on sweofote, slæpende fræt
folces Denigea fyftyne men
ond oer swylc ut offerede,
lalicu lac. He him þæs lean forgeald,
- 1585
- reþe cempa, to æs þe he on ræste geseah
guwerigne Grendel licgan
aldorleasne, swa him ær gescod
hild æt Heorote. Hra wide sprong,
syþan he æfter deae drepe þrowade,
- 1590
- heorosweng heardne, ond hine þa heafde becearf.
Sona þæt gesawon snottre ceorlas,
þa e mid Hrogare on holm wliton,
þæt wæs ygeblond eal gemenged,
brim blode fah. Blondenfeaxe,
- 1595
- gomele ymb godne, ongeador spræcon
þæt hig þæs æelinges eft ne wendon
þæt he sigehreig secean come
mærne þeoden; þa æs monige gewear
þæt hine seo brimwylf abroten hæfde.
- 1600
- a com non dæges. Næs ofgeafon
hwate Scyldingas; gewat him ham þonon
goldwine gumena. Gistas setan
modes seoce ond on mere staredon,
wiston ond ne wendon þæt hie heora winedrihten
- 1605
- selfne gesawon. þa þæt sweord ongan
æfter heaþoswate hildegicelum,
wigbil wanian. þæt wæs wundra sum,
þæt hit eal gemealt ise gelicost,
onne forstes bend fæder onlæte,
- 1610
- onwinde wælrapas, se geweald hafa
sæla ond mæla; þæt is so metod.
Ne nom he in þæm wicum, Wedergeata leod,
mamæhta ma, þeh he þær monige geseah,
buton þone hafelan ond þa hilt somod
- 1615
- since fage. Sweord ær gemealt,
forbarn brodenmæl; wæs þæt blod to þæs hat,
ættren ellorgæst se þær inne swealt.
Sona wæs on sunde se þe ær æt sæcce gebad
wighryre wrara, wæter up þurhdeaf.
- 1620
- Wæron ygebland eal gefælsod,
eacne eardas, þa se ellorgast
oflet lifdagas ond þas lænan gesceaft.
Com þa to lande lidmanna helm
swimod swymman; sælace gefeah,
- 1625
- mægenbyrþenne þara þe he him mid hæfde.
Eodon him þa togeanes, gode þancodon,
rylic þegna heap, þeodnes gefegon,
þæs þe hi hyne gesundne geseon moston.
a wæs of þæm hroran helm ond byrne
- 1630
- lungre alysed. Lagu drusade,
wæter under wolcnum, wældreore fag.
Ferdon for þonon feþelastum
ferhþum fægne, foldweg mæton,
cuþe stræte. Cyningbalde men
- 1635
- from þæm holmclife hafelan bæron
earfolice heora æghwæþrum,
felamodigra; feower scoldon
on þæm wælstenge weorcum geferian
to þæm goldsele Grendles heafod,
- 1640
- oþæt semninga to sele comon
frome fyrdhwate feowertyne
Geata gongan; gumdryhten mid
modig on gemonge meodowongas træd.
a com in gan ealdor egna,
- 1645
- dædcene mon dome gewurþad,
hæle hildedeor, Hrogar gretan.
þa wæs be feaxe on flet boren
Grendles heafod, þær guman druncon,
egeslic for eorlum ond þære idese mid,
- 1650
- wliteseon wrætlic; weras on sawon.
Beowulf maþelode, bearn Ecgþeowes:
"Hwæt! we þe þas sælac, sunu Healfdenes,
leod Scyldinga, lustum brohton
tires to tacne, þe þu her to locast.
- 1655
- Ic þæt unsofte ealdre gedigde
wigge under wætere, weorc geneþde
earfolice; ætrihte wæs
gu getwæfed, nyme mec god scylde.
Ne meahte ic æt hilde mid Hruntinge
- 1660
- wiht gewyrcan, þeah þæt wæpen duge;
ac me geue ylda waldend
þæt ic on wage geseah wlitig hangian
eald sweord eacen (oftost wisode
winigea leasum), þæt ic y wæpne gebræd.
- 1665
- Ofsloh a æt þære sæcce, þa me sæl ageald,
huses hyrdas. þa þæt hildebil
forbarn brogdenmæl, swa þæt blod gesprang,
hatost heaþoswata. Ic þæt hilt þanan
feondum ætferede, fyrendæda wræc,
- 1670
- deacwealm Denigea, swa hit gedefe wæs.
Ic hit þe þonne gehate, þæt þu on Heorote most
sorhleas swefan mid þinra secga gedryht
ond þegna gehwylc þinra leoda,
dugue ond iogoþe, þæt þu him ondrædan ne þearft,
- 1675
- þeoden Scyldinga, on þa healfe,
aldorbealu eorlum, swa þu ær dydest."
a wæs gylden hilt gamelum rince,
harum hildfruman, on hand gyfen,
enta ærgeweorc; hit on æht gehwearf
- 1680
- æfter deofla hryre Denigea frean,
wundorsmiþa geweorc, ond þa þas worold ofgeaf
gromheort guma, godes ondsaca,
morres scyldig, ond his modor eac,
on geweald gehwearf woroldcyninga
- 1685
- æm selestan be sæm tweonum
ara þe on Scedenigge sceattas dælde.
Hrogar maelode, hylt sceawode,
ealde lafe, on æm wæs or writen
fyrngewinnes, syþan flod ofsloh,
- 1690
- gifen geotende, giganta cyn
(frecne geferdon); þæt wæs fremde þeod
ecean dryhtne; him þæs endelean
þurh wæteres wylm waldend sealde.
Swa wæs on æm scennum sciran goldes
- 1695
- þurh runstafas rihte gemearcod,
geseted ond gesæd hwam þæt sweord geworht,
irena cyst, ærest wære,
wreoþenhilt ond wyrmfah. a se wisa spræc
sunu Healfdenes (swigedon ealle):
- 1700
- "þæt, la, mæg secgan se þe so ond riht
freme on folce, feor eal gemon,
eald edhelweard, þæt es eorl wære
geboren betera! Blæd is aræred
geond widwegas, wine min Beowulf,
- 1705
- in ofer þeoda gehwylce. Eal þu hit geþyldum healdest,
mægen mid modes snyttrum. Ic þe sceal mine gelæstan
freode, swa wit furum spræcon. u scealt to frofre
weorþan
eal langtwidig leodum þinum,
hæleum to helpe. Ne wear Heremod swa
- 1710
- eaforum Ecgwelan, Arscyldingum;
ne geweox he him to willan, ac to wælfealle
ond to deacwalum Deniga leodum;
breat bolgenmod beodgeneatas,
eaxlgesteallan, oþþæt he ana hwearf,
- 1715
- mære þeoden, mondreamum from.
eah þe hine mihtig god mægenes wynnum,
eafeþum stepte, ofer ealle men
for gefremede, hwæþere him on ferhþe greow
breosthord blodreow. Nallas beagas geaf
- 1720
- Denum æfter dome; dreamleas gebad
þæt he þæs gewinnes weorc þrowade,
leodbealo longsum. u þe lær be þon,
gumcyste ongit; ic þis gid be þe
awræc wintrum frod. Wundor is to secganne
- 1725
- hu mihtig god manna cynne
þurh sidne sefan snyttru brytta,
eard ond eorlscipe; he ah ealra geweald.
Hwilum he on lufan læte hworfan
monnes modgeþonc mæran cynnes,
- 1730
- sele him on eþle eorþan wynne
to healdanne, hleoburh wera,
gede him swa gewealdene worolde dælas,
side rice, þæt he his selfa ne mæg
for his unsnyttrum ende geþencean.
- 1735
- Wuna he on wiste; no hine wiht dwele
adl ne yldo, ne him inwitsorh
on sefan sweorce, ne gesacu ohwær
ecghete eowe, ac him eal worold
wende on willan (he þæt wyrse ne con),
- 1740
- oþæt him on innan oferhygda dæl
weaxe ond wrida. þonne se weard swefe,
sawele hyrde; bi se slæp to fæst,
bisgum gebunden, bona swie neah,
se þe of flanbogan fyrenum sceote.
- 1745
- þonne bi on hreþre under helm drepen
biteran stræle (him bebeorgan ne con),
wom wundorbebodum wergan gastes;
þince him to lytel þæt he lange heold,
gytsa gromhydig, nallas on gylp sele
- 1750
- fædde beagas, ond he þa forgesceaft
forgyte ond forgyme, þæs þe him ær god sealde,
wuldres waldend, weormynda dæl.
Hit on endestæf eft gelimpe
þæt se lichoma læne gedreose,
- 1755
- fæge gefealle; feh oþer to,
se þe unmurnlice madmas dæleþ,
eorles ærgestreon, egesan ne gyme.
Bebeorh þe one bealoni, Beowulf leofa,
secg betsta, ond þe þæt selre geceos,
- 1760
- ece rædas; oferhyda ne gym,
mære cempa. Nu is þines mægnes blæd
ane hwile. Eft sona bi
þæt þec adl oe ecg eafoþes getwæfe,
oe fyres feng, oe flodes wylm,
- 1765
- oe gripe meces, oe gares fliht,
oe atol yldo; oe eagena bearhtm
forsite ond forsworce; semninga bi
þæt ec, dryhtguma, dea oferswye.
Swa ic Hringdena hund missera
- 1770
- weold under wolcnum ond hig wigge beleac
manigum mægþa geond þysne middangeard,
æscum ond ecgum, þæt ic me ænigne
under swegles begong gesacan ne tealde.
Hwæt, me þæs on eþle edwenden cwom,
- 1775
- gyrn æfter gomene, seoþan Grendel wear,
ealdgewinna, ingenga min;
ic þære socne singales wæg
modceare micle. þæs sig metode þanc,
ecean dryhtne, þæs e ic on aldre gebad
- 1780
- þæt ic on þone hafelan heorodreorigne
ofer ealdgewin eagum starige!
Ga nu to setle, symbelwynne dreoh
wigge weorþad; unc sceal worn fela
maþma gemænra, siþan morgen bi."
- 1785
- Geat wæs glædmod, geong sona to
setles neosan, swa se snottra heht.
þa wæs eft swa ær ellenrofum
fletsittendum fægere gereorded
niowan stefne. Nihthelm geswearc
- 1790
- deorc ofer dryhtgumum. Dugu eal aras.
Wolde blondenfeax beddes neosan,
gamela Scylding. Geat unigmetes wel,
rofne randwigan, restan lyste;
sona him seleþegn sies wergum,
- 1795
- feorrancundum, for wisade,
se for andrysnum ealle beweotede
þegnes þearfe, swylce þy dogore
heaþoliende habban scoldon.
Reste hine þa rumheort; reced hliuade
- 1800
- geap ond goldfah; gæst inne swæf
oþþæt hrefn blaca heofones wynne
bliheort bodode. a com beorht scacan
scaþan onetton,
wæron æþelingas eft to leodum
- 1805
- fuse to farenne; wolde feor þanon
cuma collenferh ceoles neosan.
Heht þa se hearda Hrunting beran
sunu Ecglafes, heht his sweord niman,
leoflic iren; sægde him þæs leanes þanc,
- 1810
- cwæ, he þone guwine godne tealde,
wigcræftigne, nales wordum log
meces ecge; þæt wæs modig secg.
Ond þa sifrome, searwum gearwe
wigend wæron; eode weor Denum
- 1815
- æþeling to yppan, þær se oþer wæs,
hæle hildedeor Hrogar grette.
Beowulf maþelode, bearn Ecgþeowes:
"Nu we sæliend secgan wylla,
feorran cumene, þæt we fundiaþ
- 1820
- Higelac secan. Wæron her tela
willum bewenede; þu us wel dohtest.
Gif ic þonne on eorþan owihte mæg
þinre modlufan maran tilian,
gumena dryhten, onne ic gyt dyde,
- 1825
- gugeweorca, ic beo gearo sona.
Gif ic þæt gefricge ofer floda begang,
þæt þec ymbsittend egesan þywa,
swa þec hetende hwilum dydon,
ic e þusenda þegna bringe,
- 1830
- hæleþa to helpe. Ic on Higelac wat,
Geata dryhten, þeah e he geong sy,
folces hyrde, þæt he mec fremman wile
wordum ond worcum, þæt ic þe wel herige
ond þe to geoce garholt bere,
- 1835
- mægenes fultum, þær e bi manna þearf.
Gif him þonne Hreþric to hofum Geata
geþinge, þeodnes bearn, he mæg þær fela
freonda findan; feorcyþe beo
selran gesohte þæm þe him selfa deah."
- 1840
- Hrogar maþelode him on ondsware:
"þe þa wordcwydas wigtig drihten
on sefan sende; ne hyrde ic snotorlicor
on swa geongum feore guman þingian.
þu eart mægenes strang ond on mode frod,
- 1845
- wis wordcwida. Wen ic talige,
gif þæt gegange, þæt e gar nyme,
hild heorugrimme, Hreþles eaferan,
adl oþe iren ealdor inne,
folces hyrde, ond þu þin feorh hafast,
- 1850
- þæt þe Sægeatas selran næbben
to geceosenne cyning ænigne,
hordweard hæleþa, gyf þu healdan wylt
maga rice. Me þin modsefa
lica leng swa wel, leofa Beowulf.
- 1855
- Hafast þu gefered þæt þam folcum sceal,
Geata leodum ond Gardenum,
sib gemæne, ond sacu restan,
inwitniþas, þe hie ær drugon,
wesan, þenden ic wealde widan rices,
- 1860
- maþmas gemæne, manig oþerne
godum gegretan ofer ganotes bæ;
sceal hringnaca ofer heafu bringan
lac ond luftacen. Ic þa leode wat
ge wi feond ge wi freond fæste geworhte,
- 1865
- æghwæs untæle ealde wisan."
a git him eorla hleo inne gesealde,
mago Healfdenes, maþmas XII;
het hine mid þæm lacum leode swæse
secean on gesyntum, snude eft cuman.
- 1870
- Gecyste þa cyning æþelum god,
þeoden Scyldinga, egn betstan
ond be healse genam; hruron him tearas,
blondenfeaxum. Him wæs bega wen,
ealdum infrodum, oþres swior,
- 1875
- þæt hie seoan no geseon moston,
modige on meþle. Wæs him se man to þon leof
þæt he þone breostwylm forberan ne mehte,
ac him on hreþre hygebendum fæst
æfter deorum men dyrne langa
- 1880
- beorn wi blode. Him Beowulf þanan,
gurinc goldwlanc, græsmoldan træd
since hremig; sægenga bad
agendfrean, se þe on ancre rad.
þa wæs on gange gifu Hrogares
- 1885
- oft geæhted; þæt wæs an cyning,
æghwæs orleahtre, oþþæt hine yldo benam
mægenes wynnum, se þe oft manegum scod.
Cwom þa to flode felamodigra,
hægstealdra heap, hringnet bæron,
- 1890
- locene leoosyrcan. Landweard onfand
eftsi eorla, swa he ær dyde;
no he mid hearme of hlies nosan
gæstas grette, ac him togeanes rad,
cwæ þæt wilcuman Wedera leodum
- 1895
- scaþan scirhame to scipe foron.
þa wæs on sande sægeap naca
hladen herewædum, hringedstefna,
mearum ond mamum; mæst hlifade
ofer Hrogares hordgestreonum.
- 1900
- He þæm batwearde bunden golde
swurd gesealde, þæt he syþan wæs
on meodubence maþme þy weorþra,
yrfelafe. Gewat him on naca
drefan deop wæter, Dena land ofgeaf.
- 1905
- þa wæs be mæste merehrægla sum,
segl sale fæst; sundwudu þunede.
No þær wegflotan wind ofer yum
sies getwæfde; sægenga for,
fleat famigheals for ofer ye,
- 1910
- bundenstefna ofer brimstreamas,
þæt hie Geata clifu ongitan meahton,
cuþe næssas. Ceol up geþrang
lyftgeswenced, on lande stod.
Hraþe wæs æt holme hyweard geara,
- 1915
- se þe ær lange tid leofra manna
fus æt faroe feor wlatode;
sælde to sande sidfæþme scip,
oncerbendum fæst, þy læs hym yþa rym
wudu wynsuman forwrecan meahte.
- 1920
- Het þa up beran æþelinga gestreon,
frætwe ond fætgold; næs him feor þanon
to gesecanne sinces bryttan,
Higelac Hreþling, þær æt ham wuna
selfa mid gesium sæwealle neah.
- 1925
- Bold wæs betlic, bregorof cyning,
heah in healle, Hygd swie geong,
wis, welþungen, þeah e wintra lyt
under burhlocan gebiden hæbbe,
Hæreþes dohtor; næs hio hnah swa þeah,
- 1930
- ne to gnea gifa Geata leodum,
maþmgestreona. Mod þryo wæg,
fremu folces cwen, firen ondrysne.
Nænig þæt dorste deor geneþan
swæsra gesia, nefne sinfrea,
- 1935
- þæt hire an dæges eagum starede,
ac him wælbende weotode tealde
handgewriþene; hraþe seoþan wæs
æfter mundgripe mece geþinged,
þæt hit sceadenmæl scyran moste,
- 1940
- cwealmbealu cyan. Ne bi swylc cwenlic þeaw
idese to efnanne, þeah e hio ænlicu sy,
þætte freouwebbe feores onsæce
æfter ligetorne leofne mannan.
Huru þæt onhohsnode Hemminges mæg;
- 1945
- ealodrincende oer sædan,
þæt hio leodbealewa læs gefremede,
inwitnia, syan ærest wear
gyfen goldhroden geongum cempan,
æelum diore, syan hio Offan flet
- 1950
- ofer fealone flod be fæder lare
sie gesohte; ær hio syan well
in gumstole, gode, mære,
lifgesceafta lifigende breac,
hiold heahlufan wi hæleþa brego,
- 1955
- ealles moncynnes mine gefræge
þone selestan bi sæm tweonum,
eormencynnes. Foram Offa wæs
geofum ond guum, garcene man,
wide geweorod, wisdome heold
- 1960
- eel sinne; þonon Eomer woc
hæleum to helpe, Hemminges mæg,
nefa Garmundes, nia cræftig.
Gewat him a se hearda mid his hondscole
sylf æfter sande sæwong tredan,
- 1965
- wide waroas. Woruldcandel scan,
sigel suan fus. Hi si drugon,
elne geeodon, to æs e eorla hleo,
bonan Ongenþeoes burgum in innan,
geongne gucyning godne gefrunon
- 1970
- hringas dælan. Higelace wæs
si Beowulfes snude gecyed,
þæt ær on worig wigendra hleo,
lindgestealla, lifigende cwom,
heaolaces hal to hofe gongan.
- 1975
- Hrae wæs gerymed, swa se rica bebead,
feegestum flet innanweard.
Gesæt þa wi sylfne se a sæcce genæs,
mæg wi mæge, syan mandryhten
þurh hleoorcwyde holdne gegrette,
- 1980
- meaglum wordum. Meoduscencum hwearf
geond þæt healreced Hærees dohtor,
lufode a leode, liwæge bær
hæleum to handa. Higelac ongan
sinne geseldan in sele þam hean
- 1985
- fægre fricgcean (hyne fyrwet bræc,
hwylce Sægeata sias wæron):
"Hu lomp eow on lade, leofa Biowulf,
þa u færinga feorr gehogodest
sæcce secean ofer sealt wæter,
- 1990
- hilde to Hiorote? Ac u Hrogare
widcune wean wihte gebettest,
mærum eodne? Ic æs modceare
sorhwylmum sea, sie ne truwode
leofes mannes; ic e lange bæd
- 1995
- þæt u þone wælgæst wihte ne grette,
lete Sudene sylfe geweoran
gue wi Grendel. Gode ic þanc secge
þæs e ic e gesundne geseon moste."
Biowulf maelode, bearn Ecgioes:
- 2000
- "þæt is undyrne, dryhten Higelac,
micel gemeting, monegum fira,
hwylc orleghwil uncer Grendles
wear on am wange, þær he worna fela
Sigescyldingum sorge gefremede,
- 2005
- yrme to aldre. Ic æt eall gewræc,
swa begylpan ne þearf Grendeles maga
ænig ofer eoran uhthlem þone,
se e lengest leofa laan cynnes,
facne bifongen. Ic ær furum cwom
- 2010
- to am hringsele Hrogar gretan;
sona me se mæra mago Healfdenes,
syan he modsefan minne cue,
wi his sylfes sunu setl getæhte.
Weorod wæs on wynne; ne seah ic widan feorh
- 2015
- under heofones hwealf healsittendra
medudream maran. Hwilum mæru cwen,
friusibb folca, flet eall geondhwearf,
bædde byre geonge; oft hio beahwrian
secge sealde, ær hie to setle geong.
- 2020
- Hwilum for dugue dohtor Hrogares
eorlum on ende ealuwæge bær;
þa ic Freaware fletsittende
nemnan hyrde, þær hio nægled sinc
hæleum sealde. Sio gehaten is,
- 2025
- geong, goldhroden, gladum suna Frodan;
hafa þæs geworden wine Scyldinga,
rices hyrde, ond þæt ræd tala,
þæt he mid y wife wælfæha dæl,
sæcca gesette. Oft seldan hwær
- 2030
- æfter leodhryre lytle hwile
bongar buge, þeah seo bryd duge!
Mæg þæs þonne ofþyncan eodne Heaobeardna
ond þegna gehwam þara leoda,
þonne he mid fæmnan on flett gæ,
- 2035
- dryhtbearn Dena, dugua biwenede;
on him gladia gomelra lafe,
heard ond hringmæl Heaabeardna gestreon
þenden hie am wæpnum wealdan moston,
oæt hie forlæddan to am lindplegan
- 2040
- swæse gesias ond hyra sylfra feorh.
þonne cwi æt beore se e beah gesyh,
eald æscwiga, se e eall geman,
garcwealm gumena (him bi grim sefa),
onginne geomormod geongum cempan
- 2045
- þurh hrera gehygd higes cunnian,
wigbealu weccean, ond þæt word acwy:
'Meaht u, min wine, mece gecnawan
þone þin fæder to gefeohte bær
under heregriman hindeman sie,
- 2050
- dyre iren, þær hyne Dene slogon,
weoldon wælstowe, syan Wiergyld læg,
æfter hæleþa hryre, hwate Scyldungas?
Nu her þara banena byre nathwylces
frætwum hremig on flet gæ,
- 2055
- morres gylpe, ond þone maþum byre,
þone þe u mid rihte rædan sceoldest.'
Mana swa ond myndga mæla gehwylce
sarum wordum, oæt sæl cyme
þæt se fæmnan þegn fore fæder dædum
- 2060
- æfter billes bite blodfag swefe,
ealdres scyldig; him se oer þonan
losa lifigende, con him land geare.
þonne bio abrocene on ba healfe
asweord eorla; syan Ingelde
- 2065
- wealla wælnias, ond him wiflufan
æfter cearwælmum colran weora.
þy ic Heaobeardna hyldo ne telge,
dryhtsibbe dæl Denum unfæcne,
freondscipe fæstne. Ic sceal for sprecan
- 2070
- gen ymbe Grendel, þæt u geare cunne,
sinces brytta, to hwan syan wear
hondræs hælea. Syan heofones gim
glad ofer grundas, gæst yrre cwom,
eatol, æfengrom, user neosan,
- 2075
- ær we gesunde sæl weardodon.
þær wæs Hondscio hild onsæge,
feorhbealu fægum; he fyrmest læg,
gyrded cempa; him Grendel wear,
mærum maguþegne to mubonan,
- 2080
- leofes mannes lic eall forswealg.
No y ær ut a gen idelhende
bona blodigto, bealewa gemyndig,
of am goldsele gongan wolde,
ac he mægnes rof min costode,
- 2085
- grapode gearofolm. Glof hangode
sid ond syllic, searobendum fæst;
sio wæs oroncum eall gegyrwed
deofles cræftum ond dracan fellum.
He mec þær on innan unsynnigne,
- 2090
- dior dædfruma, gedon wolde
manigra sumne; hyt ne mihte swa,
syan ic on yrre uppriht astod.
To lang ys to reccenne hu ic am leodsceaan
yfla gehwylces ondlean forgeald;
- 2095
- þær ic, þeoden min, þine leode
weorode weorcum. He on weg losade,
lytle hwile lifwynna breac;
hwæþre him sio swire swae weardade
hand on Hiorte, ond he hean onan
- 2100
- modes geomor meregrund gefeoll.
Me þone wælræs wine Scildunga
fættan golde fela leanode,
manegum mamum, syan mergen com
ond we to symble geseten hæfdon.
- 2105
- þær wæs gidd ond gleo. Gomela Scilding,
felafricgende, feorran rehte;
hwilum hildedeor hearpan wynne,
gomenwudu grette, hwilum gyd awræc
so ond sarlic, hwilum syllic spell
- 2110
- rehte æfter rihte rumheort cyning.
Hwilum eft ongan, eldo gebunden,
gomel guwiga giogue cwian,
hildestrengo; hreer inne weoll,
þonne he wintrum frod worn gemunde.
- 2115
- Swa we þær inne ondlangne dæg
niode naman, oæt niht becwom
oer to yldum. þa wæs eft hrae
gearo gyrnwræce Grendeles modor,
siode sorhfull; sunu dea fornam,
- 2120
- wighete Wedra. Wif unhyre
hyre bearn gewræc, beorn acwealde
ellenlice; þær wæs æschere,
frodan fyrnwitan, feorh ugenge.
Noer hy hine ne moston, syan mergen cwom,
- 2125
- deawerigne, Denia leode,
bronde forbærnan, ne on bæl hladan
leofne mannan; hio þæt lic ætbær
feondes fæmum under firgenstream.
þæt wæs Hrogare hreowa tornost
- 2130
- þara þe leodfruman lange begeate.
þa se eoden mec ine life
healsode hreohmod, þæt ic on holma geþring
eorlscipe efnde, ealdre genede,
mæro fremede; he me mede gehet.
- 2135
- Ic a æs wælmes, þe is wide cu,
grimne gryrelicne grundhyrde fond;
þær unc hwile wæs hand gemæne,
holm heolfre weoll, ond ic heafde becearf
in am gusele Grendeles modor
- 2140
- eacnum ecgum, unsofte þonan
feorh oferede. Næs ic fæge þa gyt,
ac me eorla hleo eft gesealde
mama menigeo, maga Healfdenes.
Swa se eodkyning þeawum lyfde.
- 2145
- Nealles ic am leanum forloren hæfde,
mægnes mede, ac he me mamas geaf,
sunu Healfdenes, on minne sylfes dom;
a ic e, beorncyning, bringan wylle,
estum geywan. Gen is eall æt e
- 2150
- lissa gelong; ic lyt hafo
heafodmaga nefne, Hygelac, ec."
Het a in beran eaforheafodsegn,
heaosteapne helm, hare byrnan,
gusweord geatolic, gyd æfter wræc:
- 2155
- "Me is hildesceorp Hrogar sealde,
snotra fengel, sume worde het
þæt ic his ærest e est gesægde;
cwæ þæt hyt hæfde Hiorogar cyning,
leod Scyldunga lange hwile;
- 2160
- no y ær suna sinum syllan wolde,
hwatum Heorowearde, þeah he him hold wære,
breostgewædu. Bruc ealles well!"
Hyrde ic þæt þam frætwum feower mearas
lungre, gelice, last weardode,
- 2165
- æppelfealuwe; he him est geteah
meara ond mama. Swa sceal mæg don,
nealles inwitnet orum bregdon
dyrnum cræfte, dea renian
hondgesteallan. Hygelace wæs,
- 2170
- nia heardum, nefa swye hold,
ond gehwæer orum hroþra gemyndig.
Hyrde ic þæt he one healsbeah Hygde gesealde,
wrætlicne wundurmaum, one þe him Wealheo geaf,
eodnes dohtor, þrio wicg somod
- 2175
- swancor ond sadolbeorht; hyre syan wæs
æfter beahege breost geweorod.
Swa bealdode bearn Ecgeowes,
guma guum cu, godum dædum,
dreah æfter dome, nealles druncne slog
- 2180
- heorgeneatas; næs him hreoh sefa,
ac he mancynnes mæste cræfte
ginfæstan gife, þe him god sealde,
heold hildedeor. Hean wæs lange,
swa hyne Geata bearn godne ne tealdon,
- 2185
- ne hyne on medobence micles wyrne
drihten Wedera gedon wolde;
swye wendon þæt he sleac wære,
æeling unfrom. Edwenden cwom
tireadigum menn torna gehwylces.
- 2190
- Het a eorla hleo in gefetian,
heaorof cyning, Hreles lafe
golde gegyrede; næs mid Geatum a
sincmaþum selra on sweordes had;
þæt he on Biowulfes bearm alegde
- 2195
- ond him gesealde seofan þusendo,
bold ond bregostol. Him wæs bam samod
on am leodscipe lond gecynde,
eard, eelriht, orum swior
side rice þam ær selra wæs.
- 2200
- Eft þæt geiode ufaran dogrum
hildehlæmmum, syan Hygelac læg
ond Heardrede hildemeceas
under bordhreoan to bonan wurdon,
a hyne gesohtan on sigeþeode
- 2205
- hearde hildefrecan, Heaoscilfingas,
nia genægdan nefan Hererices,
syan Beowulfe brade rice
on hand gehwearf; he geheold tela
fiftig wintra (wæs a frod cyning,
- 2210
- eald eþelweard), oæt an ongan
deorcum nihtum draca ricsian,
se e on heaum hofe hord beweotode,
stanbeorh steapne; stig under læg,
eldum uncu. þær on innan giong
- 2215
- nia nathwylc, se e neh gefeng
hænum horde, hond ......,
since fahne. He þæt syan ......,
þeah e he slæpende besyred
wurde
þeofes cræfte; þæt sie iod onfand,
- 2220
- bufolc beorna, þæt he gebolgen wæs.
Nealles mid gewealdum wyrmhord abræc
sylfes willum, se e him sare gesceod,
ac for þreanedlan þeow nathwylces
hælea bearna heteswengeas fleah,
- 2225
- ærnes þearfa, ond ær inne fealh,
secg synbysig, sona onfunde
þæt þær am gyste gryrebroga stod;
hwære earmsceapen
...sceapen
- 2230
- þa hyne se fær begeat.
Sincfæt ......; þær wæs swylcra fela
in am eorhuse ærgestreona,
swa hy on geardagum gumena nathwylc,
eormenlafe æþelan cynnes,
- 2235
- þanchycgende þær gehydde,
deore mamas. Ealle hie dea fornam
ærran mælum, ond se an a gen
leoda dugue, se ær lengest hwearf,
weard winegeomor, wende þæs ylcan,
- 2240
- þæt he lytel fæc longgestreona
brucan moste. Beorh eallgearo
wunode on wonge wæteryum neah,
niwe be næsse, nearocræftum fæst.
þær on innan bær eorlgestreona
- 2245
- hringa hyrde hordwyrne dæl,
fættan goldes, fea worda cwæ:
"Heald þu nu, hruse, nu hæle ne moston,
eorla æhte! Hwæt, hyt ær on e
gode begeaton. Gudea fornam,
- 2250
- feorhbealo frecne, fyra gehwylcne
leoda minra, þara e þis lif ofgeaf,
gesawon seledream. Ic nah hwa sweord wege
oe feormie fæted wæge,
dryncfæt deore; dugu ellor sceoc.
- 2255
- Sceal se hearda helm hyrsted golde
fætum befeallen; feormynd swefa,
þa e beadogriman bywan sceoldon,
ge swylce seo herepad, sio æt hilde gebad
ofer borda gebræc bite irena,
- 2260
- brosna æfter beorne. Ne mæg byrnan hring
æfter wigfruman wide feran,
hæleum be healfe. Næs hearpan wyn,
gomen gleobeames, ne god hafoc
geond sæl swinge, ne se swifta mearh
- 2265
- burhstede beate. Bealocwealm hafa
fela feorhcynna for onsended!"
Swa giomormod gioho mænde
an æfter eallum, unblie hwearf
dæges ond nihtes, oæt deaes wylm
- 2270
- hran æt heortan. Hordwynne fond
eald uhtsceaa opene standan,
se e byrnende biorgas sece,
nacod nidraca, nihtes fleoge
fyre befangen; hyne foldbuend
- 2275
- swie ondræda. He gesecean sceall
hord on hrusan, þær he hæen gold
wara wintrum frod, ne by him wihte y sel.
Swa se eodsceaa þreo hund wintra
heold on hrusan hordærna sum,
- 2280
- eacencræftig, oæt hyne an abealch
mon on mode; mandryhtne bær
fæted wæge, frioowære bæd
hlaford sinne. a wæs hord rasod,
onboren beaga hord, bene getiad
- 2285
- feasceaftum men. Frea sceawode
fira fyrngeweorc forman sie.
þa se wyrm onwoc, wroht wæs geniwad;
stonc a æfter stane, stearcheort onfand
feondes fotlast; he to for gestop
- 2290
- dyrnan cræfte dracan heafde neah.
Swa mæg unfæge eae gedigan
wean ond wræcsi, se e waldendes
hyldo gehealdeþ! Hordweard sohte
georne æfter grunde, wolde guman findan,
- 2295
- þone þe him on sweofote sare geteode,
hat ond hreohmod hlæw oft ymbehwearf
ealne utanweardne, ne ær ænig mon
on þære westenne; hwære wiges gefeh,
beaduwe weorces, hwilum on beorh æthwearf,
- 2300
- sincfæt sohte. He þæt sona onfand
æt hæfde gumena sum goldes gefandod,
heahgestreona. Hordweard onbad
earfolice oæt æfen cwom;
wæs a gebolgen beorges hyrde,
- 2305
- wolde se laa lige forgyldan
drincfæt dyre. þa wæs dæg sceacen
wyrme on willan; no on wealle læg,
bidan wolde, ac mid bæle for,
fyre gefysed. Wæs se fruma egeslic
- 2310
- leodum on lande, swa hyt lungre wear
on hyra sincgifan sare geendod.
a se gæst ongan gledum spiwan,
beorht hofu bærnan; bryneleoma stod
eldum on andan. No ær aht cwices
- 2315
- la lyftfloga læfan wolde.
Wæs þæs wyrmes wig wide gesyne,
nearofages ni nean ond feorran,
hu se gusceaa Geata leode
hatode ond hynde; hord eft gesceat,
- 2320
- dryhtsele dyrnne, ær dæges hwile.
Hæfde landwara lige befangen,
bæle ond bronde, beorges getruwode,
wiges ond wealles; him seo wen geleah.
þa wæs Biowulfe broga gecyed
- 2325
- snude to soe, þæt his sylfes ham,
bolda selest, brynewylmum mealt,
gifstol Geata. þæt am godan wæs
hreow on hrere, hygesorga mæst;
wende se wisa þæt he wealdende
- 2330
- ofer ealde riht, ecean dryhtne,
bitre gebulge. Breost innan weoll
þeostrum geþoncum, swa him geþywe ne wæs.
Hæfde ligdraca leoda fæsten,
ealond utan, eorweard one
- 2335
- gledum forgrunden; him æs gukyning,
Wedera þioden, wræce leornode.
Heht him þa gewyrcean wigendra hleo
eallirenne, eorla dryhten,
wigbord wrætlic; wisse he gearwe
- 2340
- þæt him holtwudu helpan ne meahte,
lind wi lige. Sceolde lændaga
æþeling ærgod ende gebidan,
worulde lifes, ond se wyrm somod,
þeah e hordwelan heolde lange.
- 2345
- Oferhogode a hringa fengel
þæt he þone widflogan weorode gesohte,
sidan herge; no he him þa sæcce ondred,
ne him þæs wyrmes wig for wiht dyde,
eafo ond ellen, foron he ær fela
- 2350
- nearo neende nia gedigde,
hildehlemma, syan he Hrogares,
sigoreadig secg, sele fælsode
ond æt gue forgrap Grendeles mægum
laan cynnes. No þæt læsest wæs
- 2355
- hondgemota, þær mon Hygelac sloh,
syan Geata cyning gue ræsum,
freawine folca Freslondum on,
Hreles eafora hiorodryncum swealt,
bille gebeaten. þonan Biowulf com
- 2360
- sylfes cræfte, sundnytte dreah;
hæfde him on earme ana XXX
hildegeatwa, þa he to holme beag.
Nealles Hetware hremge þorfton
feewiges, þe him foran ongean
- 2365
- linde bæron; lyt eft becwom
fram þam hildfrecan hames niosan.
Oferswam a siolea bigong sunu Ecgeowes,
earm anhaga, eft to leodum;
þær him Hygd gebead hord ond rice,
- 2370
- beagas ond bregostol, bearne ne truwode
þæt he wi ælfylcum eþelstolas
healdan cue, a wæs Hygelac dead.
No y ær feasceafte findan meahton
æt am æelinge ænige inga,
- 2375
- þæt he Heardrede hlaford wære
oe þone cynedom ciosan wolde;
hwære he him on folce freondlarum heold,
estum mid are, oæt he yldra wear,
Wedergeatum weold. Hyne wræcmæcgas
- 2380
- ofer sæ sohtan, suna Ohteres;
hæfdon hy forhealden helm Scylfinga,
þone selestan sæcyninga
þara e in Swiorice sinc brytnade,
mærne þeoden. Him þæt to mearce wear;
- 2385
- he þær for feorme feorhwunde hleat
sweordes swengum, sunu Hygelaces,
ond him eft gewat Ongenioes bearn
hames niosan, syan Heardred læg,
let one bregostol Biowulf healdan,
- 2390
- Geatum wealdan. þæt wæs god cyning!
Se æs leodhryres lean gemunde
uferan dogrum, Eadgilse wear
feasceaftum freond, folce gestepte
ofer sæ side sunu Ohteres,
- 2395
- wigum ond wæpnum; he gewræc syan
cealdum cearsium, cyning ealdre bineat.
Swa he nia gehwane genesen hæfde,
slira geslyhta, sunu Ecgiowes,
ellenweorca, o one anne dæg
- 2400
- þe he wi þam wyrme gewegan sceolde.
Gewat þa XIIa sum torne gebolgen
dryhten Geata dracan sceawian.
Hæfde þa gefrunen hwanan sio fæh aras,
bealoni biorna; him to bearme cwom
- 2405
- maþumfæt mære þurh æs meldan hond.
Se wæs on am reate þreotteoa secg,
se æs orleges or onstealde,
hæft hygegiomor, sceolde hean onon
wong wisian. He ofer willan giong
- 2410
- to æs e he eorsele anne wisse,
hlæw under hrusan holmwylme neh,
ygewinne; se wæs innan full
wrætta ond wira. Weard unhiore,
gearo gufreca, goldmamas heold,
- 2415
- eald under eoran. Næs þæt ye ceap
to gegangenne gumena ænigum!
Gesæt a on næsse niheard cyning,
þenden hælo abead heorgeneatum,
goldwine Geata. Him wæs geomor sefa,
- 2420
- wæfre ond wælfus, wyrd ungemete neah,
se one gomelan gretan sceolde,
secean sawle hord, sundur gedælan
lif wi lice, no þon lange wæs
feorh æþelinges flæsce bewunden.
- 2425
- Biowulf maþelade, bearn Ecgeowes:
"Fela ic on giogoe guræsa genæs,
orleghwila; ic þæt eall gemon.
Ic wæs syfanwintre, þa mec sinca baldor,
freawine folca, æt minum fæder genam;
- 2430
- heold mec ond hæfde Hreel cyning,
geaf me sinc ond symbel, sibbe gemunde.
Næs ic him to life lara owihte,
beorn in burgum, þonne his bearna hwylc,
Herebeald ond Hæcyn oe Hygelac min.
- 2435
- Wæs þam yldestan ungedefelice
mæges dædum morþorbed stred,
syan hyne Hæcyn of hornbogan,
his freawine, flane geswencte,
miste mercelses ond his mæg ofscet,
- 2440
- broor oerne blodigan gare.
þæt wæs feohleas gefeoht, fyrenum gesyngad,
hrere hygemee; sceolde hwære swa þeah
æeling unwrecen ealdres linnan.
Swa bi geomorlic gomelum ceorle
- 2445
- to gebidanne, þæt his byre ride
giong on galgan, þonne he gyd wrece,
sarigne sang, þonne his sunu hanga
hrefne to hrore, ond he him helpe ne mæg,
eald ond infrod, ænige gefremman.
- 2450
- Symble bi gemyndgad morna gehwylce
eaforan ellorsi; ores ne gyme
to gebidanne burgum in innan
yrfeweardas, þonne se an hafa
þurh deaes nyd dæda gefondad.
- 2455
- Gesyh sorhcearig on his suna bure
winsele westne, windge reste
reote berofene. Ridend swefa,
hæle in homan; nis þær hearpan sweg,
gomen in geardum, swylce ær iu wæron.
- 2460
- Gewite þonne on sealman, sorhleo gæle
an æfter anum; þuhte him eall to rum,
wongas ond wicstede. Swa Wedra helm
æfter Herebealde heortan sorge
weallende wæg. Wihte ne meahte
- 2465
- on am feorhbonan fæghe gebetan;
no y ær he þone heaorinc hatian ne meahte
laum dædum, þeah him leof ne wæs.
He a mid þære sorhge, þe him swa sar belamp,
gumdream ofgeaf, godes leoht geceas,
- 2470
- eaferum læfde, swa de eadig mon,
lond ond leodbyrig, þa he of life gewat.
þa wæs synn ond sacu Sweona ond Geata
ofer wid wæter, wroht gemæne,
hereni hearda, syan Hreel swealt,
- 2475
- oe him Ongeneowes eaferan wæran
frome, fyrdhwate, freode ne woldon
ofer heafo healdan, ac ymb Hreosnabeorh
eatolne inwitscear oft gefremedon.
þæt mægwine mine gewræcan,
- 2480
- fæhe ond fyrene, swa hyt gefræge wæs,
þeah e oer his ealdre gebohte,
heardan ceape; Hæcynne wear,
Geata dryhtne, gu onsæge.
þa ic on morgne gefrægn mæg oerne
- 2485
- billes ecgum on bonan stælan,
þær Ongenþeow Eofores niosa.
Guhelm toglad, gomela Scylfing
hreas hildeblac; hond gemunde
fæho genoge, feorhsweng ne ofteah.
- 2490
- Ic him þa mamas, þe he me sealde,
geald æt gue, swa me gifee wæs,
leohtan sweorde; he me lond forgeaf,
eard, eelwyn. Næs him ænig þearf
þæt he to Gifum oe to Gardenum
- 2495
- oe in Swiorice secean þurfe
wyrsan wigfrecan, weore gecypan.
Symle ic him on fean beforan wolde,
ana on orde, ond swa to aldre sceall
sæcce fremman, þenden þis sweord þola,
- 2500
- þæt mec ær ond si oft gelæste.
Syan ic for dugeum Dæghrefne wear
to handbonan, Huga cempan;
nalles he a frætwe Frescyninge,
breostweorunge, bringan moste,
- 2505
- ac in compe gecrong cumbles hyrde,
æþeling on elne; ne wæs ecg bona,
ac him hildegrap heortan wylmas,
banhus gebræc. Nu sceall billes ecg,
hond ond heard sweord, ymb hord wigan."
- 2510
- Beowulf maelode, beotwordum spræc
niehstan sie: "Ic genede fela
gua on geogoe; gyt ic wylle,
frod folces weard, fæhe secan,
mæru fremman, gif mec se mansceaa
- 2515
- of eorsele ut gesece."
Gegrette a gumena gehwylcne,
hwate helmberend, hindeman sie,
swæse gesias: "Nolde ic sweord beran,
wæpen to wyrme, gif ic wiste hu
- 2520
- wi am aglæcean elles meahte
gylpe wigripan, swa ic gio wi Grendle dyde.
Ac ic ær heaufyres hates wene,
orees ond attres; foron ic me on hafu
bord ond byrnan. Nelle ic beorges weard
- 2525
- forfleon fotes trem, ac unc furur sceal
weoran æt wealle, swa unc wyrd geteo,
metod manna gehwæs. Ic eom on mode from
þæt ic wi þone guflogan gylp ofersitte.
Gebide ge on beorge byrnum werede,
- 2530
- secgas on searwum, hwæer sel mæge
æfter wælræse wunde gedygan
uncer twega. Nis þæt eower si
ne gemet mannes, nefne min anes,
þæt he wi aglæcean eofoo dæle,
- 2535
- eorlscype efne. Ic mid elne sceall
gold gegangan, oe gu nime,
feorhbealu frecne, frean eowerne!"
Aras a bi ronde rof oretta,
heard under helme, hiorosercean bær
- 2540
- under stancleofu, strengo getruwode
anes mannes. Ne bi swylc earges si!
Geseah a be wealle se e worna fela,
gumcystum god, gua gedigde,
hildehlemma, þonne hnitan fean,
- 2545
- stondan stanbogan, stream ut þonan
brecan of beorge. Wæs þære burnan wælm
heaofyrum hat; ne meahte horde neah
unbyrnende ænige hwile
deop gedygan for dracan lege.
- 2550
- Let a of breostum, a he gebolgen wæs,
Wedergeata leod word ut faran,
stearcheort styrmde; stefn in becom
heaotorht hlynnan under harne stan.
Hete wæs onhrered, hordweard oncniow
- 2555
- mannes reorde; næs ær mara fyrst
freode to friclan. From ærest cwom
oru aglæcean ut of stane,
hat hildeswat. Hruse dynede.
Biorn under beorge bordrand onswaf
- 2560
- wi am gryregieste, Geata dryhten;
a wæs hringbogan heorte gefysed
sæcce to seceanne. Sweord ær gebræd
god gucyning, gomele lafe,
ecgum unslaw; æghwærum wæs
- 2565
- bealohycgendra broga fram orum.
Stimod gestod wi steapne rond
winia bealdor, a se wyrm gebeah
snude tosomne; he on searwum bad.
Gewat a byrnende gebogen scrian,
- 2570
- to gescipe scyndan. Scyld wel gebearg
life ond lice læssan hwile
mærum þeodne þonne his myne sohte,
ær he þy fyrste, forman dogore
wealdan moste swa him wyrd ne gescraf
- 2575
- hre æt hilde. Hond up abræd
Geata dryhten, gryrefahne sloh
incgelafe, þæt sio ecg gewac
brun on bane, bat unswior
þonne his iodcyning þearfe hæfde,
- 2580
- bysigum gebæded. þa wæs beorges weard
æfter heauswenge on hreoum mode,
wearp wælfyre; wide sprungon
hildeleoman. Hresigora ne gealp
goldwine Geata; gubill geswac,
- 2585
- nacod æt nie, swa hyt no sceolde,
iren ærgod. Ne wæs þæt ee si,
þæt se mæra maga Ecgeowes
grundwong þone ofgyfan wolde;
sceolde ofer willan wic eardian
- 2590
- elles hwergen, swa sceal æghwylc mon
alætan lændagas. Næs a long to on
þæt a aglæcean hy eft gemetton.
Hyrte hyne hordweard (hreer æme weoll)
niwan stefne; nearo rowode,
- 2595
- fyre befongen, se e ær folce weold.
Nealles him on heape handgesteallan,
æelinga bearn, ymbe gestodon
hildecystum, ac hy on holt bugon,
ealdre burgan. Hiora in anum weoll
- 2600
- sefa wi sorgum; sibb æfre ne mæg
wiht onwendan þam e wel þence.
Wiglaf wæs haten Weoxstanes sunu,
leoflic lindwiga, leod Scylfinga,
mæg ælfheres; geseah his mondryhten
- 2605
- under heregriman hat þrowian.
Gemunde a a are þe he him ær forgeaf,
wicstede weligne Wægmundinga,
folcrihta gehwylc, swa his fæder ahte.
Ne mihte a forhabban; hond rond gefeng,
- 2610
- geolwe linde, gomel swyrd geteah,
þæt wæs mid eldum Eanmundes laf,
suna Ohteres. þam æt sæcce wear,
wræccan wineleasum, Weohstan bana
meces ecgum, ond his magum ætbær
- 2615
- brunfagne helm, hringde byrnan,
eald sweord etonisc; þæt him Onela forgeaf,
his gædelinges gugewædu,
fyrdsearo fuslic, no ymbe a fæhe spræc,
þeah e he his broor bearn abredwade.
- 2620
- He frætwe geheold fela missera,
bill ond byrnan, oæt his byre mihte
eorlscipe efnan swa his ærfæder;
geaf him a mid Geatum gugewæda,
æghwæs unrim, þa he of ealdre gewat,
- 2625
- frod on forweg. þa wæs forma si
geongan cempan, þæt he gue ræs
mid his freodryhtne fremman sceolde.
Ne gemealt him se modsefa, ne his mæges laf
gewac æt wige; þæt se wyrm onfand,
- 2630
- syan hie togædre gegan hæfdon.
Wiglaf maelode, wordrihta fela
sægde gesium (him wæs sefa geomor):
"Ic æt mæl geman, þær we medu þegun,
þonne we geheton ussum hlaforde
- 2635
- in biorsele, e us as beagas geaf,
þæt we him a gugetawa gyldan woldon
gif him þyslicu þearf gelumpe,
helmas ond heard sweord. e he usic on herge geceas
to yssum sifate sylfes willum,
- 2640
- onmunde usic mæra, ond me þas mamas geaf,
þe he usic garwigend gode tealde,
hwate helmberend, þeah e hlaford us
þis ellenweorc ana aohte
to gefremmanne, folces hyrde,
- 2645
- for am he manna mæst mæra gefremede,
dæda dollicra. Nu is se dæg cumen
þæt ure mandryhten mægenes behofa,
godra gurinca; wutun gongan to,
helpan hildfruman, þenden hyt sy,
- 2650
- gledegesa grim. God wat on mec
þæt me is micle leofre þæt minne lichaman
mid minne goldgyfan gled fæmie.
Ne þynce me gerysne þæt we rondas beren
eft to earde, nemne we æror mægen
- 2655
- fane gefyllan, feorh ealgian
Wedra eodnes. Ic wat geare
þæt næron ealdgewyrht, þæt he ana scyle
Geata dugue gnorn þrowian,
gesigan æt sæcce; urum sceal sweord ond helm,
- 2660
- byrne ond beaduscrud, bam gemæne."
Wod þa þurh þone wælrec, wigheafolan bær
frean on fultum, fea worda cwæ:
"Leofa Biowulf, læst eall tela,
swa u on geogufeore geara gecwæde
- 2665
- þæt u ne alæte be e lifigendum
dom gedreosan. Scealt nu dædum rof,
æeling anhydig, ealle mægene
feorh ealgian; ic e fullæstu."
æfter am wordum wyrm yrre cwom,
- 2670
- atol inwitgæst, ore sie
fyrwylmum fah fionda niosian,
lara manna; ligyum for.
Born bord wi rond, byrne ne meahte
geongum garwigan geoce gefremman,
- 2675
- ac se maga geonga under his mæges scyld
elne geeode, þa his agen wæs
gledum forgrunden. þa gen gucyning
mæra gemunde, mægenstrengo sloh
hildebille, þæt hyt on heafolan stod
- 2680
- niþe genyded; Nægling forbærst,
geswac æt sæcce sweord Biowulfes,
gomol ond grægmæl. Him þæt gifee ne wæs
þæt him irenna ecge mihton
helpan æt hilde; wæs sio hond to strong,
- 2685
- se e meca gehwane, mine gefræge,
swenge ofersohte, þonne he to sæcce bær
wæpen wundrum heard; næs him wihte e sel.
þa wæs þeodsceaa þriddan sie,
frecne fyrdraca, fæha gemyndig,
- 2690
- ræsde on one rofan, þa him rum ageald,
hat ond heaogrim, heals ealne ymbefeng
biteran banum; he geblodegod wear
sawuldriore, swat yum weoll.
a ic æt þearfe gefrægn þeodcyninges
- 2695
- andlongne eorl ellen cyan,
cræft ond cenu, swa him gecynde wæs.
Ne hedde he þæs heafolan, ac sio hand gebarn
modiges mannes, þær he his mæges healp,
þæt he þone nigæst nioor hwene sloh,
- 2700
- secg on searwum, þæt æt sweord gedeaf,
fah ond fæted, þæt æt fyr ongon
swerian syan. þa gen sylf cyning
geweold his gewitte, wællseaxe gebræd
biter ond beaduscearp, þæt he on byrnan wæg;
- 2705
- forwrat Wedra helm wyrm on middan.
Feond gefyldan (ferh ellen wræc),
ond hi hyne þa begen abroten hæfdon,
sibæelingas. Swylc sceolde secg wesan,
þegn æt earfe! þæt am þeodne wæs
- 2710
- siast sigehwila sylfes dædum,
worlde geweorces. a sio wund ongon,
þe him se eordraca ær geworhte,
swelan ond swellan; he þæt sona onfand,
þæt him on breostum bealonie weoll
- 2715
- attor on innan. a se æeling giong
þæt he bi wealle wishycgende
gesæt on sesse; seah on enta geweorc,
hu a stanbogan stapulum fæste
ece eorreced innan healde.
- 2720
- Hyne þa mid handa heorodreorigne,
þeoden mærne, þegn ungemete till
winedryhten his wætere gelafede,
hilde sædne, ond his helm onspeon.
Biowulf maþelode (he ofer benne spræc,
- 2725
- wunde wælbleate; wisse he gearwe
þæt he dæghwila gedrogen hæfde,
eoran wynne; a wæs eall sceacen
dogorgerimes, dea ungemete neah):
"Nu ic suna minum syllan wolde
- 2730
- gugewædu, þær me gifee swa
ænig yrfeweard æfter wurde
lice gelenge. Ic as leode heold
fiftig wintra; næs se folccyning,
ymbesittendra ænig ara,
- 2735
- þe mec guwinum gretan dorste,
egesan eon. Ic on earde bad
mælgesceafta, heold min tela,
ne sohte searonias, ne me swor fela
aa on unriht. Ic æs ealles mæg
- 2740
- feorhbennum seoc gefean habban;
for am me witan ne earf waldend fira
mororbealo maga, þonne min sceace
lif of lice. Nu u lungre geong
hord sceawian under harne stan,
- 2745
- Wiglaf leofa, nu se wyrm lige,
swefe sare wund, since bereafod.
Bio nu on ofoste, þæt ic ærwelan,
goldæht ongite, gearo sceawige
swegle searogimmas, þæt ic y seft mæge
- 2750
- æfter maumwelan min alætan
lif ond leodscipe, þone ic longe heold."
a ic snude gefrægn sunu Wihstanes
æfter wordcwydum wundum dryhtne
hyran heaosiocum, hringnet beran,
- 2755
- brogdne beadusercean under beorges hrof.
Geseah a sigehreig, þa he bi sesse geong,
magoþegn modig maumsigla fealo,
gold glitinian grunde getenge,
wundur on wealle, ond þæs wyrmes denn,
- 2760
- ealdes uhtflogan, orcas stondan,
fyrnmanna fatu feormendlease,
hyrstum behrorene; þær wæs helm monig
eald ond omig, earmbeaga fela
searwum gesæled. Sinc eae mæg,
- 2765
- gold on grunde, gumcynnes gehwone
oferhigian, hyde se e wylle.
Swylce he siomian geseah segn eallgylden
heah ofer horde, hondwundra mæst,
gelocen leoocræftum; of am leoma stod,
- 2770
- þæt he þone grundwong ongitan meahte,
wræte giondwlitan. Næs æs wyrmes þær
onsyn ænig, ac hyne ecg fornam.
a ic on hlæwe gefrægn hord reafian,
eald enta geweorc, anne mannan,
- 2775
- him on bearm hladon bunan ond discas
sylfes dome; segn eac genom,
beacna beorhtost. Bill ær gescod
(ecg wæs iren) ealdhlafordes
þam ara mama mundbora wæs
- 2780
- longe hwile, ligegesan wæg
hatne for horde, hioroweallende
middelnihtum, oþæt he morre swealt.
Ar wæs on ofoste, eftsies georn,
frætwum gefyrred; hyne fyrwet bræc,
- 2785
- hwæer collenfer cwicne gemette
in am wongstede Wedra þeoden
ellensiocne, þær he hine ær forlet.
He a mid þam mamum mærne þioden,
dryhten sinne, driorigne fand
- 2790
- ealdres æt ende; he hine eft ongon
wæteres weorpan, oþæt wordes ord
breosthord þurhbræc.
gomel on giohe (gold sceawode):
"Ic ara frætwa frean ealles anc,
- 2795
- wuldurcyninge, wordum secge,
ecum dryhtne, þe ic her on starie,
þæs e ic moste minum leodum
ær swyltdæge swylc gestrynan.
Nu ic on mama hord mine bebohte
- 2800
- frode feorhlege, fremma gena
leoda þearfe; ne mæg ic her leng wesan.
Hata heaomære hlæw gewyrcean
beorhtne æfter bæle æt brimes nosan;
se scel to gemyndum minum leodum
- 2805
- heah hlifian on Hronesnæsse,
þæt hit sæliend syan hatan
Biowulfes biorh, a e brentingas
ofer floda genipu feorran drifa."
Dyde him of healse hring gyldenne
- 2810
- þioden þristhydig, þegne gesealde,
geongum garwigan, goldfahne helm,
beah ond byrnan, het hyne brucan well:
"þu eart endelaf usses cynnes,
Wægmundinga. Ealle wyrd forsweop
- 2815
- mine magas to metodsceafte,
eorlas on elne; ic him æfter sceal."
þæt wæs þam gomelan gingæste word
breostgehygdum, ær he bæl cure,
hate heaowylmas; him of hrere gewat
- 2820
- sawol secean sofæstra dom.
a wæs gegongen guman unfrodum
earfolice, þæt he on eoran geseah
þone leofestan lifes æt ende
bleate gebæran. Bona swylce læg,
- 2825
- egeslic eordraca ealdre bereafod,
bealwe gebæded. Beahhordum leng
wyrm wohbogen wealdan ne moste,
ac hine irenna ecga fornamon,
hearde, heaoscearde homera lafe,
- 2830
- þæt se widfloga wundum stille
hreas on hrusan hordærne neah.
Nalles æfter lyfte lacende hwearf
middelnihtum, mamæhta wlonc
ansyn ywde, ac he eoran gefeoll
- 2835
- for æs hildfruman hondgeweorce.
Huru þæt on lande lyt manna ah,
mægenagendra, mine gefræge,
þeah e he dæda gehwæs dyrstig wære,
þæt he wi attorsceaan oree geræsde,
- 2840
- oe hringsele hondum styrede,
gif he wæccende weard onfunde
buon on beorge. Biowulfe wear
dryhtmama dæl deae forgolden;
hæfde æghwæer ende gefered
- 2845
- lænan lifes. Næs a lang to on
þæt a hildlatan holt ofgefan,
tydre treowlogan tyne ætsomne.
a ne dorston ær dareum lacan
on hyra mandryhtnes miclan þearfe,
- 2850
- ac hy scamiende scyldas bæran,
gugewædu, þær se gomela læg,
wlitan on Wilaf. He gewergad sæt,
feecempa, frean eaxlum neah,
wehte hyne wætre; him wiht ne speow.
- 2855
- Ne meahte he on eoran, eah he ue wel,
on am frumgare feorh gehealdan,
ne æs wealdendes wiht oncirran;
wolde dom godes dædum rædan
gumena gehwylcum, swa he nu gen de.
- 2860
- þa wæs æt am geongan grim ondswaru
ebegete þam e ær his elne forleas.
Wiglaf maelode, Weohstanes sunu,
sec, sarigfer (seah on unleofe):
"þæt, la, mæg secgan se e wyle so specan
- 2865
- þæt se mondryhten se eow a mamas geaf,
eoredgeatwe, þe ge þær on standa,
þonne he on ealubence oft gesealde
healsittendum helm ond byrnan,
þeoden his þegnum, swylce he þrydlicost
- 2870
- ower feor oe neah findan meahte,
þæt he genunga gugewædu
wrae forwurpe, a hyne wig beget.
Nealles folccyning fyrdgesteallum
gylpan þorfte; hwære him god ue,
- 2875
- sigora waldend, þæt he hyne sylfne gewræc
ana mid ecge, þa him wæs elnes þearf.
Ic him lifwrae lytle meahte
ætgifan æt gue, ond ongan swa þeah
ofer min gemet mæges helpan;
- 2880
- symle wæs þy sæmra, þonne ic sweorde drep
ferhgenilan, fyr unswior
weoll of gewitte. Wergendra to lyt
þrong ymbe þeoden, þa hyne sio þrag becwom.
Nu sceal sincþego ond swyrdgifu,
- 2885
- eall eelwyn eowrum cynne,
lufen alicgean; londrihtes mot
þære mægburge monna æghwylc
idel hweorfan, syan æelingas
feorran gefricgean fleam eowerne,
- 2890
- domleasan dæd. Dea bi sella
eorla gehwylcum þonne edwitlif!"
Heht a þæt heaoweorc to hagan biodan
up ofer ecgclif, þær þæt eorlweorod
morgenlongne dæg modgiomor sæt,
- 2895
- bordhæbbende, bega on wenum,
endedogores ond eftcymes
leofes monnes. Lyt swigode
niwra spella se e næs gerad,
ac he solice sægde ofer ealle:
- 2900
- "Nu is wilgeofa Wedra leoda,
dryhten Geata, deabedde fæst,
wuna wælreste wyrmes dædum.
Him on efn lige ealdorgewinna
sexbennum seoc; sweorde ne meahte
- 2905
- on am aglæcean ænige þinga
wunde gewyrcean. Wiglaf site
ofer Biowulfe, byre Wihstanes,
eorl ofer orum unlifigendum,
healde higemæum heafodwearde
- 2910
- leofes ond laes. Nu ys leodum wen
orleghwile, syan underne
Froncum ond Frysum fyll cyninges
wide weore. Wæs sio wroht scepen
heard wi Hugas, syan Higelac cwom
- 2915
- faran flotherge on Fresna land,
þær hyne Hetware hilde genægdon,
elne geeodon mid ofermægene,
þæt se byrnwiga bugan sceolde,
feoll on fean, nalles frætwe geaf
- 2920
- ealdor dugoe. Us wæs a syan
Merewioingas milts ungyfee.
Ne ic to Sweoeode sibbe oe treowe
wihte ne wene, ac wæs wide cu
þætte Ongenio ealdre besnyede
- 2925
- Hæcen Hreþling wi Hrefnawudu,
þa for onmedlan ærest gesohton
Geata leode Guscilfingas.
Sona him se froda fæder Ohtheres,
eald ond egesfull, ondslyht ageaf,
- 2930
- abreot brimwisan, bryd ahredde,
gomela iomeowlan golde berofene,
Onelan modor ond Ohtheres,
ond a folgode feorhgenilan,
oæt hi oeodon earfolice
- 2935
- in Hrefnesholt hlafordlease.
Besæt a sinherge sweorda lafe,
wundum werge, wean oft gehet
earmre teohhe ondlonge niht,
cwæ, he on mergenne meces ecgum
- 2940
- getan wolde, sum on galgtreowum
fuglum to gamene. Frofor eft gelamp
sarigmodum somod ærdæge,
syan hie Hygelaces horn ond byman,
gealdor ongeaton, þa se goda com
- 2945
- leoda dugoe on last faran.
Wæs sio swatswau Sweona ond Geata,
wælræs weora wide gesyne,
hu a folc mid him fæhe towehton.
Gewat him a se goda mid his gædelingum,
- 2950
- frod, felageomor, fæsten secean,
eorl Ongenþio, ufor oncirde;
hæfde Higelaces hilde gefrunen,
wlonces wigcræft, wires ne truwode,
þæt he sæmannum onsacan mihte,
- 2955
- heaoliendum hord forstandan,
bearn ond bryde; beah eft þonan
eald under eorweall. þa wæs æht boden
Sweona leodum, segn Higelaces
freoowong þone for ofereodon,
- 2960
- syan Hrelingas to hagan þrungon.
þær wear Ongeniow ecgum sweorda,
blondenfexa, on bid wrecen,
þæt se þeodcyning afian sceolde
Eafores anne dom. Hyne yrringa
- 2965
- Wulf Wonreding wæpne geræhte,
þæt him for swenge swat ædrum sprong
for under fexe. Næs he forht swa eh,
gomela Scilfing, ac forgeald hrae
wyrsan wrixle wælhlem þone,
- 2970
- syan eodcyning þyder oncirde.
Ne meahte se snella sunu Wonredes
ealdum ceorle ondslyht giofan,
ac he him on heafde helm ær gescer,
þæt he blode fah bugan sceolde,
- 2975
- feoll on foldan; næs he fæge þa git,
ac he hyne gewyrpte, þeah e him wund hrine.
Let se hearda Higelaces þegn
bradne mece, þa his broor læg,
eald sweord eotonisc, entiscne helm
- 2980
- brecan ofer bordweal; a gebeah cyning,
folces hyrde, wæs in feorh dropen.
a wæron monige þe his mæg wrion,
ricone arærdon, a him gerymed wear
þæt hie wælstowe wealdan moston.
- 2985
- þenden reafode rinc oerne,
nam on Ongenio irenbyrnan,
heard swyrd hilted ond his helm somod,
hares hyrste Higelace bær.
He am frætwum feng ond him fægre gehet
- 2990
- leana mid leodum, ond gelæste swa;
geald þone guræs Geata dryhten,
Hreles eafora, þa he to ham becom,
Iofore ond Wulfe mid ofermamum,
sealde hiora gehwærum hund þusenda
- 2995
- landes ond locenra beaga (ne orfte him a lean owitan
mon on middangearde), syan hie a mæra geslogon,
ond a Iofore forgeaf angan dohtor,
hamweorunge, hyldo to wedde.
þæt ys sio fæho ond se feondscipe,
- 3000
- wælni wera, æs e ic wen hafo,
þe us secea to Sweona leoda,
syan hie gefricgea frean userne
ealdorleasne, þone e ær geheold
wi hettendum hord ond rice
- 3005
- æfter hælea hryre, hwate Scildingas,
folcred fremede oe furur gen
eorlscipe efnde. Nu is ofost betost
þæt we þeodcyning þær sceawian
ond þone gebringan, þe us beagas geaf,
- 3010
- on adfære. Ne scel anes hwæt
meltan mid þam modigan, ac þær is mama hord,
gold unrime grimme geceapod,
ond nu æt siestan sylfes feore
beagas gebohte. þa sceall brond fretan,
- 3015
- æled þeccean, nalles eorl wegan
maum to gemyndum, ne mæg scyne
habban on healse hringweorunge,
ac sceal geomormod, golde bereafod,
oft nalles æne elland tredan,
- 3020
- nu se herewisa hleahtor alegde,
gamen ond gleodream. Foron sceall gar wesan
monig, morgenceald, mundum bewunden,
hæfen on handa, nalles hearpan sweg
wigend weccean, ac se wonna hrefn
- 3025
- fus ofer fægum fela reordian,
earne secgan hu him æt æte speow,
þenden he wi wulf wæl reafode."
Swa se secg hwata secggende wæs
lara spella; he ne leag fela
- 3030
- wyrda ne worda. Weorod eall aras;
eodon unblie under Earnanæs,
wollenteare wundur sceawian.
Fundon a on sande sawulleasne
hlimbed healdan þone þe him hringas geaf
- 3035
- ærran mælum; þa wæs endedæg
godum gegongen, þæt se gucyning,
Wedra þeoden, wundordeae swealt.
ær hi þær gesegan syllicran wiht,
wyrm on wonge wierræhtes þær
- 3040
- lane licgean; wæs se legdraca
grimlic, gryrefah, gledum beswæled.
Se wæs fiftiges fotgemearces
lang on legere, lyftwynne heold
nihtes hwilum, nyer eft gewat
- 3045
- dennes niosian; wæs a deae fæst,
hæfde eorscrafa ende genyttod.
Him big stodan bunan ond orcas,
discas lagon ond dyre swyrd,
omige, þurhetone, swa hie wi eoran fæm
- 3050
- þusend wintra þær eardodon.
þonne wæs þæt yrfe, eacencræftig,
iumonna gold galdre bewunden,
þæt am hringsele hrinan ne moste
gumena ænig, nefne god sylfa,
- 3055
- sigora socyning, sealde þam e he wolde
(he is manna gehyld) hord openian,
efne swa hwylcum manna swa him gemet uhte.
þa wæs gesyne þæt se si ne ah
þam e unrihte inne gehydde
- 3060
- wræte under wealle. Weard ær ofsloh
feara sumne; þa sio fæh gewear
gewrecen wralice. Wundur hwar þonne
eorl ellenrof ende gefere
lifgesceafta, þonne leng ne mæg
- 3065
- mon mid his magum meduseld buan.
Swa wæs Biowulfe, þa he biorges weard
sohte, searonias; seolfa ne cue
þurh hwæt his worulde gedal weoran sceolde.
Swa hit o domes dæg diope benemdon
- 3070
- þeodnas mære, þa æt þær dydon,
þæt se secg wære synnum scildig,
hergum geheaerod, hellbendum fæst,
wommum gewitnad, se one wong strude,
næs he goldhwæte gearwor hæfde
- 3075
- agendes est ær gesceawod.
Wiglaf maelode, Wihstanes sunu:
"Oft sceall eorl monig anes willan
wræc adreogan, swa us geworden is.
Ne meahton we gelæran leofne þeoden,
- 3080
- rices hyrde, ræd ænigne,
þæt he ne grette goldweard þone,
lete hyne licgean þær he longe wæs,
wicum wunian o woruldende;
heold on heahgesceap. Hord ys gesceawod,
- 3085
- grimme gegongen; wæs þæt gifee to swi
þe one þeodcyning þyder ontyhte.
Ic wæs þær inne ond þæt eall geondseh,
recedes geatwa, þa me gerymed wæs,
nealles swæslice si alyfed
- 3090
- inn under eorweall. Ic on ofoste gefeng
micle mid mundum mægenbyrenne
hordgestreona, hider ut ætbær
cyninge minum. Cwico wæs þa gena,
wis ond gewittig; worn eall gespræc
- 3095
- gomol on geho ond eowic gretan het,
bæd þæt ge geworhton æfter wines dædum
in bælstede beorh þone hean,
micelne ond mærne, swa he manna wæs
wigend weorfullost wide geond eoran,
- 3100
- þenden he burhwelan brucan moste.
Uton nu efstan ore sie,
seon ond secean searogimma geþræc,
wundur under wealle; ic eow wisige,
þæt ge genoge neon sceawia
- 3105
- beagas ond brad gold. Sie sio bær gearo,
ædre geæfned, þonne we ut cymen,
ond þonne geferian frean userne,
leofne mannan, þær he longe sceal
on æs waldendes wære geþolian."
- 3110
- Het a gebeodan byre Wihstanes,
hæle hildedior, hælea monegum,
boldagendra, þæt hie bælwudu
feorran feredon, folcagende,
godum togenes: "Nu sceal gled fretan,
- 3115
- weaxan wonna leg wigena strengel,
þone e oft gebad isernscure,
þonne stræla storm strengum gebæded
scoc ofer scildweall, sceft nytte heold,
feergearwum fus flane fulleode."
- 3120
- Huru se snotra sunu Wihstanes
acigde of corre cyninges þegnas
syfone tosomne, þa selestan,
eode eahta sum under inwithrof
hilderinca; sum on handa bær
- 3125
- æledleoman, se e on orde geong.
Næs a on hlytme hwa þæt hord strude,
syan orwearde ænigne dæl
secgas gesegon on sele wunian,
læne licgan; lyt ænig mearn
- 3130
- þæt hi ofostlice ut geferedon
dyre mamas. Dracan ec scufun,
wyrm ofer weallclif, leton weg niman,
flod fæmian frætwa hyrde.
þa wæs wunden gold on wæn hladen,
- 3135
- æghwæs unrim, æþeling boren,
har hilderinc to Hronesnæsse.
Him a gegiredan Geata leode
ad on eoran unwaclicne,
helmum behongen, hildebordum,
- 3140
- beorhtum byrnum, swa he bena wæs;
alegdon a tomiddes mærne þeoden
hæle hiofende, hlaford leofne.
Ongunnon þa on beorge bælfyra mæst
wigend weccan; wudurec astah,
- 3145
- sweart ofer swioole, swogende leg
wope bewunden (windblond gelæg),
oþæt he a banhus gebrocen hæfde,
hat on hrere. Higum unrote
modceare mændon, mondryhtnes cwealm;
- 3150
- swylce giomorgyd Geatisc meowle
bundenheorde
song sorgcearig swie geneahhe
þæt hio hyre heofungdagas hearde ondrede,
wælfylla worn, werudes egesan,
- 3155
- hyno ond hæftnyd. Heofon rece swealg.
Geworhton a Wedra leode
hleo on hoe, se wæs heah ond brad,
wægliendum wide gesyne,
ond betimbredon on tyn dagum
- 3160
- beadurofes becn, bronda lafe
wealle beworhton, swa hyt weorlicost
foresnotre men findan mihton.
Hi on beorg dydon beg ond siglu,
eall swylce hyrsta, swylce on horde ær
- 3165
- nihedige men genumen hæfdon,
forleton eorla gestreon eoran healdan,
gold on greote, þær hit nu gen lifa
eldum swa unnyt swa hit æror wæs.
þa ymbe hlæw riodan hildediore,
- 3170
- æþelinga bearn, ealra twelfe,
woldon ceare cwian ond kyning mænan,
wordgyd wrecan ond ymb wer sprecan;
eahtodan eorlscipe ond his ellenweorc
duguum demdon, swa hit gedefe bi
- 3175
- þæt mon his winedryhten wordum herge,
ferhum freoge, þonne he for scile
of lichaman læded weoran.
Swa begnornodon Geata leode
hlafordes hryre, heorgeneatas,
- 3180
- cwædon þæt he wære wyruldcyninga
manna mildust ond monwærust,
leodum liost ond lofgeornost.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- tweode
gifena in ys ginnan grunde. Heo ar a gearwe funde
mundbyrd æt am mæran þeodne, þa heo ahte mæste þearfe,
hyldo þæs hehstan deman, þæt he hie wi þæs hehstan brogan
- 5
- gefriode, fryma waldend. Hyre æs fæder on roderum
torhtmod tie gefremede, þe heo ahte trumne geleafan
a to am ælmihtigan. Gefrægen ic a Holofernus
winhatan wyrcean georne ond eallum wundrum þrymlic
girwan up swæsendo. To am het se gumena baldor
- 10
- ealle a yldestan egnas; hie æt ofstum miclum
ræfndon, rondwiggende, comon to am rican þeodne
feran, folces ræswan. þæt wæs þy feoran dogore
þæs e Iudith hyne, gleaw on geonce,
ides ælfscinu, ærest gesohte.
- 15
- Hie a to am symle sittan eodon,
wlance to wingedrince, ealle his weagesias,
bealde byrnwiggende. þær wæron bollan steape
boren æfter bencum gelome, swylce eac bunan ond orcas
fulle fletsittendum; hie þæt fæge þegon,
- 20
- rofe rondwiggende, þeah æs se rica ne wende,
egesful eorla dryhten. a wear Holofernus,
goldwine gumena, on gytesalum,
hloh ond hlydde, hlynede ond dynede,
þæt mihten fira bearn feorran gehyran
- 25
- hu se stimoda styrmde ond gylede,
modig ond medugal, manode geneahhe
bencsittende þæt hi gebærdon wel.
Swa se inwidda ofer ealne dæg
dryhtguman sine drencte mid wine,
- 30
- swimod sinces brytta, oþæt hie on swiman lagon,
oferdrencte his dugue ealle, swylce hie wæron deae geslegene,
agotene goda gehwylces. Swa het se gumena aldor
fylgan fletsittendum, oþæt fira bearnum
nealæhte niht seo þystre. Het a nia geblonden
- 35
- þa eadigan mæg ofstum fetigan
to his bedreste beagum gehlæste,
hringum gehrodene. Hie hrae fremedon,
anbyhtscealcas, swa him heora ealdor bebead,
byrnwigena brego, bearhtme stopon
- 40
- to am gysterne, þær hie Iudithe
fundon ferhgleawe, ond a fromlice
lindwiggende lædan ongunnon
þa torhtan mæg to træfe þam hean,
þær se rica hyne reste on symbel
- 45
- nihtes inne, nergende la,
Holofernus. þær wæs eallgylden
fleohnet fæger ymbe þæs folctogan
bed ahongen, þæt se bealofulla
mihte wlitan þurh, wigena baldor,
- 50
- on æghwylcne þe ær inne com
hælea bearna, ond on hyne nænig
monna cynnes, nyme se modiga hwæne
nie rofra him þe near hete
rinca to rune gegangan. Hie a on reste gebrohton
- 55
- snude a snoteran idese; eodon a stercedferhe,
hæle heora hearran cyan þæt wæs seo halige meowle
gebroht on his burgetelde. þa wear se brema on mode
blie, burga ealdor, þohte a beorhtan idese
mid widle ond mid womme besmitan. Ne wolde þæt wuldres dema
- 60
- geafian, þrymmes hyrde, ac he him þæs inges gestyrde,
dryhten, dugea waldend. Gewat a se deofulcunda,
galferh gumena reate
bealofull his beddes neosan, þær he sceolde his blæd
forleosan
ædre binnan anre nihte; hæfde a his ende gebidenne
- 65
- on eoran unswæslicne, swylcne he ær æfter worhte,
þearlmod eoden gumena, þenden he on ysse worulde
wunode under wolcna hrofe. Gefeol a wine swa druncen
se rica on his reste middan, swa he nyste ræda nanne
on gewitlocan. Wiggend stopon
- 70
- ut of am inne ofstum miclum,
weras winsade, þe one wærlogan,
lane leodhatan, læddon to bedde
nehstan sie. þa wæs nergendes
þeowen þrymful, þearle gemyndig
- 75
- hu heo þone atolan eaost mihte
ealdre benæman ær se unsyfra,
womfull, onwoce. Genam a wundenlocc
scyppendes mæg scearpne mece,
scurum heardne, ond of sceae abræd
- 80
- swiran folme; ongan a swegles weard
be naman nemnan, nergend ealra
woruldbuendra, ond þæt word acwæ:
"Ic e, fryma god ond frofre gæst,
bearn alwaldan, biddan wylle
- 85
- miltse þinre me þearfendre,
rynesse rym. þearle ys me nu a
heorte onhæted ond hige geomor,
swye mid sorgum gedrefed. Forgif me, swegles ealdor,
sigor ond sone geleafan, þæt ic mid þys sweorde mote
- 90
- geheawan þysne morres bryttan; geunne me minra gesynta,
þearlmod þeoden gumena. Nahte ic þinre næfre
miltse þon maran þearfe. Gewrec nu, mihtig dryhten,
torhtmod tires brytta, þæt me ys þus torne on mode,
hate on hrere minum." Hi a se hehsta dema
- 95
- ædre mid elne onbryrde, swa he de anra gehwylcne
herbuendra þe hyne him to helpe sece
mid ræde ond mid rihte geleafan. þa wear hyre rume on mode,
haligre hyht geniwod; genam a þone hæenan mannan
fæste be feaxe sinum, teah hyne folmum wi hyre weard
- 100
- bysmerlice, ond þone bealofullan
listum alede, lane mannan,
swa heo æs unlædan eaost mihte
wel gewealdan. Sloh a wundenlocc
þone feondsceaan fagum mece,
- 105
- heteþoncolne, þæt heo healfne forcearf
þone sweoran him, þæt he on swiman læg,
druncen ond dolhwund. Næs a dead þa gyt,
ealles orsawle; sloh a eornoste
ides ellenrof ore sie
- 110
- þone hæenan hund, þæt him þæt heafod wand
for on a flore. Læg se fula leap
gesne beæftan, gæst ellor hwearf
under neowelne næs ond ær genyerad wæs,
susle gesæled syan æfre,
- 115
- wyrmum bewunden, witum gebunden,
hearde gehæfted in hellebryne
æfter hinsie. Ne earf he hopian no,
þystrum forylmed, þæt he onan mote
of am wyrmsele, ac ær wunian sceal
- 120
- awa to aldre butan ende for
in am heolstran ham, hyhtwynna leas.
Hæfde a gefohten foremærne blæd
Iudith æt gue, swa hyre god ue,
swegles ealdor, þe hyre sigores onleah.
- 125
- þa seo snotere mæg snude gebrohte
þæs herewæan heafod swa blodig
on am fætelse þe hyre foregenga,
blachleor ides, hyra begea nest,
eawum geungen, þyder on lædde,
- 130
- ond hit þa swa heolfrig hyre on hond ageaf,
higeoncolre, ham to berenne,
Iudith gingran sinre. Eodon a gegnum þanonne
þa idesa ba ellenþriste,
oþæt hie becomon, collenferhe,
- 135
- eadhreige mæg, ut of am herige,
þæt hie sweotollice geseon mihten
þære wlitegan byrig weallas blican,
Bethuliam. Hie a beahhrodene
feelaste for onettan,
- 140
- o hie glædmode gegan hæfdon
to am wealgate. Wiggend sæton,
weras wæccende wearde heoldon
in am fæstenne, swa am folce ær
geomormodum Iudith bebead,
- 145
- searooncol mæg, þa heo on si gewat,
ides ellenrof. Wæs a eft cumen
leof to leodum, ond a lungre het
gleawhydig wif gumena sumne
of ære ginnan byrig hyre togeanes gan,
- 150
- ond hi ofostlice in forleton
þurh æs wealles geat, ond þæt word acwæ
to am sigefolce: "Ic eow secgan mæg
þoncwyre þing, þæt ge ne þyrfen leng
murnan on mode. Eow ys metod blie,
- 155
- cyninga wuldor; þæt gecyed wear
geond woruld wide, þæt eow ys wuldorblæd
torhtlic toweard ond tir gifee
þara læa þe ge lange drugon."
þa wurdon blie burhsittende,
- 160
- syan hi gehyrdon hu seo halige spræc
ofer heanne weall. Here wæs on lustum.
Wi þæs fæstengeates folc onette,
weras wif somod, wornum ond heapum,
reatum ond rymmum þrungon ond urnon
- 165
- ongean a þeodnes mæg þusendmælum,
ealde ge geonge. æghwylcum wear
men on ære medobyrig mod areted,
syan hie ongeaton þæt wæs Iudith cumen
eft to ele, ond a ofostlice
- 170
- hie mid eamedum in forleton.
þa seo gleawe het, golde gefrætewod,
hyre inenne þancolmode
þæs herewæan heafod onwrian
ond hyt to behe blodig ætywan
- 175
- þam burhleodum, hu hyre æt beaduwe gespeow.
Spræc a seo æele to eallum þam
folce:
"Her ge magon sweotole, sigerofe hæle,
leoda ræswan, on æs laestan
hæenes heaorinces heafod starian,
- 180
- Holofernus unlyfigendes,
þe us monna mæst morra gefremede,
sarra sorga, ond þæt swyor gyt
ycan wolde, ac him ne ue god
lengran lifes, þæt he mid læum us
- 185
- eglan moste; ic him ealdor oþrong
þurh godes fultum. Nu ic gumena gehwæne
þyssa burgleoda biddan wylle,
randwiggendra, þæt ge recene eow
fysan to gefeohte. Syan fryma god,
- 190
- arfæst cyning, eastan sende
leohtne leoman, bera linde for,
bord for breostum ond byrnhomas,
scire helmas in sceaena gemong,
fyllan folctogan fagum sweordum,
- 195
- fæge frumgaras. Fynd syndon eowere
gedemed to deae, ond ge dom agon,
tir æt tohtan, swa eow getacnod hafa
mihtig dryhten þurh mine hand."
þa wear snelra werod snude gegearewod,
- 200
- cenra to campe. Stopon cynerofe
secgas ond gesias, bæron sigeþufas,
foron to gefeohte for on gerihte,
hæle under helmum, of ære haligan byrig
on æt dægred sylf. Dynedan scildas,
- 205
- hlude hlummon. þæs se hlanca gefeah
wulf in walde, ond se wanna hrefn,
wælgifre fugel. Wistan begen
þæt him a þeodguman þohton tilian
fylle on fægum; ac him fleah on last
- 210
- earn ætes georn, urigfeera,
salowigpada sang hildeleo,
hyrnednebba. Stopon heaorincas,
beornas to beadowe, bordum beeahte,
hwealfum lindum, þa e hwile ær
- 215
- eleodigra edwit þoledon,
hæenra hosp. Him þæt hearde wear
æt am æscplegan eallum forgolden,
Assyrium, syan Ebreas
under gufanum gegan hæfdon
- 220
- to am fyrdwicum. Hie a fromlice
leton for fleogan flana scuras,
hildenædran, of hornbogan,
strælas stedehearde; styrmdon hlude
grame gufrecan, garas sendon
- 225
- in heardra gemang. Hæle wæron yrre,
landbuende, laum cynne,
stopon styrnmode, stercedferhe,
wrehton unsofte ealdgenilan
medowerige; mundum brugdon
- 230
- scealcas of sceaum scirmæled swyrd,
ecgum gecoste, slogon eornoste
Assiria oretmæcgas,
nihycgende, nanne ne sparedon
þæs herefolces, heanne ne ricne,
- 235
- cwicera manna þe hie ofercuman mihton.
Swa a magoþegnas on a morgentid
ehton eleoda ealle þrage,
oþæt ongeaton a e grame wæron,
æs herefolces heafodweardas,
- 240
- þæt him swyrdgeswing swilic eowdon
weras Ebrisce. Hie wordum þæt
þam yldestan ealdorþegnum
cyan eodon, wrehton cumbolwigan
ond him forhtlice færspel bodedon,
- 245
- medowerigum morgencollan,
atolne ecgplegan. þa ic ædre gefrægn
slegefæge hæle slæpe tobredon
ond wi þæs bealofullan burgeteldes
werigferhe hwearfum þringan,
- 250
- Holofernus. Hogedon aninga
hyra hlaforde hilde bodian,
æron e him se egesa on ufan sæte,
mægen Ebrea. Mynton ealle
þæt se beorna brego ond seo beorhte mæg
- 255
- in am wlitegan træfe wæron ætsomne,
Iudith seo æele ond se galmoda,
egesfull ond afor. Næs eah eorla nan
þe one wiggend aweccan dorste
oe gecunnian hu one cumbolwigan
- 260
- wi a halgan mæg hæfde geworden,
metodes meowlan. Mægen nealæhte,
folc Ebrea, fuhton þearle
heardum heoruwæpnum, hæfte guldon
hyra fyrngeflitu, fagum swyrdum,
- 265
- ealde æfoncan; Assyria wear
on am dægeweorce dom geswirod,
bælc forbiged. Beornas stodon
ymbe hyra þeodnes træf þearle gebylde,
sweorcendferhe. Hi a somod ealle
- 270
- ongunnon cohhetan, cirman hlude
ond gristbitian, gode orfeorme,
mid toon torn þoligende. þa wæs hyra tires æt ende,
eades ond ellendæda. Hogedon þa eorlas aweccan
hyra winedryhten; him wiht ne speow.
- 275
- þa wear si ond late sum to am arod
þara beadorinca, þæt he in þæt burgeteld
niheard nede, swa hyne nyd fordraf.
Funde a on bedde blacne licgan
his goldgifan gæstes gesne,
- 280
- lifes belidenne. He þa lungre gefeoll
freorig to foldan, ongan his feax teran,
hreoh on mode, ond his hrægl somod,
ond þæt word acwæ to am wiggendum
þe ær unrote ute wæron:
- 285
- "Her ys geswutelod ure sylfra forwyrd,
toweard getacnod þæt þære tide ys
mid nium neah gerungen, þe we sculon nyde
losian,
somod æt sæcce forweoran. Her li sweorde geheawen,
beheafdod healdend ure." Hi a hreowigmode
- 290
- wurpon hyra wæpen of dune, gewitan him werigferhe
on fleam sceacan. Him mon feaht on last,
mægeneacen folc, o se mæsta dæl
þæs heriges læg hilde gesæged
on am sigewonge, sweordum geheawen,
- 295
- wulfum to willan ond eac wælgifrum
fuglum to frofre. Flugon a e lyfdon,
lara lindwerod. Him on laste for
sweot Ebrea sigore geweorod,
dome gedyrsod; him feng dryhten god
- 300
- fægre on fultum, frea ælmihtig.
Hi a fromlice fagum swyrdum,
hæle higerofe, herpa worhton
þurh lara gemong, linde heowon,
scildburh scæron. Sceotend wæron
- 305
- gue gegremede, guman Ebrisce;
þegnas on a tid þearle gelyste
gargewinnes. þær on greot gefeoll
se hyhsta dæl heafodgerimes
Assiria ealdordugue,
- 310
- laan cynnes. Lythwon becom
cwicera to cye. Cirdon cynerofe,
wiggend on wiertrod, wælscel on innan,
reocende hræw. Rum wæs to nimanne
londbuendum on am laestan,
- 315
- hyra ealdfeondum unlyfigendum
heolfrig herereaf, hyrsta scyne,
bord ond bradswyrd, brune helmas,
dyre madmas. Hæfdon domlice
on am folcstede fynd oferwunnen
- 320
- eelweardas, ealdhettende
swyrdum aswefede. Hie on swae reston,
þa e him to life laost wæron
cwicera cynna. þa seo cneoris eall,
mæga mærost, anes mones fyrst,
- 325
- wlanc, wundenlocc, wagon ond læddon
to ære beorhtan byrig, Bethuliam,
helmas ond hupseax, hare byrnan,
gusceorp gumena golde gefrætewod,
mærra madma þonne mon ænig
- 330
- asecgan mæge searoþoncelra;
eal þæt a eodguman þrymme geeodon,
cene under cumblum on compwige
þurh Iudithe gleawe lare,
mæg modigre. Hi to mede hyre
- 335
- of am sifate sylfre brohton,
eorlas æscrofe, Holofernes
sweord ond swatigne helm, swylce eac side byrnan
gerenode readum golde, ond eal þæt se rinca baldor
swimod sinces ahte oe sundoryrfes,
- 340
- beaga ond beorhtra mama, hi þæt þære beorhtan idese
ageafon gearoþoncolre. Ealles æs Iudith sægde
wuldor weroda dryhtne, þe hyre weormynde geaf,
mære on moldan rice, swylce eac mede on heofonum,
sigorlean in swegles wuldre, þæs þe heo ahte sone geleafan
- 345
- to am ælmihtigan; huru æt þam ende ne tweode
þæs leanes þe heo lange gyrnde. æs sy am leofan drihtne
wuldor to widan aldre, þe gesceop wind ond lyfte,
roderas ond rume grundas, swylce eac ree streamas
ond swegles dreamas, urh his sylfes miltse.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- fore ænigre egesan næfde,
ne him fultum þær fæstne gelyfde;
ac he on his welan spede wræste getruwode,
and on idel gylp ealra geornost.
- 5
- Ic þonne swa elebeam up weaxende
on godes huse ece gewene,
and on milde mod mines drihtnes,
and me þæt to worulde wat to helpe.
Ic þe andette awa to feore
- 10
- on þære worulde e þu geworhtest her;
forþan þu eart se gooda, gleaw on gesyhe,
þe þinne held curan, þara haligra.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- On his heortan cwæ unhydig sum,
ungleawlice, þætte god nære;
heo onsceoniendlice syndon gewordene
and heora willan wrae besmitene.
- 5
- Næs þa goddoend se þe god wiste,
ne an furum ealra wære.
þa of heofenum beseah halig drihten
ofer manna bearn, hwæer his mihta a
andgyt ænig ealra hæfde,
- 10
- oe god wolde georne secan.
Ealle heo on ane idelnesse
symle besegan; þa wæs so nan
mann
þe god wolde georne wyrcan;
ne an furþum ealra wære.
- 15
- Ac ge þæs ealle ne magon andgyt habban
þe unrihtes elne wyrcea
and min folc freta swa fælne hlaf,
ne hio god wylla georne ciegan;
þær hio forhtiga, frecnes egesan
- 20
- æniges ne þurfon.
Forþam manna ban mihtig drihten
liste tosceade, þa him licia;
beo þa gehyrwede þe forhycggea god.
Hwylc Israela ece hælu
- 25
- syle of Sione nyme sylfa god,
þonne he his folc fægere alyse
of hæftnyde, halig drihten?
þonne Iacob by on glædum sælum
and Israelas ealle blie.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- On þinum þam haligan naman, gedo me halne, god;
alys me fram laum þurh þin leofe mægen.
God, min gebed gearuwe gehyre,
and earum onfoh min agen word.
- 5
- Forþam me fremde oft facne gestodon,
sohtan mine sawle swie strange,
and na heom god setton gleawne on gesyhe.
Efne me þonne god gleawe fultume,
is andfengea ece drihten
- 10
- sawle minre; he me swican ne wile.
Afyr me fæcne yfel feonda minra,
and hi sofæst toweorp syan wide.
Ic e lustum lace cweme,
and naman þinne niode swylce
- 15
- geara andette, foron ic hine goodne wat.
Forþon þu me alysdest, lifes ealdor,
of earfoum eallum symble,
ealle mine fynd eagum ofersawe.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Gehyr min gebed, halig drihten,
ne forseoh æfre sariges bene;
beheald me holdlice and gehyr me eac.
Grimme ic eom begangen; foron ic gnornige
- 5
- and me forhtige feondes stefne
and fyrenfulra fæcne nias.
Foram me on sah unrihtes feala;
wurdon me þa on yrre yfele and hefige.
Ys me on hrere heah heorte gedrefed
- 10
- and me fealle on fyrhtu deaes.
Egsa me and fyrhtu ealne forcwomon,
and me beþeahton þeostru nigrim.
Ic þa on mode cwæ, hwa me sealde
to fleogenne fieru swa culfran,
- 15
- and ic þonne ricene reste syan.
Efne ic feor gewite, fleame dæle,
and on westene wunode lange,
bide þæs beornes þe me bete eft
modes mindom and mægenes hreoh.
- 20
- Hat nu todælan, drihten usser,
heora geeode geond þas woruld wide;
foron ic þær on unriht oft locade,
and wiercwyda wearn gehyrde;
drugon þæt on burgum dæges and nihtes.
- 25
- þunie him gewinnes wearn ofer wealles hrof
and heom on midle wese man and inwit
and unsofæstnys ealle wealde.
Næfre on his weorþige wea aspringe,
mearce mansceat, man inwides;
- 30
- forþon gif me min feond fæcne wyrge,
ic þæt abere blie mode.
þeah þe þa ealle e me a feodon,
wordum wyrigen and wearn sprecan,
ic me wi heora hete hyde sneome.
- 35
- þu eart se man þe me wære
on anmede, and æghwæs cu
latteow lustum; and wyt gelome eac
æton swetne mete samed ætgædere,
and on godes huse gangan swylce
- 40
- mid geþeahtunge þine and mine.
Hi ofer cume unþinged dea,
astigon heo on helle heonan lifigende.
Foram on heora gasthusum is gramlic inwit,
and on hiora midle man inwitstæf.
- 45
- Ic solice to sylfum drihtne
cleopode on corre, and me culice
gehyrde hælend drihten.
Ic on æfenne, eac on mergenne
and on midne dæg, mægene sæcge
- 50
- and bodie, þæt þu blie me
mine stefne stie gehyre.
A u symle sawle mine
lustum alyse, laum wiferige,
foron me manige ymb mægene syrewa.
- 55
- þæt gehyre god and hi gehyne eac,
þe ær worulde wæs and nu wuna ece.
Nis him onwendednes on woruldlife,
ne him godes fyrhtu georne ondræda.
Heo besmita swylce his sylfes
- 60
- þa gewitnesse, þær hi woh fremedon;
foron hi synt on yrre ut adælde,
ne hi sylfe wel geseon æfre,
foron hit wæs his heortan gehygde neah.
Hi word hira wel gesmyredon
- 65
- ele anlicast; eft gewurdon
on gescotfeohta scearpe garas.
Sete on drihten þin so gehygd;
he þe butan fracoum fede syan.
Ne syle he sofæstum syan to feore
- 70
- þæt him yþende mod innan hrere;
u arlease ealle gelædest
on soe forwyrd seaes deopes.
Se blodhreowa wer
bealuinwites
fæcne gefylled ne fæger lif
- 75
- on middum feore gemete ahwær;
ic me on minne drihten deorne getreowige.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Miltsa me drihten, foron me man trede,
and me ealne dæg mid unrihte
fynd onfeohta þurh facensearu.
And me fæcne treda feondas mine,
- 5
- do þæt ealne dæg fram ærmergene.
Foron monige synd e to me feohta;
wene ic me wrae to e, wuldres drihten.
Ic wealdend god wordum herige,
and on god swylce georne gelyfe,
- 10
- þæt minre spræce sped folgie
æghwæs ealne dæg; eac ic swylce
on god drihten gearewe gewene;
nis me ege mannes for ahwæer.
Hwæt, me ealne dæg mine agen word
- 15
- sylfne socon, swyþe oncuon,
and wier me wæran georne
on yfel heora geeaht ealle onwende.
On eardia, þa e swa þencea
þæt heo gehyden hælun mine,
- 20
- swa min sawl bad þæt u swylce heo
for nahwæer nowiht hæle;
on yrre þu folc eall gereatast.
Ic nu leofum gode lif min secge,
sette on inre gesyhe sarige tearas,
- 25
- swa ic e on gehate hæfde geneahhige.
þonne on hinderling hweorfa mine
feondas fæcne, onne ic me freou to e
wordum wilnige; ic wat and can,
þæt þu min god gleawe wære.
- 30
- Ic on god min word georne herige,
and on god swylce georne gelyfe,
and ic ealne dæg ecne drihten
wordum weorige; ne me wiht an site
egesan awiht æniges mannes.
- 35
- On me synd, mihtig god, þæt ic þe min gehat
on herenesse hyldo gylde;
forþon u mine sawle of swyltdeaes
laþum wilæddest, dydest lof stunde,
aweredest mine eagan wraum tearum
- 40
- and mine fet fæle beweredest,
þæt ic gearewe gode licode
on lifigendra leohte eallum.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Miltsa min, god, and me milde weor,
forþon min sawel on þe swye getrywe,
and ic on fægerum scuan fiera inra
gewicie, oþæt gewite for
- 5
- and unriht me eall beglide.
Heonan ic cleopige to heahgode
and to wealdendgode, e me wel dyde.
He þa of heofenum hider onsende
þe me alysde, laþum wiferede,
- 10
- sealde on edwit þe me ær trædan.
Sende mihtig god his milde gehigd
and his sofæst mod samod ætgædere,
and mine sawle sona alysde
of leon hwelpum ree gemanan;
- 15
- wæs ic slæpende sare gedrefed.
Synd me manna bearn mihtigum toum
wæpenstrælas, þa me wundedon;
wæron hyra tungan getale teonan gehwylcre
and to yfele gehwam ungemet scearpe.
- 20
- Ahefe þe ofer heofenas, halig drihten;
is wuldur in wide and side
ofer as eorþan ealle mære.
Fotum heo minum fæcne grine
grame gearwodon, and geornlice
- 25
- mine sawle swye onbigdon.
Hi deopne sea dulfon widne,
þær ic eagum on locade,
and hi on one ylcan eft gefeollan.
Gearo is min heorte þæt ic gode cweme;
- 30
- gearo is min heorte þæt ic gode swylce
sealmas singe, soword sprece.
Aris, wuldur min, wynpsalterium,
and ic on ærmergene eac arise
and min hearpe herige drihten.
- 35
- Ic þe on folcum frine drihten
ecne andete, eac geond þeode
sealmas singe swie geneahhige.
Foron þin mildheortnes is mycel wi heofenas,
is in sofæstnes swylce wi wolcnum.
- 40
- Ahafen þu eart ofer heofenas, halig drihten;
is ofer ealle eoran swylce
þines wuldres wlite wide and side.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Gif ge so sprecan symble wyllen,
dema manna bearn domum rihtum.
Eft ge on heortan hogedon inwit,
worhton wrae; forþan æs wite eft
- 5
- on eowre handa hefige geeode.
Ge firenfulle fremde wurdon,
syan hi on worlde wæron acende
and heo on life lygeword spæcon.
Yrre heom becume anlic nædran,
- 10
- a aspide ylde nemna;
seo hi deafe de, dytte hyre earan,
þæt heo nele gehyran heahgaldor sum
þæt snotre men singa wi attrum.
God heora toas grame gescæne,
- 15
- þa hi on mue mycle habba;
tolyse leona mægen lungre drihten.
Ac hi forweoran wætere gelicost,
þonne hit yrnende eore forswelge;
swa his bogan bende, oþæt bitere eft
- 20
- adl on sete, swa his geearnuncg by.
Swa weax melte, gif hit by wearmum neah
fyre gefæstnad, swa heo fealla on þæt;
hi sunnan ne geseo syan æfre.
æron eowre treowu telgum blowe,
- 25
- wæstmum weaxe, ær him wol becime,
þæt heo beo on yrre ealle forswelgene.
Sofæst blissa, þonne he si ongan,
hu þa arleasan ealle forweora,
and his handa weh on hæþenra
- 30
- and þæra fyrenfulra fæcnum blode.
And þonne man cweþe on his modsefan:
"þis is wæstm wises and goodes,
þe his sofæst weorc symble læste;"
hi on eoran god ealle gedeme.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ahrede me, halig god, hefiges nies
feonda minra, e me feohta to;
alys me fram laum þe me lungre on
risan willa, nyme þu me ræd geofe.
- 5
- Genere me fram niþe nahtfremmendra
þe her unrihtes ealle wyrcea,
and me wi blodhreowes weres bealuwe gehæle.
þi nu mine sawle swiþe bysige
feondas mine fæcne ofþryhtun,
- 10
- and me strange eac stundum ongunnon;
ne me unrihtes on awiht wistan,
ne ic firene eac fremde drihtne.
Gif ic on unriht bearn, ic þæs eft geswac;
on minne geanryne, aris u, drihten, nu,
- 15
- and u sylfa gesyhst, þæt ic swa dyde;
þu eart mægena god, mihtig drihten,
and Israela god æghwær æt þearfe.
Beheald holdlice, hu þu hrae wylle
geneosian nia bearna
- 20
- ealra eoda æghwær landes;
ne þu hweere on mode milde weorest
eallum e unriht elne wyrcea.
Hi æt æfene eft in gecyrra,
þonne hy heardne hungor þolia,
- 25
- swa hundas ymbga hwommas ceastre.
Efne hi habba on mue milde spræce,
is him on welerum wra sweord and scearp.
þonne gehyre hwylc, hwæt hyra hyge sece?
And u hi, drihten, dest deope to bysmre;
- 30
- nafast þu for awiht ealle þeoda.
Ic mine strenge on e strange gehealde,
foron þu me god eart geara andfencgea,
and mildheortnes mines drihtnes
me fægere becom, þær me wæs freondes þearf.
- 35
- Min se goda god, ætyw me þin agen good
for minum feondum, þe me feale syndun;
ne do hy to deadan, þy læs hi dollice
þinre æ geban anforlæton.
Ac þu hi wide todrif þurh þines wordes mægen,
- 40
- and hi wrae toweorp, wealdend min drihten.
Ys hyra mues scyld manworda feala,
a hi mid welerum wrae aspræcan;
wærun hi on oferhygde ealle gescende,
þa hi on lige lange feredon;
- 45
- foron hi on ende yrre forgripe
and hi syþþan ne beo samod ætgædere.
Syan hi wisslice witon, þætte wealde god
ofer middangeard manna cynnes
and ealra eac eoran gemæru.
- 50
- Hi on æfenne eft gecyrra
and heardne eac hungor olia,
swa hundas ymbga hwommas ceastre.
Efne hi to æte ut gewita,
þær hi towrecene wide hweorfa;
- 55
- gif hi fulle ne beo, fela gnornia.
Ic þonne ine strengþu stundum singe
and in milde mod morgena gehwylce.
Foron þu min andfengea æghwær wære
and ic helpe æt e hæfde symble,
- 60
- þonne me costunge cnysedon geneahhige;
þu eart fultum min, ic e fela singe.
Foron þu me, god, eart geara andfengea
and mildheortnes, mihtig drihten.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- þu us todrife, drihten user,
and us towurpe geond werþeoda,
yrre us wurde and eft milde.
Eoran u onhrerdest, ealle gedrefdest;
- 5
- hæl hyre wunde, nu heo ahrered is.
Feala u ætywdest folce inum
heardra wisan and hi hraþe æfter
mid wynsume wine drenctest.
þu becnuncge beorhte sealdest
- 10
- þam þe ege inne elne healda,
þæt hi him gebeorgen bogan and stræle
and wæron alysede leofe þine.
Do me þin seo swyre hand
symle halne;
gehyr me, halig god. Hwæt, u holdlice
- 15
- on inre halignesse her aspræce:
"And ic blissie, ba gedæle
Sicimam et Conuallem, a samod wæron
on Metiboris mihtum spedige.
Min is Galaad, gleaw Mannases
- 20
- and Effrem ys æele strengþu
heafdes mines her on foldan.
Cyninc ys me Iuda cu;
is me Moab mines hyhtes hwer,
and ic aenige eac on Idumea,
- 25
- min gescy sende, and me syan gedo
Allophilas ealle gewylde."
Hwylc gelæde me leofran on ceastre
weallum beworhte? Hwa wyle swylce me
in Idumea eac gelædan?
- 30
- Ac ne eart þu se sylfa god, e us swa drife?
Ne ga u us on mægene, mihtig drihten.
Syle us nu on earfoum æelne fultum,
foron hælu by her on eoran
manna gehwylces mægene idel.
- 35
- Us sceal mægenes gemet mihtig drihten
sofæst syllan, and he sona mæg
ure fynd gedon fracoþe to nahte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Gehyr, halig god, hraþe mine bene,
beheald mine gebed holde mode.
Nu ic of eoran utgemærum
cleopige to þe, nu me caru beate
- 5
- heard æt heortan, help min nu þa;
ahefe me holdlice on halne stan.
þu me gelæddest mid lufan hyhte,
wære me se stranga tor sti wi feondum.
Ic eardige awa to feore
- 10
- on inum selegesceote; þær me softe by,
þær ic beo fægere beþeaht fierum inum.
Foron u gehyrdest, halig drihten,
hu min gebed to e beorhte eode;
yrfe þu sealdest anra gehwylcum,
- 15
- se þe naman inne þurh neod forhta.
Dæg by ofer dæge, þær by gedefe cynincg;
beo his winter eac wynnum iced,
o þone dæg þe he on drihtnes sceal
on ansyne andweard gangan,
- 20
- and þær to worlde wunian ece.
Hwylc sece þæt þe sofæst by?
Swa ic naman inum neode singe,
þæt ic min gehat her agylde
of dæge on dæg, swa hit gedefe wese.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic mine sawle symble wylle
full gleawlice gode underþeodan;
æt him is hælu min her eall gelancg.
Hwæt, he is god min and gearu hælend;
- 5
- is he fultum min, ic ne forhtige wiht.
onne ge mid mane men ongunnon,
ealle ge a to deadan dædun sona,
swa ge awurpon wah of stofne.
Swa ge mine are ealle þohton
- 10
- wrae toweorpan, wide urnon
þurstige mue; þæne bletsadan
and one wyrgedan wrae mid heortan.
Hwæere ic me soe sawle mine
to gode hæfde georne geeoded;
- 15
- he minre geylde þingum wealde.
Hwæt, he is god min and gleaw hælend
and fultum is; ne mæg ic hine ahwær befleon.
On gode stande min gearu hælu
and wuldor min and wyn mycel;
- 20
- me is halig hyht on hine swylce.
Hycge him halig folc hælu to drihtne;
do eowre heortan hige hale and clæne,
foron eow god stande georne on fultum.
Hwæere ge, manna bearn, manes unlyt
- 25
- wyrcea on wægum and woh do,
and eow beswica sylfe oftast,
þær ge idel gylp on þam ilcan fremma.
Nella ge gewenan welan unrihte
oþþe to reaflace ræda þencean.
- 30
- þeah þe eow wealan to wearnum flowen,
nyllan ge eow on heortan þa hige staelian;
æne ic god spræcan gearuwe gehyrde
and þæt treowe ongeat tidum gemeldad.
Miht is drihtnes ofer middangeard
- 35
- and him þæs to worlde wuldor stande
and mildheortness, þæt he manna gehwam
æfter his agenum earnungum deme,
efne swa he wyrce on worldlife.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- God min, god min, ic þe gearuwe to
æt leohte gehwam lustum wacie.
Min sawl on e swye þyrste
and min flæsc on e fæste getreowe.
- 5
- On westene and on wege swylce
and on wæterflodum wene ic swie,
þæt ic e on halgum her ætywe,
þæt ic þin wuldur and mægen wis sceawige.
Ys þin milde mod micele betere
- 10
- þonne þis læne lif þe we lifia on;
weleras e mine wynnum heria.
Swa ic e on minum life lustum bletsige
and ic on naman þinum neode swylce
mine handa þwea halgum gelome.
- 15
- Ys sawl min swetes gefylled,
swa seo fætte gelynd, fægeres smeoruwes;
weleras mine wynnum swylce
þinne naman nu a neode heria.
Swa ic þin gemynd on modsefan
- 20
- on minre reste rihte begange,
and on ærmergen on e eac gewene,
foron þu me on fultum fæste gestode.
Ic beo fægere beþeaht fierum þinum
and hiht on on hæbbe georne,
- 25
- foron min sawl on e soe getreoweþ;
me in seo swire onfencg symble æt earfe.
Foron hi on idel ealle syan
sohton synlice sawle mine,
and geond eorscræfu eodon geneahhe;
- 30
- nu hi wæran geseald under sweordes hand,
syndon fracue nu foxes dælas.
Kynincg sceal on drihtne clæne blisse
hluttre habban, and hine heria eac
ealle þa e on hine aas sweria;
- 35
- forþon synt gemyrde muas ealle
þa unriht spreca ahwær landes.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Gehyr min gebed, halig drihten,
nu me costunge cnyssa geneahhe,
and wi egesan yfeles feondes
mine sawle gescyld symle æt þearfe.
- 5
- þu me oft aweredest wyrigra gemotes
and fram þære menegeo þe man woldon
and unrihte æghwær fremman.
þa heora tungan teo teonan gehwylce
sweorde efenscearpe and heora swine bogan,
- 10
- and unscyldige mid þy scotian þencea.
Hi hine samnuncga scearpum strelum
on scotia, egsan ne habba,
ac hi mid wraum wordum trymma
and sare spreca: Hwa gesyh usic?
- 15
- Swa hi smeaga oft swiost unriht
and on þam ilcan eft forweora,
þær hi mamria man and unriht.
Gange man manig modig on heortan,
oþæt hine ahefe hælend drihten.
- 20
- Syndon hyra wita scytelum cilda
æghwæs onlicost; ne him awiht þon ma
heora tungan nu teonan on sitta.
Ealle synd gedrefede þe hi on sio;
sceal him manna gehwylc man ondrædan
- 25
- and weorc godes wide mærsian
and his weorc ongitan mid wisdome.
Se sofæsta symble on drihten
blissa baldlice, bote gewene,
and hine heria eac heortan clæne.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- þe gedafena, drihten user,
þæt þe man on Sion swye herige
and on Hierusalem gylde and gehate.
Gehyr min gebed, halig drihten,
- 5
- for e sceal ælc flæsc for siian.
Synfulra word swyþe ofer usic
fræcne foran; þu gefultuma
urum misdædum, mihta wealdend.
He weore eadig, se þe hine ece god
- 10
- cystum geceose and hine clæne hafa,
and on his earduncgstowum earda syan.
Ealle we in hus ecum godum
fægere fylla; fæste is þin templ
ece and wræclic awa to feore.
- 15
- Gehyr us, hælend god, þu eart hyht ealra
þe on ysse eoran utan syndon
oþþe feor on sæ foldum wunia.
þinre mihte sculon muntas hyran,
swylce þu gedrefest deope wælas
- 20
- þæt by ormætum yþa hlude
and hi uneae mæg ænig aræfnan.
þeoda him ondræda þinne egesan,
þe eard nyma utan landes;
for þinum wundrum forhte weora.
- 25
- ærmorgenes gancg wi æfentid
ealle þa deman drihten healde;
eoran u gefyllest eceum wæstmum,
þæt heo welig weorþe wera cneorissum.
Beo godes streamas gode wætere
- 30
- fæste gefylde, þanan feorhnere
finda foldbuend, swa him fægere oft
gegearewadest, god lifigende.
Wæter yrnende wæstme tyddra;
mænige on moldan manna cynnes
- 35
- on cneorisse cende weora,
and blissia, blowa and growa
þurh dropunge deawes and renes.
þonne þu geares hring mid gyfe bletsast
and þine fremsumnesse wylt folcum dælan,
- 40
- þonne beo þine feldas fylde mid wæstmum.
þonne on wæstmum weora mæsted,
and mid wynngrafe weaxa geswiru.
Hi beo gegyrede godre wulle,
eowdesceapum; cuma eadilic
- 45
- wæstm on wangas weorlic on hwætum;
þonne hi cynlice to e cleopia sona,
and þe þonne lustum lofe þancia.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ealle eorbuend ecne drihten
wordum wislicum wide herian,
and his naman secgea neode mid sealmum
and him wuldres lof wide sylla.
- 5
- And gode secgea, hu his þa goodan weorc
syndon wundorlice wide geond eoran,
and eac on menigeo mægenes þines
þine feondas þe fæcne leoga.
Geweorie wuldres ealdor
- 10
- eall eos eorþe, ecne drihten;
and þe singe eac, secge geneahhie,
þæt þin nama is ofer eall nia bearn
se hehsta hæleþa cynnes.
Cuma nu and geseo, hu cyme weorc
- 15
- drihten worhte; synt his domas eac
swiþe egeslice ofer eall ylda bearn.
He mæg onwendan wætera rye,
þæt þas deopan sæ drige weora,
and þa strangan mæg streamas swylce
- 20
- gefeterian, þæt þu mid fote miht
on treddian eoran gelice.
His mægen wealde ofer eall manna cyn
on ecnesse awa to feore,
and he ofer ealle þeode eagum wlite;
- 25
- þa hine on yrre æghwær gebringa,
ne beo þa on him sylfum syan ahafene.
Bletsigen þeoda blie mode
ealle eorbuend ecne drihten
and mid stefne lof strang asecgean.
- 30
- He mine sawle sette to life,
ne læte mine fet lae
hreran.
Ure costade god clæne fyre
soe dome, swa man seolfor de,
þonne man hit aseoe swye mid fyre.
- 35
- þu us on grame swylce gryne gelæddest,
and us bealuwa fela on bæce stande;
settest us mænige eac men ofer heafod.
We þuruh fyr fara and þuruh floda þrym,
and u us on colnesse clæne gelæddest.
- 40
- Ic on þin hus halig gange
and þær tidum þe tifer onsecge;
þær ic min gehat mid hyge gylde,
þæt mine weleras ær wise gedældan.
þas ic mid mue aspræc mine æt þearfe,
- 45
- þær me costunge cnyssedan geneahhe,
þæt ic e on tifrum teala forgulde
ealle þa gehat, þe ic æfre her
mid minum welerum wis todælde.
Gehyra me and her cuma;
- 50
- ic eow mid soþe secgean wylle,
gif ge godes egesan georne habba,
hu mycel he dyde minre sawle.
þuruh his mihte ic mue cleopige
oþþe mine tungan tidum blissade.
- 55
- Gif ic me unrihtes oncneow awiht on heortan,
ne wite me þæt, wealdend drihten.
Foron me gehyrde hælend drihten,
and minre stefne beheold strange bene.
Drihten si gebletsad, þe he ne dyde æfre
- 60
- nyme he mine bene bealde gehyrde,
ne his milde mod me dyde fremde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Miltsa us, mihtig drihten, and us on mode eac
gebletsa nu; beorhte leohte
þinne andwlitan, and us on mode weor
þuruh þine mycelnesse milde and blie.
- 5
- And we þæs on eoran andgyt habba,
ure wegas wide geond þas wereode
on þinre hælo healdan motan.
Folc þe andette; þu eart fæle god,
and þe andetten ealle þeoda.
- 10
- Hæbbe þæs gefean folca æghwylc
and blissien bealde þeoda,
þæs þe þu hi on rihtum rædum demest
and eorbuende ealle healdest.
Folc þe andetten fælne drihten
- 15
- and þe andetten ealle þeoda.
Ge him eore syle æþele wæstme;
gebletsige us blie drihten
and user god eac bletsige;
hæbbe his egesan eall eorþan gemæru.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Arise god, ricene weore
his feonda gehwylc fæste toworpen;
fleo his ansyne, þa þe hine feodan ær.
Rece hi gelicast ricene geteoria;
- 5
- swa fram fyre weax flowe and mylte,
swa þa fyrenfullan frecne forweora;
habba sofæste symbel ece.
Hi ansyne ecean drihtnes
habba beorhtlice blisse and sibbe.
- 10
- Singa soum gode sealmas geneahhige,
and his naman swylce neode heria;
do sifæt þæs seftne and rihtne,
þe he sylfa astah ofer sunnan up,
þam is to naman nemned drihten.
- 15
- Wesa ge on his gesyhþe symble blie,
and on his ansyne wesan ealle gedrefde,
þa þe wydewum syn wrae æt dome
oþþe steopcildum wesen strange fæderas.
Drihten is on his stowe dema halig,
- 20
- se þe eardian de anes modes
and on hiora huse healde blisse;
Se þe on his mægenes mihte gelæde
þæt he þa gehæftan hæle sniome,
and þa to yrre beo ealle gecigde
- 25
- and eardia on eorscræfum.
þonne god gange for his þæt gleawe folc,
oe geond westena wide fera,
þanon eore by eall onhrered.
For ansyne ecean drihtnes
- 30
- heofenas droppeta; hrusan forhtia
for Israela godes egesan þrymme.
Wilsumne regn wolcen brincge,
and þonne ascade god sundoryrfe;
eall þu þa gefremest þurh þine fæste miht.
- 35
- þine wihte on þam wynnum lifia;
þu þin swete good sealdest þearfum.
God gife gleaw word godspellendum,
syle him modes mægen se þe is mihtig kynincg
and wlites wealdend; oft weorlic reaf
- 40
- on huse men her gedæla.
Gif ge slæpa samod on clero,
fieru beoþ culfran fægeres seolfres
and hire bæc scine beorhtan golde.
þonne hi se heofonlica kynincg her toscade,
- 45
- syþþan hi on Selmon snawe weora.
Gebeorh godes bringe to genihte
wæstme weorlice and wel þicce.
Forþon ge onfo fægerum beorge,
þær ge to genihte genioma wæstme;
- 50
- se is wealdendgode wel liciendlic,
on þam wi ende earda drihten.
Wærun godes cræta gegearwedra
tyn þusendo geteled rime,
mænigfeald þusend modblissiendra.
- 55
- Drihten is on þam dædum spedig;
on heanesse astah, hæftned lædde,
þa on hæftnede hwile micele
lange lifdon, and wæs lacgeofa
ofer middangeard manna bearnum.
- 60
- Ne magon þær eard niman ungeleafe menn;
wese of dæge on dæg drihten user,
se goda god, georne gebletsad.
Sylle us gesundne sifæt drihten;
ure hælend god helpe usser
- 65
- and us æt deae eac drihten gehealde.
Hwæere wealdend god wihycgendra
heafdas feonda her gescæne,
and he tofylle feaxes scadan
þara þe her on scyldum swærum eodon.
- 70
- Of Basan, cwæ bealde drihten,
ic me on sæ deopre sniome onwende,
oþþæt þin fot weore fæste on blode.
Hundes tungan habba feondas,
from þam þine gangas wæron gesewene;
- 75
- wærun godes mines gangas rihte,
soes kynincges symble on halgum.
þyder ealdormen ofstum coman,
and gegaderade gleowe sungon
on þæra manna midle geongra
- 80
- on tympanis togenum strengum,
and on ciricean Crist, drihten god
bealde bletsige bearn Israela.
þær Benniamines synt bearn on geogoe
and ealdormenn eac of Iudan,
- 85
- þe latteow wæs for þara leoda,
and ealdras eac of Zabulone
and Neptalim niode swylce.
Bebeod þinum mægene; þu eart mihtig god;
and þin weorc on us mid wisdome
- 90
- getryme on þinum temple tidum gehalgod;
þæt ys on Hierusalem, þyder e gyfe læda
of feorwegum foldan kynincgas.
On wuda þu wildeor wordum þreatast
and fearra gemot under folcum;
- 95
- ne beo ut fram þe æfre atynde,
þa þe seolfres beo since gecoste.
Toweorp þu þa eoda
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Do me halne, god, forþon hreoh wæter
to minum feore inn flowe and gange;
eom ic on lame oflegd, hafa lytle sped.
Com ic on sæs hricg, þær me sealt wæter
- 5
- hreoh and hopig holme besencte.
þær ic werigmod wann and cleopode,
þæt me grame syndan goman hase;
by me æt þam earon eagon wigangen;
hwæere ic on god minne gearewe gewene.
- 10
- Hiora is mycle ma þonne ic me hæbbe
on heafde nu hæra feaxes,
þe me earwunga ealle feogea.
Ofer me syndon þa þe me ehton,
fæstum folmum for gestrangad
- 15
- feondas mine, and ic for agef
unrihtlice þa þe ic ne reafude ær.
þu wast, wuldres god, þæt ic eom unwis hyges,
ne wæren þe bemiene mine scylde.
Ne sceolon æt me ænige habban
- 20
- sceame sceandlice þe þines sies her
ful bealdlice bida, drihten.
þu eart mægena god; ne sceal æt me
ænige unare ahwær findan,
þe e Israela god ahwær secea.
- 25
- Forþon ic edwit for þe oft aræfnade
and me hleorsceame hearde becwoman,
and ic framþe wear fæderenbrorum,
wæs unmæge gyst modorcildum.
Forþon me þines huses heard ellenwod
- 30
- æt ormæte and me eac fela
þinra edwita on gefeollon.
þonne ic minum feore fæsten gesette,
eall hi me þæt on edwit eft oncyrdan.
Gif ic mine gewæda on witehrægl
- 35
- cyme cyrde, cwædan hi syþþan,
þæt ic him wæfersyn wære eallum.
Me wierwearde wæron ealle,
þa him sæton sundor on portum;
spræcon me wrae, þa þe win druncon.
- 40
- Ic þonne min gebed to þe, mihtig drihten,
tidum sende teala liciendlic,
and þu me þonne on mænigeo miltsa þinra
gehyre me hlutre hælu þine.
Alys me of lame, þe læs ic weorþe lange fæst,
- 45
- and me feondum afyrr, frea ælmihtig;
ado me of deope deorces wæteres,
þe læs me besencen sealte flodas.
Ne me huru forswelge segrundes deop
ne me se sea supe mid mue.
- 50
- Gehyr, drihten, me, forþon gedefe is
þin milde mod mannum fremsum,
and for mænigeo miltsa þinra
geseoh on me swylce, drihten.
Ne acyr þu æfre fram þinum cnihte þin clæne gesyh,
- 55
- forþan me feondas to feohta geneahhe;
gehyr me hrædlice and me help freme.
Beheald mine sawle and hi hrædlice
alys and wifere laþum feondum.
arscame;
- 60
- for þinre ansyne ealle syndon
þe feondas me fæcne wurdon.
Min heorte gebad hearmedwit feala
and yrmu mænig eac aræfnede;
næfde eorla þæs ænig sorge;
- 65
- frefrend ic sohte, findan ic ne mihte.
Hi minne mete mengdan wi geallan
and þa gedrugadne drenctan mid ecede.
Wese heora beod fore him wended on grine
and on edlean yfel and on æwisce.
- 70
- Syn hiora eagan eac adimmad,
þæt hi geseon ne magon syþþan awiht;
weore heora bæc swylce abeged eac.
Ageot ofer hi þin þæt grame yrre,
and æbylignes eac yrres þines
- 75
- hi forgripe gramhicgende.
Wese wic heora weste and idel;
ne on heora eele ne sy þinc oneardiendes.
Forþon hi ealra ehtan ongunnon,
e þu him earfou ænig geafe,
- 80
- and me wean ecton minra wunda sar.
Asete him þa unriht to þe hi geearnedan,
and mid unrihte ær geworhton,
and hi on þin sofæst weorc syþþan ne gangan.
Syn hi adilgad of gedefra eac
- 85
- þæra lifigendra leofra bocum;
ne wesen hi mid sofæstum syþþan awritene.
Ic me sylfa eam sarig þearfa,
and me andwlita onfeng ecean drihtnes,
se me holdlice hælde sona.
- 90
- Nu ic naman drihtnes neode herige
and hine mid lofsange læde swylce.
Ic þam leofan gode licie swyþor
þonne æele cealf, þeah þe him upp aga
horn on heafde oe hearde cleo.
- 95
- Geseo þæt and gefeo, sarie þearfan,
secea drihten and eower sawl leofa.
Forþam þa þearfendan þriste drihten
gehyre holdlice; nyle he gehæfte eac
on heora neode na forhycgan.
- 100
- Herige hine swylce heofen and eore,
side sæflodas and þa him syndon on.
Forþon Sione god symble hæle;
beo mænige byrig mid Iudeum
eft getimbrade, þær hi eard nima.
- 105
- þær hi yrfestol eft gesitta
and hiora eþel begyta esnas drihtenes,
and his naman neode lufia,
þær eardia awa to feore.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wes, drihten god, deore fultum;
beheald, drihten, me, and me hrae syþþan
gefultuma æt feorhþearfe.
þonne beo gescende and scame dreoga,
- 5
- þa þe mine fynd fæcne wæron
and mine sawle sohton mid nie.
Hi on hinderlincg hweorfa and cyrra;
ealle hiora scamien, þe me yfel hogedon.
And heora æfstu eac ealle sceamien,
- 10
- þe me word cwædon: "Weg la, weg la!"
Habban þa mid wynne weore blisse,
þa þe secean symble drihten,
and symble cween: "Sy þin miht, drihten!"
and þine hælu holde lufigean.
- 15
- Ic eom wædla and worldþearfa;
gefultuma me, god, frea ælmihtig.
þu me fultum eart fæste, drihten,
eart alysend min; ne lata þu awiht.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic on þe, god drihten, gearuwe gewene;
ne weore ic on ealdre æfre gescended;
þu me sniome alys þuruh þine þa swiþeran miht.
Ahyld me þin eare to holde mode,
- 5
- and me lustum alys and me lungre weor
on god drihten georne þeccend
and on trume stowe, þæt þu me teala hæle.
Forþon þu me, god, wære geara trymmend,
freoa fultumiend; alys me feondum nu,
- 10
- and me of folmum afere firenwyrcendra,
þe þine æ efnan nella;
syndon unrihtes ealle wyrcende.
Forþon þu me eart fæle geþyld fæste, drihten
wære me on geogue hyht gleaw æt fryme.
- 15
- Ic of modur hrife mundbyrd on þe
þriste hæfde; þu eart þeccend min;
on þe ic singge nu symble and geneahhie.
Ic eom swa forebeacen folce manegum,
and þu me eart fultum strang fæste æt þearfe.
- 20
- Sy min mu and min mod mægene gefylled,
þæt ic þin lof mæge lustum singan
and wuldur þin wide mærsian
and þe ealne dæg æghwær herian.
Ne aweorp þu me, wuldres ealdor,
- 25
- þonne me ylde tid on gesige;
þonne me mægen and mod mylte on hrere,
ne forlæt þu me, lifiende god.
Oft me feala cwædon feondas yfele,
and sætendan sawle minre
- 30
- and on anre geþeaht eodan togædere.
Cweþa culice: "Wuton cunnian,
hwænne hine god læte swa swa gymeleasne;
þonne we hine forgripen and his geara ehtan;
syþþan he ne hæbbe helpend ænne."
- 35
- Ne ofgif þu me huru, god ælmihtig;
beseoh þu me, so god, symble on fultum.
Beo gedrette, eac gescende,
þa mine sawle ær swyþust tældun;
by þam scand and sceamu þe me syrwedan yfel.
- 40
- Ic me symble on god swiost getreowige,
ofer eall þin lof lengest hihte.
Min mu sæge þine mægenspede
and þin sofæst weorc swyþust mære,
sæge þe ealne dæg ece hælu.
- 45
- Forþon ic ne ongeat grame ceapunga,
ac ic on þine þa myclan mihte gange.
Ic þine sofæstnesse geman symble, drihten;
þu me ara, god, ærest lærdest
of geoguhade; nu ic eom gomel wintrum.
- 50
- A ic wundor þin weorþlic sægde,
and ic þæt wi oryldu awa fremme;
ne forlæt þu me, lifigende god,
Oæt ic þines earmes eall asecge
stiþe strence þisse cneorisse,
- 55
- eallum þam teohhe, þe nu toweard ys,
þines mihtes þrym, and þæt mære so,
þæt u on heofenum, god, heah geworhtest
wundur wræclicu; nis þe, wuldres cyning,
ænig æfre gelic, ece drihten.
- 60
- Oft þu me ætywdest earfoes feala
on costunge cura manna,
and me yfela feala oft oncnyssedest;
þonne þu yrre þin eft oncyrdest
and me of neowelnesse eft neoan alysdest
- 65
- þysse eoran, þe we on buia.
ær þu þin sofæst weorc sniome tobræddest,
þonne þu gehwyrfdest and hulpe min,
and me getrymedest þæt ic teala mihte;
forþon ic þe andette, ece drihten,
- 70
- and þe on sealmfatum singe be hearpan,
Israela god, ece and halig.
Mine weleras gefeo, wynnum lofia,
þonne ic þe singe, sigora wealdend,
and min sawl eac, þa þu sylf lysdest.
- 75
- Swylce min tunge tidum mærde
þin sofæst weorc; scende wæron ealle
þe me yfel to ær gesohton.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Syle dom þinne, drihten, kyninge;
suna cynincges syle, þæt he so healde.
Dem þu þin folc deore mid soe,
heald þine þearfan holde mid dome.
- 5
- Onfon beorgas eac beorhtre sibbe
on þinum folce fægere blisse
and geswyru eac soþum dædum.
On his sofæstnesse swylce deme
on folce fyrhte þearfan,
- 10
- swylce he þearfena bearn þriste hæle.
He þa hermcweend hyne and byge,
se mid sunnan wuna swylce mid monan,
þurh ealra worulda woruld wuna him ece.
He þonne astige, swa se stranga ren
- 15
- fealle on flys her, and swa fæger dropa
þe on þas eoran upon dreopa.
On his agenum dagum ypped weoreþ
syb sofæstnes swie genihtsum,
oþþæt by ahafen hluttor mona.
- 20
- He þonne wealde wera cneorissum
be sæ tweonum, sidum ricum,
and fram streamracum styre him eallum
oþ þysse eoran utgemæru.
Hine Sigelwearas secea ealle
- 25
- and his feondas foldan liccigea.
Cuma of Tharsis tires eadige
and of ealandum utan kynincgas;
þa him eardgyfu æele bringa
of Arabia, eac of Saba;
- 30
- ealle him leoda lacum cwema.
Hine weoria worulde kyningas
þa on eorwege ealle syndan;
ealle þeoda hine weoria georne.
Forþon he alyse lungre þearfan,
- 35
- þæt him se welega ne mæg wiht onsittan,
and þæne wædlan, þe on worulde næf
ahwær elles ænigne fultum.
He helpe þearfan, swylce eac wædlan,
and he þearfigendra sawla gehæle.
- 40
- He of mansceatte and of mane eac
sniome hiora sawle softe alysde;
ys his nama for him neode gebyrhted.
He lyfa leodum, him by lungre seald;
of Arabia gold eorlas læda;
- 45
- hine weorþia wera cneoressa
and hine ealne dæg eac bletsia.
þonne æele getrym eoran wearda,
bi se beorht ahafen ofer beorgas up;
ofer Libanum licgea his yþa,
- 50
- and on burgum beoþ blostmum fægere
swa on eoran heg ute on lande.
þonne by his nama ofer eall nia bearn
and to widan feore weore gebletsod;
ær sunnan his nama sofæst stande,
- 55
- by his setl ær swylce þonne mona.
And him by eorþan cynn eall gebletsad;
ealle hine þeoda þriste heria.
Wese Israhela ece drihten
and hiora sylfra god symble gebletsad,
- 60
- se þe wundor mycel wyrce ana;
si his mihta nama mode gebletsad
on ecnesse awa to worlde.
And þeos eore si eall gefylled,
þurh his wuldres miht. Wese swa, wese swa!
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hu god is ece god mid Israhelum,
þam þe mid heortan hycgea rihte;
me fornean syndon losode nu a
ealle on foldan fota gangas.
- 5
- Forþon ic fæstlice fyrenwyrcende
oft elnade; noldun earme mid him
sibbe secean, sohton fyrene.
Forþon hira deaes by deorc endestæf,
ne heora wites bi wislic trymnes.
- 10
- Ne synd hi on miclum manna gewinnum,
and hi mid manna ne beo mægene beswungene.
Forþon hi oferhygd nam ungemete swyþe,
þurh þæt hira unriht wear eall untyned.
þanon for becom fæcne unriht,
- 15
- swa swa hit of gelynde lungre cwome,
and hi on heortan hogedon and þohton,
hu hi fyrmest facen and unriht
on hean huse hraost acwædon.
Hwæt, hi on heofon setton hyge hyra muþes,
- 20
- and hira tungan tugon ofer eoran.
Forþon min folc hider fægere hweorfe,
þær hi fulle dagas finda sona.
And þonne cwædon: "Hu weore þis cu gode
oþþe þeos gewitness weoreþ on heagum?"
- 25
- þi nu fyrenfulle foldan æhta
and þysse worulde welan wynnum namon.
þa ic on mode cwæ minum sona,
þeah þe ic on me ingcan ænne ne
wiste,
hu ic mine heortan heolde mid soe,
- 30
- and mine handa þwoh, þær ic hete nyste,
and ic wæs ealne dæg eac geswungen,
wæs me leawfinger be leohtne dæg.
Gif ic sylf cwæde and sæcge eac,
swa þe bearn weora geboren syþþan,
- 35
- þa ylcan ic ær foreteode.
Ic þæs wende, þæt ic mid wisdome
full gleawlice ongitan mihte,
hu þis gewinn wolde gangan,
oþþæt ic on his hus halig gange
- 40
- and ic þa nehstan ongite neode syþþan.
Hwæere þu him for inwite yfel befæle,
awurpe hi wrae, þa hi wendan ær,
þæt hi wæron alysde, laum wiferede.
Nu syndon hi gewordene wrae tolysde,
- 45
- and semninga sneome forwurdon
for unrihte þe hi ær dydon,
swa fram slæpe hwylc swærum arise.
And hi on byrig drihtnes bealde habba
hiora ansyne, and þu hi eae miht
- 50
- to nawihte forniman sneome.
Ys minre heortan hige hluttor and clæne,
wærun mine ædra ealle tolysde,
and ic to nawihte eom nyde gebiged,
swa ic þæt be owihte ær ne wiste.
- 55
- Ic eom anlic mid þe anum neate
and ic symble mid þe syþþan hwæere.
þu mine swyþran hand sylfa gename,
and me mid þinon willan well gelæddest,
and me þa mid wuldres welan gename.
- 60
- Hwæt mæg me wierhabban on heofonrice?
Hwæt wolde ic fram þe wyrcean ofer eorþan?
Me is heorte and flæsc hearde geteorad;
ys me heortan gehygd hyldu drihtnes
and ece dæl awa to worulde.
- 65
- Forþan þa forweorþa, þe hira wynne to þe
habban noldan, ne heora hyge settan;
huru þu forleosest þa forhealda þe.
Min is ætfele mihtigum drihtne;
good is swylce, þæt ic on god drihten
- 70
- minne hiht sette, healde fæste.
And ic eall þin lof eft asecge
Sione dohtrum on hire sylfre durum.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- For hwan þu us, ece god, æfre woldest
æt ende fram þe ahwær drifan?
Is þin yrre strang and egesa mycel
ofer þin agen eowde sceapa.
- 5
- Gemun þin mannweorod, þæt þu, mihtig god,
æt fruman ærest fægere geworhtest.
þu þines yrfes æþele gyrde
sylfa alysdest and Sione byrig,
on þam ilcan þu eard gename;
- 10
- hefe þu þine handa and hyn hiora oferhygd;
feala wyrgnessa wrae feondas
þinum þam halgum hefige brohtan;
gylpa gramhydige, þa þin geo ehtan
and on þinra wica wunia midle.
- 15
- Settan hiora tacen, soþe ne ongeaton,
swa hi on wege wyrcean sceoldon
wundorbeacen, swa hi on wudu dydan.
Hi mid æxum duru elne curfan,
and mid twyecgum teoledan georne
- 20
- þæt hi mid adesan ealle towurpan.
þa hi þæt þin fægere hus fyre forbærndan
and on eorstede eac gewemdan,
þæt þinum naman gewearþ niode cenned.
Cwædan on heortan: "Wutan cuman ealle
- 25
- and ure magas mid us; wutun þyder gemot
habban
and symbeldagas swylce drihtnes
on eorwege ealle towurpan.
Ne we sweotul tacen us geseo ænig,
ne we on ænige wisan witegan habba,
- 30
- þæt us andgytes ma æfre secgen."
Wilt þu hu lange, wealdend drihten,
edwit þolian yfelum feondum
and naman þinne nu bysmria
þa wiþerweardan wraþe wi ende?
- 35
- For hwan awendest þu wuldres ansyne
æfre fram us, eac þa swyran hand
of þinum sceate sylfa wi ende?
Usser god kynincg, geara þu worhtest,
ær woruld wære, wise hælu
- 40
- on þisse eorþan efenmidre.
þu on þines mægenes mihte spedum
sæ gesettest, swylce gebræce
þæt dracan heafod deope wætere.
þu þæs myclan dracan mihtum forcome
- 45
- and his þæt hearde heafod gescændest,
sealdest Siglhearwum syan to mose.
þu sylfa eac toslite wyllas
and hlynnende hlude streamas
on æthane ealle adrigdest.
- 50
- þu dæg settest and deorce niht,
swylce þu gesettest sunnan and monan;
ealle þu geworhtest eoran gemæru,
sumor þu and lencten swylce geworhtest.
Wes þu gemyndig manna bearna,
- 55
- þæra gesceafta þe þu gesceope e;
fynd ætwita fæcne drihtne,
unwis folc ne wat þinne wyrne naman.
Ne syle þu unscyldigra sawla deorum
þe þe andetta earme þearfan;
- 60
- þara þu on ealdre ne forgit, ece drihten.
Geseoh þu nu sylfa, god, so is gecyed,
nu þin gewitnes ys wel gefylled,
hu deorce beo dagas on eoran
þam þe unrihtes æghwær wyrcea.
- 65
- Ne by se eadmoda æfre gecyrred,
þeah þe wædla and þearfa he wyle
naman þinne neode herian.
Aris, drihten god, dem þine nu
ealde intingan; eac wes gemyndig,
- 70
- hu þe unwise edwita fela
þurh ealne dæg oft aspræcon.
Ne forgit huru godra manna
sora stefna, þa þe secea þe;
fyll þa oferhydigan, a e feogea þe,
- 75
- and eft to þe ealle stiga.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- We þe andetta, ecne drihten,
and þe andetta ealle þeoda
and naman þinne neode ciegen.
Ic þin wundur eall wræclic sæcge,
- 5
- swa ic fæstlicast mæg befon wordum,
and eac so symble deme.
Eore is gemolten and hire eardend mid;
ic þonne hire swyre symble getrymme.
Ic to yflum cwæ oft nalæs seldan:
- 10
- "Nelle ge unriht ænig fremman
and agyltan, þæt hi ne gulpan þæs.
Ne ahebba ge to hea eowre hygeþancas,
ne ge wi gode æfre gramword sprecan."
Forþon eastan ne cyme gumena ænig,
- 15
- ne of westwegum wera cneorissa,
ne of þissum westum widum morum;
forþon him is dema drihten sylfa.
Sumne he gehyne, sumne ahefe sniome;
forþon se wines steap on waldendes handa
- 20
- fægere gefylled is; þæs onfeh þe he ann.
þonne he of þysum on þæt þonne oncerre,
nyle he þa dærstan him don unbryce;
forþam sculon ealle drincan synfulle,
þa on þysse foldan fyrene wyrcea;
- 25
- ic þonne worulde gefean wynnum healde,
and Iacobes gode georne singe.
Ealra fyrenfulra fyhtehornas
ic bealdlice gebrece sniome;
swyþe beo ahafene þa sofæstan.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- God wæs geara cu mid Iudeum,
and his æþele nama mid Israelum.
Is on sibbe his stow soþe behealden,
and he on Sione swylce earda.
- 5
- þær he hornbogan hearde gebende,
and sweord and sceld æt gescotfeohta.
þu wræclice wundrum onlyhtest
fram þam eceum hider æelum beorgum;
ealle synt yrre, þa þe unwise
- 10
- heora heortan hige healda mid dysige;
hi slæp hiora swæfun unmurne;
ne þær wiht fundan, þa þe welan sohtan,
þæs þe hi on handum hæfdan godes.
For þinre þrea þriste ongunnon,
- 15
- Iacobes god, georne slepan,
þa þe on horsum hwilon wæron;
is þin egesa mycel; hwylc mæg æfre þe,
gif þu yrre byst, ahwær wistandan?
þonne þu of heofenum dom hider on eorþan
- 20
- mid gescote sendest, þonne hio swyþe beofa;
onne to dome drihten arise,
þæt he on eoran do ealle hale
þe he mildheorte mete and finde.
Forþon e mannes geþoht mægen andette,
- 25
- and þonne þa lafe lustum þence,
þæt ic þe symbeldæg sette and gyrwe.
Gehata nu drihtne, and him hrae gylda
eowrum þam godan gode georne;
ealle þe on ymbhwyrfte ahwær syndan,
- 30
- him gyfe bringen gode and clæne.
To þam egsan sceal æghwylc habban,
þe wera gastum wealde and healde;
eorcynincgum se ege stande.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic mid stefne ongann styrman to drihtne,
and he me gehyrde and beheold sona.
Ic on earfodæge ecne drihten
sohte mid handum swyþe geneahhe,
- 5
- and ic on niht for him neode eode;
næs ic on þam sie beswicen awiht.
And ic swie wisoc sawle minre
fælre frofre; þa ic fæste god
gemyndgade, þær ic hæfde mæstne hiht.
- 10
- Swye ic begangen wæs and min sylfes gast
wæs hwonlice ormod worden,
wæron eagan mine eac mid wæcceum
werded swyþe; ne spræc ic worda feala.
þa ic ealde dagas eft geþohte,
- 15
- hæfde me ece gear ealle on mode.
Ic þa mid heortan ongann hycggean nihtes;
wæs min gast on me georne gebysgad.
þa ic sylfa cwæ: "Ic to soe wat,
nele þis ece god æfre toweorpan
- 20
- ne us witnian for his weldædum,
oe wiþ ende æfre to worulde
his milde mod mannum afyrran
on woruldlife wera cneorissum.
Ne by æfre god ungemyndig,
- 25
- þæt he miltsige manna cynne,
oþþe on yrre æfre wille
his milde mod mannum dyrnan."
And ic selfa cwæ: "Nu ic sona ongann
þas geunwendnes wenan ærest
- 30
- þara hean handa haligan drihtnes,
weorca wræclicra worda gemyndig,
þæt he æt fruman wundor fæger geworhte."
þa ic metegian ongan mænigra weorca,
hu ic me on eallum þam eaust geheolde;
- 35
- on eallum þinum weorcum ic wæs smeagende,
swylce ic on þinum gehylde sylf begangen.
Ys weruda god on wege halgum;
hwylc is mihtig god butan ure se mæra god?
þu eart ana god, þe æghwylc miht
- 40
- wundor gewyrcean on woruldlife.
Eft þu þine mihte mænige cydest
folcum on foldan; þu wiferedes eac
Israhela bearn of ægyptum.
Hwæt, þe, wuldres god, wæter sceawedon
- 45
- and þe gesawon sealte yþa;
forhte wurdan flodas gedrefde,
wæs sweg micel sealtera wætera.
Sealdon weorlice wolcnas stefne
þurh þine stræle strange foran;
- 50
- wæs þunurradstefn strang on hweole.
þonne ligette lixan cwoman,
eall ymbhwyrft eoran onhrerdan.
Wærun wegas þine on widne sæ
and þine stige ofer strang wæter;
- 55
- ne bi þær eþe þin spor on to findanne.
Folc þin u feredest swa fæle sceap
þurh Moyses mihtige handa
and Aarones ealle gesunde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Geheald þu, min folc, mine fæste æ;
ahylda eowre earan, þæt ge holdlice
mines mues word mihte gehyran.
Ic on anlicnessum ærest ontyne
- 5
- mines sylfes mu, secggean onginne,
þa on worldricum wæron æt fryme.
Ealle þa we oncneowan, cu ongeaton,
and ure fæderas us æror sægdon.
Noldan hi þa swie heora synna dyrnan,
- 10
- ac ylda gehwylc orum cyde.
Sægdon lof symble leofum drihtne
and his þa myclan miht, mænigu wundur,
þa he geworhte wera cneorissum.
He aweahte gewitnesse
- 15
- on Iacobe goode and strange,
and Israhelum æ gesette.
þa he fæste bebead fæderum ussum,
þæt hi heora bearnum budun and sægdun,
and cinn orum cyden and mærden.
- 20
- Gif bearn wære geboren þam fæder,
him sceolde se yldra eall gesæcgan,
þæt hi gleawne hiht to gode hæfdan,
and his weorlicu weorc gemundon,
and godes bebodu georne heoldan.
- 25
- Ne wesen hi on facne fæderum gelice;
þæt wæs earfocynn yrre and ree;
næfdon heora heortan hige gestaelod;
nis to wenanne, þætte wolde god
hiora gasta mid him gyman awiht.
- 30
- Effremes bearn ærest ongunnan
of bogan stræle bitere sendan,
þæs hi on wiges dæge wendon æfter.
Ne heoldan hi halgan drihtnes
gewitnesse, ne his weorca æ
- 35
- awiht wislice woldan begangan.
Ealra goddæda hi forgiten hæfdon,
and þara wundra, þe he worhte ær,
þara heora yldran on locadan.
He on ægypta agenum lande
- 40
- him worhte fore wundur mære
and on Campotanea eac mid soe.
He sæ toslat, sealte yþa
gefæstnade, and hi foran þurh.
Him wisode wolcen unlytel
- 45
- daga æghwylce, swa hit drihten het,
and him ealle niht oer beacen
fyres leoma folcnede heold.
He on westene wide ædran
him of stane let, strange burnan.
- 50
- Of þam wæter cwoman weorude to helpe,
swyþe wynlice wætera þrye.
þa hi hira firene furþur ehtan,
and hine on yrre eft gebrohtan,
heora heafodweard holdne on lande.
- 55
- Hi þa on heortan hogedon to nie,
and geornlice godes costadan,
bædan hiora feorum foddur geafe,
and gramlice be gode spræcan:
"Ac we þæs ne wena, þæt us witig god
- 60
- mæge bringan to beod gegearwod
on þisum westene widum and sidum,
þeah þe he of stane streamas lete
wæter on willan wynnum flowan,
Ne we hwæere wena, þæt he wihte mæge
- 65
- mid hlafe þis folc her afedan."
Syþþan þæt gehyrde halig drihten,
he ylde þa gyt and eft gespræc;
wæs gegleded fyr on Iacobe
and his yrre barn on Israhelas,
- 70
- Forþon þe hi ne woldon wordum drihtnes
lustum gelyfan, lare forhogedon.
Het he þa widan duru wolcen ontynan
hea of heofenum and hider rignan
manna to mose manna cynne,
- 75
- sealde him heofenes hlaf hider on foldan,
and engla hlaf æton mancynn,
and hwætenne hæfdon to genihte.
And awehte þa windas of heofenum,
Auster ærest and þa Affricum.
- 80
- Him þa eac feoll ufan flæsc to genihte;
swa sand sæs oe þiss swearte dust
coman gefirade fugelas swylce.
And on middan þa wic manige feollan
and ymb hiora selegescotu swie geneahhe.
- 85
- Swie ætan and sade wurdan,
and hiora lusta lifdan hwile;
næron hi bescyrede sceattes willan.
þa gyt hi on mue heora mete hæfdon,
þa him on becwom yrre drihtnes
- 90
- and heora mænige mane swultan,
æele Israhela eac forwurdan.
In eallum hi þissum ihtan synne,
and noldan his wundrum wel gelyfan.
Hi heora dagena tid dædun idle
- 95
- and heora geara gancg eac unnytte.
þonne he hi sare sloh, þonne hi sohton hine,
and ær leohte to him lustum cwoman.
Syan hi ongeaton, þæt wæs god heora
fæle fultum, freond æt þearfe;
- 100
- wæs hea god heora alysend,
Hi hine lufedan lease mue,
ne þæs on heortan hogedan awiht.
Næs him on hrere heorte clæne,
ne hi on gewitnesse wisne hæfdon,
- 105
- on hiora fyrhþe fæstne geleafan.
He þonne is mildheort and manwære
hiora fyrendædum, nolde hi to flymum gedon.
He þa manige fram him mangewyrhtan
yrre awende, eall ne wolde
- 110
- þurh hatne hyge hæleum cyþan.
And he gemunde þæt hi wæran moldan and flæsc
gast gangende, næs se geancyr eft.
Hi hine on westenne wordum and dædum
on yrre mod eft gebrohtan,
- 115
- aweahtan hine on eoran oft butan wætere.
Oft hi grimlice godes costodan
and Israhela god eac abulgan.
Na gemynd hæfdan, hu his seo mycle hand
on gewindæge werede and ferede.
- 120
- He ægypti egesan geþywde
mid feala tacna and forebeacna
in Campotaneos; þæt wæs cu werum.
þær he wæterstreamas wende to blode;
ne meahte wæter drincan wihta ænig.
- 125
- Sette him heard wite, hundes fleogan,
and hi ætan eac yfle tostan;
hæfdan hi eallunga ut aworpen.
Sealde erucan, yfelan wyrme,
let hiora wyrta wæstme forslitan,
- 130
- and hiora gram gewinn hæfdan gærshoppan.
Heora wingeardas wraþe hægle
nede fornamon; nænig moste
heora hrorra hrim æpla gedigean.
Sealde heora neat eac swylce hæglum,
- 135
- and heora æhta ealle fyre.
He æbylige on hi bitter and yrre,
sarlic sende o sawlhord
and þæt wi yfele englas sende.
He him weg worhte wraan yrres,
- 140
- ne he heora sawlum dea swie ne sparude
and heora neat nicwealm forswealh.
He þa on þam folce frumbearna gehwylc
on ægiptum eall acwealde
and frumwæstme folce Chames.
- 145
- þa he his folc genam swa fæle sceap,
lædde geliccast leofe eowde
þurh westenas wegas uncue.
And he hi on hihte holdre lædde;
næs him on fyrhtu feondes egsa,
- 150
- ac ealle þa yþa fornamon.
He hi þa gelædde on leofre byrig
and haligre, a his hand begeat.
And he manige for him mære þeode
awearp of wicum, sealde him weste land,
- 155
- þæt hi mid tane getugan rihte.
þa Israelas æhte gesætan
hrores folces, þa hi heanne god
gebysmredan, noldon his bebodu
fæste healdan.
- 160
- Hi awendan aweg, nalæs wel dydan,
swa heora fæderas beforan heoldan,
and on wiermede wendan and cyrdan.
Swa hi his
yrre oft aweahtan,
þonne hi oferhydig up ahofan,
- 165
- and him wohgodu worhtan and grofun.
þa þæt gehyrde halig drihten,
he hi forhogode, and hrae syþþan
Israhela cynn egsan geyde.
And he þa swa gelome wisoc snytruhuse,
- 170
- wæs his agen hus, þær he eard genam
ær mid mannum, mihtig hæfde.
He hi þa on hæftnyd hean gesealde
and heora fæger folc on feondes hand.
Sealde þa his swæs folc sweorde under ecge,
- 175
- and his yrfe eac eall forhogode.
Heora geogue eac grimme lige
fyr fæmade; fæmnan ne wæran
geonge begrette, þeah e hi grame swultan.
Wæran sacerdas heora sweordum abrotene;
- 180
- ne þæt heora widwan wepan mostan.
þa wear aweaht wealdend drihten,
swa he slæpende softe reste
oe swa weor man wine druncen.
He þa his feondas sloh and him ætfæste eac
- 185
- ece edwit awa to feore.
And he georne wisoc Iosepes huse,
ne þon ær geceas Effremes cynn,
ac he geceas Iudan him geswæs frumcynn
on Sione byrig, þær him wæs symble leof.
- 190
- He þa anhornan ealra gelicast
his halige hus her on eoran
getimbrade; het æt teala syan
on worldrice wunian ece.
And him a Dauid geceas, deorne esne,
- 195
- and genam hine æt eowde ute be sceapum,
fostur feormade; he him onfencg hrae.
He þonne fede folc Iacobes
and Israhela yrfelafe.
And he hi þonne butan facne fede syþþan,
- 200
- and his folmum syþþan hi for
læde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Comon on in yrfe, ece drihten,
fremde þeode, þa þin fæle hus,
ealh haligne yfele gewemdan.
Settan Hierusalem samod anlicast
- 5
- swa in æppelbearu ane cytan;
swylce hi setton swylt þinum esnum,
sealdon flæsc heora fuglum to mose,
haligra lic hundum and deorum.
Hi þara bearna blod on byrig leton
- 10
- swa man gute wæter ymb Hierusalem;
blodige lagan, nahtan byrgendas.
We synd gewordene wera cneorissum
eallum edwitstæf ymbsittendum,
þe us ahwær neah nu a syndon.
- 15
- Hu wilt þu, wuldres god, wra yrre þin
on ende fram us æfre oncyrran?
Is nu onbærned biter þin yrre
on inum folce fyre hatre.
Ageot yrre þin on þæt rice
- 20
- and on cneowmagas þe ne cunnan e,
ne naman þinne neode cigea.
Forþon hi Iacob geara ætan,
and his wicstede westan gelome.
Ne gemune þu to oft, mihta wealdend,
- 25
- ealdra unrihta þe we oft fremedon,
ac we hrae begytan hyldo ine,
forþon we earfende þearle syndon.
Gefultuma us, frea ælmihtig,
and alys us, lifigende god;
- 30
- weor urum synnum sefte and milde
for naman þinum neode and aare.
þy læs æfre cwean ore þeoda,
hæene herigeas, "Hwær com eower halig god?"
and us þæt on eagum oftust worpen,
- 35
- þær manna wese mæst ætgædere.
Wrec agen blod esna þinra,
þæt wæs sarlice agoten, þær þu gesawe to;
geonge for e gnornendra care
þara þe on feterum fæste wæran.
- 40
- æfter ines earmes æelum mægene
gegang þa deaa bearn þe hi dema nu.
Gyld nu gramhydigum, swa hi geearnedan,
on sceat hiora seofonfealde wrace,
forþon hi edwit on þe ealle hæfdon.
- 45
- We þin folc wærun and fæle sceap
eowdes þines; we e andetta,
and þe to worulde wuldur sæcgea
and þe on worulda woruld wordum heria.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- þu þe Israela æelum cynne
reccest and rædest, u nu recene beheald,
þu e Ioseph swa sceap gramum wilæddest.
u e sylfa nu sittest ofer cherubin,
- 5
- æteow fore Effraim eac Mannasse
and Beniamin, nu we bidda þe.
Awece þine mihte and mid wuldre cum,
and us hale do her on eoran.
Gehweorf us, mægena god, and us mildne æteow
- 10
- þinne andwlitan; ealle we beo hale.
Eala u, mægena god, mære drihten,
hu lange yrsast þu on þines esnes gebed?
Tyhst us and fedest teara hlafe,
and us drincan gifest deorcum tearum
- 15
- manna gehwylcum on gemet rihtes.
þu us asettest on sarcwide
urum neahmannum; nu we cunnion,
hu us mid fraceum fynd bysmria.
Gehweorf us, mægena god, and us mildne æteow
- 20
- þinne andwlitan; ealle we beo hale.
þu of ægyptum ut alæddest
wræstne wingeard, wurpe þeode
and þone ylcan ær eft asettest.
þu him weg beforan worhtest rihtne,
- 25
- and his wyrtruman wræstne settest,
þanon eore wear eall gefylled.
His se brada scua beorgas þeahte,
and his tanas astigun godes cedderbeam.
Ealle þa telgan e him of hlida,
- 30
- þu æt sæstreamas sealte gebræddest,
and hi to flodas for aweaxa.
Forhwan þu towurpe weallfæsten his?
Wealde his winbyrig eall þæt on wege fær.
Hine utan of wuda eoferas wrota,
- 35
- and wilde deor westa and fretta.
Gehweorf nu, mægena god, milde and spedig
þine ansyne ufan of heofenum;
gewite and beseoh wingeard þisne,
þæt he mid rihte ræde gange,
- 40
- þæne in seo swire sette æt fryme,
and ofer mannes sunu, þe þu his mihte ær
under e getrymedest, tires wealdend.
Fyr onbærne, folm þurhdelfe;
fram ansyne egsan ines
- 45
- ealle þa on ealdre yfele forweora.
Si þin seo swire hand ofer sone wer
and ofer mannes sunu; þu his mihta e
geagnadest, ealle getrymedest,
weoruda drihten; ne gewita we fram e.
- 50
- Ac þu us wel cwica, wealdend mihtig;
we naman þinne neode cigea.
Gehweorf us, mægena
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- gif þu, Israhel, a wylt elne gehyran.
Gif þu, Israhel, me anum gehyrst,
ne by god on þe niwe gemeted,
ne þu fremedne god sylfa gebiddest.
- 5
- Ic eom þin god, e geara þe
of ægypta eorþan alædde.
Ontyn þinne mu and ic hine teala fylle;
nele min folc mine stefne æfre gehyran,
ne me Israhel behealdan holde mode.
- 10
- Ac hi lifian het lustum heortena
swa him leofust wæs, leode þeodum,
æfter hiora willum wynnum miclum.
þær min agen folc, Israhela cynn,
me mid gehygde hyran cuan,
- 15
- oþþe on wegas mine woldan gangan,
þonne ic hiora fynd fylde and hynde,
and þæt mycle mægen minra handa
heora ehtendas ealle fornam.
Him fynd godes fæcne leoga;
- 20
- by hiora yfele tid awa to feore.
He hi fedde mid fætre lynde,
hwæte and hunige, þæt him halig god
sealde of stane, oþþæt hi sæde wæron.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- God mihtig stod godum on gemange,
and he hi on midle mægene tosceade.
Hu lange deme ge domas unrihte,
and ge onfo ansyna synnwyrcendra?
- 5
- Dema steopcildum domas soe
and eadmedum eac þæt sylfe,
wædlum and earfum wel sofæstum.
Ge of firenfulra fæcnum handum
þearfan and wædlan þriste alysa.
- 10
- Ne ongeatan hi ne geara wistan,
ac hi on ystrum þrage eodan;
ealle abeofedan eoran staþelas.
Ic ærest cwæ: "Ge synd uppe godu,
ealle uphea, and æele bearn.
- 15
- Ge þonne swelta samod mid mannum,
swa ealdormann an gefealle."
Aris drihten, nu! Dem eorware,
forþan þu eart erfeweard ealra eoda.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwylc is þe gelic, ece drihten?
Ne swiga u, ne þe sylfne bewere.
Forþon þine feond fæcne forwurdan,
þa e fæste ær feodan, drihten,
- 5
- and heora heafod wi þe hofan swie.
Hi on inum folce him facengeswipere
syredan and feredan, and to swice hogedon,
and ehtunga ealle hæfdon,
hu hi þine halgan her yfeladan.
- 10
- Cwædan culice: "Wutun cuman ealle
and hi towyrpan geond werþeoda,
þæt ne sy gemyndig manna ænig,
hu Israhela naman ænig nemne."
Forþon hi an geþeaht ealle ymbsætan,
- 15
- and gewitnesse wi þe wise gesettan.
Selegesceotu synd onsægd in Idumea
and Ismæhelita, eac synt Moabes,
Ammon and Ammalech, Agareni,
swylce Gebal and grame manige
- 20
- fremde þeoda mid eardiendum folce on Tyrum.
Cwom samod mid am swylce Assur;
ealle on wegum æghwær syndon
on leodstefnum Loes bearnum.
Do him nu swa u dydest dagum Madiane
- 25
- and Sisare, swylce Iabin;
ealle þa namon ændor wylle
and Cisone clæne hlimme;
wurdan þa earme eorþan to meohxe.
Sete heora ealdormenn swa u Oreb dydest,
- 30
- Zeb and Zebee and Salmanaa,
and heora ealdrum eallum swylce;
ealle þa on an ær gecwædon,
þæt hi halignesse godes her gesettan.
Sete hi nu, min god, samod anlice
- 35
- swa se wægnes hweol oþþe windes healm,
and swa færincga fyr wudu byrne,
oe swa lig frete lungre morhæ,
Swa þu hi on yrre ehtest and drefest,
þæt hi on hrernesse hraþe forweora.
- 40
- Gedo þæt hiora ansyn awa sceamige,
þonne hi naman þinne neode secea.
Ealle beo georette, eac gescende,
and on weoruldlife weorþa gedrefde,
þonne hi naman þinne neode secea.
- 45
- þu ana eart ofer ealle heah
eorbuende, ece drihten.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Synd me wic þine weore and leofe,
mægena drihten; a ic on mode þæs
willum hæfde, þet ic him wunude onn.
Heorte min and flæsc hyhta georne
- 5
- on þone lifigendan leofan drihten;
him eac spedlice spearuwa hus begyte,
and tidlice turtle nistla,
þær hio afede fugelas geonge.
Wærun wigbedu þin, weoruda drihten;
- 10
- þu eart drihten min and deore cynincg.
Eadige weora, þa þe eardia
on þinum husum, halig drihten,
and þe on worulda woruld, wealdend, heria.
þæt by eadig wer, se þe him oerne
- 15
- fultum ne sece nymþe fælne god,
and þæt on heortan hige healde fæste,
gesete him þæt sylfe on isse sargan dene,
þær hi teara teonan cnyssa
on þam sylfan stede þe þu him settest her.
- 20
- Brohte him bletsunge se e him beorhte æ
soe sette; syþþan eodan
of mægene on mægen; þær wæs miht gesawen
on Sionbeorge soes drihtnes.
Gehyr min gebed, halig drihten,
- 25
- þu eart mære god, mildum earum,
and Iacobes god se mæra.
Beseoh drihten nu, scyldend usser;
oncnaw onsyne cristes þines.
Betere is micle to gebidanne
- 30
- anne dæg mid þe þonne oera
on þeodstefnum þusend mæla.
Ic me þæs wyrce and wel ceose,
þæt ic hean gange on hus godes,
þonne ic on fyrenfulra folce eardige.
- 35
- Forþon god lufa geornast ealles,
þæt man si mildheort mode sofæst,
þonne him god gyfe gyfe and wuldur.
Nele god æfre gode bedælan,
þa e heortan gehygd healda clæne;
- 40
- þæt bi eadig mann, se þe him ecean godes
to mundbyrde miht gestreone.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- þu bletsadest, blie drihten,
foldan fæle, and afyrdest eac
of Iacobe þa graman hæftned.
Unriht þu forlete eallum þinum folce,
- 5
- and heora fyrene fæste hæle.
Eall þu þin yrre ere gedydest,
na u ure gyltas egsan gewræce.
Gehweorf us hrae, hælend drihten,
and þin yrre fram us eac oncyrre,
- 10
- þæt u us ne weore wra on mode.
Ne wrec þu þin yrre wrae mode
of cynne on cynn and on cneorisse;
gecyr us georne to e, Crist ælmihtig,
and in folc on e gefeo swie.
- 15
- æteow us milde mod, mihtig drihten,
and us þine hæle syle her to genihte.
Syþþan ic gehyre, hwæt me halig god
on minum modsefan mælan wille;
sybbe he his folces sece geornast,
- 20
- and swiust to þam þe hine secea.
Hwæere he is mid soe forswie neah
þam þe egsan his elne healda,
hæle mid hyldo, and him her syle
ure eoran æele wuldor.
- 25
- Him ganga ongean gleawe cræftas,
mildheortnesse mod and mihte so,
and hine sybbe lufu swylce clyppe.
Up of eoran cwom æþelast soa,
beseah sofæstnes samod of heofenum.
- 30
- Syle us fremsum god fægere drihten,
þonne us eore syle æele wæstmas.
Hine sofæstnes symble foregange
and on weg sette wise gangas.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ahyld me þin eare, halig drihten;
foron ic eom wædla, þu me wel gehyr,
and ic sylfa eom sorhfull þearfa.
Geheald mine sawle, foron ic halig eom;
- 5
- hæl þinne scealc, forþon ic e hihte to.
Miltsa me drihten, þonne ic mægene to e
þurh ealne dæg elne cleopade;
do þines scealces sawle blie,
foron ic hi to e hebbe genehhige.
- 10
- Foron þu eart wynsum, wealdend drihten;
is þin milde mod mycel and genihtsum
eallum þam þe þe elne cigea.
þu mid earum onfoh, ece drihten,
min agen gebed, and eac beheald,
- 15
- hu ic stefne to e stundum cleopige.
þonne me on dæge deorc earfoe
carelice cnyssedan, þonne ic cleopode to e;
forþon þu me gehyrdest holde mode.
Nis þe goda ænig on gumrice
- 20
- ahwær efne gelic, ece drihten,
ne e weorc magon wyrcean anlic.
Ealle þu geworhtest wera cneorissa,
þa þe weoria, wuldres aldor,
and naman drihtnes neode cigea.
- 25
- Foran u eart se mycla mihtiga drihten,
þe wundor miht wyrcean ana.
Gelæd, drihten, me on þinne leofne weg,
and ic on þinum soe syþþan gancge.
Heorte min ahlyhhe, þonne ic inne halgan naman
- 30
- forhtige me on ferhe, for andette
mid ealre heortan hyge, þæt þu eart, halig god,
nemned drihten, and we naman þinne
on ecnesse a weorien.
Ys þin mildheortnes mycel ofer me, drihten,
- 35
- and þu mine sawle swylce alysdest
of helwarena hinderþeostrum.
God min se leofa, gramhydige me
mid unrihte oft onginna,
and gesamnincge swimihtigra
- 40
- sohton mine sawle swyþe geneahhe;
ne do him for awiht egsan drihtnes.
Hwæt, þu eart, min drihten god, dædum mildheort,
þenden geyldig, þearle sofæst.
Beseoh nu on me, and me syþþan weor
- 45
- milde on mode, mihtig drihten;
geteoh hrore meaht hysse þinum;
do þinre þeowan sunu, drihten, halne.
Do gedefe mid me, drihten, tacen,
and þæt god ongitan, þa me georne ær
- 50
- fæste feodan, habban for sceame.
Forþon þu me wære fultum fæste, drihten,
and me frefredest, frea ælmihtig.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Healda his staelas halige beorgas;
lufude Sione duru symble drihten
ofer Iacobes wic goode ealle.
Wærun wuldurlice wi þe wel acweene,
- 5
- þæt þu si cymast ceastra drihtnes;
eac ic gemyndige þa mæran Raab
and Babilonis begea gehwæeres.
Efne fremde cynn foran of Tyrum,
folc Sigelwara naman þær fæstne eard.
- 10
- Modor Sion "man" cwæ ærest,
and hire mære gewear mann on innan,
and he hi þa hehstan her staelade.
Drihten þæt on gewritum dema sægde
þam þe frumsprecend folces wæron,
- 15
- eallum swylce, þe hire on wæron.
Swa ure ealra bliss eardhæbbendra
on anum þe ece stande.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- þu eart me, drihten god, dyre hælend;
ic on dæge to e dygle cleopode,
and on niht fore þe neode swylce.
Gange min ingebed on þin gleawe gesih;
- 5
- ahyld eare þin and gehyr min gebed.
Foron is sawl min sares and yfeles
fæste gefylled; is min feorh swylce
to helldore hylded geneahhe.
Wena þæs sume, þæt ic on wrane sea
- 10
- mid fyrenwyrhtum feallan sceolde;
ic eom men gelic mære geworden,
þe mid deadum bi betweox deae freo.
Swa gewundade wrae slæpe
syn þonne geworpene on widne hlæw,
- 15
- þær hiora gymynde men ne wænan,
swa hi syn fram þinre handa heane adrifene.
Hi me asetton on sea hinder,
þær wæs deorc þeostru and deaþes scua.
þær me wæs yrre þin on acyþed,
- 20
- and þu me oferhige on ealle gelæddest.
Feor u me dydest freondas cuþe;
settan me symble, þær me unswæsost wæs;
eam ic swære geseald, þær ic ut swican ne mæg.
Eagan me syndon unhale nu
- 25
- geworden for wædle; ic me to wuldres gode
þuruh ealne dæg elne clypige
and mine handa to þe hebbe and enige.
Ne huru wundur wyrcea deade,
oþþe hi listum læceas weccean
- 30
- and hi andettan þe ealle syþþan.
Ne on eostrum ne mæg þances gehygdum
ænig wislicu wundur oncnawan,
oe þin sofæstnes si on þam lande
þe ofergytnes on eardige.
- 35
- Cwist þu, oncnawa hi wundru ine
on am dimmum deorcan ystrum,
oe ine rihtwisnesse recene gemete
on ofergyttolnesse manna ænig?
Ic me to e, ece drihten,
- 40
- mid modgehygde mægene clypade,
and min gebed morgena gehwylce
fore sylfne þe sofæst becume.
Forhwan u min gebed æfre woldest,
so god, wisacan, oe þinre gesihe me
- 45
- on þissum ealdre æfre wyrnan?
Wædla ic eom on gewinne, worhte swa on geogue;
ahafen ic wæs and gehyned, hwæere næs gescended.
Oft me þines yrres egsa geeowde,
and me broga þin bitere gedrefde.
- 50
- Hi me ealne dæg utan ymbsealdan,
swa wæterflodas wæron ætsomne.
þu me afyrdest frynd þa nehstan
and mine cue eac cwicu geyrmdest.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Mildheortnesse þine, mihtig drihten,
ic on ecnesse awa singe;
fram cynne on cynn and on cneorisse
ic þine sofæstnesse secge geneahhe
- 5
- on minum muþe manna cynne.
Forþon þa u cwæde cue worde,
þæt on ecnesse awa wære
þin milde mod micel getimbrad
heah on heofenum hælea bearnum
- 10
- and þin sofestnes symble gearwad.
Ic minum gecorenum cue gesette,
hu min gewitnes wolde gangan;
ic Dauide dyrum esne
on asware ær benemde,
- 15
- þæt ic his cynne and cneowmagum
on ecnesse a geworhte
ful sefte seld, þæt hi sæton on.
Heofenas andetta, halig drihten,
hu wundor þin wræclic stande,
- 20
- and þa halgan eac hergea on cyricean
þine sofæstnesse, secgea geneahhige.
Nis under wolcnum, weoroda drihten,
ænig anlic, ne e ænig by
betweox godes bearnum gyt gelicra.
- 25
- þu bist gewuldrad god, þær bi wisra geeaht
and haligra heah gemetincg,
micel and egeslic ofer eall manna bearn,
a e on ymbhwyrfte ahwær syndon.
þu eart mægena god, mihtig drihten;
- 30
- nis þe ealra gelic ahwær on spedum,
is þin sofæstnes symble æghwær.
þu wide sæs wealdest mihtum;
þu his yþum miht ana gesteoran,
onne hi on wæge wind onhrere.
- 35
- þu miht oferhydige eae mid wunde
heane gehnægean; hafast u heah mægen
þines earmes sped wi ealle fynd.
Heofonas þu wealdest, hrusan swylce;
eoran ymbehwyrft eall þu gesettest.
- 40
- þu nordæl and sæ niode gesceope,
Tabor et Hermon on naman inum;
hi mid strencge eac upp ahebba
þinne swiþran earm swylce, drihten.
Wesan hea mihte handa þinre
- 45
- ahafen ofer hæleas; halig seo swyre is,
þines setles dom so gegearwod.
Mildheortnes and sofæstnes mægene forganga
þinne andwlitan; þæt bi eadig folc
þe can naman inne neode herigean.
- 50
- þa on inum leohte lifigea and ganga
þe him ansyn þin ær onlihte,
and on naman þinum neode swylce
beo ealne dæg eac on blisse
and þine sofæstnesse symble æghwær.
- 55
- Forþon þu heora mægenes eart mærost wuldor,
and we þinum weldædum wurdan ahafene.
Us an nime ece drihten
and Israhela cyning eac se halga.
þonne u ofer ealle undearnunga
- 60
- þine bearn sprecest and bealde cwyst:
"Ic me on þyssum folce fultum sette
ofermihtigne, þone ic me ær geceas.
Ic me deorne scealc Dauid gemette
and hine halige ele handum smyrede.
- 65
- Heo him fultume and min fæle earm,
and hine mid mycle mægene geswye.
Ne mæg him ænig facen feond æteglan,
ne unrihtes bearn ænig scean.
Of his ansyne ealle ic aceorfe,
- 70
- þa e him feondas fæcne syndon,
and his ehtendas ealle geflyme.
Hine sofæstnes min samod ætgædere
and mildheortnes min mægene healde,
and on naman minum neode swylce
- 75
- his horn bi ahafen, heane on mihtum.
And ic his swiran hand settan þence,
þæt he sæstreamum syþþan wealde.
He me him to fælum fæder gecygde:
'Wæs me andfencge, god, ecere hælu.'
- 80
- And ic þonne frumbearn for asette
ofer eorcyningas ealra heahstne.
Ic him to widan feore wille gehealdan
min milde mod and him miht syllan,
mine gewitnesse weore and getreowe.
- 85
- Ic to widan feore wyrce syan
þin heahsetl hror and weorlic
swa heofones dagas her mid mannum.
Gif mine bearn nella mine bebodu efnan
ne mine domas dædum healdan,
- 90
- Gif hi mine rihtwisnessa fracoe gewemma
and hi mine bebodu blie ne healda,
þonne ic heora unriht gewrece egsan gyrde
and hiora synne swinglum forgylde.
Ne ic him mildheortnesse mine wille
- 95
- fægere afyrran, ac him for swa þeah
mine sofæstnesse syllan þence.
Ic æne swor a on halgum,
þæt ic Dauide dæda ne leoge,
þæt on ecnesse his agen cynn
- 100
- wuna on wicum; bi him weorlic setl
on minre gesihe sunnan anlic
and swa mona meahte on heofenum,
þe is ece gewita æhwær getreowe."
þu þonne wisoce soþum criste
- 105
- and hine forhogodest, hwile yldest
and awendest fram him gewitnesse
esnes þines; ealle gewemdest
his halignesse her on eoran.
Ealle þu his weallas wide todældest,
- 110
- towurpe fæsten his for folcegsan.
Hine þa towurpon wegferende,
and he on edwit wear ymbsittendum.
Handa þu ahofe heah ehtendra,
gebrohtest his feondas fæcne on blisse.
- 115
- Fultum þu him afyrdest fagan sweordes,
nafa æt gefeohte fælne helpend.
þu hine of clænnesse clæne alysdest,
setl his gesettest sorglic on eoran.
þu his dagena tid deorce gescyrtest
- 120
- and mid sarlicre sceame onmettest.
Wilt þu hu lange, wealdend drihten,
yrre þin acyan swa onæled fyr?
Gemune, mære god, hwæt si min lytle sped;
ne huru u manna bearn on middangeard
- 125
- to idelnesse æfre geworhtest.
Hwylc is manna, þæt feores neote,
and hwæþere on ende dea ne gesceawige;
oe hwylc manna is, þæt his agene
fram helle locum sawle generige?
- 130
- Hwær is seo ealde nu, ece drihten,
micel mildheortness, þe þu mancynne
and Dauide deope ae
þurh þines sylfes so benemdest?
Gemune þinra esna edwitspræce,
- 135
- þa him fraculice fremde þeode
utan ætywa, ore mæge.
Cweþa him þæt edwit, ece drihten,
feondas þine, fæste ætwita
and þæt þinum criste becweþa swie.
- 140
- A sy gebletsad ece drihten
to widan feore. Wese swa, wese swa!
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- þu eart fristol us fæste, drihten,
of cynne on cynne and on cneorisse.
æron munta gesceaft ofer middangeard
oe ymbhwyrft eoran wære
- 5
- oþþe world wære, þu eart, wuldres god.
Ne ahwyrf þu fram mænn heah eadmedu;
and þu culice cwæde sylfa:
"Ic manna bearnum mod onwende."
For þinum eagum, ece drihten,
- 10
- þusend wintra bi þon anlicast,
swa geostran dæg gegan wære;
And swa hi on niht hyrdnesse neode beganga,
ne heora winterrim for wiht ne do.
Morgen gewite swa gemolsnad wyrt;
- 15
- ore morgene eft geblowe
and geefne swa, oþþæt æfen cyme,
þonne forwisna, weore to duste.
Forþon we on þinum yrre ealle forwurdon,
wæron on þinum hathige hearde gedrefde.
- 20
- þu ure unriht eall asettest,
þær þu sylfa to eagum locadest,
and ure worulde þu eac gestaelodest
on alihtincge andwlitan þines.
Forþam e ure dagas ealle geteorudun,
- 25
- and we on þinum yrre synt swie gewæhte.
Wæran anlicast ure winter
geongewifran, þonne hio geornast bi,
þæt heo afære fleogan on nette;
beo ure geardagas gnornscendende,
- 30
- þeah þe heora hundred seo samod ætgædere.
Gif on mihtigum mannum geweore,
þæt hi hundehtatig ylda gebiden,
ealle þe þær ofer beo æfre getealde
wintra on worulde, þa beo gewinn and sar.
- 35
- Us manwærnes becwom micel ofer ealle
and we on þam gefean forhte gewurdan.
Hwa æs so me cann sæcgean ænig,
hu þines yrres egsa stande
and seo micle miht? Nis þæt mann ænig
- 40
- þe þa ariman rihte cunne.
Do us þa þine swiran hand, drihten, cue,
þam þe on snytrum syn swye getyde,
and þa heora heortan healda clæne.
Gehweorf us hwæthwiga, halig drihten;
- 45
- wes þinum scealcum wel eabede.
We synd gefyllede fægere on mergenne
þinre mildheortnesse; þæs we on mode nu
habba ealle dagas æþele blisse.
We gefeo swylce for þon fægerum dagum,
- 50
- on þam þu us to eadmedum ealle gebrohtest,
and for am gearum þe we on gesawon yfela
feala.
Beseoh on þine scealcas swæsum eagum
and on þin agen weorc, ece drihten,
and heora bearn gerece blie mode.
- 55
- Wese us beorhtnes ofer blian drihtnes,
ures þæs godan godes georne ofer ealle;
gerece ure handgeweorc heah ofer usic.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Me earda æt æþele fultum
þæs hehstan heofonrices weard,
þe me æt wuna awa to feore.
Ic to drihtne cwæ: "þu me dyre eart
- 5
- fæle fultum; hæbbe ic freond on him,
min se goda god, and ic on e geare hycge."
Foron he me alysde of laum grine,
huntum unholdum, hearmum worde.
He me mid his gesculdrum sceade beþeahte;
- 10
- forþon ic under firum fæle hihte.
Hwæt, me sofæstnes min scylde wi feondum,
ne u þe nihtegsan nede ondrædest.
Ne forhtast þu e on dæge flan on lyfte,
þæt þe þurhgangan garas on eostrum,
- 15
- oe on midne dæg mære deoful.
Fealle þe on þa wynstran wergra þusend,
and eac geteledra tyn þusendo
on þine þa swiran, and þe ne sceae ænig.
Hwæere þu æs eagan eall sceawadest,
- 20
- gesege fyrenfulra frecne wite.
þu me eart se hehsta hyht, halig drihten;
þu me fristol on e fæstne settest.
Ne mæg þe ænig yfel egle weoran,
ne heard sweopu huse þinum
- 25
- on neaweste nahwær sceþþan.
Forþon he his englum bebead, þæt hi mid earmum þe
on heora handum heoldan georne,
þæt þu wilwega wealdan mostest.
And þe on folmum feredan swylce,
- 30
- þe læs þu fræcne on stan fote spurne.
þu ofer aspide miht eae gangan,
and bealde nu basiliscan tredan,
and leon and dracan liste gebygean.
Foron he hyhte to me, ic hine hrae lyse,
- 35
- niode hine scylde, nu he cue naman minne.
He cigde me, and ic hine culice
hold gehyrde, and hine hrae syþþan
of earfoþum ut alysde.
Ic hine generige and his naman swylce
- 40
- gewuldrige geond ealle wereoda,
and him lifdagas lange sylle,
swylce him mine hælu holde ætywe.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- God is, þæt man drihtne geara andette
and neodlice his naman asinge,
þone heahestan hælea cynnes;
And þonne on morgene mægene sæcge,
- 5
- hu he milde wear manna cynne,
and his soe sæcge nihtes.
Hwæt, ic on tyn strengum getogen hæfde,
hu ic þe on psalterio singan mihte
oe þe mid hearpan hlyste cweman,
- 10
- foron þu me on þinum weorcum wisum lufadest;
hihte ic to þinra handa halgum dædum.
Hu micle synt þine mægenweorc, mihtig drihten;
wærun þine geancas þearle deope.
Wonhydig wer þæs wiht ne cann,
- 15
- ne þæs andgit hafa ænig dysigra.
þonne for cuma fyrenfulra reat,
heap synnigra hige onlic;
ealle þær ætywa, þa e unrihtes
on weoruldlife worhtan geornast,
- 20
- þæt hi forwordene weoren syþþan
on worulda woruld and to widan feore.
þu on ecnesse awa, drihten,
heahesta bist, heofonrices weard.
þi nu ine feond fæcne, drihten,
- 25
- on eorwege ealle forweorþa,
and weora towrecene wide ealle,
þa þe unrihtes æror worhtan.
þonne anhorna ealra gelicost,
min horn weore ahafen swie
- 30
- and mine yldo beo æghwær genihtsum.
And eage þin eac sceawode,
hwær fynd mine fæcne wæran,
and mine wergend wrae gehyrde
efne þin agen eare swylce.
- 35
- Se sofæsta samed anlicast
beorht on blædum blowe swa palma,
and swa Libanes beorh lide and growe.
Setta nu georne on godes huse,
þæt ge on his wicum wel geblowan.
- 40
- Nu gyt syndan manige manna swylce,
þe hiom yldo gebidan ær to genihte,
and þa mid geþylde þenden sægdan,
Cwædon, þæt wære sofæst sylfa drihten
and hine unrihtes awyht ne heolde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Drihten hine gegyrede gode strenge,
and hine þa mid micle mægene begyrde.
Drihten rixa, dema usser,
and hine mid weorlice wlite gegyrede.
- 5
- And þa ymbhwyrft eorþan getrymede,
swa folde stod fæste syþþan.
Gearu is þin setl, and þu, ece god,
ær worulde fruman, wunast butan ende.
Hofan heora stefne streamas, drihten,
- 10
- hofan and hlynsadan hludan reorde
fram wæterstefnum widra manigra.
Wræclice syndon wægea gangas,
þonne sæstreamas swiust flowa;
swa is wundorlic wealdend usser
- 15
- halig drihten on heanessum.
þin gewitnes is weorcum geleafsum,
and mid soe is swie getreowed.
Huse þinum halig gedafena,
drihten usser, and dagas lange.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- þu eart wracena god, and þu miht wrecan swylce,
ana gefreogan æghwylcne mann.
Ahefe þe on ellen, eorþan dema,
gyld oferhydigum, swa hi ær grame worhton.
- 5
- Hu lange fyrenwyrhtan foldan wealda
oþþe manwyrhtan morre gylpa?
Hi oftust spreca, unnyt sæcgea
and woh meldia, wyrcea unriht.
Folc hi þin, drihten, fæcne gehyndan,
- 10
- and yrfe þin eall forcoman.
æleodige men, earme wydewan,
steopcilda feala stundum acwealdon.
Sægdan and cwædan, þæt ne gesawe
drihten æfre, dyde swa he wolde,
- 15
- ne þæt Iacobes god ongitan cue.
Onfinda þæt and ongeota þe on folce nu
unwiseste ealra syndon;
dysige hwæthwygu deope þæt oncnawan.
Se e ærest ealdum earan worhte,
- 20
- hu se oferhleour æfre wurde?
And him eagena gesyh eallum sealde
and he scearpe ne mæge gesceawian?
And se þe ege healde eallum þeodum,
and his þrea ne si þær for awiht,
- 25
- se þe men lære micelne wisdom?
God ealle cann guman geancas
eorbuendra, foron hi idle synt.
þæt bi eadig mann, þe þu hine, ece god,
on þinre sore æ sylfa getyhtest
- 30
- and hine þeodscipe inne lærest
and him yfele dagas ealle gebeorgest,
oþæt bi frecne sea þam fyrenfullan
deop adolfen deorc and ystre.
Næfre widrife drihten ure
- 35
- his agen folc, ne his yrfe þon ma
on ealdre wile æfre forlætan.
Hwylc þonne gena gehwyrfed by,
þæt he on unriht eft ne cyrre;
oe hwylc nyme me, þæt ic man fleo
- 40
- and mid rihtheortum rædes þence?
Hwylc arise mid me, þæt ic riht fremme
and wi awyrgedum winne and stande,
þe unrihtes ealle wyrcea?
Nyme me drihten, dema usser,
- 45
- gefultumede fægere æt þearfe,
wenincga min sawl sohte helle.
Gif ic þæs sægde, þæt min sylfes fot
ful sarlice asliden wære,
þa me mildheortnes mihtigan drihtnes
- 50
- gefultumede, þæt ic feorh ahte.
æfter þære menigeo minra sara
þe me ær on ferhe fæste gestodan,
þa me þine frofre fægere, drihten,
gesibbedan sawle mine.
- 55
- Ne ætfylige þe ahwær facen ne unriht;
u gefæstnast facen sares;
hi sofæste sneome gehæfta
and heora sawle ofslean þencea,
blod sofæstra bitere ageotan.
- 60
- Foron me is geworden wealdend drihten
to fristole fæst and gestaelad;
is me fultum his fæst on drihtne.
þonne him gylde god ælmihtig
ealle þa unriht e hi geearnedan,
- 65
- and on heora facne fæste todrife
drihten eallmihtig, dema sofæst.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Cuma nu togædere, wutun cweman gode,
wynnum drihten wealdend herigean,
urum hælende hyldo gebeodan.
Wutun his ansyne ærest secean,
- 5
- þæt we andettan ure fyrene
and we sealmas him singan mid wynne.
Foron is se micla god mihtig drihten
and se micla cynincg ofer eall manna godu.
Foron ne widrife drihten usser
- 10
- his agen folc æfre æt þearfe;
he þas heahbeorgas healde swylce.
Eac he sæs wealde and he sette þone;
worhte his folme eac foldan drige.
Cuma him fore and cneow bigea
- 15
- on ansyne ures drihtnes,
and him wepan fore e us worhte ær.
Foron he is drihten god, dema usser;
wærun we his fæle folc and his fægere sceap,
þa he on his edisce ær afedde.
- 20
- Gif ge to dæge drihtnes stefne
holde gehyran, næfre ge heortan geþanc
deorce forhyrden drihtnes willan.
Swa on grimnesse fyrn geara dydan
on þam wraan dæge and on westenne,
- 25
- þær min urh facen fæderas eowre
þisse cneorisse cunnedan georne,
þær hi cunnedan, cu ongeaton
and min sylfes weorc gesawon mid eagum.
Nu ic feowertig folce þyssum
- 30
- wintra rimes wunade neah,
aa and symble cwæ and eac swa oncneow,
þæt hi on heortan hyge dysegedan.
Hi wegas mine wihte ne oncneowan,
þæt ic ær on yrre ae benemde,
- 35
- gif hi on mine reste ricene eodon.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Singa nu drihtne sangas neowe;
singe þeos eore eall eceum drihtne.
Singa nu drihtne, and his sone naman
bealde bletsia; beornas sæcgea
- 5
- fram dæge to dæge drihtnes hælu.
Secgea his wuldor geond sigeþeode,
and on eallum folcum his fægere wundor.
He is se mycla god; forþon hine mæn sculon
elne herian; he is egeslic god
- 10
- ofer ealle godu eorbuendra.
Syndon ealle hæþenu godu hildedeoful;
heofonas þænne worhte halig drihten.
Ys on þinre gesihe so andetnes,
fæger halignes fæste gebletsad
- 15
- and weorlic wlite wuldres þines.
Bringa nu drihtne bu ætsomne
wlite and are, wuldor ridde,
and þæt of hiora eele don ealle þeode,
þæt hi naman drihtenes neode herigean.
- 20
- Genima eow arlice lac and in ganga
on his wictunas; weoria drihten
on his þære halgan healle geneahhige.
For his ansyne sceal eore beofian;
secga nu on cynnum and on cneorissum,
- 25
- þæt from treowe becwom tirfæst rice
drihten ure; dome he syþþan
eoran ymbhwyrft ealle gesette.
He ferhtlic riht folcum deme
and on his yrre ealle þeode.
- 30
- Heofenas blissia, hrusan swylce
gefeo fæstlice, and floda þrym;
sealte sæstreamas sæle habba.
Habba feldas eac fægere blisse
and ealle þa þe on him eard weardia;
- 35
- wærun wudubearuwas on wyndagum
for andwlitan ecean drihtnes,
forþon he cwom on cynerymme,
þæt he þas eoran ealle demde.
þonne he ymbhwyrft eoran folca
- 40
- soe and rihte syþþan deme.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Rixa nu mid rihte rice drihten;
is eore nu eac on blisse,
and þæs fægerne gefean habba
ealanda mænig ut on garsæcge.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- stundum onginna
fægnian mid folmum on gefean ælcne;
beorgas blissia, beacen oncnawa,
for ansyne ecean drihtnes;
- 5
- forþon he eadig com eorþan to demanne.
He ymbhwyrft eorþan deme
soe and rihte, and his syndrig folc
on rihtnesse ræde gebringe.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Rixa drihten, and he ree folc
healde on yrre ungemete swie;
sitte ofer cherubin, se þe sona mæg
ana eorware ealle onstyrian.
- 5
- Drihten is on Sion, dema se mæsta,
heah and mære ofer eall hælea folc.
We andeta þinum þam ecean naman,
þæt he mid mannum is mycel and egeslic,
halig on helpe hæleþa bearnum,
- 10
- aare cyninges dom æghwær lufade.
þu gegearwadest geara ærest,
þæt þu recene, god, rihte beeodest;
þu on Iacobe gode domas
æt fruman worlde fægere settest.
- 15
- Ahebba haligne heofena drihten,
usserne god ellencræfte,
and his fota sceamul for weorþia;
forþon he halig is hælea bearnum.
Moyses et Aaron mære gebroor,
- 20
- soe sacerdas, Samuhel ridda,
þa gode his naman neode cigdan.
Hi cymlice cigdon drihten,
and he hi gehyrde holde mode,
spræc him wordum to þurh wolcnes swyr.
- 25
- Hi þa gewitnesse wel geheoldon
and his bebodu beorhte efnedan,
þa he him sealde and sylfa bebead.
þu gehyrdest hig, halig drihten,
and him, meahtig god, milde wurde,
- 30
- and heora æfþancan ealle gewræce.
Hebba urne god, hælend drihten,
and hine on halgum her weoria
mærum beorge; foron his meahte synt
and halig is heofonrices weard.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Nu ge mycle gefean mihtigum drihtne
eall þeos eore elne hyre,
and blisse gode bealde þeowie.
Ganga on ansyne ealle blie;
- 5
- wita wislice þæt he is wealdend god;
he us geworhte and we his syndon.
We his folc syndan and his fæle sceap,
a he on his edisce ealle afedde;
ga nu on his doru, god andetta,
- 10
- and hine weoria on wictunum
mid lofsangum lustum myclum.
Heria naman drihtnes, forþon he is nium swæs;
is þin milde mod ofer manna bearn.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Mildheortnesse and dom mihtigan drihtnes
singe and secge, and so ongyte
on unwemmum wege, hwænne þu me wylle to.
Ic mid unbealuwe ealre heortan
- 5
- þurh in hus middan halig eode.
Ne sette ic me fore eagum yfele wisan;
ealle ic feode facnes wyrcend,
næs me wyngesi wierweard heorte.
Ic awyrgde fram me wende and cyrde;
- 10
- nolde ic hiora andgit ænig habban,
þe tælnessa teonan geneahhige
wi heora þam nehstan ni ahofan;
þara ic ehte ealra mid nie.
Oferhydegum eagum, unsædre heortan,
- 15
- nolde ic mid þæm men minne mete icgean.
Ofer geleaffulle eorbugende
eagan mine georne sceawedun,
hwær ic tirfæste treowe funde,
þa me symble mid sæton and eodon;
- 20
- he me holdlice her egnade.
Ne earda on midle mines huses,
þe oferhygd up ahebbe
oþþe unriht cweþan elne wille.
Ic on morgenne ofslea manes wyrhtan
- 25
- ealle þe unriht elne worhtan
and fyrena fela gefremed habba;
ealle ic þa of drihtnes drife ceastre.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- u min gebed, mære drihten,
gehyr, heofenes weard, and gehlyde min
to e becume, þeoda reccend.
Na þu andwlitan æfre þinne
- 5
- awend fram me, wuldres ealdor;
gif ic geswenced sy, þu swæs to me
þin eare onhyld and me ofestlice
gehyr, heofenes weard, helpys benan.
Foron dagas mine gedroren syndan
- 10
- smece gelice, and forspyrcende synd
mine mearhcofan, þæs þe me þince,
swylce hi on cocerpannan cocas gehyrstan.
Ic eom hege gelic, þam þe hrae weorna,
onne hit by amawyn mannes folmum;
- 15
- is min heorte eac hearde geswenced,
foron ic ær forgeat, þæt ic etan sceolde
minne swetne hlaf; foron me is swære stefn
hefig gnorniende heortan getenge,
ætfeolen eac min ban flæsce minum.
- 20
- Ic geworden eom pellicane gelic,
se on westene wuna; wat ic eac swie geare,
þæt ic genemned eam nihthrefne gelic,
þe on scræfe earda, and ic spearuwan swa some
gelice gewear, anlicum fugele.
- 25
- Hwæt, me ealne dæg edwitspræce on
mine feondas fæste brohtan,
and a me heredan; hi me hraþe æfter
full swyþe eft swerigean ongunnon.
Foron ic anlic ætt æscean hlafe,
- 30
- and ic minne drinc mengde wi tearum,
For andwlitan yrres þines;
feor þu me ahofe and gehnæctest eft.
Dagas mine gedruran swa se deorca scua,
and ic hege gelic, swa hit hrae weorna.
- 35
- þu on ecnysse wunast awa, drihten;
wuna þin gemynd, þenden woruld stande.
Aris nu, mihtig god, miltsa Sione;
nu is hire helpe heahsæl cumen.
Forþon þæs þancunga þine scealcas
- 40
- ambyhtmæcgas ealle hæfdan,
foron þe þu stilice stanum and eoran
eallum ætgædere ær miltsadest.
Forþon neodlice on naman inum
ealle eorbuend egsan habba,
- 45
- and þin wuldor ongita wise cyningas.
Eft timbrade ece drihten
and gesette Sion þurh his sylfes miht,
ær wæs gesyne his seo soe sped.
Oft he þearfendra bene ance gehyrde,
- 50
- and he ne forhogode heora hold gebed.
a wislice awriten standa
and on cneoressum cyed syndan,
þæt he folc gesceop; fægere drihten
hera holdlice hrore geþance.
- 55
- Foron he fæstlice for locade
of his þam hean halgan setle;
drihten geseah of heofenum her on eoran.
He þa gehyrde heahgnornunge
þæra e gebundene bitere wæron,
- 60
- and a bealdlice bearn alysde
þara e ofslegene sliþe wæran.
þonne by on Sione sægd so nama drihtnes,
and his lof swylce, leoda bearnum,
on Hierusalem gleawast and mærust.
- 65
- Cuma folc syan feorran togædere
and ricu eac, þæt hrae drihtne
ful holdlice hyran syþþan.
He him andwyrde eallum sona
on wege worulde, þær his gewis mægen
- 70
- fæste stande: "Ic þe feawe dagas
minra mættra mode secge,
þæt þu me meaht on midle minra dagena
sona gecigean, gif þu sylfa wylt."
Earon þines anes gear awa to feore.
- 75
- æt fruman þu, drihten, geworhtest
eorþan frætwe and upheofen;
þæt is heahgeweorc handa þinra.
Sweotule þa forweora and u sylf wunast;
eall forwisna wædum anlice,
- 80
- and u hi onwendest, swa man wrigels de,
and hi beo to worulde wended syþþan.
þu þonne byst se ilca, se þu ær wære;
ne beo winter þin wiht e sæmran.
Bearn þinra scealca her bu namon,
- 85
- and þær eardedan ealle þrage,
and heora sylfra cynn syan to feore
on worulda woruld well gerehtest.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Bletsa, mine sawle, blie drihten,
and eall min inneran his þæne ecean naman.
Bletsige, mine sawle, bealde dryhten,
ne wylt þu ofergeottul æfre weoran
- 5
- ealra goda, þe he þe ær dyde.
He þinum mandædum miltsade eallum
and þine adle ealle gehælde.
He alysde þin lif leof of forwyrde,
fylde þinne willan fægere mid gode.
- 10
- He þe gesigefæste sore miltse
and e mildheorte mode getrymede;
eart þu edneowe earne gelicast
on geogoe nu gleawe geworden.
Hafast þu milde mod, mihta strange,
- 15
- drihten, domas eallum þe deope her
and ful treaflice teonan þolian.
He his wegas dyde wise and cue
Moyse þam mæran on mænige tid,
swylce his willan eac werum Israhela.
- 20
- Mildheort þu eart and mihtig, mode geþyldig,
ece drihten, swa þu a wære;
is þin milde mod mannum cyed.
Nelle þu o ende yrre habban,
ne on ecnesse e awa belgan.
- 25
- Na þu be gewyrhtum, wealdend, urum
wommum wyrhtum woldest us don,
ne æfter urum unryhte ahwær gyldan.
Foron þu æfter heahweorce heofenes þines
mildheortnysse, mihtig drihten,
- 30
- lustum cydest, þam þe lufedan þe.
Swa þas foldan fæme bewinde
þes eastrodor and æfter west,
he betweonan þam teonan and unriht
us fram afyrde æghwær symble.
- 35
- Swa fæder ence fægere his bearnum
milde weoran, swa us mihtig god,
þam þe hine lufia, lie weore,
foran he ealle can ure þearfe.
Gemune, mihtig god, þæt we synt moldan and dust;
- 40
- beo mannes dagas mawenum hege
æghwær anlice, eoran blostman,
swa his lifdagas læne syndan.
þonne he gast ofgife, syþþan hine gærsbedd sceal
wunian widefyrh, ne him man syan wat
- 45
- ahwær elles ænige stowe.
þin mildheortnes, mihtig drihten,
þurh ealra worulda woruld wislic stande,
deorust and gedefust ofer ealle þa þe
ondræda him.
Swa his sofæstnyss swylce stande
- 50
- ofer þara bearna bearn þe his bebodu
healda,
and þæs gemynde mycle habba,
þæt heo his wisfæst word wynnum efnan.
On heofenhame halig drihten
his heahsetl hror timbrade,
- 55
- þanon he eorricum eallum wealde.
Ealle his englas ecne drihten
bletsian bealde, heora bline frean,
mægyn and mihta, þa his mære word
habba and healda and hyge fremma.
- 60
- Bletsian drihten eall his bearna mægen
and his egna reat, þe þæt þence nu,
þæt hi his willan wyrcean georne.
Eall his agen geweorc ecne drihten
on his agenum stede eac bletsige,
- 65
- þær him his egsa, anweald, stande;
bletsige min sawl blie drihten.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Bletsa, mine sawle, bliþe drihten;
þu eart, min drihten god, dædum swyþe,
meahtum mære ofer manna bearn.
þu þe weorlice wliteandette
- 5
- gode gegyredest; eart nu gleawlice
swa limwædum leohte gegyrwed.
Heofen þu aenedest hyde gelice,
þone weardia ufan wætra rye.
He wolcen eac worhte and sette,
- 10
- þæt he mihte eae upp astigan,
se fotum trede firu winda.
He his englas de æele gastas
and his frome egnas fyr byrnende.
He gefæstnude foldan staelas,
- 15
- eoran eardas; ne seo æfre nu
on worulda world weore ahylded.
He nywolnessa neoan swa swa ryfte
him to gewæde woruhte swylce;
standa ofer mannum muntas on wæterum.
- 20
- þa him þrea þine þearle ondræda,
fleo forhtlice þunres brogan
þinre stefne strangne egsan.
Beorgas and feldas ba astiga
on þæne stede þe þu gestaeludest him,
- 25
- and on ære stowe standa fæste;
ne magon hi ofer gemære mare gegangan,
þæt hi ysse eorþan awyht habban.
Oft of denum yrna deope wyllan,
and of midle munta swylce
- 30
- wæter awealle, wide flowe.
Of þam eoran deor ealle drinca,
bida assan eac on þurste;
ofer þan heofonfugelas healda eardas,
senda of þam stanum stefne mycle.
- 35
- Beorgas onfo blædum and wæstmum,
ufan eorwæstme ealle growa,
swylce of wæstmum weorca þinra
eall eoran ci ufan by gefylled.
Swylce þu of foldan fodder neatum
- 40
- lætest alædan, on þæm hi lif healda;
wyrta þu geworhtest to wrae manna.
Eac þu him of eorþan ut alæddest
hlaf to helpe; heortan manna
must and windrinc myclum blissa.
- 45
- Ele andwlitan eac gescyrpe
and hlaf tryme heortan mannes.
Swylce þu gefyllest fægrum blædum
telgum treowwæstme; tydra ealle,
þa on Libanes læda on beorge
- 50
- cwice cederbeamas, þa u culice
sylfa gesettest; on þam swylce nu
mid heora spedum spearwan nystla.
Uphebbean hus hiora agen is
latteow on lande; oft lane beorh
- 55
- on hean muntum heortas wunia;
erinaces fleo oft on stanas.
Monan he geworhte on þa mæran tid;
sunne hire setlgang sweotule healde.
þystru u gesettest on þearle niht,
- 60
- on þære ealle wildeor wide toeorna.
And leon hwelpas lange swylce
grymetiga gnorne; georne seca,
þæt him grædigum æt god gedeme.
Syþþan up cume æele sunne,
- 65
- hi of sium eft gesamnia
and hi on holum hyda hi georne.
Mægenweorc on morgen man onginne
and þæt geenda on æfynne.
Mycel wærun þine weorc, mihtig drihten,
- 70
- ealle þa þu mid snyteru sylfa worhtest;
is þeos eore eac eall gefylled
þinra gesceafta, scyppend mære.
His is mycel sæ and on gemærum wid,
þær is unrim on ealra cwycra
- 75
- mycelra and mætra; ofer æne mægene oft
scipu scriende scrinde fleota.
Dracan þu þysne dædum inum
geheowadest, hete syan
his bysmere brade healdan;
- 80
- ealle to e, ece drihten,
ætes on eoran eac wilnia.
And him gesomnadum swylce wylle
þine þa halgan hand ontynan,
ealle hi gefyllan fægere gode.
- 85
- Gif þu þine ansyne fram him æfre awendest,
þonne hi gedrefde deope weora,
and him gast weore georne afyrred;
swylce teonlice geteoria,
on heora agen dust æfter hweorfa.
- 90
- Onsend þines sylfes gast, sona weorþa
geedniwad, and þu eac scyppest
eoran ansyne ealle swylce.
Wuldor si wide weruda drihtne
and on worulda woruld wunie syan,
- 95
- blissie on his weorcum bealde drihten.
He on as eoran ealle loca,
de hi for his egsan ealle beofian;
gif he mid his mihte muntas hrine,
hi ful ricene reoca sona.
- 100
- Ic on minum life lustum drihtne
singe solice and secge eac,
þenden ic wunige on worulddreamum.
Wese him herenes min æt heortan wee,
ic minne drihten deorne lufige.
- 105
- And þa fyrenfullan frecne forweoraþ,
þa on ysse eoran synt, ealle sniome,
þæt hio ne wunian on worldlife.
Bletsa, mine sawle, blie drihten.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Andeta drihtne and his ecne naman
cega cymlice, and cwyce secgea
his wundorweorc ofer ealle wereode.
Singa him swylce and salleta,
- 5
- secga his wundor eall wide mæru.
Hergea his naman niode swylce;
heorte hygeclæne hlutre blissa
þam þe solice seca dryhten.
Seca ge drihten, and ge syan beo
- 10
- teonan gehwylce ful trume æghwær;
seca his ansyne symble georne.
Gemuna ge on mode, hu he mænig wundor
worhte wræclice, wundur unlytel,
and his muþes eac mære domas.
- 15
- Hwæt, he Abrahames cynn, þe his esne wæs,
geweorude ofer werþeoda,
and Iacobes bearn, þone he geara geceas.
He is ure drihten dædum spedig;
earun his domas deore and mære
- 20
- geond þisse eoran æghwylcne dæl.
He þæs on worulde wear gemyndig,
þæt he worde gecwæ on gewitnesse,
þæt heo on þusende þæt sceoldan healdan,
þære cneorisse cwyc se þe lifde.
- 25
- þæt he mid asware to Abrahame
and to Isaace eac gesohte,
and gleawlice Iacobe bead,
þæt awa to feore Israheles cyn
his gewitnesse wel geheolde.
- 30
- And him þa mid soe sægde cweende:
"Ic eowrum cynne Khananea land
on agene æht yrfe gesylle."
Næs þæt mære cynn mycel on rime,
ac on þam folce feawe wæran ænige,
- 35
- oæt bigengum beornas onwocan;
cynn æfter cynne cende wæran,
oþæt hio oer folc egsan geiwdan.
Ne let he him manna mihte scean
and he þearle for him þrea geaf kyningum.
- 40
- Ne sceolon ge mine þa halgan hrinan ne gretan
ne on mine witigan werge settan.
Cwom þa ofer eoran ermu and hungor,
wurdon wide menn wædlan hlafes.
He him snoterne beforan sende æryst
- 45
- ful wisne wer to scealce,
and þa bebohtan bearn Iacobes
Ioseph on geogue; þær hine grame æryst
hæfdon to hæfte, oþþæt hine halig god
þurh his worda wisdom ahof.
- 50
- Sende him so cyning sweotule are,
alysde hine lungre and hine þam leodum þa
to ealdormen eallum sette.
He sette hine on his huse to hlafwearde,
ealra him his æhta anweald betæhte,
- 55
- þæt he his ealdormen ealle lærde,
swa he his sylfes mod geseted hæfde,
and þa yldestan ealle lærde,
þæt heo wisdomes word oncneowan.
þær Israhel becwom on Egypta,
- 60
- and se goda Iacob syþþan
eft eardude eoran Khanaan.
He þæt eadige folc ehte swye,
and hio ofer heora feond fæste getrymede.
Hiora heortan he ongan hwyrfan æryst,
- 65
- þæt heo his folc feodan swye
and his esnum eac inwit fremedan.
þa he him þone mæran Moyses sende,
his sylfes scealc, samod ætgædere
and Aaron eac, þone he ær geceas.
- 70
- He sette on hi sylfe sone wisdom
worda and weorca wundortacna
and forebeacna, þæt hio fromlice
cydan cneomagum cystum godum,
oþæt heo geforan folc Khananea.
- 75
- He hi mid þystrum ongan þrean æt frymþe,
foron hio word heora wel ne oncneowan.
And heora wæter swylce wende to blode,
on am heora fisceas frecne forwurdan.
Sende on heora eorþan ealle swylce
- 80
- toscean teonlice, þa teolum husum
on cyninga cofum cwyce eardedan.
He sylfa cwæ; sona cwoman
mysci manige, mid wæran gnættas,
fleohcynnes feala flugan on gemæru.
- 85
- Sette him regnas reþe swylce,
hate of heofenum hagol byrnende,
se lige forgeaf land Egypta.
Syan forwurdan heora wingeardas
and ficbeamas; furþor ne mihton
- 90
- blæda bringan ne bearwa treow.
He þa syþþan cwæ; sona cwoman
gangan gærshoppan and grame ceaferas;
ne mihte þa on moldan man geriman,
þe þær on foldan fræton wæstmas.
- 95
- Syþþan he æfter sloh æghwylc frumbearn
þe on Egyptum wæs ahwær acenned,
and frumcynnes heora frean swylce.
And his þæt gode folc golde and seolfre
geweorþade and hi wislice
- 100
- leofe lædde; næs þæra leoda a
ænig untrum yldra ne gingra.
Wurdon him Egyptas æfter blie,
syan hi on fore folc sceawedan,
foron him þær egesa angryslic stod.
- 105
- He hi wolcne bewreah, wraum ahredde,
het him neode nihta gehwylce
fyrenne beam beforan wisian.
Flæsces hi bædon, fuglas coman,
of garsecge ganetas fleogan,
- 110
- and hi heofonhlafe halige gefylde.
Het him of stane streamas flowan,
wæter on willan; na him gewættan fot,
þa hi on Iordane gengdan æfter.
Ac he wæs þæra worda wel gemyndig,
- 115
- halig heofenes weard, þe he hleorade
to Abrahame, his agenum hysse.
And his folc lædde fægere on blisse
and his þone gecorenan heap clæne on wynne.
Sealde þam leodum landes anweald
- 120
- on agene æht ore þeode
and hi folca gewinn fremdra gesæton.
þær hi heoldan halige domas
and his sofæst word swylce georne,
and his æbebod awa to feore.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic andette ecum drihtne,
georne am gleawan, foran ic hine godne wat;
forþon he his mildheortnysse mannum cyde,
on ysse worulde wis gestande.
- 5
- Hwylc mæg æfre mihta drihtnes
asprecan and aspyrian, oe spedlice
eall his lofmægen leode gehyran
and his gehyrnesse her oncnawan?
Eadige beo æghwær, þa e a wylla
- 10
- soe domas sylfe efnan,
on ealle tid æghwæs healdan
heora sofæstnysse symble mid dædum.
Gemune us, drihten, on modsefan
for hycgende folces þines,
- 15
- and us mid hælo her geneosa.
And us tidlice teala sceawige,
ceose mid gecorenum, þenden we cwice lifgen,
þæt we mid þinre eode þær blissian
and þæt yrfe þin æghwær herige.
- 20
- We gefyrnedan mid urum fæderum ær,
and we unsofæste ealle wæron
and unrihtes æghwær worhtan.
Fæderas ure fæste ne oncneowan
ealle þa wundor þe u on Egyptum
- 25
- worhtest wræclice, wundor unlytel;
næron hi gemyndige miltsa þinra,
þa u him on ære mæge manige cydest.
Hi bysmredan, þa hi on brad wæter
on þone readan sæ randas bæron,
- 30
- þær u hi alysdest, lifes ealdor,
and hi generedest on naman þinum,
þa u þine miht mycle cydest.
þær u readne sæ ricene geywdest,
and þær wæron þa wareas drige,
- 35
- and hi betweonum wætera weallas læddest,
swa hi on westenne wæron on drigum.
Swa hi alysde lifes ealdor
of heora feonda fæcnum handum,
and of feogendra folmum swylce,
- 40
- and heora feondas flod adrencte,
þæt þæra æfre ne com an spellboda.
Syan hi his wordon wel gelyfdan
and him lofsangum lustum cwemdan,
and þæs eft hrae ealle forgeaton,
- 45
- weorca wræclicra; na hi wel syþþan
his geæhtunge ahwær heoldan.
Hi on westenne wrae ongunnan
gitsunge began and gramlice
heora godes þær geare costedan.
- 50
- He him been sniome brohte and sealde,
sende on heora muþas mete to genihte.
Ongunnon hi on þam wicum wrae swylce
mærne Moyses ma bysmrian
and Aaron mid eac þone halgan.
- 55
- þa eore togaan and eall forswealh
on deope forwyrd Dathanes weorod
and Abirones eall ætgædere.
þær fyr abarn frecne swylce
on heora gemetinge, and þær maansceaan
- 60
- þa synfullan sniome forbærnde.
Hi on Choreb swylce cealf ongunnan
him to godgylde georne wyrcean,
onwendan heora wuldor on þæne wyrsan had
hæenstyrces hig etendes.
- 65
- Godes hi forgeaton, þe hi of gramra ær
feonda folmum frecne generede,
þe on Egyptum æele wundur
and on Chananea cymu worhte
and recene wundur on þam readan sæ.
- 70
- þa hi wolde toweorpan wuldres aldor,
þær heora Moyses mægene ne hulpe;
he þæt folc forstod feonda mægene;
foron he him his yrre of acyrde,
þæt he hi ne towurpe geond werþeoda.
- 75
- Ne hi for awyht eorþan cyste
þa selestan geseon woldan,
ne his wordum eac woldan gelyfan;
ac hi granedan and grame spræcan,
noldan his wordum wel gehyran.
- 80
- He his handa ahof and hi hrae wolde
on þam westenne wide todrifan
and heora swæs cynn sendan on wid land.
Hi Belphegor bædon are,
æton deadra lac, swa hit gedefe ne wæs.
- 85
- And hi bysmredon bealde drihten
on heora gemetincge mægene ealle,
and þær healicne on hryre gefremedan.
Hi þæs feondætes Finees awerede,
þa he on þam folce feondgyld gebræc;
- 90
- he þæs hæl gehleat and helpe fand
of cynna gehwam and on cneorisse.
Eac hi gefremedan oer bysmer,
þær hi wiercwyde wæteres hæfdon;
þær Moyses wear mægene gebysgad
- 95
- for heora yfelum, swa he oftor wæs,
on his gaste gram; ne mihte him godes willan
mid his welerum wisne getæcean.
Noldan hi toworpan wrae þeode,
swa him drihten ær dema sægde,
- 100
- ac hi wi manfullum mengdan þeode
and leornedan la weorc gode
and sceuccgyldum swyþe guldan;
him þæt eall gewear to æswyce.
Ongunnan heora bearn blotan feondum,
- 105
- sceuccum onsæcgean suna and dohter;
agutan blod swylce bearna feala,
þa unscyldige ealle wærun,
syþan hi gecuran Chananea god.
þanon eorþe wear eall mid blode
- 110
- mane gemenged, misdædum fah.
Eall hi forheoldan heahweorc godes;
foran him yrre wear ece drihten
and he his yrfe eall forhogode.
He hi on handgeweald hæenum sealde
- 115
- and heora weoldan, þa him wyrrest ær
on feondscipe fæste gestodon.
Heora costedan cuþe feondas
and under handum hynþe þoledan;
hi alysde oft lifes ealdor.
- 120
- Hi hine on geþeahte oft abylgdan;
wæron on unrihtum oft gehynde.
Swa he furum oncneow, þæt heora fynd ehtan,
he heora bene bealde gehyrde.
þonne he his wordgebeot well gemunde;
- 125
- hreaw hine sona, þonne hi hynþa drugan,
æfter his miltsa menigu godes.
Syan he him sealde sona miltse,
þær hi on gesawon ealle ætgædere,
þe ehtend him ær gestodan.
- 130
- Do us hale nu, halig drihten,
and us, se goda god, georne gesamna
of widwegum, þær we wean dreoga,
þæt we þinne naman nede motan
þone halgestan her andettan
- 135
- and we on lofe þinum lungre weoran
ofer wereode wuldre geherede.
Wese Israhela god aa gebletsad
on worulda woruld, wealdend drihten,
and þæt fægere becwee folca æghwylc;
- 140
- wese swa, wese swa þurh eall wide ferh.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic andette ecne drihten,
þæne goodan god, foran ic hine gleawne wat;
is his mildheortnes mycel to worulde.
Secge þæt nu a, þæt hi sylfa god
- 5
- alysde, lifes weard, laum of handa,
and hi of sidfolcum gesamnade.
Fram uppgange æryst sunnan
oþþæt heo gewite on westrodur
and fram sæ noran swycedan geond westen;
- 10
- ne meahton ceastre weg cune mittan,
þe hi eardunge on genaman.
Hæfde hi hungor and þurst heard gewyrded,
þæt him frecne on feorh aolude.
And hi þa on þære costunge cleopedan to dryhtne,
- 15
- and he hi of þam earfeum eallum alysde.
Hi þa gelædde lifes ealdor,
þær hi on rihtne weg ricene eodan,
oþæt hi culice on becwoman
to hiora cestre eardungstowe.
- 20
- Foron hi mildheortnesse mihtigan drihtnes
ealle andetta, and eac sæcgea
mycel wundur hys manna bearnum.
Foron he gesede sawle idle,
and þa hungrian her mid godum
- 25
- fæste gefylle to feore syþþan,
þa þe her on ystrum þrage sæton
and on deaes scuan deorcum lifdan,
gebundene bealuwe feterum
on wædle wrace and on iserne.
- 30
- Foron hi dydan drihtnes spræce
æghwæs ægype, and his geeaht swylce
þæs heahstan him hæfdan on bysmer.
Hiora heorte wæs hean on gewinnum
and untrume ealle wæran,
- 35
- næfdan þa on foldan fultum ænne.
Hi on costunge cleopedan to drihtne,
and he hi of þam earfoum eallum alysde.
And he hi of þam þystrum þanon alædde
and of deaes scuan deorcum generede
- 40
- and heora bendas towearp bitre sneome.
Foran hi mildheort mod mihtigan drihtnes
ealle andettan, and eac cweþan
mycel wundur his ofer manna bearn.
Foron he æren dor eae gescæne
- 45
- and iserne steng ana gebige.
He hi of unrihtum ealle swylce
þam wraan wege wis alæde,
þær hi wæron on woo ær wrae besmitene.
Hi onhysctan æghwylcne mete,
- 50
- mode mægen heora, o unmihte,
þæt hy wi deaa duru drencyde wæran.
þa hi on costunge cleopedan to drihtne,
and he hi of þam earfoþum eallum alysde.
He him wisfæstlic word onsende,
- 55
- þurh þæt hi hrædlice hælde wæron
and of heora forwyrde wurdan generede.
Foron hi nu andettan ecum drihtne,
þæt he milde wear manna cynne;
mycel ys his wundur ofer manna bearn.
- 60
- Hi him sculon laces lof lustum bringan,
and his weorc wynsum wide sæcgean.
þa þe sæ secea, mid scipe lia,
wyrcea weorc mænig on wæterryþum.
Hi drihtnes weorc digul gesawon
- 65
- and his wundra wearn on wætergrundum.
Gif he sylfa cwy, sona ætstanda
ystige gastas ofer egewylmum,
beo heora yþa up astigene.
þa to heofenum up heah astiga,
- 70
- nyþer gefealla under neowulne grund;
oft þa on yfele eft aþinda.
Gedrefede þa deope syndan,
hearde onhrerede her anlicast,
hu druncen hwylc gedwæs spyrige;
- 75
- ealle heora snytru beo yfele forglendred.
Hi on costunge cleopedan to drihtne,
and he hi of earfeum eallum alysde.
He yste mæg eae oncyrran,
þæt him windes hweou weore smylte,
- 80
- and þa ye eft swygia,
bliþe weora, þa þe brimu weþa.
And he hi on hælo hyþe gelædde,
swa he hira willan wyste fyrmest,
and he hig of earfoum eallum alysde.
- 85
- Hi andettan ealle drihtne,
hu he milde wear manna cynne;
mære synd his wundur ofer manna bearn.
Foron hine on cyrcean cristenes folces
hean ahebba, and him hælu and lof
- 90
- on sotelum sofæstra secgean to worulde.
He on westenne wynne streamas
sofæst sette, þær he sarig folc
geewde þurste þa blissade.
He a weaxendan wende eoran
- 95
- on sealtne mersc for synndædum
þara eardendra, þe hire on lifdan.
Westen he geworhte on widne mere,
and swylce eoran eac butan wætre
on utgange æþelast burnan.
- 100
- þær he hungrium ham staelude,
and þær gesetton swylce ceastre,
þær hi eard namon awa syþþan.
Hi wingeardas wyrcean ongunnon,
sæde seowan, syþþan growan
- 105
- lungre land heora aloden wæstmum.
þa he bletsade, and hi brade þa
weoxan weorlice, wide greowan;
næs heora neata nan geyfelad.
Oft hi fea wurdan feondum geswencte
- 110
- fram þære costunge þe him becwom æfter,
sares and yfeles, þe hi syþþan begeat.
Syan hi forhogedan halige lare;
hiora ealdormen ealle wæron
sare beswicene, swicedan oftust
- 115
- and on wegas werige wendan hwilum of.
þær he þearfendra þa miltsude,
and hi of wædle wean alysde,
sette heora staol sceapum anlice.
Syþþan þæt sofæste geseo, sniome æfter
- 120
- blie weora, beot geþencea,
þæt unrihta gehwylc eft oncyrre
and his sylfes mu symble hemne.
Hwylc is wisra nu wel snotera,
þe þas mid gehygde healdan cunne,
- 125
- and milde mod mihtigan drihtnes
full gleawlice ongite syþþan?
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ys min heorte gearu, halig drihten,
gearu is min heorte, þæt ic gode cweme,
sealmas singe soþum drihtne.
Aris nu, wuldur min, þæt ic wynlice
- 5
- on psalterio þe singan mote,
and ic e on hleore hearpan swylce
on ærmergen eac gecweme.
Ic þe andette, ece drihten,
on folca gehwam fægrum wordum,
- 10
- and ic þe on eodum on þanc mote
sealmas singan swyþe geneahhe.
Is þin mildheort mod mycel o heofenas
ahafen healice ofer hælea bearn;
ys þin sofæstnes seted oþ wolcen.
- 15
- Ahafen þu eart ofer heofenas, halig drihten;
is wuldur in wide swylce
ofer þas eoran ealle mære,
and þine þa gecorenan wesan clæne and alysde.
Do me þin swyre hand swylce halne
- 20
- and me gehyre, hælynd drihten,
þe on halgum sprece her on eoran:
"And ic blissige, bu gedæle,
þa selegesceotu, þa on Sycimam nu
and on Metibor mære standa.
- 25
- Min is Galaad, gearwe Mannases,
is Effrem his agen brour
efne heah strengu heafdes mines.
Ic me to cyninge cenne Iudas,
syndan me Moabitingas magas swylce;
- 30
- ic Idumea ealle cenne
and min gescy þyder sendan þence;
syndan me fremde cynn fæste underþeoded."
Hwylc gelæde me on lifes byrig
fæste getrymede, þæt ic for þanon
- 35
- on Idumea wese eft gelæded?
Hwæt, þu eart se sylfa god, þe us synnige iu
adrife fram dome; ne do þu æfre swa,
þæt þu of urum mægene mod acyrre.
Syle us on earfoum æþelne fultum;
- 40
- forþon hælu by her on eoran
manna gehwylces mægene idel.
Us sceal mægenes gemet mihtig drihten
sofæst syllan, and he sona mæg
ure feond gedon fracuþe to nawihte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Nelle ic lofes þines, lifigende god,
geswigian, þeah þe me synfulra
inwitfulra muas on ganian.
Hio þa innwit feala ywdan on tungan,
- 5
- and me wrara wearn worda spræcon,
fæcne firenlicu, and afuhtan me
ealle earwunga ungemete swye.
Hi me wi lufan laþum dædum
torne telnysse teodan mænige;
- 10
- ic him a gebæd ungemete georne.
Hi me yfel settan a wi goode
and feounge for minre lufan.
Gesete him synnfulle symble to ealdrum,
stande him on þa swyþeran hand swylce deoful.
- 15
- Gange of dome gehwam deope gehyned,
and him his gebed hweorfe to fyrenum.
Gewure him weste eall his onwunung
and on hys eardungstowe næfre gewurþe
þæt þær on gewunige awiht lifigendes.
- 20
- Wesan him dagas deorce and dimme and feawe,
and his bisceophad brucan feondas.
Weoran his agene bearn ealle steopcild
and his wif wyre wydewe hreowlic.
Syn his bearn swylce toboren wide,
- 25
- and he ut weorpe earme þearfan,
þonne hi to his huse hleowes wilnian.
Ealle his æhta unholde fynd
rice reemann rycene gedæle,
and his feoh onfon fremde handa.
- 30
- Ne him ahwær wese ænig fultum,
ne his steopcildum stande to helpe.
Gangan ealle his bearn on ece forwyrd,
and on anum cneowe eall gewyre
his nama nyhsta nede adilgad.
- 35
- Eall þæt unriht þe his ealdras ær
manes gefremedan, on gemynd cume
and on ansyne ures drihtnes;
ne adilgode wesan deorce fyrene,
þa his modur ær mane fremede.
- 40
- Wesan hi wi drihtne dædum swylce,
and hine adilgie dome ealne
of ysse eoran awa to feore.
Næs him milde gemynd on modsefan,
and he þearfendra riste ehte;
- 45
- symble þæt on heortan hogode geornust,
hu he mid searuwe swylce acwealde.
He wolde wergu wyrcean georne,
and hine seo ylce on eft gesette;
nolde he bletsunge biddan ne tilian,
- 50
- foron hio him wæs afyrred of ferhcofan.
He hine gegyrede mid grame wyrgu,
swa he hine wædum wræstum geteode,
and sio his inna ywde swylce
wan wætere gelic and wynele,
- 55
- se þe banes byrst bete and hæle.
Wese he hrægle gelic þe her hrae ealda,
and gyrdelse, e hine man gelome gyrt.
þis is weorc þara þe oft wrae me
trage tældan; tyne hine dryhten
- 60
- þam þe sar sprece sawle minre.
And þu, min drihten god, do me þine nu
mycle mildheortnesse for þinum þam mæran naman,
swa u oft þin milde mod manegum cydest.
Alys me, lifes weard, forþan ic eom lama þearfa;
- 65
- is me heorte on hearde gedrefed.
Ic eom scuan gelic swyþe ahylded,
olæded godum swa se gærshoppa.
Me synt cneowu swylce cwicu unhale
for fæstenum; is min flæsc swylce
- 70
- for fægrum ele frecne onwended;
eom ic to edwitstæfe eallum geworden.
Swa hi me gesawon, sona hig wegdan,
hrerdan heora heafod; help min, drihten god,
and me halne gedo, hælynde Crist,
- 75
- for þinre þære myclan mildheortnysse.
þæt hi so witan, þæt si þin sylfes hand
and þu þas gedydest, drihten usser.
Weoran þa awyrgde, wes þu gebletsad;
and þa þe me mid unryhte ænige styrian,
- 80
- and hi þær sceande sylfe agon;
wese þin esne on þe ungemete blie.
Syn a butan are ealle gegyrede
þe me tælnysse teonan ætfæstan,
and him si abrogden swa of brechrægle
- 85
- hiora sylfra sceamu swyþust ealra.
Ic on minum mue mihta drihtnes
ealle andette, and eac swylce
hine on midle manna herige.
He sylfa gestod on a swyran hand,
- 90
- þær he þearfendra þinga teolode;
he mine sawle swylce gehealde
wi ehtendra egsan griman.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- hefige gefylle;
heafod he gebrece hælea mæniges
and swa geweore wide geond eoran.
þa þe on wege weora, wætres æt hlimman
- 5
- deopes ondrinca; beo þy dædfromran,
and foron hiora heafod hebba syþþan.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic andytte þe, ece drihten,
mid hyge ealle heortan minre
for gesamnuncge þæra sofæstra
and on gemetingum mycel drihtnes weorc.
- 5
- Swylce ic his willan wylle georne
swyþe secean, samed andettan,
hu his mægenþrymnes mycellic stande
and his sofæstnyss wuna symble ece.
He gemynd dyde mærra wundra;
- 10
- mildheort he is and modig; mihtig drihten
syle eallum mete þam þe his ege habba.
And he on worulde wear gemyndig
his gewitnesse, þe he wel swylce
myhtum miclum and mærweorcum
- 15
- fægrum gefylde and to his folce cwæ,
þæt he him wolde yrfe ellþeodigra
on agene æht eall gesyllan.
Ys his handgeweorc hyge sofæstra,
ryhte domas, þa he ræran wyle;
- 20
- wærun his bebodu ealle treowfæste,
on ealra weorulda weoruld wurdan sofæste
and on rihtnysse ræda getrymede.
He alysinge leofum folce
soe onsende and him swylce bebead,
- 25
- þæt hi on ecnysse a syan
his gewitnesse well geheoldan
and his þone halgan naman hæfdan mid egsan.
þæt by secga gehwam snytru on fryme,
þæt he godes egesan gleawe healde,
- 30
- and þæt by andgit good eallum swylce
þe hine wylla well wyrcean and healdan.
Herenes drihtnes her sceal wunian,
on worulda woruld wynnum standan.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Eadig by se wer se þe him ege drihtnes
on ferhcleofan fæste gestande,
and his bebod healde bealde mid willan.
He on eoran by eadig and spedig,
- 5
- and his cneorisse by cyn gebletsad.
Him wuldur and wela wuna æt huse,
by his soþfæstnys swylce mære,
þenden þysse worulde wunaþ ænig dæl.
Leoht wæs on leodum leofum acyed,
- 10
- þam þe on ystrum þrage lifdan
and hiora heortan heoldan mid rihte;
milde is on mode mihtig dryhten,
and he ys sofæst symble æt þearfe.
Glæd man gleawhydig, god and mildheort,
- 15
- sete sone dom þurh his sylfes word,
se on ecnysse eadig stande.
By on eceum gemynde æghwylc þæra
þe his soe and riht symble healde,
ne him on hlyste mycelum ondræde
- 20
- awiht on ealdre yfeles syan.
By his heorte gearo hyhte to drihtne
getrymed and getyhted, þæt him teonan ne mæg
fæcne ætfæstan feonda ænig,
ac he ealle forsyh æghwær georne.
- 25
- Se þe his æhta ealle tostrede
and þearfendum þa gedæle,
his sofæstnyss wuna symble o ende;
by his horn wended her on wuldur.
Swa þæt synfull gesyh, sona yrsa,
- 30
- toþum torn þola, teonum grimeta,
þearle þinde, oþþæt þonne by,
þæt fyrenfulra lust fæcne forweore.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Herigean nu cnihtas hælynd drihten,
and naman dryhtnes neode herigan.
Wese nama dryhtnes neode gebletsad
of yssan for awa to worulde.
- 5
- Fram upgange æryst sunnan
oþæt heo wende on westrodur
ge sculon dryhtnes naman dædum herigean.
He is ofer ealle ingeþeode
se heahsta hælea cynnes,
- 10
- is ofer heofenas eac ahafen his wuldur.
Hwylc ys anlic urum dryhtne,
þam halgan gode, þe on heofonrice
eadig earda, ofer ealle gesyh,
þa eadmedu æghwær begangæ
- 15
- on eorwege, up on heofenum?
He of eoran mæg þone unagan
weccan to willan, and of woruftorde
þone þearfendan þriste areccan,
And hine on ealdordom upp asettan
- 20
- his folces fruman on fæger lif.
Se þe eard sete unwæstmbærre
on modor hus manigra bearna;
hio ofer hire suna symbla and blissa.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- þa ut eode Israheles cynn
and of ægyptum ealle foran
Iacobes hus of gramum folce,
þa elreordige ealle wæron.
- 5
- þa wæs geworden werude Iudea,
þæt heo hæl gehlutan haliges syþþan;
hæfdan ealdurdom ofer Israhelas,
mihta mære and mycel rice.
Swa heo sæ geseah, he hio sniome fleah,
- 10
- for him Iordanen gengde on hinder.
Hæfdan þær beorgas blie sæle
and rammum þa restan gelice;
wæron geswyru swye on blisse,
swa on sceapum beo sceone lambru.
- 15
- Hwæt wæs þe, sæ swiþa? Forhwan fluge þu swa?
Oe þu, Iordanen, for hwi gengdest on bæcling?
Beorgas wæron blie, gebærdon swa rammas;
wurdan gesweoru on seledreame,
swa on sceapum beo sceone lambru.
- 20
- For ansyne ecan dryhtnes
þeos eorþe sceal eall abifigan
and for Iacobes gode geara forhtigean.
He wende stan on widne mere,
and clifu cyrre on cwicu swylce
- 25
- wæteres wellan mid his gewealdendre hand.
Nalæs us, nalæs us, nergend dryhten,
ac we naman þinum neode secgea
wuldur wide geond woruldricu,
For inre þære myclan mildheortnysse
- 30
- and for þinre sofæstnysse samed ætgædere,
þy læs þæt æfre cwean ore þeode:
"Hwær is heora agen god ahwær nu a?"
Ys ure se halga god on heofondreame
uppe mid englum, and he eall gede,
- 35
- swa his willa by, on woruldrice.
þa wæron deofulgild deorce hæþenra
golde and seolfre, þa her geara menn
worhtan wigsmias wræste mid folmum.
þa mu habba, and ne magon hwæþere
- 40
- wiht hleorian ne word sprecan;
beo onforan eagan, ne magon feor geseon.
Earan habba swylce and opene nose,
ne magon eþian, awyht gehyran.
Handa hi habba, ne hio hwæere magon
- 45
- gegrapian godes awiht,
and fet habba, ne magon feala gangan.
Ne cleopiga hi care, þeah þe hi ceolan habban,
ne him hluttur gast on hracan earda.
Ac heo wæron þam wyrcendum wel gelice
- 50
- and æghwylcum, þe him on treowa.
Israhela hus ærest on drihten
helpe gehogedan, holdne begeaton
fælne fultum; he hi wi feondum geheold.
Aarones hus eac on dryhten
- 55
- leofne gelyfdan; he him lie wear
and him fultum gestod fæste æt þearfe.
þa e a wegen egsan dryhtnes,
hio hyht heora habban on drihten,
he him fultum fæste gestande
- 60
- and him scyldend by symble æt þearfe.
Weor þu ure gemyndig, mihtig dryhten,
and þine bletsunge bring ofer us;
þu gebletsudest bearn Israheles,
Aarones hus eac gebletsadest;
- 65
- þu gebletsadest blie mode
ealle þa þe on e egsan hæfdan,
mycle and mæte ofer middangeard.
Gemænigfealdige þis mihtig dryhten
ofer eow ealle and ofer agene bearn.
- 70
- Wesa ge fram gode geara gebletsade,
þam þe heofon worhte, hrusan swylce;
heofonas healde halig dryhten,
sealde þas moldan manna bearnum.
Næfre þe, dryhten, deade heria,
- 75
- ne ealle þa þe heonan helle secea.
Ac we lifigende leofne dryhten
balde bletsiga, ne þæs blinna nu
of yssan for awa to worulde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic lufie þe, leofa drihten,
forþan þu mines gebedes bene gehyrdest.
And þu þin eare to me eadmodlice
hold ahyldest and gehyrdest me,
- 5
- þa ic þe on dagum minum dyrne cigde.
þar me ymbsealde swylde deaes,
and me frecne ætfeah fyrhtu helle.
Me costung and sar cnyssedan geneahhe,
þonne ic naman drihtnes nyde cigde.
- 10
- Eala þu leofa god, alys mine nu
sawle on gesyntum; ic to soþan wat,
þæt þu wære mildheort, mihtig dryhten,
and ure god æghwæs sofæst;
mihta us þine milde weoran.
- 15
- Drihten gehealde dome þa lytlan;
ic hean gewear, he me hrae lysde.
Gecyr mine sawle clæne on þine
rædæs reste, rice drihten;
þu me wel dydest on woruldlife.
- 20
- Forþon þu mine sawle sylfa generedyst,
and hig of deopum deaþe gelæddest;
eagan mine wi tearum æghwær geheolde
and fet mine wi færslide;
ic gelicie leofum drihtne
- 25
- on lifigendra lande nu a.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic þæt gelyfde, forþon ic lyt sprece;
ic eom eadmede ungemete swie.
Swylce ic sylfa cwæ, þa me swa uhte
on modseofan minum geþancum,
- 5
- þæt wæron ealle menn ungemete lease.
Hwæt mæg ic to gode gyldan dryhtne
for eallum þam godum þe he me ærur dyde?
Ic her hælu calic hæbbe befangen,
and naman dryhtnes neode cige.
- 10
- Beorht ys and fæger beacen dryhtne
on his gesyhe swylt haligra.
Eala, ic eom þin agen esne, dryhten,
and þin swylce eom scealc ombehte
and þinre þeowan sunu on e acenned.
- 15
- þu me tobræce bendas grimme,
þæt ic þe laces lof lustum secge.
Ic min gehat halgum dryhtne
on his getynum tidum gylde,
þe ymb dryhtnes hus deore syndan,
- 20
- þær hit eagum folc eall sceawia,
and on Hierusalem georne midre.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ealle þeode ecne drihten
mid hygecræfte herigan wordum,
and hine eall folc on efn æelne herigan.
Forþon his mildheortnyss is mycel ofer us
- 5
- torhtlice getrymed, til mancynne,
and sofæstnys swylce dryhtnes
wuna ece awa to feore.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic andette ecum dryhtne
þam godan gode; ic hine gleawne wat;
ys his mildheortnys mycel to worulde.
þæt Israela cwæan ealle nu a,
- 5
- þe he is se goda god, and gearu stande
his mildheortnys mære to worulde.
Cwee Aarones hus eac þæt sylfe;
he ys se goda god, and gearu stande
his mildheortnys mære to worulde.
- 10
- Cwean ealle þæt unforcue,
þe him on stande egsa dryhtnes;
foron he ys se goda god, and gearu stande
his mildheortnys mære on worulde.
Ic on costunge cigde to dryhtne,
- 15
- and he me gehyrde on heare brædu.
Nu me fultum is fæle dryhten,
nis me ege mannes for ahwæer.
Nu me fultum ys fæle dryhten,
ic fracuþe forseo feondas mine.
- 20
- God ys on dryhten georne to þenceanne,
þonne on mannan wese mod to treowianne.
God ys on dryhten georne to hyhtanne,
þonne on ealdormen ahwær to treowianne.
Ealle me ymbsealdon side þeode,
- 25
- and ic wæs on dryhtnes naman deorum gehæled.
Me ymbstodan strange manige,
and me godes nama on him
georne gehælde.
þa hi me ymbsealdon samod anlice
swa beon bitere, oe þu bærne eac
- 30
- þornas þyre þicce fyre,
þær me nama dryhtnes neode scylde.
Ic wæs hearde cnyssed and ic me helpe fand,
þæt ic fæste ne feoll, ac ic me frofre begeat,
þa me dryhten onfeng, swa hit gedefe wæs.
- 35
- Me wæs strengu strang stiþ on dryhtne
and herenes heah, and he me eac
ys a to worulde worden on hælu.
A by blisse stefn beorht gehyred
on sofæstra swæsum mue.
- 40
- Dyde gedefe mægen dryhtnes swyre,
and me seo swyre swylce drihtnes
ahof hrædlice æt heahþearfe.
Ne swelte ic mid sare, ac ic gesund lifige
and weorc godes wide secge.
- 45
- Se clænsude, se þe him clæne wæs;
dryhten ælmihtig nolde to deae me
on ecnysse æfre gesyllan.
Undo me sniome duru sofæstra eac,
þær ic gange inn, gode andette;
- 50
- sofæste on þa duru secea inngang.
Ic þe andette, ece dryhten,
foron þu me gehyrdest æt heahþearfe
and me þa gewurde wis on hælu.
þone sylfan stan þe hine swye ær
- 55
- wyrhtan awurpan, nu se geworden is
hwommona heagost; halig dryhten
to wealles wrae wis teofrade;
þæt is urum eagum eall wundorlic.
þis ys se dæg þe hine drihten us
- 60
- wisfæst geworhte wera cneorissum,
eallum eortudrum eadgum to blisse.
Eala þu dryhten god, do me halne;
eala þu dryhten min, do us gesunde.
Gebletsad is, se þe com ofer bearna gehwylc
- 65
- on dryhtnes naman dædum mærum;
we eow æt godes huse gearwe bletsia,
nu us drihten god deore onlyhte.
Wutan us to symbeldæge settan georne,
and one gelome lustum healdan
- 70
- o wigbedes wræste hornas.
þu eart min dryhten god, and ic dædum þe
ecne andette;
þu eart min hælend god, and ic herige e.
Ic e andette ecne dryhten,
- 75
- foron þu me gehyrdest æt heahþearfe,
and þa wurde me wis to hælu.
Eac ic andette eceum dryhtne,
foron he ys se goda god, and ic ful geare wat,
þæt þin mildheortnyss ys mycel to worulde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Eadige beo on wege, þa þe unwemme
on hiora dryhtnes æ deore ganga.
Eadige beo swylce, þa þe a wylla
his gewitnesse wise smeagan,
- 5
- and hine mid ealle innancundum
heortan hordcofan helpe bidda.
Ne magon manwyrhtan mægene feran
on his mærne weg, mihtigan drihtnes.
þu þine bebodu bealde hete
- 10
- ealle eorbuend elne haldan.
Ic þæs la wisce, þæt wegas mine
on inum willan weorþan gereahte,
þæt ic þin agen bebod elne healde.
Ne beo ic þonne on ealdre æfre gescynded,
- 15
- gif ic on ealle þine bebodu elne locie.
Ic þe andette, ece dryhten,
mid minre heortan holde geþance
on þan þe ic geleornode and gelæstan mæg,
þæt ic þine domas dædum healde.
- 20
- And ic þine sofæstnysse swylce mote
on hyge healdan, þæt þu huru me
on yssum ealdre ænne ne forlæte.
On hwan mæg se iunga on godne weg
rihtran þe rædran ræd
gemittan,
- 25
- þonne he þine wisan word gehealde?
Ic þe mid ealre innancundre
heortan sece; ne þu huru me
fram þinum bebodum feor adrife.
Foron ic on minre heortan hydde georne,
- 30
- þæt ic þinre spræce sped gehealde,
þy læs e ic gefremme fyrene ænige.
þu eart gebletsud, bliþe dryhten;
lær me mid lufan, hu ic læste well
and ic þine sofæstnysse sweotule cunne.
- 35
- Ic on minum welerum wordum secge
ealles þines mues meahte domas.
And ic on wege swylce wynnum gange,
þær ic ine gewitnesse wat ful clæne,
swa ic ealra welena willum bruce.
- 40
- Swa ic on þine sofæstnysse soe getreowe,
þæt ic ne weore worda þinra
ealra ofergittul awa to feore.
Ic on þinre sofæstnysse symble meteode,
þæt ic þine wislicu word geheolde.
- 45
- Gild þinum esne gode dæde;
ic on lifdagum lustum healde
þinra worda waru mid wisdome.
Onwreoh þu mine eagan, þæt ic wel mæge
on þinre æ eall sceawian
- 50
- wundur wræclicu, þa þu worhtyst ær.
Ic eom on eoran earm bigenga;
ne do þu me dyrne þine þa deoran bebodu.
þæt sawul min symble wilna,
þæt ic þin sofæst word gesund mote
- 55
- on ealle tid elne healdan.
þu oferhydige ealle þreadest,
þa þu awyrgde wistest gearuwe
and þine bebodu efnan noldan.
Afyr þu fram me facen and edwit,
- 60
- oe ic oferhydige awiht wylle;
foran ic þine gewitnesse wylle secan.
Ac nu ealdormenn ealle ætgædere
sæton on seldum, swyþe spræcon,
and wi me wraum wordum scirdan;
- 65
- hwæþere þin esne elnes teolode,
þæt he þine soe word snotur beeode.
Me wæs þin gewitnys wyr and getreowe,
and ic hi on mode metegie georne
and me to frofre wat, þæt ic for heonun
- 70
- his sofæstnysse sece georne.
ætfealh min sawul flore geneahhige;
do me æfter þinum wordum wel gecwician.
Ic þe wegas mine wise secge,
and þu me gehyrdest holde mode;
- 75
- lær me on life, hu ic lengest mæge
þine sofæstnysse selest gehealdan.
þu me sofæstnysse weg swylce getacna,
þæt ic on þinum wundrum me wel begange.
Min sawl aslep, þa me sorh begeat
- 80
- for langunga; læt me nu þa
on þinum wordum weoran trumne.
Afyr fram me unryhte wegas,
and me on þinre æ geweorþ ealles milde.
Ic me wise geceas wegas sofæste;
- 85
- ne weore ic þinra doma gedweled æfre.
Swa ic fæste ætfealh, þæt ic for heonun
þine gewitnysse wel geheolde;
ne wylt þu me on ealdre æfre gescyndan.
Nu ic on wisne weg worda þinra
- 90
- rene rinne, and þu rice nu
mine heortan geheald on hyge brade.
æ þu me sete, ece dryhten,
þæt ic on sofæste wegas symble gange
and ic þa secan symble mote.
- 95
- Syle me andgit eac, þæt ic æ þine
smeage mid soe, swylce healde
on ealre minre heortan holde mode.
Gelæd me on stige, þær ic stæpe mine
on þinum bebodum bryce hæbbe,
- 100
- foran ic hy mid soe symble wolde.
Ahyld mine heortan, þæt ic halige nu
on þine gewitnysse wise gecyrre;
nalæs me gitsung forniman mote.
Gewend þu mine eagan, þy læs ic weorc idel
- 105
- gese þurh synne, ac me on sone weg
þinne þone leofan læde cwiculice.
Sete inum esne oer swylce,
þæt he þine spræce sped leornige
and þa on ege þinum ealle healde.
- 110
- þu me scealt edwitt min of awyrpan,
þæt me to incan ahwær gange;
forþon ic eom on þinum domum gedefe glæd.
Efne ic þine bebodu bealde wolde
wis wylle gegan; wene ic swylce,
- 115
- þæt þu me on rihtes ræd gecwycige.
And me ofer cume, ece dryhten,
þæt milde mod, mære hælu
æfter þinre spræce spowendlice.
And ic andwyrde þam þe me edwitstafas
- 120
- wordum wra cweþa, þæt ic gewene on e
and on þinum wordum wære hæbbe.
Ne afyr þu me æfre fæle spræce,
þa ic me on mue mægene hæbbe,
and ic sofæst word on sylfan healde,
- 125
- þæt ic on inra doma dæde getreowige.
And ic æ þine efne and healde,
and to worulde on ære wunian mote
and on ecnysse efnan and healdan.
And ic on bealde brædu gange,
- 130
- foran ic þine gewitnysse wel getrymede.
And ic þæt fore cyningum cyan mote,
þær hig eagum on locian,
hu me þin gewitnyss ys weor and getreowe,
and on am ne beon æfre gescynded.
- 135
- And ic on þinum bebodum bealde mote
gemetegian swyþe mærne ræd,
forþan ic hi on lufan minre lange hæfde.
And ic mine handa hof gelome,
þær ic þine bebodu bryce lufade,
- 140
- þa ic mid ysse þeode þearle begange,
and on ine socwydas symble ic getreowige.
Gemun nu, dryhten, þines wordes,
on þam þu me þinum þeowe hyht gesealdest.
þas ic me on frofre fæste hæbbe
- 145
- on minum eamedum ungemete swye,
foron me þin spræc spedum cwycade.
Oftust ofermodige unriht fremma,
oþþæt hi on eoran ealle forweora;
ic þinre æ a folgode.
- 150
- Ic wæs gemyndig mærra doma
þinra geþancol, eoden dryhten,
þæt ic on worulde æt e wurde afrefred.
Me wear gemolten mod on hrere
for fyrenfulra facendædum,
- 155
- þa hi æ þine anforleton.
Ac me to sange symble hæfde,
hu ic þine sofæstnysse selest heolde,
þær ic on elelande ahte stowe.
Nede ic þæt gemunde nihta gehwylcre,
- 160
- þæt ic naman þinne nemde, dryhten,
and ic æ þine elne heolde.
þas me andweardum ealle gewurdan,
forþon ic þine sofæstnysse sohte georne.
Me ys on dæle, dryhten user,
- 165
- cwide cynlice, þæt ic cwic wylle
þine æ healdan elne mycle.
Ic bidde þinre ansyne ungemete georne
mid ealre gehygde heortan minre,
þæt þu me on mode milde weore
- 170
- æfter þinre spræce spowendlice.
Swa ic wegas þine wise þence
to ferenne fotum minum,
þæt ic on þinre gewitnysse wel gefere.
Gearo ic eom symble, nalæs grames modes,
- 175
- þæt ic betst cunne þine bebodu healdan.
Me fyrenfulra fæcne rapas
ungemet geneahhie oft beclyptan;
næs ic ofergittul, þæt ic æ þine
mid hygecræfte heolde and læste.
- 180
- Ic æt midre niht mæla gehwylce
ricene arise, and hrae gange
þær ic e andette eall ætgædere,
secge þine domas dædum rihte.
Ic eom dælneomend þe heom ondræda þe,
- 185
- and þine halige bebodu healda georne.
þeos eore is eall gefylled
þinre mildheortnesse, mihtig drihten;
þine sofæstnesse þu me swylce lær.
þu ymb þinne esne æghwær dydest
- 190
- wel weorlice; wene ic, drihten,
þæt þu þin word wylle wis gehealdan.
þu me þeodscipe lær þinne tilne
and wisdomes word to genihte,
foron ic þin bebod þriste gelyfde.
- 195
- ærþon ic gehened hean gewurde,
ic agylte ungemetum swie;
hwæere ic þine spræce geheold sped on mode.
God þu eart, drihten, and me god swylce
on þinum tile gelær, þæt ic teala cunne
- 200
- þin sofæst weorc symble healdan.
Ys nu mænigfeald ofer me man and unriht
oferhydigra; ic nu mid ealre
minre heortan hige hycge swie,
þæt ic þin bebod beorht atredde.
- 205
- Ys heora heorte nu her anlicast
swa meoluc wese mægene gerunnen;
ic æ þine ungemete georne
on modsefan minum healde.
Selre me wæs and seftre, þæt þu sylfa me
- 210
- heane gehnægdest, and ic hrae syþþan
þin sofæst weorc wel leornade.
Me is micle betere, þæt ic bebodu healde,
ines mues gemet, þonne mon me geofe
geara usende goldes and seolfres.
- 215
- Handa me ine holde geworhton
and gehiwedan mid higecræfte;
syle me nu andgyt, þæt ic eall mæge
þine blie bebodu beorhte leornian.
þa e on feore forhtiga, þa me on fægere geseo
- 220
- and blissia, bu geencea,
þæt ic þinum wordum wel getreowde.
Ic þæt, dryhten, ongeat, domas þine
ree rihtwise, and u ricene me
on inre sofæstnesse dydest samed eadmedne.
- 225
- Wese þin milde mod mihtum geswied,
and me to frofre fæste gestande,
swa u on þinre spræce sped gehete
þinum agenum esne æt þearfe.
Cumen me ine miltsa mihtum geswyþede,
- 230
- and ic lange on þam lifian mote;
foron me is metegung on modsefan,
hu ic æ þine efnast healde.
Beon þa oferhydegan ealle gescende,
þe me unrihte ahwær gretan;
- 235
- ic þine bebodu bealde gegange.
Gehweorfen to me, þa þe hyldu to e
egsan ahtan, and ealle þa
e þine gewitnesse wise cuan.
Wese heorte min on hige clæne
- 240
- and ic on þin sofæst word symble getreowige,
þæt ic on ealdre ne wese æfre gescended.
Min saul gewear swancur on mode,
þær ic on þinre hælu hogode and sohte,
hu ic on þinum wordum wel getrywade.
- 245
- Eagan me swylce eac teoredon,
þær on þinre spræce spede eodan;
cwædon cynlice: "Hwa cwicenne me
on ysum ealdre eft frefrade?"
Ic eom nu geworden werum anlicast,
- 250
- swa þu on hrime setest hlance cylle;
ne eom ic ofergyttol, þæt ic ealle nu
þine sofæste weorc smicere healde.
Hwæt synt þinum esne ealra dagena,
þe þu mine ehtend for me ealle gedeme?
- 255
- Me manwyrhtan manige on spellum
sægdon solice; na ic hit swa oncneow,
swa hit þin æ hafa, ece dryhten.
Wærun þine ealle gebann æele and sofæst;
min ehtan oft unrihtwyrhtan;
- 260
- gefultuma me fægere, drihten.
Hio me lytle læs laþe woldan
isses eorweges ende gescrifan;
ic þin gebod þa ne wolde
on þysum ealdre anforlætan.
- 265
- æfter inre þære myclan mildheortnesse
weor me, mihtig god, milde and blie;
and ic gewitnesse wel gehealde
muþes þines, þe þu men lærdest.
On ecnesse awa, drihten,
- 270
- þin word wuna weor on heofenum.
And on worulda woruld wuna ece for
þin sofæstnes swylce, dryhten.
u þas eoran ealle worhtest,
swa heo nu to worulde wunian encea;
- 275
- þurh þinra dæda sped dagas her gewunia,
foron u ealles anweald hafast.
þær me þin æ an ne hulpe,
e ic on mode minum hæfde,
þonne ic wende on woruldlife,
- 280
- þæt ic on minum eadmedum eall forwurde.
Ne mæg ic þæs æfre forgytan on ecnesse,
nyme ic so word symble gehealde;
forþon ic culice on æm her nu cwicu lifige.
Ic eom þin hold scealc; do u halne me,
- 285
- foron ic þin so weorc sece geneahhe.
Me fyrenfulle fæcne secea,
wylla me lae lifes asecean;
ic ine gewitnesse wat and sohte.
Ic so geseah and swylce wat,
- 290
- ealre þysse worulde wure ende;
brad is þin gebann and beorht swye.
Hu ic æ þine, ece drihten,
lustum lufode; ic þæt lange dyde,
þæt ic þa on mode metegade georne.
- 295
- þu me snoterne gedydest swylce ofer mine
feondas on foldan fæcne ealle;
foron ic beorhtlice þine bebodu læste.
Ofer ealle þa þe me ær lærdon,
ic þæs hæfde andgyt æghwær gleawast,
- 300
- þæt ic þine gewitnesse wise sohte.
Ic þæt ofer yldran oncneow and þæt a geheold,
þæt ic þine bebodu blie geheolde.
Ic minum fotum fæcne sias
þa wraþan wegas werede georne,
- 305
- þæt ic þine word mihte wel gehealdan.
Na ic fram þinum domum dædum swicade,
foron þu me æbebod ærest settest.
Me is on gomum god and swete
þin agen word, ece drihten;
- 310
- hit is halwende, hunige mycle
and beobreade betere and swetre.
On bebodum inum ic me betst oncneow,
þæt ic unrihte wegas ealle ofeode,
foron þu me æ þine ær gesettest.
- 315
- þæt is fæle blacern fotum minum,
þæt ic þin word, drihten, wel gehealde,
and þæt ys þæt strange leoht stige minre.
Ic aas swor and eac hycge,
þæt ic sone dom symble healde.
- 320
- And ic eadmedu ungemetum georne
efnan þence; forgif me, ece god,
þæt ic æfter inum wordum weore blie.
Mines mues me modes willa
on heahsælum hrae gebringe,
- 325
- and me þine domas alær, drihten, swylce.
Is sawl min symble on inum
holdum handum, ne ic þine þa halgan æ
on ysum ealdre forgitan æfre þence.
Me firenfulle fæcne gyrene
- 330
- awriþan wrae, and ne wolde ic
fram þinum bebodum feor geswican.
Ic me eowde begeat, æele hæbbe
þine gewitnesse wel getreowe
on ecnesse awa to feore;
- 335
- þæt by heahbliss heortan minre.
Ahylde ic mine heortan holde mode,
þæt ic þin sofæst weorc symble worhte;
foron ic æs ece edlean hæbbe.
And ic synfulle symble feode,
- 340
- and ic æ þine elne lufade.
þu me fultumian scealt, fæle gestandan
and andfenga æghwær æt earfe,
and ic on þin word wel getreowe.
Gewita fram me, þe awyrgede synt,
- 345
- þenden ic godes bebodu georne smeage.
Onfoh me freondlice, fæle drihten,
æfter þam þe þu sylfa sægdest and cwæde,
þæt ic sceolde lifigan lange rage;
ne gescend me on sie, nu ic þin swa onbad.
- 350
- Gefultuma me fæste; onne beo ic fægere hal,
and ic þine sofæstnysse symble þence.
Ealle u forhogodest, a e unrihtes
wæran wyrhtan; wat ic gearewe,
þæt heo on unriht ealle þohtan.
- 355
- Ic oferhylmend ealle getealde,
þa on eoran her yfele wæron,
foron ic þine gewitnesse wyre lufade.
Gefæstna þinne egsan flæsce minum,
þæt ic me ondræde domas ine.
- 360
- Ic sone dom symble worhte;
ne syle þu me ehtendum æfre minum.
Onfoh þu þinum esne fægere mid gode,
þæt me oferhydige æfre ne motan
hearmcwyddian; hyldo ne gyma.
- 365
- Hwæt, me eagan mine atule gewurdan,
þær ic on inre hælo hyldo sohte
and on þinre spræce sped sofæste.
Do þinum agenum esne swylce
mycel milde mod, and me mægene eac
- 370
- þin sofæst word sylfa lære.
Ic eom esne þin; syle andgit, þæt ic
þine gewitnesse wel leornige.
þis is wynne tid, þæt man eac wel do,
drihten ure; ne læt u dole æfre
- 375
- þin æbebod ahwær toweorpan.
Foron ic þin bebod beorhte lufode,
a me georne synd golde deorran,
topazion þæra teala gimma.
Foron ic eall þin bebod elne healde,
- 380
- and ic unrihte wegas ealle feoge.
Wundorlic is in gewitnes, wealdend dryhten;
foron heo min sawl smea and sece georne.
Worda me þinra wise onleohte,
beorhtnesse blæcern, and þu bealde sylest
- 385
- andgit eallum eorbuendum.
Mu ic ontynde minne wide,
þæt me min oro ut afæmde,
þær ic in bebod efnede mid willan.
Beseoh þu on me, and me syan hrae
- 390
- mære gemiltsa, swa u manegum dydest,
þe naman þinne nyde lufedon.
Gerece u me swylce, þæt ic on rihtne weg
æfter þinre spræce spedum gange,
þy læs min ænig unriht ahwær wealde.
- 395
- Ahrede me hearmcwidum heanra manna,
þæt ic ine bebodu bealde healde.
Do þine ansyne esne þinum
leohte and leofe; lær me syþþan,
hu ic in sofæst word selest gehealde.
- 400
- Eagan mine gesawon, hu ya gelaac,
wid gang wætera, wundrum gange;
swa am ilcum by, þe ær nella
þinre æ bebod elne healdan.
Drihten is sofæst; synd his domas eac
- 405
- ree mid ræde rihte gecyde.
Hwæt, u sofæst weorc symble hete
on þinre gewitnesse wel gehealdan;
ealles forgeaton, þa me grame wæron,
worda þinra and me wa dydan.
- 410
- Me heard ehtnes huses þines
on bearme me gebrohte oft,
a þin word noldan wel gehealdan,
þa me feondas ær fæste wæron.
Is þin agen spræc innan fyren,
- 415
- sylf swiþe hat, and symble a
þin esne her ealle lufade.
Ic wæs on geogue, grame me forhogedon;
næs ic ofergittol æfre hwæere,
þæt ic þin so weorc symble heolde.
- 420
- Is þin sofæstnes symble, drihten,
seo sofæste, and seo symble bi
on ecnesse awa to feore;
is þin swylce æelnes and æ sofæst.
Me costunga cnysdan geneahhe,
- 425
- and nearonessa naman gelome;
ac ic þine bebodu efnde and læste,
eac on minum mode hi metegade georne.
Ys me þin gewitnes weorast and rihtast,
and a me on ece andgyt hæbbe;
- 430
- syle me a to soe, and ic syþþan lifige.
Ic mid ealle ongann inngehygde
heortan minre hige to drihtne
ceare cleopian; he me cynlice
hrae gehyrde, hyldo cue,
- 435
- þæt ic his sofæstnesse sohte geneahhe.
Ic cleopode to e; do me culice
halne, heahcyning, heofona wealdend,
hælende Crist; ic þæt hicge nu,
þæt ic ine bebodu blie gehealde.
- 440
- And ic e on ripe forecom, and hrae swylce
ceare cleopode; þu me cynlice
wel onfencge, wistest gearwe,
þæt ic on inum wordum wel getruwade.
þe eagan mine eac forecoman;
- 445
- on ærmergen ic elne ongann
þine spræce spyrian georne.
Gehyr mine stefne, halig drihten,
æfter inre þære myclan mildheortnesse,
and æfter þinum domum do me halne.
- 450
- Me syndon eahtend ungemete neah aa
and a synfullan; syndan ealle hi
fram æ þinre unneah gewiten.
Wes me swie neah, wuldres drihten;
synt ealle þine wegas wise and cue.
- 455
- Ic gewitnesse wise þine
ongeat gleawlice, þæt þu geara hi
on ecnesse ær staþelodest.
Ac min eamedu geseoh eall ful georne,
genere niode, nu me ned belæg;
- 460
- forþon ic wolde æ þine elne healdan.
Dem minne dom and me deore alys;
for þinre spræce, do me spedlice
and culice cwicne nu a.
Wærun fyrenfulle feor fælre hælu;
- 465
- foron hi þine sofæstnesse secean noldan.
Miltsa synt þine, mihtig drihten;
æfter þinum domum do me cwicne.
Ic manige geseah, þe min ehton;
nolde ic cwic æfre swa þeah hwæere
- 470
- þine gewitnesse wræste forlætan.
Ic manige geseah men þa þe noldan
heora friowære fæste healdan,
and ic þand wi þan þe hi teala noldan
þinre spræce sped gehealdan.
- 475
- Swylce ic sylf geseah, þæt ic þin so bebod
lustum lufige, leofa drihten;
on þinre mildheortnesse me scealt acwician.
þæt is weorlic fruma worda þinra,
þæt þær by so symble meted,
- 480
- and on ecnesse awa to feore
ealle þine domas synt dædum gesede.
Min earwunga ehtan ongunnon
ealdurmanna gehwylc ungemete swie;
wear me heorte forht, þær ic þin halig word
- 485
- on þinum egesan ærest æelu tredde.
Ic blissige bealde mode
ofer inre spræce spede þa myclan,
swa se bi blie, se þe beorna reaf
manige mete, þær hit mannum losa.
- 490
- And ic unrihta gehwylc elne feode
and onhyscte æghwær georne;
wolde ic æ þine elne lufian.
Swa ic þe seofon siþum symble wolde
leofum lustlice lofsang cwean
- 495
- daga æghwylce, forþon ic þine domas wat
on so fæste smicere gefylde.
þam bi sib mycel þe him þence,
þæt hi naman þinne neode lufien;
ne bi him æswic on þon æfre to feore.
- 500
- Ic þinre hælu bad, halig drihten,
and þine bebodu bealde lufode.
Hafa sawl min so gehealden
þinre gewitnesse worda æghwylc,
and ic þa lustum lufade swie.
- 505
- Heold ic þine bebodu holde mode
and þine gewitnesse wordum trymede;
foron ealle mine wegas wise syndan
on þinre gesihe soe, drihten.
Nu genealæce neode minum
- 510
- gebedum bealde, þæt ic bidde nu
on þinre gesihe symble, drihten;
æfter þinre spræce syle me spedlice,
þæt þu me generige nia gehwylces.
Ingange min ben, ece drihten,
- 515
- on þinre gesihe symble æt þearfe;
æfter þinre spræce do spedlice,
æt u me generige nia gehwylces.
Nu mine weleras e wordum belcetta
ymnas elne, gif þu me ærest wylt
- 520
- þine sofæstnesse sylfa læran.
Hwæt, tunge min teala foresægde,
hu þinre spræce spede eodan;
wærun eall þin bebodu æghwær rihtwis.
Syn me þine handa on hælu nu,
- 525
- and þæt domlice gedon weore;
foron ic þine bebodu geceas bealde æt þearfe.
Ic þinre hælu her wilnade,
drihten ælmihtig; do me symble,
þæt ic æ þine elne metige.
- 530
- Leofa sawl min and þe lustum here,
and me þine domas dædum fultumia.
Ic gedwelede swa þæt dysige scep,
þætte forweoran wolde huru;
la, sece þinne esne elne, drihten;
- 535
- foron ic þinra beboda ne forgeat beorhtra æfre.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic me to drihtne deorum cleopode,
þonne me costunga cnysdon geneahhe,
and he me gehyrde holde mode.
Alys mine sawle, lifes drihten,
- 5
- of þam welerum þe wom cween,
and from þære tungan þe teosu wylle.
Hwæt bi þe ealles seald oþþe eced swa
from þære inwitfullan yflan tungan?
Strele beo scearpe, strange and mihtige,
- 10
- syan of gledon wesa gearwe ahyrde.
Wa me þære wyrde, þæt min wynn alæg
and min bigengea gewat bryce on feorweg;
sceal ic eard niman, swa me ee nis,
mid Cedaringum; nis min cy þær,
- 15
- þe mine sawle swie beeode.
Mid þam þe hi sibbe swyþost feodan,
ic sibbe mid him soe hæfde;
þonne ic him spedlice to spræce and hi lærde,
onne me earwunga ealle onfuhtan.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hof ic mine eagan to þam hean beorge,
þær ic fultum fand fælne æt þearfe.
Is min fultum eac fæger æt drihtne,
se e heofon worhte, hrusan swylce.
- 5
- Ne sylle he þinne fot on feondes geweald,
ne hycge to slæpe se e healde þe.
Efne se on hygde huru ne slæpe
ne swefe swye, se þe sceal healdan nu
Israela folc utan wi feondum.
- 10
- Gehealde þe halig drihten,
and þin mundbora mihtig weore
ofer þa swiran hand symble æt þearfe.
Ne þe sunne on dæge sol ne gebærne
ne þe mona on niht min ne geweore,
- 15
- ac þe gehealde halig drihten
wy yfela gehwam æghwær georne
and ine sawle swylce gehealde.
Utgang þinne and ingang ece drihten,
sawla socynincg, symble gehealde
- 20
- of þisson for awa to worulde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic on yssum eom eallum blie,
þæt me culice to acweden syndon,
and on godes hus gange syan.
Wæron fæststealle fotas mine
- 5
- on þinum cafertunum, þær ure cy wæs,
on Hierusalem geara ærest.
Hierusalem, geara u wære
swa swa cymlic ceaster getimbred,
þær syndon dælas on sylfre hire.
- 10
- þær cneorisse cende wæron
cynn æfter cynne; cuan þa drihten
and on þære gewitnesse wæran Israelas,
þe his naman neode sceoldon
him andetnes æghwær habban.
- 15
- Oft hi þær on seldon sæton æt domum;
þu eart onne dema, Dauides hus,
þæt on heofenum siteþ heah gestaelod.
Bidda eow bealde beorhtere sibbe,
a e on Hierusalem gode syndan;
- 20
- and geniht agun, þa þe neode þe
on heora lufun lustum healda.
Si þe on þinum mægene sib mæst and fyrmest,
and on þinum torrum wese tidum genihtsum.
For mine broru ic bidde nu,
- 25
- and mine þa neahstan nemne swylce,
þæt we sibbe on e symble habbon.
And ic for mines godes huse georne þingie,
and to minum drihtne deorum sece,
þæt ic god æt him begitan mote.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- To þe ic mine eagan hof, ece drihten,
þu þe heofonhamas healdest and wealdest.
Efne mine eagan synt ealra gelicast
þonne esne bi, þonne ondrysnum
- 5
- his hlaforde here and cweme.
And swa eagan ga earmre þeowenan,
þonne heo on hire hlæfdigean handa loca,
swa us synt eagan to e, ece drihten,
urum þam godan gode; geare locia,
- 10
- oþþæt us miltsige mihta wealdend.
Miltsa us nu a, mihtig drihten,
miltsa us swylce, forþon we manegum synt
forhogednessum hearde gefylde.
And we manegum synd manna wordum
- 15
- ure sawl swie gefylled
mid edwite, oft and geneahhe,
and us oferhydige forseo oft and gelome.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Nymþe us on wese ece drihten,
cweþa Israhelas ealle nu a,
nymþe us eardige on awa drihten,
þonne us manfulle menn onginna;
- 5
- wen is, þæt hi us lifigende lungre wyllen
sniome forsweolgan, gif hi swa magon.
þonne us ara manna mod yrsade,
and us wierwearde wæron geneahhe;
wen is, þæt hi us woldan wætre gelice
- 10
- sona gesupan, gif hit swa wolde.
Oft ure sawl swyþe frecne
hlimman gedegde hludes wæteres;
wene ic forþon, þæt heo wel mæge
þæt swyre mægen, sawel usser,
- 15
- wæteres wenan æs wel gedegean.
Drihten si gebletsad, þe þæt ne dyde æfre,
þæt us on hearde hæftnyd sealde
þam þe us mid toum toteon woldan.
Wærun ure sawla samod anlice
- 20
- niþa generede, swa swa neodspearuwa
of grames huntan gryne losige.
Grin bi on sadan grame torænded,
and we synd alysde lifes wyre;
we us naman drihtnes neode habba
- 25
- on fultume fæstne and strangne,
þæs þe heofon worhte, hrusan swylce.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- þa þe on drihten heora dædum getreowa,
hi beo on Sionbeorge swyþe gelice;
ne mæg hine on ealdre ænig onhreran
þe eardfæst by on Hierusalem.
- 5
- Hi synd mundbeorgas micle ymbutan;
halde heora ymbhwyrft ece drihten
of isson nu awa to worulde.
Næfre forlæte lifes drihten
firenfulra tan furor gangan,
- 10
- þonne he sofæstra settan wylle.
Ne he sofæste swylce læte,
þæt hi to unrihte ahwær willen
handum ræcean, ac he him hraþe gylde;
do þu, drihten, wel þam þe gedefe her
- 15
- hiora heortan riht healda mid gode.
þa e gearwe beo to gramum bendum,
eft hi gelæde ece drihten
mid þæm þe unriht æghwær wyrcea;
sibb si Israhelum symble ofer ealle.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- þonne drihten wyle gedon æfter,
þæt he of Sione swære ahweorfe
hæftned hefige, syan we hrae weora
afrefrede fægere ealle.
- 5
- Sona beo gefylde mid gefean syþþan
muas ure, and we ma spreca,
beo ure tungan teala wynsume.
þonne hi geond þeode cwea þriste;
æghwær hi gemiclade mihtig drihten,
- 10
- þa he him wundur mid worhte seldlic;
gemicla e swylce, mihtig drihten,
þæt þu wundur mid us wyrce mære,
and we bealde on þam blie weoran.
Gehweorf ure hæftned, halig drihten,
- 15
- swa suhealde swiþe hlimman.
þa her on tornlicum tearum sawa,
hi eft fægerum gefean snia;
gangende and ferende georne wepa
and heora sylfra sæd snia æfter.
- 20
- Cuma þonne mid cumendum cue mid blisse
and on heora sceafas bera, swa hi gesamnedon.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Nymþe hus timbrige halig drihten,
on idel gylp ore winna
þe þæs huses hrof staelia.
Nyme gehealde eac halig drihten
- 5
- ceastre mid cynnum, ne mæg hi cynlice
wæccende weard gehealdan.
Forhwan ge mid idelnesse ealle arisa,
æron leoht cume leoda bearnum?
Arisa nu ricene, and hrae sitta,
- 10
- þa e sares hlaf swie æton.
þonne he slæp syle swie leofum;
þæt is yrfe eac ecean drihtnes
and herde bearn, þa her mannum beo
of innae ærest cende.
- 15
- Swa seo stræle by strangum and mihtigum
hrorum on handa heard ascyrped,
swa lyra bearn lungre gewita.
þæt bi eadig wer, se e a þence,
þæt he his lust on on leofne gefylle;
- 20
- ne bi he on ealdre ealre æfre gescended,
þonne he on gaton grete his grame feondas.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Eadige syndon ealle þe him ecne god
drihten ondræda, and his gedefne weg
on hyra lifes tid lustum ganga.
þonne þu þines gewinnes wæstme byrgest,
- 5
- etest oretes, and þu eadig leofast,
and þe wel weore on wynburgum.
Beo þines wifes welan gelice,
swa on wingearde weaxen berigean,
and on þines huses hwommum genihtsum.
- 10
- Synd þine bearn swylce samed anlicast,
swa elebeamas æþele weaxen,
ymb þinne beod utan blæda standen.
Efne swa bi gebletsad beorna æghwylc
mann on moldan þe him metodes ege
- 15
- on his dædum drihten forhta.
þe of Sionbeorge swylce drihten
bealde bletsige, and þu bruce eac
on Hierusalem goda gehwylces
ealle lange dagas lifes þines.
- 20
- And þu þinra bearna bearn sceawige,
geseo samed gangan sibb ofer Israhel.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Oft me fuhtan to fynd on geogue,
cwean Israhelas nu eac þæt sylfe;
oft me fuhtan to fynd on geoguþe,
ne mihton hi awiht æt me æfre gewyrcean.
- 5
- Ofer minum bæce bitere ongunnon
þa firenfullan facen timbrian,
and heora unriht eft gelengdon.
Drihten is sofæst, and gede sniome,
þæt he firenfullra fæcne geancas
- 10
- wis toweorpe; weora gescende
and hiora scamia swiþust ealles,
þa to Sione hete swiost hæfdon.
Wesen hi hige her gelicast
þam þe on huses þæce heah aweaxe,
- 15
- þæt bi forwisnad wrae sona,
ær hit afohten foldan losige.
Of þam he ne gefylle folme æfre,
þeah þe he hit mawe micle elne;
ne mid his sceafe ne mæg sceat afyllan,
- 20
- þeah þe he samnige swie georne.
And þæt ne cwean, þa his cwide weoldan
on ofergeate æghwær hæbben:
"Us gebletsige bealde drihten
and ofer eow wese eac his bletsung;
- 25
- we eow neodlice on naman drihtnes
swylce bletsia blie mode."
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic of grundum to þe geomur cleopode;
drihten, drihten, do þu nu a,
þæt þu mines gebedes bene gehyre.
Wesan þine earan eac gehyrende
- 5
- and beheldende mid hige swylce
on eall gebedd esnes þines.
Gif þu ure unriht wilt eall behealdan,
drihten, drihten, hwa gede æfre,
þæt he þæt geefne eall mid rihte?
- 10
- Ys seo mildheortnes mid þe, mihta wealdend,
and ic for inre æ, ece drihten,
þas oþer eall eae aræfnige.
Hwæt, þæt sawl min symble aræfnede,
þæt ic on þinum wordum me wel getreowde;
- 15
- foron min sawl on þe symble getreowe.
Fram þære mæran mergentide
oþæt æfen cume ylda bearnum,
Israhelas on drihten a getreowen.
Foron is mildheortnesse miht on drihtne
- 20
- and he alyse lustum ealle,
þa e hiht on hine habba fæste.
He Israhelas ealle alyse
of unrihte æghwær symble.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Nis min heorte wi þe ahafen, drihten,
ne mine eagan wi þe on oferhygde.
Ne ic on mægene miclum gange
ne wundur ofer me wunia ænig.
- 5
- Ac ic mid eamedum eall geþafige;
is min sawl on on swyþe gefeonde.
Swa man æt meder bi miclum feded,
swa þu minre sawle symble gyldest.
Israhelas on drihten a getreowigen
- 10
- of yssum nu awa to worulde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Gemune þu, drihten, mærne Dauid
and ealle his mannþwærnesse micle and goode.
Swa ic æt fryme geswor ferhe wi drihten
and gehat gehet, he geheold teala
- 5
- wi Iacobes god þone mæran.
þeah þe ic on mines huses hyld gegange
oþþe selegesceot þænne swæs wese
oe on min restbedd ricene gestige,
Gif ic minum eagum unne slæpes,
- 10
- oþþe minum breawum beode hnappunga,
oþþe ic on þunwange þriste gereste,
Oþþæt ic gemete mære stowe
drihtne gecorene, dyre selegesceot
Iacobes gode georne gecweme.
- 15
- Efne we þas eall on Eufraten
sæcgean gehyrdon, syan gemitton
forwel manegu on wudufeldum.
We on his selegesceot swylce ganga,
and þære stowe stede aria
- 20
- þær his fotas ær fæste gestodan.
Aris on þinre reste recene, drihten;
þu earce eart eallhaligra.
Synd þine sacerdas on sofæstnesse
gode gegierede, and gleawe nu
- 25
- þine þa halgan her blissia.
For þinum agenum esne swylce,
deorum Dauide, þu ne do æfre,
þæt þu andwlitan ut oncyrre
þines þæs halgan her on eoran.
- 30
- þæs deopne a drihten aswor
and þone mid soe swylce getrymede,
þæt he hine for hole ær ne aswore,
gehet Dauide, swa he him dyde syþþan,
þæt he weorlicne wæstm gesette
- 35
- þe of his innae agenum cwome,
ofer þin heahsetl; gif nu healda well
þines sylfes bearn soe treowa
and þa gewitnesse, þe ic
hig wel lære,
þonne hiora suna swylce motan
- 40
- a þysse worulde wynnum brucan
and on þinum setle sittan geneahhe.
Foron him Sione geceas sylfa drihten,
and him to earde geceas ærest æt fryme.
þis is min rest, þe ic recene nu
- 45
- on worulda woruld wunian þence,
þær ic eard nime, foron ic hi ær geceas.
His wuduan ic wordum bletsige
and gesegnade, sylle geneahhe
heora hungrium hlaf to fylle.
- 50
- Ec his sacerdas swylce mid hælu
georne gegyrwe, and gode eac
his þa halgan her habba blisse.
þær ic Dauides horn deorne bringe,
for gelæde, fægre gearuwe
- 55
- byrnende blacern, bere for minum
criste gecorenum, þe ic hine cune wat.
Ic his feondas eac facne gegyrwe
mid scame swiust; ofer hine scir cyme
minra segnunga sofæst blostma.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Efne hu glædlic bi and god swylce,
þætte brour on an begen hicgen,
þær hig ænne sculan eard weardian.
Swa unguentum mæg æele wyrtcynn
- 5
- heafde healdan hrore stence,
mid þy Aaron his beard oftast smyrede.
Seo nier astah on his reafæs fnæd
swa æþele deaw on Hermone,
se ofer Sionbeorge sneome astige.
- 10
- Forþon her bebead halig drihten
lifes bletsunga lange to feore
of þisson nu awa to worulde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Efne bletsien nu blie drihten
ealle his agene onbyhtscealcas.
Ge þe on godes huse gearwe standa,
and on cafertunum Cristes huses
- 5
- ures þæs halgan godes held beganga.
Hebba neodlice nihta gehwylcere
eowre handa on halig lof
and bletsia balde drihten.
Ge bletsige blie drihten
- 10
- of Sionbeorge symble æt þearfe,
se þe heofon worhte, hrusan swylce.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Heria naman drihtenes, neode swylce
herigen hine his scealcas swie ealle.
Ge þe on godes huse gleawe standa
and on cafertunum Cristes huses
- 5
- þæs godan godes gearwe syndan,
Lofia ge drihten, forþon he lungre is
fæstræd and fremsum fira æghwam;
weoria his naman, forþon he wyre is.
Foron him godne geceas Iacob drihten
- 10
- and on agene æht Israeles cynn.
Ic þæt gearwe ongeat, þæt is god and mycel
drihten ure; forþon him dom stande
ofer ealle godu eorbuendra.
Ealle þa þe wolde, worhte drihten
- 15
- on heofonrice and her on eoran,
on sidum sæ swylce on eallum,
þær he dyrne wat deorce grundas.
And he fram þysse eoran ende læde
wolcen wræclicu, wind and liget,
- 20
- and þa to regne recene wyrce,
þe for læde fægere windas
of his goldhordum godra manegum;
se ægipta sloh æele frumbearn
æghwylc ealra o þa nytenu.
- 25
- He sigetacen sende manegum
forebeacn fæle folce ægipta,
and þa Pharaones folce gecyde
and his scealcum samed ætgædere.
Se sloh þeode folc þearle manige,
- 30
- and eac acwealde cyningas strange.
Wæs Seon efne sum þara kynincga,
and Og kyning, se þe æror wæs
on Basane breme and mære.
Sealde heora eardland eall Israhelum
- 35
- and heora yrfe eac his folce.
Ys þin nama, drihten, nemned ece,
and þin gemynd, mihtig drihten,
on ealra worulda woruld wynnum stande.
Forþon his folc deme fægere drihten,
- 40
- and he bi on his esnum agenum frefriend.
Beo deofolgyld dysigra þeoda
gold and seolfur, þe her geota menn,
and mid heora folmum fægere wyrcea.
þa mu habba, and ne meldia wiht,
- 45
- fægere eagan, ne magon feor geseon.
Earan habba, ne hi awiht magon
holdes gehyran, þeah e him hleorige,
and nose habba, nawiht gestinca.
Handa hi habba, ne hi hwæere magon
- 50
- gegrapian godes awiht;
habba fet swylce, ne magon feala gangan.
Ne hi on hracan awiht hlude ne cleopia,
ne him gast wara gomum on mue.
Synt anlice þæm þe hi ær worhtan,
- 55
- and ealle þa e on hi æfre getreowa.
Hus Israela holdne drihten
bletsien bealde, biddan swylce
þæt Aarones hus ecne drihten
blie bletsien; beornas ealle,
- 60
- þa on lifes hus leof eardia,
bletsien drihten blie mode.
þa þe him ondræden drihtnes egsan,
bletsien drihten beornas ealle;
se drihten is deore gebletsad
- 65
- of Sion sniome, þe sofæst ær
on Hierusalem god eardode.
Ic andette ecum drihtne,
foron he god is, and ic ful gearwe wat,
þæt he to worulde by wis and mildheort.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Eac ic andette þam þe ece is
ealra godena god, foron ic hine godne wat.
Andette ic swylce þam þe ealra is
drihtna drihten dædum spedigast,
- 5
- foron he god is, and ic gearwe wat,
þæt his mildheortnes is mycel to worulde.
He wundur dyde weorþlic ana.
Se heofon worhte, hælea andgit.
He eoran æfter wæter ærest sette.
- 10
- He leohtfatu leodum ana
micel geworhte manna bearnum,
Sette on miht dæges mære sunnan,
On miht nihte
monan and steorran.
He ægyptas sloh and eall heora frumbearn,
- 15
- And he Israhelas ealle olædde
of ægyptum ealle gesunde,
On mihtigre mære handa
and on eallmihte earmes swylce.
He readne sæ recene todælde,
- 20
- Lædde Israhelas ealle þurh midne.
þær Pharaon gefeol, and his fæge werud
on þam readan sæ recene forwurdan.
He gewealdendlice þuruh westen eft
his þæt leofe folc lædde swylce.
- 25
- He of stanclife stearce burnan
leodum lædde on leofne þanc.
Swylce he acwealde cyningas mycle.
And he eac ofsloh æele cyningas,
weras wræclice, þa þe weoruld heoldan.
- 30
- þær Seon cyning swylt dreorig fornam,
þe Amorrea anweald hæfde,
And Og swylce, þe æror wæs
swyþe breme cyning on Basane.
Sealde heora eorþan on yrfeland,
- 35
- And þæt yrfe on Israele,
þe his esnas agene wæron.
Forþon ure eamedu ece drihten
gemyndgade, and us mycel sealde.
And he us aferede feondum of handa,
- 40
- þa e wrae wæron ealle.
He eac afede flæscea æghwylc.
Andeta nu ealle þam ecean gode,
þe on heofonum is heah eardiende.
And ge ealra godena gode geara andetta,
- 45
- forþan his mildheortnes is mycel to worulde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ofer Babilone bradum streame,
þær we sitta and sare wepa,
þonne we Sion gemunan swie georne.
On salig we sarige swie gelome
- 5
- ure organan up ahengan.
Forþon us þær frunon fæcnum wordum,
woh meldedan, a us on weg læddan:
"Singa us ymnum ealdra sanga
þe ge on Sione sungan geneahhige."
- 10
- Hu magon we singan sangas drihtne
on þære foldan þe us fremde is?
Gif ic þin, Hierusalem, forgyten hæbbe,
forgyte min seo swyre symble æt þearfe;
ætfeole min tunge fæste gomum,
- 15
- gif ic ofergittol þin æfre weore,
Gif ic ne forsette þe symble æt fryme;
ac ic on Hierusalem georne blissie.
Gemune þu, drihten, manigra bearna,
þe on Edom synt eal lifigende,
- 20
- þonne þu Hierusalem gegodie;
þa nu oft cwea: "Wutun hi idle gedon,
oþæt hi heora eard geceosan."
Hwæt, þu eart Babilone bitere ætfæsted
ænge and yfele, hire earm dohter;
- 25
- eadig by hwæere se þe eft gylde
þa þu him on ealdre ær forgeafe
and us eallum eac gesealdest.
Eadig by se þe nime and eac sete
his agen bearn on þone æþelan stan.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic þe andette, ecne drihten,
on minre gehygde heortan ealre;
foron þu ealle mine word earum gehyrdest,
þa ic mid mue and mid mode cwee,
- 5
- and on þinra engla ealra gesihe
ic þe singe swie geneahhige.
Eac ic þin tempel tidum weorige,
þæt halige hus, holde mode,
and þær þinne naman on neod secge.
- 10
- Ofer þine þa miclan mildheortnesse
and sofæstnesse samed ætgædere,
þu þinne þone halgan naman neode gedydest,
ofer us ealle æghwær micelne.
Swa hwylce daga ic þe deorne cige,
- 15
- gehyr me hwætlice, and me hrae gedo
micle mine sawle on þines mægenes sped.
Ealle þe andettan eoran kyningas,
foron þe hi gehyrdon hlude reorde
þines mues þa mæran word;
- 20
- þa on sangum singan drihtne.
Forþon þin wuldur is wide
geond eoran
micel and mære, ofer middaneard
eart þu healice ahafen, drihten;
þu eadmodra ealra locast
- 25
- on heofonhame her on eoran.
þeah þe ic on midle manes gange,
þær me costunga cnysdan geneahhe,
a þu me weredest wraþum feondum
þe me woldan yrre on acyan;
- 30
- þu me geræhtest recene mid handa
and me þin swyre sneome hælde.
Drihten for me dome gylde,
is his mildheortnes mycel on worulde;
ne forseoh æfre, þæt þu sylfa ær
- 35
- mid þinum handum her geworhtest.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- þu min costadest cynnum, drihten,
and me ongeate gleawe mode;
þu min setl swylce oncneowe,
and minne ærist æfter gecydest.
- 5
- And mine geohtas eac þriste oncneowe,
feorran ongeate fore mine,
and mine gangas gearwe atreddest
and ealle mine wegas wel foresawe,
forþan me inwit næs ahwær on tungan.
- 10
- Efne þu, drihten, eall oncneowe
þa ærestan, eac þa nehstan;
þu me gehiwadest handa þinre,
me ofer heafod holde gesettest.
Wundorlic is geworden þin wisdom eall,
- 15
- se is beutan me eac gestrangod;
ne mæg ic him on neode a neah cuman.
Hwider mæg ic fram þinum gaste gangan ahwær,
oþþe þinne andwlitan befleon eoran dæles?
Gif ic on heofenas up hea astige,
- 20
- þu me þær on efn andweard sittest;
gif ic on helle gedo hwyrft ænigne,
þu me æt byst efne rihte.
Gif ic mine fieru gefo, fleoge ær leohte,
oþþæt ic beutan wese eallum sæwum,
- 25
- Hwæt, me þin hand þyder ofer holma begang
læde lustum, and me lungre eft
þin seo swire þær gehende.
Ic on mode cwæ minum swylce:
"Wen is, þæt me þystru earle forgripen
- 30
- and me on nihte neode onlihte,
þæt ic minum bleom bregde neahhige."
Ne beo þeostru deorc butan þinre miht;
þurh þa onlihtest niht, þæt heo by dæge gelic.
Swa þragum gæ þeostru wi leohte,
- 35
- forþon þu hi settest swylce, drihten;
canst mine ædre ealle gearuwe,
onfenge me fægere, swa ic furum wæs
of modur hrife minre
acenned.
Ic þe andette, ece drihten,
- 40
- forþon þu mid egesan eart eall gewuldrad,
and þine weorc wæron wræclice swyþe,
þa min saul oncneow sona georne.
Nis min ban wi þe deope behyded,
þæt þu wislice worhtest on diglum,
- 45
- þeh min lichama lytle rage
on nierdælum eoran wunige.
Eagan þine gesawon þæt ic ealles wæs
unfrom on ferhþe; eall þæt for heonan
on þinum wisbocum awriten stande.
- 50
- Dagas syndon trymede, swa hi drihten gesceop,
ne mæg ænig on þam awa lifigean;
me synd arwyre ealle swie,
þe þine frynd wærun fæste, drihten,
is heora ealdordom ungemete swie
- 55
- on cneorissum cu gestrangod.
Gif ic hi recene nu riman onginne,
hi beo ofer sandcorn sniome manige;
syþþan ic arise and recene nu gyt
mid þe sylfum eom, gif þu syþþan wylt
- 60
- þa firenfullan fyllan mid deae.
Blodhreowe weras, ge bebuga me,
þe þæt on geþohtum þencea cweende:
"Wutun þurh idel searu ealle tiligean,
þæt we heora burh tobrecan moton."
- 65
- Ealle þa þe feodan þurh facen god,
ic hi feode nu fæste mid nie,
and ofer þine feondas beo facne gebolgen.
Swa ic hi mid rihte recene feoge,
forþon hi me feondas fæcne wurdan.
- 70
- Costa min, god, swa hit cyn wese,
and minre heortan gehygd her gesceawa,
þone fælan geþanc; frine me syþþan
and mine stige ongit gestaelode.
And þu sylfa geseoh, gif ic on swiculne weg
- 75
- oþþe on unrihte ahwær eode;
gelæd me þonne, lifes ealdor,
þæt ic on ecne weg æghwær gange.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Genere me wi niþe on naman þinum
fram yfelum menn, ece drihten,
and fram þam were, þe wom fremme.
þa ealne dæg inwit and facen
- 5
- hycgea on heortan þurh hearme geþoht,
hi þæt to gefeohte georne gefremed habba.
And heora tungan torncwidum
neode serwa, swa oft nædran do,
and him aspidas, ætrene wyrmas,
- 10
- under welerum is gewunad fæste.
Geheald þu me, drihten, wi hetenias
and wi firenfulles folmum swylce,
and fram þam mannum þe man fremmen,
alys þu me lungre, lifes ealdur.
- 15
- þa on hyge þohtan, þæt hi ahyltan me
and minne gang georne swylce,
forhyddan oferhygde me inwitgyrene,
wraan wealsadan wundnum rapum;
woldan mine fotas gefæstnian,
- 20
- settan me swyce, þær ic siþade.
Ic þa to drihtne cwæ: "þu me eart dyre god;
gehyr min gebed, halig drihten,
nu ic stefne to þe styrme hlude."
Drihten, drihten, þu eart gedefe mægen
- 25
- hælo minre, and þu min heafod scealt
on gefeohtdæge feondum awergean.
Ne alyf þu me æfre ofer lust minne
on fyrenfulra fæcne geancas,
þa wierwearde me wrae hycgea;
- 30
- ne forlæt þu me on lifdagum,
þy læs hi ahafene ofer me hwile weoren.
Him ymb heafod hefegast gewinna,
þæt hi mid welerum geworht habba,
him þæt ilce sceal on gesittan.
- 35
- Eac hi fealla on fyres glede,
and þu hi mid fyre facnes gehnegest,
þæt hi þam yrmum a ne wistanden.
Se getynga wer on teosuspræce,
ne bi se ofer eorþan gereaht ahwær;
- 40
- unsofæstne wer yfel gecnysse,
oþþe he on eoran eall forweore.
Ic þæt gearuwe ongeat, þæt gode de
drihten domas, þe on dagum þyssum
wædlum weora, wrece þearfendra.
- 45
- So is hwæere, sofæste nu
þinne naman willa þuruh neod herigean;
scylan eard niman on þinre ansyne,
þa mid ræde her rihte lifigea.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic þe, drihten, to dyrum clypige;
gehyr me hrædlice holdre stefne,
þonne ic bene to þe bidde ceare full.
Sy on þinre gesihþe mines sylfes gebed
- 5
- ful recene gereht, swa ricels by,
þonne hit gifre gleda bærna.
Swylce is ahafenes handa minra,
þonne ic þe æfenlac estum secge.
Sete swæse geheald swylce, drihten,
- 10
- mue minum, ne læt man sprecan,
and æþele dor ymbstandende,
þæt on welerum wisdom healde.
Ne hyld þu mine heortan, þæt ic hearme word
þuruh inwitstæf ut forlæte,
- 15
- and ic lædend wese lara firena.
Ne ic æfre mid mannum manfremmendum
gemænnesse micle hæbbe,
ne on heora gecorenesse becume æfre.
Ac me sofæst symble gerecce
- 20
- and mildheorte mode þreage;
ele synfulra æfre ne mote
heafde minum hrinan ahwær.
Forþon min gebed nu gyt becnum stande,
þæt him on wisum is wel lycendlice;
- 25
- syndon hi æt strangum stane forswolgene;
noldan heora deman mine gedefe word
earan gehyran, eft ne mihton.
Swa unefne is eorþe þicce,
syndon þas moras myclum asprotene,
- 30
- swa ure ban syndon bitere toworpene
be helwarena hæfteneodum.
Forþon ic, drihten, on þe dædum minum
eagum and mode æghwær gelyfe;
ne ascuf þu fram me sawle mine.
- 35
- Geheald me wi þare gryne þe me grame setton,
þæt me ne beswice synwyrcende,
þa þe unrihtes æghwær þencea.
Fealla firenfulle on heora fengnettum;
ic me syndrig eom, oþþæt ic swa fere.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Min stefn to þe styrme, drihten,
and ic mid strangere stefne swylce
eam biddende bealde drihten.
Ic mine bene bealde swylce
- 5
- on his gesihe symble ageote,
and mine earfeþu ealle full georne
fore him sylfum sæcge geneahhe,
Gif mine grame þencea gast teorian,
and þu mine stige strange ongeate.
- 10
- On þyssum grenan wege, þe ic gange on,
me oferhydige æghwær setton
gearwe grine; geara ic sceawade,
geseah on þa swyran, ne me sylfne þær
ænig mid gode ongitan wolde.
- 15
- a me eac frecne fram fleam gedydan,
næs þa þe mine sawle secean wolde,
þa ic to þe, drihten, digle cleopode
and sona cwæ: "þu eart min se soa hiht;
eart þu on lifigendra lande swylce
- 20
- se gedefa dæl, drihten, æghwær."
Beheald mine sawle, hæleþa wealdend,
forþon ic geeadmeded eom ungemete swie.
Alys me fram laþum; hi me lungre synt
ealle ofer me ungemete strange.
- 25
- Alæd me of carcernes cluse swylce
mine sawle, þæt ic syþþan for
þinne naman mote neode sæcgean.
Min sofæste snotere bida,
oþþæt þu me edlean eft forgylde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Drihten, min gebed deore gehyre,
and mid earum onfoh ungemetum georne
mine halsunge; heald me syan
on þinre sofæstnesse and me on soe gehyr.
- 5
- Ne ga þu mid þinum esne in to dome,
forþon on þinre gesihe ne bi sofæst ænig
þe on isse foldan feorhlif bere.
Forþon mine sawle swie feondas
ealle ehtan ungemete strange,
- 10
- habba me gehnæged heanne to eoran
and min lif swylce gelytlad is.
Hi me on digle deorce stowe
settan sarlice samed anlice,
swa þu worulddeade wrige mid foldan;
- 15
- is me ænge gast innan hreres,
and me is heorte on hearde gedrefed.
þonne ic on mode gemyndgade,
hu me ærran dagas oft alumpan,
metegade on mode ealle þine mæran weorc
- 20
- and ymbe þine handgeweorc hogode georne.
þonne ic mine handa to þe holde þenede
and mine sawle sette mid mode,
swa eoran bi ansyn wæteres;
gehyr me hrædlice, hæl me syþþan.
- 25
- Nu me deope is, drihten leofa,
min sylfes gast swær geworden,
ne awend fram me, wuldres ealdur,
þine ansyne; wese ic earmum gelic
þe on sweartne grund syþþan astiga.
- 30
- Gedo þæt ic gehyre holde on morgene
þine mildheortnesse, mihtig drihten,
forþon ic hycge to e, helpe gelyfe.
Do me wegas wise, þæt ic wite gearwe
on hwylcne ic gange gleawe mode;
- 35
- nu ic to drihtnes dome wille
mine sawle settan geornast.
Afyrr me, frea drihten, feondum minum;
nu ic helpe to þe holde gelyfe;
lær me, hu ic þinne willan wyrce and fremme,
- 40
- forþon þu min god eart, þu me god dydest.
Me þin se goda gast gleawe lædde,
þæt ic on rihtne weg rene ferde;
for naman þines neodweorunge,
drihten usser, do me halne,
- 45
- þæt ic on inum rihte rædfæst lifige.
And þu of costunge clæne alæddest
sawle mine, þær heo syan for
on þinre mildheortnesse mote wunian;
and þu mine feondas fæcne todrife,
- 50
- and eac forleose lara gehwylcne
þe mine sawle synne ætfæsten,
forþon ic þin esne eom agen symble.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Drihten is gebletsad, min se deora god,
þe mine handa to hilde teah
and mine fingras to gefeohtanne.
He is mildheortnes min æt þearfe,
- 5
- fri and fultum, fæst andfengea
and alysend is lifes mines.
Min þu mære eart mihtig scyldend;
ic hiht on e hæbbe fæste,
þæt þu me folc mænig fægere underþeoddest.
- 10
- Hwæt is se manna, mihtig drihten,
þe þu him culice cyþan woldest,
oe mannes sunu, þæt hit gemet wære,
þæt þu him aht wi æfre hæfdest?
Man by merwe gesceaft, mihtum idel;
- 15
- beo his dagas swylce demde gelice,
swa þu on scimiendre sceade locige.
Ahyld þine heofenas, halig drihten,
onhrin þissum muntum, and hi hrae reoca.
þine ligetta leohta and beorhta,
- 20
- and þu hi toweorpest wide æfter;
synd þine strele strange swylce,
and u hi gedrefed hafast deope syþþan.
Onsend þine handa of heanessum,
alys me and genere wi lagustreamum
- 25
- manegum wæterum and wi manfolmum
fremdra bearna and frecenra.
þara muas spreca manidel word,
bi hyra seo swire symble abysgod,
þæt hi unrihtes elne tiligea.
- 30
- Ic niwlice niwne cantic
þam godan gode gleawne singe
on psalterio, þe him swynsa oft
mid tyn strengum getogen hearpe,
on þære þe ic þe singe swiþe geneahhe.
- 35
- þu healdest and sylest hælu cyningum;
þu alysdest eac leofne Dauid,
þinne agenne ombihtmæcg,
of þam awyrgedan wraan sweorde.
Alys me and olæd laþum wætrum,
- 40
- manegum merestreamum, mærum handum,
þa me fremde bearn fæcne syndan.
þara muas spreca manidel word,
by hyra seo swire symble abysgad,
þæt hi unrihtes awa tiligean.
- 45
- þara bearn swylce bogum æþelum
settum beamum samed anlice,
standa on staule stie wi geogue.
Wærun heora dohtru deore gesette
and ymb frætwum utan gegyrede,
- 50
- efne anlicast æþelum temple.
Heora frumwæstme fulle syndon,
þæt hi rumlice roccetta swie,
of þissan on þæt þonne wenda.
Heora sceap wærun swylce tydred
- 55
- and on sifatum swiþe genihtsum,
heora oxan eac ungemete fætte.
Ne hreosa hi to hrusan hearde gebiged,
ne þær fernes is folca mænegum,
ne care micle cleopia on worum.
- 60
- Eadig bi þæt folc, ore hata,
þe him swa on foldan fægre limpe;
eadig bi þæt folc þe ælmihtig wile
drihten god dema weoran.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic me heahne god hæbbe to kyninge,
and ic naman þinne neode herige
on ecnesse awa to worulde.
þuruh syndrige dagas symble ic e bletsige,
- 5
- and naman þinne neode herige
on ecnesse awa to worulde.
Mycel is drihten, hine man mægene sceal
holde mode herian swie;
nis his micelmodes mægenes ende.
- 10
- Cneorissa kynn cwidum symble
þin weorc herigen wordum georne,
and þine mihte eac micle sæcgeon.
Mycel mod and strang þines mægenrymmes
and þine halignesse holdes modes
- 15
- wise wordum spreca, weredum secggea
eall þin wundur wide mære.
And hi mægen swylce mære and egeslic
þinra wundra wislic sæcgen
and þine mægenstrengu mærsien wide.
- 20
- Gemune þines modes þa miclan geniht,
þinre wenesse wise sæcgenum
roccette and ræd sprece,
and þine sofæstnesse sæcge geneahhe.
Mildheort is drihten and mannþwære
- 25
- and geþyldig eac, þearle mildheort.
Swylce eallum is ure drihten
manna cynne milde and blie;
syndan his miltsa ofer us mære weorc
eall yldum cu awa to feore.
- 30
- Andetten þe, drihten, ealle þine weorc
and þe þine þa halgan her bletsien.
And hi þine mihte manna bearnum
cyþan mid cynnum and mid cneorissum,
þines mægenþrymmes mære wuldur
- 35
- riht and ree rices þines.
þæt þu cu gedydest ofer cneorisse,
þær synd manna bearn manig ætsomne,
and þæt þin miht is ofer middaneard
and þines rices rædfæst wuldur.
- 40
- Rice is þin, drihten, ræde gefæstnod,
and þu woruldricum wealdest eallum;
is þin anweald eac ofer eorware
of cynne on cynn and on cneorissum.
Drihten is on wordum dædum getreowe
- 45
- and on eallum his weorcum wis and halig.
Ahefe halig god þa e hreosa ær,
and he ealle arece earme gebrocene.
Eagan on þe ealra, drihten,
wisra gewena wiste to genihte,
- 50
- and þu him mete sylest mæla gehwylce
and þæs tidlice tid gemearcast.
Onhlidest u þine handa and hi hrae fyllest,
ealra wihta gehwam wis bletsunga.
Sofæst is drihten on his sylfes wegum
- 55
- eallum on eoran, and he æfter þan
on his weorcum is wis and halig.
Neah is drihten niþum eallum
þe hine mid soe hige secea and ciega
and his willan her wyrcea georne
- 60
- and his ege swylce elne ræfna;
he heora bene bealde gehyre
and hi hrædlice gede hale sona.
Ealle gehealde halig drihten
þe lufan wi hine lustum healde,
- 65
- and he synfulle swylce todrife
geond widwegas wearnum ealle.
Sceal lof drihtnes on lust sprecan
min mu mannum mæla gehwylce,
and flæsca gehwylc þurh fæle word
- 70
- his þone haligan naman her bletsian
on ecnesse awa to feore.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Herige min sawl hælend drihten,
and ic on minum life lustum drihten
herige haligne and holdum gode
sealmas singe, þenden ic sylf lifige.
- 5
- Nelle ge on ealdurmenn ane getreowian,
ne on manna bearn; nis þær mycel hælu.
Heora gast gange, gearwe onwende
on þa eoran þe hi of comon;
of þam sylfan dæge syþan forweora
- 10
- ealle þa geþohtas þe hi þohtan ær.
þonne bi eadig þe him æror wæs
Iacobes god geara fultumiend,
and ær his hiht on god hæfde fæste,
Se þe heofon worhte, hrusan swylce
- 15
- and sidne sæ samed ætgædere,
and ealle þa þe him on ahwær syndon.
He his sofæst word swylce gehealde,
and on worulde his wise domas
de gedefe þe her deorce ær
- 20
- teonan manige torne geþoledan;
syle mete swylce þe her murcne ær
hungur heaugrimne heardne geþoledan.
Wrece to ræde rice drihten
þara manna bearn þe ær man gebræc,
- 25
- swylce þa gefetredan fægre drihten
lungre alyse and him lif geofe,
and blinde eac bealde drihten
on heora eagum eft onleohte;
sofæste drihten swylce lufade.
- 30
- þa eleodigan ealle drihten
lustum healde, and lif geofe
weodewum wencelum; he hiom wel onfeh,
fyrenfulra weg frecne toweorpe.
Rixa mid ræde rice drihten
- 35
- on ecnesse awa to feore,
and þin, Sione, god symble to worulde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Heria drihten, he is heah and good;
singa him sealmas swie geneahhe
and hine wlitegum wordum herigea.
Eft Hierusalem georne drihten
- 5
- timbre tidum, and to somna
þa þe ut gewitan of Israhelum.
Se hæle eac heortan geræste
and heora unrotnesse ealle gewrie.
He recene mæg riman steorran
- 10
- and þa neodlice be naman sona
full culice cigean ealle.
Micel is ure mihtig drihten,
and his mægen is micel and mihtum strang;
ne his snytru mæg secgean ænig,
- 15
- on þyssum ealdre æfre ariman.
Milde mode and manþwære
he onfeh fægere, and fyrenfulle
wi eoran niþer ealle gehnege.
Onginna ge drihtne geare andettan,
- 20
- singa gode urum gleawe be hearpan,
Se þe heofen þece hadrum wolcnum
and regn þanon recene sende
þe þeos eore fram æfter growe.
He of beorgum ut blæde læde,
- 25
- hig to helpe hælea bearnum,
Se þe mete syle manegum neatum,
hrefnes briddum, þonne heo hropende
him cigea to, cues æses.
Nafast u to manna mægene willan,
- 30
- ne þe on þinum selegescotum swie lica,
þeah þe weras wyrcean wræst on eoran.
Ac wel lica wuldres drihtne,
þa þe hine him ondræda dædum and wordum,
and on his milde mod mægene gewena.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Herige Hierusalem georne drihten,
here þu, Sion, swylce þinne sone god.
Forþon he getrymede wi teonhete,
þæt þu þine doru mihtest bedon fæste,
- 5
- and gebletsade bearna æghwylc
þe on innan þe ahwær wæren.
He þine gemæru gemiclade,
þu on utlandum ahtest sibbe,
and þe gesadade mid þy selestan
- 10
- hwætecynnes holde lynde.
He his spræce hider spowendlice
on þas eoran ærest sende,
and his word yrne wundrum sniome.
He snaw sende samed anlice
- 15
- swa þu wulle flys wolcnum bringe,
and þone toweorpe wide swa æscean.
He his cristallum cynnum sende
swylc swa hlafgebrece of heofonwolcnum;
for andwlitan celes þær ænig ne mæg
- 20
- him standan stie mode.
He his word sende þuruh windes gast;
blawe beorhtlice, burnan flowe
and to wætere weore sniome.
He his word eac ær mid wisdome
- 25
- godum Iacobe geara foresægde,
and Israhele eac his domas.
Ne dyde he ahwær swa eldran cynne,
þæt he him his domas digle gecydde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Heria ge on heofenum hælend drihten,
heria hlude on heanessum.
Heria hine ealle engla reatas,
lofige hine swylce eall his leodmægen.
- 5
- Herigen hine swylce sunna and mona,
æghwylc steorra and þæt æele leoht.
Heofenas hine heofena herian georne,
and þa wæter swylce e ofer wolcnum synt
on heofenhame, herigen drihten.
- 10
- Foron he sylfa cwæ, sona wærun
wræclice geworht wætera ryþe,
and gesceapene wærun, þa he sylfa het.
þa he on ecnesse eall staelade
and on worulda woruld wolde healdan;
- 15
- he sette bebod, syþþan heo þæt heoldon.
Herigen dracan swylce drihten of eoran,
and ealle neowelnessa herian naman drihtnes.
Fyr, forst, hægel and gefeallen snaw,
is and yste, ealra gastas
- 20
- þe his word willa wyrcean georne,
Muntas and geswyru, micle beamas,
þa þe mæst and wæstm mannum bringa,
and on eallum cedrum cii alæded,
Deor and neat, do þæt sniome;
- 25
- nifle nædran cynn be naman ealle,
and fugla cynn fierum gescyrped,
Eorcyningas eac ealle swylce
þe folcum her fore wisien
and ealdormen ahwær syndan,
- 30
- and ealle þe þas eorþan ahwær deme.
Beon ge, hægestealdas and glade fæmnan,
ealde and geonge ealle ætsamne;
herian naman drihtnes mid neodlofe.
Forþon his anes nama ofer ealle is
- 35
- ahafen healice hælea ealra;
is upp ahafen his andetness
heah ofer myclum heofone and eoran.
He horn hefe holdes folces,
he lofe leohte leofe þa halgan;
- 40
- wese awa fri on Israhela
fælum folce, and hi for heonan
on his neaweste neode wunian.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Singa samheorte sangas drihtne
and him neowne sang nu a singa;
wese his herenes on haligra
clænre cyricean cyed geneahhe.
- 5
- Israhelas on hine eac blissien,
and Sione bearn symble hihtan
swiust ealra.
Herigen his naman neode on reatum,
on timpano tidum heria
- 10
- and on psalterio singa georne.
Foron on his folce is fægere drihtne
wel licendlic, and he wynlice
þam manþwærum syle mære hælu.
þonne on wuldre gefeo wel þa halgan,
- 15
- beo on heora husum blie gedreme.
Him on gomum bi godes oft gemynd;
heo þæs wislice wynnum bruca,
and sweord habbaþ swylce on folmum.
Mid þy hi wrecan þencea wraum cynnum
- 20
- and rea þearle þeodum eawan.
And hio bindan balde þencea
cyningas on campum, and culice
heora æelingas don on isene bendas,
þæt hio dom on him deopne gecyan
- 25
- and þæt mid wuldre awriten stande:
þis is haligra wuldor her on eoran.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Heria on þam halgum his holdne drihten,
heria hine on his mægenes mære hælu.
Heria hine swylce on his heahmihtum,
heria hine æfter mode his mægenþrymmes.
- 5
- Heria hine on hleore holdre beman
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- us ælfred us ealdspell reahte,
cyning Westsexna, cræft meldode,
leowyrhta list. Him wæs lust micel
æt he iossum leodum leo spellode,
- 5
- monnum myrgen, mislice cwidas,
þy læs ælinge ut adrife
selflicne secg, þonne he swelces lyt
gym for his gilpe. Ic sceal giet sprecan,
fon on fitte, folccune ræd
- 10
- hæleum secgean. Hliste se þe wille!
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hit wæs geara iu ætte Gotan eastan
of Sciia sceldas læddon,
þreate geþrungon þeodlond monig,
setton suweardes sigeþeoda twa;
- 5
- Gotena rice gearmælum weox.
Hæfdan him gecynde cyningas twegen,
Rædgod and Aleric; rice geþungon.
þa wæs ofer Muntgiop monig atyhted
Gota gylpes full, gue gelysted,
- 10
- folcgewinnes. Fana hwearfode
scir on sceafte. Sceotend þohton
Italia ealle gegongan,
lindwigende. Hi gelæstan swua
efne from Muntgiop o þone mæran wearo
- 15
- þær Sicilia sæstreamum in,
eglond micel, eel mærsa.
a wæs Romana rice gewunnen,
abrocen burga cyst, beadurincum wæs
Rom gerymed. Rædgot and Aleric
- 20
- foron on æt fæsten; fleah casere
mid þam æþelingum ut on Grecas.
Ne meahte þa seo wealaf wige forstandan
Gotan mid gue; giomonna gestrion
sealdon unwillum eþelweardas,
- 25
- halige aas. Wæs gehwæeres waa.
þeah wæs magorinca mod mid Grecum,
gif hi leodfruman læstan dorsten.
Stod þrage on am. þeod wæs gewunnen
wintra mænigo, oþæt wyrd gescraf
- 30
- þæt þe eodrice þegnas and eorlas
heran sceoldan. Wæs se heretema
Criste gecnoden, cyning selfa onfeng
fulluhtþeawum. Fægnodon ealle
Romwara bearn and him recene to
- 35
- fries wilnedon. He him fæste gehet
þæt hy ealdrihta ælces mosten
wyre gewunigen on þære welegan byrig,
enden god wuolde þæt he Gotena geweald
agan moste. He þæt eall aleag.
- 40
- Wæs þæm æþelinge Arrianes
gedwola leofre þonne drihtnes æ.
Het Iohannes, godne papan,
heafde beheawon; næs æt hærlic dæd.
Eac þam wæs unrim ores manes
- 45
- þæt se Gota fremede godra gehwilcum.
a wæs ricra sum on Rome byrig
ahefen heretoga, hlaforde leof,
þenden cynestole Creacas wioldon.
þæt wæs rihtwis rinc, næs mid Romwarum
- 50
- sincgeofa sella sian longe.
He wæs for weorulde wis, weormyna georn,
beorn boca gleaw; Boitius
se hæle hatte se þone hlisan geþah.
Wæs him on gemynde mæla gehwilce
- 55
- yfel and edwit þæt him eleodge
kyningas cydon. Wæs on Greacas hold,
gemunde þara ara and ealdrihta
þe his eldran mid him ahton longe,
lufan and lissa. Angan þa listum ymbe
- 60
- encean þearflice, hu he ider meahte
Crecas oncerran, þæt se casere eft
anwald ofer hi agan moste.
Sende ærendgewrit ealdhlafordum
degelice, and hi for drihtne bæd
- 65
- ealdum treowum, æt hi æft to him
comen on þa ceastre, lete Greca witan
rædan Romwarum, rihtes wyre
lete þone leodscipe. a þa lare ongeat
eodric Amuling, and þone þegn oferfeng,
- 70
- heht fæstlice folcgesias
healdon þone hererinc. Wæs him hreoh sefa,
ege from am eorle. He hine inne heht
on carcernes cluster belucan.
þa wæs modsefa miclum gedrefed
- 75
- Boetius. Breac longe ær
wlencea under wolcnum; he þy wyrs meahte
þolian þa þrage, þa hio swa þearl becom.
Wæs þa ormod eorl, are ne wende,
ne on þam fæstene frofre gemunde,
- 80
- ac he neowol astreaht nier of dune
feol on þa flore, fela worda spræc,
forþoht earle; ne wende þonan æfre
cuman of æm clammum. Cleopode to drihtne
geomran stemne, gyddode þus:
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwæt, ic lioa fela lustlice geo
sanc on sælum, nu sceal siofigende,
wope gewæged, wreccea giomor,
singan sarcwidas. Me þios siccetung hafa
- 5
- agæled, es geocsa, þæt ic þa ged ne mæg
gefegean swa fægre, þeah ic fela gio þa
sette socwida, þonne ic on sælum wæs.
Oft ic nu miscyrre cue spræce,
and þeah uncure ær hwilum fond.
- 10
- Me þas woruldsæla welhwæs blindne
on is dimme hol dysine forlæddon,
and me þa berypton rædes and frofre
for heora untreowum, þe ic him æfre betst
truwian sceolde. Hi me to wendon
- 15
- heora bacu bitere, and heora blisse from.
Forhwam wolde ge, weoruldfrynd mine,
secgan oe singan þæt ic gesællic mon
wære on weorulde? Ne synt þa word so,
nu þa gesæla ne magon simle gewunigan.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- æala, on hu grimmum and hu grundleasum
seae swince þæt sweorcende mod,
þonne hit þa strongan stormas beata
weoruldbisgunga, þonne hit winnende
- 5
- his agen leoht an forlæte,
and mid uua forgit þone ecan gefean,
ring on þa iostro isse worulde,
sorgum geswenced. Swa is þissum nu
mode gelumpen, nu hit mare ne wat
- 10
- for gode godes buton gnornunge
fremdre worulde. Him is frofre earf.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- æala, u scippend scirra tungla,
hefones and eoran! u on heahsetle
ecum ricsast, and u ealne hræe
hefon ymbhwearfest, and urh ine halige miht
- 5
- tunglu genedest þæt hi e to hera.
Swylce seo sunne sweartra nihta
iostro adwæsce urh ine meht.
Blacum leohte beorhte steorran
mona gemetga urh inra meahta sped,
- 10
- hwilum eac þa sunnan sines bereafa
beorhtan leohtes, þonne hit gebyrigan mæg
þæt swa geneahsne nede weora.
Swelce þone mæran morgensteorran,
þe we ore naman æfensteorra
- 15
- nemnan hera, u genedest þone
þæt he þære sunnan si bewitige;
geara gehwelce he gongan sceal
beforan feran. Hwæt, u, fæder, wercest
sumurlange dagas swie hate,
- 20
- þæm winterdagum wundrum sceorta
tida getiohhast. u þæm treowum selest
suan and westan, þa ær se swearta storm
noran and eastan benumen hæfde
leafa gehwelces urh þone laran wind.
- 25
- Eala hwæt, on eoran ealla gesceafta
hyra inre hæse, do on heofonum swa some
mode and mægne, butan men anum,
se wi inum willan wyrce oftost.
Wel la, u eca and u ælmihtiga,
- 30
- ealra gesceafta sceppend and reccend,
ara inum earmum eoran tudre,
monna cynne, urh inra mehta sped.
Hwi u, ece god, æfre wolde
þæt sio wyrd on gewill wendan sceolde
- 35
- yflum monnum ealles swa swie?
Hio ful oft dere unscyldegum.
Sitta yfele men giond eorricu
on heahsetlum, halige þricca
under heora fotum; firum uncu
- 40
- hwi sio wyrd swa wo wendan sceolde.
Swa sint gehydde her on worulde
geond burga fela beorhte cræftas.
Unrihtwise eallum tidum
habba on hospe a þe him sindon
- 45
- rihtes wisran, rices wyrran;
bi þæt lease lot lange hwile
bewrigen mid wrencum. Nu on worulde her
monnum ne deria mane aas.
Gif u nu, waldend, ne wilt wirde steoran,
- 50
- ac on selfwille sigan lætest,
þonne ic wat þætte wile woruldmen tweogan
geond foldan sceat buton fea ane.
Eala, min dryhten, u þe ealle ofersihst
worulde gesceafta, wlit nu on moncyn
- 55
- mildum eagum, nu hi on monegum her
worulde yum wynna and swinca,
earme eorwaran; ara him nu a.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- u meaht be ære sunnan sweotole geþencean
and be æghwelcum orum steorran
þara þe æfter burgum beorhtost scine.
Gif him wan fore wolcen hanga,
- 5
- ne mægen hi swa leohtne leoman ansendan,
ær se þicca mist þynra weore.
Swa oft smylte sæ suerne wind
græge glashlutre grimme gedrefe,
þonne hie gemenga micla ysta,
- 10
- onhrera hronmere; hrioh bi þonne
seo þe ær gladu onsiene wæs.
Swa oft æspringe ut awealle
of clife harum col and hlutor,
and gereclice rihte flowe,
- 15
- irne wi his eardes, o him on innan fel
muntes mægenstan, and him on middan gelige,
atrendlod of æm torre. He on tu sian
tosceaden wyr, scir bi gedrefed,
burna geblonden, broc bi onwended
- 20
- of his rihtryne, ryum toflowen.
Swa nu þa þiostro þinre heortan
willa minre leohtan lare wistondan
and in modgeþonc miclum gedrefan.
Ac gif u nu wilnast, þæt u wel mæge,
- 25
- þæt soe leoht sweotole oncnawan,
leohte geleafan, u forlætan scealt
idle ofersæla, unnytne gefean.
þu scealt eac yfelne ege an forlætan,
woruldearfoa, ne most u wesan for æm
- 30
- ealles to ormod, ne u e æfre ne læt
wlenca gewæcan, þe læs þu weore for him
mid ofermettum eft gescended,
and to up ahafen for orsorgum
woruldgesælum, ne eft to waclice
- 35
- geortreowe æniges godes,
þonne þe for worulde wierwearda mæs
þinga þreage and þu e selfum
swiost onsitte. Foræm simle bi
se modsefa miclum gebunden
- 40
- mid gedrefnesse, gif hine dreccean mot
þissa yfla hwæer, innan swencan.
Foræm þa twegen tregan teo tosomne
wi þæt mod foran mistes dwoleman,
þæt hit seo ece ne mot innan geondscinan
- 45
- sunne for æm sweartum mistum, æræm hi geswirad weoren.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- a se wisdom eft wordhord onleac,
sang socwidas, and þus selfa cwæ:
onne sio sunne sweotolost scine,
hadrost of hefone, hræe bio aistrod
- 5
- ealle ofir eoran ore steorran,
foræm hiora birhtu ne bi auht
to gesettane wi þære sunnan leoht.
onne smolte blæw suan and westan
wind under wolcnum. þonne weaxe hrae
- 10
- feldes blostman, fægen þæt hi moton.
Ac se stearca storm, þonne he strong cym
noran and eastan, he genime hrae
þære rosan wlite, and eac þa ruman sæ
norerne yst nede gebæde,
- 15
- þæt hio strange geondstyred on stau beate.
Eala, þæt on eoran auht fæstlices
weorces on worulde ne wuna æfre!
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- a ongon se wisdom his gewunan fylgan,
gliowordum gol, gyd æfter spelle,
song socwida sumne þa geta,
cwæ þæt he ne herde þæt on heane munt
- 5
- monna ænig meahte asettan
healle hroffæste. Ne þearf eac hælea nan
wenan þæs weorces, þæt he wisdom mæge
wi ofermetta æfre gemengan.
Herdes þu æfre þætte ænig mon
- 10
- on sondbeorgas settan meahte
fæste healle? Ne mæg eac fira nan
wisdom timbran þær ær woruldgitsung
beorg oferbræde. Baru sond willa
ren forswelgan; swa de ricra nu
- 15
- grundleas gitsung gilpes and æhta,
gedrince to dryggum dreosendne welan,
and þeah þæs þearfan ne bi þurst aceled.
Ne mæg hæleþa gehwæm hus on munte
lange gelæstan, foræm him lungre on
- 20
- swift wind swape. Ne bi sond þon ma
wi micelne ren manna ængum
huses hirde, ac hit hreosan wile,
sigan sond æfter rene. Swa bio anra gehwæs
monna modsefan miclum awegede,
- 25
- of hiora stede styrede, þonne hi strong
drece
wind under wolcnum woruldearfoa,
oþþe hi eft se rea ren onhrere
sumes ymbhogan, ungemet gemen.
Ac se e þa ecan agan wille
- 30
- soan gesæla, he sceal swie flion
isse worulde wlite, wyrce him sian
his modes hus, þær he mæge findan
eametta stan unigmet fæstne,
grundweal gearone; se toglidan ne þearf,
- 35
- þeah hit wecge wind woruldearfoa
oe ymbhogena ormete ren,
forþæm on þære dene drihten selfa
þara eadmetta eardfæst wuniga,
þær se wisdom a wuna on gemyndum.
- 40
- Foron orsorg lif ealnig læda
woruldmen wise buton wendinge.
þonne he eall forsih eorlicu good,
and eac þara yfela orsorh wuna,
hopa to þæm ecum þe þær æfter cuma,
- 45
- hine þonne æghwonan ælmihtig good
singallice simle gehealde
anwunigendne his agenum
modes gesælum þurh metodes gife,
þeah hine se wind woruldearfoa
- 50
- swie swence, and hine singale
gemen gæle, þonne him grimme on
woruldsæla wind wrae blawe,
þeah þe hine ealneg se ymbhoga
yssa woruldsæla wrae drecce.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Sona swa se wisdom þas word hæfde
swetole areahte, he þa sian ongan
singan socwidas, and þus selfa cwæ:
Hwæt, sio forme eld foldbuendum
- 5
- geond eoran sceat æghwam dohte,
þa þa anra gehwæm on eorwæstmum
genoh uhte. Nis hit nu a swelc!
Næron þa geond weorulde welige hamas,
ne mislice mettas ne drincas,
- 10
- ne hi þara hrægla huru ne gemdon
þe nu drihtguman diorost læta.
Foræm hiora nænig næs þa gieta,
ne hi ne gesawon sundbuende,
ne ymbutan hi awer ne herdon.
- 15
- Hwæt, hi firenlusta frece ne wæron,
buton swa hi meahton gemetlicost
a gecynd began þe him Crist gesceop,
and hi æne on dæge æton symle
on æfentid eoran wæstmas,
- 20
- wudes and wyrta, nalles win druncon
scir of steape. Næs þa scealca nan
þe mete oe drinc mængan cue,
wæter wi hunige, ne heora wæda þon ma
sioloce siowian, ne hi siarocræftum
- 25
- godweb giredon, ne hi gimreced
setton searolice, ac hi simle him
eallum tidum ute slepon
under beamsceade, druncon burnan wæter,
calde wyllan. Nænig cepa ne seah
- 30
- ofer eargeblond ellendne wearod,
ne huru ymbe sciphergas scealcas ne herdon,
ne furum fira nan ymb gefeoht sprecan.
Næs eos eore besmiten awer þa geta
beornes blode þe hine bill rude,
- 35
- ne furum wundne wer weoruldbuende
gesawan under sunnan. Nænig sian wæs
weor on weorulde, gif mon his willan ongeat
yfelne mid eldum; he wæs æghwæm la.
Eala, þær hit wurde oe wolde god
- 40
- þæt on eoran nu ussa tida
geond þas widan weoruld wæren æghwæs
swelce under sunnan. Ac hit is sæmre nu,
þæt eos gitsunc hafa gumena gehwelces
mod amerred, þæt he maran ne rec,
- 45
- ac hit on witte weallende byrn.
Efne sio gitsung þe nænne grund hafa
swearte swæfe sumes onlice
efne þam munte þe nu monna bearn
Etne hata. Se on iglonde
- 50
- Sicilia swefle byrne,
þæt mon helle fyr hate wide,
forþæm hit symle bi sinbyrnende,
and ymbutan hit ora stowa
blate forbærn biteran lege.
- 55
- Eala, hwæt se forma feohgitsere
wære on worulde, se þas wongstedas
grof æfter golde and æfter gimcynnum.
Hwæt, he frecnu gestreon funde mænegum
bewrigen on weorulde, wætere oe eoran.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwæt, we ealle witon hwelce ærleste
ge neah ge feor Neron worhte,
Romwara cyning, þa his rice wæs
hehst under heofonum, to hryre monegum.
- 5
- Wælhreowes gewed wæs ful wide cu,
unrihthæmed, arleasta fela,
man and moror, misdæda worn,
unrihtwises inwidþoncas.
He het him to gamene geara forbærnan
- 10
- Romana burig, sio his rices wæs
ealles eelstol. He for unsnyttrum
wolde fandian gif þæt fyr meahte
lixan swa leohte and swa longe eac,
read rasettan, swa he Romane
- 15
- secgan geherde þæt on sume tide
Troia burg ofertogen hæfde
lega leohtost, lengest burne
hama under hefonum. Næs þæt herlic dæd,
þæt hine swelces gamenes gilpan lyste,
- 20
- þa he ne earnade elles wuhte,
buton þæt he wolde ofer weriode
his anes huru anwald cyan.
Eac hit gesælde æt sumum cierre
æt se ilca het ealle acwellan
- 25
- þa ricostan Romana witan
and þa æþelestan eorlgebyrdum
þe he on þæm folce gefrigen hæfde,
and on uppan agene broor
and his modor mid meca ecgum,
- 30
- billum ofbeatan. He his bryde ofslog
self mid sweorde, and he symle wæs
micle þe blira on breostcofan
þonne he swylces morres mæst gefremede.
Nalles sorgode hwæer sian a
- 35
- mihtig drihten ametan wolde
wrece be gewyrhtum wohfremmendum,
ac he on fere fægn facnes and searuwa
wælriow wunode. Wiold emne swa þeah
ealles þisses mæran middangeardes,
- 40
- swa swa lyft and lagu land ymbclyppa,
garsecg embegyrt gumena rice,
secgea sitlu, su, east and west,
o a normestan næssan on eoran;
eall þæt Nerone nede oe lustum,
- 45
- heaorinca gehwilc, heran sceolde.
He hæfde him to gamene, þonne he on gylp astag,
hu he eorcyningas yrmde and cwelmde.
Wenst u þæt se anwald eae ne meahte
godes ælmihtiges þone gelpscaan
- 50
- rice berædan and bereafian
his anwaldes urh þa ecan meaht,
oe him his yfeles elles gestioran?
Eala, gif he wolde, æt he wel meahte,
þæt unriht him eae forbiodan!
- 55
- Eawla, þæt se hlaford hefig gioc slepte
sware on þa swyran sinra egena,
ealra ara hælea þe on his tidum
geond þas lænan worold liban sceoldon.
He on unscyldgum eorla blode
- 60
- his sweord selede swie gelome;
ær wæs swie sweotol, þæt we sædon oft,
þæt se anwald ne de awiht godes
gif se wel nele þe his geweald hafa.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Gif nu hælea hwone hlisan lyste,
unnytne gelp agan wille,
þonne ic hine wolde wordum biddan
þæt he hine æghwonon utan ymbeþohte,
- 5
- sweotole ymbsawe, su, east and west,
hu widgil sint wolcnum ymbutan
heofones hwealfe. Higesnotrum mæg
eae incan þæt þeos eore sie
eall for æt oer unigmet lytel;
- 10
- þeah hio unwisum widgel þince,
on stede stronglic steorleasum men,
þeah mæg þone wisan on gewitlocan
þære gitsunge gelpes scamian,
onne hine þæs hlisan heardost lyste,
- 15
- and he þeah ne mæg þone tobredan
ofer as nearowan nænige inga
eoran sceatas; is æt unnet gelp!
Eala, ofermodan, hwi eow a lyste
mid eowrum swiran selfra willum
- 20
- þæt swære gioc symle underlutan?
Hwy ge ymb æt unnet ealnig swincen,
þæt ge þone hlisan habban tilia
ofer ioda ma þonne eow þearf sie?
þeah eow nu gesæle þæt eow su oe nor
- 25
- þa ytmestan eorbuende
on monig iodisc miclum herien,
eah hwa æele sie eorlgebyrdum,
welum geweorad, and on wlencum io,
duguum diore, dea þæs ne scrife,
- 30
- þonne him rum forlæt rodora waldend,
ac he þone welegan wædlum gelice
efnmærne gede ælces þinges.
Hwær sint nu þæs wisan Welandes ban,
þæs goldsmies, þe wæs geo mærost?
- 35
- Forþy ic cwæ þæs wisan Welandes ban,
fory ængum ne mæg eorbuendra
se cræft losian þe him Crist onlæn.
Ne mæg mon æfre þy e ænne wræccan
his cræftes beniman, þe mon oncerran mæg
- 40
- sunnan onswifan, and isne swiftan rodor
of his rihtryne rinca ænig.
Hwa wat nu þæs wisan Welandes ban,
on hwelcum hi hlæwa hrusan þeccen?
Hwær is nu se rica Romana wita,
- 45
- and se aroda, þe we ymb spreca,
hiora heretoga, se gehaten wæs
mid þæm burgwarum Brutus nemned?
Hwær is eac se wisa and se weorgeorna
and se fæstræda folces hyrde,
- 50
- se wæs uwita ælces inges,
cene and cræftig, æm wæs Caton nama?
Hi wæron gefyrn forgewitene;
nat nænig mon hwær hi nu sindon.
Hwæt is hiora here buton se hlisa an?
- 55
- Se is eac to lytel swelcra lariowa,
foræm þa magorincas maran wyre
wæron on worulde. Ac hit is wyrse nu,
þæt geond þas eoran æghwær sindon
hiora gelican hwon ymbspræce,
- 60
- sume openlice ealle forgitene,
þæt hi se hlisa hiwcue ne mæg
foremære weras for gebrengan.
þeah ge nu wenen and wilnigen
þæt ge lange tid libban moten,
- 65
- hwæt iow æfre þy bet bio oe þince?
Foræm þe nane forlet, þeah hit lang ince,
dea æfter dogorrime, þonne he hæf drihtnes leafe.
Hwæt þonne hæbbe hæleþa ænig,
guma æt þæm gilpe, gif hine gegripan mot
- 70
- se eca dea æfter þissum worulde?
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- An sceppend is butan ælcum tweon.
Se is eac wealdend woruldgesceafta,
heofones and eoran and heare sæ
and ealra þara þe ær in wunia,
- 5
- ungesæwenlicra, and eac swa same
ara e we eagum on locia,
ealra gesceafta. Se is ælmihtig,
þæm olecca ealle gesceafte
þe þæs ambehtes awuht cunnon,
- 10
- ge eac swa same þa æs auht nyton
þæt hi þæs eodnes þeowas sindon.
Se us gesette sido and þeawas,
eallum gesceaftum unawendende,
singallice sibbe gecynde,
- 15
- þa þa he wolde, þæt þæt he wolde,
swa lange swa he wolde þæt hit wesan sceolde.
Swa hit eac to worulde sceal wunian for,
forþæm æfre ne magon þa unstillan
woruldgesceafta weoran gestilde,
- 20
- of æm ryne onwend e him rodera weard
endebyrdes eallum gesette.
Hæf se alwealda ealle gesceafta
gebæt mid his bridle, hafa butu gedon,
ealle gemanode and eac getogen,
- 25
- þæt hi ne moten ofer metodes est
æfre gestillan, ne eft eallunga
swior stirian, þonne him sigora weard
his gewealdleer wille onlæten.
He hafa þe bridle butu befangen
- 30
- heofon and eoran and eall holma begong.
Swa hæf geheaærod hefonrices weard
mid his anwealde ealle gesceafta,
þæt hiora æghwilc wi oer win,
and þeah winnende wreia fæste,
- 35
- æghwilc oer utan ymbclyppe,
þy læs hi toswifen. Foræm hi symle sculon
one ilcan ryne eft gecyrran
þe æt fryme fæder getiode,
and swa edniwe eft gewioran.
- 40
- Swa hit nu faga, frean ealdgeweorc,
þætte winnende wierweard gesceaft
fæste sibbe for anhealda.
Swa nu fyr and wæter, folde and lagustream,
manigu oru gesceaft efnswie him
- 45
- giond þas widan worulde winna betweox him,
and swa þeah magon hiora þegnunga
and geferscipe fæste gehealdan.
Nis hit no þæt an þæt swa eae mæg
wierweard gesceaft wesan ætgædere
- 50
- symbel geferan, ac hit is sellicre
þæt hiora ænig ne mæg butan oþrum bion.
Ac sceal wuhta gehwilc wierweardes hwæthwugu
habban under heofonum, þæt his hige durre
gemetgian, ær hit to micel weore.
- 55
- Hæf se ælmihtiga eallum gesceaftum
æt gewrixle geset þe nu wunian sceal,
wyrta growan, leaf grenian,
þæt on hærfest eft hrest and wealuwa.
Winter bringe weder ungemet cald,
- 60
- swifte windas. Sumor æfter cyme,
wearm gewideru. Hwæt, þa wonnan niht
mona onlihte, oæt monnum dæg
sunne bringe giond þas sidan gesceaft.
Hæf se ilca god eoran and wætere
- 65
- mearce gesette. Merestream ne dear
ofer eoran sceat eard gebrædan
fisca cynne butan frean leafe,
ne hio æfre ne mot eoran þyrscwold
up ofersteppan, ne a ebban þon ma
- 70
- foldes mearce oferfaran moton.
þa gesetnessa sigora wealdend,
lifes leohtfruma, læt þenden he wile
geond þas mæran gesceaft mearce healden.
Ac þonne se eca and se ælmihtiga
- 75
- þa gewealdleeru wile onlætan
efne þara bridla þe he gebætte mid
his agen weorc eall æt fryme,
(þæt is wierweardnes wuhte gehwelcre
þe we mid þæm bridle becnan tilia);
- 80
- gif se ioden læt þa toslupan,
sona hi forlæta lufan and sibbe,
æs geferscipes freondrædenne;
tilaþ anra gehwilc agnes willan,
woruldgesceafta winna betweox him,
- 85
- oæt ios eore eall forweore,
and eac swa same ora gesceafta
weora him selfe sian to nauhte.
Ac se ilca god, se þæt eall metga,
se gefeh fela folca tosomne,
- 90
- and mid freondscipe fæste gegadra,
gesamna sinscipas, sibbe gemenge,
clænlice lufe. Swa se cræftga eac
geferscipas fæste gesamna,
þæt hi hiora freondscipe for on symbel
- 95
- untweofealde treowa gehealda,
sibbe samrade. Eala, sigora god,
wære þis moncyn miclum gesælig,
gif hiora modsefa meahte weoran
staolfæst gereaht þurh þa strongan meaht,
- 100
- and geendebyrd, swa swa ora sint
woruldgesceafta. Wære hit, la, þonne
murge mid monnum, gif hit meahte swa.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Se þe wille wyrcan wæstmbære lond,
atio of æm æcere ærest sona
fearn and þornas and fyrsas swa same,
wiod þa þe willa welhwær derian
- 5
- clænum hwæte, þy læs he cia leas
licge on æm lande. Is leoda gehwæm
ios oru bysen efnbehefu,
þæt is, þætte ynce þegna gehwelcum
huniges bibread healfe þy swetre,
- 10
- gif he hwene ær huniges teare
bitres onbyrge. Bi eac swa same
monna æghwilc micle þy fægenra
lies weres, gif hine lytle ær
stormas gestonda and se stearca wind
- 15
- noran and eastan. Nænegum þuhte
dæg on þonce, gif sio dimme niht
ær ofer eldum egesan ne brohte.
Swa þinc anra gehwæm eorbuendra
sio soe gesæl symle e betere
- 20
- and þy wynsumre, þe he wita ma,
heardra hena, her adreoge.
þu meaht eac mycle þy e on modsefan
soa gesæla sweotolor gecnawan,
and to heora cye becuman sian,
- 25
- gif þu up atyhs ærest sona
and u awyrtwalast of gewitlocan
leasa gesæla, swa swa londes ceorl
of his æcere lyc yfel weod monig.
Sian ic e secge þæt þu sweotole meaht
- 30
- soa gesæla sona oncnawan,
and þu æfre ne recst æniges inges
ofer þa ane, gif þu hi ealles ongitst.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic wille mid giddum get gecyan
hu se ælmihtga ealla gesceafta
bryr mid his bridlum, beg ider he wile
mid his anwalde, ge endebyrd
- 5
- wundorlice wel gemetga.
Hafa swa geheaorad heofona wealdend,
utan befangen ealla gesceafta,
geræped mid his racentan, þæt hi aredian ne magon
þæt hi hi æfre him of aslepen;
- 10
- and þeah wuhta gehwilc wriga toheald
sidra gesceafta, swie onhelded
wi þæs gecyndes þe him cyning engla,
fæder æt fryme, fæste getiode.
Swa nu þinga gehwilc iderweard funda
- 15
- sidra gesceafta, buton sumum englum
and moncynne, þara micles to feola
woroldwuniendra win wi gecynde.
þeah nu on londe leon gemete,
wynsume wiht wel atemede,
- 20
- hire magister miclum lufige,
and eac ondræde dogora gehwelce,
gif hit æfre gesæl þæt hio æniges
blodes onbyrge, ne earf beorna nan
wenan þære wyrde þæt hio wel sian
- 25
- hire taman healde, ac ic tiohhie
þæt hio æs niwan taman nauht ne gehicgge,
ac one wildan gewunan wille geþencan
hire eldrena; ongin eorneste
racentan slitan, ryn, grymetigan,
- 30
- and ærest abit hire agenes
huses hirde, and hrae sian
hælea gehwilcne þe hio gehentan mæg.
Nele hio forlætan libbendes wuht,
neata ne monna, nim eall þæt hio fint.
- 35
- Swa do wudufuglas; þeah hi wel sien,
tela atemede, gif hi on treowum weora
holte tomiddes, hræe bio forsewene
heora lareowas, þe hi lange ær
tydon and temedon. Hi on treowum wilde
- 40
- ealdgecynde a for sian
willum wunia, þeah him wolde hwilc
heora lareowa listum beodan
þone ilcan mete þe he hi æror mid
tame getede. Him þa twigu þinca
- 45
- emne swa merge þæt hi þæs metes ne rec,
inc him to on wynsum þæt him se weald oncwy;
þonne hi gehera hleorum brægdan
ore fugelas, hi heora agne
stefne styria; stuna eal geador
- 50
- welwynsum sanc, wudu eallum oncwy.
Swa bi eallum treowum þe him on æele bi
þæt hit on holte hyhst geweaxe;
þeah u hwilcne boh byge wi eoran,
he bi upweardes, swa u an forlætst
- 55
- widu on willan, went on gecynde.
Swa de eac sio sunne, þonne hio on sige weore,
ofer midne dæg, merecondel scyf
on ofdæle, uncune weg
nihtes genee, nor eft and east;
- 60
- eldum otewe, brenc eorwarum
morgen meretorhtne. Hio ofer moncyn stih
a upweardes, o hio eft cyme
þær hire yfemes bi eard gecynde.
Swa swa ælc gesceaft ealle mægene
- 65
- geond as widan woruld wriga and higa,
ealle mægene eft symle onlyt,
wi his gecyndes cym to, onne hit mæg.
Nis nu ofer eoran ænegu gesceaft
þe ne wilnie þæt hio wolde cuman
- 70
- to þam earde þe hio of becom;
þæt is orsorgnes and ecu rest,
þæt is openlice ælmihti god.
Nis nu ofer eoran ænegu gesceaft
þe ne hwearfige, swa swa hweol de,
- 75
- on hire selfre. Foron hio swa hwearfa,
þæt hio eft cume þær hio æror wæs;
þonne hio ærest sie utan behwerfed,
þonne hio ealles wyr utan becerred,
hio sceal eft don þæt hio ær dyde,
- 80
- and eac wesan þæt hio æror wæs.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwæt bi æm welegan woruldgitsere
on his mode e bet, þeah he micel age
goldes and gimma and gooda gehwæs,
æhta unrim, and him mon erigen scyle
- 5
- æghwelce dæg æcera usend,
eah es middangeard and þis manna cyn
sy under sunnan su, west and east
his anwalde eall underieded?
Ne mot he þara hyrsta hionane lædan
- 10
- of isse worulde wuhte þon mare,
hordgestreona, onne he hier brohte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- eah hine nu se yfela unrihtwisa
Neron cynincg niwan gescerpte
wlitegum wædum wundorlice,
golde geglengde and gimcynnum,
- 5
- þeah he wæs on worulde witena gehwelcum
on his lifdagum la and unweor,
fierenfull. Hwæt, se feond swa eah
his diorlingas duguum stepte.
Ne mæg ic þeah gehycgan hwy him on hige þorfte
- 10
- a y sæl wesan; þeah hi sume hwile
gecure butan cræftum cyninga dysegast,
næron hy y weorran witena ænegum.
eah hine se dysega do to cyninge,
hu mæg þæt gesceadwis scealc gereccan
- 15
- þæt he him y selra sie oe þince?
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Se þe wille anwald agon, onne sceal he ærest tilian
þæt he his selfes on sefan age
anwald innan, þy læs he æfre sie
his unþeawum eall underyded,
- 5
- ado of his mode mislicra fela
þara ymbhogona þe him unnet sie,
læte sume hwile siofunga ana
erma sinra. þeah him eall sie
þes middangeard, swa swa merestreamas
- 10
- utan belicga, on æht gifen,
efne swa wide swa swa westmest nu
an iglond lig ut on garsecg,
þær nængu bi niht on sumera
ne wuhte þon ma on wintra dæg
- 15
- toteled tidum, þæt is Tile haten;
þeah nu anra hwa ealles wealde
þæs iglandes, and eac þonan
o Indeas eastewearde;
þeah he nu þæt eall agan mote,
- 20
- hwy bi his anwald auhte y mara,
gif he sian nah his selfes geweald
ingeances, and hine eorneste
wel ne bewarena wordum and dædum
wi a unþeawas þe we ymb spreca?
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwæt, eorwaran ealle hæfden,
foldbuende, fruman gelicne;
hi of anum twæm ealle comon,
were and wife, on woruld innan,
- 5
- and hi eac nu get ealle gelice
on woruld cuma, wlance and heane.
Nis þæt nan wundor, foræm witan ealle
þæt an god is ealra gesceafta,
frea moncynnes, fæder and scippend.
- 10
- Se ære sunnan leoht sele of heofonum,
monan and þyssum mærum steorrum.
Se milda metod gesceop men
on eoran,
and gesamnade sawle to lice
æt fruman ærest, folc under wolcnum
- 15
- emnæele gesceop æghwilcne mon.
Hwy ge þonne æfre ofer ore men
ofermodigen buton andweorce,
nu ge unæelne nænigne meta?
Hwy ge eow for æþelum up ahebben,
- 20
- nu on þæm mode bi monna gehwilcum
þa rihtæþelo þe ic e recce ymb,
nales on æm flæsce foldbuendra?
Ac nu æghwilc mon þe mid ealle bi
his unþeawum underieded,
- 25
- he forlæt ærest lifes frumsceaft
and his agene æþelo swa selfe,
and eac þone fæder þe hine æt fruman gesceop.
Foræm hine anæþela ælmihtig god,
þæt he unæþele a for þanan
- 30
- wyr on weorulde, to wuldre ne cym.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Eala æt se yfla unrihta gede
wraa willa wohhæmetes,
þæt he mid ealle gedræf anra gehwylces
monna cynnes mod fulneah on.
- 5
- Hwæt, sio wilde beo, þeah wis sie,
anunga sceal eall forweoran
gif hio yrringa awuht stinge.
Swa sceal sawla gehwilc sian losian,
gif se lichoma forlegen weore
- 10
- unrihthæmede, bute him ær cume
hreow to heortan, ær he hionan wende.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Eala, þæt is hefig dysig, hyge ymbe se e wile,
and frecenlic fira gehwilcum
þæt a earman men mid ealle gedwæle,
of æm rihtan wege recene alæded.
- 5
- Hwæer ge willen on wuda secan
gold æt reade on grenum triowum?
Ic wat swa eah þæt hit witena nan
þider ne sece, foræm hit þær ne wex,
ne on wingeardum wlitige gimmas.
- 10
- Hwy ge nu ne settan on sume dune
fiscnet eowru, þonne eow fon lyste
leax oe cyperan? Me gelicost inc
þætte ealle witen eorbuende
þoncolmode æt hi þær ne sint.
- 15
- Hwæþer ge nu willen wæþan mid hundum
on sealtne sæ, þonne eow secan lyst
heorotas and hinda? þu gehicgan meaht
þæt ge willa a on wuda secan
oftor micle þonne ut on sæ.
- 20
- Is æt wundorlic, þæt we witan ealle,
þæt mon secan sceal be sæwaroe
and be eaofrum æþele gimmas,
hwite and reade and hiwa gehwæs.
Hwæt, hi eac witon hwær hi eafiscas
- 25
- secan þurfan, and swylcra fela
weoruldwelena; hi þæt wel do,
geornfulle men, geara gehwilce.
Ac æt is earmlicost ealra þinga
þæt þa dysegan sint on gedwolan wordene,
- 30
- efne swa blinde þæt hi on breostum ne magon
eae gecnawan hwær þa ecan good,
soa gesæla, sindon gehydda.
Forþæm hi æfre ne lyst æfter spyrian,
secan þa gesæla. Wena samwise
- 35
- þæt hi on is lænan mægen life findan
soa gesæla, þæt is selfa god.
Ic nat hu ic mæge nænige inga
ealles swa swie on sefan minum
hiora dysig tælan swa hit me don lyste,
- 40
- ne ic þe swa sweotole gesecgan ne mæg,
foræm hi sint earmran and eac dysegran,
ungesæligran, þonne ic þe secgan mæge.
Hi wilnia welan and æhta
and weorscipes to gewinnanne;
- 45
- þonne hi habba þæt hiora hige sece,
wena þonne swa gewitlease
æt hi þa soan gesæla hæbben.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Eala, min drihten, þæt þu eart ælmihtig,
micel, modilic, mærþum gefræge,
and wundorlic witena gehwylcum.
Hwæt, u, ece god, ealra gesceafta
- 5
- wundorlice wel gesceope,
ungesewenlica, and eac swa same
gesewenlicra softe wealdest
scirra gesceafta mid gesceadwisum
mægne and cræfte. þu þysne middangeard
- 10
- from fruman ærest for o ende
tidum totældes, swa hit getæsost wæs,
endebyrdes, þæt hi æghwæer
ge ær fara ge eft cuma.
þu þe unstilla agna gesceafta
- 15
- to inum willan wislice astyrest,
and þe self wunæst swie stille
unanwendendlic a for simle.
Nis nan mihtigra ne nan mærra
ne geond ealle þa gesceaft efnlica þin,
- 20
- ne þe ænig nedþearf næs æfre giet
ealra þara weorca þe þu geworht hafast;
ac mid þinum willan þu hit worhtes eall,
and mid anwalde þinum agenum
weorulde geworhtest and wuhta gehwæt,
- 25
- þeah e nænegu nedearf wære
eallra þara mærþa. Is æt micel gecynd
þines goodes, þenc ymb se e wile,
foron hit is eall an ælces þincges,
þu and þæt in good. Hit is þin agen,
- 30
- foræm hit his utan ne com auht to e,
ac ic georne wat þæt in goodnes is,
ælmihtig good, eall mid e selfum.
Hit is ungelic urum gecynde;
us is utan cymen eall þa we habba
- 35
- gooda on grundum from gode selfum.
Næfst þu to ænegum andan genumenne,
foram þe nan þing nis þin gelica,
ne huru ænig ælcræftigre,
foræm þu ealgood anes geþeahte
- 40
- þines geþohtest, and hi þa worhtest.
Næs æror e ænegu gesceaft
þe auht oe nauht auer worhte,
ac u butan bysne, brego moncynnes,
ælmihtig god, eall geworhtest
- 45
- þing þearle good; eart þe selfa
þæt hehste good. Hwæt, u, halig fæder,
æfter þinum willan woruld gesceope,
isne middangeard, meahtum þinum,
weorada drihten, swa þu woldest self,
- 50
- and mid inum willan wealdest ealles;
foræm þu, soa god, selfa dælest
gooda æghwilc. Foræm þu geara ær
ealla gesceafta ærest gesceope
swie gelice, sumes hwære þeah
- 55
- ungelice, nemdest eall swa eah
mid ane noman ealle togædre
woruld under wolcnum. Hwæt, þu, wuldres god,
þone anne naman eft todældes,
fæder, on feower; wæs þara folde an
- 60
- and wæter oer worulde dæles,
and fyr is þridde and feowere lyft;
þæt is eall weoruld eft togædere.
Habba þeah þa feower frumstol hiora,
æghwilc hiora agenne stede,
- 65
- þeah anra hwilc wi oer sie
miclum gemenged, and mid mægne eac
fæder ælmihtiges fæste gebunden
gesiblice softe togædre
mid bebode þine, bilewit fæder,
- 70
- þætte heora ænig ores ne dorste
mearce ofergangan for metodes ege;
ac geþweorod sint egnas togædre,
cyninges cempan, cele wi hæto,
wæt wi drygum, winna hwære.
- 75
- Wæter and eore wæstmas brenga;
þa sint on gecynde cealda ba twa,
wæter wæt and ceald. Wangas ymbelicga,
eore ælgreno, eac hwære ceald.
Lyft is gemenged, forþæm hio on middum wuna;
- 80
- nis þæt nan wundor þæt hio sie wearm and ceald,
wæt wolcnes tier, winde geblonden,
foræm hio is on midle, mine gefræge,
fyres and eoran. Fela monna wat
þætte yfemest is eallra gesceafta
- 85
- fyr ofer eoran, folde neoemest.
Is þæt wundorlic, weroda drihten,
þæt u mid geþeahte þinum wyrcest
þæt u þæm gesceaftum swa gesceadlice
mearce gesettest, and hi gemengdest eac.
- 90
- Hwæt, u þæm wættere wætum and cealdum
foldan to flore fæste gesettest,
foræm hit unstille æghwider wolde
wide toscrian wac and hnesce.
Ne meahte hit on him selfum, so ic geare wat,
- 95
- æfre gestandan, ac hit sio eore hylt
and swelge eac be sumum dæle,
þæt hio siþan mæg for æm sype weoran
geleht lyftum. Foræm leaf and gærs
bræd geond Bretene, blowe and growe
- 100
- eldum to are. Eore sio cealde
breng wæstma fela wundorlicra,
foræm hio mid þæm wætere weora geþawened.
Gif þæt nære, þonne hio wære
fordrugod to duste and todrifen sian
- 105
- wide mid winde, swa nu weora oft
axe giond eoran eall toblawen.
Ne meahte on ære eoran awuht libban,
ne wuhte þon ma wætres brucan,
on eardian ænige cræfte
- 110
- for cele anum, gif þu, cyning engla,
wi fyre hwæthwugu foldan and lagustream
ne mengdest togædre, and gemetgodest
cele and hæto cræfte þine,
þæt þæt fyr ne mæg foldan and merestream
- 115
- blate forbærnan, þeah hit wi ba twa sie
fæste gefeged, fæder ealdgeweorc.
Ne þinc me þæt wundur wuhte þe læsse
þæt ios eore mæg and egorstream,
swa ceald gesceaft, cræfta nane
- 120
- ealles adwæscan þæt þæt him on innan stica
fyres gefeged mid frean cræfte.
þæt is agen cræft eagorstreames,
wætres and eorþan, and on wolcnum eac,
and efne swa same uppe ofer rodere.
- 125
- þonne is þæs fyres frumstol on riht,
eard ofer eallum orum gesceaftum
gesewenlicum geond þisne sidan grund;
þeah hit wi ealla sie eft gemenged
weoruldgesceafta, þeah waldan ne mot
- 130
- þæt hit ænige eallunga fordo
butan þæs leafe þe us þis lif tiode,
þæt is se eca and se ælmihtga.
Eore is hefigre orum gesceaftum,
þicre geþuren, foræm hio þrage stod
- 135
- ealra gesceafta under niemæst,
buton þæm rodere, þe þas ruman gesceaft
æghwylce dæge utan ymbhwyrfe,
and þeah þære eoran æfre ne orine,
ne hire on nanre ne mot near þonne on ore
- 140
- stowe gestæppan; strice ymbutan
ufane and neoane, efenneah gehwæer.
æghwilc gesceaft þe we ymb spreca
hæf his agenne eard onsundran,
bi þeah wi þæm orum eac gemenged.
- 145
- Ne mæg hira ænig butan orum bion.
þeah hi unsweotole somod eardien,
swa nu eore and wæter earfotæcne
unwisra gehwæm wunia on fyre,
þeah hi sindan sweotole þæm wisum.
- 150
- Is þæt fyr swa same fæst on þæm wætre
and on stanum eac stille geheded
earfohawe, is hwære þær.
Hafa fæder engla fyr gebunden
efne to þon fæste þæt hit fiolan ne mæg
- 155
- eft æt his ele, þær þæt oer fyr
up ofer eall þis eardfæst wuna.
Sona hit forlæte þas lænan gesceaft,
mid cele ofercumen, gif hit on cye gewit,
and þeah wuhta gehwilc wilna þiderweard
- 160
- þær his mæge bi mæst ætgædre.
þu gestaoladest þurh þa strongan meaht,
weroda wuldorcyning, wundorlice
eoran swa fæste þæt hio on ænige
healfe ne helde; ne mæg hio hider ne þider
- 165
- sigan þe swior þe hio symle dyde.
Hwæt, hi þeah eorlices auht ne halde,
is þeah efnee up and of dune
to feallanne foldan isse,
þæm anlicost þe on æge bi,
- 170
- gioleca on middan, glide hwære
æg ymbutan. Swa stent eall weoruld
stille on tille, streamas ymbutan,
lagufloda gelac, lyfte and tungla,
and sio scire scell scrie ymbutan
- 175
- dogora gehwilce; dyde lange swa.
Hwæt, þu, ioda god, riefalde on us
sawle gesettest, and hi sian eac
styrest and stihtest þurh a strongan meaht,
þæt hire þy læsse on æm lytlan ne bi
- 180
- anum fingre þe hire on eallum bi
þæm lichoman. Foræm ic lytle ær
sweotole sæde þæt sio sawl wære
þriefald gesceaft þegna gehwilces,
foræm uwitan ealle segga
- 185
- ætte an gecynd ælcre saule
irsung sie, oer wilnung;
is sio ridde gecynd þæm twæm betere,
sio gesceadwisnes. Nis æt scandlic cræft,
foræm hit nænig hafa neat buton monnum.
- 190
- Hæf þa ora twa unrim wuhta;
hæf þa wilnunga welhwilc neten
and þa yrsunga eac swa selfe.
Fory men habbæ geond middangeard
eorgesceafta ealla oferþungen,
- 195
- foræm e hi habba, þæs e hi nabba,
þone ænne cræft þe we ær nemdon.
Sio gesceadwisnes sceal on gehwelcum
þære wilnunge waldan semle,
and irsunge eac swa selfe;
- 200
- hio sceal mid geþeahte þegnes mode,
mid andgite, ealles waldan.
Hio is þæt mæste mægen monnes saule
and se selesta sundorcræfta.
Hwæt, þu a saule, sigora waldend,
- 205
- þeoda þrymcyning, þus gesceope,
þæt hio hwearfode on hire selfre
hire utan ymb, swa swa eal de
rineswifte rodor, recene ymbscrie
dogora gehwilce drihtnes meahtum
- 210
- þisne middangeard. Swa de monnes saul,
hweole gelicost, hwærfe ymbe hy selfe,
oft smeagende ymb as eorlican
drihtnes gesceafta dagum and nihtum.
Hwilum ymb hi selfe secende smea,
- 215
- hwilum eft smea ymb þone ecan god,
sceppend hire. Scriende fær,
hweole gelicost, hwærf ymb hi selfe.
þonne hio ymb hire scyppend mid gescead smea,
hio bi up ahæfen ofer hi selfe,
- 220
- ac hio bi eallunga an hire selfre,
þonne hio ymb hi selfe secende smea;
hio bi swie fior hire selfre beneoan,
þonne hio þæs lænan lufa and wundra
eorlicu þing ofer ecne ræd.
- 225
- Hwæt, þu, ece god, eard forgeafe
saulum on heofonum, selest weorlica
ginfæsta gifa, god ælmihtig,
be geearnunga anra gehwelcre.
Ealle hi scina urh þa sciran neaht
- 230
- hadre on heofonum, na hwære þeah
ealle efenbeorhte. Hwæt, we oft gesio
hadrum nihtum þætte heofonsteorran
ealle efenbeorhte æfre ne scina.
Hwæt, þu, ece god, eac gemengest
- 235
- þa heofoncundan hider wi eoran,
saula wi lice; sian wunia
þis eorlice and þæt ece samod,
saul in flæsce. Hwæt, hi simle to e
hionan fundia; foræm hi hider of e
- 240
- æror comon, sculon eft to e.
Sceal se lichama last weardigan
eft on eoran, foræm he ær of hire
weox on weorulde. Wunedon ætsomne
efen swa lange swa him lyfed wæs
- 245
- from þæm ælmihtigan, þe hi æror gio
gesomnade, þæt is so cining.
Se þas foldan gesceop and hi gefylde þa
swie mislicum, mine gefræge,
neata cynnum, nergend user.
- 250
- He hi sian asiow sæda monegum
wuda and wyrta weorulde sceatum.
Forgif nu, ece god, urum modum,
þæt hi moten to þe, metod alwuhta,
þurg þas earfou up astigan,
- 255
- and of þisum bysegum, bilewit fæder,
þeoda waldend, to e cuman,
and þonne mid openum eagum moten
modes ures, urh inra mægna sped,
æwelm gesion eallra gooda,
- 260
- þæt þu eart selfa sigedrihten god,
ge þa eagan hal ures modes,
þæt we hi on e selfum sian moten
afæstnian. Fæder engla, todrif
þone þiccan mist þe þrage nu
- 265
- wi þa eagan foran usses modes
hangode hwyle, hefig and þystre.
Onliht nu þa eagan usses modes
mid þinum leohte, lifes waldend,
foræm þu eart sio birhtu, bilewit fæder,
- 270
- soes leohtes, and þu selfa eart
sio fæste ræst, fæder ælmihtig,
eallra sofæstra. Hwæt, þu softe gedest
þæt hi e selfne gesion moten.
þu eart eallra þinga, þeoda waldend,
- 275
- fruma and ende. Hwæt, þu, fæder engla,
eall þing birest eelice
buton geswince. þu eart selfa weg
and latteow eac lifgendra gehwæs,
and sio wlitige stow þe se weg to lig,
- 280
- þe ealle to a fundia
men of moldan on þa mæran gesceaft.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wel la, monna bearn geond middangeard,
friora æghwilc fundie to
þæm ecum gode þe we ymb spreca,
and to þæm gesælum þe we secga ymb.
- 5
- Se e onne nu sie nearwe gehefted
mid þisses mæran middangeardes
unnyttre lufe, sece him eft hræe
fulne friodom, þæt he for cume
to þæm gesælum saula rædes.
- 10
- Forþæm þæt is sio an rest eallra geswinca,
hyhtlicu hy heaum ceolum
modes usses, meresmylta wic.
þæt is sio an hy þe æfre bi
æfter þam yum ura geswinca,
- 15
- ysta gehwelcre, ealnig smylte.
þæt is sio fristow and sio frofor an
eallra yrminga æfter þissum
weoruldgeswincum. þæt is wynsum stow
æfter þyssum yrmum to aganne.
- 20
- Ac ic georne wat þætte gylden mam,
sylofren sincstan, searogimma nan,
middangeardes wela modes eagan
æfre ne onlyhta, auht ne gebeta
hiora scearpnesse to þære sceawunga
- 25
- sora gesæla, ac hi swior get
monna gehwelces modes eagan
ablenda on breostum, þonne hi hi beorhtran gedon.
Foræm æghwilc ing þe on þys andweardan
life lica lænu sindon,
- 30
- eorlicu þing a fleondu.
Ac þæt is wundorlic wlite and beorhtnes
þe wuhta gehwæs wlite geberhte,
and æfter þæm eallum wealde.
Nele se waldend æt forweoran scylen
- 35
- saula usse, ac he hi selfa wile
leoman onlihtan, lifes wealdend.
Gif þonne hælea hwilc hlutrum eagum
modes sines mæg æfre ofsion
hiofones leohtes hlutre beorhto,
- 40
- þonne wile he secgan þæt ære sunnan sie
beorhtnes þiostro beorna gehwylcum
to metanne wi þæt micle leoht
godes ælmihtiges; þæt is gasta gehwæm
ece butan ende eadegum saulum.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Se þe æfter rihte mid gerece wille
inweardlice æfter spyrian
swa deoplice, þæt hit todrifan ne mæg
monna ænig, ne amerran huru
- 5
- ænig eorlic incg, he ærest sceal
secan on him selfum þæt he sume hwile
ymbutan hine æror sohte.
Sece þæt sian on his sefan innan,
and forlæte an, swa he oftost mæge,
- 10
- ælcne ymbhogan y him unnet sie,
and gesamnige, swa he swiost mæge,
ealle to þæm anum his ingeonc,
gesecge his mode þæt hit mæg findan
eall on him innan þæt hit oftost nu
- 15
- ymbutan hit ealneg sece,
gooda æghwylc. He ongit sian
yfel and unnet eal þæt he hæfde
on his incofan æror lange
efne swa sweotole swa he on þa sunnan mæg
- 20
- eagum andweardum on locian,
and he eac ongit his ingeþonc
leohtre and berhtre þonne se leoma sie
sunnan on sumera, þonne swegles gim,
hador heofontungol, hlutrost scine.
- 25
- Foræm þæs lichoman leahtras and hefignes
and þa unþeawas eallunga ne magon
of mode ation monna ænegum
rihtwisnesse, eah nu rinca hwæm
þæs lichoman leahtras and hefignes
- 30
- and unþeawas oft bysigen
monna modsefan, mæst and swiost
mid þære yflan oforgiotolnesse;
mid gedwolmiste dreorigne sefan
fortih mod foran monna gehwelces,
- 35
- þæt hit swa beorhte ne mot blican and scinan
swa hit wolde, gif hit geweald ahte;
þeah bi sum corn sædes gehealden
symle on ære saule sofæstnesse,
þenden gadertang wuna gast on lice.
- 40
- æs sædes corn bi symle aweaht
mid ascunga, eac sian mid
goodre lare, gif hit growan sceal.
Hu mæg ænig man andsware findan
inga æniges, þegen mid gesceade,
- 45
- þeah hine rinca hwilc rihtwislice
æfter frigne gif he awuht nafa
on his modsefan mycles ne lytles
rihtwisnesse ne geradscipes?
Nis þeah ænig man þætte ealles swa
- 50
- þæs geradscipes swa bereafod sie
þæt he andsware ænige ne cunne
findan on ferhe, gif he frugnen bi.
Foræm hit is riht spell þæt us reahte gio
ald uwita, ure Platon;
- 55
- he cwæ þætte æghwilc ungemyndig
rihtwisnesse hine hræe sceolde
eft gewendan into sinum
modes gemynde; he mæg sian
on his runcofan rihtwisnesse
- 60
- findan on ferhte fæste gehydde
mid gedræfnesse dogora gehwilce
modes sines mæst and swiost,
and mid hefinesse his lichoman,
and mid þæm bisgum þe on breostum styre
- 65
- mon on mode mæla gehwylce.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Sie æt la on eoran ælces inges
gesælig mon, gif he gesion mæge
þone hlutrestan heofontorhtan stream,
æelne æwelm ælces goodes,
- 5
- and of him selfum one sweartan mist,
modes þiostro, mæg aweorpan.
We sculon eah gita mid godes fylste
ealdum and leasum inne ingeonc
betan bispellum, þæt u e bet mæge
- 10
- aredian to rodorum rihte stige
on one ecan eard ussa saula.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic hæbbe firu fugle swiftran,
mid æm ic fleogan mæg feor fram eoran
ofer heane hrof heofones þisses,
ac ær ic nu moste mod geferan,
- 5
- inne ferlocan, ferum minum,
oæt u meahte þisne middangeard,
ælc eorlic ing, eallunga forsion.
Meahtes ofer rodorum gereclice
feerum lacan, feor up ofer
- 10
- wolcnu windan, wlitan sian
ufan ofer ealle. Meahtes eac faran
ofer æm fyre e fela geara
for lange betweox lyfte and rodere,
swa him æt fryme fæder getiode.
- 15
- u meahtest e sian mid ære sunnan
faran betweox orum tunglum.
Meahtest e full recen on æm rodere ufan
sian weoran, and onne samtenges
æt æm ælcealdan anum steorran,
- 20
- se yfmest is eallra tungla,
one Saturnus sundbuende
hata under heofonum; he is se cealda
eallisig tungl, yfemest wandra
ofer eallum ufan orum steorrum.
- 25
- Sian u onne one up a hafast
for oferfarenne, u meaht feorsian;
onne bist u sian sona ofer uppan
rodere ryneswiftum. Gif u on riht færest,
e one hehstan heofon behindan lætst,
- 30
- onne meaht u sian soes leohtes
habban þinne dæl, onan an cyning
rume ricsa ofer roderum up
and under swa same eallra gesceafta,
weorulde walde. þæt is wis cyning,
- 35
- þæt is se e walde giond werioda
ealra ora eoran cyninga,
se mid his bridle ymbebæted hæf
ymbhwyrft ealne eoran and heofones.
He his gewaldleer wel gemetga,
- 40
- se stiore a þurg a strongan meaht
æm hrædwæne heofones and eoran.
Se an dema is gestæig,
unawendendlic, wlitig and mære.
Gif u weorest on wege rihtum
- 45
- up to æm earde, þæt is æele stow,
eah u hi nu geta forgiten hæbbe,
gif u æfre eft þær an cymest,
onne wilt þu secgan and sona cwean:
"is is eallunga min agen cy,
- 50
- eard and eel. Ic wæs ær hionan
cumen and acenned urh isses cræftgan meaht.
Nylle ic æfre hionan ut witan,
ac ic symle her softe wille
mid fæder willan fæste stondan."
- 55
- Gif e onne æfre eft geweore
þæt u wilt oe most weorolde iostro
eft fandian, u meaht eae gesion
unrihtwise eoran cyningas
and þa ofermodan ore rican
- 60
- e þis werige folc wyrst tucia,
þæt hi symle bio swie earme,
unmehtige ælces inges,
emne a ilcan þe þis earme folc
sume hwile nu swiost ondrædæ.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Geher nu an spell be æm ofermodum
unrihtwisum eoran cyningum,
a her nu manegum and mislicum
wædum wlitebeorhtum wundrum scina
- 5
- on heahsetlum, hrofe getenge,
golde gegerede and gimcynnum,
utan ymbestandne mid unrime
egna and eorla. þa bio gehyrste
mid heregeatwum hildetorhtum,
- 10
- sweordum and fetelum swie geglengde,
and þegnia rymme micle
ælc orum, and hi ealle him
onan mid y rymme þreatia gehwider
ymbsittenda ora eoda;
- 15
- and se hlaford ne scrif, e æm here walde,
freonde ne feonde, feore ne æhtum,
ac he reigmod ræst on gehwilcne,
wedehunde wuhta gelicost;
bi to up ahæfen inne on mode
- 20
- for æm anwalde þe him anra gehwilc
his tirwina to fultema.
Gif mon onne wolde him awindan of
þæs cynegerelan claa gehwilcne,
and him þonne oftion ara egnunga
- 25
- and þæs anwaldes e he ær hæfde,
onne meaht u gesion þæt he bi swie gelic
sumum ara gumena þe him geornost nu
mid egnungum ringa ymbeutan;
gif he wyrsa ne bi, ne wene ic his na beteran.
- 30
- Gif him þonne æfre unmendlinga
weas geberede þæt him wurde oftogen
þrymmes and wæda and þegnunga
and æs anwaldes þe we ymbe spreca,
gif him ænig þara ofhende wyr,
- 35
- ic wat þæt him þynce þæt he þonne sie
becropen on carcern, oe colice
racentan geræped. Ic gereccan mæg
þæt of ungemete ælces inges,
wiste and wæda, wingedrinces,
- 40
- and of swetmettum, swiost weaxa
þære wrænnesse wodrag micel;
sio swie gedræf sefan ingehygd
monna gehwelces, þonan mæst cyme
yfla ofermetta, unnetta saca.
- 45
- þonne hi gebolgene weora, him wyr on
breostum inne
beswungen sefa on hrare mid æm swian welme
hatheortnesse, and hree sian
unrotnesse eac geræped,
hearde gehæfted. Him sian ongin
- 50
- sum tohopa swie leogan
þæs gewinnes wræce; wilna þæt irre
anes and ores; him þæt eall gehæt
his recelest, rihtes ne scrife.
Ic e sæde ær on isse selfan bec
- 55
- þæt sumes goodes sidra gesceafta
anlepra ælc a wilnode
for his agenum ealdgecynde.
Unrihtwise eoran cyningas
ne magon æfre þurhtion awuht goodes
- 60
- for æm yfle þe ic e ær sæde.
Nis æt nan wundor, foræm hi willa hi
þæm uneawum þe ic e ær nemde,
anra gehwelcum, a undereodan.
Sceal onne nede nearwe gebugan
- 65
- to ara hlaforda hæftedome,
þe he hine eallunga ær underþiodde.
æt is wyrse get, þæt he winnan nyle
wi æm anwalde ænige stunde;
þær he wolde a winnan onginnan,
- 70
- and þonne on æm gewinne þurhwunian for,
þonne næfde he nane scylde,
eah he oferwunnen weoran sceolde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic þe mæg eae ealdum and leasum
spellum andreccan spræce gelice
efne isse ilcan þe wit ymb spreca.
Hit gesælde gio on sume tide
- 5
- æt Aulixes under hæfde
æm casere cynericu twa.
He wæs þracia ioda aldor
and Retie rices hirde.
Wæs his freadrihtnes folccu nama,
- 10
- Agamemnon, se ealles weold
Creca rices. Cu wæs wide
þæt on þa tide Troia gewin
wear under wolcnum. For wiges heard
Creca drihten campsted secan,
- 15
- Aulixes mid, an hund scipa
lædde ofer lagustream, sæt longe ær
tyn winter full. þa sio tid gelomp
þæt hi æt rice geræht hæfdon,
diore gecepte drihten Creca
- 20
- Troia burg tilum gesium.
a a Aulixes leafe hæfde,
racia cining, þæt he þonan moste,
he let him behindan hyrnde ciolas
nigon and hundnigontig, nænigne þonan
- 25
- merehengesta ma þonne ænne
ferede on fifelstream, famigbordon,
rierere ceol; þæt bi æt mæste
Creciscra scipa. þa wear ceald weder,
stearc storma gelac; stunede sio brune
- 30
- y wi ore, ut feor adraf
on Wendelsæ wigendra scola
up on þæt igland þær Apolines
dohtor wunode dægrimes worn.
Wæs se Apollinus æeles cynnes,
- 35
- Iobes eafora, se wæs gio cyning.
Se licette litlum and miclum
gumena gehwylcum þæt he good wære,
hehst and halgost; swa se hlaford þa
þæt dysige folc on gedwolan lædde,
- 40
- oæt him gelyfde leoda unrim,
foræm he wæs mid rihte rices hirde,
hiora cynecynnes. Cu is wide
þæt on a tide þeoda æghwilc
hæfdon heora hlaford for one hehstan god,
- 45
- and weorodon swa swa wuldres cining,
gif he to æm rice wæs on rihte boren.
Wæs þæs Iobes fæder god eac swa he;
Saturnus one sundbuende
heton, hælea bearn. Hæfdon a mæga
- 50
- ælcne æfter orum for ecne god.
Sceolde eac wesan Apollines
dohtor diorboren, dysiges folces,
gumrinca gyden; cue galdra fela,
drifan drycræftas. Hio gedwolan fylgde
- 55
- manna swiost manegra þioda,
cyninges dohtor; sio Circe wæs
haten for herigum. Hio ricsode
on æm iglonde þe Aulixes,
cining þracia, com ane to
- 60
- ceole lian. Cu wæs sona
eallre þære mænige þe hire mid wunode
æþelinges si. Hio mid ungemete
lissum lufode limonna frean,
and he eac swa same ealle mægne
- 65
- efne swa swie hi on sefan lufode,
þæt he to his earde ænige nyste
modes mynlan ofer mæg giunge;
ac he mid þæm wife wunode sian,
oæt him ne meahte monna ænig
- 70
- egna sinra þær mid wesan,
ac hi for æm yrmum eardes lyste;
mynton forlætan leofne hlaford.
a ongunnon wercan wereoda spell,
sædon þæt hio sceolde mid hire scinlace
- 75
- beornas forbredan, and mid balocræftum
wraum weorpan on wildra lic
cyninges þegnas, cyspan sian
and mid racentan eac ræpan mænigne.
Sume hi to wulfum wurdon, ne meahton þonne word forbringan,
- 80
- ac hio þragmælum ioton ongunnon.
Sume wæron eaforas, a grymetedon
onne hi sares hwæt siofian scioldon.
þa e leon wæron ongunnon lalice
yrrenga ryn a onne hi sceoldon
- 85
- clipian for corre. Cnihtas wurdon,
ealde ge giunge, ealle forhwerfde
to sumum diore, swelcum he æror
on his lifdagum gelicost wæs,
butan þam cyninge, þe sio cwen lufode.
- 90
- Nolde þara oþra ænig onbitan
mennisces metes, ac hi ma lufedon
diora drohta, swa hit gedefe ne wæs.
Næfdon hi mare monnum gelices
eorbuendum onne ingeþonc;
- 95
- hæfde anra gehwylc his agen mod,
þæt wæs þeah swie sorgum gebunden
for æm earfoum þe him on sæton.
Hwæt, a dysegan men þe ysum drycræftum
longe gelyfdon, leasum spellum,
- 100
- wisson hwære þæt þæt gewit ne mæg
mod onwendan monna ænig
mid drycræftum, þeah hio gedon meahte
þæt a lichoman lange þrage
onwend wurdon. Is þæt wundorlic
- 105
- mægencræft micel moda gehwilces
ofer lichoman lænne and sænne.
Swylcum and swylcum þu meaht sweotole ongitan
þæt æs lichoman listas and cræftas
of æm mode cuma monna gehwylcum,
- 110
- anlepra ælc. þu meaht eae ongitan
þætte ma dere monna gehwelcum
modes uneaw þonne mettrymnes
lænes lichoman. Ne þearf leoda nan
wenan þære wyrde þæt þæt werige flæsc
- 115
- þæt mod mæge monna æniges
eallunga to him æfre onwendan,
ac þa uneawas ælces modes
and þæt ingeþonc ælces monnes
þone lichoman lit þider hit wile.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwy ge æfre scylen unrihtfioungum
eower mod drefan, swa swa mereflodes
yþa hrera iscalde sæ,
wecgga for winde? Hwy owite ge
- 5
- wyrde eowre þæt hio geweald nafa?
Hwy ge þæs deaes þe eow drihten gesceop
gebidan ne magon bitres gecyndes,
nu he eow ælce dæg onet toweard?
Ne magon ge gesion þæt he symle spyre
- 10
- æfter æghwelcum eoran tudre,
diorum and fuglum? Dea eac swa same
æfter moncynne geond isne middangeard,
egeslic hunta, a bi on wae;
nyle he ænig swæ æfre forlætan
- 15
- ær he gehede þæt he hwile ær
æfter spyrede. Is þæt earmlic þing
þæt his gebidan ne magon burgsittende,
ungesælige men; hine ær willa
foran to sciotan, swa swa fugla cyn
- 20
- oe wildu dior; þa winna betwuh,
æghwylc wolde oer acwellan.
Ac þæt is unriht æghwelcum men
þæt he oerne inwitþoncum
fioge on fære, swa swa fugl oe dior,
- 25
- ac þæt wære rihtost, þætte rinca gehwylc
orum gulde edlean on riht,
weorc be geweorhtum weoruldbuendum
þinga gehwilces, þæt is, þæt he lufige
godra gehwilcne swa he geornost mæge,
- 30
- mildsige yflum, swa we ær spræcon.
He sceal þone monnan mode lufian,
and his unþeawas ealle hatian
and ofsnian, swa he swiost mæge.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwa is on eoran nu unlærdra
þe ne wundrige wolcna færeldes,
rodres swifto, ryne tunglo,
hu hy ælce dæge utan ymbhwerfe
- 5
- eallne middangeard? Hwa is moncynnes
þæt ne wundrie ymb þas wlitegan tungl,
hu hy sume habba swie micle
scyrtran ymbehwerft, sume scria leng
utan ymb eall is? An þara tungla
- 10
- woruldmen hata wænes þisla;
þa habba scyrtran scrie and færelt,
ymbhwerft læssan, onne oru tungl,
foræm hi þære eaxe utan ymbhweorfe,
þone norende nean ymbcerre.
- 15
- On ære ilcan eaxe hwerfe
eall ruma rodor, recene scrie,
suheald swife, swift, untiorig.
Hwa is on weorulde þæt ne wafige,
buton þa ane þe hit ær wisson,
- 20
- þætte mænig tungul maran ymbhwyrft
hafa on heofonum, sume hwile eft
læsse gelia, þa þe laca ymb
eaxe ende oe micle
mare gefera þa hire middre ymbe
- 25
- þearle þræge? þara is gehaten
Saturnus sum, se hæf ymb þritig
wintergerimes weoruld ymbcirred.
Boetes eac beorhte scine,
oer steorra, cyme efne swa same
- 30
- on þone ilcan stede eft ymb þritig
geargerimes, ær he gio a wæs.
Hwa is weoruldmonna þæt ne wafige,
hu sume steorran o a sæ fara
under merestreamas, þæs e monnum inc?
- 35
- Swa eac sume wena þæt sio sunne do,
ac se wena nis wuhte þe sora.
Ne bi hio on æfen ne on ærmorgen
merestreame þe near e on midne dæg,
and þeah monnum þync þæt hio on mere gange
- 40
- under sæswife, þonne hio on setl glide.
Hwa is on weorulde þæt ne wundrige
fulles monan, þonne he færinga
wyr under wolcnum wlites bereafad,
beþeaht mid þiostrum? Hwa þegna ne mæge
- 45
- eac wafian ælces stiorran,
hwy hi ne scinen scirum wederum
beforan ære sunnan, swa hi symle do
middelnihtum wi þone monan foran,
hadrum heofone? Hwæt, nu hælea fela
- 50
- swelces and swelces swie wundra,
and ne wundria þætte wuhta gehwilc,
men and netenu, micelne habba
and unnetne andan betweoh him,
swie singalne. Is þæt sellic þincg,
- 55
- þæt hi ne wundria hu hit on wolcnum oft
þearle þunra, þragmælum eft
anforlæte, and eac swa same
y wi lande ealneg winne,
wind wi wæge. Hwa wundra þæs
- 60
- oe oþres eft, hwi þæt is mæge
weoran of wætere; wlitetorht scine
sunna swegle hat; sona gecerre
ismere ænlic on his agen gecynd,
weore to wætre. Ne þinc þæt wundor micel
- 65
- monna ænegum þæt he mægge gesion
dogora gehwilce, ac æt dysie folc
þæs hit seldnor gesih swior wundra,
þeah hit wisra gehwæm wundor ince
on his modsefan micle læsse.
- 70
- Unstaolfæste ealneg wena
þæt þæt ealdgesceaft æfre ne wære
þæt hi seldon gesio, ac swior giet
weoruldmen wena þæt hit weas come,
niwan gesælde, gif hiora nængum hwylc
- 75
- ær ne oeowde; is þæt earmlic þinc.
Ac gif hiora ænig æfre weore
to on firwetgeorn þæt he fela ongin
leornian lista, and him lifes weard
of mode abrit þæt micle dysig
- 80
- æt hit oferwrigen mid wunode lange,
þonne ic wæt geare þæt hi ne wundria
mæniges þinges þe monnum nu
wæfo and wunder welhwær þynce.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Gif u nu wilnige weorulddrihtnes
heane anwald hlutre mode
ongitan giorne, gem almægene
heofones tunglu, hu hi him healda betwuh
- 5
- sibbe singale, dydon swa lange.
Swa hi gewenede wuldres aldor
æt frumsceafte þæt sio fyrene ne mot
sunne gesecan snawcealdes weg,
monan gemæro. Hwæt, a mæran tungl
- 10
- auer ores rene a ne gehrine
ær þæm þæt oer of gewite.
Ne huru se stiorra gestigan wile
westdæl wolcna, þone wise men
Ursa nemna; ealle stiorran
- 15
- siga æfter sunnan samod mid rodere
under eoran grund, he ana stent.
Nis þæt nan wundor; he is wundrum fæst,
upende neah eaxe æs roderes.
onne is an steorra ofer ore beorht,
- 20
- cyme eastan up ær þonne sunne;
þone monna bearn morgenstiorra
hata under heofonum, foræm he hæleþum dæg
boda æfter burgum, brenge æfter
swegeltorht sunne samad eallum dæg.
- 25
- Is se forrynel fæger and sciene,
cyme eastan up ær for sunnan
and eft æfter sunnan on setl glide,
west under weorulde. Werioda his
noman onwenda þonne niht cyme,
- 30
- hata hine ealle æfenstiorra.
Se bi þære sunnan swiftra; sian hi on setl gewita,
ofirne þæt æþele tungol, oþæt he be eastan
weore
eldum oewed ær þonne sunne.
Habba æele tungol emne gedæled
- 35
- dæg and nihte drihtnes meahtum,
sunna and mona, swie geþwære,
swa him æt frymþe fæder getiohhode.
Ne þearft þu no wenan þæt a wlitegan tungl
æs þeowdomes aroten weore
- 40
- ær domes dæge; de sian ymbe
moncynnes fruma swa him gemet þince,
foron hi be healfe heofones þisses
on ane ne læt ælmihtig god,
þy læs hi ora fordyden æþela gesceafta,
- 45
- ac se eca god ealla gemetga
sida gesceafta, softa geþwera.
Hwilum æt drige drif þone wætan,
hwylum he gemenge, metodes cræfte,
cile wi hæto; hwilum cerre eft
- 50
- on uprodor ælbeorhta leg,
leoht on lyfte; lige him behindan
hefig hrusan dæl, þeah hit hwilan ær
eore sio cealde oninnan hire
heold and hydde haliges meahtum.
- 55
- Be þæs cyninges gebode cyme geara gehwæt,
eore bringe æghwylc tudor,
and se hata sumor hælea bearnum
geara gehwilce giere and drige
geond sidne grund sæd and bleda,
- 60
- hærfest to honda herbuendum,
ripa rece. Ren æfter þæm
swylce hagal and snaw hrusan lecca
on wintres tid, weder unhiore.
Foræm eore onfeh eallum sædum,
- 65
- gede þæt hi growa geara gehwilce;
on lenctentid leaf up sprytta.
Ac se milda metod monna bearnum
on eoran fet eall þætte growe,
wæstmas on weorolde, wel forbrenge
- 70
- hit þonne he wile, heofona waldend,
and eowa eft eorbuendum,
nim þonne he wile, nergende god.
And þæt hehste good on heahsetle
site self cyning, and þios side gesceaft
- 75
- þena and iowa. He þonan walde
þæm geweltlerum weoruldgesceafta.
Nis þæt nan wundor; he is weroda god,
cyning and drihten cwucera gehwelces,
æwelm and fruma eallra gesceafta,
- 80
- wyrhta and sceppend weorulde þisse,
wisdom and æ woruldbuendra.
Ealla gesceafta on his ærendo
hionane he sende, hæt eft
cuman.
Gif he swa gestæig ne staolade
- 85
- ealla gesceafta, æghwylc hiora
wrae tostencte weoran sceolden,
æghwilc hiora ealle to nauhte
weoran sceoldon wrae toslopena,
þeah þa ane lufe ealla gesceafta
- 90
- heofones and eoran hæbben gemæne,
þæt hi þiowien swilcum þiodfruman,
and fægnia þæt hiora fæder wealde.
Nis þæt nan wundor, foræm wuhta nan
æfre ne meahte elles wunian,
- 95
- gif hi eallmægene hiora ordfruman
ne þiowoden, þeodne mærum.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Omerus wæs east mid Crecum
on æm leodscipe leoa cræftgast,
Firgilies freond and lareow,
þæm mæran sceope magistra betst.
- 5
- Hwæt, se Omerus oft and gelome
þære sunnan wlite swie herede,
æelo cræftas oft and gelome
leoum and spellum leodum reahte.
Ne mæg hio þeah gescinan, þeah hio sie scir and beorht,
- 10
- ahwærgen neah ealla gesceafta;
ne furum þa gesceafta e hio gescinan mæg
endemes ne mæg ealla geondlihtan
innan and utan. Ac se ælmihtega
waldend and wyrhta weorulde gesceafta
- 15
- his agen weorc eall geondwlite,
endemes þurhsyh ealla gesceafta.
æt is sio soe sunne mid rihte,
be æm we magon singan swylc butan lease.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwæt, u meaht ongitan, gif his e geman lyst,
þætte mislice manega wuhta
geond eoran fara ungelice;
habba blioh and fær, bu ungelice,
- 5
- and mægwlitas manegra cynna
cu and uncu. Creopa and snica,
eall lichoma eoran getenge,
nabba hi æt firum fultum, ne magon hi mid fotum gangan,
eoran brucan, swa him eaden wæs.
- 10
- Sume fotum twam foldan pea,
sume fierfete, sume fleogende
winda under wolcnum. Bi eah wuhta gehwylc
onhnigen to hrusan, hnipa of dune,
on weoruld wlite, wilna to eoran,
- 15
- sume nedþearfe, sume neodfræce.
Man ana gæ metodes gesceafta
mid his andwlitan up on gerihte.
Mid y is getacnod þæt his treowa sceal
and his modgeþonc ma up þonne nier
- 20
- habban to heofonum, þy læs he his hige wende
nier swa ær nyten. Nis þæt gedafenlic,
þæt se modsefa monna æniges
nierheald wese and þæt neb upweard!
Verse Indeterminate Unknown
- ...nas byrna?"
Hnæf hleoþrode a, heaþogeong
cyning:
"Ne is ne daga eastan, ne her draca ne
fleoge,
ne her isse healle hornas ne byrna.
- 5
- Ac her forþ bera; fugelas singa,
gylle græghama, guwudu hlynne,
scyld scefte oncwy. Nu scyne þes mona
waol under wolcnum. Nu arisa weadæda
e isne folces ni fremman willa.
- 10
- Ac onwacnigea nu, wigend mine,
habba eowre linda, hicgeaþ
on ellen,
winna on orde, wesa onmode!"
a aras mænig goldhladen egn, gyrde hine his swurde.
a to dura eodon drihtlice cempan,
- 15
- Sigefer and Eaha, hyra sword getugon,
and æt oþrum durum Ordlaf and Guþlaf,
and Hengest sylf hwearf him on laste.
a gyt Garulf Guere styrde
æt he swa freolic feorh forman siþe
- 20
- to ære healle durum hyrsta ne bære,
nu hyt niþa heard anyman wolde,
ac he frægn ofer eal undearninga,
deormod hæleþ, hwa a duru heolde.
"Sigeferþ is min nama," cweþ he, "ic eom Secgena leod,
- 25
- wreccea wide cu; fæla ic weana
gebad,
heardra hilda. e is gyt her witod
swæþer u sylf to me secean wylle."
a wæs on healle wælslihta gehlyn;
sceolde cellod bord
cenum on handa,
- 30
- banhelm berstan (buruhelu dynede),
o æt ære gue Garulf gecrang,
ealra ærest eorbuendra,
Gulafes sunu, ymbe hyne godra fæla,
hwearflicra hræw. Hræfen
wandrode,
- 35
- sweart and sealobrun. Swurdleoma stod,
swylce eal Finnsburuh fyrenu wære.
Ne gefrægn ic næfre wurþlicor æt wera hilde
sixtig sigebeorna sel gebæran,
ne nefre swetne medo sel forgyldan
- 40
- onne Hnæfe guldan his hægstealdas.
Hig fuhton fif dagas, swa hyra nan ne feol
drihtgesia, ac hig a duru heoldon.
a gewat him wund hæle on wæg gangan,
sæde þæt his byrne abrocen wære,
- 45
- heresceorp unhror, and eac wæs his helm
yrel.
a hine sona frægn folces hyrde,
hu a wigend hyra wunda genæson,
oe hwæþer æra hyssa
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- hyrde hyne georne:
"Huru Welande... worc ne geswice
monna ænigum ara e Mimming can
heardne gehealdan. Oft æt hilde gedreas
- 5
- swatfag and sweordwund secg æfter orum.
ætlan ordwyga, ne læt in ellen nu gy...
gedreosan to dæge, dryhtscipe
is se dæg cumen
þæt u scealt aninga oer twega,
- 10
- lif forleosan oe l... ...gne dom
agan mid eldum, ælfheres sunu.
Nalles ic e, wine min, wordum cide,
y ic e gesawe æt am sweordplegan
urh edwitscype æniges monnes
- 15
- wig forbugan oe on weal fleon,
lice beorgan, eah þe lara fela
inne byrnhomon billum heowun,
ac u symle furor feohtan sohtest,
mæl ofer mearce; y ic e metod ondred,
- 20
- þæt u to fyrenlice feohtan sohtest
æt am ætstealle ores monnes,
wigrædenne. Weora e selfne
godum dædum, enden in god recce.
Ne murn u for i mece; e wear mama cyst
- 25
- gifee to geoce, mid y u Guhere scealt
beot forbigan, æs e he as beaduwe ongan
...d unryhte ærest secan.
Forsoc he am swurde and am syncfatum,
beaga mænigo, nu sceal bega leas
- 30
- hworfan from isse hilde, hlafurd secan
ealdne edhel oe her ær swefan,
gif he a"
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- "...ce bæteran
buton am anum e ic eac hafa
on stanfate stille gehided.
Ic wat þæt hit ohte eodric Widian
- 5
- selfum onsendon, and eac sinc micel
mama mid i mece, monig ores mid him
golde gegirwan (iulean genam),
þæs e hine of nearwum Nihades mæg,
Welandes bearn, Widia ut forlet;
- 10
- urh fifela gewe... ...ld for onette."
Waldere ma... ...lode, wiga ellenrof,
hæfde him on handa hildefrofre,
gubilla gripe, gyddode wordum:
"Hwæt! u huru wendest, wine Burgenda,
- 15
- þæt me Hagenan hand hilde gefremede
and getwæmde ...ewigges. Feta, gyf u dyrre,
æt us heauwerigan hare byrnan.
Stande me her on eaxelum ælfheres laf,
god and geapneb, golde geweorod,
- 20
- ealles unscende æelinges reaf
to habbanne, þonne hand were
feorhhord feondum. Ne bi fah wi me,
þonne ...... unmægas eft ongynna,
mecum gemeta, swa ge me dydon.
- 25
- eah mæg sige syllan se e symle by
recon and rædfest ryh... ...a gehwilces.
Se e him to am halgan helpe gelife,
to gode gioce, he þær gearo finde
gif a earnunga ær geence.
- 30
- þonne moten wlance welan britnian,
æhtum wealdan, þæt is"
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- brocen wurde.
Het þa hyssa hwæne hors forlætan,
feor afysan, and for gangan,
hicgan to handum and to hige godum.
- 5
- þa þæt Offan mæg ærest onfunde,
þæt se eorl nolde yrho geþolian,
he let him þa of handon leofne fleogan
hafoc wi þæs holtes, and to þære hilde stop;
be þam man mihte oncnawan þæt se cniht nolde
- 10
- wacian æt þam wige, þa he to wæpnum feng.
Eac him wolde Eadric his ealdre gelæstan,
frean to gefeohte, ongan þa for beran
gar to guþe. He hæfde god geþanc
þa hwile þe he mid handum healdan mihte
- 15
- bord and bradswurd; beot he gelæste
þa he ætforan his frean feohtan sceolde.
a þær Byrhtno ongan beornas trymian,
rad and rædde, rincum tæhte
hu hi sceoldon standan and þone stede healdan,
- 20
- and bæd þæt hyra randas rihte heoldon
fæste mid folman, and ne forhtedon na.
þa he hæfde þæt folc fægere getrymmed,
he lihte þa mid leodon þær him leofost wæs,
þær he his heorwerod holdost wiste.
- 25
- þa stod on stæe, stilice clypode
wicinga ar, wordum mælde,
se on beot abead brimliþendra
ærænde to þam eorle, þær he on ofre stod:
"Me sendon to þe sæmen snelle,
- 30
- heton e secgan þæt þu most sendan rae
beagas wi gebeorge; and eow betere is
þæt ge þisne garræs mid gafole forgyldon,
þon we swa hearde hilde dælon.
Ne þurfe we us spillan, gif ge spedaþ to þam;
- 35
- we willa wi þam golde gri fæstnian.
Gyf þu þat gerædest, þe her ricost eart,
þæt þu þine leoda lysan wille,
syllan sæmannum on hyra sylfra dom
feoh wi freode, and niman fri æt us,
- 40
- we willaþ mid þam sceattum us to scype gangan,
on flot feran, and eow friþes healdan."
Byrhtno maþelode, bord hafenode,
wand wacne æsc, wordum mælde,
yrre and anræd ageaf him andsware:
- 45
- "Gehyrst þu, sælida, hwæt þis folc sege?
Hi willa eow to gafole garas syllan,
ættrynne ord and ealde swurd,
þa heregeatu þe eow æt hilde ne deah.
Brimmanna boda, abeod eft ongean,
- 50
- sege þinum leodum miccle laþre spell,
þæt her stynt unforcu eorl mid his werode,
þe wile gealgean eþel þysne,
æþelredes eard, ealdres mines,
folc and foldan. Feallan sceolon
- 55
- hæþene æt hilde. To heanlic me þince
þæt ge mid urum sceattum to scype gangon
unbefohtene, nu ge þus feor hider
on urne eard in becomon.
Ne sceole ge swa softe sinc gegangan;
- 60
- us sceal ord and ecg ær geseman,
grim guplega, ær we gofol syllon."
Het þa bord beran, beornas gangan,
þæt hi on þam eastee ealle stodon.
Ne mihte þær for wætere werod to þam orum;
- 65
- þær com flowende flod æfter ebban,
lucon lagustreamas. To lang hit him þuhte,
hwænne hi togædere garas beron.
Hi þær Pantan stream mid prasse bestodon,
Eastseaxena ord and se æschere.
- 70
- Ne mihte hyra ænig oþrum derian,
buton hwa þurh flanes flyht fyl gename.
Se flod ut gewat; þa flotan stodon gearowe,
wicinga fela, wiges georne.
Het þa hælea hleo healdan þa bricge
- 75
- wigan wigheardne, se wæs haten Wulfstan,
cafne mid his cynne, þæt wæs Ceolan sunu,
þe one forman man mid his francan ofsceat
þe þær baldlicost on þa bricge stop.
þær stodon mid Wulfstane wigan unforhte,
- 80
- ælfere and Maccus, modige twegen,
þa noldon æt þam forda fleam gewyrcan,
ac hi fæstlice wi a fynd weredon,
þa hwile þe hi wæpna wealdan moston.
þa hi þæt ongeaton and georne gesawon
- 85
- þæt hi þær bricgweardas bitere fundon,
ongunnon lytegian þa lae gystas,
bædon þæt hi upgang agan moston,
ofer þone ford faran, feþan lædan.
a se eorl ongan for his ofermode
- 90
- alyfan landes to fela laþere eode.
Ongan ceallian þa ofer cald wæter
Byrhtelmes bearn (beornas gehlyston):
"Nu eow is gerymed, ga ricene to us,
guman to guþe; god ana wat
- 95
- hwa þære wælstowe wealdan mote."
Wodon þa wælwulfas (for wætere ne murnon),
wicinga werod, west ofer Pantan,
ofer scir wæter scyldas wegon,
lidmen to lande linde bæron.
- 100
- þær ongean gramum gearowe stodon
Byrhtno mid beornum; he mid bordum het
wyrcan þone wihagan, and þæt werod healdan
fæste wi feondum. þa wæs feohte neh,
tir æt getohte. Wæs seo tid cumen
- 105
- þæt þær fæge men feallan sceoldon.
þær wear hream ahafen, hremmas wundon,
earn æses georn; wæs on eorþan cyrm.
Hi leton þa of folman feolhearde speru,
gegrundene garas fleogan;
- 110
- bogan wæron bysige, bord ord onfeng.
Biter wæs se beaduræs, beornas feollon
on gehwæere hand, hyssas lagon.
Wund wear Wulfmær, wælræste geceas,
Byrhtnoes mæg; he mid billum wear,
- 115
- his swuster sunu, swie forheawen.
þær wear wicingum wiþerlean agyfen.
Gehyrde ic þæt Eadweard anne sloge
swie mid his swurde, swenges ne wyrnde,
þæt him æt fotum feoll fæge cempa;
- 120
- þæs him his eoden þanc gesæde,
þam burþene, þa he byre hæfde.
Swa stemnetton stihicgende
hysas æt hilde, hogodon georne
hwa þær mid orde ærost mihte
- 125
- on fægean men feorh gewinnan,
wigan mid wæpnum; wæl feol on eoran.
Stodon stædefæste; stihte hi Byrhtno,
bæd þæt hyssa gehwylc hogode to wige
þe on Denon wolde dom gefeohtan.
- 130
- Wod þa wiges heard, wæpen up ahof,
bord to gebeorge, and wi þæs beornes stop.
Eode swa anræd eorl to þam ceorle,
ægþer hyra orum yfeles hogode.
Sende a se særinc suþerne gar,
- 135
- þæt gewundod wear wigena hlaford;
he sceaf þa mid am scylde, þæt se sceaft tobærst,
and þæt spere sprengde, þæt hit sprang ongean.
Gegremod wear se gurinc; he mid gare stang
wlancne wicing, þe him þa wunde forgeaf.
- 140
- Frod wæs se fyrdrinc; he let his francan wadan
þurh æs hysses hals, hand wisode
þæt he on þam færsceaan feorh geræhte.
a he oþerne ofstlice sceat,
þæt seo byrne tobærst; he wæs on breostum wund
- 145
- þurh a hringlocan, him æt heortan stod
ætterne ord. Se eorl wæs þe bliþra,
hloh þa, modi man, sæde metode þanc
æs dægweorces þe him drihten forgeaf.
Forlet þa drenga sum daro of handa,
- 150
- fleogan of folman, þæt se to for gewat
þurh one æþelan æþelredes þegen.
Him be healfe stod hyse unweaxen,
cniht on gecampe, se full caflice
bræd of þam beorne blodigne gar,
- 155
- Wulfstanes bearn, Wulfmær se geonga,
forlet forheardne faran eft ongean;
ord in gewod, þæt se on eorþan læg
þe his þeoden ær þearle geræhte.
Eode þa gesyrwed secg to þam eorle;
- 160
- he wolde þæs beornes beagas gefecgan,
reaf and hringas and gerenod swurd.
þa Byrhtno bræd bill of scee,
brad and bruneccg, and on þa byrnan sloh.
To raþe hine gelette lidmanna sum,
- 165
- þa he þæs eorles earm amyrde.
Feoll þa to foldan fealohilte swurd;
ne mihte he gehealdan heardne mece,
wæpnes wealdan. þa gyt þæt word gecwæ
har hilderinc, hyssas bylde,
- 170
- bæd gangan for gode geferan;
ne mihte þa on fotum leng fæste gestandan.
He to heofenum wlat:
"Geþancie þe, eoda waldend,
ealra þæra wynna þe ic on worulde gebad.
- 175
- Nu ic ah, milde metod, mæste þearfe
þæt þu minum gaste godes geunne,
þæt min sawul to e siian mote
on þin geweald, þeoden engla,
mid friþe ferian. Ic eom frymdi to þe
- 180
- þæt hi helsceaan hynan ne moton."
a hine heowon hæene scealcas
and begen þa beornas þe him big stodon,
ælfno and Wulmær begen lagon,
a onemn hyra frean feorh gesealdon.
- 185
- Hi bugon þa fram beaduwe þe þær beon noldon.
þær wear Oddan bearn ærest on fleame,
Godric fram guþe, and þone godan forlet
þe him mænigne oft mear gesealde;
he gehleop þone eoh þe ahte his hlaford,
- 190
- on þam gerædum þe hit riht ne wæs,
and his broru mid him begen ærndon,
Godwine and Godwig, guþe ne gymdon,
ac wendon fram þam wige and þone wudu sohton,
flugon on þæt fæsten and hyra feore burgon,
- 195
- and manna ma þonne hit ænig mæ wære,
gyf hi þa geearnunga ealle gemundon
þe he him to duguþe gedon hæfde.
Swa him Offa on dæg ær asæde
on þam meþelstede, þa he gemot hæfde,
- 200
- þæt þær modiglice manega spræcon
þe eft æt þearfe þolian noldon.
þa wear afeallen þæs folces ealdor,
æþelredes eorl; ealle gesawon
heorgeneatas þæt hyra heorra læg.
- 205
- þa ær wendon for wlance þegenas,
unearge men efston georne;
hi woldon þa ealle oer twega,
lif forlætan oe leofne gewrecan.
Swa hi bylde for bearn ælfrices,
- 210
- wiga wintrum geong, wordum mælde,
ælfwine þa cwæ, he on ellen spræc:
"Gemunan þa mæla þe we oft æt meodo spræcon,
þonne we on bence beot ahofon,
hæle on healle, ymbe heard gewinn;
- 215
- nu mæg cunnian hwa cene sy.
Ic wylle mine æþelo eallum gecyþan,
þæt ic wæs on Myrcon miccles cynnes;
wæs min ealda fæder Ealhelm haten,
wis ealdorman, woruldgesælig.
- 220
- Ne sceolon me on þære þeode þegenas ætwitan
þæt ic of isse fyrde feran wille,
eard gesecan, nu min ealdor lige
forheawen æt hilde. Me is þæt hearma mæst;
he wæs æger min mæg and min hlaford."
- 225
- þa he for eode, fæhe gemunde,
þæt he mid orde anne geræhte
flotan on þam folce, þæt se on foldan læg
forwegen mid his wæpne. Ongan þa winas manian,
frynd and geferan, þæt hi for eodon.
- 230
- Offa gemælde, æscholt asceoc:
"Hwæt þu, ælfwine, hafast ealle gemanode
þegenas to þearfe, nu ure þeoden li,
eorl on eoran. Us is eallum þearf
þæt ure æghwylc oþerne bylde
- 235
- wigan to wige, þa hwile þe he wæpen mæge
habban and healdan, heardne mece,
gar and godswurd. Us Godric hæf,
earh Oddan bearn, ealle beswicene.
Wende þæs formoni man, þa he on meare rad,
- 240
- on wlancan þam wicge, þæt wære hit ure hlaford;
forþan wear her on felda folc totwæmed,
scyldburh tobrocen. Abreoe his angin,
þæt he her swa manigne man aflymde!"
Leofsunu gemælde and his linde ahof,
- 245
- bord to gebeorge; he þam beorne oncwæ:
"Ic þæt gehate, þæt ic heonon nelle
fleon fotes trym, ac wille furor gan,
wrecan on gewinne minne winedrihten.
Ne þurfon me embe Sturmere stedefæste hælæ
- 250
- wordum ætwitan, nu min wine gecranc,
þæt ic hlafordleas ham siie,
wende fram wige, ac me sceal wæpen niman,
ord and iren." He ful yrre wod,
feaht fæstlice, fleam he forhogode.
- 255
- Dunnere þa cwæ, daro acwehte,
unorne ceorl, ofer eall clypode,
bæd þæt beorna gehwylc Byrhtno wrece:
"Ne mæg na wandian se þe wrecan þence
frean on folce, ne for feore murnan."
- 260
- þa hi for eodon, feores hi ne rohton;
ongunnon þa hiredmen heardlice feohtan,
grame garberend, and god bædon
þæt hi moston gewrecan hyra winedrihten
and on hyra feondum fyl gewyrcan.
- 265
- Him se gysel ongan geornlice fylstan;
he wæs on Norhymbron heardes cynnes,
Ecglafes bearn, him wæs æscfer nama.
He ne wandode na æt þam wigplegan,
ac he fysde for flan genehe;
- 270
- hwilon he on bord sceat, hwilon beorn tæsde,
æfre embe stunde he sealde sume wunde,
þa hwile e he wæpna wealdan moste.
þa gyt on orde stod Eadweard se langa,
gearo and geornful, gylpwordum spræc
- 275
- þæt he nolde fleogan fotmæl landes,
ofer bæc bugan, þa his betera leg.
He bræc þone bordweall and wi þa beornas feaht,
oþæt he his sincgyfan on þam sæmannum
wurlice wrec, ær he on wæle lege.
- 280
- Swa dyde æþeric, æþele gefera,
fus and forgeorn, feaht eornoste.
Sibyrhtes broor and swie mænig oþer
clufon cellod bord, cene hi weredon;
bærst bordes lærig, and seo byrne sang
- 285
- gryreleoa sum. þa æt gue sloh
Offa þone sælidan, þæt he on eoran feoll,
and ær Gaddes mæg grund gesohte.
Rae wear æt hilde Offa forheawen;
he hæfde eah geforþod þæt he his frean gehet,
- 290
- swa he beotode ær wi his beahgifan
þæt hi sceoldon begen on burh ridan,
hale to hame, oe on here crincgan,
on wælstowe wundum sweltan;
he læg egenlice eodne gehende.
- 295
- a wear borda gebræc. Brimmen wodon,
gue gegremode; gar oft þurhwod
fæges feorhhus. For þa eode Wistan,
þurstanes sunu, wi þas secgas feaht;
he wæs on geþrange hyra þreora bana,
- 300
- ær him Wigelines bearn on þam wæle læge.
þær wæs sti gemot; stodon fæste
wigan on gewinne, wigend cruncon,
wundum werige. Wæl feol on eorþan.
Oswold and Eadwold ealle hwile,
- 305
- begen þa gebroþru, beornas trymedon,
hyra winemagas wordon bædon
þæt hi þær æt earfe þolian sceoldon,
unwaclice wæpna neotan.
Byrhtwold maþelode bord hafenode
- 310
- (se wæs eald geneat), æsc acwehte;
he ful baldlice beornas lærde:
"Hige sceal þe heardra, heorte þe cenre,
mod sceal þe mare, þe ure mægen lytla.
Her li ure ealdor eall forheawen,
- 315
- god on greote. A mæg gnornian
se e nu fram þis wigplegan wendan þence.
Ic eom frod feores; fram ic ne wille,
ac ic me be healfe minum hlaforde,
be swa leofan men, licgan þence."
- 320
- Swa hi æþelgares bearn ealle bylde,
Godric to guþe. Oft he gar forlet,
wælspere windan on þa wicingas,
swa he on þam folce fyrmest eode,
heow and hynde, oþæt he on hilde gecranc.
- 325
- Næs þæt na se Godric þe a gue forbeah
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Her æþelstan cyning, eorla dryhten,
beorna beahgifa, and his broþor eac,
Eadmund æþeling, ealdorlangne tir
geslogon æt sæcce sweorda ecgum
- 5
- ymbe Brunanburh. Bordweal clufan,
heowan heaþolinde hamora lafan,
afaran Eadweardes, swa him geæþele wæs
from cneomægum, þæt hi æt campe oft
wiþ laþra gehwæne land ealgodon,
- 10
- hord and hamas. Hettend crungun,
Sceotta leoda and scipflotan
fæge feollan, feld dænnede
secga swate, siþan sunne up
on morgentid, mære tungol,
- 15
- glad ofer grundas, godes condel beorht,
eces drihtnes, o sio æþele gesceaft
sah to setle. þær læg secg mænig
garum ageted, guma norþerna
ofer scild scoten, swilce Scittisc eac,
- 20
- werig, wiges sæd. Wesseaxe for
ondlongne dæg eorodcistum
on last legdun laþum þeodum,
heowan herefleman hindan þearle
mecum mylenscearpan. Myrce ne wyrndon
- 25
- heardes hondplegan hæleþa nanum
þæra þe mid Anlafe ofer æra
gebland
on lides bosme land gesohtun,
fæge to gefeohte. Fife lægun
on þam campstede cyningas giunge,
- 30
- sweordum aswefede, swilce seofene eac
eorlas Anlafes, unrim heriges,
flotan and Sceotta. þær geflemed wear
Normanna bregu, nede gebeded,
to lides stefne litle weorode;
- 35
- cread cnear on flot, cyning ut gewat
on fealene flod, feorh generede.
Swilce þær eac se froda mid fleame com
on his cyþþe nor, Costontinus,
har hilderinc, hreman ne þorfte
- 40
- mæca gemanan; he wæs his mæga sceard,
freonda gefylled on folcstede,
beslagen æt sæcce, and his sunu forlet
on wælstowe wundun forgrunden,
giungne æt gue. Gelpan ne þorfte
- 45
- beorn blandenfeax bilgeslehtes,
eald inwidda, ne Anlaf þy ma;
mid heora herelafum hlehhan ne þorftun
þæt heo beaduweorca beteran wurdun
on campstede cumbolgehnastes,
- 50
- garmittinge, gumena gemotes,
wæpengewrixles, þæs hi on wælfelda
wiþ Eadweardes afaran plegodan.
Gewitan him þa Norþmen negledcnearrum,
dreorig daraa laf, on Dinges mere
- 55
- ofer deop wæter Difelin secan,
eft Iraland, æwiscmode.
Swilce þa gebroþer begen ætsamne,
cyning and æþeling, cyþþe sohton,
Wesseaxena land, wiges hremige.
- 60
- Letan him behindan hræw bryttian
saluwigpadan, þone sweartan hræfn,
hyrnednebban, and þane hasewanpadan,
earn æftan hwit, æses brucan,
grædigne guhafoc and þæt græge deor,
- 65
- wulf on wealde. Ne wear wæl mare
on þis eiglande æfre gieta
folces gefylled beforan þissum
sweordes ecgum, þæs þe us secga bec,
ealde uwitan, siþþan eastan hider
- 70
- Engle and Seaxe up becoman,
ofer brad brimu Brytene sohtan,
wlance wigsmiþas, Wealas ofercoman,
eorlas arhwate eard begeatan.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Her Eadmund cyning, Engla þeoden,
mæcgea mundbora, Myrce geeode,
dyre dædfruma, swa Dor scadeþ,
Hwitanwyllesgeat and Humbra ea,
- 5
- brada brimstream. Burga fife,
Ligoraceaster and Lincylene
and Snotingaham, swylce Stanford eac
and Deoraby. Dæne wæran æror
under Normannum nyde gebegde
- 10
- on hæþenra hæfteclommum
lange þrage, oþ hie alysde eft
for his weorþscipe wiggendra hleo,
afera Eadweardes, Eadmund cyning.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Her Eadgar wæs, Engla waldend,
corre miclum to cyninge gehalgod
on ære ealdan byrig, Acemannesceastre;
eac hi igbuend ore worde
- 5
- beornas Baan nemnaþ. þær wæs blis micel
on þam eadgan dæge eallum geworden,
þone nia bearn nemna and ciga
Pentecostenes dæg. þær wæs preosta heap,
micel muneca reat, mine gefrege,
- 10
- gleawra gegaderod. And a agangen wæs
tyn hund wintra geteled rimes
fram gebyrdtide bremes cyninges,
leohta hyrdes, buton ær to lafe þa get
wæs wintergeteles, þæs e gewritu secga,
- 15
- seofon and twentig; swa neah wæs sigora frean
usend aurnen, a þa is gelamp.
And him Eadmundes eafora hæfde
nigon and XX, niweorca heard,
wintra on worulde, a þis geworden wæs,
- 20
- and þa on am XXX wæs eoden gehalgod.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Her Eadward kingc, Engla hlaford,
sende soþfæste sawle to Criste
on godes wæra, gast haligne.
He on worulda her wunode þrage
- 5
- on kyneþrymme, cræftig ræda,
XXIIII, freolic wealdend,
wintra gerimes, weolan britnode,
and healfe tid, hælea wealdend,
weold wel geþungen Walum and Scottum
- 10
- and Bryttum eac, byre æelredes,
Englum and Sexum, oretmægcum,
swa ymbclyppa cealde brymmas,
þæt eall Eadwarde, æelum kinge,
hyrdon holdlice hagestealde menn.
- 15
- Wæs a bliemod bealuleas kyng,
þeah he lange ær, lande bereafod,
wunode wræclastum wide geond eoran,
syan Cnut ofercom kynn æelredes
and Dena weoldon deore rice
- 20
- Engla landes XXVIII
wintra gerimes, welan brytnodon.
Syan for becom freolice in geatwum
kyningc kystum god, clæne and milde,
Eadward se æela, eel bewerode,
- 25
- land and leode, oþæt lungre becom
dea se bitera, and swa deore genam
æþelne of eoran; englas feredon
soþfæste sawle innan swegles leoht.
And se froda swa þeah befæste þæt rice
- 30
- heahþungenum menn, Harolde sylfum,
æþelum eorle, se in ealle tid
hyrde holdlice hærran sinum
wordum and dædum, wihte ne agælde
þæs þe þearf wæs þæs þeodkyninges.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Is eos burch breome geond Breotenrice,
steppa gestaolad, stanas ymbutan
wundrum gewæxen. Weor ymbeornad,
ea yum stronge, and er inne wuna
- 5
- feola fisca kyn on floda gemonge.
And ær gewexen is wudafæstern micel;
wuniad in em wycum wilda deor monige,
in deope dalum deora ungerim.
Is in ere byri eac bearnum gecyed
- 10
- e arfesta eadig Cudberch
and es clene cyninges heafud,
Osuualdes, Engle leo, and Aidan biscop,
Eadberch and Eadfri, æele geferes.
Is er inne midd heom æelwold biscop
- 15
- and breoma bocera Beda, and Boisil abbot,
e clene Cudberte on gechee
lerde lustum, and he his lara wel genom.
Eardiæ æt em eadige in in em minstre
unarimeda reliquia,
- 20
- ær monia wundrum gewura, es e writ segge,
midd ene drihnes wer domes bide.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- feoh byþ frofur fira gehwylcum.
Sceal eah manna gehwylc miclun hyt dælan
gif he wile for drihtne domes hleotan.
ur byþ anmod and oferhyrned,
- 5
- felafrecne deor, feohteþ mid hornum,
mære morstapa; þæt is modig wuht.
dhorn byþ earle scearp; egna gehwylcum
anfeng ys yfyl, ungemetun reþe
manna gehwylcun e him mid reste.
- 10
- os byþ ordfruma ælcre spræce,
wisdomes wraþu and witena frofur,
and eorla gehwam eadnys and tohiht.
rad byþ on recyde rinca gehwylcum
sefte, and swiþhwæt am e sitteþ on ufan
- 15
- meare mægenheardum ofer milpaþas.
cen byþ cwicera gehwam cuþ on fyre,
blac and beorhtlic, byrneþ oftust
ær hi æþelingas inne restaþ.
gifu gumena byþ gleng and herenys,
- 20
- wraþu and wyrþscype, and wræcna gehwam
ar and ætwist e byþ oþra leas.
wen ne bruceþ e can weana lyt,
sares and sorge, and him sylfa hæfþ
blæd and blysse and eac byrga geniht.
- 25
- haegl byþ hwitust corna; hwyrft hit of heofones lyfte,
wealcaþ hit windes scuras, weorþeþ hit to wætere
syan.
nyd byþ nearu on breostan, weorþeþ hi eah oft niþa
bearnum
to helpe and to hæle gehwæþre, gif hi his hlystaþ æror.
is byþ oferceald, ungemetum slidor,
- 30
- glisnaþ glæshluttur, gimmum gelicust,
flor forste geworuht, fæger ansyne.
ger byþ gumena hiht, on god læteþ,
halig heofones cyning, hrusan syllan
beorhte bleda beornum and earfum.
- 35
- eoh byþ utan unsmeþe treow,
heard, hrusan fæst, hyrde fyres,
wyrtrumun underwreþyd, wyn on eþle.
peordh byþ symble plega and hlehter
wlancum ar wigan sittaþ
- 40
- on beorsele bliþe ætsomne.
eolhx secg eard hæfþ oftust on fenne,
wexe on wature, wundaþ grimme,
blode brene beorna gehwylcne
e him ænigne onfeng gede.
- 45
- sigel semannum symble biþ on hihte,
onn hi hine feriaþ ofer fisces beþ,
oþ hi brimhengest bringeþ to lande.
tir biþ tacna sum, healde trywa wel
wiþ æþelingas, a biþ on færylde,
- 50
- ofer nihta genipu næfre swiceþ.
beorc byþ bleda leas, bereþ efne swa eah
tanas butan tudder, biþ on telgum wlitig,
heah on helme hrysted fægere,
geloden leafum, lyfte getenge.
- 55
- eh byþ for eorlum æþelinga wyn,
hors hofum wlanc, ær him hæleþ ymbe,
welege on wicgum, wrixlaþ spræce,
and biþ unstyllum æfre frofur.
man byþ on myrgþe his magan leof;
- 60
- sceal þeah anra gehwylc orum swican,
for am dryhten wyle dome sine
þæt earme flæsc eorþan betæcan.
lagu byþ leodum langsum geþuht,
gif hi sculun neþan on nacan tealtum,
- 65
- and hi sæyþa swyþe bregaþ,
and se brimhengest bridles ne gyme.
ing wæs ærest mid Eastdenum
gesewen secgun, oþ he sian eft
ofer wæg gewat, wæn æfter ran;
- 70
- us heardingas one hæle nemdun.
edhel byþ oferleof æghwylcum men,
gif he mot ær rihtes and gerysena on
brucan on bolde bleadum oftast.
daeg byþ drihtnes sond, deore mannum,
- 75
- mære metodes leoht, myrgþ and tohiht
eadgum and earmum, eallum brice.
ac byþ on eorþan elda bearnum
flæsces fodor, fereþ gelome
ofer ganotes bæþ; garsecg fandaþ
- 80
- hwæþer ac hæbbe æþele treowe.
aesc biþ oferheah, eldum dyre,
stiþ on staþule, stede rihte hylt,
eah him feohtan on firas monige.
yr byþ æþelinga and eorla gehwæs
- 85
- wyn and wyrþmynd, byþ on wicge fæger,
fæstlic on færelde, fyrdgeatewa sum.
ior byþ eafix, and eah a bruceþ
fodres on foldan, hafaþ fægerne eard,
wætre beworpen, ær he wynnum leofaþ.
- 90
- ear byþ egle eorla gehwylcun,
onn fæstlice flæsc onginneþ,
hraw colian, hrusan ceosan
blac to gebeddan; bleda gedreosaþ,
wynna gewitaþ, wera geswicaþ.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Saturnus cwæ:
"Hwæt! Ic iglanda eallra hæbbe
boca onbyrged þurh gebregdstafas,
larcræftas onlocen Libia and Greca,
- 5
- swylce eac istoriam Indea rices.
Me þa treahteras tala wisedon
on þam micelan bec
M... ...ces heardum.
Swylce ic næfre on eallum þam fyrngewrytum findan ne
mihte
- 10
- soe samnode. Ic sohte þa git
hwylc wære modes oe mægenþrymmes,
elnes oe æhte oe eorlscipes
se gepalmtwigoda Pater Noster.
Sille ic þe ealle, sunu Dauides,
- 15
- þeoden Israela, XXX punda
smætes goldes and mine suna twelfe,
gif þu mec gebringest þæt ic si gebryrded
urh þæs cantices cwyde Cristes linan,
gesemes mec mid soe, and ic mec gesund fare,
- 20
- wende mec on willan on wæteres hrigc
ofer Coferflod Caldeas secan."
Salomon cwæ:
"Unlæde bi on eorþan, unnit lifes,
wese wisdomes, wealla swa nieten,
- 25
- feldgongende feoh butan gewitte,
se þurh one cantic ne can Crist geherian.
Wora he windes full, worpa hine deofol
on domdæge, draca egeslice,
bismorlice, of blacere liran
- 30
- irenum aplum; ealle beo aweaxen
of edwittes ia heafdum.
þonne him bi leofre onne eall eos leohte gesceaft,
gegoten fram am grunde goldes and seolfres,
feersceatum full feohgestreona,
- 35
- gif he æfre æs organes owiht cue.
Fraco he bi onne and fremede frean ælmihtigum,
englum ungelic ana hwearfa."
Saturnus cwæ:
"Ac hwa mæg eaost ealra gesceafta
- 40
- a halgan duru heofona rices
torhte ontynan on getælrime?"
Salomon cwæ:
"æt gepalmtwigede Pater Noster
heofonas ontyne, halige geblissa,
- 45
- metod gemiltsa, moror gefylle,
adwæsce deofles fyr, dryhtnes onæle.
Swylce u miht mid y beorhtan gebede blod onhætan,
æs deofles dreor, þæt him dropan stiga,
swate geswied, seofan intingum,
- 50
- egesfullicran onne seo ærene gripu,
onne heo for XII fyra tydernessum
ofer gleda gripe gifrust wealle.
Foron hafa se cantic ofer ealle Cristes bec
widmærost word; he gewritu lære,
- 55
- stefnum steore, and him stede healde
heofona rices, heregeatewa wige."
Saturnus cwæ:
"Ac hulic is se organ ingemyndum
to begonganne am e his gast wile
- 60
- meltan wi morre, mergan of sorge,
asceadan of scyldum? Huru him scippend geaf
wuldorlicne wlite. Mec æs on worolde full oft
fyrwit frine, fus gewite,
mod gemenge. Nænig manna wat,
- 65
- hælea under hefenum, hu min hige dreose,
bysig æfter bocum; hwilum me bryne stige,
hige heortan neah hædre wealle."
Salomon cwæ:
"Gylden is se godes cwide, gimmum astæned,
- 70
- hafa sylfren leaf; sundor mæg æghwylc
urh gastes gife godspel secgan.
He bi seofan snytro and saule hunig
and modes meolc, mærþa gesælgost.
He mæg a saule of siennihte
- 75
- gefeccan under foldan, næfre hie se feond to æs nier
feterum gefæstna; eah he hie mid fiftigum
clusum beclemme, he one cræft brice
and a orancas ealle toslite.
Hungor he ahiee, helle gestrude,
- 80
- wylm toweorpe, wuldor getimbre.
He is modigra middangearde,
staole strengra onne ealra stana gripe.
Lamena he is læce, leoht wincendra,
swilce he is deafra duru, dumbra tunge,
- 85
- scyldigra scyld, scyppendes seld,
flodes ferigend, folces nerigend,
ya yrfeweard, earmra fisca
and wyrma welm, wildeora holt,
on westenne weard, weormynta geard.
- 90
- And se e wile geornlice one godes cwide
singan solice, and hine siemle wile
lufian butan leahtrum, he mæg one laan gæst,
feohtende feond, fleonde gebrengan,
gif u him ærest on ufan ierne gebrengest
- 95
- prologa prima, am is peordh P nama.
Hafa gumæcga gierde lange,
gyldene gade, and a one grymman feond
swimod sweopa, and him on swae fylge
ac A ofermægene and hine eac ofslih.
- 100
- tir T hine teswa and hine on a tungan stica,
wræste him æt woddor and him a wongan briece.
eh E hiene yfla, swa he a wile
ealra feonda gehwane fæste gestondan.
onne hiene on unanc rad R ieorrenga gesece,
- 105
- bocstafa brego, bregde sona
feond be am feaxe, læte flint brecan
scines sconcan; he ne besceawa no
his leomona li, ne bi him læce god.
Wende he hiene onne under wolcnum, wigsteall sece,
- 110
- heolstre behelmed. Huru him bi æt heartan wa,
onne he hangiende helle wisce,
æs ængestan eelrices.
onne hine forcinna a cirican getuinnas,
nyd N and os O samod æghwæer brenge
- 115
- sweopan of sie; sargia hwile
fremdne flæschoman, feorh ne bemurna.
onne sigel S cyme, engla geræswa,
wuldores stæf, wrane gegripe
feond be am fotum, læte foreweard hleor
- 120
- on strangne stan, stregda toas
geond helle heap. Hyde hine æghwylc
æfter sceades sciman; sceaa bi gebisigod,
Satanes egn swie gestilled.
Swilce hiene q Q and ur V cwealme gehnæga,
- 125
- frome folctogan, fara him togegnes,
habba leoht speru, lange sceaftas,
swimode sweopan, swenga ne wyrna,
deorra dynta; him bi æt deofol la.
onne hine I and lagu L and se yrra cen C
- 130
- gue begyrda (geap stæf wige
biterne brogan), biga sona
helle hæftling, æt he on hinder gæ.
onne hiene feoh F and man M utan ymbringa,
scyldigne sceaan, habba scearp speru,
- 135
- atole earhfare, æled læta
on æs feondes feax flana stregdan,
biterne brogan; banan heardlice
grimme ongielda, æs hie oft gilp breca.
onne hine æt niehstan nearwe stille
- 140
- ger G se geapa, one god sende
freondum on fultum, fære æfter daeg D
fifmægnum full. Fyr bi se ridda
stæf stræte neah, stille bide.
haegl H onette, engel hine scierpe,
- 145
- Cristes cempan, on cwicum wædum
godes spyrigendes geonges hrægles.
onne hine on lyfte lifgetwinnan
under tungla getrumum tuigena ordum,
sweopum seolfrynum, swie wealla,
- 150
- oæt him ban blica, bleda ædran;
gartorn geota gifrum deofle.
Mæg simle se godes cwide gumena gehwylcum
ealra feonda gehwane fleondne gebrengan
urh mannes mu, manfulra heap
- 155
- sweartne geswencan, næfre hie æs syllice
bleoum bregda. æfter bancofan
feerhoman onfo, hwilum flotan gripa;
hwilum hie gewenda in wyrmes lic
stronges and sticoles, stinge nieten,
- 160
- feldgongende feoh gestrude.
Hwilum he on wætere wicg gehnæge,
hornum geheawe, oæt him heortan blod,
famig flodes bæ, foldan gesece.
Hwilum he gefetera fæges mannes,
- 165
- handa gehefega, onne he æt hilde sceall
wi la werud lifes tiligan;
awrite he on his wæpne wællnota heap,
bealwe bocstafas, bill forscrife,
meces mæro. Foron nænig man scile
- 170
- oft orances ut abredan
wæpnes ecgge, eah e him se wlite cweme,
ac symle he sceal singan, onne he his sweord geteo,
Pater Noster, and æt palmtreow
biddan mid blisse, æt him bu gife
- 175
- feorh and folme, onne his feond cyme."
"...... swice, ær he so wite,
æt a sienfullan saula sticien
mid hettendum helle tomiddes.
Hate onne heahcining helle betynan,
- 180
- fyres fulle, and a feondas mid."
Hæfde a se snotra sunu Dauides
forcumen and forcyed Caldea eorl.
Hwære was on sælum se e of sie cwom
feorran gefered; næfre ær his ferh ahlog.
- 185
- Hwæt! Ic flitan gefrægn on fyrndagum
modgleawe men, middangeardes ræswan,
gewesan ymbe hira wisdom; wyrs de se e lieh
oe æs soes ansæce. Saloman was bremra,
eah e Saturnus sumra hæfde,
- 190
- bald breosttoga, boca cæga,
leornenga locan. land eall geondhwearf,
Indea mere, east Corsias,
Persea rice, Palestinion,
Niniuen ceastre and nor Predan,
- 195
- Meda maumselas, Marculfes eard,
Saulus rice, swa he su lige
ymbe Geallboe and ymb Geador nor,
Filistina flet, fæsten Creca,
wudu Egipta, wæter Mathea,
- 200
- cludas Coreffes, Caldea rice,
Creca cræftas, cynn Arabia,
lare Libia, lond Syria,
Pitinia, Buanasan,
Pamhpilia, Pores gemære,
- 205
- Macedonia, Mesopotamie,
Cappadocia, Cristes eel,
Hieryhco, Galilea, Hierusalem
"oe ic swigie,
nyttes hycgge, eah ic no sprece.
- 210
- Wat ic onne, gif u gewitest on Wendelsæ
ofer Coforflod cye secean,
æt u wille gilpan æt u hæbbe gumena bearn
forcumen and forcyed. Wat ic æt wæron Caldeas
gue æs gielpne and æs goldwlonce,
- 215
- mæra æs modige, ær to am moning gelomp
su ymbe Sanere feld. Sæge me from am lande
ær nænig fyra ne mæg fotum gestæppan."
Saturnus cuæ:
"Se mæra was haten sæliende
- 220
- weallende Wulf, wereodum cu
Filistina, freond Nebrondes.
He on am felda ofslog XXV
dracena on dægred, and hine a dea offeoll;
foran a foldan ne mæg fira ænig,
- 225
- one mercstede, mon gesecan,
fugol gefleogan, ne on ma foldan neat.
anon atercynn ærest gewurdon
wide onwæcned, a e nu weallende
urh attres oro ingang ryma.
- 230
- Git his sweord scine swie gescæned,
and ofer a byrgenna blica a hieltas."
Salomon cwæ:
"Dol bi se e gæ on deop wæter,
se e sund nafa ne gesegled scip
- 235
- ne fugles flyht, ne he mid fotum ne mæg
grund geræcan; huru se godes cunna
full dyslice, dryhtnes meahta."
Saturnus cuæ:
"Ac hwæt is se dumba, se e on sumre dene reste?
- 240
- Swie snyttra, hafa seofon tungan;
hafa tungena gehwylc XX orda,
hafa orda gehwylc engles snytro,
ara e wile anra hwylc uppe bringan,
æt u ære gyldnan gesiehst Hierusalem
- 245
- weallas blican and hiera winrod lixan,
sofæstra segn. Saga hwæt ic mæne."
Salomon cuæ:
"Bec sindon breme, bodia geneahhe
weotodne willan am e wiht hyge.
- 250
- Gestranga hie and gestaelia staolfæstne geoht,
amyrga modsefan manna gehwylces
of reamedlan isses lifes."
Saturnus cwæ:
"Bald bi se e onbyrege boca cræftes;
- 255
- symle bi e wisra e hira geweald hafa."
Salomon cuæ:
"Sige hie onsenda sofæstra gehwam,
hælo hye, am e hie lufa."
Saturnus cwæ:
- 260
- "An wise is on woroldrice
ymb a me fyrwet bræc L wintra
dæges and niehtes urh deop gesceaft;
geomrende gast de nu gena swa,
æron me geunne ece dryhten
- 265
- æt me geseme snoterra monn."
Salomon cwæ:
"So is æt u sagast; seme ic e recene
ymb a wrætlican wiht. Wilt u æt ic e secgge?
An fugel site on Filistina
- 270
- middelgemærum; munt is hine ymbutan,
geap gylden weall. Georne hine healda
witan Filistina, wena æs e naht is,
æt hiene him scyle eall eod on genæman
wæpna ecggum; hie æs wære cunnon,
- 275
- healda hine niehta gehwylce noran and suan
on twa healfa tu hund wearda.
Se fugel hafa IIII heafdu
medumra manna, and he is on middan hwælen;
geowes he hafa fieru and griffus fet,
- 280
- lige lonnum fæst, loca unhiere,
swie swinge and his searo hringe,
gille geomorlice and his gyrn sefa,
wylle hine on am wite, wuna unlustum,
singge syllice; seldum æfre
- 285
- his leoma licgga. Longa hine hearde,
ynce him æt sie ria XXX usend wintra
ær he domdæges dynn gehyre.
Nyste hine on ære foldan fira ænig
eoran cynnes, æron ic hine ana onfand
- 290
- and hine a gebendan het ofer brad wæter,
æt hine se modega heht Melotes bearn,
Filistina fruma, fæste gebindan,
lonnum belucan wi leodgryre.
one fugel hata feorbuende,
- 295
- Filistina fruman, uasa mortis."
Saturnus cwæ:
"Ac hwæt is æt wundor e geond as worold fære,
styrnenga gæ, staolas beate,
awece wopdropan, winne oft hider?
- 300
- Ne mæg hit steorra ne stan ne se steapa gimm,
wæter ne wildeor wihte beswican,
ac him on hand gæ heardes and hnesces,
micles and mætes; him to mose sceall
gegangan geara gehwelce grundbuendra,
- 305
- lyftfleogendra, laguswemmendra,
ria reoteno usendgerimes."
Salomon cuæ:
"Yldo beo on eoran æghwæs cræftig;
mid hiendre hildewræsne,
- 310
- rumre racenteage, ræce wide,
langre linan, lisse eall æt heo wile.
Beam heo abreote and bebrice telgum,
astyre standendne stefn on sie,
afille hine on foldan; frite æfter am
- 315
- wildne fugol. Heo oferwige wulf,
hio oferbide stanas, heo oferstige style,
hio abite iren mid ome, de usic swa."
Saturnus cwæ:
"Ac forhwon fealle se snaw, foldan behyde,
- 320
- bewrih wyrta ci, wæstmas getige,
gey hie and gereata, æt hie rage beo
cealde geclungne? Full oft he gecosta eac
wildeora worn, wætum he oferbricge,
gebryce burga geat, baldlice fere,
- 325
- reafa"
"swior micle onne se swipra ni
se hine gelæde on a laan wic
mid a fræcnan feonde to willan."
Saturnus cwæ:
- 330
- "Nieht bi wedera iestrost, ned bi wyrda heardost,
sorg bi swarost byren, slæp bi deae gelicost."
Salomon cwæ:
"Lytle hwile leaf beo grene;
onne hie eft fealewia, fealla on eoran
- 335
- and forweornia, weora to duste.
Swa onne gefealla a e fyrena ær
lange læsta, lifia him in mane,
hyda heahgestreon, healda georne
on fæstenne feondum to willan,
- 340
- and wena wanhogan æt hie wille wuldorcining,
ælmihtig god, ece gehiran."
Saturnus cwæ:
"Sona bi gesiene, sian flowan mot
y ofer eall lond, ne wile heo awa æs
- 345
- sies geswican, sioan hire se sæl cyme,
æt heo domes dæges dyn gehiere."
Salomon cwæ:
"Wa bi onne issum modgum monnum, am e her nu mid
mane lengest
lifia on isse lænan gesceafte. Ieo æt ine leode gecydon;
- 350
- wunnon hie wi dryhtnes miehtum, foron hie æt worc ne
gedegdon.
Ne sceall ic e hwære, broor, abelgan; u eart swie
bittres cynnes,
eorre eormenstrynde. Ne beyrn u in a inwitgecyndo!"
Saturnus cwæ:
"Saga u me, Salomon cyning, sunu Dauides,
- 355
- hwæt beo a feowere fægæs rapas?"
Salomon cuæ:
"Gewurdene wyrda,
æt beo a feowere fæges rapas."
Saturnus cwæ:
- 360
- "Ac hwa deme onne dryhtne Criste
on domes dæge, onne he deme eallum gesceaftum?"
Salomon cwæ:
"Hwa dear onne dryhtne deman, e us of duste geworhte,
nergend of niehtes wunde? Ac sæge me hwæt nærende
wæron."
- 365
- Saturnus cwæ:
"Ac forhwon ne mot seo sunne side gesceafte
scire geondscinan? Forhwam besceade heo
muntas and moras and monige ec
weste stowa? Hu geweore æt?"
- 370
- Salomon cuæ:
"Ac forhwam næron eorwelan ealle gedæled
leodum gelice? Sum to lyt hafa,
godes grædig; hine god sete
urh geearnunga eadgum to ræste."
- 375
- Saturnus cwæ:
"Ac forhwan beo a gesias somod ætgædre,
wop and hleahtor? Full oft hie weorgeornra
sæla toslita; hu gesæle æt?"
Salomon cuæ:
- 380
- "Unlæde bi and ormod se e a wile
geomrian on gihe; se bi gode fracoast."
Saturnus cwæ:
"Forhwon ne moton we onne ealle mid onmedlan
gegnum gangan in godes rice?"
- 385
- Salomon cwæ:
"Ne mæg fyres feng ne forstes cile,
snaw ne sunne somod eardian,
aldor geæfnan, ac hira sceal anra gehwylc
onlutan and onliigan e hafa læsse mægn."
- 390
- Saturnus cwæ:
"Ac forhwon onne leofa se wyrsa leng?
Se wyrsa ne wat in woroldrice
on his mægwinum maran are."
Salomon cwæ:
- 395
- "Ne mæg mon forildan ænige hwile
one deoran si, ac he hine adreogan sceall."
Saturnus cwæ:
"Ac hu gegange æt? Gode oe yfle,
onne hie beo urh ane idese acende,
- 400
- twegen getwinnas, ne bi hira tir gelic.
Oer bi unlæde on eoran, oer bi eadig,
swie leoftæle mid leoda duguum;
oer leofa lytle hwile,
swice on isse sidan gesceafte, and onne eft mid sorgum
gewite.
- 405
- Fricge ic ec, hlaford Salomon, hwæres bi hira folgo
betra?"
Salomon cuæ:
"Modor ne ræde, onne heo magan cenne,
hu him weore geond worold widsi sceapen.
Oft heo to bealwe bearn afede,
- 410
- seolfre to sorge, sian dreoge
his earfou orlegstunde.
Heo æs afran sceall oft and gelome
grimme greotan, onne he geong fære,
hafa wilde mod, werige heortan,
- 415
- sefan sorgfullne, slide geneahhe,
werig, wilna leas, wuldres bedæled,
hwilum higegeomor healle wearda,
leofa leodum feor; loca geneahhe
fram am unlædan agen hlaford.
- 420
- Foran nah seo modor geweald, onne heo magan cenne,
bearnes blædes, ac sceall on gebyrd faran
an æfter anum; æt is eald gesceaft."
Saturnus cwæ:
"Ac forhwan nele monn him on giogoe georne gewyrcan
- 425
- deores dryhtscipes and dædfruman,
wadan on wisdom, winnan æfter snytro?"
Salomon cwæ:
"Hwæt! Him mæg eadig eorl eae geceosan
on his modsefan mildne hlaford,
- 430
- anne æeling. Ne mæg don unlæde swa."
Saturnus cwæ:
"Ac forhwam winne is wæter geond woroldrice,
dreoge deop gesceaft? Ne mot on dæg restan,
neahtes ney, cræfte ty,
- 435
- cristna and clænsa cwicra manigo,
wuldre gewlitiga. Ic wihte ne cann
forhwan se stream ne mot stillan neahtes."
"his lifes fæme. Simle hit bi his lareowum hyrsum;
full oft hit eac æs deofles dugo gehnæge,
- 440
- ær weotena bi worn gesamnod.
onne snottrum men snæd oglide,
a he be leohte gesih, lute æfter,
gesegna and gesyfle and him sylf frite.
Swilc bi seo an snæd æghwylcum men
- 445
- selre micle, gif heo gesegnod bi,
to ycgganne, gif he hit geencan cann,
onne him sie seofon daga symbelgereordu.
Leoht hafa heow and had haliges gastes,
Cristes gecyndo; hit æt gecye full oft.
- 450
- Gif hit unwitan ænige hwile
healda butan hæftum, hit urh hrof wæde,
bryce and bærne boldgetimbru,
seoma steap and geap, stige on lenge,
clymme on gecyndo, cunna hwænne mote
- 455
- fyr on his frumsceaft on fæder geardas,
eft to his ele, anon hit æror cuom.
Hit bi eallenga eorl to gesihe,
am e gedælan can dryhtnes ecelan,
foron nis nænegu gecynd cuiclifigende,
- 460
- ne fugel ne fisc ne foldan stan,
ne wæteres wylm ne wudutelga,
ne munt ne mor ne es middangeard,
æt he for ne sie fyrenes cynnes."
Saturnus cwæ:
- 465
- "Full oft ic frode menn fyrn gehyrde
secggan and swerian ymb sume wisan,
hwæer wære twegra butan tweon strengra,
wyrd e warnung, onne hie winna oft
mid hira reamedlan, hwæerne areote ær.
- 470
- Ic to soon wat; sægdon me geara
Filistina witan, onne we on geflitum sæton,
bocum tobræddon and on bearm legdon,
meelcwidas mengdon, moniges fengon,
æt nære nænig manna middangeardes
- 475
- æt meahte ara twega tuion aspyrian."
Salomon cwæ:
"Wyrd bi wended hearde, wealle swie geneahhe;
heo wop wece, heo wean hlade,
heo gast scy, heo ger byre,
- 480
- and hwære him mæg wissefa wyrda gehwylce
gemetigian, gif he bi modes gleaw
and to his freondum wile fultum secan,
eh hwære godcundes gæstes brucan."
Saturnus cwæ:
- 485
- "Ac hwæt wite us wyrd seo swie,
eallra fyrena fruma, fæho modor,
weana wyrtwela, wopes heafod,
frumscylda gehwæs fæder and modor,
deaes dohtor? Ac tohwan drohta heo mid us?
- 490
- Hwæt! Hie wile lifigende late areotan,
æt heo urh fyrena geflitu fæho ne tydre."
Salomon cwæ:
"Nolde gæd geador in godes rice
eadiges engles and æs ofermodan;
- 495
- oer his dryhtne hierde, oer him ongan wyrcan urh
dierne cræftas
segn and side byrnan, cwæ æt he mid his gesium wolde
hian eall heofona rice and him onne on healfum sittan,
tydran him mid y teoan dæle, oæt he his tornes
ne cue
ende urh insceafte. a wear se æelra eoden
- 500
- gedrefed urh æs deofles gehygdo; forlet hine a of dune
gehreosan,
afielde hine a under foldan sceatas,
heht hine ær fæste gebindan. æt sindon a usic feohta on.
Foron is witena gehwam wopes eaca.
a æt eadig onfand engla dryhten,
- 505
- æt heo leng mid hine lare ne namon,
aweorp hine a of am wuldre and wide todraf,
and him bebead bearn heofonwara
æt hie ec scoldon a enden hie lifdon
wunian in wylme, wop rowian,
- 510
- heaf under hefonum, and him helle gescop,
wælcealde wic wintre beeahte,
wæter in sende and wyrmgeardas,
atol deor monig irenum hornum,
blodige earnas and blace nædran,
- 515
- urst and hungor and earle gewin,
egna egesan, unrotnesse;
and æghwylc him issa earfea ece stonde
butan edwende a enden hie lifiga."
Saturnus cwæ:
- 520
- "Is onne on isse foldan fira ænig
eoran cynnes, ara e man age,
e dea abæde, ær se dæg cyme
æt sie his calendcwide arunnen
and hine mon annunga ut abanne?"
- 525
- Salomon cwæ:
"æghwylcum men engel onsende
dryhten heofona onne dæg styre;
se sceall behealdan hu his hyge wille;
grædig growan in godes willan,
- 530
- murnan metodes rym, mid y e hit dæg bi.
onne hine ymbeganga gastas twegen;
oer bi golde glædra, oer bi grundum sweartra,
oer cyme
ofer ære stylenan helle;
- 535
- oer hine lære æt he lufan healde,
metodes miltse, and his mæga ræd,
oer hine tyhte and on tæso lære,
ywe him and yppe earmra manna
misgemynda, and urh æt his mod hwete,
- 540
- læde hine and læce and hine geond land spane,
oæt his ege bi, æfancum full,
urh earmra scyld yrre geworden.
Swa onne feohte se feond on feower gecynd,
oæt he gewende on a wyrsan hand
- 545
- deofles dædum dæglongne fyrst,
and æs willan wyrc e hine on woh spane.
Gewite onne wepende on weg faran
engel to his earde and æt eall saga:
'Ne meahte ic of ære heortan heardne aringan
- 550
- stylenne stan; stica him tomiddes'"
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Crist wæs acennyd, cyninga wuldor,
on midne winter, mære þeoden,
ece ælmihtig, on þy eahteoan dæg
Hælend gehaten, heofonrices weard.
- 5
- Swa þa sylfan tiid side herigeas,
folc unmæte, habba foreweard gear,
for þy se kalend us cyme geþincged
on þam ylcan dæge us to tune,
forma mona; hine folc mycel
- 10
- Ianuarius gerum heton.
And þæs embe fif niht þætte fulwihttiid
eces drihtnes to us cyme,
þæne twelfta dæg tireadige,
hæle heaurofe, hata on Brytene,
- 15
- in foldan her. Swylce emb feower wucan
þætte Solmona sige to tune
butan twam nihtum, swa hit getealdon geo,
Februarius fær, frode gesiþas,
ealde ægleawe. And þæs embe ane niht
- 20
- þæt we Marian mæssan healda,
cyninges modor, forþan heo Crist on þam dæge,
bearn wealdendes, brohte to temple.
ænne þæs emb fif niht þæt afered by
winter of wicum, and se wigend þa
- 25
- æfter seofentynum swylt þrowade
nihtgerimes, nergendes þegen,
Mathias mære, mine gefræge,
þæs þe lencten on tun geliden hæfde,
werum to wicum. Swylce eac is wide cu
- 30
- ymb III and twa þeodum gewelhwær
his cyme kalend ceorlum and eorlum
(butan þænne bises geboden weore
feoran geare; þænne he furor cyme
ufor anre niht us to tune),
- 35
- hrime gehyrsted hagolscurum fær
geond middangeard Martius ree,
Hlyda healic. ænne se halga þæs
emb XI niht æþele scynde
Gregorius in godes wære,
- 40
- breme in Brytene. Swylce Benedictus
embe nigon niht þæs nergend sohte,
heard and higestrang, þæne heria wel
in gewritum wise, wealdendes þeow
rincas regolfæste. Swylce eac rimcræftige
- 45
- on þa ylcan tiid emniht healda,
foran wealdend god worhte æt fryme
on þy sylfan dæge sunnan and monan.
Hwæt, ymb feower niht fæder onsende,
þæs þe emnihte eorlas healda,
- 50
- heahengel his, se hælo abead
Marian mycle, þæt heo meotod sceolde
cennan, kyninga betst, swa hit gecyed wear
geond middangeard; wæs þæt mære wyrd,
folcum gefræge! Swylce emb feower and þreo
- 55
- nihtgerimes, þætte nergend sent
Aprelis mona, on þam oftust cym
seo mære tiid mannum to frofre,
drihtnes ærist; þænne dream gerist
wel wide gehwær, swa se witega sang:
- 60
- "þis is se dæg þæne drihten us
wisfæst worhte, wera cneorissum,
eallum eorwarum eadigum to blisse."
Ne magon we þa tide be getale healdan
dagena rimes, ne drihtnes stige
- 65
- on heofenas up, forþan þe hwearfa aa
wisra gewyrdum, ac sceal wintrum frod
on circule cræfte findan
halige dagas. Sculan we hwæere gyt
martira gemynd ma areccan,
- 70
- wrecan wordum for, wisse gesingan,
þæt embe nihgontyne niht and fifum,
þæs þe Eastermona to us cyme,
þæt man reliquias ræran onginne,
halige gehyrste; þæt is healic dæg,
- 75
- bentiid bremu. Swylce in burh raþe
embe siex niht
þæs, smicere on gearwum,
wudum and wyrtum cyme wlitig scrian
þrymilce on tun, þearfe bringe
Maius micle geond menigeo gehwær.
- 80
- Swa þi ylcan dæge æþele geferan,
Philippus and Iacob, feorh agefan,
modige magoþegnas for meotudes lufan.
And þæs embe twa niht þætte tæhte god
Elenan eadigre æþelust beama,
- 85
- on þam þrowode þeoden engla
for manna lufan, meotud on galgan
be fæder leafe. Swylce ymb fyrst wucan
butan anre niht þætte yldum bring
sigelbeorhte dagas sumor to tune,
- 90
- wearme gewyderu. þænne wangas hrae
blostmum blowa, swylce blis astih
geond middangeard manigra hada
cwicera cynna, cyninge lof secga
mænifealdlice, mærne brema,
- 95
- ælmihtigne. þæs emb eahta and nigon
dogera rimes þætte drihten nam
in oer leoht Agustinus,
bline on breostum, þæs þe he on Brytene her
eamode him eorlas funde
- 100
- to godes willan, swa him se gleawa bebead
Gregorius. Ne hyrde ic guman a fyrn
ænigne ær æfre bringan
ofer sealtne mere selran lare,
bisceop bremran. Nu on Brytene rest
- 105
- on Cantwarum cynestole neah,
mynstre mærum. þænne mona bring
ymb twa and feower tiida lange
ærra Lia us to tune,
Iunius on geard, on þam gim astih
- 110
- on heofenas up hyhst on geare,
tungla torhtust, and of tille agrynt,
to sete sige. Wyle syan leng
grund behealdan and gangan lator
ofer foldan wang fægerust leohta,
- 115
- woruldgesceafta. þænne wuldres þegn
ymb þreotyne, þeodnes dyrling,
Iohannes in geardagan wear acenned,
tyn nihtum eac; we þa tiid healda
on midne sumor mycles on æþelum.
- 120
- Wide is geweorod, swa þæt wel gerist,
haligra tid geond hælea bearn,
Petrus and Paulus. Hwæt, þa apostolas,
þeodenholde, þrowedon on Rome
ofer midne sumor, miccle gewisse,
- 125
- furor fif nihtum, folcbealo þrealic,
mærne martyrdom; hæfdon mænige ær
wundra geworhte geond wærþeoda,
swylce hi æfter þam unrim fremedon
swutelra and gesynra þurh sunu meotudes,
- 130
- ealdorþegnas. þænne ædre cym
emb twa niht þæs tidlice us
Iulius mona, on þam Iacobus
ymb feower niht feorh gesealde
ond twentigum, trum in breostum,
- 135
- frod and fæstræd folca lareow,
Zebedes afera. And þæs symle scriþ
ymb seofon niht þæs sumere gebrihted
Weodmona on tun, welhwær bringe
Agustus yrmenþeodum
- 140
- hlafmæssan dæg. Swa þæs hærfest cym
ymbe oer swylc butan anre wanan,
wlitig, wæstmum hladen; wela by geywed
fægere on foldan. þænne for gewat
ymb þreo niht þæs þeodne getrywe
- 145
- þurh martyrdom, mære diacon,
Laurentius, hæf nu lif wiþan
mid wuldorfæder weorca to leane.
Swylce þæs ymb fif niht fægerust mæga,
wifa wuldor, sohte weroda god
- 150
- for suna sibbe, sigefæstne ham
on neorxnawange; hæfde nergend þa
fægere fostorlean fæmnan forgolden
ece to ealdre. þænne ealling by
ymb tyn niht þæs tiid geweorad
- 155
- Bartholomeus in Brytene her,
wyrd welþungen. Swylce eac wide by
eorlum geypped æþelinges dea
ymb feower niht, se þe fægere iu
mid wætere oferwearp wuldres cynebearn,
- 160
- wiga weorlice. Be him wealdend cwæ
þæt nan mærra man geond middangeard
betux wife and were wurde acenned.
Ond þæs ymbe þreo niht geond þeoda feala
þætte Haligmon, heleþum geþinged,
- 165
- fere to folce, swa hit foregleawe,
ealde uþwitan, æror fundan,
Septembres fær, and þy seofoþan dæg
þæt acenned wear cwena selost,
drihtnes modor. þænne dagena worn
- 170
- ymbe þreotyne þegn unforcu,
godspelles gleaw, gast onsende
Matheus his to metodsceafte,
in ecne gefean. þænne ealling cym
ymb þreo niht þæs þeodum wide
- 175
- emnihtes dæg, ylda bearnum.
Hwæt, we weoria wide geond eoran
heahengles tiid on hærfeste,
Michaheles, swa þæt menigo wat,
fif nihtum ufor þæs þe folcum by,
- 180
- eorlum geywed emnihtes dæg.
And þæs embe twa niht þæt se teoa mon
on folc fere, frode geþeahte,
October on tun us to genihte,
Winterfylle, swa hine wide ciga
- 185
- igbuende Engle and Seaxe,
weras mid wifum. Swylce wigena tiid
ymb twentig þæs twegra healda
and seofon nihtum samod ætgædere
on anne dæg. We þa æþelingas
- 190
- fyrn gefrunan þæt hy foremære,
Simon and Iudas, symble wæron,
drihtne dyre; forþon hi dom hlutan,
eadigne upweg. And þæs ofstum bring
embe feower niht, folce genihtsum,
- 195
- Blotmona on tun, beornum to wiste,
Nouembris, nia bearnum
eadignesse, swa nan oer na de
mona maran miltse drihtnes.
And þy ylcan dæge ealra we healda
- 200
- sancta symbel þara þe si oe ær
worhtan in worulde willan drihtnes.
Syþþan wintres dæg wide gange
on syx nihtum, sigelbeortne genim
hærfest mid herige hrimes and snawes,
- 205
- forste gefeterad, be frean hæse,
þæt us wunian ne moton wangas grene,
foldan frætuwe. þæs ymb feower niht
þætte Martinus mære geleorde,
wer womma leas wealdend sohte,
- 210
- upengla weard. þænne embe eahta niht
and feowerum þætte fan gode
besenctun on sægrund sigefæstne wer,
on brime haran, þe iu beorna fela
Clementes oft clypia to þearfe.
- 215
- And þæs embe seofon niht, sigedrihtne leof,
æþele Andreas up on roderum
his gast ageaf on godes wære,
fus on forweg. þænne folcum bring
morgen to mannum mona to tune,
- 220
- Decembris drihta bearnum,
ærra Iula. Swylce emb eahta and twelf
nihtgerimes þætte nergend sylf
þristhydigum Thomase forgeaf
wi earfeum ece rice,
- 225
- bealdum beornwigan bletsunga his.
þænne emb feower niht þætte fæder engla
his sunu sende on þas sidan gesceaft
folcum to frofre. Nu ge findan magon
haligra tiida þe man healdan sceal,
- 230
- swa bebuge gebod geond Brytenricu
Sexna kyninges on þas sylfan tiid.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Cyning sceal rice healdan. Ceastra beo feorran gesyne,
oranc enta geweorc, þa þe on þysse eoran syndon,
wrætlic weallstana geweorc. Wind by on lyfte swiftust,
þunar by þragum hludast. þrymmas syndan Cristes myccle,
- 5
- wyrd by swiost. Winter by cealdost,
lencten hrimigost (he by lengest ceald),
sumor sunwlitegost (swegel by hatost),
hærfest hreeadegost, hæleum bringe
geres wæstmas, þa þe him god sende.
- 10
- So bi switolost, sinc by deorost,
gold gumena gehwam, and gomol snoterost,
fyrngearum frod, se þe ær feala gebide.
Weax bi wundrum clibbor. Wolcnu scria.
Geongne æþeling sceolan gode gesias
- 15
- byldan to beaduwe and to beahgife.
Ellen sceal on eorle, ecg sceal wi hellme
hilde gebidan. Hafuc sceal on glofe
wilde gewunian, wulf sceal on bearowe,
earm anhaga, eofor sceal on holte,
- 20
- tomægenes trum. Til sceal on ele
domes wyrcean. Daro sceal on handa,
gar golde fah. Gim sceal on hringe
standan steap and geap. Stream sceal on yum
mencgan mereflode. Mæst sceal on ceole,
- 25
- segelgyrd seomian. Sweord sceal on bearme,
drihtlic isern. Draca sceal on hlæwe,
frod, frætwum wlanc. Fisc sceal on wætere
cynren cennan. Cyning sceal on healle
beagas dælan. Bera sceal on hæe,
- 30
- eald and egesfull. Ea of dune sceal
flodgræg feran. Fyrd sceal ætsomne,
tirfæstra getrum. Treow sceal on eorle,
wisdom on were. Wudu sceal on foldan
blædum blowan. Beorh sceal on eorþan
- 35
- grene standan. God sceal on heofenum,
dæda demend. Duru sceal on healle,
rum recedes mu. Rand sceal on scylde,
fæst fingra gebeorh. Fugel uppe sceal
lacan on lyfte. Leax sceal on wæle
- 40
- mid sceote scrian. Scur sceal on heofenum,
winde geblanden, in þas woruld cuman.
þeof sceal gangan þystrum wederum. þyrs sceal on fenne
gewunian
ana innan lande. Ides sceal dyrne cræfte,
fæmne hire freond gesecean, gif heo nelle on folce geþeon
- 45
- þæt hi man beagum gebicge. Brim sceal sealte weallan,
lyfthelm and laguflod ymb ealra landa gehwylc,
flowan firgenstreamas. Feoh sceal on eoran
tydran and tyman. Tungol sceal on heofenum
beorhte scinan, swa him bebead meotud.
- 50
- God sceal wi yfele, geogo sceal wi yldo,
lif sceal wi deaþe, leoht sceal wi þystrum,
fyrd wi fyrde, feond wi orum,
la wi laþe ymb land sacan,
synne stælan. A sceal snotor hycgean
- 55
- ymb þysse worulde gewinn, wearh hangian,
fægere ongildan þæt he ær facen dyde
manna cynne. Meotod ana wat
hwyder seo sawul sceal syan hweorfan,
and ealle þa gastas þe for gode hweorfa
- 60
- æfter deadæge, domes bida
on fæder fæme. Is seo forgesceaft
digol and dyrne; drihten ana wat,
nergende fæder. Næni eft cyme
hider under hrofas, þe þæt her for so
- 65
- mannum secge hwylc sy meotodes gesceaft,
sigefolca gesetu, þær he sylfa wuna.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Oft daedlata dome foreldit,
sigisitha gahuem, suuyltit thi ana.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Hwæt! Ic ana sæt innan bearwe,
mid helme beþeht, holte tomiddes,
þær þa wæterburnan swegdon and urnon
on middan gehæge, eal swa ic secge.
- 5
- Eac þær wynwyrta weoxon and bleowon
innon þam gemonge on ænlicum wonge,
and þa wudubeamas wagedon and swegdon
þurh winda gryre; wolcn wæs gehrered,
and min earme mod eal wæs gedrefed.
- 10
- þa ic færinga, forht and unrot,
þas unhyrlican fers onhefde mid sange,
eall swylce þu cwæde, synna gemunde,
lifes leahtra, and þa langan tid,
þæs dimman cyme deaes on eoran.
- 15
- Ic ondræde me eac dom þone miclan
for mandædum minum on eoran,
and þæt ece ic eac yrre ondræde me
and synfulra gehwam æt sylfum gode,
and hu mihtig frea eall manna cynn
- 20
- todæle and todeme þurh his dihlan miht.
Ic gemunde eac mære drihtnes
and þara haligra on heofonan rice,
swylce earmsceapenra yfel and witu.
Ic gemunde þis mid me, and ic mearn swie,
- 25
- and ic murcnigende cwæ, mode gedrefed:
"Nu ic eow, æddran, ealle bidde
þæt ge wylspringas wel ontynan,
hate of hleorum, recene to tearum,
þænne ic synful slea swie mid fyste,
- 30
- breost mine beate on gebedstowe,
and minne lichaman lecge on eoran
and geearnade sar ealle ic gecige.
Ic bidde eow benum nu a
þæt ge ne wandian wiht for tearum,
- 35
- ac dreorige hleor drecca mid wope
and sealtum dropum sona ofergeotaþ,
and geopenia man ecum drihtne.
Ne þær owiht inne ne belife
on heortscræfe heanra gylta,
- 40
- þæt hit ne sy dægcu, þæt þæt dihle wæs,
openum wordum eall abæred,
breostes and tungan and flæsces swa some.
is is an hæl earmre sauwle
and þam sorgiendum selest hihta,
- 45
- þæt he wunda her wope gecye
uplicum læce, se ana mæg
aglidene mod gode gehælan
and ræplingas recene onbindan,
ne mid swiran his swyþe nele brysan
- 50
- wanhydige mod wealdend engla,
ne þone wlacan smocan waces fleaxes
wyle waldend Crist wætere gedwæscan.
Hu ne gesceop þe se scaþa scearplice bysne
þe mid Criste wæs cwylmed on rode,
- 55
- hu micel forstent and hu mære is
seo soe hreow synna and gylta?
Se sceaþa wæs on rode scyldig and manful,
mid undædum eall gesymed;
he drihtene swa þeah, deae gehende,
- 60
- his bena bebead breostgehigdum.
He mid lyt wordum ac geleaffullum
his hæle begeat and help recene,
and in gefor þa ænlican geatu
neorxnawonges mid nerigende.
- 65
- Ic acsige þe, la, earme geþanc,
hwi latast þu swa lange, þæt þu e læce ne cyþst,
oe hwi swigast þu, synnigu tunge,
nu þu forgifnesse hæfst gearugne timan,
nu þe ælmihtig earum atihtum,
- 70
- heofonrices weard, gehyre mid lustum?
Ac se dæg cyme onne deme god
eoran ymbhwyrft; þu ana scealt
gyldan scad wordum wi scyppend god,
and þam rican frean riht agyldan.
- 75
- Ic lære þæt þu beo hrædra mid hreowlicum tearum,
and þæt yrre forfoh eces deman.
Hwæt ligst þu on horwe leahtrum afylled,
flæsc, mid synnum? Hwi ne feormast þu
mid teara gyte torne synne?
- 80
- Hwi ne bidst þu þe beþunga and plaster,
lifes læcedomes æt lifes frean?
Nu þu scealt greotan, tearas geotan,
þa hwile tima sy and tid wopes;
nu is halwende þæt man her wepe
- 85
- and dædbote do drihtne to willan.
Glæd bi se godes sunu, gif þu gnorn þrowast
and þe sylfum demst for synnum on eoran,
ne heofenes god hena and gyltas
ofer ænne syþ wrecan wile ænigum men.
- 90
- Ne scealt þu forhyccan heaf and wopas
and forgifnesse gearugne timan.
Gemyne eac on mode, hu micel is þæt wite
þe þara earmra by for ærdædum,
oþþe hu egeslice and hu andrysne
- 95
- heahþrymme cyningc her wile deman
anra gehwylcum be ærdædum,
oþþe hwylce forebeacn feran onginna
and Cristes cyme cyþa on eoran.
Eall eore bifa, eac swa þa duna
- 100
- dreosa and hreosa,
and beorga hliu buga and mylta,
and se egeslica sweg ungerydre sæ
eall manna mod miclum gedrefe.
Eal bi eac upheofon
- 105
- sweart and gesworcen, swie geþuxsa,
deorc and dimhiw, and dwolma sweart.
þonne stedelease steorran hreosa,
and seo sunne forswyrc sona on morgen,
ne se mona næf nanre mihte wiht,
- 110
- þæt he þære nihte genipu mæge flecgan.
Eac þonne cuma hider ufon of heofone
deabeacnigende tacn, brega þa earman;
þonne cuma upplice eoredheapas,
stiþmægen astyred, stylla embutan
- 115
- eal engla werod, ecne behlæna,
one mæran metod mihte and þrymme.
Sitt þonne sigelbeorht swegles brytta
on heahsetle, helme beweorod.
We beo færinga him beforan brohte,
- 120
- æghwanum cumene to his ansyne,
þæt gehwylc underfo
dom be his dædum æt drihtne sylfum.
Ic bidde, man, þæt þu gemune hu micel bi se broga
beforan domsetle drihtnes þænne;
- 125
- stent hergea mæst heortleas
and earh,
amasod and amarod, mihtleas, afæred.
þænne samod becuma of swegles hleo
eall engla werod, ecne ymtrymma.
þænne bi geban micel, and aboden þider
- 130
- eal Adames cnosl eorbuendra
þe on foldan wear feded æfre
oe modar gebær to manlican,
oþþe þa þe wæron oe woldon beon
oþþe towearde geteald wæron awiht.
- 135
- onne eallum beo ealra gesweotolude
digle geþancas on þære dægtide,
eal þæt seo heorte hearmes geþohte
oe seo tunge to teonan geclypede
oþþe mannes hand manes gefremede
- 140
- on þystrum scræfum þinga on eoran;
eal þæt hwæne sceamode scylda on worulde,
þæt he ænigum men ypte oe cyde,
þonne bi eallum open ætsomne,
gelice alyfed þæt man lange hæl.
- 145
- Ufenan eall þis eac by gefylled
eal uplic lyft ættrenum lige.
Fær fyr ofer eall, ne by þær nan foresteal,
ne him man na ne mæg miht forwyrnan;
eal þæt us þinc æmtig eahgemearces
- 150
- under roderes ryne, readum lige
bi emnes mid þy eal gefylled.
onne fyren lig blawe and brasla,
read and reae, ræsct and efeste,
hu he synfullum susle gefremme;
- 155
- ne se wrecenda bryne wile forbugan
oe ænigum þær are gefremman,
buton he horwum sy her afeormad,
and þonne þider cume, þearle aclænsad.
þonne fela mæga, folca unrim,
- 160
- heora sinnigan breost swilice beata
forhte mid fyste for fyrenlustum.
þær beo þearfan and þeodcyningas,
earm and eadig, ealle beo afæred;
þær hæf ane lage earm and se welega,
- 165
- foron hi habba ege ealle ætsomne.
æt ree flod ræscet fyre
and biterlice bærn a earman saula,
and heora heortan horxlice wyrmas,
synscyldigra, ceorfa and slita.
- 170
- Ne mæg þær æni man be agnum gewyrhtum
gedyrstig wesan, deman gehende,
ac ealle þurhyrn oga ætsomne,
breostgehyda and se bitera wop,
and þær stænt astifad, stane gelicast,
- 175
- eal arleas heap yfeles on wenan.
Hwæt dest þu, la, flæsc? Hwæt dreogest þu nu?
Hwæt miht þu on þa tid þearfe gewepan?
Wa þe nu, þu þe þeowast þissere
worulde,
and her glæd leofast on galnysse
- 180
- and þe mid stium astyrest sticelum þæs gælsan!
Hwi ne forhtas þu fyrene egsan,
and þe sylfum ondræd swilice witu,
a deoflum geo drihten geteode,
awyrgedum gastum, weana to leane?
- 185
- þa oferswia sefan and spræce
manna gehwylces for micelnysse.
Nænig spræc mæg beon, spellum areccan
ænegum on eoran earmlice witu,
fulle stowa fyres on grunde,
- 190
- þe wæs in grimmum susle on helle.
þær synt to sorge ætsomne gemenged
se þrosma lig and se þrece gicela,
swie hat and ceald helle tomiddes.
Hwilum þær eagan ungemetum wepa
- 195
- for þæs ofnes bryne (eal he is bealuwes full);
hwilum eac þa teþ for miclum cyle manna þær gryrra.
þis atule gewrixl earmsceapene men
on worulda woruld wenda þær inne
betwyx forsworcenum sweartum nihtum
- 200
- and weallendes pices wean and þrosme.
þær nan stefn styre butan stearcheard
wop and wanung, nawiht elles;
ne bi þær ansyn gesewen ænigre wihte,
butan þara cwelra þe cwylma a earman.
- 205
- Ne bi þær inne aht gemeted
butan lig and cyle and lalic ful;
hy mid nosan ne magon naht geswæccan
butan unstences ormætnesse.
þær beo þa wanigendan welras gefylde
- 210
- ligspiwelum bryne lalices fyres,
and hy wælgrimme wyrmas slita
and heora ban gnaga brynigum tuxlum.
Ufenon eal þis bi þæt earme breost
mid bitere care breged and swenced,
- 215
- for hwi fyrngende flæsc on þas frecnan tid
hym selfum swa fela synna geworhte,
þæt hit on cweartern cwylmed wurde,
þær a atelan synd ecan witu;
þær leohtes ne leoht lytel sperca
- 220
- earmum ænig, ne þær arfæstnes
ne sib ne hopa ne swige geglada
ne þara wependra worn wihte.
Flyh frofor aweg; ne bi þær fultum nan
þæt wi þa biteran þing gebeorh mæge fremman.
- 225
- Ne bi þær ansyn gemet ænigre blisse,
ac þær bi angryslic ege and
fyrhtu
and sari mod, swilic gristbigtung;
þær bi unrotnes æghwær wælhreow,
adl and yrre and æmelnes,
- 230
- and þær synnge eac sauwle on lige
on blindum scræfe byrna and yrna.
þonne deriende gedwina heonone
þysse worulde gefean, gewita mid ealle;
þonne druncennes gedwine mid wistum,
- 235
- and hleahter and plega hleapa ætsomne,
and wrænnes eac gewite heonone,
and fæsthafolnes feor gewite,
uncyst onweg and ælc gælsa
scyldig scyndan on sceade þonne,
- 240
- and se earma flyh uncræftiga slæp
sleac mid sluman slincan on hinder.
onne blindum beseah biterum ligum
earme on ende þæt unalyfed is nu;
leofest on life la bi þænne,
- 245
- and þæt werige mod wenda þa gyltas
swie mid sorgum and mid sargunge.
Eala, se bi gesælig and ofersælig
and on worulda woruld wihta gesæligost,
se þe mid gesyntum swylce cwyldas
- 250
- and witu mæg wel forbugon,
and samod blie on woruld ealle
his þeodne geþeon, and þonne mot
habban heofonrice; þæt is hihta mæst.
þær niht ne genim næfre þeostrum
- 255
- þæs heofenlican leohtes sciman;
ne cym þær sorh ne sar ne geswenced yld,
ne þær ænig geswinc æfre gelimpe,
oe hunger oþþe þurst oe heanlic slæp,
ne bi þær fefur ne adl ne færlic cwyld,
- 260
- nanes liges gebrasl ne se lalica cyle.
Nis þær unrotnes ne þær æmelnys,
ne hryre ne caru ne hreoh tintrega,
ne bi þær liget ne lalic storm,
winter ne þunerrad ne wiht cealdes,
- 265
- ne þær hagulscuras hearde mid snawe,
ne bi þær wædl ne lyre ne deaes gryre
ne yrm ne agnes ne ænigu gnornung,
ac þær samod ricxa sib mid spede,
and arfæstnes and ece god,
- 270
- wuldor and wurmynt,
swylce lof and lif and leoflic geþwærnes.
Ufenan eal þis ece drihten
him ealra goda gehwylc glædlice ena,
þær a andweard ealle weoraþ
- 275
- and fehþ and geblyssa fæder ætsomne,
wuldraþ and wel hylt,
fægere frætua and freolice lufa
and on heofonsetle hean geregna.
His sunu blie, sigores brytta,
- 280
- syl anra gehwam ece mede,
heofonlice hyrsta, þæt is healic gifu,
gemang þam ænlican engla werode
and þæra haligra heapum and þreatum.
þær hy beo geþeode þeodscipum on gemang
- 285
- betwyx heahfæderas and halige witegan,
blissiendum modum, byrgum tomiddes,
þær þa ærendracan synd ælmihtiges godes,
and betweoh rosena reade heapas,
þær symle scina.
- 290
- þær þæra hwittra hwyrf mædenheap,
blostmum behangen, beorhtost wereda,
þe ealle læt ænlicu godes drut,
seo frowe þe us frean acende,
metod on moldan, meowle seo clæne.
- 295
- þæt is Maria, mædena selast;
heo let þurh þa scenan scinendan ricu,
gebletsodost ealra, þæs breman fæder,
betweox fæder and sunu, freolicum werede,
and betwyx þære ecan uplicum sibbe
- 300
- rice rædwitan, rodera weardas.
Hwæt mæg beon heardes her on life,
gif þu wille secgan so þæm e frine,
wi þam þu mote gemang þam werode
eardian unbleoh on ecnesse,
- 305
- and on upcundra eadegum setlum
brucan blinesse butan ende for?"
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Nu lære ic þe swa man leofne sceal.
Gif þu wille þæt blowende rice gestigan,
þænne beo þu eadmod and ælmesgeorn,
wis on wordum, and wæccan lufa
- 5
- on hyge halgum on þas hwilwendan tid,
blie mode, and gebedum filige
oftost symle þær þu ana sy.
Foran þæt halige gebed and seo hluttre lufu
godes and manna and seo ælmessylen
- 10
- and se miccla hopa to þinum hælende,
þæt he þine synna adwæscan wylle,
and eac oþera fela
godra weorca glenga and bringa
þa sofæstan sauwle to reste
- 15
- on þa uplican eadignesse.
Wyrc þæt þu wyrce, word oe dæda,
hafa metodes ege on gemang symle;
þæt is witodlice wisdomes ord,
þæt þu þæt ece leoht eal ne forleose.
- 20
- þeos woruld is æt ende, and we synd wædlan gyt
heofena rices; þæt is hefig byrden.
And þeah þu æfter þinum ende eall gesylle
þæt þu on eoran ær gestryndes
goda gehwylces, wylle gode cweman,
- 25
- ne mihtu mid þæm eallum sauwle þine
ut alysan, gif heo inne wyr
feondum befangen, frofre bedæled,
welena forwyrned; ac þu wuldres god,
ece ælmihtigne, ealninga bidde
- 30
- þæt he þe ne forlæte laum to handa,
feondum to frofre, ac þu fleoh þanan,
syle ælmessan oft and gelome
digolice; þæt bi drihtnes lac
gumena gehwylces þe on god gelyf.
- 35
- Ceapa þe mid æhtum eces leohtes,
þy læs þu forweore, þænne þu hyra geweald nafast
to syllanne. Hit bi swie yfel
manna gehwilcum þæt he micel age,
gif he him god ne ondræt
- 40
- swior micle þonne his sylfes gewil.
Warna þe georne wi þære wambe fylle,
forþan heo þa unþeawas ealle gesomna
þe þære saule swiost deria,
þæt is druncennes and dyrnegeligere,
- 45
- ungemet wilnung ætes and slæpes;
þa man mæg mid fæstenum
and forhæfdnessum heonon adrifan,
and mid cyricsocnum cealdum wederum
eadmodlice ealluncga biddan
- 50
- heofena drihten þæt he þe hæl gife,
milde mundbora, swa him gemet þince.
And ondræd þu e dihle wisan,
nearwe geþancas, þe on niht becuma,
synlustas foroft swie fremman
- 55
- earfolice, þy þu earhlice scealt
gyltas þine swie bemurnan,
har hilderinc; hefie þe incaþ
synna þine. Forþam þu sylf ongyte
þæt þu alætan scealt læne staþelas,
- 60
- eard and eþel. Uncu bi þe þænne
tohwan þe þin drihten gedon wille,
þænne þu lengc ne most lifes brucan,
eardes on eþle, swa þu ær dydest,
blissum hremi. Nu þu e beorgan scealt,
- 65
- and wi feonda gehwæne fæste healdan
sauwle þine; a hi winna
embe þæt
dæges and nihtes ongean drihtnes lif.
þu miht hy gefleman, gif þu filian wilt
- 70
- larum minum, swa ic lære þe
digollice þæt þu on dægred oft
ymbe þinre sauwle ræd swie smeage,
hu þu þæt ece leoht æfre begytan mæge,
sie gesecan; þu scealt glædlice swie swincan
- 75
- wi þæs uplican eþelrices
dæges and nihtes, þu scealt druncen fleon
and þa oferfylle ealle forlætan.
Gif þu wilt þa upplican eardwic ceosan,
þænne scealt þu hit on eoran ær geþencan,
- 80
- and þu þe sylfne swie gebindan
and þa unþeawas ealle forlætan
þe þu on þis life ær lufedest and feddest.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- þænne gemiltsa þe, N., mundum qui regit,
eoda þrymcyningc thronum sedentem
a butan ende
saule þinre
- 5
- Geunne þe on life auctor pacis
sibbe gesæla, salus mundi,
metod se mæra magna uirtute,
and se sofæsta summi filius
fo on fultum, factor cosmi,
- 10
- se of æþelre wæs uirginis partu
clæne acenned Christus in orbem,
metod þurh Marian, mundi redemptor,
and þurh þæne halgan gast. Uoca frequenter
bide helpes hine, clemens deus,
- 15
- se onsended wæs summo de throno
and þære clænan clara uoce
þa gebyrd bodade bona
uoluntate
þæt heo scolde cennan Christum regem,
ealra cyninga cyningc, casta uiuendo.
- 20
- and þu þa sofæstan supplex rogo,
fultumes bidde friclo uirginem almum,
and þær æfter to omnes sancti
blimod bidde, beatus et iustus,
þæt hi ealle þe unica uoce
- 25
- þingian to þeodne thronum regentem,
ecum drihtne, alta polorum,
þæt he þine saule, summus iudex,
onfo freolice, factor aeternus,
and he gelæde luce perhennem,
- 30
- þær eadige anime sancte
rice resta regna caelorum.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Pater noster. þu eart ure fæder, ealles wealdend,
cyninc on wuldre. Foram we clypia to þe,
are bidda, nu þu yþost miht
- 5
- sawle alysan. þu hig sændest ær
þurh þine æþelan hand in to þam flæsce;
ac hwar cym heo nu,
buton þu, engla god, eft hig alyse,
sawle of synnum þurh þine soan miht?
- 10
- Qui es in celis. u eart on heofonum hiht and frofor,
blissa beorhtost; ealle abuga to þe,
þinra gasta þrym, anre stæfne
clypia to Criste, cweþa ealle þus:
- 15
- "Halig eart þu, halig, heofonengla cyningc,
drihten ure, and þine domas synd
rihte and rume, ræca efne gehwam,
æghwilcum men agen gewyrhta.
Wel bi am þe wyrc willan þinne!"
- 20
- Sanctificetur nomen tuum. Swa is gehalgod þin heah
nama
swie mærlice manegum gereordum,
twa and hundseofontig, þæs þe secga bec,
þæt þu, engla god, ealle gesettest
- 25
- ælcere þeode þeaw and wisan.
þa wurþia þin weorc wordum and dædum,
þurh gecynd clypia and Crist heria
and þin lof læda, lifigenda god,
swa þu eart geæþelod geond ealle world.
- 30
- Adueniat regnum tuum. Cum nu and mildsa, mihta
waldend,
and us þin rice alyf, rihtwis dema,
earda selost and ece lif,
þar we sibbe and lufe samod
gemeta,
- 35
- eagena beorhtnysse and ealle mirhe,
þar bi gehyred þin halige lof
and þin micele miht, mannum to frofre,
swa þu, engla god, eallum blissast.
Fiat uoluntas tua.
- 40
- Gewure þin willa, swa þu, waldend, eart
ece geopenod geond ealle world,
and þu þe silf eart sofæst dema,
rice rædbora, geond rumne grund.
Swa þin heahsetl is heah and mære,
- 45
- fæger and wurlic, swa þin fæder worhte,
æþele and ece, þar u on sittest
on sinre swiran healf. þu eart sunu and
fæder,
ana ægþer; swa is þin æþele gecynd
micclum gemærsod, and þu monegum helpst,
- 50
- ealra cyninga þrym, clypast ofer ealle.
Bi þin wuldorword wide gehyred,
þonne þu þine fyrde fægere geblissast,
sylest miht and mund micclum herige,
and þe þancia þusenda fela,
- 55
- eal engla þrym, anre stæfne.
Sicut in celo. Swa þe on heofonum heahþrymnesse
æþele and ece a þancia,
clæne and gecorene Cristes þegnas,
- 60
- singa and bidda sofæstne god
are and gifnesse ealre þeode;
þonne þu him tiast, tyreadig cyningc,
swa þu eadmod eart ealre worlde.
Sy þe þanc and lof þinre mildse,
- 65
- wuldor and willa; þu gewurod eart
on heofonrice, heah casere,
Et in terra. and on eoran, ealra cyninga
help and heafod, halig læce,
- 70
- ree and rihtwis, rumheort hlaford.
þu geæþelodest þe ealle gesceafta,
and tosyndrodest hig sian on manega,
sealdest ælcre gecynde
agene wisan
and a þine mildse ofer manna bearn.
- 75
- Panem nostrum cotidianum. Swa mid sibbe sænst urne
hlaf
dæghwamlice dugue þinre,
rihtlice dælest
mete þinum mannum and him mare gehætst
- 80
- æfter forsie, þines fæder rice,
þæt wæs on fruman fægere gegearwod,
earda selost and ece lif,
gif we so and riht symle gelæsta.
Da nobis hodie.
- 85
- Syle us to dæg, drihten, þine
mildse and mihta and ure mod gebig,
þanc and þeawas, on þin gewil.
Bewyrc us on heortan haligne gast
fæste on innan, and us fultum sile,
- 90
- þæt we moton wyrcan willan þinne
and þe betæcan, tyreadig cyningc,
sawle ure on þines silfes hand.
Et dimitte nobis debita nostra.
Forgif us ure synna, þæt us ne scamige eft,
- 95
- drihten ure, þonne þu on dome sitst
and ealle men up arisa
þe fram wife and fram were wurdon acænned.
Beo þa gebrosnodon ban mid þam flæsce
ealle ansunde eft geworden;
- 100
- þar we swutollice sian oncnawa
eal þæt we geworhton on worldrice,
betere and wyrse, þar beo buta geara.
Ne magon we hit na dyrnan, for am þe hit drihten wat,
and þar gewitnesse beo wuldormicele,
- 105
- heofonwaru and eorwaru, helwaru þridde.
þonne bi egsa geond ealle world,
þar man us tyhha on dæg twegen eardas,
drihtenes are oe deofles þeowet,
swa hwaer we geearnia her on life,
- 110
- þa hwile þe ure mihta mæste wæron.
Sicut et dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Ac þonne us
alyse lifigende god
sawle ure, swa we her forgifa
earmon mannum þe wi us agilt.
- 115
- Et ne nos inducas in temtationem. And na us þu ne læt
lae beswican
on costunga, cwellan and bærnan
sawla ure, þeah we sinna fela
didon for ure disige dæges and nihtes,
- 120
- idele spræce and unrihte weorc,
þine bodu bræcon. We þe bidda nu,
ælmihtig god, are and gifnesse;
ne læt swa heanlice þin handgeweorc
on endedæge eal forwuran,
- 125
- Set libera nos a malo.
ac alys us of yfele. Ealle we beþurfon
godes gifnesse; we agylt habba
and swie gesingod. We e, sofæstan god,
heria and lofia, swa þu, hælend, eart
- 130
- cynebearn gecydd cwycum and deadum,
æþele and ece ofer ealle þingc.
þu miht on anre hand eae befealdan
ealne middaneard. Swilc is mære cyningc.
Amen.
- 135
- Sy swa þu silf wilt, sofæst dema;
we þe, engla god, ealle heria,
swa þu eart gewurod a on worlda for.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Gloria. Sy þe wuldor and lof wide geopenod
geond ealle þeoda, þanc and wylla,
mægen and mildse and ealles modes lufu,
- 5
- sofæstra sib, and ines sylfes dom
worulde gewlitegod, swa u wealdan miht
eall eoran mægen and uplyfte,
wind and wolcna. Wealdest eall on riht.
Patri et filio et spiritui sancto.
- 10
- þu eart frofra fæder and feorhhyrde,
lifes latteow, leohtes wealdend,
asyndrod fram synnum, swa in sunu mære
þurh clæne gecynd, cyning ofer ealle,
beald gebletsod, boca lareow,
- 15
- heah higefrofer and halig gast.
Sicut erat in principio. Swa wæs on fruman frea
mancynnes
ealre worulde wlite and frofer,
clæne and cræftig. þu gecyddest þæt
- 20
- þa u, ece god, ana gewrohtest
þurh halige miht heofonas and eoran,
eardas and uplyft and ealle þing.
þu settest on foldan swye feala cynna
and tosyndrodost hig syon on mænego;
- 25
- þu gewrohtest, ece god, ealle gesceafta
on syx dagum, and on þone seofoan þu gerestest.
þa wæs geforad þin fægere weorc,
and u sunnandæg sylf halgodest
and gemærsodest hine manegum to helpe.
- 30
- þone heahan dæg healda and freoiaþ
ealle þa e cunnon cristene þeawas,
halige heortlufan and æs hehstan gebod;
on drihtnes namon se dæg is gewurod.
Et nunc et semper.
- 35
- And nu and symble þine soan weorc
and in mycele miht manegum swytela,
swa þine cræftas heo cyaþ wide
ofer ealle woruld; ece standeþ
godes handgeweorc, growe swa u hete.
- 40
- Ealle þe heria halige dreamas
clænre stefne and cristene bec,
eall middaneard, and we men cweþa
on grunde her: "Gode lof and anc,
ece willa, and in agen dom!"
- 45
- Et is secula seculorum. And on worulda woruld wuna
and rixa
cyning innan wuldre and his þa gecorenan,
heahþrymnesse haliges gastes,
wlitige englas and wuldorgyfe,
- 50
- soe sibbe, sawla þancung,
modes miltse. þær is seo mæste lufu;
haligdomes heofonas syndon
þurh þine ecan word æghwær fulle,
swa syndon þine mihta ofer middangeard
- 55
- swutele and gesyne, þæt u hy sylf worhtest.
Amen. We þæt solice secga ealle:
þurh clæne gecynd þu eart cyning on riht,
clæne and cræftig. þu gecyddest þæt
- 60
- þa u, mihtig god, man geworhtest
and him on dydest oru and sawul,
sealdest word and gewitt and wæstma gecynd,
cyddest þine cræftas. Swylc is Cristes miht!
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Pater noster qui es in celis. Fæder manncynnes,
frofres ic þe bidde,
halig drihten, þu e on heofonum eart.
Sanctificetur nomen tuum.
- 5
- þæt sy gehalgod, hygecræftum fæst,
þin nama nu a, neriende Crist,
in urum ferhlocan fæste gestaelod.
Adueniat regnum tuum. Cume nu to mannum, mihta
wealdend,
- 10
- þin rice to us, rihtwis dema,
and in geleafa in lifdæge
Fiat uolontas tua sicut in celo et in terra. on urum mode
mære þurhwunige.
And þin willa mid us weore gelæsted
- 15
- on eardunge eoran rices,
swa hluttor is in heofonwuldre,
wynnum gewlitegod a to worulde for.
Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie. Syle us nu to
dæge, drihten gumena,
- 20
- heofena heahcyning, hlaf urne,
þone u onsendest sawlum to hæle
on middaneard manna cynnes;
þæt is se clæna Crist, drihten god.
Et dimitte nobis debita nostra.
- 25
- Forgyf us, gumena weard, gyltas and synna,
and ure leahtras alet, lices wunda
and mandæda, swa we mildum wi e,
ælmihtigum gode, oft abylgea,
Sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris.
- 30
- swa swa we forlæta leahtras on eorþan
þam þe wi us oft agylta,
and him womdæde witan ne þenca
for earnunge ecan lifes.
Et no nos inducas in temptationem.
- 35
- Ne læd þu us to wite in wean sorge
ne in costunge, Crist nerigende,
þy læs we arlease ealra þinra mildsa
þurh feondscipe fremde weoran.
Sed libera nos a malo.
- 40
- And wi yfele gefreo us eac nu a
feonda gehwylces; we in ferhlocan,
þeoden engla, anc and wuldor,
so sigedrihten, secga georne,
þæs e þu us milde mihtum alysdest
- 45
- fram hæftnyde hellewites.
Amen. Weore þæt.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Credo in deum patrem omnipotentem. ælmihtig fæder up
on rodore,
þe a sciran gesceaft sceope and worhtest
and eoran wang ealne gesettest,
- 5
- ic þe ecne god ænne gecenne,
lustum gelyfe. þu eart lifes frea,
engla ordfruma, eoran wealdend,
and u garsecges grundas geworhtest,
and þu a menegu
canst mærra tungla.
- 10
- Et in Iesum Christum filium eius unicum, dominum nostrum.
Ic on sunu þinne sone gelyfe,
hælendne cyning, hider asendne
of am uplican engla rice,
þone Gabriel, godes ærendraca,
- 15
- sanctan Marian sylfre gebodode.
Ides unmæne, heo þæt ærende
onfeng freolice, and e fæder sylfne
under breostcofan bearn acende.
Næs ær gefremmed firen æt giftum,
- 20
- ac þær halig gast handgyft sealde,
þære fæmnan bosm fylde mid blisse,
and heo culice cende swa mærne
eorbuendum engla scyppend,
se to frofre gewear foldbuendum,
- 25
- and ymbe Bethleem bodedan englas
þæt acenned wæs Crist on eoran.
Passus sub Pontio Pilato. a se pontisca Pilatus
weold
under Romwarum rices and doma,
- 30
- þa se deora frea dea þrowade,
on gealgan stah, gumena drihten,
þone geomormod Iosep byrigde,
and he of helle hue gefette,
of þam suslhofe, sawla manega,
- 35
- het a uplicne eþel secan.
Tertia die resurrexit a mortuis. þæs þy riddan dæge
þeoda wealdend
aras, rices frea, recene of moldan,
and he XL daga folgeras sine
- 40
- runum arette, and a his rice began,
þone uplican eel secan,
cwæ þæt he nolde nænne forlætan
þe him for ofer þæt fylian wolde
and mid fæstum sefan freode gelæstan.
- 45
- Credo in spiritum sanctum. Ic haligne gast hihte
beluce,
emne swa ecne swa is aor gecweden,
fæder oe freobearn, folca gereordum.
Ne synd þæt þreo godas, þriwa genemned,
- 50
- ac is an god, se e ealle hafa
þa þry naman þinga gerynum,
so and sigefæst ofer side gesceaft,
wereda wuldorgyfa, wlanc and ece.
Sanctum ecclesiam catholicam.
- 55
- Eac ic gelyfe þæt syn leofe gode
þe þurh ænne geþanc ealdor heria,
heofona heahcyning her for life,
Sanctorum communionem. and ic gemænscipe mærne
getreowe
- 60
- þinra haligra her for life.
Remissionem peccatorum. Lisse ic gelyfe leahtra
gehwylces,
Carnis resurrectionem. and ic þone ærest ealra
getreowe,
- 65
- flæsces on foldan on þa forhtan tid,
Et uitam eternam. þær u ece lif
eallum dælest,
swa her manna gehwylc metode gecwema.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Verba mea auribus percipe, domine; intellege clamorem meum.
Word þu min onfoh, wuldres ealdor,
and mid earum gehyr, ece drihten.
Intende uoci orationis mææ, rex
meus et deus meus.
Ongyt mine clypunga cuum gereorde,
beheald min gebed holdum mode;
- 5
- þu eart min cyning and eac ece god.
Quoniam ad te orabo: Domine, mane exaudies uocem meam.
Foron ic to e, ece drihten,
soum gebidde, and u symble gehyr
morgena gehwylce mine stefne.
Mane adstabo tibi et uidebo, quoniam nos deus uolens
iniquitatem tu es.
Ic þe æt stande ær on morgen
- 10
- and e sylfne geseo; foron ic to soe wat
þæt u unriht ne wilt ænig, drihten.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Domine, exaudi orationem meam, et clamor meus ad te perueniat.
þu min gebed, mære drihten,
gehyr, heofones weard, and gehlyde min
to e becume, þeoda reccend.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Benedic, anima mea, domino, et omnia interiora mea nomen
sanctum eius.
Bletsa, mine sawle, blie drihten,
and eall min inneran his þone ecan naman.
Benedic, anima mea, domino, et noli obliuisci omnes
retributiones eius.
Bletsige, mine sawle, bealde drihten,
ne wilt u ofergeotul æfre weoran
- 5
- ealra goda þe he e ær dyde.
Qui propitiatur omnibus iniquitatibus tuis, qui sanat omnes
languores tuos.
He þinum mandædum miltsade eallum
and ine adle ealle gehælde.
Qui redemit de interitu uitam tuam, qui sanat in bonis
desiderium tuum.
Se alysde þin lif leof of forwyrde,
fylde þinne willan fægere mid gode.
- 10
- Qui coronat te in miseratione et misericordia; renouabitur
sicut aquile iuuentus tua.
He e gesigefæste sore mildse
and e mildheorte mode getrymede;
eart u edniwe earne gelicost
on geogue nu gleaw geworden.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Uiuet anima mea et laudabit te, et iudicia tua adiuuabunt me.
Leofa sawul min and e lustum here,
and me þine domas dædum fultumia.
Erraui sicut ouis que perierat; require seruum tuum, domine,
quia mandata tua non sum oblitus.
Ic gedwelede swa þæt dysige sceap,
þæt e forwuran wolde huru;
- 5
- la, sec þinne esne elne, drihten,
foron ic inra beboda ne forgeat beorhtra æfre.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Fiat pax in uirtute tua, et abundantia in turribus tuis.
Sy e on inum mægne sib mæst and fyrmest,
and on þinum torrum wese tidum genihtsum.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Eripe me, domine, ab homine malo; a uiro iniquo libera me.
Genere me wi niþe on naman þinum,
fram yfelum men, ece drihten.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Dirigatur, domine, ad te oratio mea sicut incensum in
conspectu tuo.
Sy on inre gesihe mines sylfes gebed
full ricene gereht, swa recels bi,
þonne hit gifre gleda bærna.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Domine, saluum fac regem, et exaudi nos in die qui
inuocauerimus te.
Do, drihten, cyng dædum halne,
and us eac gehyr holdum mode,
swylce we e daga, drihten, cigen.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Uias tuas, domine, notas fac mihi, et semitas tuas edoce me.
Do me wegas þine wise, drihten,
and me inra stiga stapas eac gelær.
Dirige me in ueritate tua, et doce me, quia tu es deus
salutaris meus et te sustinui tota die.
Gerece me on ræde and me ricene gelær,
þæt ic on þinre sofæstnysse simble lyfige.
- 5
- Reminiscrere miserationum tuarum, domine, et misericordiæ
tuæ, quæ a seculo sunt.
Wes u gemyndig miltsa þinra,
þe u, drihten, dydest syan dagas wæron,
and u wislice þas woruld gesettest.
Delicta iuuentutis meæ, et ignorantias meas ne
memineris, domine; secundum magnam misericordiam tuam memor esto mei,
deus.
Ne gemynega þu me minra fyrena
gramra to georne, þe ic geong dyde
- 10
- and me uncue æghwær wæron;
for inre þære myclan mildheortnysse
weor gemyndig min, mihtig drihten.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Saluum fac populum tuum, domine, et benedic hereditati tuæ
, et rege eos et extolle illos usque in aeternum.
Hal do þin folc, halig drihten,
and in yrfe eac eal gebletsa;
rece þu heo swylce and on riht ahefe,
þæt hi on worulde wynnum lifigen.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Fiat misericordia tua, domine, super nos, quemadmodum
sperauimus in te.
Wese þin mildheortnys, mihtig drihten,
wel ofer us, swa we wena on e.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ego dixi, Domine, miserere mei; sana animam meam, quia peccaui
tibi.
Ic nu mægene cwee: "Miltsa me, drihten,
hæl mine sawle, foron me hreowe nu
þæt ic firene on e fremede geneahhige."
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Exsurge, domine, adiuua nos, et libera nos propter nomen tuum.
Aris, drihten, nu and us ricene do
fælne fultum, and us æt feondum ahrede,
foron we naman þinne nyde lufia.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Miserere mei, deus, secundam magnam misericordiam tuam.
Mildsa me, mihtig drihten, swa u manegum dydest,
æfter inre þære mycelan mildheortnysse.
Auerte faciem tuam a peccatis meis, et omnes iniquitates meas
dele.
Awend þine ansyne a fram minum
fræcnum fyrenum, and nu for heonon
- 5
- eall min unriht adwæsc æghwær symle.
Cor mundum crea in me, deus, et spiritum rectum innoua in
uisceribus meis.
Syle me, halig god, heortan clæne,
and rihtne gast, god, geniwa
on minre gehigde huru, min drihten.
Ne proicias me a facie tua, et spiritum sanctum tuum ne
auferas a me.
Ne awyrp þu me, wuldres ealdor,
- 10
- fram inre ansyne æfre to feore,
ne huru on weg aber þone halgan gast,
þæt he me færinga fremde wyre.
Redde michi lætitiam salutaris tui, et spiritu
principali confirma me.
Syle me þinre hælu holde blisse,
and me ealdorlice æþele gaste
- 15
- on inne willan getryme, weroda drihten.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Deus, in momine tuo saluum me fac, et in uirtute tua libera me.
On þinum þam halgan naman, gedo me halne, god;
alys me fram laum þurh þin leofe mægen.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Eripe me de inimicis meis, deus meus, et ab insurgentibus in
me libera me.
Ahrede me, halig god, hefiges nies
feonda minra, þe me feohta to;
alys me fram laum þe me lungre on
risan willa, nymþe þu me ræd gife.
- 5
- Eripe me de operantibus iniquitatem, et de uiris
sanguinum salua me.
Genere me fram nie nahtfremmendra
þe her unrihtes ealle wyrcea,
and me wi blodhreowes weres bealuwe gehæle.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Sic psalmum dicam nomini tuo, deus, in seculum seculi, ut
reddam uota mea de die in diem.
Swa ic naman þinum neode singe,
þæt ic min gehat her agylde
of dæge on dæg, swa hit gedefe wese.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Exaudi nos, deus salutaris noster, spes omnium finium terre et
in mari longe.
Gehyr us, hælend god, þu eart hiht ealra
þe on isse eoran utan syndon
oe feor on sæ foldum wunia.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Deus, in adiutorium meum intende; domine, ad adiuuandum me
festina.
Wes, drihten god, deore fultum;
beheald, drihten, me, and me hrae syan
gefultuma æt feorhþearfe.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Repleatur os meum laude tua, ut possim cantare gloriam tuam,
tota die magnificentiam tuam.
Sy min mu and min mod mægne gefylled,
þæt ic þin lof mæge lustum singan
and wuldor in wide mærsian
and e ealne dæg æghwær herian.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Domine deus uirtutum, conuerte nos et ostende faciem tuam, et
salui erimus.
Gehweorf us, mægna god, and us milde æteow
þinne andwlitan; ealle we beo hale.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Conuerte nos, deus salutaris noster, et auerte iram tuam a
nobis.
Gehweorf us hrae, hælend drihten,
and in yrre fram us eac oncyrre.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Et ego ad te, domine, clamaui, et mane oratio mea preueniet te.
Ic me to e, ece drihten,
mid modgehygde mægne clypode,
and min gebed morgena gehwylce
fore sylfne e sofæst becume.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Conuertere, domine, aliquantulum, et deprecabilis esto super
seruos tuos.
Gehweorf us hwæthwygu, halig drihten;
wes inum scealcum wel eabene.
Respice in seruos tuos et in opera tua, domine, et dirige
filios eorum.
Geseoh þine scealcas swæsum eagum,
and on þin agen weorc, ece drihten,
- 5
- and heora bearn gerece blium mode.
Et sit splendor domini dei nostri super nos, et opera
manuum nostrarum dirige super nos, et opus manuum nostrarum dirige.
Wese us beorhtnys ofer blian drihtnes,
ures þæs godan godes georne ofer ealle;
gerece ure handgeweorc heah ofer usic.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wuton wuldrian weorada dryhten
halgan hlioorcwidum, hiofenrices weard,
lufian liofwendum, lifes agend,
and him simle sio sigefest wuldor
- 5
- uppe mid ænglum, and on eoran sibb
gumena gehwilcum goodes willan.
We e heria halgum stefnum
and þe blætsia, bilewit feder,
and e þancia, þioda walden,
- 10
- ines weorlican wuldordreames
and inra miclan mægena gerena,
e u, god dryhten, gastes mæhtum
hafest on gewealdum hiofen and eoran,
an ece feder, ælmehtig god.
- 15
- u eart cyninga cyningc cwicera gehwilces,
u eart sigefest sunu and so helend
ofer ealle gesceft angla and manna.
u, dryhten god, on dreamum wunast
on ære upplican æelan ceastre,
- 20
- frea folca gehwæs, swa u æt fruman wære
efeneadig bearn agenum fæder.
u eart heofenlic lioht and æt halige lamb,
e u manscilde middangeardes
for þinre arfestnesse ealle towurpe,
- 25
- fiond geflæmdest, follc generedes,
blode gebohtest bearn Israela,
a u ahofe urh æt halige triow
inre rowunga riostre senna,
þæt u on hæahsetle heafena rices
- 30
- sitest sigehræmig on a swiran hand
inum godfæder, gasta gemyndig.
Mildsa nu, meahtig, manna cynne,
and of leahtrum ales ine a liofan gesceft,
and us hale gedo, helea sceppend,
- 35
- nia nergend, for ines naman are.
u eart solice simle halig,
and u eart ana æce dryhten,
and u ana bist eallra dema
cwucra ge deadra, Crist nergende,
- 40
- foran u on rymme ricsast and on rinesse
and on annesse, ealles waldend,
hiofena heahcyninc, haliges gastes
fegere gefelled in fæder wuldre.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Dauid wæs haten diormod hæle,
Israela brega, æelæ and rice,
cyninga cynost, Criste liofost.
Wæs he under hiofenum hearpera mærost
- 5
- ara we an folcum gefrigen hæbben.
Sangere he wæs sofæstest, swie geancol
to ingienne þiodum sinum
wi þane mildostan manna sceppend.
Wæs se dryhtnes iowa Dauid æt wige
- 10
- so sigecempa, searocyne man,
casere creaftig, þonne cumbulgebrec
on gewinndagum weoran scoldan.
Hweere him geiode, swa ful oft gede
þætte godferhte gylt gefræmma
- 15
- þurh lichaman lene geohtas.
Gelamp þæt him mon ansende saula neriend,
witgan mid wordum, weorada dominus,
and secgan het, selfum gecyan
ymb his womdeda waldendes doom,
- 20
- þæt se fruma wære his feores sceldig,
for am þe he Uriam het aldre beneman,
fromne ferdrinc fere beserode,
and him Bezabe brohte to wife
for gitsunga, þe he godes eorre
- 25
- þurh his selfes weorc sona anfunde.
Him a ingode þioda aldor,
Dauid georne, and to dryhtne gebæd,
and his synna hord selfa ontende,
gyltas georne gode andhette,
- 30
- weoruda dryhtne, and us wordum spæc:
Miserere mei deus secundum magnam misericordiam tuam.
"Miltsa u me, meahta walden, nu u wast manna geohtas,
help u, hælend min, handgeweorces
þines anes, ælmehtig god,
- 35
- efter þinre ære miclan
mildhiortnesse.
Et secundum multitudinem miserationem tuarum dele iniquitatem
meam. Ond eac efter menio miltsa inra,
dryhten weoruda, adilga min unriht
to forgefenesse gaste minum.
- 40
- Amplius laua me ab iniustitia mea et a delicta mea munda mæ.
Aweah me of sennum, saule fram wammum,
gasta sceppend, geltas geclansa,
þa e ic on aldre æfre gefremede
urh lichaman lere geohtas.
- 45
- Quoniam iniquitatem meam ego agnosco et delictum meum coram me
est semper. Foran ic unriht min eal oncnawe,
and eac synna gehwær selfum æt eagan,
firendeda gerec beforan stande,
scelda scina; forgef me, sceppen min,
- 50
- lifes liohtfruma, inre lufan blisse.
Tibi soli peccaui et malum coram te feci ut iustificeris in
sermonibus tuis et uincas dum iudicaris. Nu ic anum e oft
syngode,
and yfela feola eac gefræmede,
gelta gramhegdig, ic e, gasta breogo,
- 55
- helende Crist, helpe bidde,
æt me forgefene gastes wunde
an forgesceaft feran mote,
þy ine wordcwidas weoran gefelde,
æt u ne wilnast weora æniges dea;
- 60
- ac u synfulle simle lærdes
æt hio cerrende Criste herdon
and hiom lif mid e langsum begeton,
swilce u æt dome, dryhten, oferswidest
ealra synna cynn, saula neriend.
- 65
- Ecce enim iniquitatibus. Ic on unrihtum eac an in
synnum
geeacnod wæs. u æt ana wast,
mæhtig dryhten, hu me modor gebær
in scame and in sceldum; forgef me, sceppend min,
- 70
- æt ic fram æm synnum selfa gecerre,
þa e mine ældran ær geworhtan
and ic selfa eac sioan beeode.
Ecce enim ueritatem. Ac u, selua god, so an lufast;
- 75
- þy ic e mid benum biddan wille
lifes and lisse, liohtes aldor,
foran u me uncue eac an derne
þinre snetera hord selfa ontendes.
Asperies me ysopo et mundabor.
- 80
- u me, meahtig god, milde and blie
þurh ysopon ealne ahluttra,
þonne ic geclænsod Criste hero,
and eac ofer snawe self scinende
þinre sibbe lufan sona gemete.
- 85
- Auditui meo dabis gaudium. Ontyn nu, elmehtig, earna
hleoor,
þæt min gehernes hehtful weore
on gefean blise forweard to e;
anne bio on wenne, waldend, simle
- 90
- þa gebrocenan ban, bilwit dominus,
a þe on hænum ær hwile wæron.
Auerte faciem tuam a peccatis meis et omnes. Ahwerf nu
fram synnum, saula neriend,
and fram misdedum minra gylta
- 95
- þine ansione, ælmeahtig god,
and urh miltsunga meahta þinra
u unriht min eall adilga.
Cor mundum crea in me deus et spiritum rectum. æc u,
dryhten Crist, clene hiortan
- 100
- in me, mehtig god, modswine geanc
to olienne inne willan
and to healdenne halige domas,
and u rihtne gast, rodera waldend,
in fere minum feste geniowa.
- 105
- Ne proicias me a facie tuae et spiritum sanctum tuum. Ne
aweorp u me, weoruda dryhten,
fram ansione ealra þinra miltsa,
ne ane godan fram me gast haligne
aferre, domine, frea ælmeahtig,
- 110
- þinra arna me eal ne bescerwe.
Redde mihi letitiam. Sæle nu blise me, bilewit
dominus,
þinre hælo heht, helm alwihta,
and me, lifgende liohtes hiorde,
- 115
- gaste ine, god selfa, getreme,
æt ic aldorlice a for sioan
to inum willan weoran mote.
Doceam iniquos uias tuas et impii ad te. Simle ic ine
weogas wanhogan lærde,
- 120
- æt hio arlease eft gecerdan
to hiora selfra saula hiorde,
god selfa, to e gastes mundberd
urh sibbe lufan seocan scoldan.
Libera me de sanguinibus.
- 125
- Befreo me an fere, fæder mancynnes,
fram blodgete and bealanium,
god lifigende, gylta geclansa,
helo and helpend, hiofenrices weard;
anne tunge min triowfest blissa
- 130
- for ines selfes sofestnesse.
Domine labia mea aperies et os meum adnuntiauit. Ontyn
nu, waldend god, weoloras mine;
swa min mu sioan mæhte ine
and lof georne liodum to blise,
- 135
- so sigedryhten, secgende wæs.
Quoniam si uoluisses. Ic e onsegednesse sona brohte,
weoruda dryhtne, er u wolde swa,
a u þæt ne lufedest, lifes bretta,
- 140
- æt ic e bernelac brengan moste
deadra neata, dryhtne to willan.
Sacrificium deo spiritus contribulatus. Ac e micle ma,
mehtig dryhten,
lifiende Crist, liicwere bi
- 145
- se gehnysta gast, hiorte geclansod
and geeadmeded ingeþancum;
a u, ælmæhtig, æfre ne æwest.
Benigne fact domine in bona uoluntate. Gedoo nu fræmsume
frofre ine
- 150
- to inum godan gastes willan,
ætte Sione dun sigefest weore,
and weallas Sion wynfeste getremed,
Hierusolime, god lifiende.
Tunc acceptabis sacrificium.
- 155
- Swa þu, frea meahtig, anfehst siþan
liofwende lac lioda þinra,
hælend manna; hio æt halige cealf
on wigbed þin willum asetta,
liohtes aldor. Forgef me, lifigende
- 160
- meotod mancynnes, mæhtig dominus,
æt a sorhfullan saule wunde,
þa e ic on ælde uel on giogee
in flæschaman gefremed hæbbe
leahtra hegeleasra, mid lufan þinre
- 165
- gastæ forgeofene glidan mote."
Swæ þingode þiode aldor,
Dauid to dryhtne, deda gemyndig,
þæt hine mehtig god mannum to frofre
æs cynedomes, Crist neriende,
- 170
- waldende god, weorne munde.
Foron he gebette balania hord
mid eamede ingeþance,
a e he on fere gefremed hæfde,
gastes wunde. Forgef us, god mæahtig,
- 175
- þæt we synna hord simle oferwinnan
and us geearnian æce dreamas
an lifigendra landes wenne.
Amen.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wuldor sy e and wurmynt, wereda drihten,
fæder on foldan, fægere gemæne,
mid sylfan sunu and soum gaste.
Amen.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- æla, drihten leof! æla, dema god!
Geara me, ece waldend.
Ic wat mine saule synnum forwundod;
gehæl þu hy, heofena drihten,
- 5
- and gelacna þu hy, lifes ealdor,
forþan u eest miht ealra læca
æra þe gewurde side oe wyde.
æla, frea beorhta, folkes scippend!
Gemilsa þyn mod me to gode,
- 10
- sile þyne are þynum earminge.
Se by earming þe on eoran her
dæiges and nihtes deofle campa
and hys willan wyrc; wa him þære mirige,
þonne he a handlean hafa and sceawa,
- 15
- bute he þæs yfeles ær geswyce.
Se by eadig, se þe on eoran her
dæiges and nyhtes drihtne hyræ
and a hys willan wyrc; wel hym þæs geweorkes,
onne he a handlean hafa and sceawa,
- 20
- gyf he ealteawne ende gedreoge.
æla, leohtes leoht! æla, lyfes wynn!
Getiþa me, tireadig kyning,
þonne ic minre sawle swegles bydde,
ece are. þu eart eae, god,
- 25
- hæfst and waldest
ana ofer ealle eoran and heofonas
syddra gesceafta. u eart so meotod,
ana ofer ealle eorbugende,
swilce on heofonum up þu eart hælend god.
- 30
- Ne mæg þe aherian hælea ænig;
þeh us gesomnie geond sidne grund,
men ofer moldan, geond ealne middaneard,
ne mage we næfre asæcgan, ne þæt soe witan,
hu þu æele eart, ece drihten.
- 35
- Ne þeah engla werod up on heofenum
snotra tosomne sæcgan ongunnon,
ne magon hy næfre areccean, ne þæt gerim wytan,
hu þu mære eart, mihtig drihten.
Ac is wunder mycel, wealdend engla,
- 40
- gif þu hit sylfa wast, sigores ealdor,
hu þu mære eart, mihtig and mægenstrang,
ealra kyninga kyning, Crist lifiende,
ealra worulda scippend, wealdend engla,
ealra dugeþa dugu, drihten hælend.
- 45
- u eart se æela þe on ærdagum
ealra femnena wyn fægere akende
on Bethleem ære byrig beornum to frofre,
eallum to are ylda bearnum,
þam þe gelyfa on lyfiendne god
- 50
- and on þæt ece leoht uppe on roderum.
yn mægen ys swa mære, mihtig drihten,
swa þæt ænig ne wat eorbuende
þa deopnesse drihtnes mihta,
ne þæt ænig ne wat engla hades
- 55
- þa heahnisse heofena kyninges.
Ic þe andette, ælmihtig god,
þæt ic gelyfe on þe, leofa hælend,
þæt þu eart se miccla and se mægenstranga
and se eadmoda ealra goda
- 60
- and se ece kyning ealra gesceafta,
and ic eom se litla for þe and se lyra man,
se her syngige swie genehhe,
dæges and nihtes do, swa ic ne sceolde,
hwile mid weorce, hwile mid worde,
- 65
- hwile mid geþohte, þearle scyldi,
inwitnias oft and gelome.
Ac ic þe halsige nu, heofena drihten,
and gebidde me to þe, bearna selost,
þæt u gemilsige me, mihtig drihten,
- 70
- heofena heahkyning and se halga gast,
and gefylste me, fæder ælmihtig,
þæt ic þinne willan gewyrcean mæge,
ær ic of þysum lænan lyfe gehweorfe.
Ne forweorn þu me, wuldres drihten,
- 75
- ac getyþa me, tyreadig kyning,
læt me mid englum up siian,
sittan on swegle,
herian heofonas god haligum reorde
a butan ende. Amen.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic eom halgungboc; healde hine dryhten
þe me fægere þus frætewum belegde.
þure to þance þus het me wyrcean,
to loue and to wure, þam þe leoht gesceop.
- 5
- Gemyndi is he mihta gehwylcre
þæs þe he on foldan gefremian mæg,
and him geþancie þeoda waldend
þæs þe he on gemynde madma manega
wyle gemearcian metode to lace;
- 10
- and he sceal ece lean ealle findan
þæs þe he on foldan fremaþ to ryhte.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- þus me gesette sanctus et iustus
beorn boca gleaw, bonus auctor,
Ealdelm, æþele sceop, etiam fuit
ipselos on æele Angolsexna,
- 5
- byscop on Bretene. Biblos ic nu sceal,
ponus et pondus pleno cum sensu,
geonges geanoe geomres iamiamque,
secgan so, nalles leas, þæt him symle wæs
euthenia oftor on fylste,
- 10
- æne on ele ec on e se is
yfel on gesæd. Etiam nusquam
ne sceal ladigan labor quem tenet
encratea, ac he ealneg sceal
boethia biddan georne
- 15
- þurh his modes gemind micro in cosmo,
þæt him drihten gyfe dinams on eoran,
fortis factor, þæt he for simle
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wæs on ealddagum Israheala folc
þurh Moysen, mærne lareow,
anlyht and gelared, swa hine lifes frea,
heofna heahcyning, her on life
- 5
- þurh his sylfes word sette for leodum,
rincum to ræde, and him runa gescead
sylfum asæde, hu he þone soþan weg
leofum leodscipe læran sceolde.
þa se leoda fruma larum fyligde
- 10
- heofena heahcyninges, and þa hæleþ samod,
swa hie on leodscipe lærede wæron;
gyf hie wancule weorc ongunnon,
heom þæs of heofonum hearm to leane
asende sigora god, and hie sona to him
- 15
- fryþa wilnodan and þær fundon raþe,
gif hie leohtras heora letan gewyrpan.
Feala is mægena þe sio mære þeod
on þam herescype heold and worhte,
þendan hie lifes frean lufian woldon;
- 20
- ac him se ende wear earm and þrealic,
þa hie besyredon sylfne dryhten,
on beam setton and to byrgenne
gedemdon; he þær bedigled wæs,
and þy þryddan dæge þeodum ætywed.
- 25
- We þæt gehyrdon hæleþa mænige
on bocstafum breman and writan,
þæt hie fæstenu feower heoldon
and þonne offredan unmæne neat,
þæt is lamb oþþe styrc, leofum to tacne
- 30
- þe for worulde wæs womma bedæled.
Ac arisan ongan rices ealdor
of byrgenne, blæda gefylled,
and mid heofenwarum ham gesohte,
eard mid englum, and us eallum þone
- 35
- hyht and gehate, gyf we his willaþ
þurh rihtne sefan rædum fyligan.
Na þær in cume atele gefylled,
womme gewesed, ac scal on wyrd sceacan.
Nu we herian sceolan her for life
- 40
- deorne dædfruman, and him geara gerim
ælmesdædum ure gefyllan,
and on fæstenum, swa se froda iu
Moyses mælde, and we þa mearce sceolan
heoldan higefæste mid Anglum,
- 45
- swa hie gebrefde us beorn on Rome,
Gregorius, gumena papa.
We þæt forme sceolan fæsten heowan
on þære ærestan wucan lengtenes,
on þam monþe þe man Martius
- 50
- geond Romwara rice nemne,
and þær twelfe sceolan torhtum dihte
runa gerædan in þæs rican hofe,
heofona heahcyninges, herian mid sange,
wlancne weorþian wuldres bryttan.
- 55
- Ofer þa Eastertid oþer fæsten
ys to bremenne Brytena leodum
mid gelicum lofe, þe gelesen hafa
on þære wucan þe æfter cume
þam sunnandæge þe geond sidne wang
- 60
- Pentecostenes dæg preostas nemna,
on þam monþe, þæs þe me þince,
þe man Iunius gearum nemde.
onne is þæt þrydde þinga gehwelces
fæsten on foldan fyra bearnum
- 65
- dihte gelicum on þam deoran hofe
to brymenne beorhtum sange
on þære wucan þe ærur by
emnihtes dæge ælda beornum,
on þam monþe, mine gefræge,
- 70
- þe man September genemne.
We þæt feorþe sceolen fæsten gelæstan
on þære wucan þe bi ærur full
dryhtnes gebyrde, and we mid deornum scylan
wordum and weorcum wuldres cyninge
- 75
- in þa ylcan tid eallum gemynde
þeodne deman þinga gehwylces,
efne swa swa ærran, and þone arwesan
leofne leoda frean lifes biddan.
On þissum fæstenum is se feorþa dæg
- 80
- and sixta samod seofoþa getinge
to gelæstanne lifes ealdre
and to bremenne boca gerynum
emb þa nigoþan tyd; nan is on eorþan,
butan hine unhæl an geþreatige,
- 85
- þe mot, hæt, oþþe wæt ærur þingan,
þæs þe us boca dom þeodlic deme.
Gif þe þonne secgan suþan cymene
bryttan Franca, þæt þu gebann sceole
her on eorþan ænig healdan,
- 90
- þæs þe Moyses iu mælde to leodum,
na þu þæs andfeng æfre gewyrþe,
ac þu þæt sylfe heald þæt þe suþan com
from Romana rices hyrde,
Gregoriæ, gumena papa.
- 95
- þus he gesette sylf ond dyhte
þa þenunga, þeodlareow,
fæstendtida; we þam forþ nu gyt
geond Engla land estum filia.
Swa he æt þæm setle sylfa gedemde,
- 100
- sancte Petres preostas syþþan
lange lifes tyd leordun þæt sylfe,
þæt þu oþrum ne scealt æfre filian.
Eac we feowertig daga fæsten healden
ær þæm æriste ures dryhtnes,
- 105
- þæt nu lengtentid leoda nemna,
and hit ærest ongan eorl se goda,
mære Moyses, ær he on munt styge;
he þæt fæsten heold feowertig daga
and nyhta samod, swa he nahtes anbat
- 110
- ær he þa deoran æ dryhtnes anfenge.
Him þær gesealde sylfe dryhten
bremne boca cræft, bæle behlæned,
of his haligan handa gescrifene,
het hine leodum þone leoran and tæcan
- 115
- elda orþancum eallum to tacne,
þæt we mid fæstene magon freode gewinnan
and þa deopan dryhtnes gerynu,
þa þe leoran sceolan leoda gehwylce,
gif us þære duguþe hwæt dryhten sylle.
- 120
- Eft Helias, eorl se mæra,
him on westene wiste geþigede,
þær him symbelbread somod mid wætere
dryhtnes engla sum dihte togeanes,
and se gestrangud wear
styþum gyfle
- 125
- to gefæstenne feowertig daga
and nihta samod, swa he nahtes anbat
ær he on Horeb dun hali ferde.
Uton þæt gerine rihte gehicgan,
þæt se mæra þegen mihta ne hæfde
- 130
- to astigenne stæppon on ypplen
ær him þæt symbel wearþ seald fram engle.
We sint on westene wuldres blisse
on þæm ænete ealra gefeana;
nu is helpes tid, halig dryhten,
- 135
- hu we munt þinne mærne gestygan.
Sint for englas geteald eorþbugendum
þa þe dryhtnes word dædum læra.
We þa andlifene ofstum þycgen
and þone deoran wist, dryhtnes lare;
- 140
- uton fæstan swa fyrene dædum
on forhæfenesse her for life,
þæt we þæs muntes mægen mærþa gestigan
swa se ealda dyde Elias iu.
Is to hicganne hu se halga gewat
- 145
- of þissum wangstede wuldres neosian;
hine fyren scryd feower mærum
wlangum wicgum on weg ferede
on neorxnawong, þær us nergend Crist
gehaten hafa ham mid blisse,
- 150
- gif we þæt fæsten her fyrena gelæsta
and þone uplican æþel seca.
Nu wæs æt nehstan þæt us nergend Crist,
halig heofenes weord, heolp and lærde.
He hine dyppan let deorum þweale,
- 155
- fulwihtes bæe, fyrena bedæled,
and he feowertig daga firsude mettas,
eac nihta swa feala nanuht gyltig,
leodum to lare, þæt hie on lengten sceolan
efen feowertig daga fæsten hewan.
- 160
- Hine costude þær Cristes gewinna
on þæm ænete eald and fræte,
geseah mærne frean mannum gelicne
and þa wenan ongann, wommes gemyndig,
þæt he stræla his stellan mihte
- 165
- on þam lichoman; næs þæs leahtra nan,
ac on hinder gewat hearmes brytta,
and þær englas hyra ealdor sohtan.
Higesynnig man, gyf þe susla weard
costian durre, þonne he Crist dyde,
- 170
- wereda wulderfrean, womma leasne,
ne mæg he þæs inne ahwæt scotian
gif he myrcels næfþ manes æt egum,
ac he on hinder scriþ, and þe halig
englas ærfæste æghwær helpa,
- 175
- gif þu dryhtnes her dædum fylgest.
Hæbbe we nu gemearcod hu þa mæran iu
feowertig daga fæsten hewdon,
and we bebeoda þurh beorn godes
þæt manna gehwilc þe for moldan wuna
- 180
- ær þam æreste ures dryhtnes
efen feowertig daga fæsten hewe
oþ þa nigoþan tid, and he na bruce
flæsces oþþe fyrna, þæ læs þe he fah wese.
Sceolan sacerdas singan mæssan,
- 185
- dæghwamlice dryhten biddan
on þam fæstenne þæt he freond wese
folce gynd foldan, and þa fyrna sceolan
þam sacerdan secgan gehwilce
and þa dymnissa dædum betan
- 190
- wordes and weorces, wuldres ealdor
þurh ælmesdæde eall gegladian.
þonne is þearf micel þeoda mænium
þæt þa sacerdos sylfe ne gyltan,
ne on leahtrum hiora ligegen to fæste.
- 195
- Hwa mæg þyngian þreale hwilcum
wiþ his arwesan, gyf he him ærur hæf
bitere onbolgen, and þæs bote ne de,
ac þa æbyligþe ealdere wrohte,
dæghwamlice dædum niwa?
- 200
- Gyf se sacerd hine sylfne ne cunne
þurh dryhtnes ege dugeþum healdan,
nu þa, folces mann, fyrna ne gyme
þe gehalgod mann her gefremme,
ac þu lare scealt lustum fremman
- 205
- ryhthicgennde þe he to ræde tæch,
drince he him þæt drofe oe þæt
dæghluttre
wæter of wege, þæt is wuldres lare.
Ac ic secgan mæg, sorgum hremig,
hu þa sacerdas sace niwia,
- 210
- dæghwamlice dryhten gremia
and mid æfeste ælcne forlæda
þe him fylian wyle folces manna;
sona hie on mergan mæssan synga
and forþegide, þurste gebæded,
- 215
- æfter tæppere teoþ geond stræta.
Hwæt! Hi leaslice leogan ongynna
and þone tæppere tyhtaþ gelome,
secgaþ þæt he synleas syllan mote
ostran to æte and æþele wyn
- 220
- emb morgentyd, þæs þe me þinge
þæt hund and wulf healda þa ilcan
wisan on worulde and ne wiglia
hwæne hie to mose fon, mæa bedæled.
Hi þonne sittende sadian aginna,
- 225
- sinne sema, sylla gelome,
cwea goddlife gumena gehwilcum
þæt wines dreng welhwa mote,
siþþan he mæssan hafa, meþig þicgan,
etan ostran eac and oþerne
- 230
- fisc of flode
Verse Early Anglian
- Nu scylun hergan hefaenricaes uard,
metudæs maecti end his modgidanc,
uerc uuldurfadur, sue he uundra gihuaes,
eci dryctin, or astelidæ.
- 5
- He aerist scop aelda barnum
heben til hrofe, haleg scepen;
tha middungeard moncynnæs uard,
eci dryctin, æfter tiadæ
firum foldu, frea allmectig.
Verse Early Saxon
- Nu sculon herigean heofonrices weard,
meotodes meahte and his modgeþanc,
weorc wuldorfæder, swa he wundra gehwæs,
ece drihten, or onstealde.
- 5
- He ærest sceop eoran bearnum
heofon to hrofe, halig scyppend;
þa middangeard moncynnes weard,
ece drihten, æfter teode
firum foldan, frea ælmihtig.
Verse Early Anglian
- Fore thaem neidfaerae naenig uuiurthit
thoncsnotturra, than him tharf sie
to ymbhycggannae aer his hiniongae
huaet his gastae godaes aeththa yflaes
- 5
- aefter deothdaege doemid uueorthae.
Verse Early Saxon
- Fore aem nedfere nenig wiore
onosnottorra on him earf riae
to ymbhycgenne aer his hinionge
hwet his gaste godes oe yfles
- 5
- ester deadege doemed wiore.
Verse Early Saxon
- For þam nedfere næni wyrþeþ
þances snotera, þonne him þearf sy
to gehicgenne ær his heonengange
hwæt his gaste godes oþþe yfeles
- 5
- æfter deaþe heonon demed weorþe.
Verse Early
- Mec se ueta uong, uundrum freorig,
ob his innaae aerest cændæ.
Ni uaat ic mec biuorthæ uullan fliusum,
herum erh hehcraeft, hygionc....
- 5
- Uundnae me ni bia ueflæ, ni ic uarp hafæ,
ni erih reatun giraec ret me hlimmith,
ne me hrutendu hrisil scelfath,
ni mec ouana aam sceal cnyssa.
Uyrmas mec ni auefun uyrdi craeftum,
- 10
- a i geolu godueb geatum fraetuath.
Uil mec huethrae suae eh uidæ ofaer eoru
hatan mith helium hyhtlic giuæde;
ni anoegun ic me aerigfaerae egsan brogum,
eh i n... ...n siæ niudlicae ob cocrum.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ardor frigesscit, nitor squalescit,
amor abolescit, lux obtenebrescit.
Hat acola, hwit asola,
leof alaaþ, leoht aystra.
- 5
- Senescunt omnia que eterna non sunt.
æghwæt forealda þæs þe ece ne by.
Verse Early Saxon
- þis ærendgewrit Agustinus
ofer sealtne sæ suan brohte
iegbuendum, swa hit ær fore
adihtode dryhtnes cempa,
- 5
- Rome papa. Ryhtspell monig
Gregorius gleawmod gindwod
urh sefan snyttro, searoonca hord.
Foræm he monncynnes mæst gestriende
rodra wearde, Romwara betest,
- 10
- monna modwelegost, mærum gefrægost.
Sian min on englisc ælfred kyning
awende worda gehwelc, and me his writerum
sende su and nor, heht him swelcra ma
brengan bi ære bisene, æt he his biscepum
- 15
- sendan meahte, foræm hi his sume orfton,
a e lædenspræce læste cuon.
Verse Early Saxon
- is is nu se wæterscipe e us wereda god
to frofre gehet foldbuendum.
He cwæ æt he wolde æt on worulde for
of æm innoum a libbendu
- 5
- wætru fleowen, e wel on hine
gelifden under lyfte. Is hit lytel tweo
æt æs wæterscipes welsprynge is
on hefonrice, æt is halig gæst.
onan hine hlodan halge and gecorene,
- 10
- sian hine gierdon a e gode herdon
urh halga bec hider on eoran
geond manna mod missenlice.
Sume hine weria on gewitlocan,
wisdomes stream, welerum gehæfta,
- 15
- æt he on unnyt ut ne toflowe.
Ac se wæl wuna on weres breostum
urh dryhtnes giefe diop and stille.
Sume hine læta ofer landscare
rium torinnan; nis æt rædlic ing,
- 20
- gif swa hlutor wæter, hlud and undiop,
toflowe æfter feldum o hit to fenne wer.
Ac hlada iow nu drincan, nu iow dryhten geaf
æt iow Gregorius gegiered hafa
to durum iowrum dryhtnes welle.
- 25
- Fylle nu his fætels, se e fæstne hider
kylle brohte, cume eft hræe.
Gif her egna hwelc yrelne kylle
brohte to ys burnan, bete hine georne,
y læs he forsceade scirost wætra,
- 30
- oe him lifes drync forloren weore.
Verse Late Saxon
- ...e e me rædan ance,
he in me findan mæg, gif hine feola lyste
gastlices lifes godre biesene,
þæt he ful eaþe mæg upp gestigan
- 5
- to am heofonlican hame, þar by a hyht and wyn,
blis on burgum, þam þe bearn godes
sielfes hiora eagum geseon motan.
þæt mæg se mon begytan, se þe his modgeanc
æltowe byþ, and þonne þurh his ingehygd
- 10
- to þissa haligra helpe geliefe,
ond hiora bisene fulga, swa þeos boc saga.
Me awritan het Wulfstan bisceop,
þeow and þearfa þæs þe alne þrym aof,
and eac walden is wihta gehwelcre,
- 15
- an ece god eallra gesceafta.
Bideþ þe se bisceop, se þe as boc begeat
þe þu on þinum handum nu hafast and sceawast,
þæt þu him to þeossum halgum helpe bidde,
þe heora gemynd her on gemearcude siendon,
- 20
- and þæt him god ællmihtig
forgyu... þa gyltas þe he geo worhte,
and eac rese mid him, se e ah ealles rices geweald,
and eac swa his beahgifan, þe him as bysene forgeaf,
þæt is se selesa sinces brytta,
- 25
- ælfryd mid Englum, ealra cyninga
þara þe he si oe ær fore secgan hyrde,
oe he iorcyninga ær ænigne gefrugne.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Bidde ic eac æghwylcne mann,
brego, rices weard, þe þas boc ræde
and þa bredu befo, fira aldor,
þæt gefyrrige þone writre wynsum cræfte
- 5
- þe as boc awrat bam handum twam,
þæt he mote manega gyt mundum synum
geendigan, his aldre to willan,
and him þæs geunne se e ah ealles geweald,
rodera waldend, þæt he on riht mote
- 10
- o his daga ende drihten herigan.
Amen. Geweorþe þæt.
Not specified
- Rod is min nama. Geo ic ricne cyning
bær byfigynde, blode bestemed.
þas rode het æþlmær wyrican and Aelwold hys beroþor
Criste to lofe for ælfrices saule hyra beroþor.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Her ys seo bot, hu u meaht þine æceras betan gif hi
nellaþ wel wexan oþþe þær hwilc ungedefe þing on gedon bi
on dry oe on lyblace. Genim þonne on niht, ær hyt
dagige, feower tyrf on feower healfa þæs landes, and gemearca
- 5
- hu hy ær stodon. Nim þonne ele and hunig and beorman,
and ælces feos meolc þe on þæm lande sy, and ælces treow-
cynnes dæl þe on þæm lande sy gewexen, butan heardan
beaman, and ælcre namcuþre wyrte dæl, butan glappan anon,
and do þonne haligwæter ær on, and drype þonne þriwa on
- 10
- þone staol þara turfa, and cweþe onne as word: Crescite,
wexe, et multiplicamini, and gemænigfealda, et replete
, and
gefylle, terre, þas eoran. In nomine patris et filii
et spiritus
sancti sit benedicti. And Pater Noster swa oft swa þæt oer.
And bere siþþan a turf to circean, and mæssepreost asinge
- 15
- feower mæssan ofer þan turfon, and wende man þæt grene to
an weofode, and siþþan gebringe man þa turf þær hi ær
wæron ær sunnan setlgange. And hæbbe him gæworht of
cwicbeame feower Cristes mælo and awrite on ælcon ende:
Matheus and Marcus, Lucas and Iohannes. Lege þæt
- 20
- Cristes mæl on þone pyt neoþeweardne, cwee onne: Crux
Matheus, crux Marcus, crux Lucas, crux sanctus Iohannes.
Nim onne þa turf and sete ær ufon on and cweþe onne
nigon siþon þas word, Crescite, and swa oft Pater Noster,
and wende þe þonne eastweard, and onlut nigon sion
- 25
- eadmodlice, and cwe þonne þas word:
Eastweard ic stande, arena ic me bidde,
bidde ic þone mæran domine, bidde one miclan drihten,
bidde ic one haligan heofonrices weard,
eoran ic bidde and upheofon
- 30
- and a soþan sancta Marian
and heofones meaht and heahreced,
þæt ic mote þis gealdor mid gife drihtnes
toum ontynan þurh trumne geþanc,
aweccan þas wæstmas us to woruldnytte,
- 35
- gefyllan þas foldan mid fæste geleafan,
wlitigigan þas wancgturf, swa se witega cwæ
þæt se hæfde are on eorþrice, se þe ælmyssan
dælde domlice drihtnes þances.
Wende þe þonne III sunganges, astrece þonne on andlang
- 40
- and arim þær letanias and cwe þonne: Sanctus, sanctus,
sanctus oþ ende. Sing þonne Benedicite aþenedon earmon
and Magnificat and Pater Noster III, and bebeod hit
Criste
and sancta Marian and þære halgan rode to lofe and to
weorþinga and to are þam þe þæt
land age and eallon þam þe
- 45
- him undereodde synt. onne þæt eall sie gedon, þonne
nime man uncuþ sæd æt ælmesmannum and selle him twa
swylc, swylce man æt him nime, and gegaderie ealle his
sulhgeteogo togædere; borige þonne on þam beame stor and
finol and gehalgode sapan and gehalgod sealt. Nim þonne
- 50
- þæt sæd, sete on þæs sules bodig, cwe þonne:
Erce, Erce, Erce, eorþan modor,
geunne þe se alwalda, ece drihten,
æcera wexendra and wridendra,
eacniendra and elniendra,
- 55
- sceafta hehra, scirra
wæstma,
and þæra bradan berewæstma,
and þæra hwitan hwætewæstma,
and ealra eorþan wæstma.
Geunne him ece drihten
- 60
- and his halige, þe on heofonum synt,
þæt hys yrþ si gefriþod wi ealra feonda gehwæne,
and heo si geborgen wi ealra bealwa gehwylc,
þara lyblaca geond land sawen.
Nu ic bidde one waldend, se e as woruld gesceop,
- 65
- þæt ne sy nan to þæs cwidol wif ne to þæs cræftig man
þæt awendan ne mæge word þus gecwedene.
þonne man þa sulh for drife and þa forman furh onsceote,
cwe þonne:
Hal wes þu, folde, fira modor!
- 70
- Beo þu growende on godes fæþme,
fodre gefylled firum to nytte.
Nim þonne ælces cynnes melo and abacæ man innewerdre
handa bradnæ hlaf and gecned hine mid meolce and mid
haligwætere and lecge under þa forman furh. Cweþe þonne:
- 75
- Ful æcer fodres fira cinne,
beorhtblowende, þu gebletsod weorþ
þæs haligan noman þe as heofon gesceop
and as eorþan þe we on lifiaþ;
se god, se þas grundas geworhte, geunne us growende gife,
- 80
- þæt us corna gehwylc cume to nytte.
Cwe þonne III Crescite in nomine patris, sit
benedicti.
Amen and Pater Noster þriwa.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Gemyne u, mucgwyrt, hwæt þu ameldodest,
hwæt þu renadest æt Regenmelde.
Una þu hattest, yldost wyrta.
u miht wi III and wi XXX,
- 5
- þu miht wiþ attre and wi onflyge,
þu miht wiþ þam laþan e geond lond fær.
Ond þu, wegbrade, wyrta modor,
eastan openo, innan mihtigu;
ofer e crætu curran, ofer
e cwene reodan,
- 10
- ofer e bryde bryodedon, ofer þe
fearras fnærdon.
Eallum þu þon wistode and wistunedest;
swa u wistonde attre and onflyge
and þæm laan þe geond lond fere.
Stune hætte þeos wyrt, heo on stane geweox;
- 15
- stond heo wi attre, stuna heo wærce.
Stie heo hatte, wistuna heo attre,
wrece heo wraan, weorpe ut attor.
þis is seo wyrt seo wiþ wyrm gefeaht,
þeos mæg wi attre, heo mæg wi onflyge,
- 20
- heo mæg wi am laþan e geond lond fereþ.
Fleoh þu nu, attorlae, seo læsse a maran,
seo mare þa læssan, oæt him beigra bot sy.
Gemyne þu, mæge, hwæt þu ameldodest,
hwæt u geændadest æt Alorforda;
- 25
- þæt næfre for gefloge feorh ne gesealde
syþan him mon mægan to mete gegyrede.
þis is seo wyrt e wergulu hatte;
as onsænde seolh ofer sæs hrygc
ondan attres oþres to bote.
- 30
- as VIIII magon wi nygon attrum.
Wyrm com snican, toslat he man;
a genam Woden VIIII wuldortanas,
sloh a þa næddran, þæt heo on VIIII tofleah.
þær geændade æppel and attor,
- 35
- þæt heo næfre ne wolde on hus bugan.
Fille and finule, felamihtigu twa,
þa wyrte gesceop witig drihten,
halig on heofonum, þa he hongode;
sette and sænde on VII worulde
- 40
- earmum and eadigum eallum to bote.
Stond heo wi wærce, stuna heo wi attre,
seo mæg wi III and wi XXX,
wi feondes hond and wi færbregde,
wi malscrunge manra wihta.
- 45
- Nu magon þas VIIII wyrta wi nygon wuldorgeflogenum,
wi VIIII attrum and wi nygon onflygnum,
wi y readan attre, wi y runlan attre,
wi y hwitan attre, wi y wedenan attre,
wi y geolwan attre, wi y grenan attre,
- 50
- wi y wonnan attre, wi y wedenan attre,
wi y brunan attre, wi y basewan attre,
wi wyrmgeblæd, wi wætergeblæd,
wi þorngeblæd, wi þystelgeblæd,
wi ysgeblæd, wi attorgeblæd,
- 55
- gif ænig attor cume eastan fleogan
oe ænig noran cume
oe ænig westan ofer wereode.
Crist stod ofer adle ængan cundes.
Ic ana wat ea rinnende
- 60
- þær þa nygon nædran nean
behealda;
motan ealle weoda nu wyrtum aspringan,
sæs toslupan, eal sealt wæter,
onne ic þis attor of e geblawe.
Mugcwyrt, wegbrade þe eastan open sy, lombescyrse,
- 65
- attorlaan, magean, netelan, wudusuræppel, fille and finul,
ealde sapan. Gewyrc a wyrta to duste, mængc wiþ þa
sapan and wiþ þæs æpples gor. Wyrc slypan of wætere
and of axsan, genim finol, wyl on þære slyppan and beþe mid
æggemongc, þonne he þa sealfe on do,
ge ær ge æfter. Sing
- 70
- þæt galdor on ælcre þara wyrta, III ær he hy wyrce and
on þone æppel ealswa; ond singe þon men in þone mu and
in þa earan buta and on a wunde þæt ilce gealdor, ær he
þa sealfe on do.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wi dweorh man sceal niman VII lytle oflætan, swylce
man mid ofra, and writan þas naman on ælcre
oflætan:
Maximianus, Malchus, Iohannes, Martimianus, Dioni-
sius, Constantinus, Serafion. þænne eft þæt galdor, þæt
- 5
- her æfter cwe, man sceal singan, ærest on þæt wynstre
eare, þænne on þæt swire eare, þænne bufan þæs
mannes
moldan. And ga þænne an mædenman to and ho hit on
his sweoran, and do man swa þry dagas; him bi sona sel.
Her com in gangan, in spiderwiht,
- 10
- hæfde him his haman on handa, cwæ þæt þu his hæncgest wære,
legde þe his teage an sweoran. Ongunnan him
of þæm lande liþan;
sona swa hy of þæm lande coman, þa ongunnan him a liþu
colian.
þa com in gangan dweores sweostar;
þa geændade heo and aas swor
- 15
- æt næfre þis æm adlegan derian ne moste,
ne þæm þe þis galdor begytan mihte,
oe þe þis galdor ongalan cuþe.
Amen. Fia.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wi færstice feferfuige and seo reade netele, e þurh
ærn inwyx, and wegbrade; wyll in buteran.
Hlude wæran hy, la, hlude, a hy ofer þone hlæw ridan,
wæran anmode, a hy ofer land ridan.
- 5
- Scyld u e nu, þu ysne ni genesan mote.
Ut, lytel spere, gif her inne sie!
Stod under linde, under leohtum scylde,
þær a mihtigan wif hyra mægen beræddon
and hy gyllende garas sændan;
- 10
- ic him oerne eft wille sændan,
fleogende flane forane togeanes.
Ut, lytel spere, gif hit her inne sy!
Sæt smi, sloh seax lytel,
iserna, wundrum swie.
- 15
- Ut, lytel spere, gif her inne sy!
Syx smias sætan, wælspera worhtan.
Ut, spere, næs in, spere!
Gif her inne sy isernes dæl,
hægtessan geweorc, hit sceal gemyltan.
- 20
- Gif u wære on fell scoten oe wære on flæsc scoten
oe wære on blod scoten
oe wære on li scoten, næfre ne sy in lif atæsed;
gif hit wære esa gescot oe hit wære ylfa gescot
oe hit wære hægtessan gescot, nu ic wille in helpan.
- 25
- þis e to bote esa gescotes, is e to bote ylfa gescotes,
is e to bote hægtessan gescotes; ic in wille helpan.
Fleoh þær on fyrgenheafde.
Hal westu, helpe in drihten!
Nim þonne þæt seax, ado on wætan.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- þonne þe mon ærest secge þæt þin ceap sy losod, þonne
cwe þu ærest, ær þu elles hwæt cweþe:
Bæleem hatte seo buruh þe Crist on acænned wæs,
seo is gemærsod geond ealne middangeard;
- 5
- swa þyos dæd for monnum mære gewurþe
þurh þa haligan Cristes rode! Amen. Gebide þe þonne
þriwa east and cweþ þonne þriwa: Crux Christi ab oriente
reduca. Gebide þe þonne þriwa west and cwe þonne
þriwa: Crux Christi ab occidente reducat. Gebide þe
- 10
- þonne þriwa su and cweþ þriwa: Crux Christi ab austro
reducat. Gebide þonne þriwa nor and cwe þriwa: Crux
Christi ab aquilone reduca, crux Christi abscondita est et
inuenta est. Iudeas Crist ahengon, dydon dæda þa
wyrrestan, hælon þæt hy forhelan ne mihtan. Swa þeos
- 15
- dæd nænige þinga forholen ne wurþe þurh þa
haligan
Cristes rode. Amen.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Se wifman, se hire cild afedan ne mæg, gange to gewitenes
mannes birgenne and stæppe þonne þriwa ofer þa byrgenne
and cweþe þonne þriwa þas word:
þis me to bote þære laþan lætbyrde,
- 5
- þis me to bote þære swæran swærbyrde,
þis me to bote þære laan lambyrde.
And þonne þæt wif seo mid bearne and heo to hyre hlaforde
on reste ga, þonne cweþe heo:
Up ic gonge, ofer þe stæppe
- 10
- mid cwican cilde, nalæs mid cwellendum,
mid fulborenum, nalæs mid fægan.
And þonne seo modor gefele þæt þæt bearn si cwic, ga
þonne to cyrican, and þonne heo toforan þan weofode cume,
cweþe þonne:
- 15
- Criste, ic sæde, þis gecyþed!
Se wifmon, se hyre bearn afedan ne mæge, genime heo
sylf hyre agenes cildes gebyrgenne dæl, wry æfter
þonne on
blace wulle and bebicge to cepemannum and cweþe þonne:
Ic hit bebicge, ge hit bebicgan,
- 20
- þas sweartan wulle and þysse sorge corn.
Se wifman, se ne mæge bearn
afedan, nime þonne anes
bleos cu meoluc on hyre handæ and gesupe þonne mid hyre
muþe and gange þonne to yrnendum wætere and spiwe þær
in þa meolc and hlade þonne mid þære ylcan hand þæs
- 25
- wæteres mu fulne and forswelge. Cweþe þonne þas word:
Gehwer ferde ic me þone mæran maga þihtan,
mid þysse mæran mete þihtan;
þonne ic me wille habban and ham gan.
þonne heo to þan broce ga, þonne ne beseo heo, no ne eft
- 30
- þonne heo þanan ga, and þonne ga heo in oþer hus oþer heo
ut ofeode and þær gebyrge metes.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Gif mon biþ on wæterælfadle, þonne beoþ him þa hand-
næglas wonne and þa eagan tearige and wile locian niþer.
Do him þis to læcedome: eoforþrote, cassuc, fone nioþo-
weard, eowberge, elehtre, eolone, merscmealwan crop,
- 5
- fenminte, dile, lilie, attorlaþe, polleie, marubie, docce, ellen,
felterre, wermod, streawbergean leaf, consolde; ofgeot mid
ealaþ, do hæligwæter to, sing þis gealdor ofer þriwa:
Ic benne awrat betest beadowræda,
swa benne ne burnon, ne burston,
- 10
- ne fundian, ne feologan,
ne hoppettan, ne wund waxsian,
ne dolh diopian; ac him self healde halewæge,
ne ace þe þon ma, þe eorþan on eare ace.
Sing þis manegum siþum: Eorþe þe onbere eallum hire
- 15
- mihtum and mægenum. þas galdor mon mæg singan on
wunde.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wi ymbe nim eorþan, oferweorp mid þinre swiþran
handa under þinum swiþran fet, and cwet:
Fo ic under fot, funde ic hit.
Hwæt, eore mæg wi ealra wihta gehwilce
- 5
- and wi andan and wi æminde
and wi þa micelan mannes tungan.
And wion forweorp ofer greot, þonne hi swirman,
and cwe:
Sitte ge, sigewif, siga to eorþan!
Næfre ge wilde to wuda fleogan.
- 10
- Beo ge swa gemindige mines godes,
swa bi manna gehwilc metes and eþeles.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ne forstolen ne forholen nanuht, þæs e ic age, þe ma e
mihte Herod urne drihten. Ic geþohte sancte Eadelenan
and ic geþohte Crist on rode ahangen; swa ic þence þis feoh
to findanne, næs to ofeorrganne, and to witanne, næs to
- 5
- owyrceanne, and to lufianne, næs to olædanne.
Garmund, godes egen,
find þæt feoh and fere þæt feoh
and hafa þæt feoh and heald þæt feoh
and fere ham þæt feoh.
- 10
- þæt he næfre næbbe landes, þæt he hit olæde,
ne foldan, þæt hit oferie,
ne husa, þæt he hit ohealde.
Gif hyt hwa gedo, ne gedige hit him næfre!
Binnan þrym nihtum cunne ic his mihta,
- 15
- his mægen and his mihta and his mundcræftas.
Eall he weornige, swa syre wudu weornie,
swa breel seo swa þystel,
se e is feoh ofergean þence
oe is orf oehtian ence.
- 20
- Amen.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- is man sceal cwean onne his ceapa hwilcne man for-
stolenne. Cwy ær he ænyg oþer word cwee:
Bethlem hattæ seo burh e Crist on geboren wes,
seo is gemærsod ofer ealne middangeard;
- 5
- swa eos dæd wyrþe for monnum mære,
per crucem Christi! And gebide þe onne þriwa east and
cwe þriwa: Crux Christi ab oriente reducat. And
III
west and cwe: Crux Christi ab occidente reducat. And
III su and cwe: Crux Christi a
meridie reducant. And
- 10
- III nor and cwe: Crux Christi
abscondita sunt et inuenta
est. Iudeas Crist ahengon, gedidon him dæda þa wyrstan;
hælon þæt hi forhelan ne mihton. Swa næfre eos dæd
forholen ne wyre per crucem Christi.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Ic me on þisse gyrde beluce and on godes helde bebeode
wi þane sara stice, wi þane sara slege,
wi þane grymma gryre,
wi ane micela egsa þe bi eghwam la,
- 5
- and wi eal þæt la þe in to land fare.
Sygegealdor ic begale, sigegyrd ic me wege,
wordsige and worcsige. Se me dege;
ne me mere ne gemyrre, ne me maga ne
geswence,
ne me næfre minum feore forht ne gewurþe,
- 10
- ac gehæle me ælmihtig and sunu and
frofre gast,
ealles wuldres wyrig dryhten,
swa swa ic gehyrde heofna scyppende.
Abrame and Isace
and swilce men, Moyses and Iacob,
- 15
- and Dauit and Iosep
and Evan and Annan and Elizabet,
Saharie and ec Marie, modur Cristes,
and eac þæ gebroþru, Petrus and Paulus,
and eac þusend þinra engla
- 20
- clipige ic me to are wi eallum feondum.
Hi me ferion and friþion and mine fore nerion,
eal me gehealdon, me gewealdon,
worces stirende; si me wuldres hyht,
hand ofer heafod, haligra rof,
- 25
- sigerofra sceolu, sofæstra engla.
Biddu ealle bliu mode
þæt me beo Matheus helm, Marcus byrne,
leoht, lifes rof, Lucos min swurd,
scearp and scirecg, scyld Iohannes,
- 30
- wuldre gewlitegod wælgar Serafhin.
For ic gefare, frind ic gemete,
eall engla blæd, eadiges lare.
Bidde ic nu sigeres god godes miltse,
sifæt godne, smylte and lihte
- 35
- windas on waroþum.
Windas gefran,
circinde wæter simble gehælede
wi eallum feondum. Freond ic gemete wi,
þæt ic on þæs ælmihtgian fri
wunian mote,
belocun wi þam laþan, se me lyfes eht,
- 40
- on engla blæd gestaþelod,
and inna halre hand heofna rices,
þa hwile þe ic on þis life wunian mote.
Amen.
Verse Indeterminate Saxon
- Wenne, wenne, wenchichenne,
her ne scealt þu timbrien, ne nenne tun habben,
ac þu scealt north eonene to þan nihgan berhge,
þer þu hauest, ermig, enne broþer.
- 5
- He þe sceal legge leaf et heafde.
Under fot wolues, under ueþer earnes,
under earnes clea, a þu geweornie.
Clinge þu alswa col on heorþe,
scring þu alswa scerne awage,
- 10
- and weorne alswa weter on anbre.
Swa litel þu gewurþe alswa linsetcorn,
and miccli lesse alswa anes handwurmes hupeban,
and alswa litel þu gewurþe þet þu nawiht gewurþe.