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Anglo-Saxon poetic records

1. GenesisKrapp, 1931 1-87; Krapp, G.P., The Junius Manuscript, ASPR 1 (New York).Us is riht micel  ðæt we rodera weard, 
wereda wuldorcining,  wordum herigen, 
modum lufien!  He is mægna sped, 
heafod ealra  heahgesceafta, 
frea ælmihtig.  Næs him fruma æfre, 
or geworden,  ne nu ende cymþ 
ecean drihtnes,  ac he bið a rice 
ofer heofenstolas.  Heagum þrymmum 
soðfæst and swiðfeorm 
                sweglbosmas heold, 
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! 
þegnas þrymfæste  þeoden heredon, 
sægdon lustum lof,  heora liffrean 
demdon, drihtenes  dugeþum wæron 
swiðe gesælige.  Synna ne cuþon, 
firena fremman,  ac hie on friðe lifdon, 
ece mid heora aldor.  Elles ne ongunnon 
ræran on roderum  nymþe riht and soþ, 
ærðon engla weard  for oferhygde 

               dwæl on gedwilde.  Noldan dreogan leng 
heora selfra ræd,  ac hie of siblufan 
godes ahwurfon.  Hæfdon gielp micel 
þæt hie wið drihtne  dælan meahton 
wuldorfæstan wic  werodes þrymme, 
sid and swegltorht.  Him þær sar gelamp, 
æfst and oferhygd,  and þæs engles mod 
þe þone unræd ongan  ærest fremman, 
wefan and weccean,  þa he worde cwæð, 
niþes ofþyrsted,  þæt he on norðdæle 
ham and heahsetl  heofena rices 
agan wolde.  þa wearð yrre god 
and þam werode wrað  þe he ær wurðode 
wlite and wuldre.  Sceop þam werlogan 
wræclicne ham  weorce to leane, 
helleheafas,  hearde niðas. 
Heht þæt witehus  wræcna bidan, 
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 
weaxan witebrogan.  Hæfdon hie wrohtgeteme 
grimme wið god gesomnod;  him þæs grim lean becom! 
Cwædon þæt heo rice,  reðemode, 
agan woldan,  and swa eaðe meahtan. 
Him seo wen geleah,  siððan waldend his, 
heofona heahcining,  honda arærde, 
hehste wið þam herge.  Ne mihton hygelease, 
mæne wið metode,  mægyn bryttigan, 
ac him se mæra  mod getwæfde, 
bælc forbigde.  þa he gebolgen wearð, 
besloh synsceaþan  sigore and gewealde, 
dome and dugeðe,  and dreame benam 
his feond, friðo  and gefean ealle, 
torhte tire,  and his torn gewræc 
on gesacum swiðe  selfes mihtum 
strengum stiepe.  Hæfde styrne mod, 
gegremed grymme,  grap on wraðe 
faum folmum,  and him on fæðm gebræc 

               yrre on mode;  æðele bescyrede 
his wiðerbrecan  wuldorgestealdum. 

               Sceof þa and scyrede  scyppend ure 
oferhidig cyn  engla of heofnum, 
wærleas werod.  Waldend sende 
laðwendne here  on langne sið, 
geomre gastas;  wæs him gylp forod, 
beot forborsten,  and forbiged þrym, 
wlite gewemmed.  Heo on wrace syððan 
seomodon swearte,  siðe ne þorfton 
hlude hlihhan,  ac heo helltregum 
werige wunodon  and wean cuðon, 
sar and sorge,  susl þrowedon 
þystrum beþeahte,  þearl æfterlean 
þæs þe heo ongunnon  wið gode winnan. 
þa wæs soð swa ær  sibb on heofnum, 
fægre freoþoþeawas,  frea eallum leof, 
þeoden his þegnum;  þrymmas weoxon 
duguða mid drihtne,  dreamhæbbendra. 
Wæron þa gesome,  þa þe swegl buað, 
wuldres eðel.  Wroht wæs asprungen, 
oht mid englum  and orlegnið, 
siððan herewosan  heofon ofgæfon, 
leohte belorene.  Him on laste setl, 
wuldorspedum welig,  wide stodan 
gifum growende  on godes rice, 
beorht and geblædfæst,  buendra leas, 
siððan wræcstowe  werige gastas 
under hearmlocan  heane geforan. 
þa þeahtode  þeoden ure 
modgeþonce,  hu he þa mæran gesceaft, 
eðelstaðolas  eft gesette, 
swegltorhtan seld,  selran werode, 
þa hie gielpsceaþan  ofgifen hæfdon, 
heah on heofenum.  Forþam halig god 
under roderas feng,  ricum mihtum, 
wolde þæt him eorðe  and uproder 
and sid wæter  
               geseted wurde 
woruldgesceafte  on wraðra gield, 
þara þe forhealdene  of hleo sende. 
Ne wæs her þa giet  nymþe heolstersceado 
wiht geworden,  ac þes wida grund 
stod deop and dim,  drihtne fremde, 
idel and unnyt.  On þone eagum wlat 
stiðfrihþ cining,  and þa stowe beheold, 
dreama lease,  geseah deorc gesweorc 
semian sinnihte  sweart under roderum, 
wonn and weste,  oðþæt þeos woruldgesceaft 
þurh word gewearð  wuldorcyninges. 
Her ærest gesceop  ece drihten, 
helm eallwihta,  heofon and eorðan, 
rodor arærde,  and þis rume land 
gestaþelode  strangum mihtum, 
frea ælmihtig.  Folde wæs þa gyta 
græs ungrene;  garsecg þeahte 
sweart synnihte,  side and wide, 
wonne węgas.  þa wæs wuldortorht 
heofonweardes gast  ofer holm boren 
miclum spedum.  Metod engla heht, 
lifes brytta,  leoht forð cuman 
ofer rumne grund.  Raþe wæs gefylled 
heahcininges hæs;  him wæs halig leoht 
ofer westenne,  swa se wyrhta bebead. 
þa gesundrode  sigora waldend 
ofer laguflode  leoht wið þeostrum, 
sceade wið sciman.  Sceop þa bam naman, 
lifes brytta.  Leoht wæs ærest 
þurh drihtnes word  dæg genemned, 
wlitebeorhte gesceaft.  Wel licode 
frean æt frymðe  forþbæro tid, 
dæg æresta;  geseah deorc sceado 
sweart swiðrian  geond sidne grund. 
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 
sceop nihte naman.  Nergend ure 
hie gesundrode;  siððan æfre 
drugon and dydon  drihtnes willan, 
ece ofer eorðan.  ða com oðer dæg, 
leoht æfter þeostrum.  Heht þa lifes weard 
on mereflode  middum weorðan 
hyhtlic heofontimber.  Holmas dælde 
waldend ure  and geworhte þa 
roderas fæsten;  þæt se rica ahof 
up from eorðan  þurh his agen word, 
frea ælmihtig.  
               Flod wæs adæled 
under heahrodore  halgum mihtum, 
wæter of wætrum,  þam þe wuniað gyt 
under fæstenne  folca hrofes. 
þa com ofer foldan  fus siðian 
mære mergen þridda.  Næron metode ða 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 healdað, 
stowe gestefnde.  ða stod hraðe 
holm under heofonum,  swa se halga bebead, 
sid ætsomne,  ða gesundrod wæs 
lago wið lande.  Geseah þa lifes weard 
drige stowe,  dugoða hyrde, 
wide æteowde,  þa se wuldorcyning 
eorðan nemde.  Gesette yðum heora 
onrihtne ryne,  rumum flode, 
and gefetero/  
            
Ne þuhte þa gerysne  rodora wearde, 
þæt Adam leng  ana wære 
neorxnawonges,  niwre gesceafte, 
hyrde and healdend.  Forþon him heahcyning, 
frea ælmihtig  fultum tiode; 
wif aweahte  and þa wraðe sealde, 
lifes leohtfruma,  leofum rince. 
He þæt andweorc  of Adames 
lice aleoðode,  and him listum ateah 
rib of sidan.  He wæs reste fæst, 
and softe swæf,  sar ne wiste, 
earfoða 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, 
ece saula.  Heo wæron englum gelice, 
þa wæs Eue,  Adames bryd, 
gaste gegearwod.  Hie on geogoðe bu 
wlitebeorht wæron  on woruld cenned 
meotodes mihtum.  Man ne cuðon 
don ne dreogan,  ac him drihtnes wæs 
bam on breostum  byrnende lufu. 
þa gebletsode  bliðheort cyning, 
metod alwihta,  monna cynnes 
ða forman twa,  fæder and moder, 
wif and wæpned.  He þa worde cwæð: 
"Temað nu and wexað,  tudre fyllað 
eorðan ælgrene,  incre cynne, 
sunum and dohtrum.  Inc sceal sealt wæter 
wunian on gewealde  and eall worulde gesceaft. 
Brucað blæddaga  and brimhlæste 
and heofonfugla.  Inc is halig feoh 
and wilde deor  on geweald geseald, 
and lifigende,  ða ðe land tredað, 
feorheaceno cynn,  ða ðe flod wecceð 
geond hronrade.  Inc hyrað eall." 
þa sceawode  scyppend ure 
his weorca wlite  and his wæstma blæd, 
niwra gesceafta.  Neorxnawong stod 
god and gastlic,  gifena gefylled 
fremum forðweardum.  Fægere leohte 
þæt liðe land  lago yrnende, 
wylleburne.  Nalles wolcnu ða giet 
ofer rumne grund  regnas bæron, 
wann mid winde,  hwæðre wæstmum stod 
folde gefrætwod.  Heoldon forðryne 
eastreamas heora  æðele feower 
of þam niwan  neorxnawonge. 
þa wæron adælede  drihtnes mihtum 
ealle of anum,  þa he þas eorðan gesceop, 
wætre wlitebeorhtum,  and on woruld sende. 

               þæra
               anne hatað ylde,  eorðbuende, 
Fison folcweras;  
               se foldan dæl 
brade bebugeð  beorhtum streamum 
Hebeleac utan.  On þære eðyltyrf 
niððas findað  nean and feorran 
gold and gymcynn,  gumþeoda bearn, 
ða selestan,  þæs þe us secgað bec. 
þonne seo æftre  Ethiopia 
land and liodgeard  beligeð uton, 
ginne rice,  þære is Geon noma. 
þridda is Tigris,  seo wið þeodscipe, 
ea inflede,  Assirię belið. 
Swilce is seo feorðe,  þa nu geond folc monig 
weras Eufraten  wide nemnað. 
"ac niotað inc þæs oðres ealles,  forlætað þone ænne beam, 
wariað inc wið þone wæstm.  Ne wyrð inc wilna gæd." 
Hnigon þa mid heafdum  heofoncyninge 
georne togenes  and sædon ealles þanc, 
lista and þara lara.  He let heo þæt land buan, 
hwærf him þa to heofenum  halig drihten, 
stiðferhð cyning.  Stod his handgeweorc 
somod on sande,  nyston sorga wiht 
to begrornianne,  butan heo godes willan 
lengest læsten.  Heo wæron leof gode 
ðenden 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, 
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 swiðne geworhtne, 
swa mihtigne on his modgeþohte,  he let hine swa micles wealdan, 
hehstne to him on heofona rice,  hæfde he hine swa hwitne geworhtne, 
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 
wið þone hehstan heofnes waldend,  þe siteð on þam halgan stole. 
Deore wæs he drihtne urum;  ne mihte him bedyrned weorðan 
þæt his engyl ongan  ofermod wesan, 
ahof hine wið his hearran,  sohte hetespræce, 
gylpword ongean,  nolde gode þeowian, 
cwæð 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 
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;  cwæð þæt hine his hige speone 
þæt he west and norð  wyrcean ongunne, 
trymede getimbro;  cwæð him tweo þuhte 
þæt he gode wolde  geongra weorðan. 
"Hwæt sceal ic winnan?" cwæð he.  "Nis me wihtæ þearf 
hearran to habbanne.  Ic mæg mid handum swa fela 
wundra gewyrcean.  Ic hæbbe geweald micel 
to gyrwanne  godlecran stol, 
hearran on heofne.  Hwy sceal ic æfter his hyldo ðeowian, 
bugan him swilces geongordomes?  Ic mæg wesan god swa he. 
Bigstandað me strange geneatas,  þa ne willað me æt þam striðe geswican, 
hæleþas heardmode.  Hie habbað 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 þinceð, 
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 wið his hearran  and spræc healic word 
dollice wið drihten sinne,  sceolde he þa dæd ongyldan, 
worc þæs gewinnes gedælan,  and sceolde his wite habban, 
ealra morðra mæst.  Swa deð monna gehwilc 
þe wið his waldend  winnan ongynneð 
mid mane wið þone mæran drihten.  þa wearð se mihtiga gebolgen, 
hehsta heofones waldend,  wearp hine of þan hean stole. 
Hete hæfde he æt his hearran gewunnen,  hyldo hæfde his ferlorene, 
gram wearð him se goda on his mode.  Forþon he sceolde grund gesecean 
heardes hellewites,  þæs þe he wann wið heofnes waldend. 
Acwæð hine þa fram his hyldo  and hine on helle wearp, 
on þa deopan dala,  þær he to deofle wearð, 
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 
noldon weorðian,  forþon he heo on wyrse leoht 
under eorðan neoðan,  ællmihtig god, 
sette sigelease  on þa sweartan helle. 
þær hæbbað heo on æfyn  ungemet lange, 
ealra feonda gehwilc,  fyr edneowe, 
þonne cymð on uhtan  easterne wind, 
forst fyrnum cald.  Symble fyr oððe gar, 
sum heard geswinc 
                habban sceoldon. 
Worhte man hit him to wite,  (hyra woruld wæs gehwyrfed), 
forman siðe,  fylde helle 
mid þam andsacum.  Heoldon englas forð 
heofonrices hehðe,  þe ær godes hyldo gelæston. 
Lagon þa oðre fynd on þam fyre,  þe ær swa feala hæfdon 
gewinnes wið heora waldend.  Wite þoliað, 
hatne heaðowelm  helle tomiddes, 
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, 
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 
þæt hie hæfdon gewrixled  wita unrim 
þurh heora miclan mod  and þurh miht godes 
and þurh ofermetto  ealra swiðost. 
þa spræc se ofermoda cyning,  þe ær wæs engla scynost, 
hwitost on heofne  and his hearran leof, 
drihtne dyre,  oð hie to dole wurdon, 
þæt him for galscipe  god sylfa wearð 
mihtig on mode yrre.  Wearp hine on þæt morðer innan, 
niðer on þæt niobedd,  and sceop him naman siððan, 

               cwæð se hehsta  hatan sceolde 
Satan siððan,  het hine þære sweartan helle 
grundes gyman,  nalles wið god winnan. 
Satan maðelode,  sorgiende spræc, 
se ðe helle forð  healdan sceolde, 
gieman þæs grundes.  Wæs ær godes engel, 
hwit on heofne,  oð hine his hyge forspeon 
and his ofermetto  ealra swiðost, 
þæt he ne wolde  wereda drihtnes 
word wurðian.  Weoll him on innan 
hyge ymb his heortan,  hat wæs him utan 
wraðlic wite.  He þa worde cwæð: 
"Is þæs ænga styde  ungelic swiðe 
þam oðrum ham 
                þe we ær cuðon, 
hean on heofonrice,  þe me min hearra onlag, 
þeah we hine for þam alwaldan  agan ne moston, 
romigan ures rices.  Næfð he þeah riht gedon 
þæt he us hæfð befælled  fyre to botme, 
helle þære hatan,  heofonrice benumen; 
hafað hit gemearcod  mid moncynne 
to gesettanne.  þæt me is sorga mæst, 
þæt Adam sceal,  þe wæs of eorðan 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 weorðan, 
wesan ane winterstunde,  þonne ic mid þys werode– 
Ac licgað me ymbe  irenbenda, 
rideð racentan sal.  Ic eom rices leas; 
habbað me swa hearde  helle clommas 
fæste befangen.  Her is fyr micel, 
ufan and neoðone.  Ic a ne geseah 
laðran landscipe.  Lig ne aswamað, 
hat ofer helle.  Me habbað hringa gespong, 
sliðhearda sal  siðes amyrred, 
afyrred me min feðe;  fet synt gebundene, 
handa gehæfte.  Synt þissa heldora 
wegas forworhte,  swa ic mid wihte ne mæg 
of þissum lioðobendum.  Licgað me ymbe 
            
heardes irenes  hate geslægene 
grindlas greate.  Mid þy me god hafað 
gehæfted be þam healse,  swa ic wat he minne hige cuðe; 
and þæt wiste eac  weroda drihten, 
þæt sceolde unc Adame  yfele gewurðan 
ymb þæt heofonrice,  þær ic ahte minra handa geweald. 
Ac ðoliaþ we nu þrea on helle,  (þæt syndon þystro and hæto), 
grimme, grundlease.  Hafað us god sylfa 
forswapen on þas sweartan mistas;  swa he us ne mæg ænige synne gestælan, 
þæt we him on þam lande lað gefremedon,  he hæfð us þeah þæs leohtes bescyrede, 
beworpen on ealra wita mæste.  Ne magon we þæs wrace gefremman, 
geleanian him mid laðes wihte  þæt he us hafað þæs leohtes bescyrede. 
He hæfð nu gemearcod anne middangeard,  þær he hæfð 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, 
onwendan him þær willan sines,  gif we hit mægen wihte aþencan. 
Ne gelyfe ic me nu þæs leohtes furðor  þæs þe he him þenceð lange niotan, 
þæs eades mid his engla cræfte.  Ne magon we þæt on aldre gewinnan, 
þæt we mihtiges godes mod onwæcen.  Uton oðwendan hit nu monna bearnum, 
þæt heofonrice, nu we hit habban ne moton,  gedon þæt hie his hyldo forlæten, 
þæt hie þæt onwendon þæt he mid his worde bebead.  þonne weorð he him wrað 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.  Onginnað nu ymb þa fyrde þencean! 
Gif ic ænegum þægne  þeodenmadmas 
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 wurðan, 
þæt he up heonon  ute mihte 
cuman þurh þas clustro,  and hæfde cræft mid him 
þæt he mid feðerhoman  fleogan meahte, 
windan on wolcne,  þær geworht stondað 
Adam and Eue  on eorðrice 
mid welan bewunden,  and we synd aworpene hider 
on þas deopan dalo.  Nu hie drihtne synt 
wurðran micle,  and moton him þone welan agan 
þe we on heofonrice  habban sceoldon, 
rice mid rihte;  is se ræd gescyred 
monna cynne.  þæt me is on minum mode swa sar, 
on minum hyge hreoweð,  þæt hie heofonrice 
agan to aldre.  Gif hit eower ænig mæge 
gewendan mid wihte  þæt hie word godes 
lare forlæten,  sona hie him þe laðran beoð. 
Gif hie brecað his gebodscipe,  þonne he him abolgen wurðeþ; 
siððan bið him se wela onwended  and wyrð him wite gegarwod, 
sum heard hearmscearu.  Hycgað his ealle, 
hu ge hi beswicen!  Siððan ic me sefte mæg 
restan on þyssum racentum,  gif him þæt rice losað. 
Se þe þæt gelæsteð,  him bið lean gearo 
æfter to aldre,  þæs we her inne magon 
on þyssum fyre forð  fremena gewinnan. 
Sittan læte ic hine wið me sylfne,  swa hwa swa þæt secgan cymeð 
on þas hatan helle,  þæt hie heofoncyninges 
unwurðlice  wordum and dædum 
lare"  
            
Angan hine þa gyrwan  godes andsaca, 
fus on frætwum,  (hæfde fæcne hyge), 
hæleðhelm on heafod asette  and þone full hearde geband, 
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; 
wolde dearnunga  drihtnes geongran, 
mid mandædum  men beswican, 
forlædan and forlæran,  þæt hie wurdon lað gode. 
He þa geferde  þurh feondes cræft 
oððæt he Adam  on eorðrice, 
godes handgesceaft,  gearone funde, 
wislice geworht,  and his wif somed, 
freo fægroste,  swa hie fela cuðon 
godes gegearwigean,  þa him to gingran self 

               metod mancynnes  mearcode selfa. 
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 
godes and yfeles,  gumena æghwilc, 
welan and wawan.  Næs se wæstm gelic! 
Oðer wæs swa wynlic,  wlitig and scene, 
liðe and lofsum,  þæt wæs lifes beam; 
moste on ecnisse  æfter lybban, 
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, 
habban him to wæron  witode geþingþo 
on þone hean heofon,  þonne he heonon wende. 
þonne wæs se oðer  eallenga sweart, 
dim and þystre;  þæt wæs deaðes beam, 
se bær bitres fela.  Sceolde bu witan 
ylda æghwilc  yfles and godes 
gewand on þisse worulde.  Sceolde on wite a 
mid swate and mid sorgum  siððan libban, 
swa hwa swa gebyrgde  þæs on þam beame geweox. 
Sceolde hine yldo beniman  ellendæda, 
dreamas and drihtscipes,  and him beon deað 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 laða georne, 
dyrne deofles boda  þe wið drihten wann. 
Wearp hine þa on wyrmes lic  and wand him þa ymbutan 
þone deaðes beam  þurh deofles cræft, 
genam þær þæs ofætes  and wende hine eft þanon 
þær he wiste handgeweorc  heofoncyninges. 
Ongon hine þa frinan  forman worde 
se laða mid ligenum:  "Langað þe awuht, 
Adam, up to gode?  Ic eom on his ærende hider 
feorran gefered,  ne þæt nu fyrn ne wæs 
þæt ic wið hine sylfne sæt.  þa het he me on þysne sið faran, 
het þæt þu þisses ofætes æte,  cwæð þæt þin abal and cræft 
and þin modsefa  mara wurde, 
and þin lichoma  leohtra micle, 
þin gesceapu scenran,  cwæð þæt þe æniges sceattes ðearf 
ne wurde on worulde.  Nu þu willan hæfst, 
hyldo geworhte  heofoncyninges, 
to þance geþenod  þinum hearran, 
hæfst þe wið 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 
his bodan bringað.  Brade synd on worulde 
grene geardas,  and god siteð 
on þam hehstan  heofna rice, 
ufan alwalda.  Nele þa earfeðu 
sylfa habban  þæt he on þysne sið fare, 
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 weorð on þinum breostum rum, 
wæstm þy wlitegra.  þe sende waldend god, 
þin hearra þas helpe  of heofonrice." 
Adam maðelode  þær he on eorðan stod, 
selfsceafte guma:  "þonne ic sigedrihten, 
mihtigne god,  mæðlan gehyrde 
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 deaðes beam  bedroren ne wurde, 
beswicen to swiðe,  he cwæð þæt þa sweartan helle 
healdan sceolde  se ðe bi his heortan wuht 
laðes 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, 
siðes ne sagona.  Ic wat hwæt he me self bebead, 
nergend user,  þa ic hine nehst geseah; 
he het me his word weorðian  and wel healdan, 
læstan his lare.  þu gelic ne bist 
ænegum his engla  þe ic ær geseah, 
ne þu me oðiewdest  ænig tacen 
þe he me þurh treowe  to onsende, 
min hearra þurh hyldo.  þy ic þe hyran ne cann, 
ac þu meaht þe forð faran.  Ic hæbbe me fæstne geleafan 
up to þam ælmihtegan gode  þe me mid his earmum worhte, 
her mid handum sinum.  He mæg me of his hean rice 
geofian mid goda gehwilcum,  þeah he his gingran ne sende." 
Wende hine wraðmod  þær he þæt wif geseah 
on eorðrice  Euan stondan, 
sceone gesceapene,  cwæð þæt sceaðena mæst 
eallum heora eaforum  æfter siððan 
wurde on worulde:  "Ic wat, inc waldend god 
abolgen wyrð,  swa ic him þisne bodscipe 
selfa secge,  þonne ic of þys siðe cume 
ofer langne weg,  þæt git ne læstan wel 
hwilc ærende swa  he easten hider 
on þysne sið sendeð.  Nu sceal he sylf faran 
to incre andsware;  ne mæg his ærende 
his boda beodan;  þy ic wat þæt he inc abolgen wyrð, 
mihtig on mode.  Gif þu þeah minum wilt, 
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 wurðað þin eagan swa leoht 
þæt þu meaht swa wide  ofer woruld ealle 
geseon siððan,  and selfes stol 
herran þines,  and habban his hyldo forð. 
Meaht þu Adame  eft gestyran, 
gif þu his willan hæfst  and he þinum wordum getrywð. 
Gif þu him to soðe sægst  hwylce þu selfa hæfst 
bisne on breostum,  þæs þu gebod godes 
lare læstes,  he þone laðan strið, 
yfel andwyrde  an forlæteð 
on breostcofan,  swa wit him bu tu 
an sped sprecað.  Span þu hine georne 
þæt he þine lare læste,  þy læs gyt lað gode, 
incrum waldende,  weorðan þyrfen. 
Gif þu þæt angin fremest,  idesa seo betste, 
forhele ic incrum herran  þæt me hearmes swa fela 
Adam gespræc,  eargra worda. 
Tyhð me untryowða,  cwyð 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 
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,  oðþæt hire on innan ongan 
weallan wyrmes geþeaht,  (hæfde hire wacran hige 
metod gemearcod),  þæt heo hire mod ongan 
lætan æfter þam larum;  forþon heo æt þam laðan onfeng 
ofer drihtnes word  deaðes beames 
weorcsumne wæstm.  Ne wearð wyrse dæd 
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 
word and willan.  þa meahte heo wide geseon 
þurh þæs laðan læn  þe hie mid ligenum beswac, 
dearnenga bedrog,  þe hire for his dædum com, 
þæt hire þuhte hwitre  heofon and eorðe, 
and eall þeos woruld wlitigre,  and geweorc godes 
micel and mihtig,  þeah heo hit þurh monnes geþeaht 
ne sceawode;  ac se sceaða georne 
swicode ymb þa sawle  þe hire ær þa siene onlah, 
þæt heo swa wide  wlitan meahte 
ofer heofonrice.  þa se forhatena spræc 
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,  siððan þu minum wordum getruwodest, 
læstes mine lare.  Nu scineð þe leoht fore 
glædlic ongean  þæt ic from gode brohte 
hwit of heofonum;  nu þu his hrinan meaht. 
Sæge Adame  hwilce þu gesihðe hæfst 
þurh minne cime cræfta.  Gif giet þurh cuscne siodo 
læst mina lara,  þonne gife ic him þæs leohtes genog 
þæs ic þe swa godes  gegired hæbbe. 
Ne wite ic him þa womcwidas,  þeah he his wyrðe ne sie 
to alætanne;  þæs fela he me laðes spræc." 
Swa hire eaforan sculon  æfter lybban: 
þonne hie lað gedoð,  hie sculon lufe wyrcean, 
betan heora hearran hearmcwyde  ond habban his hyldo forð. 
þa gieng to Adame  idesa scenost, 
wifa wlitegost  þe on woruld come, 
forþon heo wæs handgeweorc  heofoncyninges, 
þeah heo þa dearnenga  fordon wurde, 
forlæd mid ligenum,  þæt hie lað gode 
þurh þæs wraðan geþanc  weorðan sceolden, 
þurh þæs deofles searo  dom forlætan, 
hierran hyldo,  hefonrices þolian 
monige hwile.  Bið þam men full wa 
þe hine ne warnað  þonne he his geweald hafað! 
Sum heo hire on handum bær,  sum hire æt heortan læg, 
æppel unsælga,  þone hire ær forbead 
drihtna drihten,  deaðbeames ofet, 
and þæt word acwæð  wuldres aldor, 
þæt þæt micle morð  menn ne þorfton 
þegnas þolian,  ac he þeoda gehwam 
hefonrice forgeaf,  halig drihten, 
widbradne welan,  gif hie þone wæstm an 
lætan wolden  þe þæt laðe treow 
on his bogum bær,  bitre gefylled; 
þæt wæs deaðes beam  þe him drihten forbead. 
Forlec hie þa mid ligenum  se wæs lað gode, 
on hete heofoncyninges,  and hyge Euan, 
wifes wac geþoht,  þæt heo ongan his wordum truwian, 
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: 
"Adam, frea min,  þis ofet is swa swete, 

               bliðe 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 
to gewinnanne  þonne his wiðermedo. 
Gif þu him heodæg wuht  hearmes gespręce, 
he forgifð hit þeah,  gif wit him geongordom 
læstan willað.  Hwæt scal þe swa laðlic strið 
wið þines hearran bodan?  Unc is his hyldo þearf; 
he mæg unc ærendian  to þam alwaldan, 
heofoncyninge.  Ic mæg heonon geseon 
hwær he sylf siteð,  (þæt is suð and east), 
welan bewunden,  se ðas woruld gesceop; 
geseo ic him his englas  ymbe hweorfan 
mid feðerhaman,  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 
ofer þas sidan gesceaft,  ic mæg swegles gamen 
gehyran on heofnum.  Wearð me on hige leohte 
utan and innan,  siðþan 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, 
broht from his bysene,  þæs me þes boda sægde 
wærum wordum.  Hit nis wuhte gelic 
elles on eorðan,  buton swa þes ar sægeð, 
þæt hit gegnunga  from gode come." 
Hio spræc him þicce to  and speon hine ealne dæg 
on þa dimman dæd  þæt hie drihtnes heora 
willan bræcon.  Stod se wraða boda, 
legde him lustas on  and mid listum speon, 
fylgde him frecne;  wæs se feond full neah 
þe on þa frecnan fyrd  gefaren hæfde 
ofer langne weg;  leode hogode 
on þæt micle morð  men forweorpan, 
forlæran and forlædan,  þæt hie læn godes, 
ælmihtiges gife  an forleten, 
heofenrices geweald.  Hwæt, se hellsceaða 
gearwe wiste  þæt hie godes yrre 
habban sceoldon  and hellgeþwing, 
þone nearwan nið  niede onfon, 
siððan hie gebod godes  forbrocen hæfdon, 
þa he forlærde  mid ligenwordum 
to þam unræde  idese sciene, 
wifa wlitegost,  þæt heo on his willan spræc, 
wæs him on helpe  handweorc godes 
to forlæranne.  
            
Heo spræc ða to Adame  idesa sceonost 
ful þiclice,  oð 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, 
fyrenearfeða,  fylgean sceolde 
monna cynne,  þæs heo on mod genam 
þæt heo þæs laðan bodan  larum hyrde, 
ac wende þæt heo hyldo  heofoncyninges 
worhte mid þam wordum  þe heo þam were swelce 
tacen oðiewde  and treowe gehet, 
oðþæt Adame  innan breostum 
his hyge hwyrfde  and his heorte ongann 
wendan to hire willan.  He æt þam wife onfeng 
helle and hinnsið,  þeah hit nære haten swa, 
ac hit ofetes noman  agan sceolde; 
hit wæs þeah deaðes swefn  and deofles gespon, 
hell and hinnsið  and hæleða forlor, 
menniscra morð,  þæt hie to mete dædon, 
ofet unfæle.  Swa hit him on innan com, 
hran æt heortan,  hloh þa and plegode 
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 
waldendes witod,  nu hie wordcwyde his, 
lare forleton.  Forþon hie leng ne magon 
healdan heofonrice,  ac hie to helle sculon 
on þone sweartan sið.  Swa þu his sorge ne þearft 
beran on þinum breostum,  þær þu gebunden ligst, 
murnan on mode,  þæt her men bun 
þone hean heofon,  þeah wit hearmas nu, 
þreaweorc þoliað,  and þystre land, 
and þurh þin micle mod  monig forleton 
on heofonrice  heahgetimbro, 
godlice geardas.  Unc wearð 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. 
Forþon unc waldend wearð  wrað 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 
monna cynne.  Mæg þin mod wesan 
bliðe on breostum,  forþon her synt bu tu gedon: 
ge þæt hæleða bearn  
               heofonrice sculon 
leode forlætan  and on þæt lig to þe 
hate hweorfan,  eac is hearm gode, 
modsorg gemacod.  Swa hwæt swa wit her morðres þoliað, 
hit is nu Adame  eall forgolden 
mid hearran hete  and mid hæleða forlore, 
monnum mid morðes cwealme.  Forþon is min mod gehæled, 
hyge ymb heortan gerume,  ealle synt uncre hearmas gewrecene 
laðes 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 niðer 
boda bitresta;  sceolde he þa bradan ligas 
secan helle gehliðo,  þær his hearra læg 
simon gesæled.  Sorgedon ba twa, 
Adam and Eue,  and him oft betuh 
gnornword gengdon;  godes him ondredon, 
heora herran hete,  heofoncyninges nið 
swiðe onsæton;  selfe forstodon 
his word onwended.  þæt wif gnornode, 
hof hreowigmod,  (hæfde hyldo godes, 
lare forlæten),  þa heo þæt leoht geseah 
ellor scriðan  þæt hire þurh untreowa 
tacen iewde  se him þone teonan geræd, 
þæt hie helle nið  habban sceoldon, 
hynða unrim;  forþam him higesorga 
burnon on breostum.  Hwilum to gebede feollon 
sinhiwan somed,  and sigedrihten 
godne gretton  and god nemdon, 
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 
sælða 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. 
Adam gemælde  and to Euan spræc: 
"Hwæt, þu Eue, hæfst  yfele gemearcod 
uncer sylfra sið.  Gesyhst þu nu þa sweartan helle 
grædige and gifre.  Nu þu hie grimman meaht 
heonane gehyran.  Nis heofonrice 
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 
sorgian for þis siðe.  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. 
Hu sculon wit nu libban  oððe on þys lande wesan, 
gif her wind cymð,  westan oððe eastan, 
suðan oððe norðan?  Gesweorc up færeð, 
cymeð hægles scur  hefone getenge, 
færeð forst on gemang,  se byð fyrnum ceald. 
Hwilum of heofnum  hate scineð, 
blicð þeos beorhte sunne,  and wit her baru standað, 
unwered wædo.  Nys unc wuht beforan 
to scursceade,  ne sceattes wiht 
to mete gemearcod,  ac unc is mihtig god, 
waldend wraðmod.  To hwon sculon wit weorðan nu? 
Nu me mæg hreowan  þæt ic bæd heofnes god, 
waldend þone godan,  þæt he þe her worhte to me 
of liðum minum,  nu þu me forlæred hæfst 
on mines herran hete.  Swa me nu hreowan mæg 
æfre to aldre  þæt ic þe minum eagum geseah." 
ða 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, 
wordum þinum;  hit þe þeah wyrs ne mæg 
on þinum hyge hreowan  þonne hit me æt heortan deð." 
Hire þa Adam  andswarode: 
"Gif ic waldendes  willan cuðe, 
hwæt ic his to hearmsceare  habban sceolde, 
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 
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, 
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. 
þa hie heora lichoman  leafum beþeahton, 
weredon mid ðy wealde,  wæda ne hæfdon; 
ac hie on gebed feollon  bu tu ætsomne 
morgena gehwilce,  bædon mihtigne 
þæt hie ne forgeate  god ælmihtig, 
and him gewisade  waldend se goda, 
hu hie on þam leohte forð  libban sceolden. 
þa com feran  frea ælmihtig 
ofer midne dæg,  mære þeoden, 
on neorxnawang  neode sine; 
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, 
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 
his sunu gangan.  Him þa sylfa oncwæð, 
hean hleoðrade  hrægles þearfa: 
"Ic wreo me her  wæda leasne, 
liffrea min,  leafum þecce. 
Scyldfull mine  sceaðen is me sare, 
frecne on ferhðe;  ne dear nu forð gan 
for ðe andweardne.  Ic eom eall eall nacod." 
Him ða ædre god  andswarede: 
"Saga me þæt, sunu min,  for hwon secest ðu 
sceade sceomiende?  þu sceonde æt me 
furðum 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, 
nymþe ðu æppel  ænne byrgde 
of ðam wudubeame  þe ic þe wordum forbead?" 
Him þa Adam eft  andswarode: 
"Me ða blæda on hand  bryd gesealde, 
freolucu fæmne,  freadrihten min, 
ðe ic þe on teonan geþah.  Nu ic þæs tacen wege 
sweotol on me selfum.  Wat ic sorga ðy ma." 
ða ðæs Euan frægn  ælmihtig god: 
"Hwæt druge þu, dohtor,  dugeþa genohra, 
niwra gesceafta  neorxnawanges, 
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 
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,  oðþæt ic fracoðlice 
feondræs gefremede,  fæhðe 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 
wide siðas  and þa worde cwæð: 
"þu scealt wideferhð  
               werig þinum 
breostum bearm tredan  
               bradre eorðan, 
faran feðeleas,  þenden þe feorh wunað, 
gast on innan.  þu scealt greot etan 
þine lifdagas.  Swa þu laðlice 
wrohte onstealdest,  þe þæt wif feoð, 
hatað under heofnum  and þin heafod tredeð 
fah mid fotum sinum.  þu scealt fiersna sætan 
tohtan niwre;  tuddor bið gemæne 
incrum orlegnið  a þenden standeð 
woruld under wolcnum.  Nu þu wast and canst, 
lað leodsceaða,  
               hu þu lifian scealt." 
ða to Euan god  yrringa spræc: 
"Wend þe from wynne!  þu scealt wæpnedmen 
wesan on gewealde,  mid weres egsan 
hearde genearwad,  hean þrowian 
þinra dæda gedwild,  deaðes bidan, 
and þurh wop and heaf  on woruld cennan 
þurh sar micel  sunu and dohtor." 
Abead eac Adame  ece drihten, 
lifes leohtfruma,  lað ærende: 
"þu scealt oðerne  eðel secean, 
wynleasran wic,  and on wræc hweorfan 
nacod niedwædla,  neorxnawanges 
dugeðum bedæled;  þe is gedal witod 
lices and sawle.  Hwæt, þu laðlice 
wrohte onstealdest;  forþon þu winnan scealt 
and on eorðan þe  þine andlifne 
selfa geræcan,  wegan swatig hleor, 
þinne hlaf etan,  þenden þu her leofast, 
oðþæt þe to heortan  hearde gripeð 
adl unliðe  þe þu on æple ær 
selfa forswulge;  forþon þu sweltan scealt." 
Hwæt, we nu gehyrað  hwær us hearmstafas 
wraðe onwocan  and woruldyrmðo. 
Hie þa wuldres weard  wædum gyrede, 
scyppend usser;  het heora sceome þeccan 
frea frumhrægle;  het hie from hweorfan 
neorxnawange  on nearore lif. 
Him on laste beleac  liðsa and wynna 
hihtfulne ham  halig engel 
be frean hæse  fyrene sweorde; 
ne mæg þær inwitfull  ænig geferan 
womscyldig mon,  ac se weard hafað 
miht and strengðo,  se þæt mære lif 
dugeðum deore  drihtne healdeð. 
No hwæðre ælmihtig  ealra wolde 
Adame and Euan  arna ofteon, 
fæder æt frymðe,  þeah þe hie him from swice, 
ac he him to frofre let  hwæðere forð wesan 
hyrstedne hrof  halgum tunglum 
and him grundwelan  ginne sealde; 
het þam sinhiwum  sæs and eorðan 
tuddorteondra  teohha gehwilcre 
            
to woruldnytte  wæstmas fedan. 
Gesæton þa æfter synne  sorgfulre land, 
eard and eðyl  unspedigran 
fremena gehwilcre  þonne se frumstol wæs 
þe hie æfter dæde of  adrifen wurdon. 
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 cyðað bec, 
hu þa dædfruman  dugeþa stryndon, 
welan and wiste,  willgebroðor. 
Oðer his to eorðan  elnes tilode, 
se wæs ærboren;  oðer æhte heold 
fæder on fultum,  oðþæt forð gewat 
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 
hefig æt heortan.  Hygewælm asteah 
            
beorne on breostum,  blatende nið, 
yrre for æfstum.  He þa unræden 
folmum gefremede,  freomæg ofsloh, 
broðor sinne,  and his blod ageat, 
Cain Abeles.  Cwealmdreore swealh 
þæs middangeard,  monnes swate. 
æfter wælswenge  wea wæs aræred, 
tregena tuddor.  Of ðam twige siððan 
ludon laðwende  leng swa swiðor 
reðe wæstme.  Ræhton wide 
geond werþeoda  wrohtes telgan, 
hrinon hearmtanas  hearde and sare 
drihta bearnum,  (doð gieta swa), 
of þam brad blado  bealwa gehwilces 
sprytan ongunnon.  We þæt spell magon, 
wælgrimme wyrd,  wope cwiðan, 
nales holunge;  ac us hearde sceod 
freolecu fæmne  þurh forman gylt 
þe wið metod æfre  men gefremeden, 
eorðbuende,  siððan Adam wearð 
of godes muðe  gaste eacen. 
ða worde frægn  wuldres aldor 
Cain, hwær Abel  eorðan wære. 
Him ða se cystleasa  cwealmes wyrhta 
ædre æfter þon  andswarode: 
"Ne can ic Abeles  or ne fore, 
hleomæges sið,  ne ic hyrde wæs 
broðer mines."  Him þa brego engla, 
godspedig gast  gean þingade: 
"Hwæt, befealdest þu  folmum þinum 
wraðum on wælbedd  
               wærfæstne rinc, 
broðor þinne,  and his blod to me 
cleopað and cigeð.  þu þæs cwealmes scealt 
wite winnan  and on wræc hweorfan, 
awyrged to widan aldre.  Ne seleð þe wæstmas eorðe 
wlitige to woruldnytte,  ac heo wældreore swealh 
halge of handum þinum;  forþon heo þe hroðra oftihð, 
glæmes grene folde.  þu scealt geomor hweorfan, 
arleas of earde þinum,  swa þu Abele wurde 
to feorhbanan;  forþon þu flema scealt 
widlast wrecan,  winemagum lað." 
Him þa ædre Cain  andswarode: 
"Ne þearf ic ænigre  are wenan 
on woruldrice,  ac ic forworht hæbbe, 
heofona heahcyning,  hyldo þine, 
lufan and freode;  forþon ic lastas sceal 
wean on wenum  wide lecgan, 
hwonne me gemitte  manscyldigne, 
se me feor oððe neah  fæhðe gemonige, 
broðorcwealmes.  Ic his blod ageat, 
dreor on eorðan.  þu to dæge þissum 
ademest me fram duguðe  and adrifest from 
earde minum.  Me to aldorbanan 
weorðeð wraðra sum.  Ic awyrged sceal, 
þeoden, of gesyhðe  þinre hweorfan." 
Him þa selfa oncwæð  sigora drihten: 
"Ne þearft ðu þe ondrædan  deaðes brogan, 
feorhcwealm nu giet,  þeah þu from scyle 
freomagum feor  fah gewitan. 
Gif þe monna hwelc  mundum sinum 
aldre beneoteð,  hine on cymeð 
æfter þære synne  seofonfeald wracu, 
wite æfter weorce."  Hine waldend on, 
tirfæst metod,  tacen sette, 
freoðobeacen frea,  þy læs hine feonda hwilc 
mid guðþræce  gretan dorste 
feorran oððe nean.  Heht þa from hweorfan 
meder and magum  manscyldigne, 
cnosle sinum.  Him þa Cain gewat 
gongan geomormod  gode of gesyhðe, 
wineleas wrecca,  and him þa wic geceas 
eastlandum on,  eðelstowe 
fædergeardum feor,  þær him freolecu mæg, 
ides æfter æðelum  eaforan fedde. 
Se æresta wæs  Enos haten, 
frumbearn Caines.  Siððan fæsten ongon 
mid þam cneomagum  ceastre timbran; 
þæt wæs under wolcnum  weallfæstenna 
ærest ealra  þara þe æðelingas, 
sweordberende,  settan heton. 
þanon his eaforan  ærest wocan, 
bearn from bryde,  on þam burhstede. 
Se yldesta wæs  Iared haten, 
sunu Enoses.  Siððan wocan, 
þa þæs cynnes  cneowrim icton, 
mægburg Caines.  Malalehel wæs 
æfter Iarede  yrfes hyrde 
fæder on laste,  oðþæt he forð gewat. 
Siððan Mathusal  magum dælde, 
bearn æfter bearne  broðrum sinum 
æðelinga gestreon,  oðþæt aldorgedal 
frod fyrndagum  fremman sceolde, 
lif oflætan.  Lameh onfeng 
æfter fæder dæge  fletgestealdum, 
botlgestreonum.  Him bryda twa, 
idesa on eðle  eaforan feddon, 
Ada and Sella;  þara anum wæs 
Iabal noma,  se þurh gleawne geþanc 
herbuendra  hearpan ærest 
handum sinum  hlyn awehte, 
swinsigende sweg,  sunu Lamehes. 
Swylce on ðære mægðe  maga wæs haten 
on þa ilcan tid  Tubalcain, 
se þurh snytro sped  smiðcræftega wæs, 
and þurh modes gemynd  monna ærest, 
sunu Lamehes,  sulhgeweorces 
fruma wæs ofer foldan,  siððan folca bearn 

               æres cuðon  and isernes, 
burhsittende,  brucan wide. 
þa his wifum twæm  wordum sægde 
Lameh seolfa,  leofum gebeddum, 
Adan and Sellan  unarlic spel: 
"Ic on morðor ofsloh  minra sumne 
            
hyldemaga;  honda gewemde 
on Caines  cwealme mine, 
fylde mid folmum  fæder Enoses, 
ordbanan Abeles,  eorðan sealde 
wældreor weres.  Wat ic gearwe 
þæt þam lichryre  on last cymeð 
soðcyninges  seofonfeald wracu, 
micel æfter mane.  Min sceal swiðor 
mid grimme gryre  golden wurðan 
fyll and feorhcwealm,  þonne ic forð scio." 
þa wearð Adame  on Abeles gyld 
eafora on eðle  oþer feded, 
soðfæst sunu,  þam wæs Seth noma. 
Se wæs eadig  and his yldrum ðah 
freolic to frofre,  fæder and meder, 
Adames and Euan,  wæs Abeles gield 
on woruldrice.  þa word acwæð 
ord moncynnes:  "Me ece sunu 
            

               sealde selfa  sigora waldend, 
lifes aldor  on leofes stæl, 
þæs þe Cain ofsloh,  and me cearsorge 
mid þys magotimbre  of mode asceaf 
þeoden usser.  Him þæs þanc sie!" 
Adam hæfde,  þa he eft ongan 
him to eðelstæfe 
                oðres strienan 
bearnes be bryde,  beorn ellenrof, 
[XXX] and [C]  þisses lifes, 
wintra on worulde.  Us gewritu secgað 
þæt her eahtahund  iecte siððan 
mægðum and mæcgum  mægburg sine 
Adam on eorðan;  ealra hæfde 
nigenhund wintra  
            
and [XXX] eac,  þa he þas woruld 
þurh gastgedal  ofgyfan sceolde. 
Him on laste Seth  
               leod weardode, 
eafora æfter yldrum;  eþelstol heold 
and wif begeat.  Wintra hæfde 
fif and hundteontig  þa he furðum ongan 
his mægburge  men geicean 
sunum and dohtrum.  
               Sethes eafora 
se yldesta wæs  Enos haten; 
se nemde god  niðþa bearna 
ærest ealra,  siððan Adam stop 
on grene græs  gaste geweorðad. 
Seth wæs gesælig;  siððan strynde 
seofon winter her  suna and dohtra 
ond eahtahund.  Ealra hæfde 
[XII] and nigonhund,  þa seo tid gewearð 
þæt he friðgedal  fremman sceolde. 
Him æfter heold,  þa he of worulde gewat, 
Enos yrfe,  siððan eorðe swealh 
sædberendes  Sethes lice. 
He wæs leof gode  and lifde her 
wintra hundnigontig  ær he be wife her 

               þurh gebedscipe  bearn astrynde; 
him þa cenned wearð  Cainan ærest 
eafora on eðle.  Siððan eahtahund 
and fiftyno  on friðo drihtnes 
gleawferhð hæleð  geogoðe strynde, 
suna and dohtra;  swealt, þa he hæfde, 
frod fyrnwita,  [V] and nigonhund. 
þære cneorisse wæs  
               Cainan siððan 
æfter Enose  aldordema, 
weard and wisa.  Wintra hæfde 
efne hundseofontig  ær him sunu woce. 
þa wearð on eðle  eafora feded, 
mago Cainanes,  Malalehel wæs haten. 
Siððan eahtahund  æðelinga rim 
and feowertig eac  feorum geicte 
Enoses sunu.  Ealra nigonhund 
wintra hæfde  þa he woruld ofgeaf 
and tyne eac,  þa his tiddæge 
under rodera rum  rim wæs gefylled. 
Him on laste heold  land and yrfe 
Malalehel siððan  missera worn. 
Se frumgara  fif and sixtig 
wintra hæfde  þa he be wife ongann 
bearna strynan.  Him bryd sunu 
meowle to monnum brohte.  Se maga wæs 
on his mægðe,  mine gefræge, 
guma on geogoðe,  Iared haten. 
Lifde siððan  and lissa breac 
Malalehel lange,  mondreama her, 
woruldgestreona.  Wintra hæfde 
fif and hundnigontig,  þa he forð gewat, 
and eahtahund;  eaforan læfde 
land and leodweard.  Longe siððan 
Geared gumum  gold brittade. 
Se eorl wæs æðele,  æfæst hæleð, 
and se frumgar his  freomagum leof. 
Fif and hundteontig  on fyore lifde 
wintra gebidenra  on woruldrice 
and syxtig eac  þa seo sæl gewearð 
þæt his wif sunu  on woruld brohte; 
se eafora wæs  Enoc haten, 
freolic frumbearn.  Fæder her þa gyt 
his cynnes forð  cneorim icte, 

               eaforan eahtahund;  ealra hæfde 
[V] and syxtig,  þa he forð gewat, 
and nigonhund eac  nihtgerimes, 
wine frod wintres,  þa he þas woruld ofgeaf 
ond Geared þa  gleawum læfde 
land and leodweard,  leofum rince. 
Enoch siððan  ealdordom ahof, 
freoðosped folces wisa,  nalles feallan let 
dom and drihtscipe,  
            
þenden he hyrde wæs  heafodmaga. 
Breac blæddaga,  bearna strynde 
þreohund wintra.  Him wæs þeoden hold, 
rodera waldend.  Se rinc heonon 
on lichoman  lisse sohte, 
drihtnes duguðe,  nales deaðe swealt 
middangeardes,  swa her men doþ, 
geonge and ealde,  þonne him god heora 
æhta and ætwist  eorðan gestreona 
on genimeð  and heora aldor somed, 
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 
folc, frumbearne;  [V] and syxtig 
wintra hæfde  þa he woruld ofgeaf, 
and eac [III] hund.  þrage siððan 
Mathusal heold  maga yrfe, 
se on lichoman  lengest þissa 
            
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, 
Lamech leodgeard,  lange siððan 
woruld bryttade.  Wintra hæfde 
twa and hundteontig  þa seo tid gewearð 
þæt se eorl ongan  æðele cennan, 
sunu and dohtor.  Siððan lifde 
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 
Noę nemde,  se niððum ær 
land bryttade  siððan Lamech gewat. 
Hæfde æðelinga  aldorwisa 
[V] hund wintra  þa he furðum ongan 
bearna strynan,  þæs þe bec cweðaþ. 
Sem wæs haten  sunu Noes, 
se yldesta,  oðer Cham, 
þridda Iafeth.  þeoda tymdon 
rume under roderum,  rim miclade 
monna mægðe  geond middangeard 
sunum and dohtrum.  ða giet wæs Sethes cynn, 
leofes leodfruman  on lufan swiðe 
drihtne dyre  and domeadig, 
oðþæt bearn godes  bryda ongunnon 
on Caines  cynne secan, 
wergum folce,  and him þær wif curon 
ofer metodes est  monna eaforan, 
scyldfulra mægð  scyne and fægere. 
þa reordade  rodora waldend 
wrað moncynne  and þa worde cwæð: 
"Ne syndon me on ferhðe freo  from gewitene 
cneorisn Caines,  ac me þæt cynn hafað 
sare abolgen.  Nu me Sethes bearn 
torn niwiað  and him to nimað 
mægeð to gemæccum  minra feonda; 
þær wifa wlite  onwod grome, 
idesa ansien,  and ece feond 
folcdriht wera,  þa ær on friðe wæron." 
Siððan hundtwelftig  geteled rime 
wintra on worulde  wræce bisgodon 
fæge þeoda,  hwonne frea wolde 
on wærlogan  wite settan 
and on deað slean  dædum scyldige 
gigantmæcgas,  gode unleofe, 
micle mansceaðan,  metode laðe. 
þa geseah selfa  sigoro waldend 
hwæt wæs monna  manes on eorðan 
and þæt hie wæron  womma ðriste, 
inwitfulle.  He þæt unfægere 
wera cneorissum  gewrecan þohte, 
forgripan gumcynne  grimme and sare, 
heardum mihtum.  Hreaw hine swiðe 
þæt he folcmægþa  fruman aweahte, 
æðelinga ord,  þa he Adam sceop, 
cwæð þæt he wolde  for wera synnum 
eall aæðan  þæt on eorðan wæs, 
forleosan lica gehwilc  þara þe lifes gast 
fæðmum þeahte.  Eall þæt frea wolde 
on ðære toweardan  tide acwellan 
þe þa nealæhte  niðða bearnum. 
Noe wæs god,  nergende leof, 
swiðe gesælig,  sunu Lameches, 
domfæst and gedefe.  Drihten wiste 
þæt þæs æðelinges  ellen dohte 
breostgehygdum;  forðon him brego sægde, 
halig æt hleoðre,  helm allwihta, 
hwæt he fah werum  fremman wolde; 
geseah unrihte  eorðan fulle, 
side sælwongas  synnum gehladene, 
widlum gewemde.  þa waldend spræc, 
nergend usser,  and to Noe cwæð: 
"Ic wille mid flode  folc acwellan 
and cynna gehwilc  cucra wuhta, 
þara þe lyft and flod  lædað and fedað, 
feoh and fuglas.  þu scealt frið habban 
mid sunum þinum,  ðonne sweart wæter, 
wonne wælstreamas  werodum swelgað, 
sceaðum scyldfullum.  Ongyn þe scip wyrcan, 
merehus micel.  On þam þu monegum scealt 
reste geryman,  and rihte setl 
ælcum æfter agenum  eorðan tudre. 
Gescype scylfan  on scipes bosme. 
þu þæt fær gewyrc  fiftiges wid, 
ðrittiges heah  
               and þreohund lang 
elngemeta,  and wið yða gewyrc 
gefeg fæste.  þær sceal fæsl wesan 
cwiclifigendra  cynna gehwilces 
on þæt wudufæsten  wocor gelæded 
eorðan tudres;  earc sceal þy mare." 
Noe fremede 
                swa hine nergend heht, 
hyrde þam halgan  heofoncyninge, 
ongan ofostlice  þæt hof wyrcan, 
micle merecieste.  Magum sægde 
þæt wæs þrealic þing  þeodum toweard, 
reðe wite.  Hie ne rohton þæs! 
Geseah þa ymb wintra worn  wærfæst metod 
geofonhusa mæst  gearo hlifigean, 
innan and utan  eorðan lime 
gefæstnod wið flode,  fær Noes, 
þy selestan.  þæt is syndrig cynn; 
symle bið þy heardra  þe hit hreoh wæter, 
swearte sæstreamas  swiðor beatað. 
ða to Noe cwæð  nergend usser: 
"Ic þe þæs mine,  monna leofost, 
wære gesylle,  þæt þu weg nimest 
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. 
Ond þu seofone genim  on þæt sundreced 
tudra gehwilces  geteled rimes, 
þara þe to mete  mannum lifige, 
and þara oðerra 
                ælces twa. 
Swilce þu of eallum  eorðan wæstmum 
wiste under wægbord  werodum gelæde, 
þam þe mid sceolon  mereflod nesan. 
Fed freolice  feora wocre 
oð ic þære lafe  lagosiða eft 
reorde under roderum  ryman wille. 
Gewit þu nu mid hiwum  on þæt hof gangan, 
gasta werode.  Ic þe godne wat, 
fæsthydigne;  þu eart freoðo wyrðe, 
ara mid eaforum.  Ic on andwlitan 
nu ofor seofon niht  sigan læte 
wællregn ufan  widre eorðan. 
Feowertig daga  fæhðe ic wille 
on weras stælan  and mid wægþreate 
æhta and agend  eall acwellan 
þa beutan beoð  earce bordum 
þonne sweart racu  stigan onginneð." 
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 
habban wolde  under hrof gefor 
to heora ætgifan,  swa him ælmihtig 
weroda drihten  þurh his word abead. 
Him on hoh beleac  heofonrices weard 
merehuses muð  mundum sinum, 
sigora waldend,  and segnade 
earce innan  agenum spedum 
nergend usser.  Noe hæfde, 
sunu Lameches,  syxhund wintra 
þa he mid bearnum  under bord gestah, 
gleaw mid geogoðe,  be godes hæse, 
dugeðum dyrum.  Drihten sende 
regn from roderum  and eac rume let 
willeburnan  on woruld þringan 
of ædra gehwære,  egorstreamas 
swearte swogan.  Sæs up stigon 
ofer stæðweallas.  Strang wæs and reðe 
se ðe wætrum weold;  wreah and þeahte 
manfæhðu bearn  middangeardes 
wonnan wæge,  wera eðelland; 
hof hergode,  hygeteonan wræc 
metod on monnum.  Mere swiðe grap 
on fæge folc  feowertig daga, 
nihta oðer swilc.  Nið wæs reðe, 
wællgrim werum;  wuldorcyninges 
yða wræcon  arleasra feorh 
of flæschoman.  Flod ealle wreah, 
hreoh under heofonum  hea beorgas 
geond sidne grund  and on sund ahof 
earce from eorðan  and þa æðelo mid, 
þa segnade  selfa drihten, 
scyppend usser,  þa he þæt scip beleac. 
Siððan wide rad  wolcnum under 
ofer holmes hrincg  hof seleste, 
for mid fearme.  Fære ne moston 
wægliðendum  wætres brogan 
hæste hrinon,  ac hie halig god 
ferede and nerede.  Fiftena stod 
deop ofer dunum  se drenceflod 
monnes elna;  þæt is mæro wyrd! 
þam æt niehstan  wæs nan to gedale, 
nymþe heof wæs ahafen  on þa hean lyft, 
þa se egorhere  eorðan tuddor 
eall acwealde,  buton þæt earce bord 
heold heofona frea,  þa hine halig god 
ece upp forlet  
               edmodne 
               flod 
            
streamum stigan,  stiðferhð cyning. 
þa gemunde god  mereliðende, 
sigora waldend  sunu Lameches 
and ealle þa wocre  þe he wið wætre beleac, 
lifes leohtfruma,  on lides bosme. 
Gelædde þa wigend  weroda drihten 
worde ofer widland.  Willflod ongan 
lytligan eft.  Lago ebbade, 
sweart under swegle.  Hæfde soð metod 
eaforum egstream  eft gecyrred, 

               torhtne ryne,  regn gestilled. 
For famig scip  [L] and [C] 
nihta under roderum,  siððan nægledbord, 
fær seleste,  flod up ahof, 
oðþæt rimgetæl  reðre þrage 
daga forð gewat.  ða on dunum gesæt 
heah mid hlæste  holmærna mæst, 
earc Noes,  þe Armenia 
hatene syndon.  þær se halga bad, 
sunu Lameches,  soðra gehata 
lange þrage,  hwonne him lifes weard 
frea ælmihtig  frecenra siða 
reste ageafe,  
               þæra he rume dreah 
þa hine on sunde  geond sidne grund 
wonne yða  wide bæron. 
Holm wæs heononweard;  hæleð langode, 
wægliðende,  swilce wif heora, 
hwonne hie of nearwe  ofer nægledbord 
ofer streamstaðe  stæppan mosten 
and of enge ut  æhta lædan. 
þa fandode  forðweard scipes, 
hwæðer sincende  sæflod þa gyt 
wære under wolcnum.  Let þa ymb worn daga 
þæs þe heah hlioðo  horde onfengon 
and æðelum eac  eorðan 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, 
ofer sid wæter  secan wolde 
on wægþele.  Eft him seo wen geleah, 
ac se feonde gespearn  fleotende hreaw; 
salwigfeðera  secan nolde. 
He þa ymb seofon niht  sweartum hrefne 
of earce forlet  æfter fleogan 
ofer heah wæter  haswe culufran 
on fandunga  hwæðer famig sæ 
deop þa gyta  dæl ænigne 
grenre eorðan  ofgifen hæfde. 
Heo wide hire  willan sohte 
and rume fleah.  Nohweðere reste fand, 
þæt heo for flode  fotum ne meahte 
land gespornan  ne on leaf treowes 
steppan for streamum,  ac wæron steap hleoðo 
bewrigen mid wætrum.  Gewat se wilda fugel 
on æfenne  earce secan 
ofer wonne wæg,  werig sigan, 
hungri to handa  halgum rince. 
ða wæs culufre eft  of cofan sended 
ymb wucan wilde.  Seo wide fleah 
oðþæt heo rumgal  restestowe 
fægere funde  and þa fotum stop 
on beam hyre;  gefeah bliðemod 
þæs þe heo gesittan 
                swiðe werig 
on treowes telgum  torhtum moste. 
Heo feðera onsceoc,  gewat fleogan eft 
mid lacum hire,  liðend brohte 
elebeames twig  an to handa, 
grene blædæ.  þa ongeat hraðe 
flotmonna frea  þæt wæs frofor cumen, 
earfoðsiða bot.  þa gyt se eadega wer 
ymb wucan þriddan  wilde culufran 
ane sende.  Seo eft ne com 
to lide fleogan,  ac heo land begeat, 
grene bearwas;  nolde gladu æfre 
under salwed bord  syððan ætywan 
on þellfæstenne,  þa hire þearf ne wæs. 
þa to Noe spræc  nergend usser, 
heofonrices weard,  halgan reorde: 
"þe is eðelstol  eft gerymed, 
lisse on lande,  lagosiða rest 
fæger on foldan.  Gewit on freðo gangan 
ut of earce,  and on eorðan bearm 
of þam hean hofe  hiwan læd þu 
and ealle þa wocre  þe ic wægþrea on 

               liðe nerede  þenden lago hæfde 
þrymme geþeahtne 
                
               þriddan eðyl." 
He fremede swa  and frean hyrde, 
stah ofer streamweall,  swa him seo stefn bebead, 
lustum miclum,  and alædde þa 
of wægþele  wraðra lafe. 
þa Noe ongan  nergende lac 
rædfæst reðran,  and recene genam 
on eallum dæl  æhtum sinum, 
ðam ðe him to dugeðum  drihten sealde, 
gleaw to þam gielde,  and þa gode selfum 
torhtmod hæle  tiber onsægde, 
cyninge engla.  Huru cuð dyde 
nergend usser,  þa he Noe 
gebletsade  and his bearn somed, 
þæt he þæt gyld on þanc  agifen hæfde 
and on geogoðhade  godum dædum 
ær geearnod  
               þæt him ealra wæs 
ara este  ælmihtig god, 
domfæst dugeþa.  þa gyt drihten cwæð, 
wuldris aldor  word to Noe: 
"Tymað nu and tiedrað,  tires brucað, 
mid gefean fryðo;  fyllað eorðan, 
eall geiceað.  Eow is eðelstol 

               and holmes hlæst  and heofonfuglas 
            
and wildu deor  on geweald geseald, 
eorðe ælgrene  and eacen feoh. 
Næfre ge mid blode  beodgereordu 
unarlice  eowre þicgeað, 
besmiten mid synne  sawldreore. 
ælc hine selfa  ærest begrindeð 
gastes dugeðum  
               þæra þe mid gares orde 
oðrum aldor oðþringeð.  Ne ðearf he þy edleane gefeon 
modgeþance,  ac ic monnes feorh 
to slagan sece 
                swiðor micle, 
and to broðor banan,  þæs þe blodgyte, 
wællfyll weres  wæpnum gespedeð, 
morð mid mundum.  Monn wæs to godes 
anlicnesse  ærest gesceapen. 
ælc hafað magwlite  metodes and engla 
þara þe healdan wile  halige þeawas. 
Weaxað and wridað,  wilna brucað, 
ara on eorðan;  æðelum fyllað 
eowre fromcynne  foldan sceatas, 
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 
magon sceawigan,  þonne ic scurbogan 
minne iewe,  þæt ic monnum þas 
wære gelæste,  þenden woruld standeð." 
ða wæs se snotra  sunu Lamehes 
of fere acumen  flode on laste 
mid his eaforum þrim,  yrfes hyrde 
(and heora feower wif;  
            
nemde wæron  Percoba, Olla, 
Olliua, Olliuani),  
            
wærfæst metode,  wætra lafe. 
Hæleð hygerofe  hatene wæron, 
suna Noes  Sem and Cham, 
Iafeð þridda.  From þam gumrincum 
folc geludon  and gefylled wearð 
eall þes middangeard  monna bearnum. 
ða Noe ongan  niwan stefne 
mid hleomagum  ham staðelian 
and to eorðan him  ætes tilian; 
won and worhte,  wingeard sette, 
seow sæda fela,  sohte georne 
þa him wlitebeorhte  wæstmas brohte, 
geartorhte gife,  grene folde. 
ða þæt geeode,  þæt se eadega wer 
on his wicum wearð  wine druncen, 
swæf symbelwerig,  and him selfa sceaf 
reaf of lice.  Swa gerysne ne wæs, 
læg þa limnacod.  He lyt ongeat 
þæt him on his inne 
                swa earme gelamp, 
þa him on hreðre  heafodswima 
on þæs halgan hofe  heortan clypte. 
Swiðe 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,  siððan wuldres þegn 
ussum fæder and meder  fyrene sweorde 
on laste beleac  lifes eðel. 
þa com ærest  Cam in siðian, 
eafora Noes,  þær his aldor læg, 
ferhðe forstolen.  þær he freondlice 
on his agenum fæder  are ne wolde 
gesceawian,  ne þa sceonde huru 
hleomagum helan,  ac he hlihende 
broðrum sægde,  hu se beorn hine 
reste on recede.  Hie þa raðe stopon, 
heora andwlitan  in bewrigenum 
under loðum listum,  þæt hie leofum men 
geoce gefremede;  gode wæron begen, 
Sem and Iafeð.  ða of slæpe onbrægd 
sunu Lamehes,  and þa sona ongeat 
þæt him cynegodum  Cham ne wolde, 
þa him wæs are þearf,  ænige cyðan 
hyldo and treowa.  þæt þam halgan wæs 
sar on mode,  ongan þa his selfes bearn 
wordum wyrgean,  cwæð, he wesan sceolde 
hean under heofnum,  hleomaga þeow, 
Cham on eorþan;  him þa cwyde syððan 
and his fromcynne  frecne scodon. 
þa nyttade  Noe siððan 
mid sunum sinum  sidan rices 
ðreohund wintra  þisses lifes, 
freomen æfter flode,  and fiftig eac, þa he forð gewat. 
Siððan his eaforan  ead bryttedon, 
bearna stryndon;  him wæs beorht wela. 
þa wearð Iafeðe  geogoð afeded, 
hyhtlic heorðwerod  heafodmaga, 
sunu and dohtra.  He wæs selfa til, 
heold a rice,  eðeldreamas, 
blæd mid bearnum,  oðþæt breosta hord, 
gast ellorfus  gangan sceolde 
to godes dome.  Geomor siððan 
fæder flettgesteald  freondum dælde, 
swæsum and gesibbum,  sunu Iafeðes; 
þæs teames wæs  tuddor gefylled 
unlytel dæl  eorðan gesceafta. 
Swilce Chames suno  cende wurdon, 
eaforan on eðle;  þa yldestan 
Chus and Chanan 
                hatene wæron, 
ful freolice feorh,  frumbearn Chames. 
Chus wæs æðelum  heafodwisa, 
wilna brytta  and worulddugeða 
broðrum sinum,  botlgestreona, 
fæder on laste,  siððan forð gewat 
Cham of lice,  þa him cwealm gesceod. 
Se magoræswa  mægðe sinre 
domas sægde,  oðþæt his dogora wæs 
rim aurnen.  þa se rinc ageaf 
eorðcunde ead,  sohte oðer lif, 
fæder Nebroðes.  Frumbearn siððan 
eafora Chuses  yrfestole weold, 
widmære wer,  
               swa us gewritu secgeað, 
þæt he moncynnes  mæste hæfde 
on þam mældagum  mægen and strengo. 
Se wæs Babylones  bregorices fruma, 
ærest æðelinga;  eðelðrym onhof, 
rymde and rærde.  Reord wæs þa gieta 
eorðbuendum  an gemæne. 

               Swilce of Cames  cneorisse woc 
wermægða fela;  of þam widfolce 
            
cneorim micel  cenned wæron. 
þa wearð Seme  suna and dohtra 
on woruldrice  worn afeded, 
freora bearna,  ær ðon frod cure 
wintrum wælreste  werodes aldor. 
On þære mægðe  wæron men tile, 
þara an wæs  Eber haten, 
eafora Semes;  of þam eorle woc 
unrim þeoda,  þa nu æðelingas, 
ealle eorðbuend,  Ebrei hatað. 
Gewiton him þa eastan  æhta lædan, 
feoh and feorme.  Folc wæs anmod; 
rofe rincas  sohton rumre land, 
oðþæt hie becomon  corðrum miclum, 
folc ferende,  þær hie fæstlice 
æðelinga bearn,  eard genamon. 
Gesetton þa Sennar  sidne and widne 
leoda ræswan;  leofum mannum 
heora geardagum  grene wongas, 
fægre foldan,  him forðwearde 
on ðære dægtide  duguðe wæron, 
wilna gehwilces  weaxende sped. 
ða þær mon mænig  be his mægwine, 
æðeling anmod,  oðerne bæd 
þæs hie him to mærðe,  ær seo mengeo eft 
geond foldan bearm 
                tofaran sceolde, 
leoda mægðe  on landsocne 
burh geworhte  and to beacne torr 
up arærde  to rodortunglum. 
þæs þe hie gesohton  Sennera feld, 
swa þa foremeahtige  folces ræswan, 
þa yldestan  oft and gelome 
liðsum gewunedon;  larum sohton 
weras to weorce  and to wrohtscipe, 
oðþæt for wlence  and for wonhygdum 
cyðdon cræft heora,  ceastre worhton 
and to heofnum up  hlædræ rærdon, 
strengum stepton  
               stænenne weall 
ofer monna gemet,  mærða georne, 
hæleð mid honda.  þa com halig god 
wera cneorissa  weorc sceawigan, 
beorna burhfæsten,  and þæt beacen somed, 
þe to roderum up  ræran ongunnon 
Adames eaforan,  and þæs unrædes 
stiðferhð cyning  steore gefremede, 
þa he reðemod  reorde gesette 
eorðbuendum  ungelice, 
þæt hie þære spæce  sped ne ahton. 
þa hie gemitton  mihtum spedge, 
teoche æt torre,  getalum myclum, 
weorces wisan,  ne þær wermægða 
ænig wiste  hwæt oðer cwæð. 
Ne meahte hie gewurðan  weall stænenne 
up forð timbran,  ac hie earmlice 
heapum tohlocon,  hleoðrum gedælde; 
wæs oðerre 
                æghwilc worden 
mægburh fremde,  siððan metod tobræd 
þurh his mihta sped  monna spræce. 
Toforan þa  on feower wegas 
æðelinga bearn  ungeþeode 
on landsocne.  Him on laste bu 
stiðlic stantorr  and seo steape burh 
samod samworht  on Sennar stod. 
Weox þa under wolcnum  and wriðade 
mægburh Semes,  oðþæt mon awoc 
on þære cneorisse,  cynebearna rim, 
þancolmod wer,  þeawum hydig. 
Wurdon þam æðelinge  eaforan acende, 
in Babilone  bearn afeded 
freolicu tu,  and þa frumgaran, 
hæleð higerofe,  hatene wæron 
Abraham and Aaron;  þam eorlum wæs 
frea engla bam  
               freond and aldor. 
ða wearð Aarone  eafora feded, 
leoflic on life,  ðam wæs Loth noma. 
ða magorincas  metode geþungon, 
Abraham and Loth,  unforcuðlice, 
swa him from yldrum  æðelu wæron 
on woruldrice;  forðon hie wide nu 
dugeðum demað  
               drihtfolca 
               bearn. 
þa þæs mæles wæs  mearc agongen 
þæt him Abraham  idese brohte, 
wif to hame,  þær he wic ahte, 
fæger and freolic.  Seo fæmne wæs 
Sarra haten,  þæs þe us secgeað bec. 
Hie þa wintra fela  woruld bryttedon, 
sinc ætsomne,  sibbe heoldon 
geara mengeo.  Nohwæðre gifeðe wearð 
Abrahame þa gyt  þæt him yrfeweard 
wlitebeorht ides  on woruld brohte, 
Sarra Abrahame,  suna and dohtra. 
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 siðedon 
of þære eðeltyrf,  Abraham and Loth. 
Him þa cynegode  on Carran 
æðelinga bearn  eard genamon, 
weras mid wifum.  On þam wicum his 
fæder Abrahames  feorh gesealde, 
wærfæst hæle;  wintra hæfde 
twa hundteontig,  geteled rime, 
and fife eac,  þa he forð gewat 
misserum frod  metodsceaft seon. 
ða se halga spræc,  heofonrices weard, 
to Abrahame,  ece drihten: 
"Gewit þu nu feran  and þine fare lædan, 
ceapas to cnosle.  
               Carran ofgif, 
fæder eðelstol.  Far, swa ic þe hate, 
monna leofost,  and þu minum wel 
larum hyre,  and þæt land gesec 
þe ic þe ælgrene  ywan wille, 
brade foldan.  þu gebletsad scealt 
on mundbyrde  minre lifigan. 
Gif ðe ænig  eorðbuendra 
mid wean greteð,  ic hine wergðo on 
mine sette  and modhete, 
longsumne nið;  lisse selle, 
wilna wæstme  þam þe wurðiað. 
þurh þe eorðbuende  ealle onfoð, 
folcbearn freoðo  and freondscipe, 
blisse minre  and bletsunge 
on woruldrice.  Wriðende sceal 
mægðe þinre  monrim wesan 
swiðe under swegle  sunum and dohtrum, 
oðþæt fromcyme  folde weorðeð, 
þeodlond monig  þine gefylled." 
Him þa Abraham gewat  æhte lædan 
of Egipta  eðelmearce, 
gumcystum god,  golde and seolfre 
swiðfeorm 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 eðelturf  idesa lædan, 
swæse gebeddan  and his suhtrian 
wif on willan.  Wintra hæfde 
fif and hundseofontig  ða he faran sceolde, 
Carran ofgifan  and cneowmagas. 
Him þa feran gewat  fæder ælmihtiges 
lare gemyndig  land sceawian 
geond þa folcsceare  be frean hæse 
Abraham wide,  oðþæt ellenrof 
to Sicem com  siðe spedig, 
cynne Cananeis.  þa hine cyning engla 
Abrahame  iewde selfa, 
domfæst wereda  and drihten cwæð: 
"þis is seo eorðe  þe ic ælgrene 
tudre þinum  torhte wille 
wæstmum gewlo  on geweald don, 
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 
on landa cyst,  (lisse gemunde 
heofonweardes gehat,  þa him þurh halig word 
sigora selfcyning  soð gecyðde), 
oðþæt drihtweras  duguþum geforan 
þær is botlwela  Bethlem haten. 
Beorn bliðemod  and his broðor sunu 
forð oferforan  folcmæro land 
eastan mid æhtum,  æfæste men 
weallsteapan hleoðu,  and him þa wic curon 
þær him wlitebeorhte  wongas geþuhton. 
Abraham þa  oðere siðe 
wibed worhte.  He þær wordum god 
torhtum cigde,  tiber onsægde 
his liffrean,  (him þæs lean ageaf 
nalles hneawlice 
                þurh his hand metend), 
on þam gledstyde  gumcystum til. 
ðær ræsbora  þrage siððan 
wicum wunode  and wilna breac, 
beorn mid bryde,  oðþæt brohþrea 
Cananea wearð  cynne getenge, 
hunger se hearda,  hamsittendum, 
wælgrim werum.  Him þa wishydig 
Abraham gewat  on Egypte, 
drihtne gecoren,  drohtað secan, 
fleah wærfæst wean;  wæs þæt wite to strang. 
Abraham maðelode,  geseah Egypta 
hornsele hwite  and hea byrig 
beorhte blican;  ongan þa his bryd frea, 
wishydig wer,  wordum læran: 
"Siððan Egypte  eagum moton 
on þinne wlite wlitan  wlance monige, 
þonne æðelinga  eorlas wenað, 
mæg ælfscieno,  þæt þu min sie 
beorht gebedda,  þe wile beorna sum 
him geagnian.  Ic me onegan mæg 
þæt me wraðra 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 
ellðeodigra  uncer twega, 
feorren cumenra.  þu him fæste hel 
soðan spræce;  swa þu minum scealt 
feore gebeorgan,  gif me freoðo drihten 
on woruldrice,  waldend usser, 
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 siðian, 
Abraham mid æhtum  on Egypte, 
þær him folcweras  fremde wæron, 
wine uncuðe.  Wordum spræcon 
ymb þæs wifes wlite  wlonce monige, 
dugeðum dealle;  him drihtlicu mæg, 
on wlite modgum  mænegum ðuhte, 
cyninges þegnum.  Hie þæt cuð dydon 
heora folcfrean  
               þæt fægerro lyt 
for æðelinge  
               idesa sunnon, 
ac hie Sarran  swiðor micle, 
wynsumne wlite  wordum heredon, 
oðþæt he lædan heht  leoflic wif to 
his selfes sele.  Sinces brytta, 
æðelinga helm  heht Abrahame 
duguðum stepan.  Hwæðere drihten wearð, 
frea Faraone  fah and yrre 
for wifmyne;  þæs wraðe ongeald 
hearde mid hiwum  hægstealdra wyn. 
Ongæt hwæðere  gumena aldor 
hwæt him waldend wræc  witeswingum; 
heht him Abraham  to egesum geðreadne 
brego Egipto,  and his bryd ageaf, 
wif to gewealde;  heht him wine ceosan, 
ellor æðelingas,  oðre dugeðe. 
Abead þa þeodcyning  þegnum sinum, 
ombihtscealcum,  þæt hie hine arlice 
ealles onsundne  eft gebrohten 
of þære folcsceare,  þæt he on friðe wære. 
ða Abraham  æhte lædde 
of Egypta  eðelmearce; 
hie ellenrofe  idese feredon, 
bryd and begas,  þæt hie to Bethlem 
on cuðe wic  ceapas læddon, 
eadge eorðwelan  oðre siðe, 
wif on willan  and heora woruldgestreon. 
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. 
þær se eadga eft  ecan drihtnes 
niwan stefne  noman weorðade; 
tilmodig eorl  tiber onsægde 
þeodne engla,  þancode swiðe 
lifes leohtfruman  lisse and ara. 
Wunedon on þam wicum,  hæfdon wilna geniht 
Abraham and Loth.  Ead bryttedon, 
oðþæt hie on þam lande  ne meahton leng somed 
blædes brucan  and heora begra þær 
æhte habban,  ac sceoldon arfæste, 
þa rincas þy  rumor secan 
ellor eðelseld.  Oft wæron teonan 
wærfæstra wera  weredum gemæne, 
heardum hearmplega.  þa se halga ongan 
ara gemyndig  Abraham sprecan 
fægre to Lothe:  "Ic eom fædera þin 
sibgebyrdum,  þu min suhterga. 
Ne sceolon unc betweonan  teonan weaxan, 
wroht wriðian–  ne þæt wille god! 
Ac wit synt gemagas;  unc gemæne ne sceal 
elles awiht,  nymþe eall tela 
lufu langsumu.  Nu þu, Loth, geþenc, 
þæt unc modige  ymb mearce sittað, 
þeoda þrymfæste  þegnum and gesiððum, 
folc Cananea  and Feretia, 
rofum rincum.  Ne willað rumor unc 
landriht heora;  forðon wit lædan sculon, 

               teon of þisse stowe,  and unc staðolwangas 
rumor secan.  Ic ræd sprece, 
bearn Arones,  begra uncer, 
soðne 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." 
Him þa Loth gewat  land sceawigan 
be Iordane,  grene eorðan. 
Seo wæs wætrum weaht  and wæstmum þeaht, 
lagostreamum leoht,  and gelic godes 

               neorxnawange, 
               oðþæt nergend god 
for wera synnum  wylme gesealde 
Sodoman and Gomorran,  sweartan lige. 
Him þa eard geceas  and eðelsetl 
sunu Arones  on Sodoma byrig; 
æhte sine  
               ealle 
               lædde, 
beagas from Bethlem  and botlgestreon, 
welan, wunden gold.  Wunode siððan 
be Iordane  geara mænego. 
þær folcstede  fægre wæron, 
men arlease,  metode laðe. 
Wæron Sodomisc cynn  synnum þriste, 
dædum gedwolene;  drugon heora selfra 
ecne unræd.  æfre ne wolde 
þam leodþeawum  
               Loth onfon, 
ac he þære mægðe  monwisan fleah, 
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 cuðe  hwæt þa cynn dydon. 
Abraham wunode  eðeleardum 
Cananea forð.  Hine cyning engla, 
metod moncynnes  mundbyrde heold, 
wilna wæstmum  and worulddugeðum, 
lufum and lissum;  forþon his lof secgað 
wide under wolcnum  wera cneorisse, 

               foldwonga bearn.  He frean hyrde 
estum on eðle,  ðenden he eardes breac, 
halig and higefrod;  næfre hleowlora 
            
æt edwihtan  æfre weorðeð 
feorhberendra  forht and acol, 
mon for metode,  þe him æfter a 
þurh gemynda sped  
               mode and dædum, 
worde and gewitte,  wise þance, 
oð his ealdorgedal  oleccan wile. 
ða ic aldor gefrægn  Elamitarna 
fromne folctogan,  fyrd gebeodan, 
Orlahomar;  him Ambrafel 
of Sennar  side worulde 
for on fultum.  Gewiton hie feower þa 
þeodcyningas  þrymme micle 
secan suð ðanon  Sodoman and Gomorran. 
þa wæs guðhergum  be Iordane 
wera eðelland  wide geondsended, 
folde feondum.  Sceolde forht monig 
blachleor ides  bifiende gan 
on fremdes fæðm;  feollon wergend 
bryda and beaga,  bennum seoce. 
Him þa togeanes  mid guðþræce 
fife foran  folccyningas 
sweotum suðon,  woldon Sodome burh 
wraðum werian;  þa wintra [XII] 
norðmonnum ær  niede sceoldon 
gombon gieldan  and gafol sellan, 
oðþæt þa leode  leng ne woldon 
Elamitarna  aldor swiðan 
folcgestreonum,  ac him from swicon. 
Foron þa tosomne  (francan wæron hlude), 
wraðe wælherigas.  Sang se wanna fugel 
under deoreðsceaftum,  deawigfeðera, 
hræs on wenan.  Hæleð onetton 
on mægencorðrum,  modum þryðge, 
oðþæt folcgetrume  gefaren hæfdon 
sid tosomne  suðan and norðan, 
helmum þeahte.  þær wæs heard plega, 
wælgara wrixl,  wigcyrm micel, 
hlud hildesweg.  Handum brugdon 
hæleð of scæðum  hringmæled sweord, 
ecgum dihtig.  þær wæs eaðfynde 
eorle orlegceap,  se ðe ær ne wæs 
niðes genihtsum.  Norðmen wæron 
suðfolcum swice;  wurdon Sodomware 
and Gomorre,  goldes bryttan, 
æt þæm lindcrodan  leofum bedrorene, 
fyrdgesteallum.  Gewiton feorh heora 
fram þam folcstyde  fleame nergan, 
secgum ofslegene;  him on swaðe feollon 
æðelinga bearn,  ecgum ofþegde, 
willgesiððas.  Hæfde wigsigor 
Elamitarna  ordes wisa, 
weold wælstowe.  Gewat seo wæpna laf 
fæsten secan.  Fynd gold strudon, 

               ahyðdan þa mid herge  hordburh wera, 
Sodoman and Gomorran,  þa sæl ageald, 
mære ceastra.  Mægð siðedon, 
fæmnan and wuduwan,  freondum beslægene, 
from hleowstole.  Hettend læddon 
ut mid æhtum  Abrahames mæg 
of Sodoma byrig.  We þæt soð magon 
secgan furður,  hwelc siððan wearð 
æfter þæm gehnæste  herewulfa sið, 
þara þe læddon Loth  and leoda god, 
suðmonna sinc,  sigore gulpon. 
Him þa secg hraðe  gewat siðian, 
an gara laf,  se ða guðe genæs, 
Abraham secan.  Se þæt orlegweorc 
þam Ebriscan  eorle gecyðde, 
forslegen swiðe  Sodoma folc, 
leoda duguðe  and Lothes sið. 
þa þæt inwitspell  Abraham sægde 
freondum sinum;  bæd him fultumes 
wærfæst hæleð  willgeðoftan, 
Aner and Manre,  Escol þriddan, 
cwæð þæt him wære  weorce on mode, 
sorga sarost,  þæt his suhtriga 
þeownyd þolode;  bæd him þræcrofe 
þa rincas þæs  ræd ahicgan, 
þæt his hyldemæg  
               ahreded wurde, 
beorn mid bryde.  Him þa broðor þry 
æt spræce þære  spedum miclum 
hældon hygesorge  heardum wordum, 
ellenrofe,  and Abrahame 
treowa sealdon,  þæt hie his torn mid him 
gewræcon on wraðum,  oððe on wæl feollan. 
þa se halga heht  his heorðwerod 
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. 
Him þa Abraham gewat  and þa eorlas þry 
þe him ær treowe sealdon  mid heora folcgetrume; 
wolde his mæg huru,  
            
Loth alynnan  of laðscipe. 
Rincas wæron rofe,  randas wægon 
forð fromlice  on foldwege. 
Hildewulfas  herewicum neh 
gefaren hæfdon.  þa he his frumgaran, 
wishydig wer,  wordum sægde, 
þares afera,  him wæs þearf micel 
þæt hie on twa healfe  
            
grimme guðgemot  gystum eowdon 
heardne handplegan;  cwæð þæt him se halga, 
ece drihten,  
               eaðe mihte 
æt þam spereniðe  spede lænan. 
þa ic neðan gefrægn  under nihtscuwan 
hæleð to hilde.  Hlyn wearð on wicum 
scylda and sceafta,  sceotendra fyll, 
guðflana gegrind;  gripon unfægre 
under sceat werum  scearpe garas, 
and feonda feorh  feollon ðicce, 
þær hlihende  huðe feredon 
secgas and gesiððas.  Sigor eft ahwearf 
of norðmonna  niðgeteone, 
æsctir wera.  Abraham sealde 
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, 
leode ræswan.  Him on laste stod 
hihtlic heorðwerod,  and hæleð lagon, 
on swaðe sæton,  þa þe Sodoma 
and Gomorra  golde berofan, 
bestrudon stigwitum.  Him þæt stiðe geald 
fædera Lothes.  Fleonde wæron 
            
Elamitarna  aldorduguðe 
dome bedrorene,  oðþæt hie Domasco 
unfeor wæron.  Gewat him Abraham ða 
on þa wigrode  wiðertrod seon 
laðra monna.  Loth wæs ahreded, 
eorl mid æhtum,  idesa hwurfon, 
wif on willan.  Wide gesawon 
freora feorhbanan  fuglas slitan 
on ecgwale.  Abraham ferede 
suðmonna eft  sinc and bryda, 
æðelinga bearn,  oðle nior, 
mægeð heora magum.  Næfre mon ealra 
lifigendra her  lytle werede 
þon wurðlicor  wigsið ateah, 
þara þe wið swa miclum  mægne geræsde. 
þa wæs suð þanon  Sodoma folce 
            
guðspell wegen,  hwelc gromra wearð 
feonda fromlad.  Gewat him frea leoda, 
eorlum bedroren,  Abraham secan, 
freonda feasceaft.  Him ferede mid 
Solomia  sinces hyrde; 
þæt wæs se mæra  Melchisedec, 
leoda bisceop.  Se mid lacum com 
fyrdrinca fruman  fægre gretan, 
Abraham arlice,  and him on sette 
godes bletsunge,  and swa gyddode: 

               "Wæs ðu gewurðod  on wera rime 
for þæs eagum  þe ðe æsca tir 
æt guðe forgeaf!  þæt is god selfa, 
se ðe hettendra  herga þrymmas 
on geweald gebræc,  and þe wæpnum læt 
rancstræte forð  rume wyrcan, 
huðe ahreddan  and hæleð fyllan. 
On swaðe sæton;  ne meahton siðwerod 
guðe spowan,  ac hie god flymde, 
se ðe æt feohtan  mid frumgarum 
wið ofermægnes  egsan sceolde 
handum sinum,  and halegu treow, 
seo þu wið rodora weard  rihte healdest." 
Him þa se beorn  bletsunga lean 
þurh hand ageaf,  and þæs hereteames 
ealles teoðan sceat  Abraham sealde 
godes bisceope.  þa spræc guðcyning, 
Sodoma aldor,  secgum befylled, 
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, 
feoh and frætwa!  Læt me freo lædan 
eft on eðel  æðelinga bearn, 
on weste wic  wif and cnihtas, 
earme wydewan!  Eaforan syndon deade, 
folcgesiðas,  nymðe fea ane, 
þe me mid sceoldon  mearce healdan." 
Him þa Abraham  andswarode 
ædre for eorlum,  elne gewurðod, 
dome and sigore,  drihtlice spræc: 
"Ic þe gehate,  hæleða waldend, 
for þam halgan,  þe heofona is 

               and þisse eorðan  agendfrea, 
wordum minum,  nis woruldfeoh, 
þe ic me agan wille,  
            
sceat ne scilling,  þæs ic on sceotendum, 
þeoden mæra,  þines ahredde, 
æðelinga helm,  þy læs þu eft cweðe 
þæt ic wurde,  willgesteallum, 
eadig on eorðan  ærgestreonum 
Sodoma rices;  ac þu selfa most heonon 
huðe 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, 
fuhton þe æfter frofre.  Gewit þu ferian nu 
ham hyrsted gold  and healsmægeð, 
leoda idesa.  þu þe laðra ne þearft 
hæleða hildþræce  hwile onsittan, 
norðmanna wig;  
               ac nefuglas 
under beorhhleoþum  
               blodige sittað, 
þeodherga wæle 
                þicce gefylled." 
Gewat him þa se healdend  ham siðian 
mid þy hereteame  þe him se halga forgeaf, 
Ebrea leod  arna gemyndig. 
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, 
þenden þu mine lare læstest,  ac ic þe lifigende her 
wið weana gehwam  wreo and scylde 
folmum minum;  ne þearft þu forht wesan." 
Abraham þa  andswarode, 
dædrof drihtne sinum,  frægn hine dægrime frod: 
"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. 
Ne sealdest þu me sunu;  forðon mec sorg dreceð 
on sefan swiðe.  Ic sylf ne mæg 
ræd ahycgan.  Gæð gerefa min 
fægen freobearnum;  fæste mynteð 
ingeþancum  þæt me æfter sie 
eaforan sine  yrfeweardas. 
Geseoð þæt me of bryde  bearn ne wocon." 
Him þa ædre god  andswarode: 
"Næfre gerefan  rædað þine 
eafora yrfe,  ac þin agen bearn 
frætwa healdeð,  þonne þin flæsc ligeð. 
Sceawa heofon,  
               and hyrste gerim, 
rodores tungel,  þa nu rume heora 
wuldorfæstne wlite  wide dælað 
ofer brad brymu  beorhte scinan. 
Swilc bið mægburge 
                menigo þinre 
folcbearnum frome.  Ne læt þu þin ferhð wesan 
sorgum asæled.  Gien þe sunu weorðeð, 
bearn of bryde  þurh gebyrd cumen, 
se ðe æfter bið  yrfes hyrde, 
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, 
mago Ebrea,  mine selle, 
þæt sceal fromcynne  folde þine, 
sidland manig,  geseted wurðan, 
eorðan sceatas  oð Eufraten, 
and from Egypta  eðelmearce 
swa mid niðas  
               swa Nilus sceadeð 
and eft Wendelsæ 
                wide rice. 
Eall þæt sculon agan  eaforan þine, 
þeodlanda gehwilc,  swa þa þreo wæter 
steape stanbyrig  streamum bewindað, 
famige flodas  folcmægða byht." 
þa wæs Sarran  sar on mode, 
þæt him Abrahame  ænig ne wearð 
þurh gebedscipe  bearn gemæne, 
freolic to frofre.  Ongann þa ferhðcearig 
to were sinum  wordum mæðlan: 
"Me þæs forwyrnde  waldend heofona, 
þæt ic mægburge  moste þinre 
rim miclian  roderum under 
eaforum þinum.  Nu ic eom orwena 
þæt unc se 
               eðylstæf 
                æfre weorðe 
gifeðe ætgædere.  Ic eom geomorfrod! 
Drihten min,  do swa ic þe bidde! 
Her is fæmne,  freolecu mæg, 
ides Egyptisc,  an on gewealde. 
Hat þe þa recene  reste gestigan, 
and afanda hwæðer  frea wille 
ænigne þe  yrfewearda 
on woruld lætan  þurh þæt wif cuman." 
þa se eadega wer  idese larum 
geðafode,  heht him þeowmennen 
on bedd gan  bryde larum. 
Hire mod astah  þa heo wæs magotimbre 
be Abrahame  eacen worden. 
Ongan æfþancum  agendfrean 
halsfæst herian,  higeþryðe wæg, 
wæs laðwendo,  lustum ne wolde 
þeowdom þolian,  ac heo þriste ongan 
wið Sarran  swiðe winnan. 
þa ic þæt wif gefrægn  wordum cyðan 
hire mandrihtne  modes sorge, 
sarferhð sægde  and swiðe cwæð: 
"Ne fremest þu gerysnu  and riht wið me. 
þafodest þu gena  þæt me þeowmennen, 
siððan Agar ðe,  idese laste, 
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, 

               drihtna drihten,  dema mid unc twih." 
Hire þa ædre  andswarode 
wishidig wer  wordum sinum: 
"Ne forlæte ic þe,  þenden wit lifiað bu, 
arna lease,  ac þu þin agen most 
mennen ateon,  swa þin mod freoð." 
ða wearð unbliðe  Abrahames cwen, 
hire worcþeowe  wrað on mode, 
heard and hreðe,  higeteonan spræc 
fræcne on fæmnan.  Heo þa fleon gewat 
þrea and þeowdom;  þolian ne wolde 
yfel and ondlean,  þæs ðe ær dyde 
to Sarran,  ac heo on sið gewat 
westen secan.  þær hie wuldres þegn, 
engel drihtnes  an gemitte 
geomormode,  se hie georne frægn: 
"Hwider fundast þu,  feasceaft ides, 
siðas dreogan?  þec Sarre ah." 
Heo him ædre  andswarode: 
"Ic fleah wean, wana  wilna gehwilces, 
hlæfdigan hete,  hean of wicum, 
tregan and teonan.  Nu sceal tearighleor 
on westenne  witodes bidan, 
hwonne of heortan  hunger oððe wulf 
sawle and sorge  somed abregde." 
Hire þa se engel  andswarode: 
"Ne ceara þu feor heonon  fleame dælan 
somwist incre,  ac þu sece eft, 
earna þe ara,  eaðmod ongin 
dreogan æfter dugeðum,  wes drihtenhold. 
þu scealt, Agar,  Abrahame sunu 
on woruld bringan.  Ic þe wordum nu 
minum secge,  þæt se magorinc sceal 
mid yldum wesan  Ismahel haten. 
Se bið unhyre,  orlæggifre, 

               and wiðerbreca  wera cneorissum, 
magum sinum;  hine monige on 
wraðe winnað  mid wæpenþræce. 
Of þam frumgaran 
                folc awæcniað, 
þeod unmæte.  Gewit þu þinne eft 
waldend secan;  wuna þæm þe agon!" 
Heo þa ædre gewat  engles larum 
hire hlafordum,  swa se halga bebead, 
godes ærendgast,  gleawan spræce. 
þa wearð Abrahame  Ismael geboren, 
efne þa he on worulde  wintra hæfde 
[VI] and [LXXX].  Sunu weox and ðah, 
swa se engel ær  þurh his agen word, 
fæle freoðoscealc,  fæmnan sægde. 
þa se ðeoden  ymb [XIII] gear, 
ece drihten,  wið Abrahame spræc: 
"Leofa, swa ic þe lære,  læst uncre wel 
treowrædenne!  Ic þe on tida gehwone 
duguðum stepe.  Wes þu dædum from 
willan mines!  Ic þa wære forð 
soðe gelæste,  þe ic þe sealde geo 
frofre to wedde,  þæs þin ferhð bemearn. 
þu scealt halgian  hired þinne. 
Sete sigores tacn  soð on gehwilcne 
wæpnedcynnes,  gif þu wille on me 
hlaford habban  oððe holdne freond 
þinum fromcynne.  Ic þæs folces beo 
hyrde and healdend,  gif ge hyrað me 
breostgehygdum  and bebodu willað 
min fullian.  Sceal monna gehwilc 
þære cneorisse  cildisc wesan 
wæpnedcynnes,  þæs þe on woruld cymð, 
ymb seofon niht  sigores tacne 
geagnod me,  oððe of eorðan 
þurh feondscipe  feor adæled, 
adrifen from duguðum.  Doð swa ic hate! 
Ic eow treowige,  gif ge þæt tacen gegaþ 
soðgeleafan.  þu scealt sunu agan, 
bearn be bryde þinre,  þone sculon burhsittende 
ealle Isaac hatan.  Ne þearf þe þæs eaforan sceomigan, 
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 
brad folc cumað,  bregowearda fela 
rofe arisað,  rices hyrdas, 
woruldcyningas  wide mære." 
Abraham ða  ofestum legde 
hleor on eorðan,  and mid hucse bewand 
þa hleoðorcwydas  on hige sinum, 
modgeðance.  He þæs mældæges 
self ne wende  þæt him Sarra, 
bryd blondenfeax  bringan meahte 
on woruld sunu;  wiste gearwe 
þæt þæt wif huru  wintra hæfde 
efne [C],  geteled rimes. 
He þa metode oncwæð  missarum frod: 
"Lifge Ismael  larum swilce, 
þeoden, þinum,  and þe þanc wege, 
heardrædne hyge,  heortan strange, 
to dreoganne  dæges and nihtes 
wordum and dædum  willan þinne." 
Him þa fægere  frea ælmihtig, 
ece drihten,  andswarode: 
"þe sceal wintrum frod  on woruld bringan 
Sarra sunu,  soð forð gan 
wyrd æfter þissum  wordgemearcum. 
Ic Ismael  estum wille 
bletsian nu,  swa þu bena eart 
þinum frumbearne,  þæt feorhdaga 
on woruldrice  worn gebide, 
tanum tudre.  þu þæs tiða beo! 
Hwæðre ic Isace,  eaforan þinum, 
geongum bearne,  þam þe gen nis 
on woruld cumen,  willa spedum 
dugeða gehwilcre  on dagum wille 
swiðor stepan  and him soðe to 
modes wære  mine gelæstan, 
halige higetreowa,  and him hold wesan." 
Abraham fremede  swa him se eca bebead, 
sette friðotacen  be frean hæse 
on his selfes sunu,  heht þæt segn wegan 
            
heah gehwilcne,  þe his hina wæs 
wæpnedcynnes,  wære gemyndig, 
gleaw on mode,  ða him god sealde 
soðe treowa,  and þa seolf onfeng 
torhtum tacne.  A his tir metod, 
domfæst cyning,  dugeðum iecte 
on woruldrice;  he him þæs worhte to, 
siððan he on fære  furðum meahte 
his waldendes  willan fremman. 
þa þæt wif ahloh  wereda drihtnes 
nalles glædlice,  ac heo gearum frod 
þone hleoðorcwyde  husce belegde 
on sefan swiðe.  Soð ne gelyfde, 
þæt þære spræce  sped folgode. 
þa þæt gehyrde  heofona waldend, 
þæt on bure ahof  bryd Abrahames 
hihtleasne hleahtor,  þa cwæð halig god: 
"Ne wile Sarran  soð gelyfan 
wordum minum.  Sceal seo wyrd swa þeah 
forð steallian  swa ic þe æt frymðe gehet. 
Soð ic þe secge,  on þas sylfan tid 
of idese bið  eafora wæcned. 
þonne ic þas ilcan  oðre siðe 
wic gesece,  þe beoð wordgehat 
            
min gelæsted.  þu on magan wlitest, 
þin agen bearn,  Abraham leofa!" 
Gewiton him þa ædre  ellorfuse 
æfter þære spræce  spedum feran 
of þam hleoðorstede,  halige gastas, 
lastas legdon,  (him wæs Lothes mæg 
sylfa on gesiððe),  oðþæt hie on Sodoman, 
weallsteape burg,  wlitan meahton. 
Gesawon ofer since  salo hlifian, 
reced ofer readum golde.  Ongan þa rodera waldend, 
arfæst wið Abraham sprecan,  sægde him unlytel spell: 
"Ic on þisse byrig  bearhtm gehyre, 
synnigra cyrm  swiðe hludne, 
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 swiðe  synna fremmað 
þeawum and geþancum,  swa hie on þweorh sprecað 
facen and inwit;  þæt sceal fyr wrecan, 
swefyl and sweart lig  sare and grimme, 
hat and hæste  hæðnum folce." 
Weras basnedon  
               witelaces, 
wean under weallum,  and heora wif somed. 
Duguðum wlance  drihtne guldon 
god mid gnyrne,  oðþæt gasta helm, 
lifes leohtfruma  leng ne wolde 
torn þrowigean,  ac him to sende 
stiðmod cyning  strange twegen 
aras sine,  þa on æfentid 
siðe gesohton  Sodoma ceastre. 
Hie þa æt burhgeate  beorn gemitton 
sylfne sittan  sunu Arones, 
þæt þam gleawan were  geonge þuhton 
men for his eagum.  Aras þa metodes þeow 
gastum togeanes,  gretan eode 
cuman cuðlice,  cynna gemunde 
riht and gerisno,  and þam rincum bead 
nihtfeormunge.  Him þa nergendes 
æðele ærendracan 
                andswarodon: 
"Hafa arna þanc,  þara þe þu unc bude! 
Wit be þisse stræte  stille þencað 
sæles bidan,  siððan sunnan eft 
forð 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 
æðelinges est,  eodon sona, 
swa him se Ebrisca  eorl wisade, 
in undor edoras.  þær him se æðela geaf, 
gleawferhð hæle,  giestliðnysse 
fægre on flette,  oðþæt forð gewat 
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 
corðrum 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 
þæt mid þam hæleðum  hæman wolden 
unscomlice,  arna ne gymden. 
þa aras hraðe,  se ðe oft ræd ongeat, 
Loth on recede,  eode lungre ut, 
spræc þa ofer ealle  æðelinga gedriht 
sunu Arones,  snytra gemyndig: 
"Her syndon inne  unwemme twa 
dohtor mine.  Doð, swa ic eow bidde 
(ne can þara idesa  owðer gieta 
þurh gebedscipe  beorna neawest) 
and geswicað þære synne.  Ic eow sylle þa, 
ær ge sceonde  wið gesceapu fremmen, 
ungifre yfel  ylda bearnum. 
Onfoð þæm fæmnum,  lætað frið agon 
gistas mine,  þa ic for gode wille 
gemundbyrdan,  gif ic mot, for eow." 
Him þa seo mænigeo  þurh gemæne word, 
arlease cyn,  andswarode: 
"þis þinceð gerisne  and riht micel, 
þæt þu ðe aferige  of þisse folcsceare. 
þu þas werðeode  wræccan laste 
freonda feasceaft  feorran gesohtest, 

               wineþearfende.  Wilt ðu, gif þu most, 
wesan usser her  aldordema, 
leodum lareow?"  þa ic on Lothe gefrægn 
hæðne 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 
anra gehwilcum  ymbstandendra 
folces Sodoma  fæste forsæton 
heafodsiena.  Wearð eal here sona 
burhwarena blind.  Abrecan ne meahton 
reðemode  reced æfter gistum, 
swa hie fundedon,  ac þær frome wæron 
godes spellbodan.  Hæfde gistmægen 
stiðe strengeo,  styrnde swiðe 
werode mid wite.  Spræcon wordum þa 
fæle freoðoscealcas  fægre to Lothe: 
"Gif þu sunu age  oððe swæsne mæg, 
oððe on þissum folcum  freond ænigne 
eac þissum idesum  þe we her on wlitað, 
alæde of þysse leodbyrig,  þa ðe leofe sien, 
ofestum miclum,  and þin ealdor nere, 
þy læs þu forweorðe  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 
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 
swa feor heonon  feðegange 
siðe gesecan.  Git me sibblufan 
and freondscipe  fægre cyðað, 
treowe and hyldo  tiðiað me. 
Ic wat hea burh  her ane neah, 
lytle ceastre.  Lyfað me þær 
are and reste,  þæt we aldornere 
on Sigor up  secan moten. 
Gif git þæt fæsten  fyre willað 
steape forstandan,  on þære stowe we 
gesunde magon  sæles bidan, 
feorh generigan."  Him þa freondlice 
englas arfæste  andswaredon: 
"þu scealt þære bene,  nu þu ymb þa burh sprycest, 
tiða weorðan.  Teng recene to 
þam fæstenne;  wit þe friðe healdað 
and mundbyrde.  Ne moton wyt 
on wærlogum  wrecan torn godes, 
swebban synnig cynn,  ær ðon þu on Sægor þin 
bearn gelæde  and bryd somed." 
þa onette  Abrahames mæg 
to þam fæstenne.  Feðe ne sparode 
eorl mid idesum,  ac he ofstum forð 
lastas legde,  oðþæt he gelædde 
bryd mid bearnum  under burhlocan 
in Sægor his.  þa sunne up, 
folca friðcandel,  furðum eode, 
þa ic sendan gefrægn  swegles aldor 
swefl of heofnum  and sweartne lig 
werum to wite,  weallende fyr, 
þæs hie on ærdagum  drihten tyndon 
lange þrage.  Him þæs lean forgeald 
gasta waldend!  Grap heahþrea 
on hæðencynn.  Hlynn wearð on ceastrum, 
cirm arleasra  cwealmes on ore, 
laðan cynnes.  Lig eall fornam 
þæt he grenes fond  goldburgum in, 
swylce þær ymbutan  unlytel dæl 
sidre foldan  geondsended wæs 
bryne and brogan.  Bearwas wurdon 
to axan and to yslan,  eorðan wæstma, 
efne swa wide  swa ða witelac 
reðe geræhton  rum land wera. 
Strudende fyr  steapes and geapes, 
swogende leg,  forswealh eall geador 
            
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 
wið þæs wælfylles.  Us gewritu secgað 
þæt heo on sealtstanes  sona wurde 
anlicnesse.  æfre siððan 
se monlica  (þæt is mære spell) 
stille wunode,  þær hie strang begeat 
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, 
þara ðe geworhte  wuldres aldor. 
Him þa Abraham gewat  ana gangan 
mid ærdæge  þæt he eft gestod 
þær wordum ær  wið his waldend spræc 
frod frumgara.  He geseah from foldan up 
wide fleogan  wælgrimne rec. 
Hie þæs wlenco onwod  and wingedrync 
þæt hie firendæda  to frece wurdon, 
synna þriste,  soð ofergeaton, 
drihtnes domas,  and hwa him dugeða forgeaf, 
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, 
mæg þæs oðres,  þa seo mænegeo forwearð. 
Ne dorste þa  dædrof hæle 
for frean egesan  on þam fæstenne 
leng eardigean,  ac him Loth gewat 
of byrig gangan  and his bearn somed 
wælstowe fyrr  wic sceawian, 
oðþæt hie be hliðe  heare dune 
eorðscræf fundon.  þær se eadega Loth 
wærfæst wunode,  waldende leof, 
dægrimes worn  and his dohtor twa. 
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 ferhðcofan  fæste genearwod 
            
mode and gemynde,  þæt he mægða sið 
wine druncen  gewitan ne meahte. 
Idesa wurdon eacne,  eaforan brohtan 
willgesweostor  on woruld sunu 
heora ealdan fæder.  þara æðelinga 
modor oðerne  Moab nemde, 
Lothes dohter,  seo on life wæs 
wintrum yldre.  Us gewritu secgeað, 
godcunde bec,  þæt seo gingre 
hire agen bearn  Ammon hete. 
Of þam frumgarum  
               folces unrim, 
þrymfæste twa  þeoda awocon. 
Oðre þara mægða  Moabitare 
eorðbuende  ealle hatað, 
widmære cynn,  oðre weras nemnað, 
æðelinga bearn,  Ammonitare. 
Gewat him þa mid bryde  broðor Arones 
under Abimelech  æhte lædan 
mid his hiwum.  Hæleðum sægde 
þæt Sarra his  sweostor wære, 
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. 
þa wæs ellþeodig  oðre siðe 
wif Abrahames 
                from were læded 
on fremdes fæðm.  Him þær fylste þa 
ece drihten,  swa he oft dyde, 
nergend usser.  Com nihtes self, 
þær se waldend læg  wine druncen. 
Ongan þa soðcyning  þurh swefn sprecan 
to þam æðelinge  and him yrre hweop: 
"þu Abrahames  idese gename, 
bryde æt beorne.  þe abregdan sceal 
for þære dæde  deað of breostum 
sawle þine."  Him symbelwerig 

               sinces brytta  þurh slæp oncwæð: 
"Hwæt, þu æfre,  engla þeoden, 
þurh þin yrre wilt  aldre lætan, 
heah beheowan,  
               þæne þe her leofað 
rihtum þeawum,  bið on ræde fæst, 
modgeþance,  and him miltse 
to þe seceð?  Me sægde ær 
þæt wif hire  wordum selfa 
unfricgendum,  þæt heo Abrahames 
sweostor wære.  Næbbe ic synne wið hie, 
facna ænig  gefremed gena." 
Him þa ædre eft  ece drihten, 
soðfæst metod,  þurh þæt swefn oncwæð: 
"Agif Abrahame  idese sine, 
wif to gewealde,  gif þu on worulde leng, 
æðelinga helm,  aldres recce. 
He is god and gleaw,  mæg self wið 
               god sprecan, 
geseon sweglcyning.  þu sweltan scealt 
mid feo and mid feorme,  gif ðu þam frumgaran 
bryde wyrnest.  He abiddan mæg, 
gif he ofstum me  
               ærendu wile 
þeawfæst and geþyldig  þin abeodan, 
þæt ic þe lissa  lifigendum giet 
on dagum læte  duguþa brucan 
sinces gesundne."  þa slæpe tobrægd 
forht folces weard.  Heht him fetigean to 

               gesprecan sine,  spedum sægde 
eorlum Abimeleh,  egesan geðread, 
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: 
"Mago Ebrea,  þæs þu me wylle 
wordum secgean,  hu geworhte ic þæt, 
siððan þu usic under,  Abraham, þine 
on þas eðelturf  æhta læddest, 
þæt þu me þus swiðe  searo renodest? 
þu ellþeodig  usic woldest 
on þisse folcsceare  facne besyrwan, 
synnum besmitan,  sægdest wordum 
þæt Sarra þin  sweostor wære, 
lices mæge,  woldest laðlice 
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, 
unfreondlice  fremena þancast!" 
Abraham þa  andswarode: 
"Ne dyde ic for facne  ne for feondscipe 
ne for wihte þæs  ic þe wean uðe. 
Ac ic me, gumena baldor,  guðbordes sweng 
leodmagum feor  lare gebearh, 
siððan me se halga  of hyrde frean, 
mines fæder  fyrn alædde. 
Ic fela siððan  folca gesohte, 
wina uncuðra,  and þis wif mid me, 
freonda feasceaft.  Ic þæs færes a 
on wenum sæt  hwonne me wraðra sum 
ellþeodigne  aldre beheowe, 
se ðe him þas idese eft  agan wolde. 
Forðon ic wigsmiðum  wordum sægde 
þæt Sarra min  sweostor wære 
æghwær eorðan  þær wit earda leas 
mid wealandum  winnan sceoldon. 
Ic þæt ilce dreah  on þisse eðyltyrf, 
siððan ic þina,  þeoden mæra, 
mundbyrde geceas.  Ne wæs me on mode cuð, 
hwæðer on þyssum folce  frean ælmihtiges 
egesa wære,  þa ic her ærest com. 
Forþon ic þegnum  þinum dyrnde 
and sylfum þe  swiðost micle 
soðan spræce,  þæt me Sarra 
            
bryde laste  beddreste gestah." 
þa ongan Abimæleh  Abraham swiðan 
woruldgestreonum  and him his wif ageaf. 
Sealde him to bote,  þæs þe he his bryd genam, 
gangende feoh  and glæd seolfor 
and weorcþeos.  
               Spræc þa wordum eac 
to Abrahame  æðelinga helm: 
"wuna mid usic  and þe wic geceos 
on þissum lande  þær þe leofost sie, 
eðelstowe,  þe ic agan sceal. 
Wes us fæle freond,  we ðe feoh syllað!" 
Cwæð þa eft raðe  oðre worde 
to Sarran  sinces brytta: 
"Ne þearf ðe on edwit  Abraham settan, 
ðin freadrihten,  þæt þu flettpaðas, 
mæg ælfscieno,  mine træde, 
ac him hygeteonan  hwitan seolfre 
deope bete.  Ne ceara incit duguða 
of ðisse eðyltyrf  ellor secan, 
winas uncuðe,  ac wuniað her." 
Abraham fremede  swa hine his aldor heht, 
onfeng freondscipe  be frean hæse, 
lufum and lissum.  He wæs leof gode. 
Forðon he sibbe  gesælig dreah 
and his scippende  under sceade gefor, 
hleowfeðrum þeaht,  her þenden lifde. 
þa gien wæs yrre  god Abimelehe 
for þære synne  þe he wið Sarrai 
and wið Abrahame  ær gefremede, 
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 mægeð,  ac him þæt metod forstod, 
oðþæt se halga  his hlaforde 
Abraham ongan  
               arna biddan 
ecne drihten.  Him engla helm 
getigðode,  tuddorsped onleac 
folccyninge  freora and þeowra, 
wera and wifa;  let weaxan eft 
heora rimgetel  rodora waldend, 
ead and æhta.  ælmihtig wearð 
milde on mode,  moncynnes weard, 
Abimeleche,  swa hine Abraham bæd. 
þa com feran  frea ælmihtig 
to Sarrai,  swa he self gecwæð, 
waldend usser,  hæfde wordbeot 
leofum gelæsted,  lifes aldor 
eaforan and idese.  Abrahame woc 
bearn of bryde,  þone brego engla, 
ær ðy magotudre  modor wære 
eacen be eorle,  Isaac nemde. 
Hine Abraham on  
               mid his agene hand 
beacen sette,  swa him bebead metod, 
wuldortorht ymb wucan,  þæs þe hine on woruld 
to moncynne  modor brohte. 
Cniht weox and þag,  swa him cynde wæron 
æðele from yldrum.  Abraham hæfde 
wintra hundteontig 
                þa him wif sunu 
on þanc gebær.  He þæs ðrage bad, 
siððan him ærest  þurh his agen word 
þone dægwillan  drihten bodode. 
þa seo wyrd gewearð  þæt þæt wif geseah 
for Abrahame  Ismael plegan, 
ðær hie æt swæsendum  sæton bu tu, 
halig on hige,  and heora hiwan eall, 
druncon and drymdon.  þa cwæð drihtlecu mæg, 
bryd to beorne:  "Forgif me, beaga weard, 
min swæs frea,  hat siðian 
            
Agar ellor  and Ismael 
lædan mid hie!  Ne beoð we leng somed 
willum minum,  gif ic wealdan mot. 
Næfre Ismael  wið Isace, 
wið min agen bearn  yrfe dæleð 
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 soð metod 
freom on fultum,  wiste ferhð guman 
cearum on clommum.  Cyning engla spræc 
to Abrahame,  ece drihten: 
"Læt þe aslupan  sorge of breostum, 
modgewinnan,  and mægeð hire, 
bryde þinre!  Hat bu tu aweg 
Agar feran  and Ismael, 
cniht of cyððe!  Ic his cynn gedo 
brad and bresne  bearna tudre, 
wæstmum spedig,  swa ic þe wordum gehet." 
þa se wer hyrde  his waldende, 
draf of wicum  dreorigmod tu, 
idese of earde  and his agen bearn. 
"Sweotol is and gesene  þæt þe soð metod 
on gesiððe is,  swegles aldor, 
se ðe sigor seleð  
               snytru mihtum 
and þin mod trymeð,  
            
godcundum gifum.  Forðon ðe giena speow, 
þæs þu wið freond oððe feond  fremman ongunne 
wordum oððe dædum.  Waldend scufeð, 
frea on forðwegas  folmum sinum 
willan þinne.  þæt is wide cuð 
burhsittendum.  Ic þe bidde nu, 
wine Ebrea,  wordum minum, 
þæt þu tilmodig  treowa selle, 
wæra þina,  þæt þu wille me 
wesan fæle freond  fremena to leane, 
þara þe ic to duguðum ðe  gedon hæbbe, 
siððan ðu feasceaft  feorran come 
on þas werþeode  wræccan laste. 
Gyld me mid hyldo,  þæt ic þe hneaw ne wæs 
landes and lissa.  Wes þissum leodum nu 
and mægburge  minre arfæst, 
gif þe alwalda,  ure drihten, 
scirian wille,  se ðe gesceapu healdeð, 
þæt þu randwigum  rumor mote 
on ðisse folcsceare  frætwa dælan, 
modigra gestreon,  mearce settan." 
ða Abraham  Abimelehe 
wære sealde  þæt he wolde swa. 
Siððan wæs se eadega  eafora þares 
in Filistea  folce eardfæst, 
leod Ebrea  lange þrage, 
feasceaft mid fremdum.  Him frea engla 
wic getæhte  
               þæt weras hatað 
burhsittende  Bersabea lond. 
ðær 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, 
gesæliglic  swegle under. 
þa þæs rinces  se rica ongan 
cyning costigan,  cunnode georne 
hwilc þæs æðelinges  ellen wære, 
stiðum wordum  spræc him stefne to: 
"Gewit þu ofestlice,  Abraham, feran, 
lastas lecgan  and þe læde mid 
þin agen bearn.  þu scealt Isaac me 
onsecgan, sunu ðinne,  sylf to tibre. 
Siððan þu gestigest  steape dune, 
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." 
Ne forsæt he þy siðe,  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 
hæse wiðhogode,  ac hine se halga wer 
gyrde grægan sweorde,  cyðde þæt him gasta weardes 
egesa on breostum wunode.  Ongan þa his esolas bætan 
gamolferhð goldes brytta,  heht hine geonge twegen 
men mid siðian.  Mæg wæs his agen þridda 
and he feorða sylf.  þa he fus gewat 
from his agenum hofe  Isaac lædan, 
bearn unweaxen,  swa him bebead metod. 
Efste þa swiðe  and onette 
forð foldwege,  swa him frea tæhte 
wegas ofer westen,  oðþæt wuldortorht, 
dæges þriddan up  ofer deop wæter 
ord aræmde.  þa se eadega wer 
geseah hlifigan  hea dune 
swa him sægde ær  swegles aldor. 
ða Abraham spræc  to his ombihtum: 
"Rincas mine,  restað incit 
her on þissum wicum.  Wit eft cumað, 
siððan wit ærende  uncer twega 
gastcyninge  agifen habbað." 
Gewat him þa se æðeling  and his agen sunu 
to þæs gemearces  þe him metod tæhte, 
wadan ofer wealdas.  Wudu bær sunu, 
fæder fyr and sweord.  ða þæs fricgean ongann 
wer wintrum geong  wordum Abraham: 
"Wit her fyr and sweord,  frea min, habbað; 
hwær is þæt tiber,  þæt þu torht gode 
to þam brynegielde  bringan þencest?" 
Abraham maðelode  (hæfde on an gehogod 
þæt he gedæde 
                swa hine drihten het): 
"Him þæt soðcyning  sylfa findeð, 
moncynnes weard,  swa him gemet þinceð." 
Gestah þa stiðhydig  steape dune 
up mid his eaforan,  swa him se eca bebead, 
þæt he on hrofe gestod  hean landes 
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 
Isaac geongne,  and þa ædre gegrap 
sweord be gehiltum,  wolde his sunu cwellan 
folmum sinum,  fyre scencan 
            
mæges dreore.  þa metodes ðegn, 
ufan engla sum,  Abraham hlude 
stefne cygde.  He stille gebad 
ares spræce  and þam engle oncwæð. 
Him þa ofstum to  ufan of roderum 
wuldorgast godes  wordum mælde: 
"Abraham leofa,  ne sleah þin agen bearn, 
ac þu cwicne abregd  cniht of ade, 
eaforan þinne!  Him an wuldres god! 
Mago Ebrea,  þu medum scealt 
þurh þæs halgan hand,  heofoncyninges, 
soðum sigorleanum  selfa onfon, 
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, 
breost geblissad,  þa he him his bearn forgeaf, 
Isaac cwicne.  ða se eadega bewlat, 
rinc ofer exle,  and him þær rom geseah 
unfeor þanon  ænne standan, 
broðor Arones,  brembrum fæstne. 
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 
and ealra þara sælða 
                þe he him sið and ær, 
gifena drihten,  forgifen hæfde. 

2. ExodusKrapp, 1931 90-107; Krapp, G.P., The Junius Manuscript, ASPR 1 (New York).Hwæt! We feor and neah  gefrigen habað 
ofer middangeard  Moyses domas, 
wræclico wordriht,  wera cneorissum,– 
in uprodor  eadigra gehwam 
æfter bealusiðe  bote lifes, 
lifigendra gehwam  langsumne ræd,– 
hæleðum secgan.  Gehyre se ðe wille! 
þone on westenne  
               weroda drihten, 
soðfæst cyning,  mid his sylfes miht 
gewyrðode,  and him wundra fela, 
ece alwalda,  in æht forgeaf. 
He wæs leof gode,  leoda aldor, 
horsc and hreðergleaw,  herges wisa, 
freom folctoga.  Faraones cyn, 
godes andsacan,  gyrdwite band, 
þær him gesealde  sigora waldend, 
modgum magoræswan,  his maga feorh, 
onwist eðles,  Abrahames sunum. 
Heah wæs þæt handlean  and him hold frea, 
gesealde wæpna geweald  wið wraðra gryre, 
ofercom mid þy campe  cneomaga fela, 

               feonda folcriht.  ða wæs forma sið 
þæt hine weroda god  wordum nægde, 
þær he him gesægde  soðwundra fela, 
hu þas woruld worhte  witig drihten, 
eorðan ymbhwyrft  and uprodor, 
gesette sigerice,  and his sylfes naman, 
ðone yldo bearn  ær ne cuðon, 
frod fædera cyn,  þeah hie fela wiston. 
Hæfde he þa geswiðed  soðum cræftum 
and gewurðodne  werodes aldor, 
Faraones feond,  on forðwegas. 
þa wæs ingere  ealdum witum 
deaðe gedrenced  drihtfolca mæst; 
hordwearda hryre  heaf wæs geniwad, 
swæfon seledreamas,  since berofene. 
Hæfde mansceaðan  æt middere niht 
frecne gefylled,  frumbearna fela, 
abrocene burhweardas.  Bana wide scrað, 
lað leodhata,  land drysmyde 
            
deadra hræwum,  dugoð forð gewat, 
wop wæs wide,  worulddreama lyt. 
Wæron hleahtorsmiðum  handa belocene, 
alyfed laðsið  leode gretan; 
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, 
ealdwerige,  Egypta folc, 
þæs þe hie wideferð  wyrnan þohton 
Moyses magum,  gif hie metod lete, 
on langne lust  leofes siðes. 
Fyrd wæs gefysed,  from se ðe lædde, 
modig magoræswa,  mægburh heora. 
Oferfor he mid þy folce  fæstena worn, 
land and leodweard  laðra manna, 
enge anpaðas,  uncuð gelad, 
oðþæt hie on Guðmyrce  gearwe bæron, 
(wæron land heora  lyfthelme beþeaht), 
mearchofu morheald.  Moyses ofer þa, 
fela meoringa,  fyrde gelædde. 
Heht þa ymb twa niht  
               tirfæste hæleð, 
siððan hie feondum  oðfaren hæfdon, 
ymbwicigean  werodes bearhtme 
mid ælfere  æthanes byrig, 
mægnes mæste  mearclandum on. 
Nearwe genyddon  on norðwegas, 
wiston him be suðan  Sigelwara land, 
forbærned burhhleoðu,  brune leode, 
hatum heofoncolum.  þær halig god 
wið færbryne  folc gescylde, 
bælce oferbrædde  byrnendne heofon, 
halgan nette  hatwendne lyft. 
Hæfde wederwolcen  widum fæðmum 
eorðan and uprodor  efne gedæled, 
lædde leodwerod,  ligfyr adranc, 
hate heofontorht.  Hæleð wafedon, 
drihta gedrymost.  
               Dægsceades hleo 
wand ofer wolcnum;  hæfde witig god 
sunnan siðfæt  
               segle ofertolden, 
swa þa mæstrapas  men ne cuðon, 
ne ða seglrode  geseon meahton, 
eorðbuende  ealle cræfte, 
hu afæstnod wæs  feldhusa mæst, 
siððan he mid wuldre  geweorðode 
þeodenholde.  þa wæs þridda wic 
folce to frofre.  Fyrd eall geseah 
hu þær hlifedon  halige seglas, 
lyftwundor leoht;  leode ongeton, 
dugoð Israhela,  þæt þær drihten cwom 
weroda drihten,  wicsteal metan. 
Him beforan foran  fyr and wolcen 
in beorhtrodor,  beamas twegen, 
þara æghwæðer  efngedælde 
heahþegnunga  haliges gastes, 
deormodra sið  dagum and nihtum. 
þa ic on morgen gefrægn  modes rofan 
hebban herebyman  hludan stefnum, 
wuldres woman.  Werod eall aras, 
modigra mægen,  swa him Moyses bebead, 
mære magoræswa,  metodes folce, 
fus fyrdgetrum.  Forð gesawon 
lifes latþeow  lifweg metan; 
swegl siðe weold,  sæmen æfter 
foron flodwege.  Folc wæs on salum, 
hlud herges cyrm.  Heofonbeacen astah 
æfena gehwam,  oðer wundor, 
syllic æfter sunnan  setlrade beheold, 
ofer leodwerum  lige scinan, 
byrnende beam.  Blace stodon 
ofer sceotendum  scire leoman; 
scinon scyldhreoðan,  
               sceado swiðredon, 
neowle nihtscuwan  neah ne mihton 
heolstor ahydan;  heofoncandel barn. 
Niwe nihtweard  nyde sceolde 
wician ofer weredum,  þy læs him westengryre, 
har hæðbroga,  holmegum wederum 

               on ferclamme  ferhð getwæfde. 
Hæfde foregenga  fyrene loccas, 
blace beamas;  bellegsan hweop 
in þam hereþreate,  hatan lige, 
þæt he on westenne  werod forbærnde, 
nymðe hie modhwate  Moyses hyrde. 
Scean scir werod,  scyldas lixton, 
gesawon randwigan  rihte stræte, 
segn ofer sweoton,  oðþæt sæfæsten 
landes æt ende  
               leodmægne forstod, 
fus on forðweg.  Fyrdwic aras; 
wyrpton hie werige,  wiste genægdon 
modige meteþegnas,  hyra mægen beton. 
Bræddon æfter beorgum,  siððan byme sang, 
flotan feldhusum.  þa wæs feorðe wic, 
randwigena ræst,  be þan readan sæ. 
ðær on fyrd hyra  færspell becwom, 
oht inlende.  Egsan stodan, 
wælgryre weroda;  wræcmon gebad 
laðne lastweard,  se ðe him lange ær 
eðelleasum  onnied gescraf, 
wean witum fæst.  Wære ne gymdon, 
ðeah þe se yldra cyning  ær ge/ 
þa wearð yrfeweard  ingefolca, 
manna æfter maðmum,  þæt he swa miceles geðah. 
Ealles þæs forgeton  siððan grame wurdon 
Egypta cyn  
               ymbe antwig; 
ða heo his mægwinum  morðor fremedon, 
wroht berenedon,  wære fræton. 
Wæron heaðowylmas  heortan getenge, 
mihtmod wera;  manum treowum 
woldon hie þæt feorhlean  facne gyldan, 
þætte hie þæt dægweorc  dreore gebohte, 
Moyses leode,  þær him mihtig god 
on ðam spildsiðe  spede forgefe. 
þa him eorla mod  ortrywe wearð 
siððan hie gesawon  of suðwegum 
fyrd Faraonis  forð ongangan, 
oferholt wegan,  eored lixan, 
(garas trymedon,  guð hwearfode, 
blicon bordhreoðan,  byman sungon), 
þufas þunian,  þeod mearc tredan, 
on hwæl  
            

               Hreopon herefugolas,  hilde grædige, 
deawigfeðere  ofer drihtneum, 
wonn wælceasega.  Wulfas sungon 
atol æfenleoð  ætes on wenan, 
carleasan deor,  cwyldrof beodan 
on laðra last  leodmægnes fyl. 
Hreopon mearcweardas  middum nihtum, 
fleah fæge gast,  folc wæs gehæged. 
Hwilum of þam werode  wlance þegnas 
mæton milpaðas  meara bogum. 
Him þær segncyning  wið þone segn foran, 
manna þengel,  mearcþreate rad; 
guðweard gumena  grimhelm gespeon, 
cyning cinberge,  (cumbol lixton), 
wiges on wenum,  wælhlencan sceoc, 
het his hereciste  healdan georne 
fæst fyrdgetrum.  Freond onsegon 
            
laðum eagan  landmanna cyme. 
Ymb hine wægon  wigend unforhte, 
hare heorowulfas 
                hilde gretton, 
þurstige þræcwiges,  þeodenholde. 
Hæfde him alesen  leoda dugeðe 
tireadigra  twa þusendo, 
þæt wæron cyningas  and cneowmagas, 
on þæt eade riht,  æðelum deore. 
Forðon anra gehwilc  ut alædde 
wæpnedcynnes,  wigan æghwilcne 
þara þe he on ðam fyrste  findan mihte. 
Wæron ingemen  ealle ætgædere, 
cyningas on corðre.  Cuð oft gebad 
horn on heape  to hwæs hægstealdmen, 
guðþreat gumena,  gearwe bæron. 
Swa þær eorp werod,  ecan læddon, 
lað æfter laðum,  leodmægnes worn, 
þusendmælum;  þider wæron fuse. 
Hæfdon hie gemynted  to þam mægenheapum 
to þam ærdæge  Israhela cynn 
billum abreotan  on hyra broðorgyld. 
Forþon wæs in wicum  wop up ahafen, 
atol æfenleoð,  egesan stodon, 
weredon wælnet,  þa se woma cwom. 
Flugon frecne spel,  feond wæs anmod, 
werud wæs wigblac,  oðþæt wlance forsceaf 
mihtig engel,  se ða menigeo beheold, 
þæt þær gelaðe mid him  leng ne mihton 
geseon tosomne;  sið wæs gedæled. 
Hæfde nydfara  nihtlangne fyrst, 
þeah ðe him on healfa gehwam  hettend seomedon, 
mægen oððe merestream;  nahton maran hwyrft. 
Wæron orwenan  eðelrihtes, 
sæton æfter beorgum  in blacum reafum, 
wean on wenum;  wæccende bad 
eall seo sibgedriht  somod ætgædere 
maran mægenes,  oð Moyses bebead 
eorlas on uhttid  ærnum bemum 
            
folc somnigean,  frecan arisan, 
habban heora hlencan,  hycgan on ellen, 
beran beorht searo,  beacnum cigean 
sweot sande near.  Snelle gemundon 
weardas wigleoð,  werod wæs gefysed, 
brudon ofer burgum,  (byman gehyrdon), 
flotan feldhusum,  fyrd wæs on ofste. 
Siððan hie getealdon  wið þam teonhete 
on þam forðherge  feðan twelfe 

               moderofra;  mægen wæs onhrered. 
Wæs on anra gehwam  æðelan cynnes 
alesen under lindum  leoda duguðe 
on folcgetæl  fiftig cista; 
hæfde cista gehwilc  cuðes werodes 
garberendra,  guðfremmendra, 
[X] hund geteled,  tireadigra. 
þæt wæs wiglic werod;  
               wace ne gretton 
in þæt rincgetæl  ræswan herges, 
þa þe for geoguðe  gyt ne mihton 
under bordhreoðan  breostnet wera 
wið flane feond  folmum werigean, 
ne him bealubenne  gebiden hæfdon 
ofer linde lærig,  licwunde swor, 
gylpplegan gares.  Gamele ne moston, 
hare heaðorincas,  hilde onþeon, 
gif him modheapum  mægen swiðrade, 
ac hie be wæstmum  
               on wig curon, 
hu in leodscipe  læstan wolde 
mod mid aran,  eac þan mægnes cræft, 
garbeames feng.  
            
þa wæs handrofra  here ætgædere, 
fus forðwegas.  Fana up gerad, 
beama beorhtost;  
               bidon ealle þa gen 
hwonne siðboda  sæstreamum neah 
leoht ofer lindum  lyftedoras bræc. 
Ahleop þa for hæleðum  hildecalla, 
bald beohata,  bord up ahof, 
heht þa folctogan  fyrde gestillan, 
þenden modiges meðel  monige gehyrdon. 
Wolde reordigean  rices hyrde 
ofer hereciste  halgan stefne, 
werodes wisa  wurðmyndum spræc: 
"Ne beoð ge þy forhtran,  þeah þe Faraon brohte 
sweordwigendra  side hergas, 
eorla unrim!  Him eallum wile 
mihtig drihten  þurh mine hand 
to dæge þissum  dædlean gyfan, 
þæt hie lifigende  leng ne moton 
ægnian mid yrmðum  Israhela cyn. 
Ne willað eow andrædan  deade feðan, 
fæge ferhðlocan,  fyrst is æt ende 
lænes lifes.  Eow is lar godes 
abroden of breostum.  Ic on beteran ræd, 
þæt ge gewurðien  wuldres aldor, 
and eow liffrean  lissa bidde, 
sigora gesynto,  þær ge siðien. 
þis is se ecea  Abrahames god, 
frumsceafta frea,  se ðas fyrd wereð, 
modig and mægenrof,  mid þære miclan hand." 
Hof ða for hergum  hlude stefne 
lifigendra leod,  þa he to leodum spræc: 
"Hwæt, ge nu eagum to  on lociað, 
folca leofost,  færwundra sum, 
hu ic sylfa sloh  and þeos swiðre hand 
grene tacne  garsecges deop. 
Yð up færeð,  ofstum wyrceð 
wæter wealfæsten.  Wegas syndon dryge, 
haswe herestræta,  holm gerymed, 
ealde staðolas,  þa ic ær ne gefrægn 
ofer middangeard  men geferan, 
fage feldas,  þa forð heonon 
in ece tid 
                yðe þeahton, 
sælde sægrundas.  Suðwind fornam 
bæðweges blæst,  
               brim is areafod, 
sand sæcir spaw.  Ic wat soð gere 
þæt eow mihtig god  miltse gecyðde, 
eorlas ærglade.  Ofest is selost 
þæt ge of feonda  fæðme weorðen, 
nu se agend  up arærde 
reade streamas  in randgebeorh. 
Syndon þa foreweallas  fægre gestepte, 
wrætlicu wægfaru,  oð wolcna hrof." 
æfter þam wordum  werod eall aras, 
modigra mægen.  Mere stille bad. 
Hofon herecyste  hwite linde, 
segnas on sande.  Sæweall astah, 
uplang gestod  wið Israhelum 
andægne fyrst.  Wæs seo eorla gedriht 
anes modes,  
            
fæstum fæðmum  freoðowære heold. 
Nalles hige gehyrdon  haliges lare, 
siððan leofes leoþ  læste near 
sweg swiðrode  and sances bland. 
þa þæt feorðe cyn  fyrmest eode, 
wod on wægstream,  wigan on heape, 
ofer grenne grund,  Iudisc feða 

               on orette  
               on uncuð gelad 
for his mægwinum.  Swa him mihtig god 
þæs dægweorces  deop lean forgeald, 
siððan him gesælde  sigorworca hreð, 
þæt he ealdordom  agan sceolde 
ofer cynericu,  cneowmaga blæd. 
Hæfdon him to segne,  þa hie on sund stigon, 
ofer bordhreoðan  beacen aræred 
in þam garheape,  gyldenne leon, 
drihtfolca mæst,  deora cenost. 
Be þam herewisan  hynðo ne woldon 
be him lifigendum  lange þolian, 
þonne hie to guðe  garwudu rærdon 
ðeoda ænigre.  
               þracu wæs on ore, 
heard handplega,  hægsteald modige 
wæpna wælslihtes,  wigend unforhte, 
bilswaðu blodige,  beadumægnes ræs, 
grimhelma gegrind,  þær Iudas for. 
æfter þære fyrde  flota modgade, 
Rubenes sunu.  Randas bæron 
sæwicingas  ofer sealtne mersc, 

               manna menio;  micel angetrum 
eode unforht.  He his ealdordom 
synnum aswefede,  þæt he siðor for 
on leofes last.  Him on leodsceare 
frumbearnes riht  freobroðor oðþah, 
ead and æðelo;  he wæs gearu swa þeah. 
þær forð æfter him  folca þryðum 
sunu Simeones  sweotum comon; 
þridde þeodmægen  (þufas wundon 
ofer garfare)  guðcyste onþrang 
deawig sceaftum.  Dægwoma becwom 
ofer garsecge,  godes beacna sum, 
morgen mæretorht;  mægen forð gewat. 
þa þær folcmægen  for æfter oðrum, 
isernhergum.  An wisode 
mægenþrymmum mæst,  þy he mære wearð, 
on forðwegas  folc æfter wolcnum, 
cynn æfter cynne.  Cuðe æghwilc 
mægburga riht,  swa him Moises bead, 
eorla æðelo.  Him wæs an fæder, 
leof leodfruma,  landriht geþah, 
frod on ferhðe,  freomagum leof. 
Cende cneowsibbe  cenra manna 
heahfædera sum,  halige þeode, 
Israela cyn,  onriht godes, 
swa þæt orþancum  ealde reccað 
þa þe mægburge  mæst gefrunon, 
frumcyn feora,  fæderæðelo gehwæs. 
Niwe flodas  Noe oferlað, 
þrymfæst þeoden,  mid his þrim sunum, 
þone deopestan  
               drencefloda 
            
þara ðe gewurde  on woruldrice. 
Hæfde him on hreðre  halige treowa; 
forþon he gelædde  ofer lagustreamas 
maðmhorda mæst,  mine gefræge. 
On feorhgebeorh  foldan hæfde 
eallum eorðcynne  ece lafe, 
frumcneow gehwæs,  fæder and moder 
tuddorteondra,  geteled rime 
mismicelra  þonne men cunnon, 
snottor sæleoda.  Eac þon sæda gehwilc 
on bearm scipes  beornas feredon, 
þara þe under heofonum  hæleð bryttigað. 
Swa þæt wise men  wordum secgað 
þæt from Noe  nigoða wære 
fæder Abrahames  on folctale. 
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. 
Siððan he gelædde  leofost feora 
haliges hæsum;  heahlond stigon 
sibgemagas,  on Seone beorh. 
Wære hie þær fundon,  wuldor gesawon, 
halige heahtreowe,  swa hæleð gefrunon. 
þær eft se snottra  sunu Dauides, 
wuldorfæst cyning,  witgan larum 
getimbrede  tempel gode, 

               alh haligne,  eorðcyninga 
se wisesta  on woruldrice, 
heahst and haligost,  hæleðum gefrægost, 
mæst and mærost,  þara þe manna bearn, 
fira æfter foldan,  folmum geworhte. 
To þam meðelstede  magan gelædde 
Abraham Isaac.  Adfyr onbran; 
fyrst ferhðbana  no þy fægenra wæs. 
Wolde þone lastweard  lige gesyllan, 
in bælblyse  beorna selost, 
his swæsne sunu  to sigetibre, 
angan ofer eorðan  yrfelafe, 
feores frofre,  ða he swa forð gebad, 
leodum to lafe,  langsumne hiht. 
He þæt gecyðde,  þa he þone cniht genam 
fæste mid folmum,  folccuð geteag 
ealde lafe,  (ecg grymetode), 
þæt he him lifdagas  leofran ne wisse 
þonne he hyrde  heofoncyninge. 
Up aræmde  
               Abraham 
               þa; 
se eorl wolde slean  eaferan sinne 
unweaxenne,  
               ecgum reodan 
magan mid mece,  gif hine metod lete. 
Ne wolde him beorht fæder  bearn ætniman, 
halig tiber,  ac mid handa befeng. 
þa him styran cwom  stefn of heofonum, 
wuldres hleoðor,  word æfter spræc: 
"Ne sleh þu, Abraham,  þin agen bearn, 
sunu mid sweorde!  Soð is gecyðed, 
nu þin cunnode  cyning alwihta, 
þæt þu wið waldend  wære heolde, 
fæste treowe,  seo þe freoðo sceal 
in lifdagum  lengest weorðan, 
awa to aldre  unswiciendo. 
Hu þearf mannes sunu  maran treowe? 
Ne behwylfan mæg  heofon and eorðe 
his wuldres word,  widdra and siddra 
þonne befæðman mæge  foldan sceattas, 
eorðan ymbhwyrft  and uprodor, 
garsecges gin  and þeos geomre lyft. 

               He að swereð,  engla þeoden, 
wyrda waldend  and wereda god, 
soðfæst sigora,  þurh his sylfes lif, 
þæt þines cynnes  and cneowmaga, 
randwiggendra,  rim ne cunnon, 
yldo ofer eorðan,  ealle cræfte 
to gesecgenne  soðum wordum, 
nymðe hwylc þæs snottor  in sefan weorðe 
þæt he ana mæge  ealle geriman 
stanas on eorðan,  steorran on heofonum, 
sæbeorga sand,  sealte yða; 
ac hie gesittað  be sæm tweonum 
oð Egipte  incaðeode 
land Cananea,  leode þine, 
freobearn fæder,  folca selost." 
Folc wæs afæred,  flodegsa becwom 
gastas geomre,  geofon deaðe hweop. 
Wæron beorhhliðu  blode bestemed, 
holm heolfre spaw,  hream wæs on yðum, 
wæter wæpna ful,  wælmist astah. 
Wæron Egypte  eft oncyrde, 
flugon forhtigende,  fær ongeton, 
woldon herebleaðe  hamas findan, 
gylp wearð gnornra.  Him ongen genap 
atol yða gewealc,  ne ðær ænig becwom 
herges to hame,  ac behindan beleac 
wyrd mid wæge.  þær ær wegas lagon, 
mere modgode,  mægen wæs adrenced. 
Streamas stodon,  storm up gewat 
heah to heofonum,  herewopa mæst. 
Laðe cyrmdon,  (lyft up geswearc), 
fægum stæfnum,  flod blod gewod. 
Randbyrig wæron rofene,  rodor swipode 
meredeaða mæst,  modige swulton, 
cyningas on corðre,  cyre swiðrode 
sæs æt ende.  Wigbord scinon 
heah ofer hæleðum,  holmweall astah, 
merestream modig.  Mægen wæs on cwealme 
fæste gefeterod,  forðganges weg 
            
searwum æsæled,  sand basnodon, 
witodre fyrde,  hwonne waðema stream, 
sincalda sæ,  sealtum yðum 
æflastum gewuna  ece staðulas, 
nacud nydboda,  neosan come, 
fah feðegast,  se ðe feondum geneop. 
Wæs seo hæwene lyft  heolfre geblanden, 
brim berstende  blodegesan hweop, 
sæmanna sið,  oðþæt soð metod 
þurh Moyses hand  modge rymde, 
wide wæðde,  wælfæðmum sweop. 
Flod famgode,  fæge crungon, 
lagu land gefeol,  lyft wæs onhrered, 
wicon weallfæsten,  wægas burston, 
multon meretorras,  þa se mihtiga sloh 
mid halige hand,  heofonrices weard, 

               on werbeamas.  Wlance ðeode 
ne mihton forhabban  helpendra pað, 
merestreames mod,  ac he manegum gesceod 
gyllende gryre.  Garsecg wedde, 
up ateah, on sleap.  Egesan stodon, 
weollon wælbenna.  Witrod gefeol 
heah of heofonum  handweorc godes, 
famigbosma  flodwearde sloh, 
unhleowan wæg,  alde mece, 
þæt ðy deaðdrepe  drihte swæfon, 
synfullra sweot.  Sawlum lunnon 
fæste befarene,  flodblac here, 
siððan hie on bugon 
                brun yppinge, 
modewæga mæst.  Mægen eall gedreas 
ða gedrencte 
               wæron 
                dugoð Egypta, 
Faraon mid his folcum.  He onfond hraðe, 
siððan grund gestah  godes andsaca, 
þæt wæs mihtigra  mereflodes weard; 
wolde heorufæðmum 
                hilde gesceadan, 
yrre and egesfull.  Egyptum wearð 
þæs dægweorces  deop lean gesceod, 
forðam þæs heriges  ham eft ne com 
ealles ungrundes  ænig to lafe, 
þætte sið heora 
                secgan moste, 
bodigean æfter burgum  bealospella mæst, 
hordwearda hryre,  hæleða cwenum, 
ac þa mægenþreatas  meredeað geswealh, 
spelbodan eac.  Se ðe sped ahte, 
ageat gylp wera.  Hie wið god wunnon! 
þanon Israhelum  ece rædas 
on merehwearfe  
               Moyses sægde, 
heahþungen wer,  halige spræce, 
deop ærende.  
               Dægword nemnað 
swa gyt werðeode,  on gewritum findað 
doma gehwilcne,  þara ðe him drihten bebead 
on þam siðfate  soðum wordum, 
gif onlucan wile  lifes wealhstod, 
beorht in breostum,  banhuses weard, 
ginfæsten god  gastes cægon. 
Run bið gerecenod,  ræd forð gæð, 
hafað wislicu  word on fæðme, 
wile meagollice  modum tæcan 
þæt we gesne ne syn  godes þeodscipes, 
metodes miltsa.  He us ma onlyhð, 
nu us boceras  beteran secgað 
lengran lifwynna.  þis is læne dream, 
wommum awyrged,  wreccum alyfed, 
earmra anbid.  Eðellease 
þysne gystsele  gihðum healdað, 
murnað on mode,  manhus witon 
fæst under foldan,  þær bið fyr and wyrm, 
open ece scræf.  Yfela gehwylces 
            
swa nu regnþeofas  rice dælað, 
yldo oððe ærdeað.  Eftwyrd cymð, 
mægenþrymma mæst  ofer middangeard, 
dæg dædum fah.  Drihten sylfa 
on þam meðelstede  manegum demeð, 
þonne he soðfæstra  sawla lædeð, 
eadige gastas,  on uprodor, 
þær is leoht and lif,  eac þon lissa blæd; 
dugoð on dreame  drihten herigað, 
weroda wuldorcyning,  to widan feore. 
Swa reordode  ræda gemyndig 
manna mildost,  mihtum swiðed, 
hludan stefne;  here stille bad 
witodes willan,  wundor ongeton, 
modiges muðhæl;  he to mænegum spræc: 
"Micel is þeos menigeo,  mægenwisa trum, 
fullesta mæst,  se ðas fare lædeð; 
hafað us on Cananea  cyn gelyfed 
burh and beagas,  brade rice; 
wile nu gelæstan  þæt he lange gehet 
mid aðsware,  engla drihten, 
in fyrndagum  fæderyncynne, 
gif ge gehealdað  halige lare, 
þæt ge feonda gehwone  forð ofergangað, 
gesittað sigerice  be sæm tweonum, 
beorselas beorna.  Bið eower blæd micel!" 
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. 
Life gefegon 
                þa hie oðlæded hæfdon 
feorh of feonda dome,  þeah ðe hie hit frecne geneðdon, 
weras under wætera hrofas.  Gesawon hie þær weallas standan, 
ealle him brimu blodige þuhton,  þurh þa heora beadosearo wægon. 
Hreðdon hildespelle,  siððan hie þam herge wiðforon; 
hofon hereþreatas  hlude stefne, 
for þam dædweorce  drihten heredon, 
weras wuldres sang;  wif on oðrum, 
folcsweota mæst,  fyrdleoð golan 
            
aclum stefnum,  eallwundra fela. 
þa wæs eðfynde  Afrisc meowle 
on geofones staðe  golde geweorðod. 
Handa hofon  halswurðunge, 
bliðe wæron,  bote gesawon, 
heddon herereafes,  hæft wæs onsæled. 
Ongunnon sælafe  segnum dælan 
on yðlafe,  ealde madmas, 
reaf and randas.  Heo on riht sceodon 
            
gold and godweb,  Iosepes gestreon, 
wera wuldorgesteald.  Werigend lagon 
on deaðstede,  drihtfolca mæst. 

3. DanielKrapp, 1931 111-32; Krapp, G.P., The Junius Manuscript, ASPR 1 (New York).Gefrægn ic Hebreos  eadge lifgean 
in Hierusalem,  goldhord dælan, 
cyningdom habban,  swa him gecynde wæs, 
siððan þurh metodes mægen  on Moyses hand 
wearð 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. 
þenden þæt folc mid him  hiera fæder wære 
healdan woldon,  wæs him hyrde god, 
heofonrices weard,  halig drihten, 
wuldres waldend.  Se ðam werude geaf 
mod and mihte,  metod alwihta, 
þæt hie oft fela folca  feore gesceodon, 
heriges helmum,  þara þe him hold ne wæs, 
oðþæt hie wlenco anwod  æt winþege 
deofoldædum,  druncne geðohtas. 
þa hie æcræftas  ane forleton, 
metodes mægenscipe,  swa no man scyle 
his gastes lufan  wið gode dælan. 
þa geseah ic þa gedriht  in gedwolan hweorfan, 
Israhela cyn  unriht don, 
wommas wyrcean.  þæt wæs weorc gode! 
Oft he þam leodum  
               to lare sende, 
heofonrices weard,  halige gastas, 
þa þam werude  wisdom budon. 
Hie þære snytro  soð gelyfdon 
lytle hwile,  oðþæt hie langung beswac 
eorðan dreamas  eces rædes, 
þæt hie æt siðestan  sylfe forleton 
drihtnes domas,  curon deofles cræft. 
þa wearð reðemod  rices ðeoden, 
unhold þeodum 
                þam þe æhte geaf. 

               Wisde him æt frymðe,  ða ðe on fruman ær ðon 
wæron mancynnes  metode dyrust, 
dugoða dyrust,  drihtne leofost; 

               herepað
               tæhte
                to þære hean byrig, 
eorlum elðeodigum,  on eðelland 
þær Salem stod  searwum afæstnod, 
weallum geweorðod.  To þæs witgan foron, 
Caldea cyn,  to ceastre forð, 
þær Israela  æhta wæron, 
bewrigene mid weorcum;  to þam þæt werod gefor, 
mægenþreat mære,  manbealwes georn. 
Awehte þone wælnið  wera aldorfrea, 
Babilones brego,  on his burhstede, 
Nabochodonossor,  þurh niðhete, 
þæt he secan ongan  sefan gehygdum 
hu he Israelum  eaðost meahte 
þurh gromra gang  guman oðþringan. 
Gesamnode þa  suðan and norðan 
wælhreow werod,  and west foran 
            
herige hæðencyninga  to þære hean byrig. 
Israela  eðelweardas 

               hæfdon lufan, lifwelan,  þenden hie let metod. 
þa ic eðan gefrægn  ealdfeonda cyn 
winburh wera.  þa wigan ne gelyfdon, 
bereafodon þa receda wuldor  readan golde, 
since and seolfre,  Salomones templ. 
Gestrudan gestreona  under stanhliðum, 
swilc eall swa þa eorlas  agan sceoldon, 
oðþæt hie burga gehwone  abrocen hæfdon, 
þara þe þam folce  to friðe stodon. 
Gehlodon him to huðe  hordwearda gestreon, 

               feoh and frætwa,  swilc þær funden wæs, 
and þa mid þam æhtum  eft siðedon, 
and gelæddon eac  on langne sið 
Israela cyn,  on eastwegas 
to Babilonia,  beorna unrim, 
under hand hæleð  hæðenum deman. 
Nabochodonossor  him on nyd dyde 
Israela bearn  
               ofer ealle lufen, 
wæpna lafe  to weorcþeowum. 
Onsende þa  sinra þegna 
worn þæs werudes  
               west toferan, 
þæt him þara leoda 
                land geheolde, 
eðne eðel,  æfter Ebreum. 
Het þa secan  sine gerefan 
geond Israela  earme lafe, 
hwilc þære geogoðe  gleawost wære 
boca bebodes,  þe þær brungen wæs. 
Wolde þæt þa cnihtas  cræft leornedon, 
þæt him snytro on sefan  secgan mihte, 
nales ðy þe he þæt moste  oððe gemunan wolde 
þæt he þara gifena  gode þancode 
þe him þær to duguðe  drihten scyrede. 
þa hie þær fundon  
               þry freagleawe 
æðele cnihtas  and æfæste, 
ginge and gode  in godsæde; 
an wæs Annanias,  oðer Azarias, 
þridda Misael,  metode gecorene. 
þa þry comon  to þeodne foran, 
hearde and higeþancle,  þær se hæðena sæt, 
cyning corðres georn,  in Caldea byrig. 
þa hie þam wlancan  wisdom sceoldon, 
weras Ebrea,  wordum cyðan, 
higecræft heane,  þurh halig mod, 
þa se beorn bebead,  Babilone weard, 
swiðmod 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, 
mære and modig  ofer middangeard, 
egesful ylda bearnum.  No he æ fremede, 
ac in oferhygde  æghwæs lifde. 
þa þam folctogan  on frumslæpe, 
siððan to reste gehwearf  rice þeoden, 
com on sefan hwurfan  swefnes woma, 
hu woruld wære  wundrum geteod, 
ungelic yldum  oð edsceafte. 
Wearð him on slæpe  soð gecyðed, 
þætte rices gehwæs  reðe sceolde gelimpan, 
eorðan dreamas,  ende wurðan. 
þa onwoc wulfheort,  se ær wingal swæf, 
Babilone weard.  Næs him bliðe hige, 
ac him sorh astah,  swefnes woma. 
No he gemunde  þæt him meted wæs. 
Het þa tosomne  sinra leoda 
þa wiccungdom  widost bæron, 
frægn þa ða mænigeo  hwæt hine gemætte, 
þenden reordberend  reste wunode. 
Wearð he on þam egesan  acol worden, 
þa he ne wisse  word ne angin 
swefnes sines;  het him secgan þeah. 
þa him unbliðe  andswaredon 
deofolwitgan  (næs him dom gearu 
to asecganne  swefen cyninge): 
"Hu magon we swa dygle,  drihten, ahicgan 
on sefan þinne,  hu ðe swefnede, 
oððe wyrda gesceaft  wisdom bude, 
gif þu his ærest ne meaht  or areccan?" 
þa him unbliðe  andswarode 
wulfheort cyning,  witgum sinum: 
"Næron ge swa eacne  ofer ealle men 
modgeþances  swa ge me sægdon, 
and þæt gecwædon,  þæt ge cuðon 
mine aldorlege,  swa me æfter wearð, 
oððe ic furðor  findan sceolde. 

               Nu ge mætinge  mine ne cunnon, 
þa þe me for werode  wisdom berað. 
Ge sweltað deaðe,  nymþe ic dom wite 
soðan swefnes,  þæs min sefa myndgað." 
Ne meahte þa seo mænigeo  on þam meðelstede 
þurh witigdom  wihte aþencean 
ne ahicgan,  þa hit forhæfed gewearð 
þætte hie sædon  swefn cyninge, 
wyrda gerynu,  oðþæt witga cwom, 
Daniel to dome,  se wæs drihtne gecoren, 
snotor and soðfæst,  in þæt seld gangan. 
Se wæs ordfruma  earmre lafe 
þære þe þam hæðenan  hyran sceolde. 
Him god sealde  gife of heofnum 
þurh hleoðorcwyde  haliges gastes, 
þæt him engel godes  eall asægde 
swa his mandrihten  gemæted wearð. 
ða eode Daniel,  þa dæg lyhte, 
swefen reccan  sinum frean, 
sægde him wislice  wereda gesceafte, 
þætte sona ongeat  swiðmod cyning 
ord and ende  þæs þe him ywed wæs. 
ða hæfde Daniel  dom micelne, 
blæd in Babilonia  mid bocerum, 
siððan he gesæde  swefen cyninge, 
þæt he ær for fyrenum  onfon ne meahte, 
Babilonie weard,  in his breostlocan. 
No hwæðere þæt Daniel  gedon mihte 
þæt he wolde metodes  mihte gelyfan, 
ac he wyrcan ongan  
               weoh on felda 
þam þe deormode  Diran heton, 
se wæs on ðære ðeode  ðe swa hatte, 
bresne Babilonige.  þære burge weard 
anne manlican  ofer metodes est, 
gyld of golde,  gumum arærde, 
for þam þe gleaw ne wæs,  gumrices weard, 
reðe and rædleas,  riht  [...] 
            
þa wearð hæleða hlyst  þa hleoðor cwom 
byman stefne  ofer burhware. 
þa hie for þam cumble  on cneowum sæton, 
onhnigon to þam herige  hæðne þeode, 
wurðedon wihgyld,  ne wiston wræstran ræd, 
efndon unrihtdom,  swa hyra aldor dyde, 
mane gemenged,  mode gefrecnod. 
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 
hyra þeodnes dom  þafigan onginnan, 
þæt hie to þam beacne  gebedu rærde, 
ðeah ðe ðær on herige  byman sungon. 
ða wæron æðelum god 
                Abrahames bearn, 
wæron wærfæste,  wiston drihten 
ecne uppe,  
               ælmihtigne. 
Cnihtas cynegode  cuð gedydon, 
þæt hie him þæt gold  to gode noldon 
habban ne healdan,  ac þone hean cyning, 
gasta hyrde,  ðe him gife sealde. 
Oft hie to bote  balde gecwædon 
þæt hie þæs wiges  wihte ne rohton, 
ne hie to þam gebede  mihte gebædon 
hæðen heriges wisa,  þæt hie þider hweorfan wolden, 
guman to þam gyldnan gylde,  þe he him to gode geteode. 
þegnas þeodne sægdon  þæt hie þære geþeahte wæron, 
hæftas hearan,  in þisse hean byrig, 
þa þis hegan ne willað,  ne þysne wig wurðigean, 
þe ðu þe to wuldre 
                wundrum teodest. 
ða him bolgenmod  Babilone weard 
yrre andswarode,  eorlum onmælde 
grimme þam gingum,  and geocre oncwæð, 
þæt hie gegnunga  gyldan sceolde 
oððe þrowigean  þreanied micel, 
frecne fyres wylm,  nymðe hie friðes wolde 
wilnian to þam wyrrestan,  weras Ebrea, 
guman to þam golde,  þe he him to gode teode. 
Noldon þeah þa hyssas  hyran larum 
in hige hæðnum.  Hogedon georne 
þæt æ godes  ealle gelæste, 
and ne awacodon  wereda drihtne, 
ne þan mæ gehwurfe 
                in hæðendom, 
ne hie to facne  freoðo wilnedan, 
þeah þe him se bitera deað  geboden wære. 
þa wearð yrre anmod cyning,  het he ofn onhætan 
to cwale cnihta feorum  forðam 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. 
Het þa his scealcas  scufan þa hyssas 
in bælblyse,  beornas geonge. 
Gearo wæs se him geoce gefremede;  þeah þe hie swa grome nydde 
in fæðm fyres lige,  hwæðere heora feorh generede 
mihtig metodes weard.  Swa þæt mænige gefrunon, 
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 fæðmum beþeahte  under þam fyrenan hrofe. 
Ne mihte þeah heora wlite  gewemman owiht 
            
wylm þæs wæfran liges,  þa hie se waldend nerede. 
Hreohmod wæs se hæðena þeoden,  het hie hraðe bærnan. 
æled wæs ungescead micel.  þa wæs se ofen onhæted, 
isen eall ðurhgleded.  Hine ðær esnas mænige 
wurpon wudu on innan,  swa him wæs on wordum gedemed; 
bæron brandas on bryne  blacan fyres, 
(wolde wulfheort cyning  wall onsteallan, 
iserne ymb æfæste),  oðþæt up gewat 
lig ofer leofum  and þurh lust gesloh 
micle mare  þonne gemet wære. 
ða se lig gewand  on laðe men, 
hæðne of halgum.  Hyssas wæron 
bliðemode,  burnon scealcas 
ymb ofn utan,  alet gehwearf 
teonfullum on teso.  ðær to geseah 
Babilone brego.  
               Bliðe wæron 
eorlas Ebrea,  ofestum heredon 
drihten on dreame,  dydon swa hie cuðon 
ofne on innan,  aldre generede. 
Guman glædmode  god wurðedon, 
under þæs fæðme  þe geflymed wearð 
frecne fyres hæto.  Freobearn wurdon 
alæten liges gange,  ne hie him þær lað gedydon. 
Næs him se sweg to sorge  ðon ma þe sunnan scima, 
ne se bryne beot mæcgum  
               þe in þam beote wæron, 
ac þæt fyr fyr scyde  to ðam þe ða scylde worhton, 

               hwearf on þa hæðenan hæftas  fram þam halgan cnihton, 
werigra wlite minsode,  þa ðe ðy worce gefægon. 
Geseah ða swiðmod cyning,  ða he his sefan ontreowde, 
wundor on wite agangen;  him þæt wræclic þuhte. 
Hyssas hale hwurfon  in þam hatan ofne, 
ealle æfæste ðry;  him eac þær wæs 
an on gesyhðe,  engel ælmihtiges. 
Him þær on 
               ofne 
                owiht ne derede, 
ac wæs þær inne  ealles gelicost 
efne þonne on sumera  sunne scineð, 
and deaw dryge 
                on dæge weorðeð, 
winde geondsawen.  þæt wæs wuldres god 
þe hie generede  wið þam niðhete. 
ða Azarias  ingeþancum 
hleoðrade halig  þurh hatne lig, 

               dreag dæda georn,  drihten herede, 
wer womma leas,  and þa word acwæð: 
"Metod alwihta, hwæt!  þu eart mihtum swið 
niðas to nergenne.  Is þin nama mære, 
wlitig and wuldorfæst  ofer werðeode. 
Siendon þine domas  in daga gehwam 
soðe and geswiðde  and gesigefæste, 
swa þu eac sylfa eart.  
            
Syndon þine willan  on woruldspedum 
rihte and gerume,  rodora waldend. 
Geoca user georne nu,  gasta scyppend, 
and þurh hyldo help,  halig drihten, 
nu we þec for þreaum  and for ðeonydum 
and for eaðmedum  arna biddað, 
lige belegde.  We ðæs lifgende 
worhton on worulde,  eac ðon wom dyde 
user yldran;  for oferhygdum 
bræcon bebodo  
               burhsittende, 
had oferhogedon  halgan lifes. 
Siendon we towrecene  geond widne grund, 
heapum tohworfene,  hyldelease; 
is user lif  geond landa fela 
fracoð and gefræge  folca manegum, 
þa usic bewræcon  to þæs wyrrestan 
eorðcyninga  æhta gewealde, 
on hæft heorugrimra,  and we nu hæðenra 
þeowned þoliað.  þæs þe þanc sie, 
wereda wuldorcyning,  þæt þu us þas wrace teodest. 
Ne forlet þu usic ane,  ece drihten, 
for ðam miltsum  ðe ðec men hligað, 
and for ðam treowum  þe þu, tirum fæst, 
niða nergend,  genumen hæfdest 
to Abrahame  and to Isaace 
and to Iacobe,  gasta scyppend. 
þu him þæt gehete  þurh hleoðorcwyde, 
þæt þu hyra frumcyn  in fyrndagum 
ican wolde,  þætte æfter him 
on cneorissum  cenned wurde, 
and seo mænigeo  mære wære, 

               had to hebbanne  swa heofonsteorran 
bebugað bradne hwyrft,  
               oððe 
               brimfaroþes, 
sæfaroða sand,  geond sealtne wæg 

               in
               eare gryndeð,  þæt his unrim a 
in wintra worn  wurðan sceolde. 
Fyl nu frumspræce,  ðeah heora fea lifigen! 
Wlitiga þinne wordcwyde  and þin wuldor on us! 
Gecyð cræft and miht  þæt þa Caldeas 
and folca fela  gefrigen habbað, 
ða þe under heofenum  hæðene lifigeað, 
and þæt þu ana eart  ece drihten, 
weroda waldend,  woruldgesceafta, 
sigora settend,  soðfæst metod!" 
Swa se halga wer  hergende wæs 
metodes miltse  and his mihta sped 
rehte þurh reorde.  ða 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 ðone lig tosceaf, 
halig and heofonbeorht,  hatan fyres, 
tosweop hine and toswende  þurh þa swiðan miht, 
ligges leoman,  þæt hyra lice ne wæs 
owiht geegled,  ac he on andan sloh 
fyr on feondas  for fyrendædum. 
þa wæs on þam ofne,  þær se engel becwom, 
windig and wynsum,  wedere gelicost 
þonne hit on sumeres tid  sended weorðeð 
dropena drearung  on dæges hwile, 
wearmlic wolcna scur.  Swylc bið wedera cyst, 
swylc wæs on þam fyre  frean mihtum 
halgum to helpe.  Wearð se hata lig 
todrifen and todwæsced  þær þa dædhwatan 
geond þone ofen eodon,  and se engel mid, 
feorh nerigende,  se ðær feorða wæs, 
Annanias  and Azarias 
and Misael.  þær þa modhwatan 
þry on geðancum  ðeoden heredon, 
bædon bletsian  bearn Israela 
eall landgesceaft  ecne drihten, 
ðeoda waldend.  Swa hie þry cwædon, 
modum horsce,  þurh gemæne word: 
"ðe gebletsige,  bylywit fæder, 
woruldcræfta wlite  and weorca gehwilc! 
Heofonas and englas,  and hluttor wæter, 
þa ðe ofer roderum  on rihtne gesceaft 
wuniað in wuldre,  ða þec wurðiað! 
And þec, ælmihtig,  ealle gesceafte, 
rodorbeorhtan tunglu,  þa þe ryne healdað, 
sunna and mona,  sundor anra gehwilc 
herige in hade!  And heofonsteorran, 
deaw and deor scur,  ða ðec domige! 
And þec, mihtig god,  gastas lofige! 
Byrnende fyr  and beorht sumor 
nergend hergað!  Niht somod and dæg, 
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, 
blace, berhtmhwate,  þa þec bletsige! 
Eall eorðan grund,  ece drihten, 
hyllas and hrusan  and hea beorgas, 
sealte sæwægas,  soðfæst metod, 
eastream yða  and upcyme, 
wætersprync wylla,  ða ðec wurðiað! 
Hwalas ðec herigað,  and hefonfugolas, 
lyftlacende,  þa ðe lagostreamas, 
wæterscipe wecgað!  And wildu deor 
and neata gehwilc  naman bletsie! 
And manna bearn  modum lufiað, 
and þec Israela,  æhta scyppend, 
herigað in hade,  herran sinne! 
And þec haligra  heortan cræftas, 
soðfæstra gehwæs  sawle and gastas, 
lofiað liffrean,  lean sellende 
eallum eadmodum,  ece drihten! 
Annanias ðec  and Adzarias 
and Misael  metod domige 
breostgeðancum!  We þec bletsiað, 
frea folca gehwæs,  fæder ælmihtig, 
soð sunu metodes,  sawla nergend, 
hæleða helpend,  and þec, halig gast, 

               wurðiað in wuldre,  witig drihten! 
We ðec herigað,  halig drihten, 
and gebedum bremað!  þu gebletsad eart, 
gewurðad wideferhð 
                ofer worulde hrof, 
heahcyning heofones,  halgum mihtum, 
lifes leohtfruma,  ofer landa gehwilc!" 
ða þæt ehtode  
               ealdor þeode, 
Nabochodonossor,  wið þam nehstum 
            
folcgesiðum:  "þæt eower fela geseah, 

               þeode mine,  þæt we þry sendon, 
geboden to bæle  in byrnende 
fyres leoman.  Nu ic þær feower men 
geseo to soðe,  nales me sefa leogeð." 
ða cwæð se ðe wæs  cyninges ræswa, 
wis and wordgleaw:  "þæt is wundra sum 
þæt we ðær eagum  on lociað. 
Geðenc, ðeoden min,  þine gerysna! 
Ongyt georne  hwa þa gyfe sealde 
gingum gædelingum!  Hie god herigað, 
anne ecne,  and ealles him 
be naman gehwam  on neod sprecað, 
þanciað þrymmes  þristum wordum, 
cweðað 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 laðe  leng þonne þu þurfe." 
Het þa se cyning to him  cnihtas gangan. 
Hyssas hearde  hyrdon lare, 
cyrdon cynegode  swa hie gecyðde wæron, 
hwurfon hæleð geonge  to þam hæðenan foran. 
Wæron þa bende forburnene  þe him on banum lagon, 
laðsearo leoda cyninges,  and hyra lice geborgen. 
Næs hyra wlite gewemmed,  ne nænig wroht on hrægle, 
ne feax fyre beswæled,  ac hie on friðe drihtnes 
of ðam grimman gryre  glade treddedon, 
gleawmode guman,  on gastes hyld. 
ða gewat se engel up  secan him ece dreamas 
on heanne hrof  heofona rices, 
heh þegn and hold  halgum metode. 
Hæfde on þam wundre gewurðod  ðe þa gewyrhto ahton. 
Hyssas heredon drihten  for þam hæðenan folce, 

               septon hie soðcwidum  and him sædon fela 
soðra tacna,  oðþæt he sylfa gelyfde 
þæt se wære mihta waldend  se ðe hie of ðam mirce generede. 
Gebead þa se bræsna  Babilone weard 
swiðmod sinum leodum,  þæt se wære his aldre scyldig, 
se ðæs onsoce  þætte soð wære 
mære mihta waldend,  se hie of þam morðre alysde. 
Agæf him þa his leoda lafe  þe þær gelædde wæron 

               on
               æht ealdfeondum,  þæt hie are hæfdon. 
Wæs heora blæd in Babilone,  siððan hie þone bryne fandedon, 
dom wearð æfter duguðe gecyðed,  siððan hie drihtne gehyrdon. 
Wæron hyra rædas rice,  siððan hie rodera waldend, 
halig heofonrices weard,  wið þone hearm gescylde. 
þa ic secan gefrægn  soðum wordum, 
siððan he wundor onget,  
            
Babilone weard,  þurh fyres bryne, 
hu þa hyssas þry  hatan ofnes, 
færgryre fyres,  oferfaren hæfdon. 
Wylm þurhwodon,  swa him wiht ne sceod 
grim gleda nið,  
               godes spelbodan, 
frecnan fyres,  ac him frið drihtnes 
wið þæs egesan gryre  aldor gescylde. 
ða se ðeoden ongan  geðinges wyrcan; 
het þa tosomne  sine leode, 
and þa on þam meðle  ofer menigo bebead 
wyrd gewordene  and wundor godes, 
þætte on þam cnihtum  gecyðed wæs: 
"Onhicgað nu  halige mihte, 
wise wundor godes!  We gesawon 
þæt he wið cwealme gebearh  cnihtum on ofne, 
lacende lig,  þam þe his lof bæron; 
forþam he is ana  ece drihten, 

               dema ælmihtig,  se ðe him dom forgeaf, 
spowende sped,  þam þe his spel berað. 
Forðon witigað  þurh wundor monig 
halgum gastum  þe his hyld curon. 
Cuð is þæt me Daniel  dyglan swefnes 

               soð gesæde,  þæt ær swiðe oðstod 
manegum on mode  minra leoda, 
forþam ælmihtig  eacenne gast 
in sefan sende,  snyttro cræftas." 
Swa wordum spræc  werodes ræswa, 
Babilone weard,  siððan he beacen onget, 
swutol tacen godes.  No þy sel dyde, 
ac þam æðelinge  oferhygd gesceod, 
wearð him hyrra hyge  and on heortan geðanc 
mara on modsefan  þonne gemet wære, 
oðþæt hine mid nyde  nyðor asette 
metod ælmihtig,  swa he manegum deð 
þara þe þurh oferhyd  up astigeð. 
þa him wearð on slæpe  swefen ætywed, 
Nabochodonossor;  him þæt neh gewearð. 
þuhte him þæt on foldan  fægre stode 
wudubeam wlitig,  se wæs wyrtum fæst, 
beorht on blædum.  Næs he bearwe gelic, 
ac he hlifode 
                to heofontunglum, 
swilce he oferfæðmde  foldan sceatas, 
ealne middangeard,  oð merestreamas, 
twigum and telgum.  ðær he to geseah, 
þuhte him þæt se wudubeam  wilddeor scylde, 
ane æte  eallum heolde, 
swylce fuglas eac  heora feorhnere 
on þæs beames  bledum name. 
ðuhte him þæt engel  ufan of roderum 
stigan cwome  and stefne abead, 
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, 
wunian wyrtruman 
                þæs wudubeames 
eorðan fæstne,  oðþæt eft cyme 
grene bleda,  þonne god sylle. 
Het eac gebindan  beam þone miclan 
ærenum clammum  and isernum, 
and gesæledne  in susl don, 
þæt his mod wite  þæt migtigra 
wite wealdeð  þonne he him wið mæge. 
þa of slæpe onwoc,  (swefn wæs æt ende), 
eorðlic æðeling,  him þæs egesa stod, 
gryre fram ðam gaste  ðe þyder god sende. 
Het þa tosomne  sine leode, 
folctogan feran,  frægn ofer ealle 
swiðmod cyning  hwæt þæt swefen bude, 
nalles þy he wende  þæt hie hit wiston, 
ac he cunnode  hu hie cweðan woldon. 
ða wæs to ðam dome  Daniel haten, 
godes spelboda.  Him wæs gæst geseald, 
halig of heofonum,  se his hyge trymede. 
On þam drihtenweard  deopne wisse 
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 hæðen  heriges wisa, 
ealne þone egesan  þe him eowed wæs. 
Bæd hine areccan  hwæt seo run bude, 
hofe haligu word  and in hige funde 
to gesecganne  soðum wordum 
hwæt se beam bude  þe he blican geseah, 
and him witgode  wyrda geþingu. 
He ða swigode,  hwæðere soð ongeat, 
Daniel æt þam dome,  þæt his drihten wæs, 
gumena aldor,  wið god scyldig. 
Wandode se wisa,  hwæðre he worde cwæð, 

               æcræftig ar,  to þam æðelinge: 
"þæt is, weredes weard,  wundor unlytel, 
þæt þu gesawe  þurh swefen cuman, 
heofonheane beam  and þa halgan word, 
yrre and egeslicu,  þa se engel cwæð, 
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 
stille on staðole,  swa seo stefn gecwæð, 
ymb seofon tida  sæde eft onfon. 
Swa þin blæd lið.  Swa se beam geweox, 
heah to heofonum,  swa þu hæleðum eart 
ana eallum  eorðbuendum 
weard and wisa.  Nis þe wiðerbreca, 
man on moldan,  nymðe metod ana. 
Se ðec aceorfeð  of cyningdome, 
and ðec wineleasne  on wræc sendeð, 
and þonne onhweorfeð  heortan þine, 
þæt þu ne gemyndgast 
                æfter mandreame, 
ne gewittes wast  butan wildeora þeaw, 
ac þu lifgende  lange þrage 
heorta hlypum  geond holt wunast. 
Ne bið þec mælmete  nymþe mores græs, 
ne rest witod,  ac þec regna scur 
weceð and wreceð  swa wildu deor, 
oðþæt þu ymb seofon winter  soð gelyfest, 
þæt sie an metod  eallum mannum, 
reccend and rice,  se on roderum is. 
Is me swa þeah willa  þæt se wyrtruma 
stille wæs on staðole,  swa seo stefn gecwæð, 
and ymbe seofan tide  sæde onfenge. 
Swa þin rice  restende bið, 

               anwalh for eorlum,  oðþæt þu eft cymst. 
Gehyge þu, frea min,  fæstlicne ræd. 
Syle ælmyssan,  wes earmra hleo, 
þinga for ðeodne,  ær ðam seo þrah cyme 
þæt he þec aworpe  of woruldrice. 
Oft metod alæt  monige ðeode 
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 
soðra worda  þurh snytro cræft, 
þæt þæs a se rica  reccan wolde, 
middangeardes weard,  ac his mod astah, 
heah fram heortan;  he þæs hearde ongeald. 
Ongan ða gyddigan  þurh gylp micel 
Caldea cyning  þa he ceastergeweorc, 
Babilone burh,  on his blæde geseah, 
Sennera feld  sidne bewindan, 
heah hlifigan;  þæt se heretyma 
werede geworhte  þurh wundor micel, 
wearð ða anhydig  ofer ealle men, 
swiðmod in sefan,  for ðære sundorgife 
þe him god sealde,  gumena rice, 
world to gewealde  in wera life: 
"ðu eart seo micle  and min seo mære burh 
þe ic geworhte  to wurðmyndum, 
rume rice.  Ic reste on þe, 
eard and eðel,  agan wille." 
ða for ðam gylpe  gumena drihten 
forfangen wearð  and on fleam gewat, 
ana on oferhyd  ofer ealle men. 
Swa wod wera  on gewindagum 
geocrostne sið  in godes wite, 
ðara þe eft lifigende  leode begete, 
Nabochodonossor,  siððan him nið godes, 
hreð of heofonum,  hete gesceode. 
Seofon winter samod  susl þrowode, 
wildeora westen,  winburge cyning. 
ða se earfoðmæcg  up locode, 
wilddeora gewita,  þurh wolcna gang. 
Gemunde þa on mode  þæt metod wære, 
heofona heahcyning,  hæleða 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, 
mod to mannum,  siððan he metod onget. 
Gewat þa earmsceapen  eft siðian, 
nacod nydgenga,  nið geðafian, 
wundorlic wræcca  and wæda leas, 
mætra on modgeðanc,  to mancynne, 
ðonne gumena weard  in gylpe wæs. 
Stod middangeard  æfter mandrihtne, 
eard and eðel  æfter þam æðelinge, 
seofon winter samod,  swa no swiðrode 
rice under roderum  oðþæt se ræswa com. 
þa wæs eft geseted  in aldordom 
Babilone weard,  hæfde beteran ðeaw, 
leohtran geleafan  in liffruman, 
þætte god sealde  gumena gehwilcum 
welan swa wite,  swa he wolde sylf. 
Ne lengde þa  leoda aldor 
witegena wordcwyde,  ac he wide bead 
metodes mihte  þær he meld ahte, 
siðfæt sægde  sinum leodum, 
wide waðe  þe he mid wilddeorum ateah, 
oðþæt him frean godes  in gast becwom 
rædfæst sefa,  ða he to roderum beseah. 
Wyrd wæs geworden,  wundor gecyðed, 
swefn geseðed,  susl awunnen, 
dom gedemed,  swa ær Daniel cwæð, 
þæt se folctoga  findan sceolde 
earfoðsiðas  for his ofermedlan. 
Swa he ofstlice  godspellode 
metodes mihtum  for mancynne, 
siððan in Babilone  burhsittendum 
lange hwile  lare sægde, 
Daniel domas.  Siððan deora gesið, 
wildra wærgenga,  of waðe cwom, 
Nabochodonossor  of niðwracum, 
siððan weardode  wide rice, 
heold hæleða gestreon  and þa hean burh, 
frod, foremihtig  folca ræswa, 
Caldea cyning,  oðþæt him cwelm gesceod, 
swa him ofer eorðan  andsaca ne wæs 
gumena ænig  oðþæt him god wolde 
þurh hryre hreddan  hea rice. 
Siððan þær his aferan  ead bryttedon, 
welan, wunden gold,  in þære widan byrig, 
ealhstede eorla,  unwaclice, 
heah hordmægen,  þa hyra hlaford læg. 
ða in ðære ðeode awoc  his þæt þridde cneow. 
Wæs Baldazar  burga aldor, 
weold wera rices,  oðþæt him wlenco gesceod, 
oferhyd egle.  ða wæs endedæg 
ðæs ðe Caldeas  cyningdom ahton. 
ða metod onlah  Medum and Persum 
aldordomes  
               ymb lytel fæc, 
let Babilone  blæd swiðrian, 
þone þa hæleð  healdan sceoldon. 
Wiste he ealdormen  in unrihtum, 
ða ðe ðy rice  rædan sceoldon. 
ða þæt gehogode  hamsittende, 
Meda aldor,  þæt ær man ne ongan, 
þæt he Babilone  abrecan wolde, 
alhstede eorla,  þær æðelingas 
under wealla hleo  welan brytnedon. 
þæt wæs þara fæstna  folcum cuðost, 
mæst and mærost  þara þe men bun, 
Babilon burga,  oðþæt Baldazar 
þurh gylp grome  godes frasade. 
Sæton him æt wine  wealle belocene, 
ne onegdon na  orlegra nið, 
þeah ðe feonda folc  feran cwome 
herega gerædum  to þære heahbyrig 
þæt hie Babilone  abrecan mihton. 
Gesæt þa to symble  siðestan dæge 
Caldea cyning  mid cneomagum, 
þær medugal wearð  mægenes wisa. 
Het þam æðelum beran  Israela gestreon, 
huslfatu halegu,  on hand werum, 
þa ær Caldeas  mid cyneðrymme, 
cempan in ceastre,  clæne genamon, 
gold in Gerusalem,  ða hie Iudea 
blæd forbræcon  billa ecgum, 
and þurh hleoðorcyme,  herige genamon 
beorhte frætwe.  ða hie tempel strudon, 
Salomanes seld,  swiðe gulpon. 
ða wearð bliðemod  burga aldor, 
gealp gramlice  gode on andan, 
cwæð þæt his hergas  hyrran wæron 
and mihtigran  mannum to friðe 
þonne Israela  ece drihten. 
Him þæt tacen wearð  þær he to starude, 
egeslic for eorlum  innan healle, 
þæt he for leodum  ligeword gecwæð, 
þa þær in egesan  engel drihtnes 
let his hand cuman  in þæt hea seld, 
wrat þa in wage  worda gerynu, 
baswe bocstafas,  burhsittendum. 
ða wearð folctoga  forht on mode, 
acul for þam egesan.  Geseah he engles hand 
in sele writan  Sennera wite. 
þæt gyddedon  gumena mænigeo, 
hæleð in healle,  hwæt seo hand write 
to þam beacne  burhsittendum. 
Werede comon  on þæt wundor seon. 
Sohton þa swiðe  in sefan gehydum, 
hwæt seo hand write  haliges gastes. 
Ne mihton arædan  runcræftige men 
engles ærendbec,  æðelinga cyn, 
oðþæt Daniel com,  drihtne gecoren, 
snotor and soðfæst,  in þæt seld gangan. 
ðam wæs on gaste  godes cræft micel, 
to þam ic georne gefrægn  gyfum ceapian 
burhge weardas  þæt he him bocstafas 
arædde and arehte,  hwæt seo run bude. 
Him æcræftig  andswarode, 
godes spelboda,  gleaw geðances: 
"No ic wið feohsceattum  ofer folc bere 
drihtnes domas,  ne ðe dugeðe can, 
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, 
ða ær Israela  in æ hæfdon 
æt godes earce,  oðþæt hie gylp beswac, 
windruncen gewit,  swa þe wurðan sceal. 
No þæt þin aldor  æfre wolde 
godes goldfatu  in gylp beran, 
ne ðy hraðor hremde,  ðeah ðe here brohte 
Israela gestreon  in his æhte geweald, 
ac þæt oftor gecwæð  aldor ðeoda 
soðum wordum  ofer sin mægen, 
siððan him wuldres weard  wundor gecyðde, 
þæt he wære ana  ealra gesceafta 
drihten and waldend,  se him dom forgeaf, 
unscyndne blæd  eorðan rices, 
and þu lignest nu  þæt sie lifgende, 
se ofer deoflum  dugeþum wealdeð." 

4. Christ and SatanKrapp, 1931 135-58; Krapp, G.P., The Junius Manuscript, ASPR 1 (New York).þæt wearð underne  eorðbuendum, 
þæt meotod hæfde  miht and strengðo 
ða he gefestnade  foldan sceatas. 
Seolfa he gesette  sunnan and monan, 
stanas and eorðan,  stream ut on sæ, 
wæter and wolcn,  ðurh his wundra miht. 
Deopne ymblyt 
                clene ymbhaldeð 
meotod on mihtum,  and alne middangeard. 
He selfa mæg  sæ geondwlitan, 
grundas in geofene,  godes agen bearn, 
and he ariman mæg  rægnas scuran, 
dropena gehwelcne.  Daga enderim 
seolua he gesette  þurh his soðan miht. 
Swa se wyrhta  þurh his wuldres gast 
serede and sette  on six dagum 
eorðan dæles,  up on heofonum, 

               and heanne holm.  Hwa is þæt ðe cunne 
orðonc clene  nymðe ece god? 
Dreamas he gedelde,  duguðe and geþeode, 
Adam ærest,  and þæt æðele cyn, 
engla ordfruman,  þæt þe eft forwarð. 
ðuhte him on mode  þæt hit mihte swa, 
þæt hie weron seolfe  swegles brytan, 
wuldres waldend.  Him ðær wirse gelamp, 
ða heo in helle  ham staðeledon, 
an æfter oðrum,  in þæt atole scref, 
þær heo brynewelme  bidan sceolden 
saran sorge,  nales swegles leoht 
habban in heofnum  heahgetimbrad, 
ac gedufan sceolun  in ðone deopan wælm 
niðær undęr nessas  in ðone neowlan grund, 
gredige and gifre.  God ana wat 
hu he þæt scyldige werud  forscrifen hęfde! 

               Cleopað ðonne se alda  ut of helle, 
wriceð wordcwedas  weregan reorde, 
eisegan stefne:  "Hwær com engla ðrym, 

               þe we on heofnum  habban sceoldan? 
þis is ðeostræ ham,  ðearle gebunden 
fæstum fyrclommum;  flor is on welme 
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, 
song on swegle  selrum tidum, 
þær nu ymb ðone æcan  æðele stondað, 
heleð ymb hehseld,  herigað drihten 

               wordum and wercum,  and ic in wite sceal 
bidan in bendum,  and me bættran ham 
for oferhygdum  æfre ne wene." 
ða him andsweradan  atole gastas, 
swarte and synfulle,  susle begnornende: 
"þu us gelærdæst  ðurh lyge ðinne 
þæt we helende  heran ne scealdon. 
ðuhte þe anum  þæt ðu ahtest alles gewald, 
heofnes and eorþan,  wære halig god, 
scypend seolfa.  Nu earttu sceaðana sum, 
in fyrlocan  feste gebunden. 
Wendes ðu ðurh wuldor  ðæt þu woruld ahtest, 
alra onwald,  and we englas mid ðec. 
Atol is þin onseon!  Habbað we alle swa 
for ðinum leasungum  lyðre gefered. 
Segdest us to soðe  þæt ðin sunu wære 
meotod moncynnes;  hafustu nu mare susel!" 
Swa firenfulle  facnum wordum 
heora aldorðægn  
               on reordadon, 
on cearum cwidum.  Crist heo afirde, 
dreamum bedelde.  Hæfdan dryhtnes liht 
for oferhygdum  ufan forleton, 
hæfdon hym to hyhte  helle floras, 
beornende bealo.  Blace hworfon 
scinnan forscepene,  sceaðan hwearfedon, 
earme æglecan,  geond þæt atole scref, 
for ðam anmedlan  þe hie ær drugon. 
Eft reordade  oðre siðe 
feonda aldor.  Wæs þa forht agen, 
seoððan he ðes wites  worn gefelde. 
He spearcade,  ðonne he spreocan ongan 
fyre and atre;  ne bið swelc fæger dream 
ðonne he in witum  
               wordum indraf: 
"Ic wæs iu in heofnum  halig ængel, 
dryhtene deore;  hefde me dream mid gode, 
micelne for meotode,  and ðeos menego swa some. 
þa ic in mode  minum hogade 
þæt ic wolde towerpan  
               wuldres leoman, 
bearn helendes,  agan me burga gewald 
eall to æhte,  and ðeos earme heap 
þe ic hebbe to helle  ham geledde. 
Wene þæt tacen sutol  
               þa ic aseald wes on wærgðu, 
niðer under nessas  in ðone neowlan grund. 
Nu ic eow hebbe to hæftum  ham gefærde 
            
alle of earde.  Nis her eadiges tir, 
wloncra winsele,  ne worulde dream, 
ne ængla ðreat,  ne we upheofon 
agan moten.  Is ðes atola ham 
fyre onæled.  Ic eom fah wið god. 
æce æt helle duru  dracan eardigað, 
hate on reðre;  heo us helpan ne magon. 
Is ðæs walica ham  wites afylled; 
nagan we ðæs heolstres  þæt we us gehydan mægon 
in ðissum neowlan genipe.  Hær is nedran swæg, 
wyrmas gewunade.  Is ðis wites clom 
feste gebunden.  Feond seondon reðe, 
dimme and deorce.  Ne her dæg lyhteð 
for scedes sciman,  sceppendes leoht. 

               Iu ahte ic gewald  ealles wuldres, 

               ær ic moste in ðeossum atolan  æðele gebidan 
hwæt me drihten god  deman wille, 
fagum on flora.  Nu ic feran com 
deofla menego  to ðissum dimman ham. 
Ac ic sceal on flyge  and on flyhte ðragum 
earda neosan,  and eower ma, 
þe ðes oferhydes  ord onstaldon. 
Ne ðurfon we ðes wenan,  þæt us wuldorcyning 
æfre wille  eard alefan, 
æðel to æhte,  swa he ær dyde, 
ecne onwald;  ah him alles gewald, 
wuldres and wita,  waldendes sunu. 
Forðon ic sceal hean and earm  hweorfan ðy widor, 
wadan wræclastas,  wuldre benemed, 
duguðum bedeled,  nænigne dream agan 
uppe mid ænglum,  þes ðe ic ær gecwæð 
þæt ic wære seolfa  swægles brytta, 

               wihta wealdend.  Ac hit me wyrse gelomp!" 
Swa se werega gast  wordum sæde 
his earfoðo  ealle ætsomne, 
fah in fyrnum,  (fyrleoma stod 
geond þæt atole scræf  attre geblonden): 
"Ic eom limwæstmum  þæt ic gelutian ne mæg 
on þyssum sidan sele,  synnum forwundod. 
Hwæt, her hat and ceald  hwilum mencgað; 
hwilum ic gehere  hellescealcas, 
gnornende cynn,  grundas mænan, 
niðer under næssum;  hwilum nacode men 
winnað 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. 
Is me nu wyrsa  þæt ic wuldres leoht 
uppe mid englum  æfre cuðe, 
song on swegle,  þær sunu meotodes 
habbað eadige bearn  ealle ymbfangen 
seolfa mid sange.  Ne ic þam sawlum ne mot 
ænigum sceððan,  
            
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 
þonne þe we iu in heofonum  hæfdon ærror 
wlite and weorðmynt.  Ful oft wuldres sweg 
            
brohton to bearme  bearn hælendes, 
þær we ymb hine utan  ealle hofan, 
leomu ymb leofne,  lofsonga word, 
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 cwiðde  firna herde, 
atol æglæca,  ut of helle, 
witum werig.  Word spearcum fleah 
attre gelicost,  þonne he ut þorhdraf: 
"Eala drihtenes þrym!  Eala duguða helm! 
Eala meotodes miht!  Eala middaneard! 
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, 
ne huru mid earum ne sceal  æfre geheran 
þære byrhtestan  beman stefne! 
ðæs ic wolde of selde  sunu meotodes, 
drihten adrifan,  and agan me þæs dreames gewald, 
wuldres and wynne,  me þær wyrse gelamp 
þonne ic to hihte  agan moste. 
Nu ic eom asceaden  fram þære sciran driht, 
alæded fram leohte  in þone laðan ham. 
Ne mæg ic þæt gehicgan  hu ic in ðæm becwom, 
in þis neowle genip,  
               niðsynnum fah, 
aworpen of worulde.  Wat ic nu þa 
þæt bið alles leas  
               ęcan dreamas 
se ðe heofencyninge  heran ne þenceð, 
meotode cweman.  Ic þæt morðer sceal, 
wean and witu  and wrace dreogan, 
goda bedæled,  iudædum fah, 
þæs ðe ic geþohte adrifan  drihten of selde, 
weoroda waldend;  sceal nu wreclastas 
settan sorhgcearig,  
               siðas wide." 
Hwearf þa to helle  þa he gehened wæs, 
godes andsaca;  dydon his gingran swa, 
gifre and grædige,  þa hig god bedraf 
in þæt hate hof  þam is hel nama. 
Forþan sceal gehycgan  hæleða æghwylc 
þæt he ne abælige  bearn waldendes. 
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, 
mihta miccle,  þa he þa mænego adraf, 
hæftas of ðæm 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;  
            
beoran on breostum  bliðe geþohtas, 
sibbe and snytero;  gemunan soð and riht, 
þonne we to hehselde  hnigan þencað, 
and þone anwaldan  ara biddan. 
þonne behofað  se ðe her wunað 
weorulde wynnum  þæt him wlite scine 
þonne he oðer lif  eft geseceð, 

               fægere land  þonne þeos folde seo; 
is þær wlitig and wynsum,  wæstmas scinað, 
beorhte ofer burgum.  þær is brade lond, 
hyhtlicra ham  in heofonrice, 
Criste gecwemra.  Uta cerran þider 
þær he sylfa sit,  sigora waldend, 
drihten hælend,  in ðæm deoran ham, 
and ymb þæt hehsetl  hwite standað 
engla feðan  and eadigra, 
halige heofenþreatas  herigað drihten 
wordum and weorcum.  Heora wlite scineð 
geond ealra worulda woruld  mid wuldorcyninge. 
ða get ic furðor gefregen  
               feond ondetan; 
wæs him eall ful strang wom and witu;  hæfdon wuldorcyning 
for oferhigdum  anforlæten; 
cwædon eft hraðe  oðre worde: 
"Nu is gesene  þæt we syngodon 
uppe on earde.  Sceolon nu æfre þæs 
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, 
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 
and gebletsode  bilewitne heap 
dogra gehwilcne,  and his se deora sunu, 
gasta scyppend.  God seolfa wæs 
eallum andfeng  þe ðær up becom, 
and hine on eorðan  ær gelefde. 
þa ðæs ofþuhte  þæt se þeoden wæs 
strang and stiðmod.  Ongan ic þa steppan forð 
ana wið englum,  and to him eallum spræc: 
'Ic can eow læran  langsumne ræd, 
gif ge willað minre  mihte gelefan. 
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.' 
ða gewearð usic  þæt we woldon swa 
drihten adrifan  of þam deoran ham, 
cyning of cestre.  Cuð is wide 
þæt wreclastas  wunian moton, 
grimme grundas.  God seolfa him 
rice haldeð.  He is ana cyning, 
þe us eorre gewearð,  ece drihten, 
meotod mihtum swið.  Sceal nu þeos menego her 
licgan on leahtrum,  sume on lyft scacan, 
fleogan ofer foldan;  fyr bið ymbutan 
on æghwylcum,  þæh he uppe seo. 
Ne mot he þam sawlum  þe ðær secað up, 
eadige of eorþan  æfre gehrinan, 
ah ic be hondum mot  hæþenre sceale 
            
gripan to grunde,  godes andsacan. 
Sume sceolon hweorfan  geond hæleða land 
and unsibbe  oft onstyrian 
monna mægðum  geond middaneard. 
Ic her geþolian sceal  þinga æghwylces, 
bitres niðæs 
                beala gnornian, 
sic and sorhful,  þæs ic seolfa weold, 
þonne ic on heofonum  ham staðelode, 
hwæðer us se eca  æfre wille 
on heofona rice  ham alefan, 

               eðel to æhte,  swa he ær dyde." 
Swa gnornedon  godes andsacan, 
hate on helle.  Him wæs hælend god 
wrað geworden  for womcwidum. 
Forþon mæg gehycgan,  se ðe his heorte deah, 
þæt he him afirre  frecne geþohtas, 
laðe leahtras,  lifigendra gehwylc. 
Gemunan symle on mode  meotodes strengðo; 
gearwian us togenes  grene stræte 
up to englum,  þær is se ælmihtiga god. 
And us befæðman wile  freobearn godes, 
gif we þæt on eorðan  ær geþencað, 
and us to þam halgan  helpe gelefað. 
þonne he us no forlæteð,  ah lif syleð 
uppe mid englum,  eadigne dream. 
Tæceð us se torhta  trumlicne ham, 
beorhte burhweallas.  Beorhte scinað 
gesælige sawle,  sorgum bedælde, 
þær heo æfre forð  wunian moten 
cestre and cynestol.  Uton cyþan þæt! 
Deman we on eorðan,  ærror lifigend, 
onlucan mid listum  locen waldendes, 
ongeotan gastlice!  Us ongean cumað 
þusend engla,  gif þider moton, 
and þæt on eorðan  ær gewyrcað. 
Forþon se bið eadig  se ðe æfre wile 
man oferhycgen,  meotode cweman, 
synne adwæscan.  Swa he sylfa cwæð: 
"Soðfæste men,  sunnan gelice, 
fægre gefrætewod  in heora fæder rice 
scinað in sceldbyrig."  þær heo sceppend seolf 

               friðe befæðmeð,  fæder mancynnes, 
ahefeð 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. 
Eala hwæt! Se awyrgda  wraðe geþohte 
þæt he heofencyninge  heran ne wolde, 
fæder frefergendum.  Flor attre weol, 
hat under hæftum;  
               hreopan deofla, 
wide geond windsele  
               wean cwanedon, 
man and morður.  Wæs seo menego þær 
swylce onæled;  wæs þæt eall full strong, 
þonne wæs heora aldor,  þe ðær ærest com 
forð on feþan,  fæste gebunden 
fyre and lige.  þæt wæs fæstlic þreat; 
ec sceoldon his þegnas  þær gewunian 
atolan eðles,  nalles up þanon 
geheran in heofonum  haligne dream, 
þær heo oft fægerne  folgað hæfdon 
uppe mid englum.  Wæron þa alles þæs 
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. 
Nabbað he to hyhte  nymþe cyle and fyr, 
wean and witu  and wyrma þreat, 
dracan and næddran  and þone dimman  ham. 
Forðon mihte geheran,  se ðe æt hylle wæs 
twelf milum neh,  þæt ðær wæs toða geheaw, 
hlude and geomre.  Godes andsacan 
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 staðelodon, 
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, 
þæt asecgan mæge  swegles leoman, 
hu scima þær  scineð ymbutan 
meotodes mihte,  geond þæt mære cynn, 
þær habbað englas  eadigne dream, 
sanctas singað  (þæt is se seolfa) for god. 
þonne beoð þa eadigan  þe of eorðan cumað, 
bringað to bearme  blostman stences, 
wyrte wynsume  (þæt synd word godes), 
þonne hie befæðmeð  fæder mancynnes, 
and hie gesegnað  mid his swiðran hond, 

               lædeð to lihte,  þær hi lif agon 
a to aldre,  uplicne ham, 
byrhtne burhstyde.  Blæd bið æghwæm 
þæm ðe hælende  heran þenceð, 
and wel is þam  ðe þæt wyrcan mot. 
Wæs þæt encgelcyn  ær genemned, 
Lucifer haten,  leohtberende, 
on geardagum  in godes rice. 
þa he in wuldre  wrohte onstalde 
þæt he oferhyda  agan wolde. 

               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, 
and his hired mid hine,  in hynðo geglidan, 
nergendes nið,  and no seoððan 
þæt hi mosten in þone ecan  andwlitan seon 
            
buton ende.  þa him egsa becom, 
dyne for deman,  þa he duru in helle 
bræc and begde.  Blis wearð 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: 
"þis is stronglic,  nu þes storm becom, 
þegen mid þreate,  þeoden engla. 
Him beforan fereð  fægere leoht 
þonne we æfre ær  eagum gesawon, 
buton þa we mid englum  uppe wæron. 
Wile nu ure witu  þurh his wuldres cræft 
eall toweorpan.  Nu ðes egsa com, 
dyne for drihtne,  sceal þes dreorga heap 
ungeara nu  atol þrowian. 
Hit is se seolfa  sunu waldendes, 
engla drihten.  Wile uppe heonan 
sawla lædan,  and we seoððan a 
þæs yrreweorces  henðo geþoliað." 
Hwearf þa to helle  hæleða bearnum, 
meotod þurh mihte;  wolde manna rim, 
fela þusenda,  forð gelædan 
up to eðle.  þa com engla sweg, 
dyne on dægred;  hæfde drihten seolf 
feond oferfohten.  Wæs seo fæhðe þa gyt 
open on uhtan,  þa se egsa becom. 
Let þa up faran  eadige sawle, 
Adames cyn,  
               ac ne moste Efe þa gyt 
wlitan in wuldre  ær heo wordum cwæð: 
"Ic þe æne abealh,  ece drihten, 
þa wit Adam twa  eaples þigdon 
þurh næddran nið,  swa wit na ne sceoldon. 
Gelærde unc se atola,  se ðe æfre nu 
beorneð on bendum,  þæt wit blæd ahton, 
haligne ham,  heofon to gewalde. 
þa wit ðæs awærgdan  wordum gelyfdon, 
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 seoððan, 
þusenda feolo,  þearle onæled. 
Nu ic þe halsige,  heofenrices weard, 
for þan hirede  þe ðu hider læddest, 
engla þreatas,  þæt ic up heonon 
mæge and mote  mid minre mægðe. 
And ymb þreo niht com  þegen hælendes 
ham to helle;  is nu hæftum strong, 
witum werig,  swylce him wuldorcyning 
for onmædlan  eorre geworden. 
Segdest us to soðe  þætte seolfa god 
wolde helwarum  ham gelihtan. 
Aras þa anra gehwylc,  and wið earm gesæt, 
hleonade wið handa.  þeah hylle gryre 
egeslic þuhte,  wæron ealle þæs 
fægen in firnum  þæt freodrihten 
            
wolde him to helpe  helle gesecan." 
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 ðu eart sylfa god 
and ece ordfruma  ealra gesceafta." 
Let þa up faran  ece drihten; 
wuldre hæfde  wites clomma 
feondum oðfæsted,  and heo furðor sceaf 
in þæt neowle genip,  nearwe gebeged, 
þær nu Satanus  swearte þingað, 
earm aglæca,  and þa atolan mid him, 
witum werige.  Nalles wuldres leoht 
habban moton,  ah in helle grund, 
ne hi edcerres  æfre moton 
wenan seoððan.  Him wæs drihten god 
wrað geworden,  sealde him wites clom, 
atole to æhte,  and egsan gryre, 

               dimne and deorcne  deaðes scuwan, 
hatne helle grund,  
               hinsiðgryre. 
þæt, la, wæs fæger,  þæt se feða com 
up to earde,  and se eca mid him, 
meotod mancynnes  in þa mæran burh! 
Hofon hine mid him  handum halige 
witigan up to eðle,  Abrahames cynn. 
Hæfde þa drihten seolf  deað oferwunnen, 
feond geflemed;  þæt in fyrndagum 
witegan sædon  þæt he swa wolde. 
þis wæs on uhtan  eall geworden, 
ær dægrede,  þæt se dyne becom, 
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 soðcwidum:  "Snotre gastas, 
ic eow þurh mine  mihte geworhte, 
Adam ærest  and þæt æðele wif. 
þa hie begeton  on godes willan 
feowertig bearna,  þæt forð þonon 

               on middangeard  menio onwocon, 
and wintra feola  wunian moston, 
eorlas on eðle,  oððæt eft gelamp 
þæt hie 
               afyrde eft  feond in firenum; 
fah is æghwær.  
            
Ic on neorxnawonge  niwe asette 
treow mid telgum,  þæt ða 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, 
æten þa egsan.  Wæs se atola beforan, 
se inc bam forgeaf  balewe geþohtas. 
þa me gereaw  þæt min handgeweorc 

               þæs carcernes  clom ðrowade. 
Næs ða monna gemet,  ne mægen engla, 
ne witegena weorc,  ne wera snytero, 
þæt eow mihte helpan,  nimðe hælend god, 
se þæt wite ær  to wrece gesette. 
Ferde to foldan  þurh fæmnan had 
ufan from eðle,  and on eorþan gebad 
tintregan fela 
                
               and teonan micelne. 
Me seredon ymb  secgas monige 
dæges and nihtes,  hu heo me deaðes cwealm, 
rices rædboran,  hrefnan mihten. 
þa wæs þæs mæles  mearc agangen 
þæt on worulde wæs  wintra gerimes 
þreo and þritig geara  ær ic þrowode. 
Gemunde ic ðæs mænego  
               on 
               þam minnan ham 
lange þæs ðe ic of hæftum  ham gelædde 
up to earde,  þæt heo agan sceolon 
            
drihtnes domas  and duguðe þrym; 
wuniað in wynnum,  habbað wuldres blæd 
þusendmælum.  Ic eow þingade 
þa me on beame  beornas sticedon, 
garum on galgum.  Heow se giunga þær, 
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 deaðe aras. 
Næs nan þæs stronglic  
               stan gefæstnod, 
þeah he wære mid irne  eall ymbfangen, 
þæt mihte þam miclan  mægne wiðhabban, 
ah he ut eode,  engla drihten, 
on þæm fæstenne,  and gefatian het 
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 
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 ðæs gingran þider 
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: 
"Eart þu þis, drihten,  dome gewurðad? 
We ðe gesawon  æt sumum cyrre, 
þec gelegdon  on laðne bend 

               hæþene mid hondum;  him þæt gehreowan mæg 
þonne heo endestæf  eft gesceawiað." 
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 bæðe. 
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 
secgan drihtne þanc  dædum and weorcum, 
þæs ðe he us of hæftum  ham gelædde 
up to eðle,  þær we agan sceolon 
            
drihtnes domas,  
            
and we in wynnum  wunian moton. 
Us is wuldres leoht  
            
torht ontyned,  þam ðe teala þenceð. 
þa wæs on eorðan  ece drihten 
feowertig daga  folgad folcum, 
gecyðed mancynne,  ær he in þa mæran gesceaft, 
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, 
onfeng freodrihten,  and hine forð lædde 
to þam halgan ham  heofna ealdor. 
Him ymbflugon  engla þreatas 
þusendmælum.  þa hit þus gelomp, 
þa gyt nergende Crist  
               gecwæð þæt he þæs 
ymb tene niht  twelf apostolas 
mid his gastes gife,  gingran geswiðde. 
Hæfde þa gesette  sawla unrim 
god lifigende.  þa wæs Iudas of, 
se ðe ær on tifre  torhtne gesalde, 
drihten hælend;  him seo dæd ne geþeah, 
þæs he bebohte  bearn wealdendes 
on seolfres sinc;  him þæt swearte forgeald 
earm æglæca  innon helle. 
Siteð nu on þa swiðran hond  sunu his fæderes; 
dæleð dogra gehwæm  drihten weoroda 
help and hælo  hæleþa bearnum 
geond middangeard.  þæt is monegum cuð 
þæt he ana is  ealra gescefta 
wyrhta and waldend  þurh his wuldres cræft. 
Siteð him on heofnum  halig encgel, 
waldend mid witegum.  Hafað wuldres bearn 
his seolfes seld  swegl betolden. 
Leaðað us þider to leohte  þurh his læcedom, 
þær we moton seolfe  sittan mid drihtne, 
uppe mid englum,  habban þæt ilce leoht, 
þær his hired nu  halig eardað, 
wunað in wynnum,  þær is wuldres bled 
torht ontyned.  Uton teala hycgan 
þæt we hælende  heran georne, 
Criste cweman.  þær is cuðre lif 
þonne we on eorðan mægen  æfre gestreonan. 
Hafað nu geþingod to us  þeoden mæra, 
ælmihtig god,  
            
on domdæge  drihten seolfa. 
Hateð hehenglas  hluddre stefne 
beman blawan  ofer burga geseotu 
geond foldan sceatas.  
            
þonne of þisse moldan  men onwecnað; 
deade of duste arisað  þurh drihtnes miht. 
þæt bið daga lengust,  and dinna mæst 
hlud gehered,  þonne hælend cymeð, 
waldend mid wolcnum  in þas woruld færeð. 
Wile þonne gesceadan 
                wlitige and unclæne 
on twa healfe,  tile and yfle. 
Him þa soðfæstan  on þa swiðran hond 
mid rodera weard  reste gestigað. 
þonne beoð bliðe  þa in burh moton 
gongan in godes rice,  
            
and heo gesenað  mid his swiðran hond 
cynincg alwihta,  cleopað ofer ealle: 
"Ge sind wilcuman!  Gað in wuldres leoht 
to heofona rice,  þær ge habbað 
a to aldre  ece reste." 
þonne stondað þa forworhtan,  þa ðe firnedon; 
beoð beofigende  hwonne him bearn godes 
deman wille  þurh his dæda sped. 
Wenað þæt heo moten  to þære mæran byrig 
up to englum  swa oðre dydon, 
ac him bið reordende  
            
ece drihten,  ofer ealle gecwæð: 
"Astigað nu, awyrgde,  in þæt witehus 
ofostum miclum.  Nu ic eow ne con." 
Sona æfter þæm wordum  werige gastas, 
helle hæftas,  hwyrftum scriþað 
þusendmælum,  and þider leaðað 
            
in þæt sceaðena scræf,  scufað to grunde 
in þæt nearwe nið,  and no seoððan 
þæt hie up þonan  æfre moton, 
ah þær geþolian sceolon  earmlic wite, 
clom and carcern,  and þone caldan grund 
deopne adreogan  and deofles spellunge, 
hu hie him on edwit  oft asettað 
swarte suslbonan,  stæleð feondas 
            
fæhðe and firne,  þær ðe hie freodrihten, 
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, 
hu eadige þær  uppe sittað 
selfe mid swegle,  
               sunu hælendes! 
þær is geat gylden  gimmum gefrætewod, 
wynnum bewunden,  þæm þe in wuldres leoht 
gongan moten  to godes rice, 
and ymb þa weallas  wlitige scinað 
engla gastas  and eadige sawla, 
þa ðe heonon ferað.  
            
þær martiras  meotode cwemað, 
and herigað hehfæder  halgum stefnum, 
cyning in cestre.  Cweþað ealle þus: 
"þu eart hæleða helm  and heofendema, 
engla ordfruma,  and eorðan tudor 

               up
               gelæddest
                to þissum eadigan ham." 
Swa wuldres weard  wordum herigað 
þegnas ymb þeoden,  þær is þrym micel, 
sang æt selde,  is sylf cyning, 
ealra aldor,  in ðære ecan gesceft. 
þæt is se drihten,  seðe deað for us 
geþrowode,  þeoden engla. 
Swylce he fæste  feowertig daga, 
metod mancynnes,  þurh his mildsa sped. 
þa gewearð þone weregan,  þe ær aworpen wæs 
of heofonum  þæt he in helle gedeaf, 
þa costode  cyning alwihta. 
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, 
nymþe me ænne  
            
ac geseted hafast,  sigores agend, 
lifigendum liht,  lean butan ende, 
on heofenrice,  halige dreamas." 

                þa he mid hondum genom 
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 
            
folc and foldan.  Foh hider to me 
burh and breotone  bold to gewealde, 
rodora rices,  gif þu seo riht cyning 
engla and monna,  swa ðu ær myntest." 
þa him andswarode  ece drihten: 
"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 ðu hellwarum  hyht ne abeode, 
ah þu him secgan miht  sorga mæste, 
þæt ðu gemettes  meotod alwihta, 
cyning moncynnes.  Cer ðe on bæcling! 
Wite þu eac, awyrgda,  hu wid and sid 
helheoðo dreorig,  and mid hondum amet. 
Grip wið þæs grundes;  gang þonne swa 
oððæt þu þone ymbhwyrft  alne cunne, 
and ærest amet  ufan to grunde, 
and hu sid seo 
                se swarta eðm. 
Wast þu þonne þe geornor  þæt þu wið god wunne, 
seoððan þu þonne hafast  handum ametene 
hu heh and deop  hell inneweard seo, 
grim græfhus.  Gong ricene to, 
ær twa seondon  tida agongene, 
þæt ðu merced hus  ameten hæbbe." 
þa þam werigan wearð  wracu getenge. 
Satan seolua ran  and on susle gefeol, 
earm æglęce.  Hwilum mid folmum mæt 
wean and witu.  Hwilum se wonna læg 
læhte wið þes laþan.  Hwilum he licgan geseah 
hæftas in hylle.  Hwilum hream astag, 
ðonne he on þone atolan  eagum gesawun. 
Hæfdon gewunnon  godes andsacan 
blac bealowes gast,  þæt he on botme stod. 
þa him þuhte  þæt þanon wære 
to helleduru  hund þusenda 
mila gemearcodes,  swa hine se mihtiga het 
þæt þurh sinne cræft  susle amæte. 

               ða he gemunde  þæt he on grunde stod. 
Locade leas wiht  geond þæt laðe scræf, 
atol mid egum,  oððæt egsan gryre 
deofla mænego  þonne up astag. 
Wordum in witum  ongunnon þa werigan gastas 
reordian and cweðan:  
            
"La, þus beo nu on yfele!  Noldæs ær teala!" 
[Finit Liber II. Amen]. 

5. AndreasKrapp, 1932a 3-51; Krapp, G.P., The Vercelli Book, ASPR 2 (New York).Hwæt! We gefrunan  on fyrndagum 
twelfe under tunglum  tireadige hæleð, 
þeodnes þegnas.  No hira þrym alæg 

               camprædenne
                þonne cumbol hneotan, 
syððan hie gedældon,  swa him dryhten sylf, 
heofona heahcyning,  
               hlyt getæhte. 
þæt wæron mære  men ofer eorðan, 
frome folctogan  ond fyrdhwate, 
rofe rincas,  þonne rond ond hand 
on herefelda  helm ealgodon, 
on meotudwange.  Wæs hira Matheus sum, 
se mid Iudeum ongan  godspell ærest 
wordum writan  wundorcræfte. 
þam halig god  hlyt geteode 
ut on þæt igland  þær ænig þa git 
ellþeodigra  eðles ne mihte 
blædes brucan.  Oft him bonena hand 
on herefelda  hearde gesceode. 
Eal wæs þæt mearcland  morðre bewunden, 
feondes facne,  folcstede gumena, 
hæleða eðel.  Næs þær hlafes wist 
werum on þam wonge,  ne wæteres drync 
to bruconne,  ah hie blod ond fel, 
fira flæschoman,  feorrancumenra, 
ðegon geond þa þeode.  Swelc wæs þeaw hira 
þæt hie æghwylcne  ellðeodigra 
dydan him to mose  meteþearfendum, 
þara þe þæt ealand  utan sohte. 
Swylc wæs þæs folces  freoðoleas tacen, 
unlædra eafoð,  þæt hie eagena gesihð, 

               hettend heorogrimme,  
               heafodgimmas 
            

               agetton gealgmode  gara ordum. 
Syððan him geblendan 
                bitere tosomne, 
dryas þurh dwolcræft,  drync unheorne, 
se onwende gewit,  wera ingeþanc, 
heortan on hreðre,  (hyge wæs oncyrred), 
þæt hie ne murndan  æfter mandreame, 
hæleþ heorogrædige,  ac hie hig ond gærs 
for meteleaste  meðe gedrehte. 
þa wæs Matheus  to þære mæran byrig 
cumen in þa ceastre.  þær wæs cirm micel 
geond Mermedonia,  manfulra hloð, 
fordenera gedræg,  syþþan deofles þegnas 
            
geascodon  æðelinges sið. 
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, 
hæleð hellfuse,  ond his heafdes segl 
abreoton mid billes ecge.  Hwæðre he in breostum þa git 
herede in heortan  heofonrices weard, 
þeah ðe he atres drync  atulne onfenge. 
Eadig ond onmod,  he mid elne forð 
wyrðode wordum  wuldres aldor, 
heofonrices weard,  halgan stefne, 
of carcerne.  Him wæs Cristes lof 
on fyrhðlocan  fæste bewunden. 
He þa wepende  weregum tearum 
his sigedryhten  sargan reorde 
grette, gumena brego,  geomran stefne, 
weoruda wilgeofan,  ond þus wordum cwæð: 
"Hu me elþeodige  inwitwrasne 
searonet seowað!  A ic symles wæs 
on wega gehwam  willan þines 
georn on mode;  nu ðurh geohða sceal 
dæde fremman  swa þa dumban neat. 
þu ana canst  ealra gehygdo, 
meotud mancynnes,  mod in hreðre. 
Gif þin willa sie,  wuldres aldor, 
þæt me wærlogan  wæpna ecgum, 
sweordum, aswebban,  ic beo sona gearu 
to adreoganne  þæt ðu, drihten min, 
engla eadgifa,  eðelleasum, 
dugeða 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, 
laðra leodsceaðena,  leng þrowian 
edwitspræce.  Ic to anum þe, 
middangeardes weard,  mod staþolige, 
fæste fyrhðlufan,  ond þe, fæder engla, 
beorht blædgifa,  biddan wille 
ðæt ðu me ne gescyrige  mid scyldhetum, 
werigum wrohtsmiðum,  on þone wyrrestan, 
dugoða demend,  deað ofer eorðan." 
æfter þyssum wordum  com wuldres tacen 
halig of heofenum,  swylce hadre segl 
            
to þam carcerne.  þær gecyðed wearð 
þæt halig god  helpe gefremede, 
ða wearð gehyred  heofoncyninges stefn 
wrætlic under wolcnum,  wordhleoðres sweg 
mæres þeodnes.  He his maguþegne 
under hearmlocan  hælo ond frofre 
beadurofum abead  beorhtan stefne: 
"Ic þe, Matheus,  mine sylle 
sybbe under swegle.  Ne beo ðu on sefan to forht, 
ne on mode ne murn.  Ic þe mid wunige 
ond þe alyse  of þyssum leoðubendum, 
ond ealle þa menigo  þe þe mid wuniað 
on nearonedum.  þe is neorxnawang, 
blæda beorhtost,  boldwela fægrost, 
hama hyhtlicost,  halegum mihtum 
torht ontyned.  þær ðu tyres most, 
to widan feore  willan brucan. 
Geþola þeoda þrea!  Nis seo þrah micel 
þæt þe wærlogan  witebendum, 

               synnige ðurh searocræft,  swencan motan. 
Ic þe Andreas  ædre onsende 
to hleo ond to hroðre  in þas hæðenan burg. 
He ðe alyseð  of þyssum leodhete. 
Is to þære tide  tælmet hwile 
emne mid soðe  seofon ond twentig 
nihtgerimes,  þæt ðu of nede most, 
sorgum geswenced,  sigore gewyrðod, 

               hweorfan of henðum  in gehyld godes." 

               Gewat him þa se halga  helm ælwihta, 
engla scyppend,  to þam uplican 
eðelrice.  He is on riht cyning, 
staðolfæst styrend,  in stowa gehwam. 
ða wæs Matheus  miclum onbryrded 
niwan stefne.  Nihthelm toglad, 
lungre leorde.  Leoht æfter com, 
dægredwoma.  Duguð samnade, 
hæðne hildfrecan,  heapum þrungon, 
(guðsearo gullon,  garas hrysedon), 
bolgenmode,  under bordhreoðan. 
Woldon cunnian  hwæðer cwice lifdon 
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 
awriten, wælgrædige,  wera endestæf, 

               hwænne hie to mose  meteþearfendum 
on þære werþeode  weorðan sceoldon. 
Cirmdon caldheorte,  (corðor oðrum getang), 
reðe ræsboran.  Rihtes ne gimdon, 
meotudes mildse.  Oft hira mod onwod 
under dimscuan  deofles larum, 
þonne hie unlædra  
               eafeðum gelyfdon. 
Hie ða gemetton  modes glawne, 
haligne hæle,  under heolstorlocan 
bidan beadurofne  
               þæs him beorht cyning, 
engla ordfruma,  unnan wolde. 
ða wæs first agan  frumrædenne 
þinggemearces  butan þrim nihtum, 
swa hit wælwulfas  awriten hæfdon 
þæt hie banhringas  abrecan þohton, 
lungre tolysan  lic ond sawle, 
ond þonne todælan  duguðe ond geogoðe, 
werum to wiste  ond to wilþege, 
fæges flæschoman.  Feorh ne bemurndan, 
grædige guðrincas,  hu þæs gastes sið 
æfter swyltcwale  geseted wurde. 
Swa hie symble ymb þritig  þing gehedon 
nihtgerimes;  wæs him neod micel 
þæt hie tobrugdon  blodigum ceaflum 
fira flæschoman  him to foddorþege. 
þa wæs gemyndig,  se ðe middangeard 
gestaðelode  strangum mihtum, 
hu he in ellþeodigum  yrmðum wunode, 
belocen leoðubendum,  þe oft his lufan adreg 
for Ebreum  ond Israhelum; 
swylce he Iudea  galdorcræftum 
wiðstod stranglice.  þa sio stefn gewearð 
gehered of heofenum,  þær se halga wer 
in Achaia,  Andreas, wæs, 
(leode lærde  on lifes weg), 
þa him cirebaldum  cininga wuldor, 
meotud mancynnes,  modhord onleac, 
weoruda drihten,  ond þus wordum cwæð: 
"ðu scealt feran  ond frið lædan, 
siðe gesecan,  þær sylfætan 
eard weardigað,  eðel healdaþ 
morðorcræftum.  Swa is þære menigo þeaw 
þæt hie uncuðra  ængum ne willað 
on þam folcstede  feores geunnan 
syþþan manfulle  on Mermedonia 
onfindaþ feasceaftne.  þær sceall feorhgedal, 
earmlic ylda cwealm,  æfter wyrþan. 
ðær ic seomian wat  þinne sigebroðor 
mid þam burgwarum  bendum fæstne. 
Nu bið fore þreo niht  þæt he on þære þeode sceal 
fore hæðenra  handgewinne 
þurh gares gripe  gast onsendan, 
ellorfusne,  butan ðu ær cyme." 
ædre him Andreas  agef andsware: 
"Hu mæg ic, dryhten min,  ofer deop gelad 
fore gefremman  on feorne weg 
swa hrædlice,  heofona scyppend, 
wuldres waldend,  swa ðu worde becwist? 
ðæt mæg engel þin  eað geferan, 

               halig of heofenum  con him holma begang, 
sealte sæstreamas 
                ond swanrade, 
waroðfaruða gewinn  ond wæterbrogan, 
wegas ofer widland.  Ne synt me winas cuðe, 
eorlas elþeodige,  ne þær æniges wat 
hæleða gehygdo,  ne me herestræta 
ofer cald wæter  cuðe sindon." 
Him ða ondswarude  ece dryhten: 
"Eala, Andreas,  þæt ðu a woldest 
þæs siðfætes  sæne weorþan! 
Nis þæt uneaðe  eallwealdan gode 
to gefremmanne  on foldwege, 
ðæt sio ceaster hider  on þas cneorisse 
under swegles gang  aseted wyrðe, 
breogostol breme,  mid þam burgwarum, 
gif hit worde becwið  wuldres agend. 
Ne meaht ðu þæs siðfætes  sæne weorðan, 
ne on gewitte to wac,  gif ðu wel þencest 
wið þinne waldend  wære gehealdan, 
treowe tacen.  Beo ðu on tid gearu; 
ne mæg þæs ærendes  ylding wyrðan. 
ðu scealt þa fore geferan  ond þin feorh beran 
in gramra gripe,  ðær þe guðgewinn 
þurh hæðenra  hildewoman, 
beorna beaducræft,  geboden wyrðeð. 
Scealtu æninga  mid ærdæge, 
emne to morgene,  æt meres ende 
ceol gestigan  ond on cald wæter 
brecan ofer bæðweg.  Hafa bletsunge 
ofer middangeard  mine, þær ðu fere!" 
Gewat him þa se halga  healdend ond wealdend, 
upengla fruma,  eðel secan, 
middangeardes weard,  þone mæran ham, 
þær soðfæstra  sawla moton 
æfter lices hryre  lifes brucan. 
þa wæs ærende  æðelum cempan 
aboden in burgum,  ne wæs him bleað hyge, 
ah he wæs anræd  ellenweorces, 
heard ond higerof,  nalas hildlata, 
gearo, guðe fram,  to godes campe. 
Gewat him þa on uhtan  mid ærdæge 
ofer sandhleoðu  to sæs faruðe, 
þriste on geþance,  ond his þegnas mid, 
gangan on greote.  Garsecg hlynede, 
beoton brimstreamas.  Se beorn wæs on hyhte, 
syðþan he on waruðe  widfæðme scip 
modig gemette.  þa com morgentorht 
beacna beorhtost  ofer breomo sneowan, 
halig of heolstre.  Heofoncandel blac 
ofer lagoflodas.  He ðær lidweardas, 
þrymlice þry  þegnas gemette, 
modiglice menn,  on merebate 
sittan siðfrome,  swylce hie ofer sæ comon. 
þæt wæs drihten sylf,  dugeða wealdend, 
ece ælmihtig,  mid his englum twam. 
Wæron hie on gescirplan  scipferendum, 
eorlas onlice  ealiðendum, 
þonne hie on flodes fæðm  ofer feorne weg 
on cald wæter  ceolum lacað. 
Hie ða gegrette,  se ðe on greote stod, 
fus on faroðe,  
               fægn reordade: 
"Hwanon comon ge  ceolum liðan, 
macræftige menn,  on mereþissan, 
ane ægflotan?  Hwanon eagorstream 
ofer yða gewealc  eowic brohte?" 
Him ða ondswarode  ælmihti god, 
swa þæt ne wiste,  se ðe þæs wordes bad, 
hwæt se manna wæs  meðelhegendra, 
þe he þær on waroðe  wiðþingode: 
"We of Marmedonia  mægðe syndon 
feorran geferede.  Us mid flode bær 
on hranrade  heahstefn naca, 
snellic sæmearh,  snude bewunden, 
oðþæt we þissa leoda  land gesohton, 
wære bewrecene,  swa us wind fordraf." 
Him þa Andreas  eaðmod oncwæð: 
"Wolde ic þe biddan,  þeh ic þe beaga lyt, 
sincweorðunga,  syllan meahte, 
þæt ðu us gebrohte  brante ceole, 
hea hornscipe,  ofer hwæles eðel 
on þære mægðe.  Bið ðe meorð wið god, 
þæt ðu us on lade  liðe weorðe." 
Eft him ondswarode  æðelinga helm 
of yðlide,  engla scippend: 
"Ne magon þær gewunian  widferende, 
ne þær elþeodige  eardes brucað, 
ah in þære ceastre  cwealm þrowiað, 
þa ðe feorran þyder  feorh gelædaþ, 
ond þu wilnast nu  ofer widne mere 
þæt ðu on þa fægðe  þine feore spilde." 
Him þa Andreas  agef ondsware: 
"Usic lust hweteð  on þa leodmearce, 
mycel modes hiht,  to þære mæran byrig, 
þeoden leofesta,  gif ðu us þine wilt 
on merefaroðe  miltse gecyðan." 
Him ondswarode  engla þeoden, 
neregend fira,  of nacan stefne: 
"We ðe estlice  mid us willað 
ferigan freolice  ofer fisces bæð 
efne to þam lande  þær þe lust myneð 
to gesecanne,  syððan ge eowre 
gafulrædenne  agifen habbað, 
sceattas gescrifene,  swa eow scipweardas, 
aras ofer yðbord,  unnan willað." 
Him þa ofstlice  Andreas wið, 
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 ðu worde becwist." 
Him þa beorna breogo,  þær he on bolcan sæt, 
ofer waroða geweorp  wiðþingode: 
"Hu gewearð þe þæs,  wine leofesta, 
ðæt ðu sæbeorgas  secan woldes, 
merestreama gemet,  maðmum bedæled, 
ofer cald cleofu  ceoles neosan? 
Nafast þe to frofre  on faroðstræte 
hlafes wiste  ne hlutterne 
drync to dugoðe.  Is se drohtað strang 
þam þe lagolade  lange cunnaþ." 
ða him Andreas  ðurh ondsware, 
wis on gewitte,  wordhord onleac: 
"Ne gedafenað þe,  nu þe dryhten geaf 
welan ond wiste  ond woruldspede, 
ðæt ðu ondsware  mid oferhygdum, 
sece sarcwide.  Selre bið æghwam 
þæt he eaðmedum  ellorfusne 
oncnawe cuðlice,  swa þæt Crist bebead, 
þeoden þrymfæst.  We his þegnas synd 
gecoren to cempum.  He is cyning on riht, 
wealdend ond wyrhta  wuldorþrymmes, 
an ece god  eallra gesceafta, 
swa he ealle befehð  anes cræfte, 
hefon ond eorðan,  halgum mihtum, 
sigora selost.  He ðæt sylfa cwæð, 
fæder folca gehwæs,  ond us feran het 
geond ginne grund  gasta streonan: 
'Farað nu geond ealle  eorðan sceatas 
emne swa wide  swa wæter bebugeð, 
oððe stedewangas  stræte gelicgaþ. 
Bodiað æfter burgum  beorhtne geleafan 
ofer foldan fæðm.  Ic eow freoðo healde. 
Ne ðurfan ge on þa fore  frætwe lædan, 
gold ne seolfor.  Ic eow goda gehwæs 
on eowerne agenne dom  est ahwette.' 
Nu ðu seolfa miht  sið userne 
gehyran hygeþancol.  Ic sceal hraðe cunnan 
hwæt ðu us to duguðum 
                gedon wille." 
Him þa ondswarode  
               ece dryhten: 
"Gif ge syndon þegnas  þæs þe þrym ahof 
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  collenfyrhðe, 
ellenrofe,  æghwylcum wearð 
on merefaroðe  mod geblissod. 
ða ofer yða geswing  Andreas ongann 
mereliðendum  miltsa biddan 
wuldres aldor,  ond þus wordum cwæð: 
"Forgife þe dryhten  domweorðunga, 
willan in worulde  ond in wuldre blæd, 
meotud manncynnes,  swa ðu me hafast 
on þyssum siðfæte  sybbe gecyðed!" 
Gesæt him þa se halga  
               helmwearde neah, 
æðele be æðelum.  æfre ic ne hyrde 
þon cymlicor  ceol gehladenne 
heahgestreonum.  Hæleð in sæton, 
þeodnas þrymfulle,  þegnas wlitige. 
ða reordode  rice þeoden, 
ece ælmihtig,  heht his engel gan, 
mærne maguþegn,  ond mete syllan, 
frefran feasceafte 
                ofer flodes wylm, 
þæt hie þe eað mihton  ofer yða geþring 
drohtaþ adreogan.  þa gedrefed wearð, 
onhrered hwælmere.  Hornfisc plegode, 
glad geond garsecg,  ond se græga mæw 
wælgifre wand.  Wedercandel swearc, 
windas weoxon,  wægas grundon, 
streamas styredon,  strengas gurron, 
wædo gewætte.  Wæteregsa stod 
þreata þryðum.  þegnas wurdon 
acolmode.  ænig ne wende 
þæt he lifgende  land begete, 
þara þe mid Andreas  on eagorstream 
ceol gesohte.  Næs him cuð þa gyt 
hwa þam sæflotan  sund wisode. 
Him þa se halga  on holmwege 
ofer argeblond,  Andreas þa git, 
þegn þeodenhold,  þanc gesægde, 
ricum ræsboran,  þa he gereordod wæs: 
"ðe þissa swæsenda  soðfæst meotud, 
lifes leohtfruma,  lean forgilde, 
weoruda waldend,  ond þe wist gife, 
heofonlicne hlaf,  swa ðu hyldo wið me 
ofer firigendstream  freode gecyðdest! 
Nu synt geþreade  þegnas mine, 
geonge guðrincas.  Garsecg hlymmeð, 

               geofon geotende.  Grund is onhrered, 
deope gedrefed,  
               duguð is geswenced, 
modigra mægen  myclum gebysgod." 
Him of helman oncwæð  hæleða scyppend: 
"Læt nu geferian  flotan userne, 
lid to lande  ofer lagufæsten, 
ond þonne gebidan  beornas þine, 
aras on earde,  hwænne ðu eft cyme." 
Edre him þa eorlas  agefan ondsware, 
þegnas þrohthearde,  þafigan ne woldon 
ðæt hie forleton  æt lides stefnan 
leofne lareow  ond him land curon: 
"Hwider hweorfað we  hlafordlease, 
geomormode,  gode orfeorme, 
synnum wunde,  gif we swicað þe? 
We bioð laðe  on landa gehwam, 
folcum fracoðe,  þonne fira bearn, 
ellenrofe,  æht besittaþ, 
hwylc hira selost  symle gelæste 
hlaforde æt hilde,  þonne hand ond rond 
on beaduwange  billum forgrunden 
            
æt niðplegan  nearu þrowedon." 
þa reordade  rice þeoden, 
wærfæst cining,  word stunde ahof: 
"Gif ðu þegn sie  þrymsittendes, 
wuldorcyninges,  swa ðu worde becwist, 
rece þa gerynu,  hu he reordberend 
lærde under lyfte.  Lang is þes siðfæt 
ofer fealuwne flod;  frefra þine 
mæcgas on mode.  Mycel is nu gena 
lad ofer lagustream,  land swiðe feorr 
to gesecanne.  
               Sund is geblonden, 
grund wið greote.  God eaðe mæg 
heaðoliðendum  helpe gefremman." 
Ongan þa gleawlice  gingran sine, 
wuldorspedige weras  wordum trymman: 
"Ge þæt gehogodon,  þa ge on holm stigon, 
þæt ge on fara folc  feorh gelæddon, 
ond for dryhtnes lufan  deað þrowodon, 
on ælmyrcna  eðelrice 
sawle gesealdon.  Ic þæt sylfa wat, 
þæt us gescyldeð  scyppend engla, 
weoruda dryhten.  Wæteregesa sceal, 
geðyd ond geðreatod  þurh þryðcining, 
lagu lacende,  liðra wyrðan. 
Swa gesælde iu,  þæt we on sæbate 
ofer waruðgewinn  wæda cunnedan, 
faroðridende.  Frecne þuhton 
egle ealada.  Eagorstreamas 
beoton bordstæðu,  brim oft oncwæð, 
yð oðerre.  Hwilum upp astod 
of brimes bosme  on bates fæðm 
egesa ofer yðlid.  ælmihtig þær, 
meotud mancynnes,  on mereþyssan 
beorht basnode.  Beornas wurdon 
forhte on mode,  friðes wilnedon, 
miltsa to mærum.  þa seo menigo ongan 
clypian on ceole,  cyning sona aras, 
engla eadgifa,  yðum stilde, 
wæteres wælmum.  Windas þreade, 
sæ sessade,  smylte wurdon 
merestreama gemeotu.  ða ure mod ahloh 
syððan we gesegon  under swegles gang 
windas ond wægas  ond wæterbrogan 
forhte gewordne  for frean egesan. 
Forþan ic eow to soðe  secgan wille, 
þæt næfre forlæteð  lifgende god 
eorl on eorðan,  gif his ellen deah." 
Swa hleoðrode  halig cempa, 
ðeawum geþancul.  þegnas lærde 
eadig oreta,  eorlas trymede, 
oððæt hie semninga  slæp ofereode, 
meðe be mæste.  Mere sweoðerade, 
yða ongin  eft oncyrde, 
hreoh holmþracu.  þa þam halgan wearð 
æfter gryrehwile  gast geblissod. 
Ongan ða reordigan  rædum snottor, 
wis on gewitte,  wordlocan onspeonn: 
"Næfre ic sælidan  selran mette, 
macræftigran,  þæs ðe me þynceð, 
rowend rofran,  rædsnotterran, 
wordes wisran.  Ic wille þe, 
eorl unforcuð,  anre nu gena 
bene biddan,  þeah ic þe beaga lyt, 
sincweorðunga,  syllan mihte, 
fætedsinces.  Wolde ic freondscipe, 
þeoden þrymfæst,  
               þinne, gif ic mehte, 
begitan godne.  þæs ðu gife hleotest, 
haligne hyht  on heofonþrymme, 
gif ðu lidwerigum  larna þinra 

               este wyrðest.  Wolde ic anes to ðe, 
cynerof hæleð,  cræftes neosan, 
ðæt ðu me getæhte,  nu þe tir cyning 
ond miht forgef,  manna scyppend, 
hu ðu wægflotan  wære bestemdon, 
sæhengeste,  sund wisige. 
Ic wæs on gifeðe  iu ond nu þa 
            
syxtyne siðum  on sæbate, 
mere hrerendum  mundum freorig, 
eagorstreamas,  (is ðys ane ma), 
swa ic æfre ne geseah  ænigne mann, 
þryðbearn hæleða,  þe gelicne, 
steoran ofer stæfnan.  Streamwelm hwileð, 

               beateþ brimstæðo.  Is þes bat ful scrid, 
færeð famigheals,  fugole gelicost 
glideð on geofone.  Ic georne wat 
þæt ic æfre ne geseah  ofer yðlade 
            
on sæleodan  syllicran cræft. 
Is þon geliccost  swa he on landsceare 
            
stille stande,  þær hine storm ne mæg, 
wind awecgan,  ne wæterflodas 
brecan brondstæfne,  hwæðere on brim snoweð 
snel under segle.  ðu eart seolfa geong, 
wigendra hleo,  nalas wintrum frod, 
hafast þe on fyrhðe,  faroðlacende, 
eorles ondsware.  æghwylces canst 
worda for worulde  wislic andgit." 
Him ondswarode  ece dryhten: 
"Oft þæt gesæleð,  þæt we on sælade, 
scipum under scealcum,  þonne sceor cymeð, 
brecað ofer bæðweg,  brimhengestum. 
Hwilum us on yðum  earfoðlice 
gesæleð on sæwe,  þeh we sið nesan, 
frecne geferan.  Flodwylm ne mæg 
manna ænigne  ofer meotudes est 
lungre gelettan:  ah him lifes geweald, 
se ðe brimu bindeð,  brune yða 
ðyð ond þreatað.  He þeodum sceal 
racian mid rihte,  se ðe rodor ahof 
ond gefæstnode  folmum sinum, 
worhte ond wreðede,  wuldras fylde 
beorhtne boldwelan,  swa gebledsod wearð 
engla eðel  þurh his anes miht. 
Forþan is gesyne,  soð orgete, 
cuð oncnawen,  þæt ðu cyninges eart 
þegen geþungen,  þrymsittendes, 
forþan þe sona  sæholm oncneow, 
garsecges begang,  þæt ðu gife hæfdes 
haliges gastes.  Hærn eft onwand, 
aryða geblond.  Egesa gestilde, 
widfæðme wæg.  Wædu swæðorodon 
seoðþan hie ongeton  þæt ðe god hæfde 
wære bewunden,  se ðe wuldres blæd 
gestaðolade  strangum mihtum." 
þa hleoðrade  halgan stefne 
cempa collenferhð,  cyning wyrðude, 
wuldres waldend,  ond þus wordum cwæð: 
"Wes ðu gebledsod,  brego mancynnes, 
dryhten hælend!  A þin dom lyfað! 
Ge neh ge feor  is þin nama halig, 
wuldre gewlitegad  ofer werþeoda, 
miltsum gemærsod.  Nænig manna is 
under heofonhwealfe,  hæleða cynnes, 
ðætte areccan mæg  oððe rim wite 
hu ðrymlice,  þeoda baldor, 
gasta geocend,  þine gife dælest. 
Huru is gesyne,  sawla nergend, 
þæt ðu þissum hysse  hold gewurde 
ond hine geongne  geofum wyrðodest, 
wis on gewitte  ond wordcwidum. 
Ic æt efenealdum  æfre ne mette 
on modsefan  maran snyttro." 
Him ða of ceole oncwæð  cyninga wuldor, 
frægn fromlice  fruma ond ende: 
"Saga, þances gleaw  þegn, gif ðu cunne, 
hu ðæt gewurde  be werum tweonum, 
þæt ða arleasan  inwidþancum, 
Iudea cynn  wið godes bearne 
ahof hearmcwide.  Hæleð unsælige 
no ðær gelyfdon  in hira liffruman, 
grome gealgmode,  þæt he god wære, 
þeah ðe he wundra feala  weorodum gecyðde, 
sweotulra ond gesynra.  Synnige ne mihton 
oncnawan þæt cynebearn,  se ðe acenned wearð 
to hleo ond to hroðre  hæleða cynne, 
eallum eorðwarum.  æþelinge weox 
word ond wisdom,  ah he þara wundra a, 
domagende,  dæl nænigne 
            
frætre þeode  beforan cyðde." 
Him ða Andreas  agef andsware: 
"Hu mihte þæt gewyrðan  in werþeode, 
þæt ðu ne gehyrde  hælendes miht, 
gumena leofost,  hu he his gif cyðde 
geond woruld wide,  wealdendes bearn? 
Sealde he dumbum gesprec,  deafe gehyrdon, 
healtum ond hreofum  hyge blissode, 
ða þe limseoce  lange wæron, 
werige, wanhale,  witum gebundene, 
æfter burhstedum  blinde gesegon. 
Swa he on grundwæge  gumena cynnes 
manige missenlice  men of deaðe 
worde awehte.  Swylce he eac wundra feala 
cynerof cyðde  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 
ond of fif hlafum  fira cynnes 
fif ðusendo.  Feðan sæton, 

               reonigmode,  reste gefegon, 
werige æfter waðe,  wiste þegon, 
menn on moldan,  swa him gemedost wæs. 
Nu ðu 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, 
þa ðe æfter deaðe  dryhten secað." 
ða gen weges weard  wordhord onleac, 
beorn ofer bolcan,  beald reordade: 
"Miht ðu me gesecgan,  þæt ic soð wite, 
hwæðer wealdend þin  wundor on eorðan, 
þa he gefremede  nalas feam siðum, 
folcum to frofre  beforan cyðde, 
þær bisceopas  ond boceras 
ond ealdormenn  æht besæton, 
mæðelhægende?  Me þæt þinceð, 
ðæt hie for æfstum  inwit syredon 
þurh deopne gedwolan.  Deofles larum 
hæleð hynfuse  hyrdon to georne, 
wraðum wærlogan.  Hie seo wyrd beswac, 
forleolc ond forlærde.  Nu hie lungre sceolon, 
werige mid werigum,  wræce þrowian, 
biterne bryne  on banan fæðme." 
Him ða Andreas  agef ondsware: 
"Secge ic ðe to soðe  ðæt he swiðe oft 
beforan fremede  folces ræswum 
wundor æfter wundre  on wera gesiehðe, 
swylce deogollice  dryhten gumena 
folcræd fremede,  swa he to friðe hogode." 
Him ondswarode  æðelinga helm: 
"Miht ðu, wis hæleð,  wordum gesecgan, 
maga mode rof,  mægen þa he cyðde, 
deormod on digle,  ða mid dryhten oft, 
rodera rædend,  rune besæton?" 
Him þa Andreas  ondsware agef: 
"Hwæt frinest ðu me,  frea leofesta, 
wordum wrætlicum,  ond þe wyrda gehwære 
þurh snyttra cræft  soð oncnawest?" 
ða git him wæges weard  wiðþingode: 

               "Ne frine ic ðe for tæle  ne ðurh teoncwide 
on hranrade,  ac min hige blissað, 
wynnum wridað,  þurh þine wordlæðe, 
æðelum ecne.  Ne eom ic ana ðæt, 
ac manna gehwam  mod bið on hyhte, 
fyrhð afrefred,  þam þe feor oððe neah 
on mode geman  hu se maga fremede, 
godbearn on grundum.  Gastas hweorfon, 
sohton siðfrome  swegles dreamas, 
engla eðel  þurh þa æðelan miht." 
Edre him Andreas  agef ondsware: 
"Nu ic on þe sylfum  soð oncnawe, 
wisdomes gewit,  wundorcræfte 
sigesped geseald,  (snyttrum bloweð, 
beorhtre blisse,  breost innanweard), 
nu ic þe sylfum  secgan wille 
oor ond ende,  swa ic þæs æðelinges 
word ond wisdom  on wera gemote 
þurh his sylfes muð  symle gehyrde. 
Oft gesamnodon  side herigeas, 
folc unmæte,  to frean dome, 
þær hie hyrcnodon  haliges lare. 
ðonne eft gewat  æðelinga helm, 
beorht blædgifa,  in bold oðer, 
ðær him togenes,  god herigende, 
to ðam meðelstede  manige comon, 
snottre selerædend.  Symble gefegon, 
beornas bliðheorte,  burhweardes cyme. 
Swa gesælde iu  þæt se sigedema 
ferde, frea mihtig.  Næs þær folces ma 
on siðfate,  sinra leoda, 
nemne ellefne  orettmæcgas, 
geteled tireadige.  He wæs twelfta sylf. 
þa we becomon  to þam cynestole, 
þær getimbred wæs  tempel dryhtnes, 
heah ond horngeap,  hæleðum gefrege, 
wuldre gewlitegod.  Huscworde ongan 
þurh inwitðanc  ealdorsacerd 
herme hyspan,  hordlocan onspeon, 
wroht webbade.  He on gewitte oncneow 
þæt we soðfæstes  swaðe folgodon, 
læston larcwide.  He lungre ahof 
woðe wiðerhydig  wean onblonden: 
'Hwæt, ge syndon earme  ofer ealle menn! 
Wadað widlastas,  weorn geferað 
earfoðsiða,  ellþeodiges nu 
butan leodrihte  larum hyrað, 
eadiges orhlytte  æðeling cyðað, 
secgað soðlice  þæt mid suna meotudes 
drohtigen dæghwæmlice.  þæt is duguðum cuð 
hwanon þam ordfruman  æðelu onwocon. 
He wæs afeded  on þysse folcsceare, 
cildgeong acenned  mid his cneomagum. 
þus syndon haten  hamsittende, 
fæder ond modur,  þæs we gefrægen habbað 
þurh modgemynd,  Maria ond Ioseph. 
Syndon him on æðelum  oðere twegen 
beornas geborene,  broðorsybbum, 
suna Iosephes,  Simon ond Iacob.' 
Swa hleoðrodon  hæleða ræswan, 
dugoð domgeorne,  dyrnan þohton 
meotudes mihte.  Man eft gehwearf, 
yfel endeleas,  þær hit ær aras. 
þa se þeoden gewat  þegna heape 
fram þam meðelstede  mihtum geswiðed, 
dugeða dryhten,  secan digol land. 
He þurh wundra feala  on þam westenne 
cræfta gecyðde  þæt he wæs cyning on riht 
ofer middangeard,  mægene geswiðed, 
waldend ond wyrhta  wuldorþrymmes, 
an ece god  eallra gesceafta. 
Swylce he oðerra  unrim cyðde 
wundorworca  on wera gesyhðe. 
Syþþan eft gewat  oðre siðe 
getrume mycle,  þæt he in temple gestod, 
wuldres aldor.  Wordhleoðor astag 
geond heahræced.  Haliges lare 
synnige ne swulgon,  þeah he soðra swa feala 
tacna gecyðde,  þær hie to segon. 
Swylce he wrætlice  wundor agræfene, 
anlicnesse  engla sinra 
geseh, sigora frea,  on seles wage, 
on twa healfe  torhte gefrætwed, 
wlitige geworhte.  He worde cwæð: 
'ðis is anlicnes  engelcynna 
þæs bremestan  
               þe mid þam burgwarum 
in þære ceastre is.  [Cheruphim et Seraphim] 
þa on swegeldreamum  syndon nemned. 
Fore onsyne  ecan dryhtnes 
standað stiðferðe,  stefnum herigað, 
halgum hleoðrum,  heofoncyninges þrym, 
meotudes mundbyrd.  Her amearcod is 
haligra hiw,  þurh handmægen 
awriten on wealle  wuldres þegnas.' 
þa gen worde cwæð  weoruda dryhten, 
heofonhalig gast,  fore þam heremægene: 
'Nu ic bebeode  beacen ætywan, 
wundor geweorðan  on wera gemange, 
ðæt þeos onlicnes  eorðan sece, 
wlitig of wage,  ond word sprece, 
secge soðcwidum,  (þy sceolon gelyfan 
eorlas on cyððe),  hwæt min æðelo sien.' 
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,  hleoðor dynede, 
wordum wemde.  Wrætlic þuhte 
stiðhycgendum  stanes ongin. 
Septe sacerdas  sweotolum tacnum, 
witig werede  ond worde cwæð: 
'Ge synd unlæde,  earmra geþohta 
searowum beswicene,  oððe sel nyton, 
mode gemyrde.  Ge mon cigað 
            
godes ece bearn,  
               þone þe grund ond sund, 
heofon ond eorðan  ond hreo wægas, 
salte sæstreamas  ond swegl uppe 
amearcode  mundum sinum. 
þis is se ilca  ealwalda god 
ðone on fyrndagum  fæderas cuðon. 
He Abrahame  ond Isace 
ond Iocobe  gife bryttode, 
welum weorðode,  wordum sægde 
ærest Habrahame  æðeles geþingu, 
þæt of his cynne  cenned sceolde 
weorðan wuldres god.  Is seo wyrd mid eow 
open, orgete,  magan eagum nu 
geseon sigores god,  swegles agend.' 
æfter þyssum wordum  weorud hlosnode 
geond þæt side sel,  (swigodon ealle), 
ða ða yldestan  eft ongunnon 
secgan synfulle,  (soð ne oncneowan), 
þæt hit drycræftum  gedon wære, 
scingelacum,  þæt se scyna stan 
mælde for mannum.  Man wridode 
geond beorna breost,  brandhata nið 
weoll on gewitte,  weorm blædum fag, 
attor ælfæle.  þær orcnawe wearð 
            
þurh teoncwide  tweogende mod, 
mæcga misgehygd  morðre bewunden. 
ða se þeoden bebead  þryðweorc faran, 
stan on stræte  of stedewange, 
ond forð gan  foldweg tredan, 
grene grundas,  godes ærendu 
larum lædan  on þa leodmearce 
to Channaneum,  cyninges worde 
beodan Habrahame  mid his eaforum twæm 
of eorðscræfe  ærest fremman, 
lætan landreste,  leoðo gadrigean, 
gaste onfon  ond geogoðhade, 
edniwinga  andweard cuman, 
frode fyrnweotan,  folce gecyðan, 
hwylcne hie god mihtum  ongiten hæfdon. 
Gewat he þa feran,  swa him frea mihtig, 
scyppend wera,  gescrifen hæfde, 
ofer mearcpaðu,  þæt he on Mambre becom 
beorhte blican,  swa him bebead meotud, 
þær þa lichoman  lange þrage, 
heahfædera hra,  beheled wæron. 
Het þa ofstlice  up astandan 
Habraham ond Isaac,  æðeling þriddan 
Iacob of greote  to godes geþinge, 
sneome of slæpe þæm fæstan.  Het hie to þam siðe gyrwan, 
faran to frean dome.  Sceoldon hie þam folce gecyðan 
hwa æt frumsceafte  furðum teode 
eorðan eallgrene  ond upheofon, 
hwær se wealdend wære  þe þæt weorc staðolade. 
Ne dorston þa gelettan  leng owihte 
wuldorcyninges word.  Geweotan ða ða witigan þry 
modige mearcland tredan.  Forlætan moldern wunigean 
open eorðscræfu,  woldon hie ædre gecyðan 
frumweorca fæder.  þa þæt folc gewearð 
egesan geaclod,  þær þa æðelingas 
wordum weorðodon  wuldres aldor. 
Hie ða ricene het  rices hyrde 
to eadwelan  oþre siðe 
secan mid sybbe  swegles dreamas, 
ond þæs to widan feore  willum neotan. 
Nu ðu miht gehyran,  hyse leofesta, 
hu he wundra worn  wordum cyðde, 
swa þeah ne gelyfdon  larum sinum 
modblinde menn.  Ic wat manig nu gyt 
mycel mære spell  ðe se maga fremede, 
rodera rædend,  ða ðu aræfnan ne miht, 
hreðre behabban,  hygeþances gleaw." 
þus Andreas  ondlangne dæg 
herede hleoðorcwidum  haliges lare, 
oððæt hine semninga  slæp ofereode 
on hronrade  heofoncyninge neh. 
ða gelædan het  lifes brytta 
ofer yða geþræc  englas sine, 
fæðmum ferigean  on fæder wære 
leofne mid lissum  ofer lagufæsten, 
oððæt sæwerige  slæp ofereode. 
þurh lyftgelac  on land becwom 
to þære ceastre  þe him cining engla 

                ða þa aras siðigean, 
eadige on upweg,  eðles neosan. 
Leton þone halgan  be herestræte 
swefan on sybbe  under swegles hleo, 
bliðne bidan  burhwealle neh, 
his niðhetum,  nihtlangne fyrst, 
oðþæt dryhten forlet  dægcandelle 
scire scinan.  Sceadu sweðerodon, 
wonn under wolcnum.  þa com wederes blæst, 
hador heofonleoma,  ofer hofu blican. 
Onwoc þa wiges heard,  (wang sceawode), 
fore burggeatum.  Beorgas steape, 
hleoðu hlifodon,  ymbe harne stan 
tigelfagan trafu,  torras stodon, 
windige weallas.  þa se wisa oncneow 
þæt he Marmedonia  mægðe hæfde 
siðe 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 
wigend weccean,  ond worde cwæð: 
"Ic eow secgan mæg  soð orgete, 
þæt us gystrandæge  on geofones stream 
ofer arwelan  æðeling ferede. 
In þam ceole wæs  cyninga wuldor, 
waldend werðeode.  Ic his word oncneow, 
þeh he his mægwlite  bemiðen hæfde." 
Him þa æðelingas  ondsweorodon, 
geonge gencwidum,  gastgerynum: 
"We ðe, Andreas,  eaðe gecyðað 
sið userne,  þæt ðu sylfa miht 
ongitan gleawlice  gastgehygdum. 
Us sæwerige  slæp ofereode. 
þa comon earnas  ofer yða wylm 

               faran on flyhte,  feðerum hremige, 
us ofslæpendum  sawle abrugdon, 
mid gefean feredon  flyhte on lyfte, 
brehtmum bliðe,  beorhte ond liðe. 
Lissum lufodon  ond in lofe wunedon, 
þær wæs singal sang  ond swegles gong, 
wlitig weoroda heap  ond wuldres þreat. 
Utan ymbe æðelne  englas stodon, 
þegnas ymb þeoden,  þusendmælum, 
heredon on hehðo  halgan stefne 
dryhtna dryhten.  Dream wæs on hyhte. 
We ðær heahfæderas  halige oncneowon 
ond martyra  mægen unlytel, 
sungon sigedryhtne  soðfæstlic lof, 
dugoð domgeorne.  þær wæs Dauid mid, 
eadig oretta,  Essages sunu, 
for Crist cumen,  cining Israhela. 
Swylce we gesegon  for suna meotudes, 
æðelum ecne,  eowic standan, 
twelfe getealde,  tireadige hæleð. 
Eow þegnodon  þrymsittende, 
halige heahenglas.  ðam bið hæleða well 
þe þara blissa  brucan moton. 
þær wæs wuldres wynn,  wigendra þrym, 
æðelic onginn,  næs þær ænigum gewinn. 
þam bið wræcsið witod,  wite geopenad, 
þe þara gefeana sceal  fremde weorðan, 
hean hwearfian,  þonne heonon gangaþ." 
þa wæs modsefa  myclum geblissod 
haliges on hreðre,  syðþan hleoðorcwide 
gingran gehyrdon,  þæt hie god wolde 
onmunan swa mycles  ofer menn ealle, 
ond þæt word gecwæð  wigendra hleo: 
"Nu ic, god dryhten,  ongiten hæbbe 
þæt ðu on faroðstræte  feor ne wære, 
cyninga wuldur,  þa ic on ceol gestah, 
ðeh ic on yðfare,  engla þeoden, 
gasta geocend,  ongitan ne cuðe. 
Weorð me nu milde,  meotud ælmihtig, 
bliðe, beorht cyning!  Ic on brimstreame 
spræc worda worn,  wat æfter nu 
hwa me wyrðmyndum  on wudubate 
ferede ofer flodas.  þæt is frofre gast 
hæleða cynne.  þær is help gearu, 
milts æt mærum,  manna gehwylcum, 
sigorsped geseald,  þam þe seceð to him." 
ða him fore eagum  onsyne wearð 
            
æðeling oðywed  in þa ilcan tid, 
cining cwicera gehwæs,  þurh cnihtes had. 
þa he worde cwæð,  wuldres aldor: 
"Wes ðu, Andreas, hal,  mid þas willgedryht, 
ferðgefeonde!  Ic þe friðe healde, 
þæt þe ne moton  mangeniðlan, 
grame grynsmiðas,  gaste gesceððan." 
Feoll þa to foldan,  frioðo wilnode 
wordum wis hæleð,  winedryhten frægn: 
"Hu geworhte ic þæt,  waldend fira, 
synnig wið seolfne,  sawla nergend, 
þæt ic þe swa godne  ongitan ne meahte 
on wægfære,  þær ic worda gespræc 
minra for meotude  ma þonne ic sceolde?" 
Him andswarode  ealwalda god: 
"No ðu swa swiðe  synne gefremedest 
swa ðu in Achaia  ondsæc dydest, 
ðæt ðu on feorwegas  feran ne cuðe 
ne in þa ceastre  becuman mehte, 
þing gehegan  þreora nihta 
fyrstgemearces,  swa ic þe feran het 
ofer wega gewinn.  Wast nu þe gearwor 
þæt ic eaðe mæg  anra gehwylcne 
fremman ond fyrþran  freonda minra 
on landa gehwylc,  þær me leofost bið. 
Aris nu hrædlice,  ræd ædre ongit, 
beorn gebledsod,  swa þe beorht fæder 
geweorðað wuldorgifum  to widan aldre, 
cræfte ond mihte.  ðu in þa ceastre gong 
under burglocan,  þær þin broðor is. 
Wat ic Matheus  þurh mænra hand 

               hrinen heorudolgum,  
               heafodmagan 
            

               searonettum beseted.  þu hine secan scealt, 
leofne alysan  of laðra hete, 
ond eal þæt mancynn  þe him mid wunige, 
elþeodigra  inwitwrasnum, 
bealuwe gebundene.  Him sceal bot hraðe 
weorþan in worulde  ond in wuldre lean, 
swa ic him sylfum ær  secgende wæs. 
Nu ðu, Andreas, scealt  edre geneðan 
in gramra gripe.  Is þe guð weotod, 
heardum heoruswengum  scel þin hra dæled 
            
wundum weorðan,  wættre geliccost 
faran flode blod.  Hie þin feorh ne magon 
deaðe gedælan,  þeh ðu drype ðolie, 
synnigra slege.  ðu þæt sar aber; 
ne læt þe ahweorfan  hæðenra þrym, 
grim gargewinn,  þæt ðu gode swice, 
dryhtne þinum.  Wes a domes georn; 
læt ðe on gemyndum  hu þæt manegum wearð 
fira gefrege  geond feala landa, 
þæt me bysmredon  bennum fæstne 
weras wansælige.  Wordum tyrgdon, 
slogon ond swungon,  synnige ne mihton 
þurh sarcwide  soð gecyðan. 
þa ic mid Iudeum  gealgan þehte, 
(rod wæs aræred),  þær rinca sum 
of minre sidan  swat ut forlet, 
dreor to foldan.  Ic adreah feala 
yrmþa ofer eorðan.  Wolde ic eow on ðon 
þurh bliðne hige  bysne onstellan, 
swa on ellþeode  ywed wyrðeð. 
Manige syndon  in þysse mæran byrig 
þara þe ðu gehweorfest  to heofonleohte 
þurh minne naman,  þeah hie morðres feala 
in fyrndagum  gefremed habban." 
Gewat him þa se halga  heofonas secan, 
eallra cyninga cining,  þone clænan ham, 
eaðmedum upp,  þær is ar gelang 
fira gehwylcum,  þam þe hie findan cann. 
ða wæs gemyndig  modgeþyldig, 
beorn beaduwe heard,  eode in burh hraðe, 
anræd oretta,  elne gefyrðred, 
maga mode rof,  meotude getreowe, 
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. 
Hæfde þa se æðeling  in geþrungen, 
Cristes cempa,  carcerne neh. 
Geseh he hæðenra  hloð ætgædere, 
fore hlindura  hyrdas standan, 
seofone ætsomne.  Ealle swylt fornam, 
druron domlease.  Deaðræs forfeng 
hæleð heorodreorige.  ða se halga gebæd 
bilwytne fæder,  breostgehygdum 
herede on hehðo  heofoncyninges þrym, 

               godes dryhtendom.  Duru sona onarn 
þurh handhrine 
                haliges gastes, 
ond þær in eode,  elnes gemyndig, 
hæle hildedeor.  Hæðene swæfon, 
dreore druncne,  deaðwang rudon. 
Geseh he Matheus  in þam morðorcofan, 
hæleð higerofne  under heolstorlocan, 
secgan dryhtne lof,  domweorðinga 
engla ðeodne.  He ðær ana sæt 
geohðum geomor  in þam gnornhofe. 
Geseh þa under swegle  swæsne geferan, 
halig haligne.  Hyht wæs geniwad. 
Aras þa togenes,  gode þancade 
þæs ðe hie onsunde  æfre moston 
geseon under sunnan.  Syb wæs gemæne 
bam þam gebroðrum,  blis edniwe. 
æghwæðer oðerne  earme beþehte, 
cyston hie ond clypton.  Criste wæron begen 
leofe on mode.  Hie leoht ymbscan 
halig ond heofontorht.  Hreðor innan wæs 
wynnum awelled.  þa worde ongan 
ærest Andreas  æðelne geferan 
on clustorcleofan  mid cwide sinum 
gretan godfyrhtne,  sæde him guðgeðingu, 
feohtan fara monna:  "Nu is þis folc on luste, 
hæleð hyder on  
            
gewyrht  eardes neosan." 
æfter þyssum wordum  wuldres þegnas, 
begen þa gebroðor,  to gebede hyldon, 
sendon hira bene  fore bearn godes. 
Swylce se halga  in þam hearmlocan 
his god grette 
                ond him geoce bæd, 
hælend helpe,  ær þan hra crunge 
fore hæðenra  hildeþrymme, 
ond þa gelædde  of leoðobendum 
fram þam fæstenne  on frið dryhtnes 
tu ond hundteontig  geteled rime, 
swylce feowertig,  
            
generede fram niðe,  (þær he nænigne forlet 
under burglocan  bennum fæstne), 

               ond þær wifa þa gyt,  weorodes to eacan, 
anes wana þe fiftig  
            
forhte gefreoðode.  Fægen wæron siðes, 
lungre leordan,  nalas leng bidon 
in þam gnornhofe  guðgeþingo. 
Gewat þa Matheus  menigo lædan 
on gehyld godes,  swa him se halga bebead. 
Weorod on wilsið  wolcnum beþehte, 
þe læs him scyldhatan  scyððan comon 
mid earhfare,  ealdgeniðlan. 
þær þa modigan mid him  mæðel gehedan, 
treowgeþoftan,  ær hie on tu hweorfan. 
ægðer þara eorla  oðrum trymede 
heofonrices hyht,  helle witu 
wordum werede.  Swa ða wigend mid him, 
hæleð higerofe,  halgum stefnum 
cempan coste  cyning weorðadon, 
wyrda waldend,  þæs wuldres ne bið 
æfre mid eldum  ende befangen. 
Gewat him þa Andreas  inn on ceastre 
glædmod gangan,  to þæs ðe he gramra gemot, 
fara folcmægen,  gefrægen hæfde, 
oððæt he gemette  be mearcpaðe 
standan stræte neah  stapul ærenne. 
Gesæt him þa be healfe,  hæfde hluttre lufan, 
ece upgemynd  engla blisse; 
þanon basnode  under burhlocan 
hwæt him guðweorca  gifeðe wurde. 
þa gesamnedon  side herigeas, 
folces frumgaras.  To þam fæstenne 
wærleasra werod  wæpnum comon, 
hæðne hildfrecan,  to þæs þa hæftas ær 
under hlinscuwan  hearm þrowedon. 
Wendan ond woldon  wiðerhycgende 
þæt hie on elþeodigum  æt geworhton, 
weotude wiste.  Him seo wen gelah, 
syððan mid corðre  carcernes duru 
eorre æscberend  opene fundon, 
onhliden hamera geweorc,  hyrdas deade. 
Hie þa unhyðige  eft gecyrdon, 
luste belorene,  laðspell beran, 
sægdon þam folce  þæt ðær feorrcundra, 
ellreordigra,  ænigne to lafe 
in carcerne  cwicne ne 
               gemetton, 
ah þær heorodreorige  hyrdas lagan, 
gæsne on greote,  gaste berofene, 
fægra flæschaman.  þa wearð forht manig 
for þam færspelle  folces ræswa, 
hean, hygegeomor,  hungres on wenum, 
blates beodgastes.  Nyston beteran ræd, 
þonne hie þa belidenan 
                him to lifnere 

               deade gefeormedon.  Duruþegnum wearð 
in ane tid  eallum ætsomne 
þurh heard gelac  hildbedd styred. 
ða ic lungre gefrægn  leode tosomne 
burgwaru bannan.  Beornas comon, 
wiggendra þreat,  wicgum gengan, 
on mearum modige,  mæðelhegende, 
æscum dealle.  þa wæs eall geador 
to þam þingstede  þeod gesamnod. 
Leton him þa betweonum  taan wisian 
hwylcne hira ærest  oðrum sceolde 
to foddurþege  feores ongyldan; 
hluton hellcræftum,  hæðengildum 
teledon betwinum.  ða se tan gehwearf 
efne ofer ænne  ealdgesiða, 
se wæs uðweota  eorla dugoðe, 
heriges on ore.  Hraðe siððan wearð 
fetorwrasnum fæst,  feores orwena. 
Cleopode þa collenferhð  cearegan reorde, 
cwæð he his sylfes sunu  syllan wolde 
on æhtgeweald,  eaforan geongne, 
lifes to lisse.  Hie ða lac hraðe 
þegon to þance.  þeod wæs oflysted, 
metes modgeomre,  næs him to maðme wynn, 
hyht to hordgestreonum.  Hungre wæron 
þearle geþreatod,  swa se ðeodsceaða 

               reow ricsode.  þa wæs rinc manig, 
guðfrec guma,  ymb þæs geongan feorh 
breostum onbryrded.  To þam beadulace 
wæs þæt weatacen  wide gefrege, 
geond þa burh bodad  beorne manegum, 
þæt hie þæs cnihtes cwealm  corðre gesohton, 
duguðe ond eogoðe,  dæl onfengon 
lifes to leofne.  Hie lungre to þæs, 
hæðene herigweardas,  here samnodan 
ceastrewarena.  Cyrm upp astah 
ða se geonga ongann  geomran stefne, 
gehæfted for herige,  hearmleoð galan, 
freonda feasceaft,  friðes wilnian. 
Ne mihte earmsceapen  are findan, 
freoðe æt þam folce,  þe him feores wolde, 
ealdres geunnan.  Hæfdon æglæcan 
sæcce gesohte.  Sceolde sweordes ecg, 
scerp ond scurheard,  of sceaðan folme, 
fyrmælum fag,  feorh acsigan. 
ða þæt Andrea  earmlic þuhte, 
þeodbealo þearlic  to geðolianne, 
þæt he swa unscyldig  ealdre sceolde 
lungre linnan.  Wæs se leodhete 

               þrist
               ond þrohtheard.  þrymman sceocan, 
modige maguþegnas,  morðres on luste, 
woldon æninga,  ellenrofe, 
on þam hysebeorðre  heafolan gescenan, 
garum agetan.  Hine god forstod, 
halig of hehðo,  hæðenum folce. 
Het wæpen wera  wexe gelicost 
on þam orlege  eall formeltan, 
þy læs scyldhatan  
               sceððan mihton, 
egle ondsacan,  ecga þryðum. 
Swa wearð alysed  of leodhete, 
geong of gyrne.  Gode ealles þanc, 
dryhtna dryhtne,  þæs ðe he dom gifeð 
gumena gehwylcum,  þara þe geoce to him 
seceð mid snytrum.  þær bið symle gearu 

               freod unhwilen,  þam þe hie findan cann. 
þa wæs wop hæfen  in wera burgum, 
hlud heriges cyrm.  Hreopon friccan, 
mændon meteleaste,  meðe stodon, 
hungre gehæfte.  Hornsalu wunedon, 
weste winræced,  welan ne benohton 
beornas to brucanne  on þa bitran tid, 
gesæton searuþancle  sundor to rune 
ermðu eahtigan.  Næs him to eðle wynn. 
Fregn þa gelome  freca oðerne: 
"Ne hele se ðe hæbbe  holde lare, 
on sefan snyttro!  Nu is sæl cumen, 
þrea ormæte,  is nu þearf mycel 
þæt we wisfæstra  wordum hyran." 
þa for þære dugoðe  deoful ætywde, 
wann ond wliteleas,  hæfde weriges hiw. 
Ongan þa meldigan  morþres brytta, 
hellehinca,  þone halgan wer 
wiðerhycgende,  ond þæt word gecwæð: 
"Her is gefered  ofer feorne weg 
æðelinga sum  innan ceastre, 
ellþeodigra,  þone ic Andreas 
nemnan herde.  He eow neon gesceod 
ða he aferede  of fæstenne 
manncynnes ma  þonne gemet wære. 
Nu ge magon eaðe  oncyðdæda 
wrecan on gewyrhtum.  Lætað wæpnes spor 
iren ecgheard,  
               ealdorgeard sceoran, 
fæges feorhhord.  Gað fromlice 
þæt ge wiðerfeohtend  wiges gehnægan." 
Him þa Andreas  agef ondsware: 
"Hwæt, ðu þristlice  þeode lærest, 
bældest to beadowe!  Wæst þe bæles cwealm, 
hatne in helle,  ond þu here fysest, 
feðan to gefeohte.  Eart ðu fag wið god, 
dugoða demend.  Hwæt, ðu deofles stræl, 
icest þine yrmðo.  ðe se ælmihtiga 
heanne gehnægde,  ond on heolstor besceaf, 
þær þe cyninga cining  clamme belegde, 
ond þe syððan a  
               Satan nemdon, 
ða ðe dryhtnes a  deman cuðon." 
ða gyt se wiðermeda  wordum lærde 
folc to gefeohte,  feondes cræfte: 
"Nu ge gehyrað  hæleða gewinnan, 
se ðyssum herige mæst  hearma gefremede. 
ðæt is Andreas,  se me on fliteð 
wordum wrætlicum  for wera menigo." 
ða wæs beacen boden  burhsittendum. 
Ahleopon hildfrome  heriges brehtme 
ond to weallgeatum  wigend þrungon, 
cene under cumblum,  corðre mycle 
to ðam orlege,  ordum ond bordum. 
þa worde cwæð  weoroda dryhten, 
meotud mihtum swið  sægde his magoþegne: 
"Scealt ðu, Andreas,  ellen fremman! 
Ne mið ðu for menigo,  ah þinne modsefan 
staðola wið strangum!  Nis seo stund latu 
þæt þe wælreowe  witum belecgaþ, 
cealdan clommum.  Cyð þe sylfne, 
herd hige þinne,  heortan staðola, 
þæt hie min on ðe  mægen oncnawan. 
Ne magon hie ond ne moton  ofer mine est 
þinne lichoman,  lehtrum scyldige, 
deaðe gedælan,  ðeah ðu drype þolige, 
mirce manslaga.  Ic þe mid wunige." 
æfter þam wordum com  werod unmæte, 
lyswe larsmeoðas,  mid lindgecrode, 
bolgenmode;  bæron ut hræðe 
ond þam halgan þær  handa gebundon. 
Siþþan geypped wæs  æðelinga wynn, 
ond hie andweardne  eagum meahton 
gesion sigerofne,  þær wæs sec manig 
on þam welwange  wiges oflysted 
leoda duguðe.  Lyt sorgodon 
hwylc him þæt edlean  æfter wurde. 
Heton þa lædan  ofer landsceare, 
ðragmælum teon,  torngeniðlan, 
swa hie hit frecnost  findan meahton. 
Drogon deormodne 
                æfter dunscræfum, 
ymb stanhleoðo,  
               stærcedferþne, 
efne swa wide swa  wegas to lagon, 
enta ærgeweorc,  innan burgum, 
stræte stanfage.  Storm upp aras 
æfter ceasterhofum,  cirm unlytel 
hæðnes heriges.  Wæs þæs halgan lic 
sarbennum soden,  swate bestemed, 
banhus abrocen.  Blod yðum weoll, 

               hatan heolfre.  Hæfde him on innan 
ellen untweonde,  wæs þæt æðele mod 
asundrad fram synnum,  þeah he sares swa feala 
deopum dolgslegum  dreogan sceolde. 
Swa wæs ealne dæg  oððæt æfen com 

               sigetorht swungen.  Sar eft gewod 
ymb þæs beornes breost,  oðþæt beorht gewat 
sunne swegeltorht  to sete glidan. 
Læddan þa leode  laðne gewinnan 
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 
searoþancum beseted.  Snaw eorðan band 
wintergeworpum.  Weder coledon 
heardum hægelscurum,  swylce hrim ond forst, 
hare hildstapan,  hæleða eðel 
lucon, leoda gesetu.  Land wæron freorig 
cealdum cylegicelum,  clang wæteres þrym 
ofer eastreamas,  is brycgade 
blæce brimrade.  Bliðheort wunode 
eorl unforcuð,  elnes gemyndig, 
þrist ond þrohtheard  in þreanedum 
wintercealdan niht.  No on gewitte blon, 
acol for þy egesan,  þæs þe he ær ongann, 
þæt he a domlicost  dryhten herede, 
weorðade wordum,  oððæt wuldres gim 
heofontorht onhlad.  ða com hæleða þreat 
to ðære dimman ding,  duguð unlytel, 
wadan wælgifre  weorodes brehtme. 
Heton ut hræðe  æðeling lædan 
in wraðra geweald,  wærfæstne hæleð. 
ða wæs eft swa ær  ondlangne dæg 
swungen sarslegum.  Swat yðum weoll 
þurh bancofan,  blodlifrum swealg, 
hatan heolfre.  Hra weorces ne sann, 
wundum werig.  þa cwom wopes hring 
þurh þæs beornes breost,  blat ut faran, 
weoll waðuman stream,  ond he worde cwæð: 
"Geseoh nu, dryhten god,  drohtað minne, 
weoruda willgeofa!  þu wæst ond const 
anra gehwylces  earfeðsiðas. 
Ic gelyfe to ðe,  min liffruma, 
þæt ðu mildheort me  for þinum mægenspedum, 
nerigend fira,  næfre wille, 
ece ælmihtig,  anforlætan, 
swa ic þæt gefremme,  þenden feorh leofað, 
min on moldan,  þæt ic, meotud, þinum 
larum leofwendum  lyt geswice. 
þu eart gescyldend 
                wið sceaðan wæpnum, 
ece eadfruma,  eallum þinum; 
ne læt nu bysmrian  banan manncynnes, 
facnes frumbearn,  þurh feondes cræft 
leahtrum belecgan  þa þin lof berað." 
ða ðær ætywde  se atola gast, 
wrað wærloga.  Wigend lærde 
for þam heremægene  helle dioful 
awerged in witum,  ond þæt word gecwæð: 
"Sleað synnigne  ofer seolfes muð, 
folces gewinnan!  Nu to feala reordaþ." 
þa wæs orlege  eft onhrered, 
niwan stefne.  Nið upp aras 
oþðæt sunne gewat  to sete glidan 
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 
wærfæst wunian  wic unsyfre. 
þa com seofona sum  to sele geongan, 
atol æglæca  yfela gemyndig, 
morðres manfrea  myrce gescyrded, 
deoful deaðreow  duguðum bereafod, 
ongan þa þam halgan  hospword sprecan: 
"Hwæt hogodest ðu, Andreas,  hidercyme þinne 
on wraðra geweald?  Hwæt is wuldor þin, 
þe ðu oferhigdum  upp arærdest, 
þa ðu goda ussa  
               gild gehnægdest? 
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 besnyðede, 
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 þryðfullum,  ðæt hie ðe hnægen, 
gingran æt guðe.  Lætað gares ord, 
earh ættre gemæl,  in gedufan 
in fæges ferð.  Gað fromlice, 
ðæt ge guðfrecan  gylp forbegan." 
Hie wæron reowe,  ræsdon on sona 
gifrum grapum.  Hine god forstod, 
staðulfæst steorend,  þurh his strangan miht. 
Syððan hie oncneowon  Cristes rode 
            
on his mægwlite,  mære tacen, 
wurdon hie ða acle  on þam onfenge, 
forhte, afærde,  ond on fleam numen. 
Ongan eft swa ær  ealdgeniðla, 
helle hæftling,  hearmleoð galan: 
"Hwæt wearð eow swa rofum,  rincas mine, 
lindgesteallan,  þæt eow swa lyt gespeow?" 

               Him
               þa
               earmsceapen
                agef ondsware, 
fah fyrnsceaþa,  ond his fæder oncwæð: 
"Ne magan we him lungre  lað ætfæstan, 
swilt þurh searwe.  Ga þe sylfa to! 
þær þu gegninga  guðe findest, 
frecne feohtan,  gif ðu furður dearst 
to þam anhagan  aldre geneðan. 
We ðe magon eaðe,  eorla leofost, 
æt þam secgplegan  selre gelæran; 
ær ðu gegninga  guðe fremme, 
wiges woman,  weald, hu ðe sæle 
æt þam gegnslege.  Utan gangan eft, 
þæt we bysmrigen  bendum fæstne, 
oðwitan him his wræcsið.  Habbað word gearu 
wið þam æglæcan  eall getrahtod!" 
þa hleoðrade  hludan stefne, 
witum bewæled,  ond þæt word gecwæð: 
"þu þe, Andreas,  aclæccræftum 
lange feredes!  Hwæt, ðu leoda feala 
forleolce ond forlærdest!  Nu leng ne miht 
gewealdan þy weorce.  þe synd witu þæs grim 
weotud be gewyrhtum.  þu scealt werigmod, 
hean, hroðra leas,  hearm þrowigan, 
sare swyltcwale.  Secgas mine 
to þam guðplegan  gearwe sindon, 
þa þe æninga  ellenweorcum 
unfyrn faca  feorh ætþringan. 
Hwylc is þæs mihtig  ofer middangeard, 
þæt he þe alyse  of leoðubendum, 
manna cynnes,  ofer mine est?" 
Him þa Andreas  agef ondsware: 
"Hwæt, me eaðe  ælmihtig god, 
niða neregend,  se ðe in niedum iu 
gefæstnode  fyrnum clommum! 
þær ðu syððan a,  susle gebunden, 
in wræc wunne,  wuldres blunne, 
syððan ðu forhogedes  heofoncyninges word. 
þær wæs yfles or,  ende næfre 
þines wræces weorðeð.  ðu scealt widan feorh 
ecan þine yrmðu.  þe bið a symble 
of dæge on dæg  drohtaþ strengra." 
ða wearð on fleame  se ðe ða fæhðo iu 
wið god geara  grimme gefremede. 
Com þa on uhtan  mid ærdæge 
hæðenra hloð  haliges neosan 
leoda weorude.  Heton lædan ut 
þrohtheardne þegn  þriddan siðe, 
woldon aninga  ellenrofes 
mod gemyltan.  Hit ne mihte swa! 
ða wæs niowinga  nið onhrered, 
heard ond hetegrim.  Wæs se halga wer 
sare geswungen,  searwum gebunden, 
dolgbennum þurhdrifen,  ðendon dæg lihte. 
Ongan þa geomormod  to gode cleopian, 
heard of hæfte,  halgan stefne 
weop werigferð,  ond þæt word gecwæð: 
"Næfre ic geferde  mid frean willan 
under heofonhwealfe  heardran drohtnoð, 
þær ic dryhtnes æ  deman sceolde. 
Sint me leoðu tolocen,  lic sare gebrocen, 
banhus blodfag,  benne weallað, 
seonodolg swatige.  Hwæt, ðu sigora weard, 
dryhten hælend,  on dæges tide 
mid Iudeum  geomor wurde 
ða ðu of gealgan,  god lifigende, 
fyrnweorca frea,  to fæder cleopodest, 
cininga wuldor,  ond cwæde ðus: 
'Ic ðe, fæder engla,  frignan wille, 
lifes leohtfruma,  hwæt forlætest ðu me?' 
Ond ic nu þry dagas  þolian sceolde 
wælgrim witu.  Bidde ic, weoroda god, 
þæt ic gast minne  agifan mote, 
sawla symbelgifa,  on þines sylfes hand. 
ðu ðæt gehete  þurh þin halig word, 
þa ðu us twelfe  trymman ongunne, 
þæt us heterofra  hild ne gesceode, 
ne lices dæl  lungre oððeoded, 
ne synu ne ban  on swaðe lagon, 
ne loc of heafde  to forlore wurde, 
gif we þine lare  læstan woldon. 
Nu sint sionwe toslopen,  is min swat adropen, 
licgað æfter lande  loccas todrifene, 
fex on foldan.  Is me feorhgedal 
leofre mycle  þonne þeos lifcearo." 
Him þa stefn oncwæð,  stiðhycgendum, 
wuldorcyninges  word hloðrode: 
"Ne wep þone wræcsið,  wine leofesta, 
nis þe to frecne.  Ic þe friðe healde, 
minre mundbyrde  mægene besette. 
Me is miht ofer eall,  
            
sigorsped geseald.  Soð þæt gecyðeð 
mænig æt meðle  on þam myclan dæge, 
þæt ðæt geweorðeð,  þæt ðeos wlitige gesceaft, 
heofon ond eorðe,  hreosaþ togadore, 
ær awæged sie  worda ænig 
þe ic þurh minne muð  meðlan onginne. 
Geseoh nu seolfes swæðe,  swa þin swat aget 
þurh bangebrec  blodige stige, 

               lices lælan.  No þe laðes ma 
þurh daroða gedrep  gedon motan, 
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. 
ða worde cwæð  wigendra hleo: 
"Sie ðe ðanc ond lof,  þeoda waldend, 
to widan feore  wuldor on heofonum, 
ðæs ðu me on sare,  sigedryhten min, 
ellþeodigne,  an ne forlæte." 
Swa se dædfruma  dryhten herede 
halgan stefne  oððæt hador sægl 
wuldortorht gewat  under waðu scriðan. 
þa þa folctogan  feorðan siðe, 
egle ondsacan,  æðeling læddon 
to þam carcerne,  woldon cræfta gehygd, 
magorædendes  mod oncyrran 
on þære deorcan niht.  þa com dryhten god 
in þæt hlinræced,  hæleða wuldor, 
ond þa wine synne  wordum grette 
ond frofre gecwæð,  fæder manncynnes, 
lifes lareow,  heht his lichoman 
hales brucan:  "Ne scealt ðu in henðum a leng 
searohæbbendra  
               sar þrowian." 
Aras þa mægene rof,  sægde meotude þanc, 
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 laðes dæl, 
þurh dolgslege  dreore bestemed, 
ac wæs eft swa ær  þurh þa æðelan miht 
lof lædende,  ond on his lice trum. 

               Hwæt, ic hwile nu  haliges lare, 
leoðgiddinga,  lof þæs þe worhte, 
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 
findan on ferðe,  þæt fram fruman cunne 
eall þa earfeðo  þe he mid elne adreah, 
grimra guða.  Hwæðre git sceolon 
lytlum sticcum  leoðworda dæl 
furður reccan.  þæt is fyrnsægen, 
hu he weorna feala  wita geðolode, 
heardra hilda,  in þære hæðenan byrig. 
He be wealle geseah  wundrum fæste 
            
under sælwage 
                sweras unlytle, 
stapulas standan,  storme bedrifene, 
eald enta geweorc.  He wið anne þæra, 
mihtig ond modrof,  mæðel gehede, 
wis, wundrum gleaw,  word stunde ahof: 
"Geher ðu, marmanstan,  meotudes rædum, 
fore þæs onsyne  ealle gesceafte 
forhte geweorðað,  þonne hie fæder geseoð 
heofonas ond eorðan  herigea mæste 
on middangeard  mancynn secan. 
Læt nu of þinum staþole  streamas weallan, 
ea inflede,  nu ðe ælmihtig 
hateð, heofona cyning,  þæt ðu hrædlice 
on þis fræte folc  forð onsende 
wæter widrynig  to wera cwealme, 

               geofon geotende.  Hwæt, ðu golde eart, 
sincgife, sylla!  On ðe sylf cyning 
wrat, wuldres god,  wordum cyðde 
recene geryno,  ond ryhte æ 
getacnode  on tyn wordum, 
meotud mihtum swið.  Moyse sealde, 
swa hit soðfæste  syðþan heoldon, 
modige magoþegnas,  magas sine, 
godfyrhte guman,  
               Iosua ond Tobias. 
Nu ðu miht gecnawan  þæt þe cyning engla 
gefrætwode  furður mycle 
giofum geardagum  þonne eall gimma cynn. 
þurh his halige hæs  þu scealt hræðe cyðan 
gif ðu his ondgitan  ænige hæbbe." 
Næs þa wordlatu  wihte þon mare 
þæt se stan togan.  Stream ut aweoll, 
fleow ofer foldan.  Famige walcan 
mid ærdæge  eorðan þehton, 
myclade mereflod.  Meoduscerwen wearð 
æfter symbeldæge,  slæpe tobrugdon 

               searuhæbbende.  Sund grunde onfeng, 
deope gedrefed.  Duguð wearð afyrhted 
þurh þæs flodes fær.  Fæge swulton, 
geonge on geofene  guðræs fornam 
þurh sealtne 
               weg.  þæt wæs sorgbyrþen, 
biter beorþegu.  Byrlas ne gældon, 
ombehtþegnas.  þær wæs ælcum genog 
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  drohtað secan, 
eorðan ondwist.  Him þæt engel forstod, 
se ða burh oferbrægd  blacan lige, 
hatan heaðowælme.  Hreoh wæs þær inne 
beatende brim.  Ne mihte beorna hloð 
of þam fæstenne  fleame spowan. 
Wægas weoxon,  
               wadu hlynsodon, 
flugon fyrgnastas,  flod yðum weoll. 
ðær wæs yðfynde  innan burgum 
geomorgidd wrecen.  Gehðo mændan 
            
forhtferð manig,  fusleoð golon. 
Egeslic æled  eagsyne wearð, 
heardlic hereteam,  hleoðor gryrelic. 
þurh lyftgelac  leges blæstas 
weallas ymbwurpon,  wæter mycladon. 
þær wæs wop wera  wide gehyred, 
earmlic ylda gedræg.  þa þær an ongann, 
feasceaft hæleð,  folc gadorigean, 
hean, hygegeomor,  heofende spræc: 
"Nu ge magon sylfe  soð gecnawan, 
þæt we mid unrihte  ellþeodigne 
on carcerne  clommum belegdon, 
witebendum.  Us seo wyrd scyðeð, 
heard ond hetegrim.  þæt is her swa cuð, 
is hit mycle selre,  þæs þe ic soð talige, 
þæt we hine alysan  of leoðobendum, 
ealle anmode,  (ofost is selost), 
ond us þone halgan  helpe biddan, 
geoce ond frofre.  Us bið gearu sona 
sybb æfter sorge,  gif we secaþ to him." 
þa þær Andrea  orgete wearð 
on fyrhðlocan  folces gebæro, 
þær wæs modigra  
               mægen forbeged, 
wigendra þrym.  Wæter fæðmedon, 
fleow firgendstream,  flod wæs on luste, 
oþþæt breost oferstag,  brim weallende, 
eorlum oð exle.  þa se æðeling het 
streamfare stillan,  stormas restan 
ymbe stanhleoðu.  Stop ut hræðe 
cene collenferð,  carcern ageaf, 
gleawmod, gode leof.  Him wæs gearu sona 
þurh streamræce  stræt gerymed. 
Smeolt wæs se sigewang,  symble wæs dryge 
folde fram flode,  swa his fot gestop. 
Wurdon burgware  bliðe on mode, 
ferhðgefeonde.  þa wæs forð cumen 
geoc æfter gyrne.  
               Geofon swaðrode 
þurh haliges hæs,  hlyst yst forgeaf, 
brimrad gebad.  þa se beorg tohlad, 
eorðscræf egeslic,  ond þær in forlet 
flod fæðmian,  fealewe wægas, 
geotende gegrind  grund eall forswealg. 
Nalas he þær yðe  ane bisencte, 
ach þæs weorodes eac  ða wyrrestan, 
faa folcsceaðan,  feowertyne 
gewiton mid þy wæge  in forwyrd sceacan 
under eorþan grund.  þa wearð acolmod, 
forhtferð manig  folces on laste. 
Wendan hie wifa 
                ond wera cwealmes, 
þearlra geþinga  ðrage hnagran, 
syððan mane faa,  morðorscyldige, 
guðgelacan  under grund hruron. 
Hie ða anmode  ealle cwædon: 
"Nu is gesyne  ðæt þe soð meotud, 
cyning eallwihta,  cræftum wealdeð, 
se ðisne ar  hider onsende 
þeodum to helpe.  Is nu þearf mycel 
þæt we gumcystum  georne hyran." 
þa se halga ongann  hæleð blissigean, 
wigendra þreat  wordum retan: 
"Ne beoð ge to forhte,  þeh þe fell curen 
synnigra cynn.  Swylt þrowode, 
witu be gewyrhtum.  Eow is wuldres leoht 
torht ontyned,  gif ge teala hycgað." 
Sende þa his bene  fore bearn godes, 
bæd haligne  helpe gefremman 
gumena geogoðe,  þe on geofene ær 
þurh flodes fæðm  feorh gesealdon, 
ðæt þa gastas,  gode orfeorme, 
in wita forwyrd,  wuldre bescyrede, 
in feonda geweald  gefered ne wurdan. 
þa ðæt ærende  ealwealdan gode 
æfter hleoðorcwidum  haliges gastes 
wæs on þanc sprecen,  ðeoda ræswan. 
Het þa onsunde  ealle arisan, 
geonge of greote,  þa ær geofon cwealde. 
þa þær ofostlice  upp astodon 
manige on meðle,  mine gefrege, 
eaforan unweaxne,  ða wæs eall eador 
leoðolic ond gastlic,  þeah hie lungre ær 
þurh flodes fær  feorh aleton. 
Onfengon fulwihte  ond freoðuwære, 
wuldres wedde  witum aspedde, 
mundbyrd meotudes.  þa se modiga het, 
cyninges cræftiga,  ciricean getimbran, 
gerwan godes tempel,  þær sio geogoð aras 
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, 
onfon fromlice  fullwihtes bæð 
dryhtne to willan,  ond diofolgild, 
ealde eolhstedas,  anforlætan. 
þa wæs mid þy folce  fulwiht hæfen, 
æðele mid eorlum,  ond æ godes 
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, 
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, 
þæt he þa goldburg  ofgifan wolde, 
secga seledream  ond sincgestreon, 
beorht beagselu,  ond him brimþisan 
æt sæs faroðe 
                secan wolde. 
þæt wæs þam weorode  
               weorc to geþoligenne, 
þæt hie se leodfruma  leng ne wolde 
wihte gewunian.  þa him wuldres god 
on þam siðfæte  sylfum ætywde, 
ond þæt word gecwæð,  weoruda dryhten: 
"folc of firenum?  
               Is him fus hyge 
gað geomriende,  geohðo mænað 
weras wif samod.  Hira wop becom, 
murnende mod  
            

                fore sneowan. 
Ne scealt ðu þæt eowde  anforlætan 
on swa niowan gefean,  ah him naman minne 
on ferðlocan  fæste getimbre. 
Wuna in þære winbyrig,  wigendra hleo, 
salu sinchroden,  seofon nihta fyrst. 
Syððan ðu mid mildse  minre ferest." 
þa eft gewat  oðre siðe 
modig, mægene rof,  Marmedonia 
ceastre secan.  Cristenra weox 
word ond wisdom,  syððan wuldres þegn, 
æþelcyninges ar,  eagum sawon. 
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 
in þrinnesse  þrymme wealdeð 
in woruld worulda  wuldorgestealda. 
Swylce se halga  herigeas þreade, 
deofulgild todraf  ond gedwolan fylde. 
þæt wæs Satane  sar to geþolienne, 
mycel modes sorg,  þæt he ða menigeo geseah 
hweorfan higebliðe  fram helltrafum 
þurh Andreas  este lare 
to fægeran gefean,  þær næfre feondes ne bið, 
gastes gramhydiges,  gang on lande. 
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 
Achaie  oðre siðe 
sylfa gesecan,  þær he sawulgedal, 
beaducwealm gebad.  þæt þam banan ne wearð 
hleahtre behworfen,  ah in helle ceafl 
sið asette,  ond syððan no, 
fah, freonda leas,  frofre benohte. 
ða ic lædan gefrægn  leoda weorode 
leofne lareow  to lides stefnan, 
mæcgas modgeomre.  þær manegum wæs 
hat æt heortan  hyge weallende. 
Hie ða gebrohton  æt brimes næsse 
on wægþele  wigan unslawne. 
Stodon him ða on ofre  æfter reotan 
þendon hie on yðum  æðelinga wunn 
ofer seolhpaðu  geseon mihton, 
ond þa weorðedon  wuldres agend, 
cleopodon on corðre,  ond cwædon þus: 
"An is ece god  eallra gesceafta! 
Is his miht ond his æht  ofer middangeard 
breme gebledsod,  ond his blæd ofer eall 
in heofonþrymme  halgum scineð, 
wlitige on wuldre  to widan ealdre, 
ece mid englum.  þæt is æðele cyning!" 

6. The Fates of the ApostlesKrapp, 1932a 51-4; Krapp, G.P., The Vercelli Book, ASPR 2 (New York).Hwæt! Ic þysne sang  siðgeomor fand 
on seocum sefan,  samnode wide 
hu þa æðelingas  ellen cyðdon, 
torhte ond tireadige.  Twelfe wæron, 
dædum domfæste,  dryhtne gecorene, 
leofe on life.  Lof wide sprang, 
miht ond mærðo,  ofer middangeard, 
þeodnes þegna,  þrym unlytel. 
Halgan heape  hlyt wisode 
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 
wide geweorðod  ofer werþeoda! 
Swylce Andreas  in Achagia 
for Egias  aldre geneðde. 
Ne þreodode he fore þrymme  ðeodcyninges, 
æniges on eorðan,  ac him ece geceas 
langsumre lif,  leoht unhwilen, 
syþþan hildeheard,  heriges byrhtme, 
æfter guðplegan  gealgan þehte. 
Hwæt, we eac gehyrdon  be Iohanne 
æglæawe menn  æðelo reccan! 
Se manna wæs,  mine gefrege, 
þurh cneorisse  Criste leofast 
on weres hade,  syððan wuldres cyning, 
engla ordfruma,  eorðan sohte 
þurh fæmnan hrif,  fæder manncynnes. 
He in Effessia  ealle þrage 
leode lærde,  þanon lifes weg 
siðe gesohte,  swegle dreamas, 
beorhtne boldwelan.  Næs his broðor læt, 
siðes sæne,  ac ðurh sweordes bite 
mid Iudeum  Iacob sceolde 
fore Herode  ealdre gedælan, 
feorh wið flæsce.  Philipus wæs 
mid Asseum,  þanon ece lif 
þurh rode cwealm  ricene gesohte, 
syððan on galgan  in Gearapolim 
ahangen wæs  hildecorðre. 
Huru, wide wearð  wurd undyrne 
þæt to Indeum  aldre gelædde 
beaducræftig beorn,  Bartholameus! 
þone heht Astrias  in Albano, 
hæðen ond hygeblind,  heafde beneotan, 
forþan he ða hæðengild  hyran ne wolde, 
wig weorðian.  Him wæs wuldres dream, 
lifwela leofra  þonne þas leasan godu. 
Swylce Thomas eac  þriste geneðde 
on Indea  oðre dælas, 
þær manegum wearð  mod onlihted, 
hige onhyrded,  þurh his halig word. 
Syððan collenferð  cyninges broðor 
awehte for weorodum,  wundorcræfte, 
þurh dryhtnes miht,  þæt he of deaðe aras, 
geong ond guðhwæt,  ond him wæs Gad nama, 
ond ða þæm folce  feorg gesealde, 
sin æt sæcce.  Sweordræs fornam 
þurh hæðene 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  soð yppe wearð, 
dryhtlic dom godes!  Dæges or onwoc, 
leohtes geleafan,  land wæs gefælsod 
þurh Matheus  mære lare. 
þone het Irtacus  ðurh yrne hyge, 
wælreow cyning,  wæpnum aswebban. 
Hyrde we þæt Iacob  in Ierusalem 
fore sacerdum  swilt þrowode. 
ðurg stenges sweng  stiðmod gecrang, 
eadig for æfestum.  Hafað nu ece lif 
mid wuldorcining,  wiges to leane. 
Næron ða twegen  tohtan sæne, 
lindgelaces,  land Persea 
sohton siðfrome,  Simon ond Thaddeus, 
beornas beadorofe!  Him wearð bam samod 
an endedæg.  æðele sceoldon 
ðurh wæpenhete  weorc þrowigan, 
sigelean secan,  ond þone soðan gefean, 
dream æfter deaðe,  þa gedæled wearð 
lif wið lice,  ond þas lænan gestreon, 
idle æhtwelan,  
               ealle forhogodan. 
ðus ða æðelingas  ende gesealdon, 
[XII] tilmodige.  Tir unbræcne 
wegan on gewitte  wuldres þegnas. 
Nu ic þonne bidde  beorn se ðe lufige 
þysses giddes begang  þæt he geomrum me 
þone halgan heap  helpe bidde, 
friðes ond fultomes.  Hu, ic freonda beþearf 
liðra on lade,  þonne ic sceal langne ham, 
eardwic uncuð,  ana gesecan, 

               lætan me on laste  lic, eorðan dæl, 
wælreaf wunigean  weormum to hroðre. 
Her mæg findan  
               foreþances gleaw, 
se ðe hine lysteð  leoðgiddunga, 
hwa þas fitte fegde.   
               F þær on ende standeþ, 
eorlas þæs on eorðan brucaþ.  Ne moton hie awa ætsomne, 
woruldwunigende;  
               W sceal gedreosan, 

               U on eðle,  æfter tohreosan 
            

               læne lices frætewa,  efne swa L toglideð. 

               þonne
               
                  Cond
               
                  Y
               
                cræftes neosað 
            
nihtes nearowe,  on him  
                  N
                
               ligeð, 

               cyninges þeodom.  Nu ðu cunnon miht 

               hwa
               on
               þam
               wordum wæs  werum oncyðig. 
Sie þæs gemyndig,  
               mann 
               se 
               ðe lufige 
þisses galdres begang,  þæt he geoce me 
            

               ond
               frofre fricle.  Ic sceall feor heonan, 
an elles forð,  
               eardes neosan, 
sið asettan,  nat ic sylfa hwær, 

               of
               þisse worulde.  Wic sindon uncuð, 
eard ond eðel,  swa bið ælcum menn 
nemþe he godcundes  gastes bruce. 
Ah utu we þe geornor  to gode cleopigan, 
sendan usse bene  on þa beorhtan gesceaft, 
þæt we þæs botles  brucan motan, 
hames in hehðo,  þær is hihta mæst, 
þær cyning engla  clænum gildeð 
            
lean unhwilen.  Nu a his lof standeð, 
mycel ond mære,  ond his miht seomaþ, 
ece ond edgiong,  ofer ealle gesceaft. 
[Finit]. 

7. Soul and BodyKrapp, 1932a 54-9; Krapp, G.P., The Vercelli Book, ASPR 2 (New York).Huru, ðæs behofað  hæleða æghwylc 
þæt he his sawle sið 
                sylfa geþence, 
hu þæt bið deoplic  þonne se deað cymeð, 
asyndreð þa sybbe  þe ær samod wæron, 
lic ond sawle!  Lang bið syððan 
þæt se gast nimeð  æt gode sylfum 
swa wite swa wuldor,  swa him on worulde ær 
efne þæt eorðfæt  ær geworhte. 
Sceal se gast cuman  geohðum hremig, 
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. 
Cleopað þonne swa cearful  cealdan reorde, 
spreceð grimlice  se gast to þam duste: 
"Hwæt, druh ðu dreorega,  to hwan drehtest ðu me, 
eorðan fulnes  eal forwisnad, 
lames gelicnes!  Lyt ðu gemundest 
to hwan þinre sawle þing  siðþan wurde, 
syððan of lichoman  læded wære! 
Hwæt, wite ðu me, weriga!  Hwæt, ðu huru wyrma gyfl 
lyt geþohtest,  þa ðu lustgryrum eallum 
ful geeodest,  hu ðu on eorðan scealt 
wyrmum to wiste!  Hwæt, ðu 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, 
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 ðe of cuman, 
flæsce befangen,  ond me fyrenlustas 
þine geþrungon.  þæt me þuhte ful oft 
þæt hit wære [XXX]  þusend wintra 
to þinum deaðdæge.  A ic uncres gedales onbad 
earfoðlice.  Nis nu huru se ende to god! 
Wære þu þe wiste wlanc  ond wines sæd, 
þrymful þunedest,  ond ic ofþyrsted wæs 
godes lichoman,  gastes drynces. 
Forðan þu ne hogodest  her on life, 
syððan ic ðe on worulde  wunian sceolde, 
þæt ðu wære þurh flæsc  ond þurh fyrenlustas 
strange gestryned  ond gestaðolod þurh me, 
ond ic wæs gast on ðe  fram gode sended. 
Næfre ðu me wið swa heardum  helle witum 
ne generedest  þurh þinra nieda lust. 
Scealt ðu minra gesynta  sceame þrowian 
on ðam myclan dæge  þonne eall manna cynn 
se ancenneda 
                ealle gesamnað. 
Ne eart ðu þon leofra  nænigum lifigendra 
men to gemæccan,  ne meder ne fæder 
ne nænigum gesybban,  þonne se swearta hrefen, 
syððan ic ana of ðe  ut siðode 
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, 
ne nan þara goda  þe ðu iu ahtest, 
ac her sceolon onbidan  ban bereafod, 
besliten synum,  ond þe þin sawl sceal 
minum unwillum 
                oft gesecan, 
wemman þe mid wordum,  swa ðu worhtest to me. 
Eart ðu nu dumb ond deaf,  ne synt þine dreamas awiht. 
Sceal ic ðe nihtes swa þeah  nede gesecan, 
synnum gesargod,  ond eft sona fram þe 
hweorfan on hancred,  þonne halige men 
lifiendum gode  lofsang doð, 
secan þa hamas  þe ðu 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 
þe ðu her on moldan  mannum eowdest. 
Forðan þe wære selre  swiðe mycle 
þonne þe wæron ealle  eorðan speda, 
(butan þu hie gedælde  dryhtne sylfum), 
þær ðu wurde æt frymðe fugel  oððe fisc on sæ, 
oððe on eorðan neat  ætes tilode, 
feldgangende  feoh butan snyttro, 
oððe on westenne  
               wildra deora 
þæt wyrreste,  þær swa god wolde, 
ge þeah ðu wære  
               wyrma cynna 
þæt grimmeste,  þær swa god wolde, 
þonne ðu æfre on moldan  man gewurde 
oððe æfre fulwihte  onfon sceolde. 
þonne ðu for unc bæm  andwyrdan scealt 
on ðam miclan dæge,  þonne mannum beoð 
wunda onwrigene,  þa ðe on worulde ær 
fyrenfulle men  fyrn geworhton, 
ðonne wyle dryhten sylf  dæda gehyran 
hæleða gehwylces,  heofena scippend, 
æt ealra manna gehwæs  muðes reorde 
wunde wiðerlean.  Ac hwæt wylt ðu þær 
on þam domdæge  dryhtne secgan? 
þonne ne bið nan na to þæs lytel lið  on lime aweaxen, 
þæt ðu ne scyle for anra  gehwylcum onsundrum 
riht agildan,  þonne reðe bið 
dryhten æt þam dome.  Ac hwæt do wyt unc? 
Sculon wit þonne eft ætsomne  siððan brucan 
swylcra yrmða,  swa ðu unc her ær scrife!" 
Fyrnað þus þæt flæschord,  sceall þonne feran onweg, 
secan hellegrund,  nallæs heofondreamas, 
dædum gedrefed.  
               Ligeð dust þær hit wæs, 
ne mæg him ondsware  ænige gehatan, 
geomrum gaste,  geoce oððe frofre. 
Bið þæt heafod tohliden,  handa toliðode, 
geaglas toginene,  goman toslitene, 
sina beoð asocene,  swyra becowen, 
fingras tohrorene.  
            
Rib reafiað  reðe wyrmas, 
beoð hira tungan totogenne  on tyn healfa 
hungregum to frofre;  forþan hie ne magon huxlicum 
wordum wrixlian  wið þone werian gast. 
Gifer hatte se wyrm,  þe þa eaglas beoð 
nædle scearpran.  Se genydde to 
            
ærest eallra  on þam eorðscræfe, 
þæt he þa tungan totyhð  ond þa teð þurhsmyhð 
ond þa eagan þurheteð  ufan on þæt heafod 
ond to ætwelan  oðrum gerymeð, 
wyrmum to wiste,  þonne þæt werie 
lic acolod bið  þæt he lange ær 
werede mid wædum.  Bið þonne wyrma gifel, 

               æt on eorþan.  þæt mæg æghwylcum 
men to gemynde,  modsnotra gehwam! 
ðonne bið hyhtlicre  þæt sio halige sawl 
færeð to ðam flæsce,  frofre bewunden. 
Bið þæt ærende  eadiglicre 
funden on ferhðe.  Mid gefean seceð 
lustum þæt lamfæt  þæt hie ær lange wæg. 
þonne þa gastas  gode word sprecað, 
snottre, sigefæste,  ond þus soðlice 
þone lichoman  lustum gretaþ: 
"Wine leofesta,  
               þeah 
               ðe 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, 
þæt wyt englas  ealle gesawon, 
heofona wuldor,  swylc swa ðu me ær her scrife! 
Fæstest ðu on foldan  ond gefyldest me 
godes lichoman,  gastes drynces. 
Wære ðu on wædle,  sealdest me wilna geniht. 
Forðan ðu ne þearft sceamian,  þonne sceadene beoþ 
þa synfullan  ond þa soðfæstan 
on þam mæran dæge,  þæs ðu me geafe, 
ne ðe hreowan þearf  her on life 
ealles swa mycles  swa ðu me sealdest 
on gemotstede  manna ond engla. 
Bygdest ðu þe for hæleðum  ond ahofe me on ecne dream. 
Forþan me a langaþ,  leofost manna, 
on minum hige hearde,  þæs þe ic þe on þyssum hynðum wat 
wyrmum to wiste,  ac þæt wolde god, 
þæt þu æfre þus laðlic  legerbed cure. 
Wolde ic þe ðonne secgan  þæt ðu ne sorgode, 
forðan wyt bioð gegæderode  æt godes dome. 
Moton wyt þonne ætsomne  syþan brucan 
ond unc on heofonum  heahþungene beon. 
Ne þurfon wyt beon cearie  æt cyme dryhtnes, 
ne þære andsware  yfele habban 
sorge in hreðre,  ac wyt sylfe magon 
æt ðam dome þær  dædum agilpan, 
hwylce earnunga  uncre wæron. 
Wat ic þæt þu wære  on woruldrice 
geþungen þrymlice  þysses" 

8. Homiletic Fragment IKrapp, 1932a 59-60; Krapp, G.P., The Vercelli Book, ASPR 2 (New York).
                sorh cymeð 
manig ond mislic  in manna dream. 
Eorl oðerne  mid æfþancum 
ond mid teonwordum  tæleð behindan, 
spreceð fægere beforan,  ond þæt facen swa þeah 
hafað in his heortan,  hord unclæne. 
Byð þonne þæs wommes gewita  weoruda dryhten. 
Forðan se witiga cwæð:  
            
"Ne syle ðu me ætsomne  mid þam synfullum 
in wita forwyrd,  weoruda dryhten, 
ne me on life forleos  mid þam ligewyrhtum, 
þam þe ful smeðe  spræce habbað, 
ond in gastcofan  grimme geþohtas, 
gehatað holdlice,  swa hyra hyht ne gæð, 
wære mid welerum."  Wea bið in mode, 
siofa synnum fah,  sare geblonden, 
gefylled mid facne,  þeah he fæger word 
utan ætywe.  ænlice beoð, 
swa ða beon berað  buta ætsomne 
arlicne anleofan,  ond ætterne tægel 
hafað on hindan,  hunig on muðe, 
wynsume wist.  Hwilum wundiaþ 
sare mid stinge,  þonne se sæl cymeð. 
Swa bioð gelice  þa leasan men, 
þa ðe mid tungan  treowa gehataþ 
fægerum wordum,  facenlice þencaþ, 
þonne hie æt nehstan  nearwe beswicaþ, 
hafað on gehatum  hunigsmæccas, 
smeðne sybcwide,  ond in siofan innan 
þurh deofles cræft  dyrne wunde. 
Swa is nu þes middangeard  mane geblonden, 
wanað ond weaxeð.  Wacað se ealda, 
dweleð ond drefeð  dæges ond nihtes 
miltse mid mane,  mægene getryweð, 
ehteð æfestra,  inwit saweð, 
nið mid geneahe.  Nænig oðerne 
freoð in fyrhðe  nimþe feara hwylc, 
þæt he soðlice  sybbe healde, 
gastlice lufe,  swa him god bebead. 
Forþan eallunga  hyht geceoseð, 
woruld wynsume,  se ðe wis ne bið, 
snottor, searocræftig  sawle rædes. 
Uton to þam beteran,  nu we bot cunnon, 
hycgan ond hyhtan,  þæt we heofones leoht 
uppe mid englum  agan moton 
gastum to geoce,  þonne god wile 
eorðan lifes  ende gewyrcan! 

9. Dream of the RoodKrapp, 1932a 61-5; Krapp, G.P., The Vercelli Book, ASPR 2 (New York).Hwæt! Ic swefna cyst  secgan wylle, 

               hwæt me gemætte  to midre nihte, 
syðþan reordberend  reste wunedon! 
þuhte me þæt ic gesawe  syllicre treow 
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, 
fægere þurh forðgesceaft.  Ne wæs ðær 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, 
wædum geweorðode,  wynnum scinan, 
gegyred mid golde;  gimmas hæfdon 
bewrigene weorðlice  
               wealdendes treow. 
Hwæðre ic þurh þæt gold  ongytan meahte 
earmra ærgewin,  þæt hit ærest ongan 
swætan on þa swiðran healfe.  Eall ic wæs mid sorgum gedrefed, 
forht ic wæs for þære fægran gesyhðe.  Geseah ic þæt fuse beacen 
wendan wædum ond bleom;  hwilum hit wæs mid wætan bestemed, 
beswyled mid swates gange,  hwilum mid since gegyrwed. 
Hwæðre ic þær licgende  lange hwile 
beheold hreowcearig  hælendes treow, 
oððæt ic gehyrde  þæt hit hleoðrode. 
Ongan þa word sprecan  wudu selesta: 
"þæt wæs geara iu,  (ic þæt gyta geman), 
þæt ic wæs aheawen  holtes on ende, 
astyred of stefne minum.  Genaman me ðær strange feondas, 
geworhton him þær to wæfersyne,  heton me heora wergas hebban. 
Bæron me ðær beornas on eaxlum,  oððæt hie me on beorg asetton, 
gefæstnodon me þær feondas genoge.  Geseah ic þa frean mancynnes 
efstan elne mycle  þæt he me wolde on gestigan. 
þær ic þa ne dorste  ofer dryhtnes word 
bugan oððe berstan,  þa ic bifian geseah 
eorðan sceatas.  Ealle ic mihte 
feondas gefyllan,  hwæðre ic fæste stod. 
Ongyrede hine þa geong hæleð,  (þæt wæs god ælmihtig), 
strang ond stiðmod.  Gestah he on gealgan heanne, 
modig on manigra gesyhðe,  þa he wolde mancyn lysan. 
Bifode ic þa me se beorn ymbclypte.  Ne dorste ic hwæðre bugan to eorðan, 
feallan to foldan sceatum,  ac ic sceolde fæste standan. 
Rod wæs ic aræred.  Ahof ic ricne cyning, 
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 sceððan. 
Bysmeredon hie unc butu ætgædere.  Eall ic wæs mid blode bestemed, 
begoten of þæs guman sidan,  siððan he hæfde his gast onsended. 
Feala ic on þam beorge  gebiden hæbbe 
wraðra wyrda.  Geseah ic weruda god 
þearle þenian.  þystro hæfdon 
bewrigen mid wolcnum  wealdendes hræw, 
scirne sciman,  sceadu forðeode, 
wann under wolcnum.  Weop eal gesceaft, 
cwiðdon cyninges fyll.  Crist wæs on rode. 
Hwæðere þær fuse  feorran cwoman 
to þam æðelinge.  Ic þæt eall beheold. 
Sare ic wæs mid sorgum gedrefed,  hnag ic hwæðre þam secgum to handa, 
eaðmod elne mycle.  Genamon hie þær ælmihtigne god, 
ahofon hine of ðam hefian wite.  Forleton me þa hilderincas 
standan steame bedrifenne;  eall ic wæs mid strælum forwundod. 
Aledon hie ðær limwerigne,  gestodon him æt his lices heafdum, 
beheoldon hie ðær heofenes dryhten,  ond he hine ðær hwile reste, 
meðe æfter ðam miclan gewinne.  Ongunnon him þa moldern wyrcan 
beornas on banan gesyhðe;  curfon hie ðæt of beorhtan stane, 
gesetton hie ðæron sigora wealdend.  Ongunnon him þa sorhleoð galan 
earme on þa æfentide,  þa hie woldon eft siðian, 
meðe fram þam mæran þeodne.  Reste he ðær mæte weorode. 
Hwæðere we ðær greotende 
                gode hwile 
stodon on staðole,  syððan stefn up gewat 
hilderinca.  Hræw colode, 
fæger feorgbold.  þa us man fyllan ongan 
ealle to eorðan.  þæt wæs egeslic wyrd! 
Bedealf us man on deopan seaþe.  Hwæðre me þær dryhtnes þegnas, 
freondas gefrunon,  
            

               ond gyredon me  golde ond seolfre. 
Nu ðu miht gehyran,  hæleð min se leofa, 
þæt ic bealuwara weorc  gebiden hæbbe, 
sarra sorga.  Is nu sæl cumen 
þæt me weorðiað  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 
hlifige under heofenum,  ond ic hælan mæg 
æghwylcne anra,  þara þe him bið egesa to me. 
Iu ic wæs geworden  wita heardost, 
leodum laðost,  ærþan ic him lifes weg 
rihtne gerymde,  reordberendum. 
Hwæt, me þa geweorðode  wuldres ealdor 
ofer holmwudu,  heofonrices weard! 
Swylce swa he his modor eac,  Marian sylfe, 
ælmihtig god  for ealle menn 
geweorðode  ofer eall wifa cynn. 
Nu ic þe hate,  hæleð min se leofa, 
þæt ðu þas gesyhðe  secge mannum, 
onwreoh wordum  þæt hit is wuldres beam, 
se ðe ælmihtig god  on þrowode 
for mancynnes  manegum synnum 
ond Adomes  ealdgewyrhtum. 
Deað he þær byrigde,  hwæðere eft dryhten aras 
mid his miclan mihte  mannum to helpe. 
He ða on heofenas astag.  Hider eft fundaþ 
on þysne middangeard  mancynn secan 
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. 
Ne mæg þær ænig  unforht wesan 
for þam worde  þe se wealdend cwyð. 
Frineð he for þære mænige  hwær se man sie, 
se ðe for dryhtnes naman  deaðes wolde 
biteres onbyrigan,  swa he ær on ðam beame dyde. 
Ac hie þonne forhtiað,  ond fea þencaþ 
hwæt hie to Criste  cweðan onginnen. 
Ne þearf ðær þonne ænig  
               anforht wesan 
þe him ær in breostum bereð  beacna selest, 
ac ðurh ða rode sceal  rice gesecan 
of eorðwege  æghwylc sawl, 
seo þe mid wealdende  wunian þenceð." 
Gebæd ic me þa to þan beame  bliðe mode, 
elne mycle,  þær ic ana wæs 
mæte werede.  Wæs modsefa 
afysed on forðwege,  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 ðam 
mycel on mode,  ond min mundbyrd is 
geriht to þære rode.  Nah ic ricra feala 
freonda on foldan,  ac hie forð heonon 
gewiton of worulde dreamum,  sohton him wuldres cyning, 
lifiaþ nu on heofenum  mid heahfædere, 
wuniaþ on wuldre,  ond ic wene me 
daga gehwylce  hwænne me dryhtnes rod, 
þe ic her on eorðan  ær sceawode, 
on þysson lænan  life gefetige 
ond me þonne gebringe  þær is blis mycel, 
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, 
se ðe 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. 
Se sunu wæs sigorfæst  on þam siðfate, 
mihtig ond spedig,  þa he mid manigeo com, 
gasta weorode,  on godes rice, 
anwealda ælmihtig,  englum to blisse 
ond eallum ðam halgum  þam þe on heofonum ær 
wunedon on wuldre,  þa heora wealdend cwom, 
ælmihtig god,  þær his eðel wæs. 

10. EleneKrapp 1932a, 66-102; Krapp 1932a, The Vercelli Book, ASPR 2 (New York).þa wæs agangen  geara hwyrftum 
tu hund ond þreo  geteled rimes, 
swylce [XXX] eac,  þinggemearces, 
wintra for worulde,  þæs þe wealdend god 
acenned wearð,  cyninga wuldor, 
in middangeard  þurh mennisc heo, 
soðfæstra leoht.  þa wæs syxte gear 
Constantines  caserdomes, 
þæt he Romwara  in rice wearð 
ahæfen, hildfruma,  to hereteman. 
Wæs se leodhwata  lindgeborga 
eorlum arfæst.  
               æðelinges weox 
rice under roderum.  He wæs riht cyning, 

               guðweard gumena.  Hine god trymede 
mærðum ond mihtum,  þæt he manegum wearð 
geond middangeard  mannum to hroðer, 
werþeodum to wræce,  syððan wæpen ahof 
wið hetendum.  Him wæs hild boden, 
wiges woma.  Werod samnodan 
Huna leode  ond Hreðgotan, 
foron fyrdhwate  Francan ond Hugas. 
Wæron hwate weras,  
            
gearwe to guðe.  Garas lixtan, 
wriðene wælhlencan.  Wordum ond bordum 
hofon herecombol.  þa wæron heardingas 
sweotole gesamnod  ond eal sib geador. 
For folca gedryht.  Fyrdleoð agol 
wulf on wealde,  wælrune ne mað. 
Urigfeðera  earn sang ahof, 
laðum on laste.  Lungre scynde 
ofer burg enta  beaduþreata mæst, 
hergum to hilde,  swylce Huna cyning 
ymbsittendra  awer meahte 
abannan to beadwe  burgwigendra. 
For fyrda mæst.  Feðan trymedon 
eoredcestum,  þæt on ælfylce 
deareðlacende  on Danubie, 
stærcedfyrhðe,  stæðe wicedon 
ymb þæs wæteres wylm.  Werodes breahtme 
woldon Romwara  rice geþringan, 
hergum ahyðan.  þær wearð Huna cyme 
cuð ceasterwarum.  þa se casere heht 
ongean gramum  guðgelæcan 
under earhfære  ofstum myclum 
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; 
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, 
mearh moldan træd.  Mægen samnode, 
cafe to cease.  Cyning wæs afyrhted, 
egsan geaclad,  siððan elþeodige, 
Huna ond Hreða  here sceawede, 
ðæt he on Romwara  rices ende 
ymb þæs wæteres stæð  werod samnode, 
mægen unrime.  Modsorge wæg 
Romwara cyning,  rices ne wende 
for werodleste,  hæfde wigena to lyt, 
eaxlgestealna  wið ofermægene, 
hrora to hilde.  Here wicode, 
eorlas ymb æðeling,  egstreame neah 
on neaweste  nihtlangne fyrst, 
þæs þe hie feonda gefær  fyrmest gesægon. 
þa wearð on slæpe  sylfum ætywed 
þam casere,  þær he on corðre swæf, 
sigerofum gesegen  swefnes woma. 
þuhte him wlitescyne  on weres hade 
hwit ond hiwbeorht  hæleða nathwylc 
geywed ænlicra  þonne he ær oððe sið 
gesege under swegle.  He of slæpe onbrægd, 
eofurcumble beþeaht.  Him se ar hraðe, 
wlitig wuldres boda,  wið þingode 
ond be naman nemde,  (nihthelm toglad): 
"Constantinus,  heht þe cyning engla, 
wyrda wealdend,  wære beodan, 
duguða dryhten.  Ne ondræd þu ðe, 
ðeah þe elþeodige  egesan hwopan, 
heardre hilde.  þu to heofenum beseoh 
on wuldres weard,  þær ðu wraðe findest, 
sigores tacen."  He wæs sona gearu 
þurh þæs halgan hæs,  hreðerlocan onspeon, 
up locade,  swa him se ar abead, 
fæle friðowebba.  Geseah he frætwum beorht 
wliti wuldres treo  ofer wolcna hrof, 
golde geglenged,  (gimmas lixtan); 
wæs se blaca beam  bocstafum awriten, 
beorhte ond leohte:  "Mid þys beacne ðu 
on þam frecnan fære  feond oferswiðesð, 
geletest lað werod."  þa þæt leoht gewat, 
up siðode,  ond se ar somed, 
on clænra gemang.  Cyning wæs þy bliðra 
ond þe sorgleasra,  secga aldor, 
on fyrhðsefan,  þurh þa fægeran gesyhð. 
Heht þa onlice  æðelinga hleo, 
beorna beaggifa,  swa he þæt beacen geseah, 
heria hildfruma,  þæt him on heofonum ær 
geiewed wearð,  ofstum myclum, 
Constantinus,  Cristes rode, 
tireadig cyning,  tacen gewyrcan. 
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 
hlude for hergum.  Hrefn weorces gefeah, 
urigfeðra,  earn sið beheold, 
wælhreowra wig.  Wulf sang ahof, 
holtes gehleða.  Hildegesa stod. 
þær wæs borda gebrec  ond beorna geþrec, 
heard handgeswing  ond herga gring, 
syððan heo earhfære  ærest metton. 
On þæt fæge folc  flana scuras, 
garas ofer geolorand  on gramra gemang, 
hetend heorugrimme,  hildenædran, 
þurh fingra geweald  forð onsendan. 
Stopon stiðhidige,  stundum wræcon, 
bræcon bordhreðan,  bil in dufan, 
þrungon þræchearde.  þa wæs þuf hafen, 
segn for sweotum,  sigeleoð galen. 
Gylden grima,  garas lixtan 
on herefelda.  Hæðene grungon, 
feollon friðelease.  Flugon instæpes 
Huna leode,  swa þæt halige treo 
aræran heht  Romwara cyning, 
heaðofremmende.  Wurdon heardingas 
wide towrecene.  Sume wig fornam. 
Sume unsofte  aldor generedon 
on þam heresiðe.  Sume healfcwice 
flugon on fæsten  ond feore burgon 
æfter stanclifum,  stede weardedon 
ymb Danubie.  Sume drenc fornam 
on lagostreame  lifes æt ende. 
ða wæs modigra  mægen on luste, 
ehton elþeoda  oð þæt æfen forð 
fram dæges orde.  Daroðæsc flugon, 
hildenædran.  Heap wæs gescyrded, 
laðra lindwered.  Lythwon becwom 
Huna herges  ham eft þanon. 
þa wæs gesyne  þæt sige forgeaf 
Constantino  cyning ælmihtig 
æt þam dægweorce,  domweorðunga, 
rice under roderum,  þurh his rode treo. 
Gewat þa heriga helm  ham eft þanon, 
huðe hremig,  (hild wæs gesceaden), 
wigge geweorðod.  Com þa wigena hleo 
þegna þreate  
               þryðbold 
               secan, 
beadurof cyning  burga neosan. 
Heht þa wigena weard  þa wisestan 
snude to sionoðe,  þa þe snyttro cræft 
þurh fyrngewrito  gefrigen hæfdon, 
heoldon higeþancum  hæleða rædas. 
ða þæs fricggan ongan  folces aldor, 
sigerof cyning,  ofer sid weorod, 
wære þær ænig  yldra oððe gingra 
þe him to soðe  secggan meahte, 
galdrum cyðan,  hwæt se god wære, 
boldes brytta,  "þe þis his beacen wæs 
þe me swa leoht oðywde  ond mine leode generede, 
tacna torhtost,  ond me tir forgeaf, 
wigsped wið wraðum,  þurh þæt wlitige treo." 
Hio him ondsware  ænige ne meahton 
agifan togenes,  ne ful geare cuðon 
sweotole gesecggan  be þam sigebeacne. 
þa þa wisestan  wordum cwædon 
for þam heremægene  þæt hit heofoncyninges 
tacen wære,  ond þæs tweo nære. 
þa þæt gefrugnon  þa þurh fulwihte 
lærde wæron,  (him wæs leoht sefa, 
ferhð gefeonde,  þeah hira fea wæron), 
ðæt hie for þam casere  cyðan moston 
godspelles gife,  hu se gasta helm, 
in þrynesse  þrymme geweorðad, 
acenned wearð,  cyninga wuldor, 
ond hu on galgan wearð  godes agen bearn 
ahangen for hergum  heardum witum. 
Alysde leoda bearn  of locan deofla, 
geomre gastas,  ond him gife sealde 
þurh þa ilcan gesceaft  þe him geywed wearð 
sylfum on gesyhðe,  sigores tacen, 
wið þeoda þræce.  Ond hu ðy þriddan dæge 
of byrgenne  beorna wuldor 
of deaðe aras,  dryhten ealra 
hæleða cynnes,  ond to heofonum astah. 
ðus gleawlice  gastgerynum 
sægdon sigerofum,  swa fram Siluestre 
lærde wæron.  æt þam se leodfruma 
fulwihte onfeng  ond þæt forð geheold 
on his dagana tid,  dryhtne to willan. 
ða wæs on sælum  sinces brytta, 
niðheard cyning.  Wæs him niwe gefea 
befolen in fyrhðe,  wæs him frofra mæst 
ond hyhta nihst  heofonrices weard. 
Ongan þa dryhtnes æ  dæges ond nihtes 
þurh gastes gife  georne cyðan, 
ond hine soðlice  sylfne getengde 
goldwine gumena  in godes þeowdom, 
æscrof, unslaw.  þa se æðeling fand, 
leodgebyrga,  þurh larsmiðas, 
guðheard, garþrist,  on godes bocum 
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 
ahengon, herga fruman.  þæs hie in hynðum sculon 
to widan feore  wergðu dreogan! 
þa wæs Cristes lof  þam casere 
on firhðsefan,  forð gemyndig 
ymb þæt mære treo,  ond þa his modor het 
feran foldwege  folca þreate 
to Iudeum,  georne secan 
wigena þreate  hwær se wuldres beam, 
halig under hrusan,  hyded wære, 
æðelcyninges rod.  Elene ne wolde 
þæs siðfates  sæne weorðan, 
ne ðæs wilgifan  word gehyrwan, 
hiere sylfre suna,  ac wæs sona gearu, 
wif on willsið,  swa hire weoruda helm, 
byrnwiggendra,  beboden hæfde. 
Ongan þa ofstlice  eorla mengu 
to flote fysan.  Fearoðhengestas 
ymb geofenes stæð  gearwe stodon, 
sælde sæmearas,  sunde getenge. 
ða wæs orcnæwe  idese siðfæt, 
siððan wæges helm  werode gesohte. 
þær wlanc manig  æt Wendelsæ 
on stæðe stodon.  Stundum wræcon 
ofer mearcpaðu,  mægen æfter oðrum, 
ond þa gehlodon  hildesercum, 
bordum ond ordum,  byrnwigendum, 
werum ond wifum,  wæghengestas. 
Leton þa ofer fifelwæg  famige scriðan 
bronte brimþisan.  Bord oft onfeng 
ofer earhgeblond  yða swengas; 
sæ swinsade.  Ne hyrde ic sið ne ær 
on egstreame  idese lædan, 
on merestræte,  mægen fægerre. 
þær meahte gesion,  se ðone sið beheold, 
brecan ofer bæðweg,  brimwudu snyrgan 
under swellingum,  sæmearh plegean, 
wadan wægflotan.  Wigan wæron bliðe, 
collenferhðe,  cwen siðes gefeah, 
syþþan to hyðe  hringedstefnan 
ofer lagofæsten  geliden hæfdon 
on Creca land.  Ceolas leton 
æt sæfearoðe,  sande bewrecene, 
ald yðhofu,  oncrum fæste 
on brime bidan  beorna geþinges, 

               hwonne heo sio guðcwen  gumena þreate 
ofer eastwegas  eft gesohte. 
ðær wæs on eorle  eðgesyne 
brogden byrne  ond bill gecost, 
geatolic guðscrud,  grimhelm manig, 
ænlic eoforcumbul.  Wæron æscwigan, 
secggas ymb sigecwen,  siðes gefysde. 
Fyrdrincas frome  foron on luste 
on Creca land,  caseres bodan, 
hilderincas,  hyrstum gewerede. 
þær wæs gesyne  sincgim locen 
on þam hereþreate,  hlafordes gifu. 
Wæs seo eadhreðige  Elene gemyndig, 
þriste on geþance,  þeodnes willan 
georn on mode  þæt hio Iudeas 
ofer herefeldas  heape gecoste 
lindwigendra  land gesohte, 
secga þreate.  Swa hit siððan gelamp 
ymb lytel fæc  þæt ðæt leodmægen, 
guðrofe hæleþ  to Hierusalem 
cwomon in þa ceastre  corðra mæste, 
eorlas æscrofe,  mid þa æðelan cwen. 
Heht ða gebeodan  burgsittendum 
þam snoterestum  side ond wide 
geond Iudeas,  gumena gehwylcum, 

               meðelhegende,  on gemot cuman, 
þa ðe deoplicost  dryhtnes geryno 
þurh rihte æ  reccan cuðon. 
ða wæs gesamnod  of sidwegum 
mægen unlytel,  þa ðe Moyses æ 
reccan cuðon.  þær on rime wæs 
þreo [M]  þæra leoda 
alesen to lare.  Ongan þa leoflic wif 
weras Ebrea  wordum negan: 
"Ic þæt gearolice  ongiten hæbbe 
þurg witgena  wordgeryno 
on godes bocum  þæt ge geardagum 
wyrðe wæron  wuldorcyninge, 
dryhtne dyre  ond dædhwæte. 
Hwæt, ge ealle snyttro  unwislice, 
wraðe wiðweorpon,  þa ge wergdon þane 
þe eow of wergðe  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 
edniowunga  þurh þæt æðele spald, 
ond fram unclænum  oft generede 
deofla gastum.  Ge to deaþe þone 
deman ongunnon,  se ðe of deaðe sylf 
woruld awehte  on wera corþre 
in þæt ærre lif  eowres cynnes. 
Swa ge modblinde  mengan ongunnon 
lige wið soðe,  leoht wið þystrum, 
æfst wið are,  inwitþancum 
wroht webbedan.  Eow seo wergðu forðan 
sceðþeð scyldfullum.  Ge þa sciran miht 
deman ongunnon,  ond gedweolan lifdon, 
þeostrum geþancum,  oð þysne dæg. 
Gangaþ nu snude,  snyttro geþencaþ, 
weras wisfæste,  wordes cræftige, 
þa ðe eowre æ  æðelum cræftige 
on ferhðsefan  fyrmest hæbben, 
þa me soðlice  secgan cunnon, 
ondsware cyðan  for eowic forð 
tacna gehwylces  þe ic him to sece." 
Eodan þa on geruman 
                reonigmode 
eorlas æcleawe,  egesan geþreade, 
gehðum geomre,  
               georne sohton 
þa wisestan  wordgeryno, 
þæt hio þære cwene  oncweðan meahton 
swa tiles swa trages,  swa hio him to sohte. 
Hio þa on þreate  [M] manna 
fundon ferhðgleawra,  þa þe fyrngemynd 
mid Iudeum  gearwast cuðon. 
þrungon þa on þreate  þær on þrymme bad 
in cynestole  caseres mæg, 
geatolic guðcwen  golde gehyrsted. 
Elene maþelode  ond for eorlum spræc: 
"Gehyrað, higegleawe,  halige rune, 
word ond wisdom.  Hwæt, ge witgena 
lare onfengon,  hu se liffruma 
in cildes had  cenned wurde, 
mihta wealdend.  Be þam Moyses sang, 
ond þæt word gecwæð  weard Israhela: 
'Eow acenned bið  cniht on degle, 
mihtum mære,  swa þæs modor ne bið 
wæstmum geeacnod  þurh weres frige.' 
Be ðam Dauid cyning  dryhtleoð agol, 
frod fyrnweota,  fæder Salomones, 
ond þæt word gecwæþ  wigona baldor: 
'Ic frumþa god  fore sceawode, 
sigora dryhten.  He on gesyhðe wæs, 
mægena wealdend,  min on þa swiðran, 
þrymmes hyrde.  þanon ic ne wende 
            
æfre to aldre  onsion mine.' 
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, 
halige higefrofre,  ac hie hyrwdon me, 
feodon þurh feondscipe,  nahton foreþances, 
wisdomes gewitt;  ond þa weregan neat, 
þe man daga gehwam  drifeð ond þirsceð, 
ongitaþ hira goddend,  nales gnyrnwræcum 
feogað frynd hiera  þe him fodder gifað, 
ond me Israhela  æfre ne woldon 
folc oncnawan,  þeah ic feala for him 
æfter woruldstundum  wundra gefremede.' 
Hwæt, we þæt gehyrdon  þurh halige bec 
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  wiðroten hæfdon, 
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, 
æriht eower,  þæt me ondsware 
þurh sidne sefan  secgan cunnen." 
Eodan ða mid mengo  modcwanige, 
collenferhðe,  swa him sio cwen bead. 

               Fundon þa [D]  forþsnottera 
alesen leodmæga,  þa ðe leornungcræft 
þurh modgemynd  mæste hæfdon, 
on sefan snyttro.  Heo to salore eft 
ymb lytel fæc  laðode wæron, 
ceastre weardas.  Hio sio cwen ongan 
wordum genegan,  (wlat ofer ealle): 
"Oft ge dyslice  dæd gefremedon, 
werge wræcmæcggas,  ond gewritu herwdon, 
fædera lare,  næfre furður þonne nu, 
ða ge blindnesse  bote forsegon, 
ond ge wiðsocon  soðe ond rihte, 
þæt in Bethleme  bearn wealdendes, 
cyning anboren,  cenned wære, 
æðelinga ord.  þeah ge þa æ cuðon, 
witgena word,  ge ne woldon þa, 
synwyrcende,  soð oncnawan." 
Hie þa anmode  ondsweredon: 
"Hwæt, we Ebreisce  æ leornedon, 
þa on fyrndagum  fæderas cuðon 
æt godes earce,  ne we geare cunnon 
þurh hwæt ðu ðus hearde,  hlæfdige, us 
eorre wurde.  We ðæt æbylgð nyton 
þe we gefremedon  on þysse folcscere, 
þeodenbealwa,  wið þec æfre." 
Elene maðelade  ond for eorlum spræc, 
undearninga  ides reordode 
hlude for herigum:  "Ge nu hraðe gangað, 
sundor asecaþ  þa ðe snyttro mid eow, 
mægn ond modcræft,  mæste hæbben, 
þæt me þinga gehwylc  þriste gecyðan, 
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 
þe hie on þam folce  gefremed hæfdon 
wið þam casere,  þe him sio cwen wite. 
þa þær for eorlum  an reordode, 
gidda gearosnotor,  (ðam wæs Iudas nama, 
wordes cræftig):  "Ic wat geare 
þæt hio wile secan  be ðam sigebeame 
on ðam þrowode  þeoda waldend, 
eallra gnyrna leas,  godes agen bearn, 
þone orscyldne 
                eofota gehwylces 
þurh hete hengon  on heanne beam 
in fyrndagum  fæderas usse. 
þæt wæs þrealic geþoht!  Nu is þearf mycel 
þæt we fæstlice  ferhð staðelien, 
þæt we ðæs morðres  meldan ne weorðen 
hwær þæt halige trio  beheled wurde 
æfter wigþræce,  þy læs toworpen sien 
frod fyrngewritu  ond þa fæderlican 
lare forleten.  Ne bið lang ofer ðæt 
þæt Israhela  æðelu moten 
ofer middangeard  ma ricsian, 
æcræft eorla,  gif ðis yppe bið, 
swa þa þæt ilce gio  min yldra fæder 
sigerof sægde,  (þam wæs Sachius nama), 
frod fyrnwiota,  fæder minum, 

                eaferan, 
wende hine of worulde  ond þæt word gecwæð: 
'Gif þe þæt gelimpe  on lifdagum 
þæt ðu gehyre  ymb þæt halige treo 
frode frignan,  ond geflitu ræran 
be ðam sigebeame  on þam soðcyning 
ahangen wæs,  heofonrices weard, 
eallre sybbe bearn,  þonne þu snude gecyð, 
min swæs sunu,  ær þec swylt nime. 
Ne mæg æfre ofer þæt  Ebrea þeod 
rædþeahtende  rice healdan, 
duguðum wealdan,  ac þara dom leofað 
ond hira dryhtscipe,  
            
in woruld weorulda  willum gefylled, 
ðe þone ahangnan cyning  heriaþ ond lofiað.' 
þa ic fromlice  fæder minum, 
ealdum æwitan,  ageaf ondsware: 
'Hu wolde þæt geweorðan  on woruldrice 
þæt on þone halgan  handa sendan 
to feorhlege  fæderas usse 
þurh wrað gewitt,  gif hie wiston ær 
þæt he Crist wære,  cyning on roderum, 
soð sunu meotudes,  sawla nergend?' 
ða me yldra min  ageaf ondsware, 
frod on fyrhðe  fæder reordode: 
'Ongit, guma ginga,  godes heahmægen, 
nergendes naman.  Se is niða gehwam 
unasecgendlic,  þone sylf ne mæg 
on moldwege  man aspyrigean. 
Næfre ic þa geþeahte  þe þeos þeod ongan 
secan wolde,  ac ic symle mec 
asced þara scylda,  nales sceame worhte 
gaste minum.  Ic him georne oft 
þæs unrihtes  ondsæc fremede, 
þonne uðweotan  æht bisæton, 
on sefan sohton  hu hie sunu meotudes 
ahengon, helm wera,  hlaford eallra 
engla ond elda,  æðelust bearna. 
Ne meahton hie swa disige  deað oðfæstan, 
weras wonsælige,  swa hie wendon ær, 
sarum settan,  þeah he sume hwile 
on galgan his  gast onsende, 
sigebearn godes.  þa siððan wæs 
of rode ahæfen  rodera wealdend, 
eallra þrymma þrym,  þreo niht siððan 
in byrgenne  bidende wæs 
under þeosterlocan,  ond þa þy þriddan dæg 
ealles leohtes leoht  lifgende aras, 
ðeoden engla,  ond his þegnum hine, 
soð sigora frea,  seolfne geywde, 
beorht on blæde.  þonne broðor þin 
onfeng æfter fyrste  fulwihtes bæð, 
leohtne geleafan.  þa for lufan dryhtnes 
Stephanus wæs  stanum worpod; 
ne geald he yfel yfele,  ac his ealdfeondum 
þingode þrohtherd,  bæd þrymcyning 
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 
demde to deaþe.  Swa þeah him dryhten eft 
miltse gefremede,  þæt he manegum wearð 
            
folca to frofre,  syððan him frymða god, 
niða nergend,  naman oncyrde, 
ond he syððan wæs  sanctus Paulus 
be naman haten,  ond him nænig wæs 
ælærendra  oðer betera 
under swegles hleo  syðþan æfre, 
þara þe wif oððe wer  on woruld cendan, 
þeah he Stephanus  stanum hehte 
abreotan on beorge,  broðor þinne. 
Nu ðu meaht gehyran,  hæleð min se leofa, 
hu arfæst is  ealles wealdend, 
þeah we æbylgð wið hine  oft gewyrcen, 
synna wunde,  gif we sona eft 
þara bealudæda  bote gefremmaþ 
ond þæs unrihtes  eft geswicaþ. 
Forðan ic soðlice  ond min swæs fæder 
syðþan gelyfdon  
            
þæt geþrowade  eallra þrymma god, 
lifes lattiow,  laðlic wite 
for oferþearfe  ilda cynnes. 
Forðan ic þe lære  þurh leoðorune, 
hyse leofesta,  þæt ðu hospcwide, 
æfst ne eofulsæc  æfre ne fremme, 
grimne geagncwide,  wið godes bearne. 
þonne ðu geearnast  þæt þe bið ece lif, 
selust sigeleana,  seald in heofonum.' 
ðus mec fæder min  on fyrndagum 
unweaxenne  wordum lærde, 
septe soðcwidum,  (þam wæs Symon nama), 
guma gehðum frod.  Nu ge geare cunnon 
hwæt eow þæs on sefan  selest þince 
to gecyðanne,  gif ðeos cwen usic 
frigneð ymb ðæt treo,  nu ge fyrhðsefan 
ond modgeþanc  minne cunnon." 
Him þa togenes  þa gleawestan 
on wera þreate  wordum mældon: 
"Næfre we hyrdon  hæleð ænigne 
on þysse þeode,  butan þec nu ða, 
þegn oðerne  þyslic cyðan 
ymb swa dygle wyrd.  Do swa þe þynce, 
fyrngidda frod,  gif ðu frugnen sie 
on wera corðre.  Wisdomes beðearf, 
worda wærlicra  ond witan snyttro, 
se ðære æðelan 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 
to þam heremeðle.  Hreopon friccan, 
caseres bodan:  "Eow þeos cwen laþaþ, 
secgas to salore,  þæt ge seonoðdomas 
rihte reccen.  Is eow rædes þearf 
on meðelstede,  modes snyttro." 
Heo wæron gearwe,  geomormode 
leodgebyrgean,  þa hie laðod wæron 
þurh heard gebann;  to hofe eodon, 
cyðdon cræftes miht.  þa sio cwen ongan 
weras Ebresce  wordum negan, 
fricggan fyrhðwerige  ymb fyrngewritu, 
hu on worulde ær  
               witgan sungon, 
gasthalige guman,  be godes bearne, 
hwær se þeoden  geþrowade, 
soð sunu meotudes,  for sawla lufan. 
Heo wæron stearce,  stane heardran, 
noldon þæt geryne  rihte cyðan, 
ne hire andsware  ænige secgan, 
torngeniðlan,  þæs hio him to sohte, 
ac hio worda gehwæs  wiðersæc fremedon, 
fæste on fyrhðe,  þæt heo frignan ongan, 
cwædon þæt hio on aldre  owiht swylces 
ne ær ne sið  æfre hyrdon. 
Elene maþelade  ond him yrre oncwæð: 
"Ic eow to soðe  secgan wille, 
ond þæs in life  lige ne wyrðeð, 
gif ge þissum lease  leng gefylgað 
mid fæcne gefice,  þe me fore standaþ, 
þæt eow in beorge  bæl fornimeð, 
hattost heaðowelma,  ond eower hra bryttað, 
lacende lig,  þæt eow sceal þæt leas 
apundrad weorðan  to woruldgedale. 
Ne magon ge ða word geseðan  þe ge hwile nu on unriht 
wrigon under womma sceatum,  ne magon ge þa wyrd bemiðan, 
bedyrnan þa deopan mihte."  ða wurdon hie deaðes on wenan, 
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 soð gecyðan, 
onwreon wyrda geryno,  swa ðu hine wordum frignest, 
æriht from orde 
                oð ende forð. 
He is for eorðan  æðeles cynnes, 
wordcræftes wis  ond witgan sunu, 
bald on meðle;  him gebyrde is 
þæt he gencwidas  gleawe hæbbe, 
cræft in breostum.  He gecyðeð 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, 
Iudas to gisle,  ond þa georne bæd 
þæt he be ðære rode  riht getæhte 
þe ær in legere wæs  lange bedyrned, 
ond hine seolfne  sundor acigde. 
Elene maþelode  to þam anhagan, 
tireadig cwen:  "þe synt tu gearu, 
swa lif swa deað,  swa þe leofre bið 
to geceosanne.  Cyð ricene nu 
hwæt ðu þæs to þinge  þafian wille." 
Iudas hire ongen þingode  (ne meahte he þa gehðu bebugan, 
oncyrran rex geniðlan;  he wæs on þære cwene gewealdum): 
"Hu mæg þæm geweorðan  þe on westenne 
meðe ond meteleas  morland trydeð, 
hungre gehæfted,  ond him hlaf ond stan 
on gesihðe bu  
               samod geweorðað, 
streac ond hnesce,  þæt he þone stan nime 
wið hungres hleo,  hlafes ne gime, 
gewende to wædle,  ond þa wiste wiðsæce, 
beteran wiðhyccge,  þonne he bega beneah?" 
Him þa seo eadige  ondwyrde ageaf 
Elene for eorlum  undearnunga: 
"Gif ðu in heofonrice  habban wille 
eard mid englum  ond on eorðan lif, 
sigorlean in swegle,  saga ricene me 
hwær seo rod wunige  radorcyninges, 
halig under hrusan,  þe ge hwile nu 
þurh morðres man  mannum dyrndun." 
Iudas maðelade,  (him wæs geomor sefa, 
hat æt heortan,  ond gehwæðres wa, 
ge he heofonrices  
               hyht swa mode 
ond þis ondwearde  anforlete, 
rice under roderum,  ge he ða rode ne tæhte): 
"Hu mæg ic þæt findan  þæt swa fyrn gewearð 
wintra gangum?  Is nu worn sceacen, 
[CC] oððe ma  geteled rime. 
Ic ne mæg areccan,  nu ic þæt rim ne can. 
Is nu feala siðþan  forðgewitenra 
frodra ond godra  þe us fore wæron, 
gleawra gumena.  Ic on geogoðe wearð 
on siðdagum  syððan acenned, 
cnihtgeong hæleð.  Ic ne can þæt ic nat, 
findan on fyrhðe  þæt swa fyrn gewearð." 
Elene maðelade  him on ondsware: 
"Hu is þæt geworden  on þysse werþeode 
þæt ge swa monigfeald  on gemynd witon, 
alra tacna gehwylc  swa Troiana 
þurh gefeoht fremedon?  þæt wæs fyr 
               mycle, 
open ealdgewin,  þonne þeos æðele gewyrd, 
geara gongum.  Ge þæt geare cunnon 
edre gereccan,  hwæt þær eallra wæs 
on manrime  morðorslehtes, 
dareðlacendra  deadra gefeallen 
under bordhagan.  Ge þa byrgenna 
under stanhleoðum,  ond þa stowe swa some, 
ond þa wintergerim  on gewritu setton." 
Iudas maðelade,  gnornsorge wæg: 
"We þæs hereweorces,  hlæfdige min, 
for nydþearfe  nean myndgiaþ, 
ond þa wiggþræce  on gewritu setton, 
þeoda gebæru,  ond þis næfre 
þurh æniges mannes  muð gehyrdon 

               hæleðum cyðan,  butan her nu ða." 
Him seo æðele cwen  ageaf ondsware: 
"Wiðsæcest ðu to swiðe  soðe ond rihte 
ymb þæt lifes treow,  ond nu lytle ær 
sægdest soðlice  be þam sigebeame 
leodum þinum,  ond nu on lige cyrrest." 
Iudas hire ongen þingode,  cwæð þæt he þæt on gehðu gespræce 
ond on tweon swiðost,  wende him trage hnagre. 
Him oncwæð hraðe  caseres mæg: 
"Hwæt, we ðæt hyrdon  þurh halige bec 
hæleðum cyðan  þæt ahangen wæs 
on Caluarie  cyninges freobearn, 
godes gastsunu.  þu scealt geagninga 
wisdom onwreon,  swa gewritu secgaþ, 
æfter stedewange  hwær seo stow sie 

               Caluarie,  ær þec cwealm nime, 
swilt for synnum,  þæt ic hie syððan mæge 
geclænsian  Criste to willan, 
hæleðum to helpe,  þæt me halig god 
gefylle, frea mihtig,  feores ingeþanc, 
weoruda wuldorgeofa,  willan minne, 
gasta geocend."  Hire Iudas oncwæð 
stiðhycgende:  "Ic þa stowe ne can, 
ne þæs wanges wiht  ne þa wisan cann." 
Elene maðelode  þurh eorne hyge: 
"Ic þæt geswerige  þurh sunu meotodes, 
þone ahangnan god,  þæt ðu hungre scealt 
for cneomagum  cwylmed weorðan, 
butan þu forlæte  þa leasunga 
ond me sweotollice  soð gecyðe." 
Heht þa swa cwicne  corðre lædan, 
scufan scyldigne  (scealcas ne gældon) 
in drygne seað,  þær he duguða leas 
siomode in sorgum  [VII] nihta fyrst 
under hearmlocan  hungre geþreatod, 
clommum beclungen,  ond þa cleopigan ongan 
sarum besylced  on þone seofeðan dæg, 
meðe ond meteleas,  (mægen wæs geswiðrod): 
"Ic eow healsie  þurh heofona god 
þæt ge me of ðyssum earfeðum  up forlæten, 
heanne fram hungres geniðlan.  Ic þæt halige treo 
lustum cyðe,  nu ic hit leng ne mæg 
helan for hungre.  Is þes hæft to ðan strang, 
þreanyd þæs þearl  ond þes þroht to ðæs heard 
dogorrimum.  Ic adreogan ne mæg, 
ne leng helan  be ðam lifes treo, 
þeah ic ær mid dysige  þurhdrifen wære 
ond ðæt soð to late  seolf gecneowe." 
þa ðæt gehyrde  sio þær hæleðum scead, 
beornes gebæro,  hio bebead hraðe 
þæt hine man of nearwe  ond of nydcleofan, 
fram þam engan hofe,  up forlete. 
Hie ðæt ofstlice  efnedon sona, 
ond hine mid arum  up gelæddon 
of carcerne,  swa him seo cwen bebead. 
Stopon þa to þære stowe  stiðhycgende 
on þa dune up  ðe dryhten ær 
ahangen wæs,  heofonrices weard, 
godbearn on galgan,  ond hwæðre geare nyste, 
hungre gehyned,  hwær sio halige rod, 
þurh feondes searu  foldan getyned, 
lange legere fæst  leodum dyrne 
wunode wælreste.  Word stunde ahof 
elnes oncyðig,  ond on Ebrisc spræc: 
"Dryhten hælend,  þu ðe ahst doma geweald, 
ond þu geworhtest  þurh þines wuldres miht 
heofon ond eorðan  ond holmþræce, 
sæs sidne fæðm,  samod ealle gesceaft, 
ond þu amæte  mundum þinum 
ealne ymbhwyrft  ond uprador, 
ond þu sylf sitest,  sigora waldend, 
ofer þam æðelestan  engelcynne, 
þe geond lyft farað  leohte bewundene, 
mycle mægenþrymme.  Ne mæg þær manna gecynd 
of eorðwegum  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 
in sindreame  syx genemned, 
þa ymbsealde synt  mid syxum eac 
fiðrum gefrætwad,  fægere scinaþ. 
þara sint [IIII]  þe on flihte a 
þa þegnunge  þrymme beweotigaþ 
fore onsyne  eces deman, 
singallice  singaþ in wuldre 
hædrum stefnum  heofoncininges lof, 
woða wlitegaste,  ond þas word cweðaþ 
clænum stefnum,  (þam is ceruphin nama): 
'Halig is se halga  heahengla god, 
weoroda wealdend!  Is ðæs wuldres ful 
heofun ond eorðe  ond eall heahmægen, 
tire getacnod.'  Syndon tu on þam, 
sigorcynn on swegle,  þe man seraphin 
be naman hateð.  He sceal neorxnawang 
ond lifes treo  legene sweorde 
halig healdan.  Heardecg cwacaþ, 
beofaþ brogdenmæl,  ond bleom wrixleð 
grapum gryrefæst.  þæs ðu, god dryhten, 
wealdest widan fyrhð,  ond þu womfulle 
scyldwyrcende  sceaðan of radorum 
awurpe wonhydige.  þa sio werge sceolu 
under heolstorhofu  hreosan sceolde 
in wita forwyrd,  þær hie in wylme nu 
dreogaþ deaðcwale  in dracan fæðme, 
þeostrum forþylmed.  He þinum wiðsoc 
aldordome.  þæs he in ermðum sceal, 
ealra fula ful,  fah þrowian, 
þeowned þolian.  þær he þin ne mæg 
word aweorpan,  is in witum fæst, 
ealre synne fruma,  susle gebunden. 
Gif þin willa sie,  wealdend engla, 
þæt ricsie  se ðe on rode wæs, 
ond þurh Marian  in middangeard 
acenned wearð  in cildes had, 
þeoden engla,  (gif he þin nære 
sunu synna leas,  næfre he soðra swa feala 
in woruldrice  wundra gefremede 
dogorgerimum;  no ðu of deaðe hine 
swa þrymlice,  þeoda wealdend, 
aweahte for weorodum,  gif he in wuldre þin 
þurh ða beorhtan  bearn ne wære), 
gedo nu, fæder engla,  forð beacen þin. 
Swa ðu gehyrdest  þone halgan wer 
Moyses on meðle,  þa ðu, mihta god, 

               geywdest þam eorle  on þa æðelan tid 
under beorhhliðe  ban Iosephes, 
swa ic þe, weroda wyn,  gif hit sie willa þin, 
þurg þæt beorhte gesceap  biddan wille 
þæt me þæt goldhord,  gasta scyppend, 
geopenie,  þæt yldum wæs 
lange behyded.  Forlæt nu, lifes fruma, 
of ðam wangstede  wynsumne up 
under radores ryne  rec astigan 
lyftlacende.  Ic gelyfe þe sel 
ond þy fæstlicor  ferhð staðelige, 
hyht untweondne,  on þone ahangnan Crist, 
þæt he sie soðlice  sawla nergend, 
ece ælmihtig,  Israhela cining, 
walde widan ferhð  wuldres on heofenum, 
a butan ende  ecra gestealda." 
ða of ðære stowe  steam up aras 
swylce rec under radorum.  þær aræred wearð 
beornes breostsefa.  He mid bæm handum, 
eadig ond ægleaw,  upweard plegade. 
Iudas maþelode,  gleaw in geþance: 
"Nu ic þurh soð hafu  seolf gecnawen 
on heardum hige  þæt ðu hælend eart 
middangeardes.  Sie ðe, mægena god, 
þrymsittendum  þanc butan ende, 
þæs ðu me swa meðum  ond swa manweorcum 
þurh þin wuldor inwrige  wyrda geryno. 
Nu ic þe, bearn godes,  biddan wille, 
weoroda willgifa,  nu ic wat þæt ðu eart 
gecyðed ond acenned  allra cyninga þrym, 
þæt ðu ma ne sie  minra gylta, 
þara þe ic gefremede  nalles feam siðum, 
metud, gemyndig.  Læt mec, mihta god, 
on rimtale  rices þines 
mid haligra  hlyte wunigan 
in þære beorhtan byrig,  þær is broðor min 
geweorðod in wuldre,  þæs he wære wið þec, 
Stephanus, heold,  þeah he stangreopum 
worpod wære.  He hafað wigges lean, 
blæd butan blinne.  Sint in bocum his 
wundor þa he worhte  on gewritum cyðed." 
Ongan þa wilfægen  æfter þam wuldres treo, 
elnes anhydig,  eorðan delfan 
under turfhagan,  þæt he on [XX] 
fotmælum feor  funde behelede, 
under neolum niðer  næsse gehydde 
in þeostorcofan.  He ðær [III] mette 
in þam reonian hofe  roda ætsomne, 
greote begrauene,  swa hio geardagum 
arleasra sceolu  eorðan beþeahton, 
Iudea cynn.  Hie wið godes bearne 
nið ahofun,  swa hie no sceoldon, 
þær hie leahtra fruman  larum ne hyrdon. 
þa wæs modgemynd  myclum geblissod, 
hige onhyrded,  þurh þæt halige treo, 
inbryrded breostsefa,  syððan beacen geseh, 
halig under hrusan.  He mid handum befeng 
wuldres wynbeam,  ond mid weorode ahof 
of foldgræfe.  Feðegestas 
eodon, æðelingas,  in on þa ceastre. 
Asetton þa on gesyhðe  sigebeamas [III] 
eorlas anhydige  fore Elenan cneo, 
collenferhðe.  Cwen weorces gefeah 
on ferhðsefan,  ond þa frignan ongan 
on hwylcum þara beama  bearn wealdendes, 
hæleða hyhtgifa,  hangen wære: 
"Hwæt, we þæt hyrdon  þurh halige bec 
tacnum cyðan,  þæt twegen mid him 
geþrowedon,  ond he wæs þridda sylf 
on rode treo.  Rodor eal geswearc 
on þa sliðan tid.  Saga, gif ðu cunne, 
on hwylcre þyssa þreora  þeoden engla 
geþrowode,  þrymmes hyrde." 
Ne meahte hire Iudas,  ne ful gere wiste, 
sweotole gecyþan  be ðam 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 
oððæt him gecyðde  cyning ælmihtig 
wundor for weorodum  be ðam wuldres treo. 
Gesæton sigerofe,  sang ahofon, 
rædþeahtende,  ymb þa roda þreo 
oð þa nigoðan tid,  hæfdon neowne gefean 
mærðum gemeted.  þa þær menigo cwom, 
folc unlytel,  ond gefærenne man 
brohton on bære  beorna þreate 
on neaweste,  (wæs þa nigoðe tid), 
gingne gastleasne.  þa ðær Iudas wæs 
on modsefan  miclum geblissod. 
Heht þa asettan  sawlleasne, 
life belidenes  lic on eorðan, 
unlifgendes,  ond up ahof 
rihtes wemend  þara roda twa 
fyrhðgleaw on fæðme  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 
oððæt him uppan  æðelinges wæs 
rod aræred,  rodorcyninges beam, 
sigebeacen soð.  He sona aras 
gaste gegearwod,  geador bu samod 
lic ond sawl.  þær wæs lof hafen 
fæger mid þy folce.  Fæder weorðodon, 
ond þone soðan  sunu wealdendes 
wordum heredon.  Sie him wuldor ond þanc 
a butan ende  eallra gesceafta! 
ða wæs þam folce  on ferhðsefan, 
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. 
Ongan þa hleoðrian  helledeofol, 
eatol æclæca,  yfela gemyndig: 
"Hwæt is þis, la, manna,  þe minne eft 
þurh fyrngeflit  folgaþ wyrdeð, 
iceð ealdne nið,  æhta strudeð? 
þis is singal sacu.  Sawla ne moton 
manfremmende  in minum leng 
æhtum wunigan.  Nu cwom elþeodig, 
þone ic ær on firenum  fæstne talde, 
hafað mec bereafod  rihta gehwylces, 
feohgestreona.  Nis ðæt fæger sið. 
Feala me se hælend  hearma gefremede, 
niða nearolicra,  se ðe in Nazareð 
afeded wæs.  Syððan furþum weox 
of cildhade,  symle cirde to him 
æhte mine.  Ne mot ænige nu 
rihte spowan.  Is his rice brad 
ofer middangeard.  Min is geswiðrod 
ræd under roderum.  Ic þa rode ne þearf 
hleahtre herigean.  Hwæt, se hælend me 
in þam engan ham  oft getynde, 
geomrum to sorge!  Ic þurh Iudas ær 
hyhtful gewearð,  ond nu gehyned eom, 
goda geasne,  þurh Iudas eft, 
fah ond freondleas.  Gen ic findan can 
            
þurh wrohtstafas  wiðercyr siððan 
            
of ðam wearhtreafum,  ic awecce wið ðe 
oðerne cyning,  se ehteð þin, 
ond he forlæteð  lare þine 
ond manþeawum  minum folgaþ, 
ond þec þonne sendeð  in þa sweartestan 
ond þa wyrrestan  witebrogan, 
þæt ðu, sarum forsoht,  wiðsæcest fæste 
þone ahangnan cyning,  þam ðu hyrdest ær." 
Him ða gleawhydig  Iudas oncwæð, 
hæleð hildedeor,  (him wæs halig gast 
befolen fæste,  fyrhat lufu, 
weallende gewitt  þurh witgan snyttro), 
ond þæt word gecwæð,  wisdomes ful: 
"Ne þearft ðu swa swiðe,  synna gemyndig, 
sar niwigan  ond sæce ræran, 
morðres manfrea,  þæt þe se mihtiga cyning 
in neolnesse  nyðer bescufeð, 
synwyrcende,  in susla grund 
domes leasne,  se ðe deadra feala 
worde awehte.  Wite ðu þe gearwor 
þæt ðu unsnyttrum  anforlete 
leohta beorhtost  ond lufan dryhtnes, 
þone fægran gefean,  ond on fyrbæðe 
suslum beþrungen  syððan wunodest, 
ade onæled,  ond þær awa scealt, 
wiðerhycgende,  wergðu dreogan, 
yrmðu butan ende."  Elene gehyrde 
hu se feond ond se freond  geflitu rærdon, 
tireadig ond trag,  on twa halfa, 
synnig ond gesælig.  Sefa wæs þe glædra 
þæs þe heo gehyrde  þone hellesceaþan 

               oferswiðedne,  synna bryttan, 
ond þa wundrade  ymb þæs weres snyttro, 
hu he swa geleafful  on swa lytlum fæce 
ond swa uncyðig  æfre wurde, 
gleawnesse þurhgoten.  Gode þancode, 
wuldorcyninge,  þæs hire se willa gelamp 
þurh bearn godes  bega gehwæðres, 
ge æt þære gesyhðe  þæs sigebeames, 
ge ðæs geleafan  þe hio swa leohte oncneow, 
wuldorfæste gife  in þæs weres breostum. 
ða wæs gefrege  in þære folcsceare, 
geond þa werþeode  wide læded, 
mære morgenspel  manigum on andan 
þara þe dryhtnes æ  dyrnan woldon, 

               boden æfter burgum,  swa brimo fæðmeð, 
in ceastra gehwære,  þæt Cristes rod, 
fyrn foldan begræfen,  funden wære, 
selest sigebeacna  þara þe sið oððe ær 
halig under heofenum  ahafen wurde, 
ond wæs Iudeum  gnornsorga mæst, 
werum wansæligum,  wyrda laðost, 
þær hie hit for worulde  wendan meahton, 
cristenra gefean.  ða sio cwen bebead 
ofer eorlmægen  aras fysan 
ricene to rade.  Sceoldon Romwarena 
ofer heanne holm  hlaford secean 
ond þam wiggende  wilspella mæst 
seolfum gesecgan,  
               þæt ðæt sigorbeacen 
þurh meotodes est  meted wære, 
funden in foldan,  þæt ær feala mæla 
behyded wæs  halgum to teonan, 
cristenum folce.  þa ðam cininge wearð 
þurh þa mæran word  mod geblissod, 
ferhð gefeonde.  Næs þa fricgendra 
under goldhoman  gad in burgum, 
feorran geferede.  Wæs him frofra mæst 
geworden in worlde  æt ðam willspelle, 
hlihende hyge,  þe him hereræswan 
ofer eastwegas,  aras brohton, 
hu gesundne sið  ofer swonrade 
            
secgas mid sigecwen  
               aseted hæfdon 
on Creca land.  Hie se casere heht 
ofstum myclum  eft gearwian 
sylfe to siðe.  Secgas ne gældon 
syððan andsware  edre gehyrdon, 
æðelinges word.  Heht he Elenan hæl 
abeodan beadurofre,  gif hie brim nesen 
ond gesundne sið  settan mosten, 
hæleð hwætmode,  to þære halgan byrig. 
Heht hire þa aras  eac gebeodan 
Constantinus  þæt hio cirican þær 
on þam beorhhliðe  begra rædum 
getimbrede,  tempel dryhtnes 
on Caluarie  Criste to willan, 
hæleðum to helpe,  þær sio halige rod 
gemeted wæs,  mærost beama 
þara þe gefrugnen  foldbuende 
on eorðwege.  Hio geefnde swa, 
siððan winemagas  westan brohton 
ofer lagufæsten  leofspell manig. 
ða seo cwen bebead  cræftum getyde 
sundor asecean  þa selestan, 
þa þe wrætlicost  wyrcan cuðon 
stangefogum,  on þam stedewange 
girwan godes tempel,  swa hire gasta weard 
reord of roderum.  Heo þa rode heht 
golde beweorcean  ond gimcynnum, 
mid þam æðelestum  eorcnanstanum 

               besettan searocræftum  ond þa in seolfren fæt 
locum belucan.  þær þæt lifes treo, 
selest sigebeama,  siððan wunode 

               æðelum anbręce.  þær bið a gearu 
wraðu wannhalum  wita gehwylces, 
sæce ond sorge.  Hie sona þær 
þurh þa halgan gesceaft  helpe findaþ, 
godcunde gife.  Swylce Iudas onfeng 
æfter fyrstmearce  fulwihtes bæð, 
ond geclænsod wearð  Criste getrywe, 
lifwearde leof.  His geleafa wearð 
fæst on ferhðe,  siððan frofre gast 
wic gewunode  in þæs weres breostum, 
bylde to bote.  He þæt betere geceas, 
wuldres wynne,  ond þam wyrsan wiðsoc, 
deofulgildum,  ond gedwolan fylde, 
unrihte æ.  Him wearð ece rex, 
meotud milde, god,  mihta wealdend. 
þa wæs gefulwad  se ðe ær feala tida 
leoht gearu  
            
inbryrded breostsefa  on þæt betere lif, 
gewended to wuldre.  Huru, wyrd gescreaf 
þæt he swa geleaffull  ond swa leof gode 
in worldrice  weorðan sceolde, 
Criste gecweme.  þæt gecyðed wearð, 
siððan Elene heht  Eusebium 
on rædgeþeaht,  Rome bisceop, 
gefetian on fultum,  forðsnoterne, 
hæleða gerædum  to þære halgan byrig, 
þæt he gesette  on sacerdhad 
in Ierusalem  Iudas þam folce 
to bisceope  burgum on innan, 
þurh gastes gife  to godes temple 
cræftum gecorene,  ond hine Cyriacus 
þurh snyttro geþeaht  syððan nemde 
niwan stefne.  Nama wæs gecyrred 
beornes in burgum  on þæt betere forð, 
æ hælendes.  þa gen Elenan wæs 
mod gemynde  ymb þa mæran wyrd, 
geneahhe for þam næglum  þe ðæs nergendes 
fet þurhwodon  ond his folme swa some, 
mid þam on rode wæs  rodera wealdend 
gefæstnod, frea mihtig.  Be ðam frignan ongan 
cristenra cwen,  Cyriacus bæd 
þæt hire þa gina  gastes mihtum 
ymb wundorwyrd  willan gefylde, 
onwrige wuldorgifum,  ond þæt word acwæð 
to þam bisceope,  bald reordode: 
"þu me, eorla hleo,  þone æðelan beam, 
rode rodera cininges 
                ryhte getæhtesð, 
on þa ahangen wæs  hæðenum folmum 
gasta geocend,  godes agen bearn, 
nerigend fira.  Mec þæra nægla gen 
on fyrhðsefan  fyrwet myngaþ. 
Wolde ic þæt ðu funde  þa ðe in foldan gen 
deope bedolfen  dierne sindon, 
heolstre behyded.  A min hige sorgað, 
reonig reoteð,  ond geresteð no 
ærþan me gefylle  fæder ælmihtig, 
wereda wealdend,  willan minne, 
niða nergend,  þurh þara nægla cyme, 
halig of hiehða.  Nu ðu hrædlice 
eallum eaðmedum,  ar selesta, 
þine bene onsend  in ða beorhtan gesceaft, 
on wuldres wyn.  Bide wigena þrym 
þæt þe gecyðe,  cyning ælmihtig, 
hord under hrusan  þæt gehyded gen, 
duguðum dyrne,  deogol bideð." 
þa se halga ongan  hyge staðolian, 
breostum onbryrded,  bisceop þæs folces. 
Glædmod eode  gumena þreate 
god hergendra,  ond þa geornlice 
Cyriacus  on Caluarię 
            
hleor  onhylde,  hygerune ne mað, 
gastes mihtum  to gode cleopode 
eallum eaðmedum,  bæd him engla weard 
geopenigean  uncuðe wyrd, 
niwan on nearwe,  hwær he þara nægla swiðost 
on þam wangstede  wenan þorfte. 
Leort ða tacen forð,  þær hie to sægon, 
fæder, frofre gast,  ðurh fyres bleo 
up eðigean  þær þa æðelestan 
hæleða gerædum  hydde wæron 
þurh nearusearwe,  næglas on eorðan. 
ða cwom semninga  sunnan beorhtra 
lacende lig.  Leode gesawon 
hira willgifan  wundor cyðan, 
ða ðær of heolstre,  swylce heofonsteorran 
oððe goldgimmas,  grunde getenge, 
næglas of nearwe  neoðan scinende 
leohte lixton.  Leode gefægon, 
weorud willhreðig,  sægdon wuldor gode 
ealle anmode,  þeah hie ær wæron 
þurh deofles spild  in gedwolan lange, 
acyrred fram Criste.  Hie cwædon þus: 
"Nu we seolfe geseoð  sigores tacen, 
soðwundor godes,  þeah we wiðsocun ær 
mid leasingum.  Nu is in leoht cymen, 
onwrigen, wyrda bigang.  Wuldor þæs age 
on heannesse  heofonrices god!" 
ða wæs geblissod  se ðe to bote gehwearf 
þurh bearn godes,  bisceop þara leoda, 
niwan stefne.  He þam 
               næglum onfeng, 
egesan geaclod,  ond þære arwyrðan 
cwene brohte.  Hæfde Ciriacus 
eall gefylled,  swa him seo æðele bebead, 
wifes willan.  þa wæs wopes hring, 
hat heafodwylm  ofer hleor goten, 
(nalles for torne  tearas feollon 
ofer wira gespon),  wuldres gefylled 
cwene willa.  Heo on cneow sette 
leohte geleafan,  lac weorðode, 
blissum hremig,  þe hire brungen wæs 
gnyrna to geoce.  Gode þancode, 
sigora dryhtne,  þæs þe hio soð gecneow 
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,  hreðer weardode, 
æðelne innoð,  swa hie ælmihtig 
sigebearn godes  sioððan freoðode. 
Ongan þa geornlice  gastgerynum 
on sefan secean  soðfæstnesse 
weg to wuldre.  Huru, weroda god 
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 
ðinga gehwylces.  þeodcwen ongan 
þurh gastes gife  georne secan 
nearwe geneahhe,  to hwan hio þa næglas selost 
ond deorlicost  gedon meahte, 
dugoðum to hroðer,  hwæt þæs wære dryhtnes willa. 
Heht ða gefetigean  forðsnotterne 
ricene to rune,  þone þe rædgeþeaht 
þurh gleawe miht  georne cuðe, 
frodne on ferhðe,  ond hine frignan ongan 
hwæt him þæs on sefan  selost þuhte 
to gelæstenne,  ond his lare geceas 
þurh þeodscipe.  He hire þriste oncwæð: 
"þæt is gedafenlic  þæt ðu dryhtnes word 
on hyge healde,  halige rune, 
cwen seleste,  ond þæs cininges bebod 
georne begange,  nu þe god sealde 
sawle sigesped  ond snyttro cræft, 
nerigend fira.  þu ðas næglas hat 
þam æðelestan  eorðcyninga 
burgagendra  on his bridels don, 
meare to midlum.  þæt manigum sceall 
geond middangeard  mære weorðan, 
þonne æt sæcce mid þy  oferswiðan mæge 
feonda gehwylcne,  þonne fyrdhwate 
on twa healfe  tohtan secaþ, 
sweordgeniðlan,  þær hie ymb sige 
               winnað, 
wrað wið wraðum.  He ah æt wigge sped, 
sigor æt sæcce,  ond sybbe gehwær, 
æt gefeohte frið,  se ðe foran lædeð 
bridels on blancan,  þonne beadurofe 
æt garþræce,  guman gecoste, 
berað bord ond ord.  þis bið beorna gehwam 
wið æglæce  unoferswiðed 
wæpen æt wigge.  Be ðam se witga sang, 
snottor searuþancum,  (sefa deop gewod, 
wisdomes gewitt),  he þæt word gecwæð: 
'Cuþ þæt gewyrðeð  þæt þæs cyninges sceal 
mearh under modegum  midlum geweorðod, 
bridelshringum.  Bið þæt beacen gode 
halig nemned,  ond se hwæteadig, 
wigge weorðod,  se þæt wicg byrð.'" 
þa þæt ofstlice  eall gelæste 
Elene for eorlum.  æðelinges heht, 
beorna beaggifan,  bridels frætwan, 
hire selfre suna  sende to lace 
ofer geofenes stream  gife unscynde. 
Heht þa tosomne  þa heo seleste 
mid Iudeum  gumena wiste, 
hæleða cynnes,  to þære halgan byrig 
cuman in þa ceastre.  þa seo cwen ongan 
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, 
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, 
heane, hygegeomre,  symle hælo þær 
æt þam bisceope,  bote fundon 
ece to aldre.  ða gen him Elene forgeaf 
sincweorðunga,  þa hio wæs siðes fus 
eft to eðle,  ond þa eallum bebead 
on þam gumrice  god hergendum, 
werum ond wifum,  þæt hie weorðeden 
mode ond mægene  þone mæran dæg, 
heortan gehigdum,  in ðam sio halige rod 
gemeted wæs,  mærost beama 
þara þe of eorðan  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, 
ece geopenad  engla rice, 
dream unhwilen,  ond hira dæl scired 
mid Marian,  þe on gemynd nime 
þære deorestan  dægweorðunga 
rode under roderum,  þa se ricesta 
            
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 
be ðære rode riht  ær me rumran geþeaht 
þurh ða mæran miht  on modes þeaht 
wisdom onwreah.  Ic wæs weorcum fah, 
synnum asæled,  sorgum gewæled, 
bitrum gebunden,  
               bisgum beþrungen, 
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, 
leoðucræft 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, 
wyrda gangum,  on gewritum cyðan 
be ðam sigebeacne.  A wæs secg oð ðæt 
cnyssed cearwelmum,  
               C drusende, 
þeah he in medohealle  maðmas þege, 
æplede gold.  
               Y gnornode 

               N gefera,  nearusorge dreah, 
enge rune,  þær him E fore 
milpaðas mæt,  modig þrægde 
wirum gewlenced.  
               W is geswiðrad, 
gomen æfter gearum,  geogoð is gecyrred, 
ald onmedla.  
               U wæs geara 
geogoðhades glæm.  Nu synt geardagas 
æfter fyrstmearce  forð gewitene, 
lifwynne geliden,  swa L toglideð, 
flodas gefysde.  
               F æghwam bið 
læne under lyfte;  landes frætwe 
gewitaþ under wolcnum  winde geliccost, 
þonne he for hæleðum  hlud astigeð, 
wæðeð be wolcnum,  wedende færeð 
ond eft semninga  swige gewyrðeð, 
in nedcleofan  nearwe geheaðrod, 
þream forþrycced.  
            
Swa a þeos world  eall gewiteð, 
ond eac swa some  þe hire on wurdon 
atydrede,  tionleg nimeð, 
ðonne dryhten sylf  dom geseceð 
engla weorude.  Sceall æghwylc ðær 
reordberendra  riht gehyran 
dæda gehwylcra  þurh þæs deman muð, 
ond worda swa same  wed gesyllan, 
eallra unsnyttro  ær gesprecenra, 
þristra geþonca.  þonne on þreo dæleð 
in fyres feng  folc anra gehwylc, 
þara þe gewurdon  on widan feore 
ofer sidne grund.  Soðfæste bioð 
yfemest in þam ade,  eadigra gedryht, 
duguð domgeorne,  swa hie adreogan magon 
ond butan earfeðum  eaðe geþolian, 
modigra mægen.  Him gemetgaþ eall 

               ældes leoma,  swa him eðost bið, 
sylfum geseftost.  Synfulle beoð, 
mane gemengde,  in ðam midle þread, 
hæleð higegeomre,  in hatne wylm, 
þrosme beþehte.  Bið se þridda dæl, 
awyrgede womsceaðan,  in þæs wylmes grund, 
lease leodhatan,  lige befæsted 
þurh ærgewyrht,  arleasra sceolu, 
in gleda gripe.  Gode no syððan 
of ðam morðorhofe  in gemynd cumað, 
wuldorcyninge,  ac hie worpene beoð 
of ðam heaðuwylme  in hellegrund, 
torngeniðlan.  Bið þam twam dælum 
ungelice.  Moton engla frean 
geseon, sigora god.  Hie asodene beoð, 
asundrod fram synnum,  swa smæte gold 
þæt in wylme bið  womma gehwylces 
þurh ofnes fyr  eall geclænsod, 
amered ond gemylted.  Swa bið þara manna ælc 
ascyred ond asceaden  scylda gehwylcre, 
deopra firena,  þurh þæs domes fyr. 
Moton þonne siðþan  sybbe brucan, 
eces eadwelan.  Him bið engla weard 
milde ond bliðe,  þæs ðe hie mana gehwylc 
forsawon, synna weorc,  ond to suna metudes 
wordum cleopodon.  Forðan hie nu on wlite scinaþ 
englum gelice,  yrfes brucaþ 
wuldorcyninges  to widan feore. 
Amen. 

11. ChristKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 3-49; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).
                cyninge. 
ðu eart se weallstan  þe ða wyrhtan iu 
wiðwurpon to weorce.  Wel þe geriseð 
þæt þu heafod sie  healle mærre, 
ond gesomnige  side weallas 
fæste gefoge,  flint unbræcne, 
þæt geond eorðb/ /g eall  eagna gesihþe 
wundrien to worlde  wuldres ealdor. 
Gesweotula nu þurh searocræft  þin sylfes weorc, 
soðfæst, sigorbeorht,  ond sona forlęt 
weall wið 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, 
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 healdeð,  lif ontyneð, 
eadga/ upwegas,  oþrum forwyrneð 
wlitigan wilsiþes,  gif his weorc ne deag. 
Huru we for þearfe  þas word sprecað, 
ond m/ /giað  þone þe mon gescop 
þæt he ne /ete/  /ceose weorðan 
cearfulra þing,  þe we in carcerne 
sittað sorgende,  sunnan wenað, 
hwonne us liffrea  leoht ontyne, 
weorðe ussum mode  to mundboran, 
ond þæt tydre gewitt  tire bewinde, 
gedo usic þæs wyrðe,  þe he to wuldre forlet, 
þa we heanlice  hweorfan sceoldan 
to þis enge lond,  eðle bescyrede. 
Forþon secgan mæg,  se ðe soð spriceð, 
þæt he ahredde,  þa forhwyrfed wæs, 
frumcyn fira.  Wæs seo fæmne geong, 
mægð manes leas,  þe he him to meder geceas; 
þæt wæs geworden  butan weres frigum, 
þæt þurh bearnes gebyrd  bryd eacen wearð. 
Nænig efenlic þam,  ær ne siþþan, 
in worlde gewearð  wifes gearnung; 
þæt degol wæs,  dryhtnes geryne. 
Eal giofu gæstlic  grundsceat geondspreot; 
þær wisna fela  wearð inlihted 
lare longsume  þurh lifes fruman 
þe ær under hoðman  biholen lægon, 
witgena woðsong,  þa se waldend cwom, 
se þe reorda gehwæs  ryne gemiclað 
ðara þe geneahhe  noman scyppendes 
þurh horscne had  hergan willað. 
Eala sibbe gesihð,  sancta Hierusalem, 
cynestola cyst,  Cristes burglond, 
engla eþelstol,  ond þa ane in þe 
saule soðfæstra  simle gerestað, 
wuldrum hremge.  Næfre wommes tacn 
in þam eardgearde  eawed weorþeð, 
ac þe firina gehwylc  feor abugeð, 
wærgðo ond gewinnes.  Bist to wuldre full 
halgan hyhtes,  swa þu gehaten eart. 
Sioh nu sylfa þe geond  þas sidan gesceaft, 
swylce rodores hrof  rume geondwlitan 
ymb healfa gehwone,  hu þec heofones cyning 
siðe geseceð,  ond sylf cymeð, 
nimeð eard in þe,  swa hit ær gefyrn 
witgan wisfæste  wordum sægdon, 
cyðdon Cristes gebyrd,  cwædon þe to frofre, 
burga betlicast.  Nu is þæt bearn cymen, 
awæcned to wyrpe  weorcum Ebrea, 
bringeð blisse þe,  benda onlyseð 
niþum genedde.  Nearoþearfe conn, 
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, 
hu þu eacnunge  æfre onfenge 
bearnes þurh gebyrde,  ond þone gebedscipe 
æfter monwisan  mod ne cuðes. 
Ne we soðlice  swylc ne gefrugnan 
in ærdagum  æfre gelimpan, 
þæt ðu in sundurgiefe  swylce befenge, 
ne we þære wyrde  wenan þurfon 
toweard in tide.  Huru treow in þe 
weorðlicu wunade,  nu þu wuldres þrym 
bosme gebære,  ond no gebrosnad wearð 
mægðhad se micla.   Swa eal manna bearn 
sorgum sawað,  swa eft ripað, 
cennað to cwealme.  Cwæð sio eadge mæg 
symle sigores full,  sancta Maria: 
"Hwæt is þeos wundrung  þe ge wafiað, 
ond geomrende  gehþum mænað, 
sunu Solimę 
                somod his dohtor? 
Fricgað þurh fyrwet  hu ic fæmnan had, 
mund minne geheold,  ond eac modor gewearð 
mære meotudes suna.  Forþan þæt monnum nis 
cuð geryne,  ac Crist onwrah 
in Dauides  dyrre mægan 
þæt is Euan scyld  eal forpynded, 
wærgða aworpen,  ond gewuldrad is 
se heanra had.  Hyht is onfangen 
þæt nu bletsung mot  bæm gemæne, 
werum ond wifum,  a to worulde forð 
in þam uplican  engla dreame 
mid soðfæder  symle wunian." 
Eala earendel,  engla beorhtast, 
ofer middangeard  monnum sended, 
ond soðfæsta  sunnan leoma, 
torht ofer tunglas,  þu tida gehwane 
of sylfum þe  symle inlihtes! 
Swa þu, god of gode  gearo acenned, 
sunu soþan fæder,  swegles in wuldre 
butan anginne  æfre wære, 
swa þec nu for þearfum  þin agen geweorc 
bideð þurh byldo,  þæt þu þa beorhtan us 
sunnan onsende,  ond þe sylf cyme 
þæt ðu inleohte  þa þe longe ær, 
þrosme beþeahte  ond in þeostrum her, 
sæton sinneahtes;  synnum bifealdne 
deorc deaþes sceadu  dreogan sceoldan. 
Nu we hyhtfulle  hælo gelyfað 
þurh þæt word godes  weorodum brungen, 
þe on frymðe wæs  fæder ælmihtigum 
efenece mid god,  ond nu eft gewearð 
flæsc firena leas,  þæt seo fæmne gebær 
geomrum to geoce.  God wæs mid us 
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. 
Eala gæsta god,  hu þu gleawlice 
mid noman ryhte  nemned wære 
Emmanuhel,  swa hit engel gecwæð 
ærest on Ebresc!  þæt is eft gereht, 
rume bi gerynum:  "Nu is rodera weard, 
god sylfa mid us."  Swa þæt gomele gefyrn 
ealra cyninga cyning  ond þone clænan eac 
sacerd soðlice  sægdon toweard, 
swa se mæra iu,  Melchisedech, 
gleaw in gæste  godþrym onwrah 
eces alwaldan.  Se wæs æ bringend, 
lara lædend,  þam longe his 
hyhtan hidercyme,  swa him gehaten wæs, 
þætte sunu meotudes  sylfa wolde 
gefælsian  foldan mægðe, 
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, 
heofones heahcyning.  Bring us hælolif, 
werigum witeþeowum,  wope forcymenum, 
bitrum brynetearum.  Is seo bot gelong 
eal æt þe anum  
                [...] oferþearfum. 
Hæftas hygegeomre  hider /es; 
ne læt þe behindan,  þonne þu heonan cyrre, 
mænigo þus micle,  ac þu miltse on us 
gecyð cynelice,  Crist nergende, 
wuldres æþeling,  ne læt awyrgde ofer us 
onwald agan.  Læf us ecne gefean 
wuldres þines,  þæt þec weorðien, 
weoroda wuldorcyning,  þa þu geworhtes ær 
hondum þinum.  þu in heannissum 
wunast wideferh  mid waldend fæder." 
"Eala Ioseph min,  Iacobes bearn, 
mæg Dauides,  mæran cyninges, 
nu þu freode scealt  fæste gedælan, 
alætan lufan mine!"  "Ic lungre eam 
deope gedrefed,  dome bereafod, 
forðon ic worn for þe  worde hæbbe 
sidra sorga  ond sarcwida, 
hearmes gehyred,  ond me hosp sprecað, 
tornworda fela.  Ic tearas sceal 
geotan geomormod.  God eaþe mæg 
gehælan hygesorge  heortan minre, 
afrefran feasceaftne.  Eala fæmne geong, 
mægð Maria!"  Hwæt bemurnest ðu, 
cleopast cearigende?  Ne ic culpan in þe, 
incan ænigne,  æfre onfunde, 
womma geworhtra,  ond þu þa word spricest 
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 
wraþum towiþere?  Is þæt wide cuð 
þæt ic of þam torhtan  temple dryhtnes 
onfeng freolice  fæmnan clæne, 
womma lease,  ond nu gehwyrfed is 
þurh nathwylces.  Me nawþer deag, 
secge ne swige.  Gif ic soð sprece, 
þonne sceal Dauides  dohtor sweltan, 
stanum astyrfed.  Gen strengre is 
þæt ic morþor hele;  scyle manswara, 
laþ leoda gehwam  lifgan siþþan, 
fracoð in folcum."  þa seo fæmne onwrah 
ryhtgeryno,  ond þus reordade: 
"Soð ic secge  þurh sunu meotudes, 
gæsta geocend,  þæt ic gen ne conn 
þurh gemæcscipe  monnes ower, 
ænges on eorðan,  ac me eaden wearð, 
geongre in geardum,  þæt me Gabrihel, 
heofones heagengel,  hælo gebodade. 
Sægde soðlice  þæt me swegles gæst 
leoman onlyhte,  sceolde ic lifes þrym 
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 
mærum meotodes sunu  þæt ic his modor gewearð, 
fæmne forð seþeah,  ond þu fæder cweden 
woruldcund bi wene;  sceolde witedom 
in him sylfum beon  soðe gefylled." 
Eala þu soða  ond þu sibsuma 
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, 
secg searoþoncol,  to þæs swiðe gleaw 
þe þæt asecgan mæge  sundbuendum, 
areccan mid ryhte,  hu þe rodera weard 
æt frymðe genom  him to freobearne. 
þæt wæs þara þinga  þe her þeoda cynn 
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: 
"Nu sie geworden forþ  a to widan feore 
leoht, lixende gefea,  lifgendra gehwam 
þe in cneorissum  cende weorðen." 
Ond þa sona gelomp,  þa hit swa sceolde, 
leoma leohtade  leoda mægþum, 
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 
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 
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 
þurh ðinne 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 
eaðmod to eorþan.  Us is þinra arna þearf! 
Hafað se awyrgda  wulf tostenced, 
deor dædscua,  dryhten, þin eowde, 
wide towrecene.  þæt ðu, waldend, ær 
blode gebohtes,  þæt se bealofulla 
hyneð heardlice,  ond him on hæft nimeð 
ofer usse nioda lust.  Forþon we, nergend, þe 
biddað geornlice  breostgehygdum 
þæt þu hrædlice  helpe gefremme 
wergum wreccan,  þæt se wites bona 
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 
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. 
Eala þu mæra  middangeardes 
seo clæneste  cwen ofer eorþan 
þara þe gewurde  to widan feore, 
hu þec mid ryhte  ealle reordberend 
hatað ond secgað,  hæleð geond foldan, 
bliþe mode,  þæt þu bryd sie 
þæs selestan  swegles bryttan. 
Swylce þa hyhstan  on heofonum eac, 
Cristes þegnas,  cweþað ond singað 
þæt þu sie hlæfdige  halgum meahtum 
wuldorweorudes,  ond worldcundra 
            
hada under heofonum,  ond helwara. 
Forþon þu þæt ana  ealra monna 
geþohtest þrymlice,  þristhycgende, 
þæt þu þinne mægðhad  meotude brohtes, 
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.  Forðon heht sigores fruma 
his heahbodan  hider gefleogan 
of his mægenþrymme  ond þe meahta sped 
snude cyðan,  þæt þu sunu dryhtnes 
þurh clæne gebyrd  cennan sceolde 
monnum to miltse,  ond þe, Maria, forð 
efne unwemme  a gehealdan. 
Eac we þæt gefrugnon,  þæt gefyrn bi þe 
soðfæst sægde  sum woðbora 
in ealddagum,  Esaias, 
þæt he wære gelæded  þæt he lifes gesteald 
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, 
wundurclommum bewriþen.  Wende swiðe 
þæt ænig elda  æfre ne meahte 
swa fæstlice  forescyttelsas 
on ecnesse  o inhebban, 
oþþe ðæs ceasterhlides  clustor onlucan, 
ær him godes engel  þurh glædne geþonc 
þa wisan onwrah  ond þæt word acwæð: 
"Ic þe mæg secgan  þæt soð gewearð 
þæt ðas gyldnan gatu  giet sume siþe 
god sylf wile  gæstes mægne 
gefælsian,  fæder ælmihtig, 
ond þurh þa fæstan locu  foldan neosan, 
ond hio þonne æfter him  ece stondað 
            
simle singales  swa beclysed 
þæt nænig oþer,  nymðe nergend god, 
hy æfre ma  eft onluceð." 
Nu þæt is gefylled  þæt se froda þa 
mid eagum þær  on wlatade. 
þu eart þæt wealldor,  þurh þe waldend frea 
æne on þas eorðan  ut siðade, 
ond efne swa þec gemette,  meahtum gehrodene, 
clæne ond gecorene,  Crist ælmihtig. 
Swa ðe æfter him  engla þeoden 
eft unmæle  ælces þinges 
lioþucægan bileac,  lifes brytta. 
Iowa us nu þa are  þe se engel þe, 
godes spelboda,  Gabriel brohte. 
Huru þæs biddað  burgsittende 
þæt ðu þa frofre  folcum cyðe, 
þinre sylfre sunu.  Siþþan we motan 
            
anmodlice  ealle hyhtan, 
nu we on þæt bearn foran  breostum stariað. 
Geþinga us nu  þristum wordum 
þæt he us ne læte  leng owihte 
in þisse deaðdene  gedwolan hyran, 
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 
efenwesende  in þam æþelan ham. 
Næs ænig þa giet  engel geworden, 
ne þæs miclan  mægenþrymmes nan 
ðe in roderum up  rice biwitigað, 
þeodnes þryðgesteald  ond his þegnunga, 
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 eaðmedu  ealle biddað 
þæt þu gehyre  hæfta stefne, 
þinra niedþiowa,  nergende god, 
hu we sind geswencte  þurh ure sylfra gewill. 
Habbað wræcmæcgas  wergan gæstas, 
hetlen helsceaþa,  hearde genyrwad, 
gebunden bealorapum.  Is seo bot gelong 
eall æt þe anum,  ece dryhten. 
Hreowcearigum help,  þæt þin hidercyme 
afrefre feasceafte,  þeah we fæhþo wið þec 
þurh firena lust  gefremed hæbben. 
Ara nu onbehtum  ond usse yrmþa geþenc, 
hu we tealtrigað  tydran mode, 
hwearfiað heanlice.  Cym nu, hæleþa cyning, 
ne lata to lange.  Us is lissa þearf, 
þæt þu us ahredde  ond us hælogiefe 
soðfæst sylle,  þæt we siþþan forð 
þa sellan þing  symle moten 
geþeon on þeode,  þinne willan. 
Eala seo wlitige,  weorðmynda full, 
heah ond halig,  heofoncund þrynes, 
brade geblissad  geond brytenwongas 
þa mid ryhte sculon  reordberende, 
earme eorðware  ealle mægene 
hergan healice,  nu us hælend god 
wærfæst onwrah  þæt we hine witan moton. 
Forþon hy, dædhwæte,  dome geswiðde, 
þæt soðfæste  seraphinnes cynn, 
uppe mid englum  a bremende, 
unaþreotendum  þrymmum singað 
ful healice  hludan stefne, 
fægre feor ond neah.  Habbaþ folgoþa 
cyst mid cyninge.  Him þæt Crist forgeaf, 
þæt hy motan his ætwiste  eagum brucan 
simle singales,  swegle gehyrste, 
weorðian waldend  wide ond side, 
ond mid hyra fiþrum  frean ælmihtges 
onsyne weardiað,  ecan dryhtnes, 
ond ymb þeodenstol  þringað georne 
hwylc hyra nehst mæge  ussum nergende 
flihte lacan  friðgeardum in. 
Lofiað leoflicne  ond in leohte him 
þa word cweþað,  ond wuldriað 
æþelne ordfruman  ealra gesceafta: 
"Halig eart þu, halig,  heahengla brego, 
soð sigores frea,  simle þu bist halig, 
dryhtna dryhten!  A þin dom wunað 
eorðlic mid ældum  in ælce tid 
wide geweorþad.  þu eart weoroda god, 
forþon þu gefyldest  foldan ond rodoras, 
wigendra hleo,  wuldres þines, 
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 
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, 
ne þurh sæd ne cwom  sigores agend 
monnes ofer moldan;  ac þæt wæs ma cræft 
þonne hit eorðbuend  ealle cuþan 
þurh geryne,  hu he, rodera þrim, 
heofona heahfrea,  helpe gefremede 
monna cynne  þurh his modor hrif. 
Ond swa forðgongende  folca nergend 
his forgifnesse  gumum to helpe 
dæleð dogra gehwam,  dryhten weoroda. 
Forþon we hine domhwate  dædum ond wordum 
hergen holdlice.  þæt is healic ræd 
monna gehwylcum  þe gemynd hafað, 
þæt he symle oftost  ond inlocast 
ond geornlicost  god weorþige. 
He him þære lisse  lean forgildeð, 
se gehalgoda  hælend sylfa, 
efne in þam eðle  þær he ær ne cwom, 
in lifgendra  londes wynne, 
þær he gesælig  siþþan eardað, 
ealne widan feorh  wunað butan ende. Amen. 
Nu ðu geornlice  gæstgerynum, 
mon se mæra,  modcræfte sec 
þurh sefan snyttro,  þæt þu soð wite 
hu þæt geeode,  þa se ælmihtiga 
acenned wearð  þurh clænne had, 
siþþan he Marian,  mægða weolman, 
mærre meowlan,  mundheals geceas, 
þæt þær in hwitum  hræglum gewerede 
englas ne oðeowdun,  þa se æþeling cwom, 
beorn in Betlem.  Bodan wæron gearwe 
þa þurh hleoþorcwide  hyrdum cyðdon, 
sægdon soðne gefean,  þætte sunu wære 
in middangeard  meotudes acenned, 
in Betleme.  Hwæþre in bocum ne cwið 
þæt hy in hwitum þær  hræglum oðywden 
in þa æþelan tid,  swa hie eft dydon 
ða se brega mæra  to Bethania, 
þeoden þrymfæst,  his þegna gedryht 
gelaðade, leof weorud.  Hy þæs lareowes 
on þam wildæge  word ne gehyrwdon, 
hyra sincgiefan.  Sona wæron gearwe, 
hæleð mid hlaford,  to þære halgan byrg, 
þær him tacna fela  tires brytta 
onwrah, wuldres helm,  wordgerynum, 
ærþon up stige  ancenned sunu, 
efenece bearn,  agnum fæder, 
þæs ymb feowertig  þe he of foldan ær 
from deaðe aras,  dagena rimes. 
Hæfde þa gefylled,  swa ær biforan sungon, 
witgena word  geond woruld innan 
þurh his þrowinga.  þegnas heredon, 
lufedun leofwendum  lifes agend, 
fæder frumsceafta.  He him fægre þæs 
leofum gesiþum  lean æfter geaf, 
ond þæt word acwæð  waldend engla, 
gefysed, frea mihtig,  to fæder rice: 
"Gefeoð ge on ferððe!  Næfre ic from hweorfe, 
ac ic lufan symle  læste wið eowic, 
ond eow meaht giefe  ond mid wunige, 
awo to ealdre,  þæt eow æfre ne bið 
þurh gife mine  godes onsien. 
Farað nu geond ealne  yrmenne grund, 
geond widwegas,  weoredum cyðað, 
bodiað ond bremað  beorhtne geleafan, 
ond fulwiað  folc under roderum. 
Hweorfað to hæþnum,  hergas breotaþ, 
fyllað ond feogað,  feondscype dwæscað, 
sibbe sawað  on sefan manna 
þurh meahta sped.  Ic eow mid wunige, 
forð on frofre,  ond eow friðe healde 
strengðu staþolfæstre  on stowa gehware." 
ða wearð semninga  sweg on lyfte 
            
hlud gehyred.  Heofonengla þreat, 
weorud wlitescyne,  wuldres aras, 
cwomun on corðre.  Cyning ure gewat 
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 
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 
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 
beorhtan reorde:  "Hwæt bidað ge, 
Galilesce  guman on hwearfte? 
Nu ge sweotule geseoð  soðne dryhten 
on swegl faran;  sigores agend 
wile up heonan  eard gestigan, 
æþelinga ord,  mid þas engla gedryht, 
ealra folca fruma,  fæder eþelstoll. 
We mid þyslice  þreate willað 
ofer heofona gehlidu  hlaford fergan 
to þære beorhtan byrg  mid þas bliðan gedryht, 
ealra sigebearna  þæt seleste 
ond æþeleste,  þe ge her on stariað 
ond in frofre geseoð  frætwum blican. 
Wile eft swa þeah  eorðan mægðe 
sylfa gesecan  side herge, 
ond þonne gedeman  dæda gehwylce 
þara ðe gefremedon  folc under roderum." 
ða wæs wuldres weard  wolcnum bifongen, 
heahengla cyning,  ofer hrofas upp, 
haligra helm.  Hyht wæs geniwad, 
blis in burgum,  þurh þæs beornes cyme. 
Gesæt sigehremig  on þa swiþran hand 
ece eadfruma  agnum fæder. 
Gewitan him þa gongan  to Hierusalem 
hæleð hygerofe,  in þa halgan burg, 
geomormode,  þonan hy god nyhst 
up stigende  eagum segun, 
hyra wilgifan.  þær wæs wopes hring, 
torne bitolden;  wæs seo treowlufu 
hat æt heortan,  
               hreðer innan weoll, 
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 
on heofona gehyld.  Hwite cwoman 
eorla eadgiefan  englas togeanes. 
ðæt is wel cweden,  swa gewritu secgað, 
þæt him albeorhte  englas togeanes 
in þa halgan tid  heapum cwoman, 
sigan on swegle.  þa wæs symbla mæst 
geworden in wuldre.  Wel þæt gedafenað 
þæt to þære blisse,  beorhte gewerede, 
in þæs þeodnes burg  þegnas cwoman, 
weorud wlitescyne.  Gesegon wilcuman 
on heahsetle  heofones waldend, 
folca feorhgiefan,  frætwum ealles waldend 
middangeardes  ond mægenþrymmes. 
"Hafað nu se halga  helle bireafod 
ealles þæs gafoles  þe hi geardagum 
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, 
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, 
þisne ilcan þreat  þe ge her on stariað. 
Wile nu gesecan  sawla nergend 
gæsta giefstol,  godes agen bearn, 
æfter guðplegan.  Nu ge geare cunnon 
hwæt se hlaford is  se þisne here lædeð, 
nu ge fromlice  freondum togeanes 
gongað glædmode.  Geatu, ontynað! 
Wile in to eow  ealles waldend, 
cyning on ceastre,  corðre ne lytle, 
fyrnweorca fruma,  folc gelædan 
in dreama dream,  ðe he on deoflum genom 
þurh his sylfes sygor.  Sib sceal gemæne 
englum ond ældum  a forð heonan 
wesan wideferh.  Wær is ætsomne 
godes ond monna,  gæsthalig treow, 
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 
cwic þendan her wunað,  geceosan mot 
swa helle hienþu  swa heofones mærþu, 
swa þæt leohte leoht  swa ða laþan niht, 
swa þrymmes þræce  swa þystra wræce, 
swa mid dryhten dream  swa mid deoflum hream, 
swa wite mid wraþum  swa wuldor mid arum, 
swa lif swa deað,  swa him leofre bið 
to gefremmanne,  þenden flæsc ond gæst 
wuniað in worulde.  Wuldor þæs age 
þrynysse þrym,  þonc butan ende! 
ðæt is þæs wyrðe  þætte werþeode 
secgen dryhtne þonc  duguða gehwylcre 
þe us sið ond ær  simle gefremede 
þurh monigfealdra  mægna geryno. 
He us æt giefeð  ond æhta sped, 
welan ofer widlond,  ond weder liþe 
under swegles hleo.  Sunne ond mona, 
æþelast tungla  eallum scinað, 
heofoncondelle,  hæleþum on eorðan. 
Dreoseð deaw ond ren,  duguðe weccaþ 
to feorhnere  fira cynne, 
iecað eorðwelan.  þæs we ealles sculon 
secgan þonc ond lof  þeodne ussum, 
ond huru þære hælo  þe he us to hyhte forgeaf, 
ða he þa yrmpðu  eft oncyrde 
æt his upstige  þe we ær drugon, 
ond geþingade  þeodbuendum 
wið fæder swæsne  fæhþa mæste, 
cyning anboren.  Cwide eft onhwearf 
saulum to sibbe,  se þe ær sungen wæs 
            
þurh yrne hyge  ældum to sorge: 
"Ic þec ofer eorðan geworhte,  on þære þu scealt yrmþum lifgan, 
wunian in gewinne  ond wræce dreogan, 
feondum to hroþor  fusleoð galan, 
ond to þære ilcan scealt  eft geweorþan, 
wyrmum aweallen,  þonan wites fyr 
of þære eorðan scealt  eft gesecan." 
Hwæt, us þis se æþeling  yðre gefremede 
þa he leomum onfeng  ond lichoman, 
monnes magutudre!  Siþþan meotodes sunu 
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 cuðe, 
herede helm wera,  hælend lofede, 
ond mid siblufan  sunu waldendes 
freonoman cende,  ond hine fugel nemde, 
þone Iudeas  ongietan ne meahtan 
in ðære godcundan  gæstes strengðu. 
Wæs þæs fugles flyht  feondum on eorþan 
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. 
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, 
wende to worulde.  Bi þon se witga song: 
"He wæs upp hafen  engla fæðmum 
in his þa miclan  meahta spede, 
heah ond halig,  ofer heofona þrym." 
Ne meahtan þa þæs fugles  flyht gecnawan 
þe þæs upstiges  ondsæc fremedon, 
ond þæt ne gelyfdon,  þætte liffruma 
in monnes hiw  ofer mægna þrym, 
halig from hrusan,  ahafen wurde. 
ða us geweorðade  se þas world gescop, 
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 sendeð 
on his modes gemynd  þurh his muþes gæst, 
æðele ondgiet.  Se mæg eal fela 
singan ond secgan  þam bið snyttru cræft 
bifolen on ferðe.  Sum mæg fingrum wel 
hlude fore hæleþum  hearpan stirgan, 
gleobeam gretan.  Sum mæg godcunde 
reccan ryhte æ.  Sum mæg ryne tungla 
secgan, side gesceaft.  Sum mæg searolice 
wordcwide writan.  Sumum wiges sped 
giefeð æt guþe,  þonne gargetrum 
ofer scildhreadan  sceotend sendað, 
flacor flangeweorc.  Sum mæg fromlice 
ofer sealtne sæ  sundwudu drifan, 
hreran holmþræce.  Sum mæg heanne beam 
stælgne gestigan.  Sum mæg styled sweord, 
wæpen gewyrcan.  Sum con wonga bigong, 
wegas widgielle.  Swa se waldend us, 
godbearn on grundum,  his giefe bryttað. 
Nyle he ængum anum  ealle gesyllan 
gæstes snyttru,  þy læs him gielp sceþþe 
þurh his anes cræft  ofer oþre forð. 
ðus god meahtig  geofum unhneawum, 
cyning alwihta,  cræftum weorðaþ 
eorþan tuddor;  swylce eadgum blæd 
seleð on swegle,  sibbe ræreþ 
ece to ealdre  engla ond monna; 
swa he his weorc weorþað.  Bi þon se witga cwæð 
þæt ahæfen wæren  halge gimmas, 
hædre heofontungol,  healice upp, 
sunne ond mona.  Hwæt sindan þa 
gimmas swa scyne  buton god sylfa? 
He is se soðfæsta  sunnan leoma, 
englum ond eorðwarum  æþele scima. 
Ofer middangeard  mona lixeð, 
gæstlic tungol,  swa seo godes circe 
þurh gesomninga  soðes ond ryhtes 
beorhte bliceð.  Swa hit on bocum cwiþ, 
siþþan of grundum  godbearn astag, 
cyning clænra gehwæs,  þa seo circe her 
æfyllendra  eahtnysse bad 
under hæþenra  hyrda gewealdum. 
þær ða synsceaðan  soþes ne giemdon, 
gæstes þearfe,  ac hi godes tempel 
bræcan ond bærndon,  blodgyte worhtan, 
feodan ond fyldon.  Hwæþre forð bicwom 
þurh gæstes giefe  godes þegna blæd 
            
æfter upstige  ecan dryhtnes. 
Bi þon Salomon song,  sunu Dauiþes, 
giedda gearosnottor  gæstgerynum, 
waldend werþeoda,  ond þæt word acwæð: 
"Cuð þæt geweorðeð,  þætte cyning engla, 
meotud meahtum swið,  munt gestylleð, 
gehleapeð hea dune,  hyllas ond cnollas 
bewrið mid his wuldre,  woruld alyseð, 
ealle eorðbuend,  þurh þone æþelan styll." 
Wæs se forma hlyp  þa he on fæmnan astag, 
mægeð unmæle,  ond þær mennisc hiw 
onfeng butan firenum  þæt to frofre gewearð 
eallum eorðwarum.  Wæs se oþer stiell 
bearnes gebyrda,  þa he in binne wæs 
in cildes hiw  claþum bewunden, 
ealra þrymma þrym.  Wæs se þridda hlyp, 
rodorcyninges ræs,  þa he on rode astag, 
fæder, frofre gæst.  Wæs se feorða stiell 
in byrgenne,  þa he þone beam ofgeaf, 
foldærne fæst.  Wæs se fifta hlyp 
þa he hellwarena 
                heap forbygde 
in cwicsusle,  cyning inne gebond, 
feonda foresprecan,  fyrnum teagum, 
gromhydigne,  þær he gen ligeð 
in carcerne  clommum gefæstnad, 
synnum gesæled.  Wæs se siexta hlyp, 
haliges hyhtplega,  þa he to heofonum astag 
on his ealdcyððe.  þa wæs engla þreat 
on þa halgan tid  hleahtre bliþe 
wynnum geworden.  Gesawan wuldres þrym, 
æþelinga ord,  eðles neosan, 
beorhtra bolda.  þa wearð burgwarum 
eadgum ece gefea  æþelinges plega. 
þus her on grundum  godes ece bearn 
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 
halgum weorcum,  þær is hyht ond blis, 
geþungen þegnweorud.  Is us þearf micel 
þæt we mid heortan  hælo secen, 
þær we mid gæste  georne gelyfað 
þæt þæt hælobearn  heonan up stige 
mid usse lichoman,  lifgende god. 
Forþon we a sculon  idle lustas, 
synwunde forseon,  ond þæs sellran gefeon. 
Habbað we us to frofre  fæder on roderum 
ælmeahtigne.  He his aras þonan, 
halig of heahðu,  hider onsendeð, 
þa us gescildaþ  wið sceþþendra 

               eglum earhfarum,  þi læs unholdan 
wunde gewyrcen,  þonne wrohtbora 
in folc godes  forð onsendeð 
of his brægdbogan  biterne stræl. 
Forþon we fæste sculon  wið þam færscyte 
symle wærlice  wearde healdan, 
þy læs se attres ord  in gebuge, 
biter bordgelac,  under banlocan, 
feonda færsearo.  þæt bið frecne wund, 
blatast benna.  Utan us beorgan þa, 
þenden we on eorðan  eard weardien; 
utan us to fæder  freoþa wilnian, 
biddan bearn godes  ond þone bliðan gæst 
þæt he us gescilde  wið 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 
ænig on eorðan  ælda cynnes, 
gromra garfare,  gif hine god scildeþ, 
duguða dryhten.  Is þam dome neah 
þæt we gelice sceolon  leanum hleotan, 
swa we widefeorh  weorcum hlodun 
geond sidne grund.  Us secgað bec 
hu æt ærestan  eadmod astag 
in middangeard  mægna goldhord, 
in fæmnan fæðm  freobearn godes, 
halig of heahþu.  Huru ic wene me 
ond eac ondræde  dom ðy reþran, 
ðonne eft cymeð  engla þeoden, 
þe ic ne heold teala  þæt me hælend min 
on bocum bibead.  Ic þæs brogan sceal 
geseon synwræce,  þæs þe ic soð talge, 
þær monig beoð  on gemot læded 
            
fore onsyne  eces deman. 
þonne C cwacað,  gehyreð cyning mæðlan, 
rodera ryhtend,  sprecan reþe word 
þam þe him ær in worulde  wace hyrdon, 
þendan Y ond N 
                yþast meahtan 
frofre findan.  þær sceal forht monig 
on þam wongstede  werig bidan 
hwæt him æfter dædum  deman wille 
wraþra wita.  Biþ se W scæcen 
eorþan frætwa.  
               U wæs longe 

               L flodum bilocen,  lifwynna dæl, 

               F on foldan.  þonne frætwe sculon 
byrnan on bæle;  blac rasetteð 
recen reada leg,  reþe scriþeð 
geond woruld wide.  Wongas hreosað, 
burgstede berstað.  Brond bið on tyhte, 
æleð ealdgestreon  unmurnlice, 
gæsta gifrast,  þæt geo guman heoldan, 
þenden him on eorþan  onmedla wæs. 
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, 
in þam gæsthofe.  Scyle gumena gehwylc 
on his geardagum  georne biþencan 
þæt us milde bicwom  meahta waldend 
æt ærestan  þurh þæs engles word. 
Bið nu eorneste  þonne eft cymeð, 
reðe ond ryhtwis.  Rodor bið onhrered, 
ond þas miclan gemetu  middangeardes 

               beofiað þonne.  Beorht cyning leanað 
þæs þe hy on eorþan  eargum dædum 
lifdon leahtrum fa.  þæs hi longe sculon 
ferðwerige onfon  in fyrbaðe, 
wælmum biwrecene,  wraþlic ondlean, 
þonne mægna cyning  on gemot cymeð, 
þrymma mæste.  þeodegsa bið 
hlud gehyred  bi heofonwoman, 
cwaniendra cirm,  cerge reotað 
fore onsyne  eces deman, 
þa þe hyra weorcum  wace truwiað. 
ðær biþ oðywed  egsa mara 
þonne from frumgesceape  gefrægen wurde 
æfre on eorðan.  þær bið 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, 
æþelinga ord,  eallum demeð, 
leofum ge laðum,  lean æfter ryhte, 
þeoda gehwylcre.  Is us þearf micel 
þæt we gæstes wlite  ær þam gryrebrogan 
on þas gæsnan tid  georne biþencen. 
Nu is þon gelicost  swa we on laguflode 
ofer cald wæter  ceolum liðan 
geond sidne sæ,  sundhengestum, 
flodwudu fergen.  Is þæt frecne stream 
yða ofermæta  þe we her on lacað 
geond þas wacan woruld,  windge holmas 
ofer deop gelad.  Wæs se drohtað strong 
ærþon we to londe  geliden hæfdon 
ofer hreone hrycg.  þa us help bicwom, 
þæt us to hælo  hyþe gelædde, 
godes gæstsunu,  ond us giefe sealde 
þæt we oncnawan magun  ofer ceoles bord 
hwær we sælan sceolon  sundhengestas, 
ealde yðmearas,  ancrum fæste. 
Utan us to þære hyðe  hyht staþelian, 
ða us gerymde  rodera waldend, 
halge on heahþu,  þa he heofonum astag. 
ðonne mid fere  foldbuende 
se micla dæg  meahtan dryhtnes 
æt midre niht  mægne bihlæmeð, 
scire gesceafte,  swa oft sceaða fæcne, 
þeof þristlice,  þe on þystre fareð, 
on sweartre niht,  sorglease hæleð 
semninga forfehð  slæpe gebundne, 
eorlas ungearwe  yfles genægeð. 
Swa on Syne beorg  somod up cymeð 
mægenfolc micel,  meotude getrywe, 
beorht ond bliþe.  Him weorþeð blæd gifen! 
þonne from feowerum  foldan sceatum, 
þam ytemestum  eorþan rices, 
englas ælbeorhte  on efen blawað 
byman on brehtme.  Beofað middangeard, 
hruse under hæleþum.  Hlydað tosomne, 
trume ond torhte,  wið tungla gong, 
singað ond swinsiaþ  suþan ond norþan, 
eastan ond westan,  ofer ealle gesceaft. 
Weccað of deaðe  dryhtgumena bearn, 
eall monna cynn,  to meotudsceafte 
egeslic of þære ealdan moldan,  hatað hy upp astandan 
sneome of slæpe þy fæstan.  þær mon mæg sorgende folc 
gehyran hygegeomor,  hearde gefysed, 
cearum cwiþende  cwicra gewyrhtu, 
forhte afærde.  þæt bið foretacna mæst 
þara þe ær oþþe sið  æfre gewurde 
monnum oþywed,  þær gemengde beoð 
onhælo gelac  engla ond deofla, 
beorhtra ond blacra.  Weorþeð bega cyme, 
hwitra ond sweartra,  swa him is ham sceapen 
ungelice,  englum ond deoflum. 
þonne semninga  on Syne beorg 
suþaneastan  sunnan leoma 
cymeð of scyppende  scynan leohtor 
þonne hit men mægen  modum ahycgan, 
beorhte blican,  þonne bearn godes 
þurh heofona gehleodu  hider oðyweð. 
Cymeð wundorlic  Cristes onsyn, 
æþelcyninges wlite,  eastan fram roderum, 
on sefan swete  sinum folce, 
biter bealofullum,  gebleod wundrum, 
eadgum ond earmum  ungelice. 
He bið 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, 
weðne mid willum,  waldendes cyme, 
mægencyninges,  þam þe him on mode ær 
wordum ond weorcum  wel gecwemdun. 
He bið þam yflum  egeslic ond grimlic 
to geseonne,  synnegum monnum, 
þam þær mid firenum cumað,  forð forworhte. 
þæt mæg wites to wearninga  þam þe hafað wisne geþoht, 
þæt se him eallunga  owiht ne ondrædeð, 
se for ðære onsyne  egsan ne weorþeð 
forht on ferðe,  þonne he frean gesihð 
ealra gesceafta  ondweardne faran 
mid mægenwundrum  mongum to þinge, 
ond him on healfa gehwone 
                heofonengla þreat 
ymbutan farað,  ælbeorhtra scolu, 
hergas haligra,  heapum geneahhe. 
Dyneð deop gesceaft,  ond fore dryhtne færeð 
wælmfyra mæst  ofer widne grund. 
Hlemmeð hata leg,  heofonas berstað, 
trume ond torhte,  tungol ofhreosað. 
þonne weorþeð sunne  sweart gewended 
on blodes hiw,  seo ðe beorhte scan 
ofer ærworuld  ælda bearnum; 
mona þæt sylfe,  þe ær moncynne 
nihtes lyhte,  niþer gehreoseð 
ond steorran swa some  stredað of heofone, 
þurh ða strongan lyft  stormum abeatne. 
Wile ælmihtig  mid his engla gedryht, 
mægencyninga meotod,  on gemot cuman, 
þrymfæst þeoden.  Bið þær his þegna eac 
hreþeadig heap.  Halge sawle 
mid hyra frean farað,  þonne folca weard 
þurh egsan þrea  eorðan mægðe 
sylfa geseceð.  Weorþeð geond sidne grund 
hlud gehyred  heofonbyman stefn, 
ond on seofon healfa  swogað windas, 
blawað brecende  bearhtma mæste, 
weccað ond woniað  woruld mid storme, 
fyllað mid fere 
                foldan gesceafte. 
ðonne heard gebrec,  hlud, unmæte, 
swar ond swiðlic,  swegdynna mæst, 
ældum egeslic,  eawed weorþeð. 
þær mægen werge  monna cynnes 
wornum hweorfað  on widne leg, 
þa þær cwice meteð  cwelmende fyr, 
sume up, sume niþer,  ældes fulle. 
þonne bið untweo  þæt þær Adames 
cyn, cearena full,  cwiþeð gesargad, 
nales fore lytlum,  leode geomre, 
ac fore þam mæstan  mægenearfeþum, 
ðonne eall þreo  on efen nimeð 
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 bærneð  þreo eal on an 
grimme togædre.  Grornað gesargad 
eal middangeard  on þa mæran tid. 
Swa se gifra gæst  grundas geondseceð; 
hiþende leg  heahgetimbro 
fylleð on foldwong  fyres egsan, 
widmære blæst  woruld mid ealle, 
hat, heorogifre.  Hreosað geneahhe 
tobrocene burgweallas.  Beorgas gemeltað 
ond heahcleofu,  
               þa wið holme ær 
fæste wið flodum  foldan sceldun, 
stið ond stæðfæst,  staþelas wið wæge, 
wætre windendum.  þonne wihta gehwylce, 
deora ond fugla,  deaðleg nimeð, 
færeð æfter foldan  fyrswearta leg, 
weallende wiga.  Swa ær wæter fleowan, 
flodas afysde,  þonne on fyrbaðe 
swelað sæfiscas;  sundes getwæfde 
wægdeora gehwylc  werig swelteð, 
byrneþ wæter swa weax.  þær bið wundra ma 
þonne hit ænig on mode  mæge aþencan, 
hu þæt gestun ond se storm  ond seo stronge lyft 
brecað brade gesceaft.  Beornas gretað, 
wepað wanende  wergum stefnum, 
heane, hygegeomre,  hreowum gedreahte. 
Seoþeð swearta leg  synne on fordonum, 
ond goldfrætwe  gleda forswelgað, 
eall ærgestreon  eþelcyninga. 
ðær bið cirm ond cearu,  ond cwicra gewin, 
gehreow ond hlud wop  bi heofonwoman, 
earmlic ælda gedreag.  þonan ænig ne mæg, 
firendædum fah,  frið gewinnan, 
legbryne losian  londes ower, 
ac þæt fyr nimeð  þurh foldan gehwæt, 
græfeð grimlice,  georne aseceð 
innan ond utan  eorðan sceatas, 
oþþæt eall hafað  ældes leoma 
woruldwidles wom  wælme forbærned. 
ðonne mihtig god  on þone mæran beorg 
mid þy mæstan  mægenþrymme cymeð, 
heofonengla cyning,  halig scineð, 
wuldorlic ofer weredum,  waldende god, 
ond hine ymbutan  æþelduguð betast, 
halge herefeðan,  hlutre blicað, 
eadig engla gedryht.  Ingeþoncum 
forhte beofiað  fore fæder egsan. 
Forþon nis ænig wundor  hu him woruldmonna 
seo unclæne gecynd,  cearum sorgende, 
hearde ondrede,  ðonne sio halge gecynd, 
hwit ond heofonbeorht,  heagengla mægen, 
for ðære onsyne beoð  egsan afyrhte, 
bidað beofiende  beorhte gesceafte 
dryhtnes domes.  Daga egeslicast 
weorþeð in worulde,  þonne wuldorcyning 
þurh þrym þreað  þeoda gehwylce, 
hateð arisan  reordberende 
of foldgrafum,  folc anra gehwylc, 
cuman to gemote  moncynnes gehwone. 
þonne eall hraðe  Adames cynn 
onfehð flæsce,  weorþeð foldræste 
eardes æt ende.  Sceal þonne anra gehwylc 
fore Cristes cyme  cwic arisan, 
leoðum onfon  ond lichoman, 
edgeong wesan.  Hafað eall on him 
þæs þe he on foldan  in fyrndagum, 
godes oþþe gales,  on his gæste gehlod, 
geara gongum,  hafað ætgædre bu, 
lic ond sawle.  Sceal on leoht cuman 
sinra weorca wlite  ond worda gemynd 
ond heortan gehygd  fore heofona cyning. 
ðonne biþ geyced  ond geedniwad 
moncyn þurh meotud.  Micel ariseð 
dryhtfolc to dome,  siþþan deaþes bend 
toleseð liffruma.  Lyft bið onbærned, 
hreosað heofonsteorran,  hyþað wide 
gifre glede,  gæstas hweorfað 
on ecne eard.  Opene weorþað 
ofer middangeard  monna dæde. 
Ne magun hord weras,  heortan geþohtas, 
fore waldende  wihte bemiþan. 
Ne sindon him dæda dyrne,  ac þær bið dryhtne cuð 
on þam miclan dæge,  hu monna gehwylc 
ær earnode  eces lifes, 
ond eall ondweard  þæt hi ær oþþe sið 
worhtun in worulde.  Ne bið þær wiht forholen 
monna gehygda,  ac se mæra dæg 
hreþerlocena hord,  heortan geþohtas, 
ealle ætyweð.  ær sceal geþencan 
gæstes þearfe,  se þe gode mynteð 
bringan beorhtne wlite,  þonne bryne costað, 
hat, heorugifre,  hu gehealdne sind 
sawle wið synnum  fore sigedeman. 
ðonne sio byman stefen  ond se beorhta segn, 
ond þæt hate fyr  ond seo hea duguð, 
ond se engla þrym  ond se egsan þrea, 
ond se hearda dæg  ond seo hea rod, 
ryht aræred  rices to beacne, 
folcdryht wera  biforan bonnað, 
sawla gehwylce  þara þe sið oþþe ær 
on lichoman  leoþum onfengen. 
ðonne weoroda mæst  fore waldende, 
ece ond edgeong,  ondweard gæð 
neode ond nyde,  bi noman gehatne, 
berað breosta hord  fore bearn godes, 
feores frætwe.  Wile fæder eahtan 
hu gesunde suna  sawle bringen 
of þam eðle  þe hi on lifdon. 
ðonne beoð bealde  þa þe beorhtne wlite 
meotude bringað.  Bið hyra meaht ond gefea 
swiðe gesæliglic  sawlum to gielde, 
wuldorlean weorca.  Wel is þam þe motun 
            
on þa grimman tid  gode lician. 
þær him sylfe geseoð  sorga mæste, 
synfa men,  sarigferðe. 
Ne bið him to are  þæt þær fore ellþeodum 
usses dryhtnes rod  ondweard stondeð, 
beacna beorhtast,  blode bistemed, 
heofoncyninges  hlutran dreore, 
biseon mid swate  þæt ofer side gesceaft 
scire scineð.  Sceadu beoð bidyrned 
þær se leohta beam  leodum byrhteð. 
þæt þeah to teonum  
               geteod weorþeð, 
þeodum to þrea,  þam þe þonc gode 
womwyrcende  wita ne cuþun, 
þæs he on þone halgan beam  ahongen wæs 
fore moncynnes  manforwyrhtu, 
þær he leoflice  lifes ceapode, 
þeoden moncynne,  on þam dæge, 
mid þy weorðe,  þe no wom dyde 
his lichoma  leahtra firena, 
mid þy usic alysde.  þæs he eftlean wile 
þurh eorneste  ealles gemonian, 
ðonne sio reade  rod ofer ealle 
swegle scineð  on þære sunnan gyld. 
On þa forhtlice  firenum fordone, 
swearte synwyrcend,  sorgum wlitað, 
geseoð 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 geseoð  dreorigferðe, 
swa him mid næglum þurhdrifan  niðhycgende 
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 gesyhð, 
rinnan fore rincum,  þa he on rode wæs. 
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, 
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, 
ond ymb his heafod  heardne gebigdon 
beag þyrnenne,  blinde on geþoncum, 
dysge ond gedwealde.  Gesegun þa dumban gesceaft, 
eorðan ealgrene  ond uprodor, 
forhte gefelan  frean þrowinga, 
ond mid cearum cwiðdun,  þeah hi cwice næron, 

               þa hyra scyppend  sceaþan onfengon 
syngum hondum.  Sunne wearð adwæsced, 
þream aþrysmed;  þa sio þeod geseah 
in Hierusalem  godwebba cyst 
þæt ær ðam 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, 
sylf slat on tu,  swylce hit seaxes ecg 
scearp þurhwode.  Scire burstan 
muras ond stanas  monge æfter foldan, 
ond seo eorðe eac,  egsan myrde, 
beofode on bearhtme,  ond se brada sæ 
cyðde cræftes meaht  ond of clomme bræc 
up yrringa  on eorþan fæðm, 
ge on stede scynum  steorran forleton 
hyra swæsne wlite.  On þa sylfan tid 
heofon hluttre ongeat  hwa hine healice 
torhtne getremede  tungolgimmum; 
forþon he his bodan sende,  þa wæs geboren ærest 
gesceafta scircyning.  Hwæt, eac scyldge men 
gesegon to soðe,  þy sylfan dæge 
þe on þrowade,  þeodwundor micel, 
þætte eorðe 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, 
scyldwreccende,  þæt se scyppend cwom, 
waldende god,  þa heo þæt weorud ageaf, 
hloþe of ðam hatan hreþre.  Hyge wearð mongum blissad, 
sawlum sorge toglidene.  Hwæt, eac sæ cyðde 
hwa hine gesette  on sidne grund, 
tirmeahtig cyning;  forþon he hine tredne him 
ongean gyrede,  þonne god wolde 
ofer sine yðe gan.  Eahstream ne dorste 
his frean fet  flode bisencan, 
ge eac beamas onbudon  hwa hy mid bledum sceop, 
monge, nales fea,  ða mihtig god 
on hira anne gestag  þær he earfeþu 
geþolade fore þearfe  þeodbuendra, 
laðlicne deað  leodum to helpe. 
ða wearð beam monig  blodigum tearum 
birunnen under rindum,  reade ond þicce; 
sæp wearð to swate.  þæt asecgan ne magun 
            
foldbuende  þurh frod gewit, 
hu fela þa onfundun  þa gefelan ne magun 
dryhtnes þrowinga,  deade gesceafte. 
þa þe æþelast sind  eorðan gecynda, 
ond heofones eac  heahgetimbro, 
eall fore þam anum  unrot gewearð, 
forhtafongen.  þeah hi ferðgewit 
of hyra æþelum  ænig ne cuþen, 
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, 
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, 
ðæt se earcnanstan  eallum sceolde 
to hleo ond to hroþer  hæleþa cynne 
weorðan in worulde,  wuldres agend, 
eades ordfruma,  þurh þa æþelan cwenn. 
Hwæs weneð se  þe mid gewitte nyle 
gemunan þa mildan  meotudes lare, 
ond eal ða earfeðu  þe he fore ældum adreag, 
forþon þe he wolde  þæt we wuldres eard 
in ecnesse  agan mosten? 
Swa þam bið grorne  on þam grimman dæge 
domes þæs miclan,  þam þe dryhtnes sceal, 
deaðfirenum forden,  dolg sceawian, 
wunde ond wite.  On werigum sefan 
geseoð sorga mæste,  hu se sylfa cyning 
mid sine lichoman  lysde of firenum 
þurh milde mod,  þæt hy mostun manweorca 
tome lifgan,  ond tires blæd 
ecne agan.  Hy þæs eðles þonc 
hyra waldende  wita ne cuþon; 
forþon þær to teonum  þa tacen geseoð 
orgeatu on gode,  ungesælge, 
þonne Crist siteð  on his cynestole, 
on heahsetle,  heofonmægna god, 
fæder ælmihtig.  Folca gehwylcum 
scyppend scinende  scrifeð bi gewyrhtum, 
eall æfter ryhte  rodera waldend. 
ðonne beoð gesomnad  on þa swiþran hond 
þa clænan folc,  Criste sylfum 
gecorene bi cystum,  þa ær sinne cwide georne 
lustum læstun  on hyra lifdagum, 
ond þær womsceaþan  on þone wyrsan dæl 
fore scyppende  scyrede weorþað, 
hateð him gewitan  on þa winstran hond, 
sigora soðcyning,  synfulra weorud. 
þær hy arasade  reotað ond beofiað 
fore frean forhte,  swa fule swa gæt, 
unsyfre folc,  arna ne wenað. 
ðonne bið gæsta dom  fore gode sceaden 
wera cneorissum,  swa hi geworhtun ær, 
þær bið on eadgum  eðgesyne 
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. 
Him on scinað  ærgewyrhtu, 
on sylfra gehwam  sunnan beorhtran. 
Oþer is to eacan  ondgete swa some, 
þæt hy him in wuldre witon  waldendes giefe, 
ond on seoð,  eagum to wynne, 
þæt hi on heofonrice  
               hlutre dreamas 
eadge mid englum  agan motun. 
ðonne bið þridde,  hu on þystra bealo 
þæt gesælige weorud  gesihð þæt fordone 
sar þrowian,  synna to wite, 
weallendne lig,  ond wyrma slite 
bitrum ceaflum,  byrnendra scole. 
Of þam him aweaxeð  wynsum gefea, 
þonne hi þæt yfel geseoð  oðre dreogan, 
þæt hy þurh miltse  meotudes genæson. 
ðonne hi þy geornor  gode þonciað 
blædes ond blissa  þe hy bu geseoð, 
þæt he hy generede  from niðcwale 
ond eac forgeaf  ece dreamas; 
bið him hel bilocen,  heofonrice agiefen. 
Swa sceal gewrixled  þam þe ær wel heoldon 
þurh modlufan  meotudes willan. 
ðonne bið þam oþrum  ungelice 
willa geworden.  Magon weana to fela 
geseon on him selfum,  synne genoge 
atolearfoða  ær gedenra. 
þær him sorgendum  sar oðclifeð, 
þroht þeodbealu,  on þreo healfa. 
An is þara  þæt hy him yrmþa to fela, 
grim helle fyr,  gearo to wite 
ondweard seoð,  on þam hi awo sculon, 
wræc winnende,  wærgðu dreogan. 
þonne is him oþer  earfeþu swa some 
scyldgum to sconde,  þæt hi þær scoma mæste 
dreogað fordone.  On him dryhten gesihð 
nales feara sum  firenbealu laðlic, 
ond þæt ællbeorhte  eac sceawiað 
heofonengla here,  ond hæleþa bearn, 
ealle eorðbuend  ond atol deofol, 
mircne mægencræft,  manwomma gehwone 
magun þurh þa lichoman,  leahtra firene, 
geseon on þam sawlum.  Beoð þa syngan flæsc 
scandum þurhwaden  swa þæt scire glæs, 
þæt mon yþæst mæg  eall þurhwlitan. 
ðonne bið þæt þridde  þearfendum sorg, 
cwiþende cearo,  þæt hy on þa clænan seoð, 
hu hi fore goddædum  glade blissiað, 
þa hy, unsælge,  ær forhogdun 
to donne  þonne him dagas læstun; 
ond be hyra weorcum  wepende sar 
þæt hi ær freolice  fremedon unryht. 
Geseoð hi þa betran  blæde scinan; 
ne bið him hyra yrmðu  an to wite, 
ac þara oþerra  ead to sorgum, 
þæs þe hy swa fægre gefean 
                on fyrndagum 
ond swa ænlice  anforletun, 
þurh leaslice  lices wynne, 
earges flæschoman  idelne lust. 
þær hi ascamode,  scondum gedreahte, 
swiciað on swiman;  synbyrþenne, 
firenweorc berað,  on þæt þa folc seoð. 
Wære him þonne betre  þæt hy bealodæde, 
ælces unryhtes,  ær gescomeden 
fore anum men,  eargra weorca, 
godes bodan sægdon  þæt hi to gyrne wiston 
firendæda on him.  Ne mæg þurh þæt flæsc se scrift 
geseon on þære sawle,  hwæþer him mon soð þe lyge 
sagað on hine sylfne,  þonne he þa synne bigæð. 
Mæg mon swa þeah gelacnigan  leahtra gehwylcne, 
yfel unclæne,  gif he hit anum gesegð, 
ond nænig bihelan mæg  on þam heardan dæge 
wom unbeted,  ðær hit þa weorud geseoð. 
Eala, þær we nu magon  wraþe firene 
geseon on ussum sawlum,  synna wunde, 
mid lichoman  leahtra gehygdu, 
eagum unclæne  ingeþoncas! 
Ne þæt ænig mæg  oþrum gesecgan 
mid hu micle elne  æghwylc wille 
þurh ealle list  lifes tiligan, 
feores forhtlice,  forð aðolian, 
synrust þwean  ond hine sylfne þrean, 
ond þæt wom ærran  wunde hælan, 
þone lytlan fyrst  þe her lifes sy, 
þæt he mæge fore eagum  eorðbuendra 
unscomiende  eðles mid monnum 
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 oðrum ne magun, 
heafodgimmum,  hygeþonces ferð 
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 scineð 
of his heahsetle  hlutran lege. 
þær he fore englum  ond fore elþeodum 
to þam eadgestum  ærest mæðleð, 
ond him swæslice  sibbe gehateð, 
heofona heahcyning;  halgan reorde 
frefreð he fægre  ond him friþ beodeð, 
hateð hy gesunde  ond gesenade 
on eþel faran  engla dreames, 
ond þæs to widan feore  willum neotan: 
"Onfoð nu mid freondum  mines fæder rice 
þæt eow wæs ær woruldum  wynlice gearo, 
blæd mid blissum,  beorht eðles wlite, 
hwonne ge þa lifwelan  mid þam leofstum, 
swase swegldreamas,  geseon mosten. 
Ge þæs earnedon  þa ge earme men, 
woruldþearfende,  willum onfengun 
            
on mildum sefan.  ðonne hy him þurh minne noman 
eaðmode to eow  arna bædun, 
þonne ge hyra hulpon  ond him hleoð gefon, 
hingrendum hlaf  ond hrægl nacedum; 
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, 
ðonne ge hy mid sibbum sohtun,  ond hyra sefan trymedon 
forð on frofre.  þæs ge fægre sceolon 
lean mid leofum  lange brucan." 
Onginneð þonne to þam yflum  ungelice 
wordum mæðlan  þe him bið on þa wynstran hond, 
þurh egsan þrea,  alwalda god. 
Ne þurfon hi þonne to meotude  miltse gewenan, 
lifes ne lissa,  ac þær lean cumað 
werum bi gewyrhtum  worda ond dæda, 
reordberendum;  sceolon þone ryhtan dom 
anne geæfnan,  egsan fulne. 
Bið þær seo miccle  milts afyrred 
þeodbuendum,  on þam dæge, 
þæs ælmihtigan,  þonne he yrringa 
on þæt fræte folc  firene stæleð 
laþum wordum,  hateð hyra lifes riht 
ondweard ywan 
                þæt he him ær forgeaf 
syngum to sælum.  Onginneð sylf cweðan, 
swa he to anum sprece,  ond hwæþre ealle mæneð, 
firensynnig folc,  frea ælmihtig: 
"Hwæt, ic þec mon  minum hondum 
ærest geworhte,  ond þe ondgiet sealde. 
Of lame ic þe leoþo gesette,  geaf ic ðe 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, 
ðystra þæt þu þolian sceolde.  þu þæs þonc ne wisses. 
þa ic ðe swa scienne  gesceapen hæfde, 
wynlicne geworht,  ond þe welan forgyfen 
þæt ðu mostes wealdan  worulde gesceaftum, 
ða ic þe on þa fægran  foldan gesette 
to neotenne  neorxnawonges 
beorhtne blædwelan,  bleom scinende, 
ða þu lifes word  læstan noldes, 
ac min bibod bræce  be þines bonan worde. 
Fæcnum feonde  furþor hyrdes, 
sceþþendum scaþan,  þonne þinum scyppende. 
Nu ic ða ealdan race  anforlæte, 
hu þu æt ærestan  yfle gehogdes, 
firenweorcum forlure  þæt ic ðe to fremum sealde. 
þa ic þe goda swa fela  forgiefen hæfde 
ond þe on þam eallum  eades to lyt 
mode þuhte,  gif þu meahte sped 
efenmicle gode  agan ne moste, 
ða þu of þan gefean  fremde wurde, 
feondum to willan  feor aworpen. 
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 
mægenearfeþu  micle stunde, 
sar ond swar gewin  ond sweartne deað, 
ond æfter hingonge 
                hreosan sceoldes 
hean in helle,  helpendra leas. 
ða mec ongon hreowan  þæt min hondgeweorc 
on feonda geweald  feran sceolde, 
moncynnes tuddor  mancwealm seon, 
sceolde uncuðne  eard cunnian, 
sare siþas.  þa ic sylf gestag, 
maga in modor,  þeah wæs hyre mægdenhad 
æghwæs onwalg.  Wearð 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, 
cildgeong on crybbe.  Mid þy ic þe wolde cwealm afyrran, 
hat helle bealu,  þæt þu moste halig scinan 
eadig on þam ecan life,  forðon ic þæt earfeþe wonn. 
Næs me for mode,  ac ic on magugeoguðe 
yrmþu geæfnde,  arleas licsar, 
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, 
oft ondlata,  arleasra spatl, 
of muðe onfeng,  manfremmendra. 
Swylce hi me geblendon  bittre tosomne 
unswetne drync  ecedes ond geallan. 
ðonne ic fore folce onfeng  feonda geniðlan, 
fylgdon me mid firenum,  fæhþe ne rohtun, 
ond mid sweopum slogun.  Ic þæt sar for ðe 
þurh eaðmedu  eall geþolade, 
hosp ond heardcwide.  þa hi hwæsne beag 
ymb min heafod  heardne gebygdon, 
þream biþrycton,  se wæs of þornum geworht. 
ða ic wæs ahongen  on heanne beam, 
rode gefæstnad,  ða hi ricene mid spere 
of minre sidan  swat ut guton, 
dreor to foldan,  þæt þu of deofles þurh þæt 
nydgewalde  genered wurde. 
ða ic, womma leas,  wite þolade, 
yfel earfeþu,  oþþæt ic anne forlet 
of minum lichoman  lifgendne gæst. 
Geseoð nu þa feorhdolg  þe ge gefremedun ær 
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! 
Ic onfeng þin sar  þæt þu moste gesælig 
mines eþelrices  eadig neotan, 
ond þe mine deaðe  deore gebohte 
þæt longe lif  þæt þu on leohte siþþan, 
wlitig, womma leas,  wunian mostes. 
Læg min flæschoma  in foldan bigrafen, 
niþre gehyded,  se ðe nængum scod, 
in byrgenne,  þæt þu meahte beorhte uppe 
on roderum wesan,  rice mid englum. 
For hwon forlete þu  lif þæt scyne 
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 
deaðe minum  þe ic adreag fore þe, 
ac forgield me þin lif,  þæs þe ic iu þe min 
þurh woruldwite  weorð gesealde; 
ðæs lifes ic manige  þe þu mid leahtrum hafast 
ofslegen synlice  sylfum to sconde. 
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 
feondum of fæðme,  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 þynceð! 
Nu is swærra mid mec  þinra synna rod 
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. 
Ic wæs on worulde wædla  þæt ðu wurde welig in heofonum, 
earm ic wæs on eðle þinum  þæt þu wurde eadig on minum. 
þa ðu þæs ealles  ænigne þonc 
þinum nergende  nysses on mode. 
Bibead ic eow  þæt ge broþor mine 
in woruldrice  wel aretten 
of þam æhtum  þe ic eow on eorðan geaf, 
earmra hulpen.  Earge ge þæt læstun, 
þearfum forwyrndon  þæt hi under eowrum þæce mosten 
in gebugan,  ond him æghwæs oftugon, 
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. 
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." 
ðonne þær ofer ealle  egeslicne cwide 
sylf sigora weard,  sares fulne, 
ofer þæt fæge folc  forð forlæteð, 
cwið to þara synfulra  sawla feþan: 
"Farað nu, awyrgde,  willum biscyrede 
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, 
rædum birofene.  Sceolon raþe feallan 
on grimne grund  þa ær wiþ gode wunnon. 
Bið þonne rices weard  reþe ond meahtig, 
yrre ond egesful.  Ondweard ne mæg 
on þissum foldwege  feond gebidan. 
Swapeð sigemece  mid þære swiðran hond 
þæt on þæt deope dæl  deofol gefeallað 
in sweartne leg,  synfulra here 
under foldan sceat,  fæge gæstas 
on wraþra wic,  womfulra scolu 
werge to forwyrde  on witehus, 
deaðsele deofles.  Nales dryhtnes gemynd 
siþþan gesecað,  synne ne aspringað, 
þær hi leahtrum fa,  lege gebundne, 
swylt þrowiað.  Bið him synwracu 
ondweard undyrne;  þæt is ece cwealm. 
Ne mæg þæt hate dæl  of heoloðcynne 
in sinnehte  synne forbærnan 
to widan feore,  wom of þære sawle, 
ac þær se deopa seað  dreorge fedeð, 
grundleas giemeð  gæsta on þeostre, 
æleð hy mid þy ealdan lige,  ond mid þy egsan forste, 
wraþum wyrmum  ond mid wita fela, 
frecnum feorhgomum,  folcum scendeð. 
þæt we magon eahtan  ond on an cweþan, 
soðe secgan,  þæt se sawle weard, 
lifes wisdom,  forloren hæbbe, 
se þe nu ne giemeð  hwæþer his gæst sie 
earm þe eadig,  þær he ece sceal 
æfter hingonge  hamfæst wesan. 
Ne bisorgað he  synne to fremman, 
wonhydig mon,  ne he wihte hafað 
hreowe on mode  þæt him halig gæst 
losige þurh leahtras  on þas lænan tid. 
ðonne mansceaða  fore meotude forht, 
deorc on þam dome standeð,  ond deaðe fah, 
wommum awyrged,  bið se wærloga 
fyres afylled.  Feores unwyrðe, 
egsan geþread,  ondweard gode 
won ond wliteleas  hafað werges bleo, 
facentacen feores.  ðonne firena bearn 
tearum geotað,  þonne þæs tid ne biþ, 
synne cwiþað;  ac hy to sið doð 
gæstum helpe,  ðonne þæs giman nele 
weoruda waldend,  hu þa womsceaþan 
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 leofað. 
Ne bið þær ængum godum  gnorn ætywed, 
ne nængum yflum wel,  ac þær æghwæþer 
anfealde gewyrht  ondweard wigeð. 
Forðon sceal onettan,  se þe agan wile 
lif æt meotude,  þenden him leoht ond gæst 
somodfæst seon.  He his sawle wlite 
georne bigonge  on godes willan, 
ond wær weorðe  worda ond dæda, 
þeawa ond geþonca,  þenden him þeos woruld, 
sceadum scriþende,  scinan mote, 
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 
soðfæst syleð  to sigorleanum 
þam þe him on gæstum  georne hyrað. 
þonne heofon ond hel  hæleþa bearnum, 
fira feorum,  fylde weorþeð. 
Grundas swelgað  godes ondsacan, 
lacende leg  laðwende men, 
þreað þeodsceaþan,  ond no þonan læteð 
            
on gefean faran  to feorhnere, 
ac se bryne bindeð  
               bidfæstne here, 
feoð firena bearn.  Frecne me þinceð 
þæt þas gæstberend  giman nellað, 
men on mode,  þonne man fremmað, 
hwæt him se waldend  to wrace gesette, 
laþum leodum.  þonne lif ond deað 
sawlum swelgað.  Bið susla hus 
open ond oðeawed,  aðlogum ongean, 
ðæt sceolon fyllan  firengeorne men 
sweartum sawlum.  þonne synna to 
               wrace 
            
scyldigra scolu  ascyred weorþeð 
heane from halgum  on hearmcwale. 
ðær sceolan þeofas  ond þeodsceaþan, 
lease ond forlegene,  lifes ne wenan, 
ond mansworan  
               morþorlean seon, 
heard ond heorogrim.  þonne hel nimeð 
wærleasra weorud,  ond hi waldend giefeð 
feondum in forwyrd;  fa þrowiað 
ealdorbealu egeslic.  Earm bið se þe wile 
firenum gewyrcan,  þæt he fah scyle 
from his scyppende  ascyred weorðan 
æt domdæge  to deaðe niþer, 
under helle cinn  in þæt hate fyr, 
under liges locan,  þær hy leomu ræcað 
to bindenne  ond to bærnenne 
ond to swingenne  synna to wite. 
ðonne halig gæst  helle biluceð, 
morþerhusa mæst,  þurh meaht godes, 
fyres fulle,  ond feonda here, 
cyninges worde.  Se biþ cwealma mæst 
deofla ond monna!  þæt is dreamleas hus, 
ðær ænig ne mæg  
               ower losian 
caldan clommum.  Hy bræcon cyninges word, 
beorht boca bibod;  forþon hy abidan sceolon 
in sinnehte,  sar endeleas, 
firendædum fa,  forð þrowian, 
ða þe her forhogdun 
                heofonrices þrym. 
þonne þa gecorenan  fore Crist berað 
beorhte frætwe.  Hyra blæd leofað 
æt domdæge,  agan dream mid gode 
liþes lifes,  þæs þe alyfed biþ 
haligra gehwam  on heofonrice. 
ðæt is se eþel  þe no geendad weorþeð, 
ac þær symle forð  synna lease 
dream weardiað,  dryhten lofiað, 
leofne lifes weard,  leohte biwundne, 
sibbum bisweðede,  sorgum biwerede, 
dreamum gedyrde,  dryhtne gelyfde. 
Awo to ealdre  engla gemanan 
brucað mid blisse,  beorhte mid lisse, 
freogað folces weard.  Fæder ealra geweald 
hafað ond healdeð  haligra weorud. 
ðær is engla song,  eadigra blis, 

               þær is seo dyre  dryhtnes onsien 
eallum þam gesælgum  sunnan leohtra. 
ðær is leofra lufu,  lif butan endedeaðe, 
glæd gumena weorud,  gioguð butan ylde, 
heofonduguða þrym,  hælu butan sare, 
ryhtfremmendum  ræst butan gewinne, 
domeadigra  dæg butan þeostrum, 
beorht blædes full,  blis butan sorgum, 
frið freondum bitweon  forð butan æfestum, 
gesælgum on swegle,  sib butan niþe 
halgum on gemonge.  Nis þær hungor ne þurst, 
slæp ne swar leger,  ne sunnan bryne, 
ne cyle ne cearo,  ac þær cyninges giefe 
awo brucað  eadigra gedryht, 
weoruda wlitescynast,  wuldres mid dryhten. 

12. GuthlacKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 49-88; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Se bið gefeana fægrast  þonne hy æt frymðe gemetað, 
engel ond seo eadge sawl!  Ofgiefeþ hio þas eorþan wynne, 
forlæteð þas lænan dreamas,  ond hio wiþ þam lice gedæleð. 
ðonne cwið se engel,  (hafað yldran had), 
greteð gæst oþerne,  abeodeð 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 
to þam halgan ham."  þær næfre hreow cymeð, 
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 
æfnað on eorþan.  He him ece lean 
healdeð on heofonum,  þær se hyhsta 
ealra cyninga cyning  ceastrum wealdeð. 
ðæt sind þa getimbru  þe no tydriað, 
ne þam fore yrmþum  þe þær in wuniað 
lif aspringeð,  ac him bið lenge hu sel; 
geoguþe brucað  ond godes miltsa. 
þider soðfæstra  sawla motun 
cuman æfter cwealme,  þa þe her Cristes æ 
lærað ond læstað,  ond his lof rærað; 
oferwinnað þa awyrgdan gæstas,  bigytað 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. 
Monge sindon  geond middangeard 
hadas under heofonum,  þa þe in haligra 
rim arisað.  We þæs ryht magun 
æt æghwylcum  anra gehyran, 
gif we halig bebodu  healdan willað; 
mæg nu snottor guma  sæle brucan 
godra tida,  ond his gæste forð 
weges willian.  Woruld is onhrered, 
colaþ Cristes lufu,  sindan costinga 
geond middangeard  monge arisene, 
swa þæt geara iu  godes spelbodan 
wordum sægdon  ond þurh witedom 
eal anemdon,  swa hit nu gongeð. 
Ealdað eorþan blæd  æþela gehwylcre 
ond of wlite wendað  wæstma gecyndu; 
bið seo siþre tid  sæda gehwylces 
mætrę in mægne.  Forþon se mon ne þearf 
to þisse worulde  wyrpe gehycgan, 
þæt he us fægran  gefean bringe 
ofer þa niþas  þe we nu dreogað, 
ærþon endien  ealle gesceafte 
ða he gesette  on siex dagum, 
ða nu under heofonum  hadas cennað, 
micle ond mæte.  Is þes middangeard 
dalum gedæled.  Dryhten sceawað 
hwær þa eardien  þe his æ healden; 
gesihð he þa domas  dogra gehwylce 
wonian ond wendan  of woruldryhte 
ða he gesette  þurh his sylfes word. 
He fela findeð,  fea beoð gecorene. 
Sume him þæs hades  hlisan willað 
wegan on wordum  ond þa weorc ne doð. 
Bið him eorðwela  ofer þæt ece lif 
hyhta hyhst,  se gehwylcum sceal 
foldbuendra  fremde geweorþan. 
Forþon hy nu hyrwað  haligra mod, 
ða þe him to heofonum  hyge staþeliað, 
witon þæt se eðel 
                ece bideð 
ealra þære mengu  þe geond middangeard 
dryhtne þeowiað  ond þæs deoran ham 
wilniað bi gewyrhtum.  Swa þas woruldgestreon 
on þa mæran god  
               bimutad weorþað, 
ðonne þæt gegyrnað  þa þe him godes egsa 
hleonaþ ofer heafdum.  Hy þy hyhstan beoð 
þrymme geþreade,  þisses lifes 
þurh bibodu brucað  ond þæs betran forð 
wyscað ond wenaþ.  Wuldres bycgað, 
sellað ælmessan,  earme frefrað, 
beoð rummode  ryhtra gestreona, 
lufiað mid lacum  þa þe læs agun, 
dæghwam dryhtne þeowiaþ.  He hyra dæde sceawað. 
Sume þa wuniað  on westennum, 
secað ond gesittað  sylfra willum 
hamas on heolstrum.  Hy ðæs heofoncundan 
boldes bidað.  Oft him brogan to 
laðne gelædeð,  se þe him lifes ofonn, 
eaweð him egsan,  hwilum idel wuldor, 
brægdwis bona  hafað bega cræft, 
eahteð anbuendra.  Fore him englas stondað, 
gearwe mid gæsta wæpnum,  beoþ hyra geoca gemyndge, 
healdað haligra feorh,  witon hyra hyht mid dryhten. 
þæt synd þa gecostan cempan  þa þam cyninge þeowað, 
se næfre þa lean alegeð  þam þe his lufan adreogeð. 
Magun we nu nemnan  þæt us neah gewearð 
þurh haligne  had gecyþed, 
hu Guðlac his  in godes willan 
mod gerehte,  man eall forseah, 
eorðlic æþelu,  upp gemunde 
ham in heofonum.  Him wæs hyht to þam, 
siþþan hine inlyhte  se þe lifes weg 
gæstum gearwað,  ond him giefe sealde 
engelcunde,  þæt he ana ongan 
beorgseþel bugan,  ond his blæd gode 
þurh eaðmedu  ealne gesealde, 
ðone þe he on geoguðe  bigan sceolde 
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 
frecnessa fela!  Fyrst wæs swa þeana 
in godes dome,  hwonne Guðlace 
on his ondgietan  engel sealde 
þæt him sweðraden  synna lustas. 
Tid wæs toweard;  hine twegen ymb 
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 
læne under lyfte,  ond þa longan god 
herede on heofonum,  þær haligra 
sawla gesittað  in sigorwuldre 
dryhtnes dreamas;  he him dæda lean 
georne gieldeð,  þam þe his giefe willað 
þicgan to þonce  ond him þas woruld 
uttor lætan  þonne þæt ece lif. 
Oþer hyne scyhte,  þæt he sceaðena gemot 
nihtes sohte  ond þurh neþinge 
wunne æfter worulde,  swa doð wræcmæcgas 
þa þe ne bimurnað  monnes feore 
þæs þe him to honda  huþe gelædeð, 
butan hy þy reafe  rædan motan. 
Swa hy hine trymedon  on twa healfa 
oþþæt þæs gewinnes  weoroda dryhten 
on þæs engles dom  ende gereahte. 
Feond wæs geflymed;  siþ þam frofre gæst 
in Guðlaces  geoce gewunade, 
lufade hine ond lærde  lenge hu geornor, 
þæt him leofedan  londes wynne, 
bold on beorhge.  Oft þær broga cwom 
egeslic ond uncuð,  ealdfeonda nið, 
searocræftum swiþ;  hy him sylf hyra 
onsyn ywdon,  ond þær ær fela 
setla gesæton.  þonan sið tugon 
wide waðe,  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, 
nales þy he giemde  þurh gitsunga 
lænes lifwelan,  ac þæt lond gode 
fægre gefreoþode,  siþþan feond oferwon 
Cristes cempa.  He gecostad wearð 
in gemyndigra  monna tidum, 
ðara þe nu gena  þurh gæstlicu 
wundor hine weorðiað  ond his wisdomes 
hlisan healdað,  þæt se halga þeow 
elne geeode,  þa he ana gesæt 
dygle stowe.  ðær he dryhtnes lof 
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, 
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. 
God wæs Guðlac!  He in gæste bær 
heofoncundne hyht,  hælu geræhte 
ecan lifes.  Him wæs engel neah, 
fæle freoðuweard,  þam þe feara sum 
mearclond gesæt.  þær he mongum wearð 
bysen on Brytene,  siþþan biorg gestah 
eadig oretta,  ondwiges heard. 
Gyrede hine georne  mid gæstlicum 
wæpnum  wong bletsade, 
him to ætstælle  ærest arærde 
Cristes rode,  þær se cempa oferwon 
frecnessa fela.  Frome wurdun monge 
godes þrowera;  we þæs Guðlaces 
            
deorwyrðne dæl  dryhtne cennað. 
He him sige sealde  ond snyttrucræft, 
mundbyrd meahta,  þonne mengu cwom 
feonda færscytum  fæhðe ræran. 
Ne meahton hy æfeste  anforlætan, 
ac to Guðlaces  gæste gelæddun 
frasunga fela.  Him wæs fultum neah, 
engel hine elne trymede,  þonne hy him yrre hweopan, 
frecne fyres wylme.  Stodan him on feðehwearfum, 
cwædon þæt he on þam beorge  byrnan sceolde 
ond his lichoman  lig forswelgan, 
þæt his earfeþu  eal gelumpe 
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. 
Swa him yrsade,  se for ealle spræc 
feonda mengu.  No þy forhtra wæs 
Guðlaces gæst,  ac him god sealde 
ellen wiþ þam egsan  þæt þæs ealdfeondes 
scyldigra scolu  scome þrowedon; 
wæron teonsmiðas  tornes fulle, 
cwædon þæt him Guðlac  eac gode sylfum 
earfeþa mæst  ana gefremede, 
siþþan he for wlence  on westenne 
beorgas bræce,  þær hy bidinge, 
earme ondsacan,  æror mostun 
            
æfter tintergum  tidum brucan, 
ðonne hy of waþum  werge cwoman 
restan ryneþragum,  rowe gefegon; 
wæs him seo gelyfed  þurh lytel fæc. 
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 dreogað. 
Ne motun hi on eorþan  eardes brucan, 
ne hy lyft swefeð  in leoma ræstum, 
ac hy hleolease  hama þoliað, 
in cearum cwiþað,  cwealmes wiscað, 
willen þæt him dryhten  þurh deaðes cwealm 
to hyra earfeða  ende geryme. 
Ne mostun hy Guðlaces  gæste sceþþan, 
ne þurh sarslege  sawle gedælan 
wið lichoman,  ac hy ligesearwum 
ahofun hearmstafas,  hleahtor alegdon, 
sorge seofedon,  þa hi swiðra oferstag 
weard on wonge.  Sceoldon wræcmæcgas 
ofgiefan gnornende  grene beorgas. 
Hwæþre hy þa gena,  godes ondsacan, 
sægdon sarstafum,  swiþe geheton, 
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. 
Guðlac him ongean þingode,  cwæð þæt hy gielpan ne þorftan 
dædum wið dryhtnes meahtum.  "þeah þe ge me deað gehaten, 
mec wile wið þam niþum genergan  se þe eowrum nydum wealdeð. 
An is ælmihtig god,  se mec mæg eaðe gescyldan; 
he min feorg freoþað.  Ic eow fela wille 
soþa gesecgan.  Mæg ic þis setl on eow 
butan earfeðum  ana geðringan. 
Ne eam ic swa fealog,  swa ic eow fore stonde, 
monna weorudes,  ac me mara dæl 
in godcundum  gæstgerynum 
wunað ond weaxeð,  se me wraþe healdeð. 
Ic me anum her  eaðe getimbre 
hus ond hleonað;  me on heofonum sind 
lare gelonge.  Mec þæs lyt tweoþ 
þæt me engel to  ealle gelædeð 
spowende sped  spreca ond dæda. 
Gewitað nu, awyrgde,  werigmode, 
from þissum earde  þe ge her on stondað, 
fleoð on feorweg.  Ic me frið wille 
æt gode gegyrnan;  ne sceal min gæst mid eow 
gedwolan dreogan,  ac mec dryhtnes hond 
mundað mid mægne.  Her sceal min wesan 
eorðlic eþel,  nales eower leng." 
ða wearð breahtm hæfen.  Beorg ymbstodan 
hwearfum wræcmæcgas.  Woð up astag, 
cearfulra cirm.  Cleopedon monige, 
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 
geond middangeard  maran fundon. 
ðu þæt gehatest  þæt ðu ham on us 
            
gegan wille,  
               ðe 
               eart godes yrming. 
Bi hwon scealt þu lifgan,  þeah þu lond age? 
Ne þec mon hider  mose fedeð; 
beoð 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. 
We þe beoð holde  gif ðu us hyran wilt, 
oþþe þec ungearo  eft gesecað 
maran mægne,  þæt þe mon ne þearf 
hondum hrinan,  ne þin hra feallan 
wæpna wundum.  We þas wic magun 
fotum afyllan;  folc in ðriceð 
meara þreatum  ond monfarum. 
Beoð þa gebolgne,  þa þec breodwiað, 
tredað þec ond tergað,  ond hyra torn wrecað, 
toberað þec blodgum lastum;  gif þu ure bidan þencest, 
we þec niþa genægað.  Ongin þe generes wilnian, 
far þær ðu freonda wene,  gif ðu þines feores recce." 
Gearo wæs Guðlac,  hine god fremede 
on ondsware  ond on elne strong. 
Ne wond he for worde,  ac his wiþerbreocum 
sorge gesægde,  cuðe him soð genog: 

               "Wid is þes westen,  wræcsetla fela, 
eardas onhæle  earmra gæsta. 
Sindon wærlogan  þe þa wic bugað. 
þeah ge þa ealle  ut abanne, 
ond eow eac gewyrce  widor sæce, 
ge her ateoð  in þa tornwræce 
sigeleasne sið.  No ic eow sweord ongean 
mid gebolgne hond  oðberan þence, 
worulde wæpen,  ne sceal þes wong gode 
þurh blodgyte  gebuen weorðan, 
ac ic minum Criste  cweman þence 
leofran lace.  Nu ic þis lond gestag, 
fela ge me earda  þurh idel word 
aboden habbað.  Nis min breostsefa 
forht ne fæge,  ac me friðe healdeð 
ofer monna cyn  se þe mægna gehwæs 
weorcum wealdeð.  Nis me wiht æt eow 
leofes gelong,  ne ge me laþes wiht 
gedon motun.  Ic eom dryhtnes þeow, 
he mec þurh engel  oft afrefreð. 
Forðon mec longeþas  lyt gegretað, 
sorge sealdun,  nu mec sawelcund 
hyrde bihealdeð.  Is min hyht mid god, 
ne ic me eorðwelan  owiht sinne, 
ne me mid mode  micles gyrne, 
ac me dogra gehwam  dryhten sendeð 
þurh monnes hond  mine þearfe." 
Swa modgade,  se wið mongum stod, 
awreðed weorðlice  wuldres cempa 
engla mægne.  Gewat eal þonan 
feonda mengu.  Ne wæs se fyrst micel 
þe hi Guðlace  forgiefan þohtan. 
He wæs on elne  ond on eaðmedum, 
bad on beorge,  (wæs him botles neod), 
forlet longeþas  lænra dreama. 
No he hine wið monna  miltse gedælde, 
ac gesynta bæd  sawla gehwylcre, 
þonne he to eorðan  on þam anade 
hleor onhylde.  Him of heofonum wearð 
onbryrded breostsefa  bliðe gæste. 
Oft eahtade,  (wæs him engel neah), 
hu þisse worulde  wynna þorfte 
mid his lichoman  læsast brucan. 
No him fore egsan  earmra gæsta 
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 
gode compian,  ond his gæst beran 
oft on ondan  þam þe eahtan wile 
sawla gehwylcre  þær he gesælan mæg. 
Symle hy Guðlac  in godes willan 
fromne fundon,  þonne flygereowe 
þurh nihta genipu  neosan cwoman, 
þa þe onhæle  eardas weredon, 
hwæþre him þæs wonges  wyn sweðrade; 
woldun þæt him to mode  fore monlufan 
sorg gesohte,  þæt he siþ tuge 
eft to eþle.  Ne wæs þæt ongin swylc, 
ðonne hine engel  on þam anade 
geornast grette  ond him giefe sealde, 
þæt hine ne meahte  meotudes willan 
longað gelettan,  ac he on þæs lareowes 
wære gewunade.  Oft worde bicwæð: 
"Huru, þæs bihofað,  se ðe him halig gæst 
wisað on willan  ond his weorc trymað, 
laþað hine liþum wordum,  gehateð him lifes ręste, 
þæt he þæs latteowes  larum hyre, 
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 sið  ende geweorðe, 
þæt ge mec to wundre  węgan motun. 
Ne mæg min lichoma  wið þas lænan gesceaft 
deað gedælan,  ac he gedreosan sceal, 
swa þeos eorðe eall  þe ic her on stonde. 
ðeah ge minne flæschoman 
                fyres wylme 
forgripen gromhydge  gifran lege, 
næfre ge mec of þissum wordum onwendað  þendan mec min gewit gelæsteð. 
þeah þe ge hine sarum forsæcen,  ne motan ge mine sawle gretan, 
ac ge on betran gebringað.  Forðan ic gebidan wille 
þæs þe me min dryhten demeð.  Nis me þæs deaþes sorg. 
ðeah min ban ond blod  bu tu geweorþen 
eorþan to eacan,  min se eca dæl 
in gefean fareð,  þær he fægran 
botles bruceð.  Nis þisses beorges setl 
meodumre ne mara  þonne hit men duge 
            
se þe in þrowingum  þeodnes willan 
dæghwam dreogeð.  Ne sceal se dryhtnes þeow 
in his modsefan  mare gelufian 
eorþan æhtwelan  þonne his anes gemet, 
þæt he his lichoman  lade hæbbe." 
ða wæs eft swa ær  ealdfeonda nið, 
wroht onwylled;  
               woð oþer 
ne lythwon leoðode,  þonne in lyft astag 
ceargesta cirm.  Symle Cristes lof 
in Guðlaces  godum mode 
weox ond wunade,  ond hine weoruda god 
freoðade on foldan,  swa he feora gehwylc 
healdeð in hælo,  þær se hyra gæst 
þihð in þeawum.  He wæs þeara sum; 
ne won he æfter worulde,  ac he in wuldre ahof 
modes wynne.  Hwylc wæs mara þonne se? 
An oretta  ussum tidum 
cempa gecyðeð  þæt him Crist fore 
woruldlicra ma  wundra gecyðde. 
He hine scilde  wið sceðþendra 
            
eglum onfengum  earmra gæsta; 
wæron hy reowe  to ræsanne 
gifrum grapum.  No god wolde 
þæt seo sawl þæs  sar þrowade 
in lichoman,  lyfde seþeana 
þæt hy him mid hondum  hrinan mosten, 
ond þæt frið wið hy  gefreoþad wære. 
Hy hine þa hofun  on þa hean lyft, 
sealdon him meahte  ofer monna cynn, 
þæt he fore eagum  eall sceawode 
under haligra  hyrda gewealdum 
in mynsterum  monna gebæru, 
þara þe hyra lifes  þurh lust brucan, 
idlum æhtum  ond oferwlencum, 
gierelum gielplicum,  swa bið geoguðe þeaw, 
þær þæs ealdres  egsa ne styreð. 
No þær þa feondas  gefeon þorfton, 
ac þæs blædes hraðe  gebrocen hæfdon 
þe him alyfed wæs  lytle hwile, 
þæt hy his lichoman  leng ne mostan 
witum wælan;  ne him wiht gescod 
þæs þe hy him to teonan  þurhtogen hæfdon. 
Læddun hine þa of lyfte  to þam leofestan 
earde on eorðan,  þæt he eft gestag 
beorg on bearwe.  Bonan gnornedon, 
mændon murnende  
               þæt hy monnes bearn 
þream oferþunge,  ond swa þearfendlic 
him to earfeðum  ana cwome, 
gif hy him ne meahte  maran sarum 
gyldan gyrnwræce.  Guðlac sette 
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. 
ðuhte him on mode  þæt se moncynnes 
eadig wære  se þe his anum her 
feore gefreoðade,  þæt him feondes hond 
æt þam ytmestan  ende ne scode, 
þonne him se dryhtnes  dom wisade 
to þam nyhstan  nydgedale. 
Hwæþre him þa gena  gyrna gemyndge 
edwitsprecan  ermþu geheton 
tornum teoncwidum.  Treow wæs gecyþed, 
þætte Guðlace  god leanode 
ellen mid arum,  þæt he ana gewon. 
Him se werga gæst  wordum sægde: 
"No we þe þus swiðe  swencan þorftan, 
þær þu fromlice  freonda larum 
hyran wolde,  þa þu hean ond earm 
on þis orlege  ærest cwome, 
ða þu gehete  þæt þec halig gæst 
wið earfeþum  eaðe gescilde, 
for þam myrcelse  þe þec monnes hond 
from þinre onsyne  æþelum ahwyrfde. 
In þam mægwlite  monge lifgað, 
gyltum forgiefene;  nales gode þigað, 
ac hy lichoman  fore lufan cwemað 
wista wynnum.  Swa ge weorðmyndu 
in dolum dreame  dryhtne gieldað. 
Fela ge fore monnum miþað  þæs þe ge in mode gehycgað; 
ne beoð 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 soð onstældun. 
Ealles þu þæs wite awunne;  forþon þu hit onwendan ne meahtes." 
ða wæs agongen  þæt him god wolde 
æfter þrowinga  þonc gegyldan 
þæt he martyrhad  mode gelufade, 
sealde him snyttru  on sefan gehygdum, 
mægenfæste gemynd.  He wið mongum stod 
ealdfeonda,  elne gebylded, 
sægde him to sorge  þæt hy sigelease 
þone grenan wong  ofgiefan sceoldan: 
"Ge sind forscadene,  on eow scyld siteð! 
Ne cunnon ge dryhten  duguþe biddan, 
ne mid eaðmedum  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, 
þæt ic of lyfte  londa getimbru 
geseon meahte.  Wæs me swegles leoht 
torht ontyned,  þeah ic torn druge. 
Setton me in edwit  þæt ic eaðe forbær 
rume regulas  ond reþe mod 
geongra monna  in godes templum; 
woldan þy gehyrwan  haligra lof, 
sohtun þa sæmran,  ond þa sellan no 
demdan æfter dædum.  Ne beoð þa dyrne swa þeah. 
Ic eow soð siþþon 
                secgan wille. 
God scop geoguðe  ond gumena dream; 
ne magun þa æfteryld  in þam ærestan 
blæde geberan,  ac hy blissiað 
worulde wynnum,  oððæt wintra rim 
gegæð in þa geoguðe,  þæt se gæst lufað 
onsyn ond ætwist  yldran hades, 
ðe gemete monige  geond middangeard 
þeowiað in þeawum.  þeodum ywaþ 
wisdom weras,  wlencu forleosað, 
siððan geoguðe geað  gæst aflihð. 
þæt ge ne scirað,  ac ge scyldigra 
synne secgað,  soþfæstra no 
mod ond monþeaw  mæran willað. 
Gefeoð in firenum,  frofre ne wenað, 
þæt ge wræcsiða  wyrpe gebiden. 
Oft ge in gestalum stondað;  þæs cymeð steor of heofonum. 
Me þonne sige sendeð  se usic semon mæg, 
se þe lifa gehwæs  lengu wealdeð." 
Swa hleoþrade  halig cempa; 
wæs se martyre  from moncynnes 
synnum asundrad.  Sceolde he sares þa gen 
dæl adreogan,  ðeah þe dryhten his 
witum weolde.  Hwæt, þæt wundra sum 
monnum þuhte,  þæt he ma wolde 
afrum onfengum  earme gæstas 
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 deaðes,  þa he lustum dreag 
eaðmod on eorðan  ehtendra nið. 
Forþon is nu arlic  þæt we æfæstra 
dæde demen,  secgen dryhtne lof 
ealra þara bisena  þe us bec fore 
þurh his wundra geweorc  wisdom cyþað. 
Geofu wæs mid Guðlac  in godcundum 
mægne gemeted.  Micel is to secgan 
eall æfter orde,  þæt he on elne adreag: 
ðone foregengan  fæder ælmihtig 
wið onhælum  ealdorgewinnum 
sylfa gesette,  þær his sawl wearð 
clæne ond gecostad.  Cuð is wide 
geond middangeard  þæt his mod geþah 
in godes willan;  is þæs gen fela 
to secgenne,  þæs þe he sylfa adreag 
under nyðgista  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, 
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 deaðe 
                deman moston, 
synna hyrdas,  ac seo sawul bad 
in lichoman  leofran tide. 
Georne hy ongeaton  þæt hyne god wolde 
nergan wið niþum  ond hyra nydwræce 
deope deman.  Swa dryhten mæg, 
ana ælmihtig,  eadigra gehwone 
wið earfeþum  eaðe gescildan. 
Hwæðre hine gebrohton  bolgenmode, 
wraðe wræcmæcgas,  wuldres cempan, 
halig husulbearn,  æt heldore, 
þær firenfulra  fæge gæstas 
æfter swyltcwale  secan onginnað 
ingong ærest  in þæt atule hus, 
niþer under næssas  neole grundas. 
Hy hine bregdon,  budon orlege, 
egsan ond ondan  arleaslice, 
frecne fore,  swa bið feonda þeaw, 
þonne hy soðfæstra  sawle willað 
synnum beswican  ond searocræftum. 
Ongunnon gromheorte  godes orettan 
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 
earme aglæcan  in orwennysse, 
meotudes cempan.  Hit ne meahte swa! 
Cwædon cearfulle,  Criste laðe, 
to Guðlace  mid grimnysse: 
"Ne eart ðu gedefe,  ne dryhtnes þeow 
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, 
seld on swegle,  forþon þu synna to fela, 
facna gefremedes  in flæschoman. 
We þe nu willað  womma gehwylces 
lean forgieldan,  þær þe laþast bið 
in ðam grimmestan  gæstgewinne." 
Him se eadga wer  ondswarode, 
Guðlac in gæste  mid godes mægne: 
"Doð efne swa,  gif eow dryhten Crist, 
lifes leohtfruma  lyfan wylle, 
weoruda waldend,  þæt ge his wergengan 
in þone laðan leg  lædan motan. 
þæt is in gewealdum  wuldorcyninges, 
se eow gehynde  ond in hæft bidraf 
under nearone clom,  nergende Crist. 
Eom ic eaðmod his  ombiehthera, 
þeow geþyldig.  Ic geþafian sceal 
æghwær ealles  his anne dom, 
ond him geornlice  gæstgemyndum 
wille wideferh  wesan underþyded, 
hyran holdlice  minum hælende 
þeawum ond geþyncðum,  ond him þoncian 
ealra þara giefena  þe god gescop 
englum ærest  ond eorðwarum; 
ond ic bletsige  bliðe mode 
lifes leohtfruman,  ond him lof singe 
þurh gedefne dom  dæges ond nihtes, 
herge in heortan  heofonrices weard. 
þæt eow æfre ne bið  ufan alyfed 
leohtes lissum,  þæt ge lof moten 
dryhtne secgan,  ac ge deaðe sceolon 
weallendne wean  wope besingan, 
heaf in helle,  nales herenisse 
halge habban  heofoncyninges. 
Ic þone deman  in dagum minum 
wille weorþian  wordum ond dædum, 
lufian in life,  swa is lar ond ar 
to spowendre  spræce gelæded, 
þam þe in his weorcum  willan ræfnað. 
Sindon ge wærlogan,  swa ge in wræcsiðe 
longe lifdon,  lege bisencte, 
swearte beswicene,  swegle benumene, 
dreame bidrorene,  deaðe bifolene, 
firenum bifongne,  feores orwenan, 
þæt ge blindnesse  bote fundon. 
Ge þa fægran gesceaft  in fyrndagum, 
gæstlicne goddream,  gearo forsegon, 
þa ge wiðhogdun 
                halgum dryhtne. 
Ne mostun ge a wunian  in wyndagum, 
ac mid scome scyldum  scofene wurdon 
fore oferhygdum  in ece fyr, 
ðær ge sceolon dreogan  deað ond þystro, 
wop to widan ealdre;  næfre ge þæs wyrpe gebidað. 
Ond ic þæt gelyfe  in liffruman, 
ecne onwealdan  ealra gesceafta, 
þæt he mec for miltsum  ond mægenspedum, 
niðða nergend,  næfre wille 
þurh ellenweorc  anforlætan, 
þam ic longe  in lichoman 
ond in minum gæste  gode campode 
þurh monigfealdra  mægna gerynu. 
Forðon ic getrywe  in þone torhtestan 
þrynesse þrym,  se geþeahtingum 
hafað in hondum  heofon ond eorðan, 
þæt ge mec mid niþum  næfre motan 
tornmode teon  in tintergu, 
mine myrðran  ond mansceaþan, 
swearte sigelease.  Eom ic soðlice 
leohte geleafan  ond mid lufan dryhtnes 
fægre gefylled  in minum feorhlocan, 
breostum inbryrded  to þam betran ham, 
leomum inlyhted  to þam leofestan 
ecan earde,  þær is eþellond 
fæger ond gefealic  in fæder wuldre, 
ðær eow næfre  fore nergende 
leohtes leoma  ne lifes hyht 
in godes rice  agiefen weorþeð, 
for þam oferhygdum  þe eow in mod astag 
þurh idel gylp  ealles to swiðe. 
Wendun ge ond woldun,  wiþerhycgende, 
þæt ge scyppende  sceoldan gelice 
wesan in wuldre.  Eow þær wyrs gelomp, 
ða eow se waldend  wraðe bisencte 
in þæt swearte susl,  þær eow siððan wæs 
ad inæled  attre geblonden, 
þurh deopne dom  dream afyrred, 
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 
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 
deað sceolon dreogan,  ond ic dreama wyn 
agan mid englum  in þam uplican 
rodera rice,  þær is ryht cyning, 
help ond hælu  hæleþa cynne, 
duguð ond drohtað."  ða cwom dryhtnes ar, 
halig of heofonum,  se þurh hleoþor abead 
ufancundne ege  earmum gæstum; 
het eft hraðe  unscyldigne 
of þam wræcsiðe  wuldres cempan 
lædan limhalne,  þæt se leofesta 
gæst gegearwad  in godes wære 
on gefean ferde.  ða wearð feonda þreat 
acol for ðam egsan.  Ofermæcga spræc, 
dyre dryhtnes þegn,  dæghluttre scan. 
Hæfde Guðlaces  gæst in gewealdum 
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, 
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 
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 
under monnes hiw  mode gelufade. 
He mec of heofonum  hider onsende, 
geseah þæt ge on eorðan  fore æfstum 
            
on his wergengan  wite legdon. 
Is þæt min broþor,  mec his bysgu gehreaw. 
Ic þæt gefremme,  þær se freond wunað 
on þære socne,  þe ic þa sibbe wið hine 
healdan wille,  nu ic his helpan mot, 
þæt ge min onsynn  oft sceawiað. 
Nu ic his geneahhe  neosan wille; 
sceal ic his word ond his weorc  in gewitnesse 
dryhtne lædon.  He his dæde conn." 
ða wæs Guðlaces  gæst geblissad, 
siþþan Bartholomeus  aboden hæfde 
godes ærendu.  Gearwe stodun 
hæftas hearsume,  þa þæs halgan word 
lyt oferleordun.  Ongon þa leofne sið 
dragan domeadig  dryhtnes cempa 
to þam onwillan  eorðan dæle. 
Hy hine bæron  ond him bryce heoldon, 
hofon hine hondum  ond him hryre burgun. 
Wæron hyra gongas  under godes egsan 
smeþe ond gesefte.  Sigehreðig cwom 
bytla to þam beorge.  Hine bletsadon 
monge mægwlitas,  meaglum reordum, 
treofugla tuddor,  tacnum cyðdon 
eadges eftcyme.  Oft he him æte heold, 
þonne hy him hungrige  ymb hond flugon 
grædum gifre,  geoce gefegon. 
Swa þæt milde mod  wið moncynnes 
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 
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, 
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 
ænig ofer eorðan  ælda cynnes, 
ac swilc god wyrceð  gæsta lifes 
to trumnaþe,  þy læs þa tydran mod 
þa gewitnesse  wendan þurfe, 
þonne hy in gesihþe  soþes brucað. 
Swa se ælmihtiga  ealle gesceafte 
lufað under lyfte  in lichoman, 
monna mægðe  geond middangeard. 
Wile se waldend  þæt we wisdom a 
snyttrum swelgen,  þæt his soð fore us 
on his giefena gyld  genge weorðe, 
ða he us to are  ond to ondgiete 
syleð ond sendeð,  sawlum rymeð 
liþe lifwegas  leohte geræhte. 
Nis þæt huru læsast  þæt seo lufu cyþeð, 
þonne heo in monnes  mode getimbreð 
gæstcunde gife,  swa he Guðlaces 
dagas ond dæde  þurh his dom ahof. 
Wæs se fruma fæstlic  feondum on ondan, 
geseted wið synnum,  þær he siþþan lyt 
wære gewonade,  oft his word gode 
þurh eaðmedu  up onsende, 
let his ben cuman  in þa beorhtan gesceaft, 
þoncade þeodne  þæs þe he in þrowingum 
bidan moste,  hwonne him betre lif 
þurh godes willan  agyfen wurde. 
Swa wæs Guðlaces  gæst gelæded 
engla fæðmum  in uprodor, 
fore onsyne  eces deman 
læddon leoflice.  Him wæs lean geseald, 
setl on swegle,  þær he symle mot 
awo to ealdre  eardfæst wesan, 
bliðe bidan.  Is him bearn godes 
milde mundbora,  meahtig dryhten, 
halig hyrde,  heofonrices weard. 
Swa soðfæstra  sawla motun 
in ecne geard  up gestigan 
rodera rice,  þa þe ræfnað her 
wordum ond weorcum  wuldorcyninges 
lare longsume,  on hyra lifes tid 
earniað on eorðan  ecan lifes, 
hames in heahþu.  þæt beoð husulweras, 
cempan gecorene,  Criste leofe, 
berað in breostum  beorhtne geleafan, 
haligne hyht,  heortan clæne 
weorðiað waldend,  habbað wisne geþoht, 
fusne on forðweg  to fæder eðle, 
gearwaþ gæstes hus,  ond mid gleawnesse 
feond oferfeohtað  ond firenlustas 
forberað in breostum,  broþorsibbe 
georne bigongað,  in godes willan 
swencað hi sylfe,  sawle frætwað 
halgum gehygdum,  heofoncyninges bibod 
fremmað on foldan.  Fæsten lufiað, 
beorgað him bealoniþ  ond gebedu secað, 
swincað wið synnum,  healdað soð ond ryht. 
Him þæt ne hreoweð  æfter hingonge, 
ðonne hy hweorfað  in þa halgan burg, 
gongað gegnunga  to Hierusalem, 
þær hi to worulde  wynnum motun 
            
godes onsyne  georne bihealdan, 
sibbe ond gesihðe,  þær heo soð wunað, 
wlitig, wuldorfæst,  
               ealne widan ferh 
on lifgendra  londes wynne. 
ðæt is wide cuð  wera cneorissum, 
folcum gefræge,  þætte frymþa god 
þone ærestan  ælda cynnes 
of þære clænestan,  cyning ælmihtig, 
foldan geworhte.  ða wæs fruma niwe 

               ęlda tudres,  onstæl wynlic, 
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, 
ne dreames dryre  ne deaðes 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 
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 
to widan feore  wunian mostun 
dryhtne on gesihðe,  butan deaðe forð, 
gif hy halges word  healdan woldun 
beorht in breostum,  ond his bebodu læstan, 
æfnan on eðle.  Hy to ær aþreat 
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 
þurh deofles searo  deaðberende gyfl 
þæt ða sinhiwan  to swylte geteah. 
Siþþan se eþel  uðgenge wearð 
Adame ond Euan,  eardwica cyst 
beorht oðbroden,  ond hyra bearnum swa, 
eaferum æfter,  þa hy on uncyððu, 
scomum scudende,  scofene wurdon 
on gewinworuld.  Weorces onguldon, 
deopra firena,  þurh deaðes cwealm, 
þe hy unsnyttrum  ær gefremedon. 
þære synwræce  siþþan sceoldon 
mægð ond mæcgas  morþres ongyldon, 
godscyldge gyrn  þurh gæstgedal, 
deopra firena.  Deað in geþrong 
fira cynne,  feond rixade 
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, 
byrelade bryd geong;  þæt him bam gescod 
in þam deoran ham.  Deað ricsade 
ofer foldbuend,  þeah þe fela wære 
gæsthaligra,  þær hi godes willan 
on mislicum  monna gebihþum 
æfter stedewonga  
               stowum fremedon; 
sume ær, sume sið,  sume in urra 
æfter tælmearce  tida gemyndum 
sigorlean sohtun.  Us secgað bec 
hu Guðlac wearð  þurh godes willan 
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 
gehælde hygegeomre  hefigra wita, 
þe hine unsofte,  adle gebundne, 
sarge gesohtun  of siðwegum, 
freorigmode.  Symle frofre þær 
æt þam godes cempan  gearwe fundon, 
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 
deofla deaðmægen  duguþa byscyrede 
hloþum þringan,  þær se halga þeow 
elnes anhydig  eard weardade. 
þær hy mislice  mongum reordum 
on þam westenne  woðe hofun 
hludne herecirm,  hiwes binotene, 
dreamum bidrorene.  Dryhtnes cempa, 
from folctoga,  feonda þreatum 
wiðstod stronglice.  Næs seo stund latu 
earmra gæsta,  ne þæt onbid long, 
þæt þa wrohtsmiðas  wop ahofun, 
hreopun hreðlease,  hleoþrum brugdon. 
Hwilum wedende  swa wilde deor 
cirmdon on corðre,  hwilum cyrdon eft 
minne mansceaþan  on mennisc hiw 
breahtma mæste,  hwilum brugdon eft 
awyrgde wærlogan  on wyrmes bleo, 
earme adloman  attre spiowdon. 
Symle hy Guðlac  gearene fundon, 
þonces gleawne.  He geþyldum bad, 
þeah him feonda hloð  feorhcwealm bude. 
Hwilum him to honda  hungre geþreatad 
fleag fugla cyn,  þær hy feorhnere 
witude fundon  ond hine weorðedon 
meaglum stefnum.  Hwilum mennisce 
aras eaðmedum  eft neosedon, 
ond þær siðfrome  on þam sigewonge 
æt þam halgan þeowan 
                helpe gemetton, 
ferðþes frofre.  Nænig forþum wæs, 
þæt he æwiscmod  eft siðade, 
hean, hyhta leas,  ac se halga wer 
ælda gehwylces  þurh þa æþelan meaht, 
þe hine seoslige  sohtun on ðearfe, 
hæleð hygegeomre,  hælde bu tu 
lic ond sawle,  þenden lifes weard, 
ece ælmihtig,  unnan wolde 
þæt he blædes her  brucan moste, 
worulde lifes.  Wæs gewinnes þa 
yrmþa for eorðan  endedogor 
þurh nydgedal  neah geþrungen, 
siþþan he on westenne  wiceard geceas, 
fiftynu gear,  þa wæs frofre gæst 
eadgum æbodan  ufan onsended, 
halig of heahþu.  Hreþer innan born, 
afysed on forðsið.  Him færinga 
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 
fus on forðweg.  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 
elne unslawe.  ða 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 
adle onæled,  inbendum fæst, 
lichord onlocen.  Leomu hefegedon, 
sarum gesohte.  He þæt soð gecneow 
þæt hine ælmihtig  ufan neosade, 
meotud fore miltsum.  He his modsefan 
wið þam færhagan  fæste trymede 
feonda gewinna.  Næs he forht seþeah, 
ne seo adlþracu  
               egle on mode, 
ne deaðgedal,  ac him dryhtnes lof 
born in breostum,  brondhat lufu 
sigorfæst in sefan,  seo him sara gehwylc 
symle forswiðde.  Næs him sorgcearu 
on þas lænan tid,  þeah his lic ond gæst 
hyra somwiste,  sinhiwan tu, 
deore gedælden.  Dagas forð scridun, 
nihthelma genipu.  Wæs neah seo tid 
þæt he fyrngewyrht  fyllan sceolde 
þurh deaðes cyme,  domes hleotan, 
efne þæs ilcan  þe usse yldran fyrn 
frecne onfengon,  swa him biforan worhton 
þa ærestan  ælda cynnes. 
ða wæs Guðlace  on þa geocran tid 
mægen gemeðgad,  mod swiþe heard, 
elnes anhydig.  Wæs seo adl þearl, 
hat ond heorogrim.  Hreþer innan weol, 
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 
bittor bædeweg.  þæs þa byre siþþan 
grimme onguldon  gafulrædenne 
þurh ærgewyrht,  þætte ænig ne wæs 
fyra cynnes  from fruman siððan 
mon on moldan,  þætte meahte him 
gebeorgan ond bibugan  þone bleatan drync, 
deopan deaðweges,  ac him duru sylfa 
on þa sliðnan tid  sona ontyneð, 
ingong geopenað.  Ne mæg ænig þam 
flæsce bifongen  feore wiðstondan, 
ricra ne heanra,  ac hine ræseð on 
gifrum grapum.  Swa wæs Guðlace 
enge anhoga  ætryhte þa 
æfter nihtscuan  neah geþyded, 
wiga wælgifre.  Hine wunade mid 
an ombehtþegn,  se hine æghwylce 
daga neosade.  Ongan ða deophydig, 
gleawmod gongan  to godes temple, 
þær he eþelbodan  inne wiste, 
þone leofestan  lareow gecorenne, 
ond þa in eode  eadgum to spræce, 
wolde hyrcnigan  halges lara, 
mildes meþelcwida.  Fonde þa his mondryhten 
adlwerigne;  him ðæt in gefeol 
hefig æt heortan.  Hygesorge wæg, 
micle modceare.  Ongan ða his magu frignan: 
"Hu gewearð þe þus,  winedryhten min, 
fæder, freonda hleo,  ferð gebysgad, 
nearwe genęged?  Ic næfre þe, 
þeoden leofesta,  þyslicne ær 
gemette þus meðne.  Meaht þu meðelcwidum 
worda gewealdan?  Is me on wene geþuht, 
þæt þe untrymnes  adle gongum 
on þisse nyhstan  niht bysgade, 
sarbennum gesoht.  þæt me sorgna is 
hatost on hreþre,  ær þu hyge minne 
ferð afrefre.  Wast þu, freodryhten, 
hu þeos adle scyle  ende gesettan?" 
Him þa sið oncwæð,  sona ne meahte 
oroð up geteon;  wæs him in bogen 
bittor bancoþa.  Beald reordade 
eadig on elne,  ondcwis ageaf: 
"Ic wille secgan  þæt me sar gehran, 
wærc in gewod  in ðisse wonnan niht, 
lichord onleac.  Leomu hefegiað, 
sarum gesohte.  Sceal þis sawelhus, 
fæge flæschoma,  foldærne biþeaht, 
leomu lames geþacan,  legerbedde fæst 
wunian wælræste.  Wiga nealæceð, 
unlæt laces.  Ne bið þæs lengra swice 
sawelgedales  þonne seofon niht 
fyrstgemearces,  þæt min feorh heonan 
on þisse eahteþan  ende geseceð 
dæg scriþende.  þonne dogor beoð 
on moldwege  min forð scriþen, 
sorg gesweðrad,  ond ic siþþan mot 
fore meotudes cneowum  meorda hleotan, 
gingra geafena,  ond godes lomber 
in sindreamum  siþþan awo 
forð folgian;  is nu fus ðider 
gæst siþes georn.  Nu þu gearwe const 
leoma lifgedal;  long is þis onbid 
worulde lifes."  ða wæs wop ond heaf, 
geongum geocor sefa,  geomrende hyge, 
siþþan he gehyrde  þæt se halga wæs 
forðsiþes 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 
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. 
Ongeat gæsta halig  geomormodes 

               drusendne hyge.  Ongan þa duguþa hleo, 
glædmod gode leof,  geongran retan, 
wine leofestan  wordum negan: 
"Ne beo þu unrot,  ðeah þeos adl me 
innan æle.  Nis me earfeðe 
to geþolianne  þeodnes willan, 
dryhtnes mines,  ne ic þæs deaðes hafu 
on þas seocnan tid  sorge on mode, 
ne ic me herehloðe  helle þegna 
swiðe onsitte,  ne mæg synne on me 
facnes frumbearn  fyrene gestælan, 
lices leahtor,  ac in lige sceolon 
sorgwylmum soden  sar wanian, 
wræcsið wepan,  wilna biscirede 
in þam deaðsele  duguða 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 
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, 
in þas dreorgan tid  dædum cwemde, 
mode ond mægne.  Ic þa meorde wat 
leahtorlease,  lean unhwilen, 
halig on heahþu.  þær min hyht myneð 
to gesecenne,  sawul fundað 
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." 
ða se wuldormaga  worda gestilde, 
rof runwita;  wæs him ræste neod, 
reonigmodum.  Rodor swamode 
ofer niðða bearn,  nihtrim scridon, 
deorc ofer dugeðum.  þa se dæg bicwom 
on þam se lifgenda  in lichoman, 
ece ælmihtig  ærist gefremede, 
dryhten mid dreame,  ða he of deaðe aras 

               onwald of eorðan  in þa eastortid, 
ealra þrymma þrym,  ðreata mæstne 
to heofonum ahof,  ða he from helle astag. 
Swa se eadga wer  in þa æþelan tid 
on þone beorhtan dæg  blissum hremig, 
milde ond gemetfæst,  mægen unsofte 
elne geæfnde.  Aras ða eorla wynn, 
heard hygesnottor,  swa he hraþost meahte, 
meðe for ðam 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, 
þurh gæstes giefe  godspel bodian, 
secgan sigortacnum,  ond his sefan trymman 
wundrum to wuldre  in þa wlitigan gesceaft 
to eadwelan,  swa he ær ne sið 
æfre to ealdre  oðre swylce 
on þas lænan tid  lare gehyrde, 
ne swa deoplice  dryhtnes geryne 
þurh menniscne  muð areccan 
on sidum sefan.  Him wæs soþra geþuht 
þæt hit ufancundes  engles wære 
of swegldreamum,  swiþor micle 
mægenþegnes word,  þonne æniges monnes lar, 
wera ofer eorðan.  Him þæt wundra mæst 
gesewen þuhte,  þæt swylc snyttrucræft 
ænges hæleða her  hreþer weardade, 
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 ða  forð gewitene 
dagas on rime,  þæs se dryhtnes þegn 
            
on elne bad,  adle gebysgad, 
sarum geswenced.  Ne he sorge wæg 
geocorne sefan  gæstgedales, 
dreorigne hyge.  Deað nealæcte, 
stop stalgongum,  strong ond hreðe 
sohte sawelhus.  Com se seofeða dæg 
ældum ondweard,  þæs þe him in gesonc, 
hat, heortan neah,  
               hildescurum 
            
flacor flanþracu,  feorhhord onleac, 
searocægum gesoht.  Ongon ða snottor hæle, 
ar, onbehtþegn,  æþeles neosan 
to þam halgan hofe,  fond þa hlingendne 
fusne on forðsiþ  frean unwenne, 
gæsthaligne  in godes temple 
soden sarwylmum.  Wæs þa sihste tid 
on midne dæg,  wæs his mondryhtne 
endedogor  ætryhte þa. 
Nearwum genæged  nydcostingum, 
awrecen wælpilum,  wlo ne meahte 
oroð up geteon,  ellenspræce 
hleoþor ahebban.  Ongon ða hygegeomor, 
freorig ond ferðwerig,  fusne gretan, 
meðne modglædne,  bæd hine þurh mihta scyppend, 
gif he his wordcwida  wealdan meahte, 
spræce ahebban,  þæt him on spellum gecyðde, 
onwrige worda gongum,  hu he his wisna truwade, 
drohtes on ðære dimman adle,  ærðon hine deað onsægde. 
Him se eadga wer  ageaf ondsware, 
leof mon leofum,  þeah he late meahte, 
eorl ellenheard,  oreþe gebredan: 
"Min þæt swæse bearn,  nis nu swiþe feor 
þam ytemestan  endedogor 
nydgedales,  þæt ðu þa nyhstan scealt 
in woruldlife  worda minra, 
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 
asanian!"  "Beo þu on sið gearu, 
siþþan lic ond leomu  ond þes lifes gæst 
asundrien  somwist hyra 
þurh feorggedal.  
               Fys æfter þon 
þæt þu gesecge  sweostor minre, 
þære leofestan,  on longne weg 
to þam fægran gefean  forðsið minne, 
on ecne eard,  ond hyre eac gecyð 
wordum minum,  þæt ic me warnade 
hyre onsyne  ealle þrage 
in woruldlife,  for ðy ic wilnode 
þæt wit unc eft  in þam ecan gefean 
on sweglwuldre  geseon mostun 
fore onsyne  eces deman 
leahtra lease.  þær sceal lufu uncer 
wærfæst wunian,  þær wit wilna a 
in ðære beorhtan byrig  brucan motun, 
eades mid englum.  ðu hyre eac saga 
þæt heo þis banfæt  beorge bifæste, 
lame biluce,  lic orsawle 
in þeostorcofan,  þær hit þrage sceal 
in sondhofe  siþþan wunian." 
ða wearð modgeþanc  miclum gebisgad, 
þream forþrycced,  þurh þæs þeodnes word, 
ombehtþegne,  þa he ædre oncneow 
frean feorhgedal,  þæt hit feor ne wæs, 
endedogor.  Ongon þa ofostlice 
to his winedryhtne  wordum mæðlan: 
"Ic þec halsige,  hæleþa leofost 
gumena cynnes,  þurh gæsta weard, 
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 
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 
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, 
ongeat geomormod,  gæstes spræce, 
gleawes in geardum.  Huru, ic giet ne wat, 
ær þu me, frea min,  furþor cyðe 
þurh cwide þinne,  hwonan his cyme sindon." 
ða se eadga wer  ageaf ondsware 
leofum æfter longre hwile,  swa he late meahte, 
elnes oncyðig,  oreþe gewealdan: 
"Hwæt, þu me, wine min,  wordum nægest, 
fusne frignest,  þæs þe ic furþum ær 
æfre on ealdre  ængum ne wolde 
monna ofer moldan  melda weorðan, 
þegne on þeode,  butan þe nu ða, 
þy læs þæt wundredan  weras ond idesa, 
ond on geað gutan,  gieddum mænden 
bi me lifgendum.  Huru, ic nolde sylf 
þurh gielpcwide  gæstes mines 
frofre gelettan,  ne fæder mines 
æfre geæfnan,  æbylg godes. 
Symle me onsende  sigedryhten min, 
folca feorhgiefa,  siþþan ic furþum ongon 
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 
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 
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 wearð. 
A ic on mode mað  monna gehwylcne 
þeodnes þrymcyme  oð þisne dæg. 
Leofast monna,  nu ic for lufan þinre, 
ond geferscype  þæt wit fyrn mid unc 
longe læstan,  nelle ic lætan þe 
æfre unrotne  æfter ealdorlege 
meðne modseocne  minre geweorðan, 
soden sorgwælmum.  A ic sibbe wiþ þe 
healdan wille.  Nu of hreþerlocan 
to þam soþan gefean  sawel fundað. 
Nis seo tid latu,  tydrað þis banfæt, 
greothord gnornað,  gæst hine fyseð 
on ecne geard,  utsiþes georn 
on sellan gesetu.  Nu ic swiðe eom 
weorce gewergad."  ða to þam wage gesag, 
heafelan onhylde,  hyrde þa gena 
ellen on innan.  Oroð stundum teah 
mægne modig,  him of muðe cwom 
swecca swetast.  Swylce on sumeres tid 
stincað on stowum  staþelum fæste 
wynnum æfter wongum  wyrta geblowene, 
hunigflowende,  swa þæs halgan wæs 
ondlongne dæg  oþ æfen forð 
oroð up hlæden.  þa se æþela glæm 
setlgong sohte,  swearc norðrodor 
won under wolcnum,  woruld miste oferteah, 
þystrum biþeahte,  þrong niht ofer tiht 
londes frætwa.  ða cwom leohta mæst, 
halig of heofonum  hædre scinan, 
beorhte ofer burgsalu.  Bad se þe sceolde 
eadig on elne  endedogor, 
awrecen wælstrælum.  Wuldres scima, 
æþele ymb æþelne,  ondlonge niht 
scan scirwered.  Scadu sweþredon, 
tolysed under lyfte.  Wæs se leohta glæm 
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, 
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 swiðe fus." 
Ahof þa his honda,  husle gereorded, 
eaðmod 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. 
ða wæs Guðlaces  gæst gelæded 
eadig on upweg.  Englas feredun 
to þam longan gefean,  lic colode, 
belifd under lyfte.  ða þær leoht ascan, 
beama beorhtast.  Eal þæt beacen wæs 
ymb þæt halge hus,  heofonlic leoma, 
from foldan up  swylce fyren tor 
ryht aræred  oð rodera hrof, 
gesewen under swegle,  sunnan beorhtra, 
æþeltungla wlite.  Engla þreatas 
sigeleoð sungon,  sweg wæs on lyfte 
gehyred under heofonum,  haligra dream. 
Swa se burgstede wæs  blissum gefylled, 
swetum stencum  ond sweglwundrum, 
eadges yrfestol,  engla hleoðres, 
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, 
breahtem æfter breahtme.  Beofode þæt ealond, 
foldwong onþrong.  ða afyrhted wearð 
ar, elnes biloren,  gewat þa ofestlice 
beorn unhyðig,  þæt he bat gestag, 
wæghengest wræc,  wæterþisa for, 
snel under sorgum.  Swegl hate scan, 
blac ofer burgsalo.  Brimwudu scynde, 
leoht, lade fus.  Lagumearg snyrede, 
gehlæsted to hyðe,  þæt se hærnflota 
æfter sundplegan  sondlond gespearn, 
grond wið greote.  Gnornsorge wæg 
hate æt heortan,  hyge geomurne, 
meðne modsefan,  se þe his mondryhten, 
life bilidenne,  last weardian 
wiste, wine leofne.  Him þæs wopes hring 
torne gemonade.  Teagor yðum weol, 
hate hleordropan,  ond on hreþre wæg 
micle modceare.  He þære mægeð sceolde 
lace gelædan  laðspel to soð. 
Cwom þa freorigferð  þær seo fæmne wæs, 
wuldres wynmæg.  He þa wyrd ne mað, 
fæges forðsið.  Fusleoð agol 
wineþearfende,  ond þæt word acwæð: 
"Ellen biþ selast  þam þe oftost sceal 
dreogan dryhtenbealu,  deope behycgan 
þroht þeodengedal,  þonne seo þrag cymeð, 
wefen wyrdstafum.  þæt wat se þe sceal 
aswæman sarigferð,  wat his sincgiefan 
holdne biheledne.  He sceal hean þonan 
geomor hweorfan.  þam bið gomenes wana 
ðe þa earfeða  oftost dreogeð 
on sargum sefan.  Huru, ic swiðe ne þearf 
hinsiþ behlehhan.  Is hlaford min, 
beorna bealdor,  ond broþor þin, 
se selesta  bi sæm tweonum 
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, 
gewiten, winiga hleo,  wica neosan 
eardes on upweg.  Nu se eorðan dæl, 
banhus abrocen  burgum in innan 
wunað wælræste,  ond se wuldres dæl 
of licfæte  in leoht godes 
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 
sigedryhten min,  þa he wæs siþes fus, 
þæt þu his lichoman,  leofast mægða, 
eorðan biðeahte.  Nu þu ædre const 
siðfæt minne.  Ic sceal sarigferð, 
heanmod hweorfan,  hyge drusendne." 

13. AzariasKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 88-94; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Him þa Azarias  ingeþoncum 
hleoþrede halig  þurh hatne lig, 
dreag dædum georn,  dryhten herede, 
wis in weorcum,  ond þas word acwæð: 
"Meotud allwihta,  þu eart meahtum swið 
niþas to nerganne.  Is þin noma mære, 
wlitig ond wuldorfæst  ofer werþeode. 
Sindon þine domas  on dæda gehwam 
soðe geswiðde  ond gesigefæste, 
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 
ond fore eaðmedum  arena biddaþ, 
lege bilegde.  We þæs lifgende 
worhton in worulde,  eac þon wom dydon 
yldran usse,  in oferhygdum 
þin bibodu bræcon  burgsittende, 
had oferhogedon  halgan lifes. 
Wurdon we towrecene  geond widne grund, 
heapum tohworfne,  hylda lease; 
wæs ure lif  geond londa fela 
fracuð ond gefræge  foldbuendum. 
Nu þu usic bewræce  in þas wyrrestan 
eorðcyninges  æhtgewealda, 
in hæft heorogrimmes,  sceolon we þær hæþenra 
þreanyd  
            

                hæfdes 
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 
on cyneryce  cenned wurde, 
yced on eorþan,  þæt swa unrime, 
had to hebban,  swa heofonsteorran 
bugað bradne hwearft  oð brimflodas, 
swa waroþa sond  ymb sealt wæter, 
yþe geond eargrund,  þæt swa unrime 
ymb wintra hwearft  weorðan sceolde. 
Fyl nu þa frumspræce,  þeah þe user fea lifgen, 
wlitega þine wordcwidas  ond ðin wuldor us. 
Gecyð cræft ond meaht,  nu þec Caldeas 
ond eac fela folca  gefregen habban 
þæt þu ana eart  ece dryhten, 
sigerof settend  ond soð meotod, 
wuldres waldend  ond woruldsceafta." 
Swa se halga wer  hergende wæs 
meotudes miltse,  ond his modsefan 
rehte þurh reorde.  ða of roderum wearð 
engel ælbeorhta  ufon onsended, 
wlitescyne wer  in his wuldorhoman, 
cwom him þa to are  ond to ealdornere 
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 swiðes meaht 
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 weorþeð 
dropena dreorung  mid dæges hwile. 
Se wæs in þam fire  for frean meahtum 
halgum to helpe.  Wearð se hata lig 
todrifen ond todwæsced,  þær þa dædhwatan 
þry mid geþoncum  þeoden heredon, 
bædon bletsian 
                bearn in worulde 
ealle gesceafte  ecne dryhten, 
þeoda waldend.  Swa hi þry cwædon, 
modum horsce,  þurh gemæne word: 
"Bletsige þec,  bilwit fæder, 
woruldsceafta wuldor  ond weorca gehwylc, 
heofonas ond englas  ond hluttor wæter, 
ond eal mægen  eorþan gesceafta. 
Bletsige þec, soðfæst cyning,  sunne ond mona, 
leohte leoman,  lifgende god, 
hædre ond hlutre  ond heofondreame 
wæstem weorðian.  Ful oft þu, wuldorcyning, 
þurh lyft lætest  leodum to freme 
mildne morgenren.  Monig sceal siþþan 
wyrt onwæcnan,  eac þon wudubearwas 
tanum tydrað.  Trymmað eorðwelan, 
hleoð ond hluttrað.  Næfre hlisan ah 
meotud þan maran  þonne he wið monna bearn 
wyrceð weldædum.  Wis bið se þe con 
ongytan þone geocend,  þe us eall good syleð 
þe we habbað  þenden we her beoð, 
ond us milde meotod  mare gehateð, 
gif we geearniað,  elne willað, 
ðonne feran sceal  þurh frean hæse 
sundor anra gehwæs  sawl of lice. 
Ond þec, god dryhten,  gæstas hergen, 
byrnende fyr  ond beorht sumor, 
wearme wederdagas,  waldend manna, 
frean on ferðe.  Fremest eorðwelan 
þurh monigne had,  milde dryhten, 
ond þec dæg ond niht,  domfæst cyning, 
lofigen ond lufigen,  [lux et tenebre], 
þe þas werþeoda  weardum healdað. 
Deop dryhtnes bibod  drugon hi þæt longe. 
Ond þec, Crist cyning,  ceolas weorðian, 
fæder, forst ond snaw,  folca waldend, 
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 
wyrcest, wuldorcyning.  Wæstmum herge, 
bletsien bledum,  ond þin blæd wese 
a forð ece,  ælmihtig god. 
Wesað ond weaxað  ealle werþeode, 
lifgað bi þam lissum  þe us se leofa cyning, 
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. 
Forðon waldend scop  wudige moras, 
lofe leanige  leohtes hyrde. 
Bletsige þec, soðfæst cyning,  sæs ond wætra 
hea holmas,  haligne dryhten, 
domlice deop wæter;  ond dryhtnes bibod 
geofonfloda gehwylc  georne bihealdeð, 
þonne merestreamas  meotudes ræswum 
wæter onwealcað.  Witon ealdgecynd 
þæt ær gescop  ece dryhten 
lagufloda bigong,  leohtes hyrde, 
on þam wuniað  widferende 
siðe on sunde  seldlicra fela. 
Bletsien þec þa ealle,  ece dryhten, 
þurh þinne willan,  
               wuldorfæst cyning, 
ond þec ealle æsprynge,  ece dryhten, 
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, 
fiscas ond fuglas,  felameahtigne, 
ealle þa þe onhrerað  hreo wægas 
on þam bradan brime,  bremen dryhten, 
hergen haligne,  ond heofonfuglas, 
þa þe lacende  geond lyft farað. 
Bletsien þec, dryhten,  deor ond nyten. 
Meotud monna bearn  miltsum hergen 
ond ecne god,  Israhela cynn. 
Bletsien þe þine sacerdas,  
               soðfæst cyning, 
milde mæsseras  mærne dryhten, 
ond þine þeowas,  ðeoda hyrde, 
swylce haligra  hluttre saule, 
ond, ece god,  eaðmodheorte. 
Nu þec Ananias  ond Azarias 
ond Misahel, meotud,  miltsum hergað. 
Nu we geonge þry  god bletsiað, 
felameahtigne  fæder in heofonum, 
þone soðan sunu  ond þone sigefæstan gæst. 
Forþon us onsende  sigora waldend 
engel to are,  se þe us bearg 
fyr ond feondas,  ond mid fiþrum bewreah 
wið brynebrogan."  Breahtmum hwurfun 
ymb þæt hate hus  hæðne leode, 
ða þæt ongeaton  godes ondsacan 
þæt hi ne meahtan,  ne meotod wolde, 
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 duguðe  deop ærende, 
haligra gehyld,  (hlyst wæs þær inne), 
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 

               seo to soðe,  nales me sylfa gerad. 
Hweorfað nu æfter heorðe,  nængum hat sceþeð, 
ofnes æled,  ac him is engel mid, 
hafað beorhtne blæd;  ne mæg him bryne sceþþan 
wlitigne wuldorhoman."  ða þam wordum swealg 
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 
woruldcyninges  weorn gehyrdon, 
ac eodon of þam fyre,  feorh unwemme, 
wuldre gewlitegad,  swa hyra wædum ne scod 
gifre gleda nið,  ac hi mid gæstlufan 
synne geswencton  ond gesigefæston, 
modum gleawe,  in monþeawum, 
þurh foreþoncas  fyr gedygdon. 

14. The PhoenixKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 94-113; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Hæbbe ic gefrugnen  þætte is feor heonan 
eastdælum on  æþelast londa, 
firum gefræge.  Nis se foldan sceat 
ofer middangeard  mongum gefere 
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, 
modig, meahtum spedig,  se þa moldan gesette. 
ðær bið oft open  eadgum togeanes 
onhliden hleoþra wyn,  heofonrices duru. 
þæt is wynsum wong,  wealdas grene, 
rume under roderum.  Ne mæg þær ren ne snaw, 
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 seomað 
eadig ond onsund.  Is þæt æþele lond 
blostmum geblowen.  Beorgas þær ne muntas 
steape ne stondað,  ne stanclifu 
heah hlifiað,  swa her mid us, 
ne dene ne dalu  ne dunscrafu, 
hlæwas ne hlincas,  ne þær hleonað oo 
unsmeþes wiht,  ac se æþela feld 
wridað under wolcnum,  wynnum geblowen. 
Is þæt torhte lond  twelfum herra, 
folde fæðmrimes,  swa us gefreogum gleawe 
witgan þurh wisdom  on gewritum cyþað, 
þonne ænig þara beorga  þe her beorhte mid us 
hea hlifiað  under heofontunglum. 
Smylte is se sigewong;  sunbearo lixeð, 
wuduholt wynlic.  Wæstmas ne dreosað, 
beorhte blede,  ac þa beamas a 
grene stondað,  swa him god bibead. 
Wintres ond sumeres  wudu bið gelice 
bledum gehongen;  næfre brosniað 
leaf under lyfte,  ne him lig sceþeð 
æfre to ealdre,  ærþon edwenden 
worulde geweorðe.  Swa iu wætres þrym 
ealne middangeard  mereflod þeahte, 
eorþan ymbhwyrft,  þa se æþela wong, 
æghwæs onsund,  wið yðfare 
gehealden stod  hreora wæga, 
eadig, unwemme,  þurh est godes; 
bideð swa geblowen  oð bæles cyme, 
dryhtnes domes,  þonne deaðræced, 
hæleþa heolstorcofan,  onhliden weorþað. 
Nis þær on þam londe  laðgeniðla, 
ne wop ne wracu,  weatacen nan, 
yldu ne yrmðu  ne se enga deað, 
ne lifes lyre,  ne laþes cyme, 
ne synn ne sacu  ne sarwracu, 
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,  cnyseð ænigne. 
þær ne hægl ne hrim  hreosað to foldan, 
ne windig wolcen,  ne þær wæter fealleþ, 
lyfte gebysgad,  ac þær lagustreamas, 
wundrum wrætlice,  wyllan onspringað 
fægrum flodwylmum.  Foldan leccaþ 
wæter wynsumu  of þæs wuda midle; 
þa monþa gehwam  of þære moldan tyrf 
brimcald brecað,  bearo ealne geondfarað, 
þragum þrymlice.  Is þæt þeodnes gebod, 
þætte twelf siþum  þæt tirfæste 
lond geondlace  lagufloda wynn. 
Sindon þa bearwas  bledum gehongne, 
wlitigum wæstmum,  þær no waniað o, 
halge under heofonum,  holtes frætwe. 
Ne feallað þær on foldan  fealwe blostman, 
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, 
beorhtast bearwa.  No gebrocen weorþeð 
holt on hiwe,  þær se halga stenc 
wunaþ geond wynlond;  þæt onwended ne bið 
æfre to ealdre,  ærþon endige 
frod fyrngeweorc  se hit on frymþe gescop. 
ðone wudu weardaþ  wundrum fæger 
fugel feþrum strong,  se is fenix haten. 
þær se anhaga  eard bihealdeþ, 
deormod drohtað;  næfre him deaþ sceþeð 
on þam willwonge,  þenden woruld stondeþ. 
Se sceal þære sunnan  sið behealdan 
ond ongean cuman  godes condelle, 
glædum gimme,  georne bewitigan, 
hwonne up cyme  æþelast tungla 
ofer yðmere  estan lixan, 
fæder fyrngeweorc  frætwum blican, 
torht tacen godes.  Tungol beoþ ahyded, 
gewiten under waþeman  westdælas on, 
bideglad on dægred,  ond seo deorce niht 
won gewiteð;  þonne waþum strong 
fugel feþrum wlonc  on firgenstream 
under lyft, ofer lagu  locað georne, 
hwonne up cyme  eastan glidan 
ofer sidne sæ  swegles leoma. 
Swa se æþela fugel  æt þam æspringe 
wlitigfæst wunað  wyllestreamas, 
þær se tireadga  twelf siþum hine 
bibaþað in þam burnan  ær þæs beacnes cyme, 
sweglcondelle,  ond symle swa oft 
of þam wilsuman  wyllgespryngum 
brimcald beorgeð  æt baða gehwylcum. 
Siþþan hine sylfne  æfter sundplegan 
heahmod hefeð  on heanne beam, 
þonan yþast mæg  on eastwegum 
sið bihealdan,  hwonne swegles tapur 
ofer holmþræce 
                hædre blice, 
leohtes leoma.  Lond beoð gefrætwad, 
woruld gewlitegad,  siþþan wuldres gim 
ofer geofones gong  grund gescineþ 
geond middangeard,  mærost tungla. 
Sona swa seo sunne  sealte streamas 
hea oferhlifað,  swa se haswa fugel 
beorht of þæs bearwes  beame gewiteð, 
fareð feþrum snell  flyhte on lyfte, 
swinsað ond singeð  swegle togeanes. 
ðonne bið swa fæger  fugles gebæru, 
onbryrded breostsefa,  blissum hremig; 
wrixleð woðcræfte  wundorlicor 
beorhtan reorde,  þonne æfre byre monnes 
hyrde under heofonum,  siþþan heahcyning, 
wuldres wyrhta,  woruld staþelode, 
heofon ond eorþan.  Biþ þæs hleoðres sweg 
eallum songcræftum  swetra ond wlitigra 
ond wynsumra  wrenca gehwylcum. 
Ne magon þam breahtme  byman ne hornas, 
ne hearpan hlyn,  ne hæleþa stefn 
ænges on eorþan,  ne organan, 

               sweghleoþres geswin,  ne swanes feðre, 
ne ænig þara dreama  þe dryhten gescop 
gumum to gliwe  in þas geomran woruld. 
Singeð swa ond swinsað  sælum geblissad, 
oþþæt seo sunne  on suðrodor 
sæged weorþeð.  þonne swiað he 
ond hlyst gefeð,  heafde onbrygdeð, 
þrist, þonces gleaw,  ond þriwa ascæceð 
feþre flyhthwate;  fugol bið geswiged. 
Symle he twelf siþum  tida gemearcað 
dæges ond nihtes.  Swa gedemed is 
bearwes bigengan,  þæt he þær brucan mot 
wonges mid willum,  ond welan neotan, 
lifes ond lissa,  londes frætwa, 
oþþæt he þusende  þisses lifes, 
wudubearwes weard,  wintra gebideþ. 
ðonne bið gehefgad  haswigfeðra, 
gomol, gearum frod,  
               grene eorðan 
aflyhð, fugla wyn,  foldan geblowene, 
ond þonne geseceð  side rice 
middangeardes,  þær no men bugað 
eard ond eþel.  þær he ealdordom 
onfehð foremihtig  ofer fugla cynn, 
geþungen on þeode,  ond þrage mid him 
westen weardað.  þonne waþum strong 
west gewiteð  wintrum gebysgad 
fleogan feþrum snel.  Fuglas þringað 
utan ymbe æþelne;  æghwylc wille 
wesan þegn ond þeow  þeodne mærum, 
oþþæt hy gesecað  Syrwara lond 
corðra mæste.  Him se clæna þær 
oðscufeð scearplice,  þæt he in scade weardað, 
on wudubearwe,  weste stowe, 
biholene ond bihydde  hæleþa monegum. 
ðær he heanne beam  on holtwuda 
wunað ond weardað,  wyrtum fæstne 
under heofunhrofe,  þone hatað men 
Fenix on foldan,  of þæs fugles noman. 
Hafað þam treowe forgiefen  tirmeahtig cyning, 
meotud moncynnes,  mine gefræge, 
þæt se ana is  ealra beama 
on eorðwege  uplædendra 
beorhtast geblowen;  ne mæg him bitres wiht 
scyldum sceððan,  ac gescylded a 
wunað ungewyrded,  þenden woruld stondeð. 
ðonne wind ligeð,  weder bið fæger, 
hluttor heofones gim  halig scineð, 
beoð wolcen towegen,  wætra þryþe 
stille stondað,  biþ storma gehwylc 
aswefed under swegle,  suþan bliceð 
wedercondel wearm,  weorodum lyhteð, 
ðonne on þam telgum  timbran onginneð, 
nest gearwian.  Bið him neod micel 
þæt he þa yldu  ofestum mote 
þurh gewittes wylm  wendan to life, 
feorg geong onfon.  þonne feor ond neah 
þa swetestan  somnað ond gædrað 
wyrta wynsume  ond wudubleda 
to þam eardstede,  æþelstenca gehwone, 
wyrta wynsumra,  þe wuldorcyning, 
fæder frymða gehwæs,  ofer foldan gescop 
to indryhtum  ælda cynne, 
swetes under swegle.  þær he sylf biereð 
in þæt treow innan  torhte frætwe; 
þær se wilda fugel  in þam westenne 
ofer heanne beam  hus getimbreð, 
wlitig ond wynsum,  ond gewicað þær 
sylf in þam solere,  ond ymbseteð utan 
in þam leafsceade  lic ond feþre 
on healfa gehware  halgum stencum 
ond þam æþelestum  eorþan bledum. 
Siteð siþes fus.  þonne swegles gim 
on sumeres tid,  sunne hatost, 
ofer sceadu scineð  ond gesceapu dreogeð, 
woruld geondwliteð,  þonne weorðeð his 
hus onhæted  þurh hador swegl. 
Wyrta wearmiað,  willsele stymeð 
swetum swæccum,  þonne on swole byrneð 
þurh fyres feng  fugel mid neste. 
Bæl bið onæled.  þonne brond þeceð 

               heorodreorges hus,  hreoh onetteð, 
fealo lig feormað  ond fenix byrneð, 
fyrngearum frod.  þonne fyr þigeð 
lænne lichoman;  lif bið on siðe, 
fæges feorhhord,  þonne flæsc ond ban 
adleg æleð.  Hwæþre him eft cymeð 
æfter fyrstmearce  feorh edniwe, 
siþþan þa yslan  eft onginnað 
æfter ligþræce  lucan togædre, 
geclungne to cleowenne.  þonne clæne bið 
beorhtast nesta,  bæle forgrunden 
heaþorofes hof;  hra bið acolad, 
banfæt gebrocen,  ond se bryne sweþrað. 
þonne of þam ade  æples gelicnes 
on þære ascan bið  eft gemeted, 
of þam weaxeð wyrm,  wundrum fæger, 
swylce he of ægerum  ut alæde, 
scir of scylle.  þonne on sceade weaxeð, 
þæt he ærest bið  swylce earnes brid, 
fæger fugeltimber;  ðonne furþor gin 
wridað on wynnum,  þæt he bið wæstmum gelic 
ealdum earne,  and æfter þon 
feþrum gefrætwad,  swylc he æt frymðe wæs, 
beorht geblowen.  þonne bræd weorþeð 
eal edniwe  eft acenned, 
synnum asundrad,  sumes onlice 
swa mon to ondleofne  eorðan wæstmas 
            
on hærfeste  ham gelædeð, 
wiste wynsume,  ær wintres cyme, 
on rypes timan,  þy læs hi renes scur 
awyrde under wolcnum;  þær hi wraðe metað, 
fodorþege gefean,  þonne forst ond snaw 
mid ofermægne  eorþan þeccað 
wintergewædum.  Of þam wæstmum sceal 
eorla eadwela 
                eft alædan 
þurh cornes gecynd,  þe ær clæne bið 
sæd onsawen.  þonne sunnan glæm 
on lenctenne,  lifes tacen, 
weceð woruldgestreon,  þæt þa wæstmas beoð 
þurh agne gecynd  eft acende, 
foldan frætwe.  Swa se fugel weorþeð, 
gomel æfter gearum,  geong edniwe, 
flæsce bifongen.  No he foddor þigeð, 
mete on moldan,  nemne meledeawes 
dæl gebyrge,  se dreoseð oft 
æt middre nihte;  bi þon se modga his 
feorh afedeð,  oþþæt fyrngesetu, 
agenne eard,  eft geseceð. 
þonne bið aweaxen  wyrtum in gemonge 
fugel feþrum deal;  feorh bið niwe, 
geong, geofona ful,  þonne he of greote his 
lic leoþucræftig,  þæt ær lig fornom, 
somnað, swoles lafe,  searwum gegædrað 
ban gebrosnad,  æfter bælþræce, 
ond þonne gebringeð  ban ond yslan, 
ades lafe,  eft ætsomne, 
ond þonne þæt wælreaf  wyrtum biteldeð, 
fægre gefrætwed.  ðonne afysed bið 
agenne eard  eft to secan. 
þonne fotum ymbfehð  fyres lafe, 
clam biclyppeð,  ond his cyþþu eft, 
sunbeorht gesetu,  seceð on wynnum, 
eadig eþellond.  Eall bið geniwad 
feorh ond feþerhoma,  swa he æt frymþe wæs, 
þa hine ærest god  on þone æþelan wong 
sigorfæst sette.  He his sylfes þær 
ban gebringeð,  þa ær brondes wylm 
on beorhstede  bæle forþylmde, 
ascan to eacan.  þonne eal geador 
bebyrgeð beaducræftig  ban ond yslan 
on þam ealonde.  Bið him edniwe 
þære sunnan segn,  þonne swegles leoht, 
gimma gladost,  ofer garsecg up, 
æþeltungla wyn,  eastan lixeð. 
Is se fugel fæger  forweard hiwe, 
bleobrygdum fag  ymb þa breost foran. 
Is him þæt heafod  hindan grene, 
wrætlice wrixled,  wurman geblonden. 
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 lixeð 
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 weorþeð. 
Is ymb þone sweoran,  swylce sunnan hring, 
beaga beorhtast  
               brogden feðrum. 
Wrætlic is seo womb neoþan,  wundrum fæger, 
scir ond scyne.  Is se scyld ufan 
frætwum gefeged  ofer þæs fugles bæc. 
Sindon þa scancan  scyllum biweaxen, 
fealwe fotas.  Se fugel is on hiwe 
æghwæs ænlic,  onlicost pean, 
wynnum geweaxen,  þæs gewritu secgað. 
Nis he hinderweard,  ne hygegælsa, 
swar ne swongor,  swa sume fuglas, 
þa þe late þurh lyft  lacað fiþrum, 
ac he is snel ond swift  ond swiþe leoht, 
wlitig ond wynsum,  wuldre gemearcad. 
Ece is se æþeling  se þe him þæt ead gefeð! 
þonne he gewiteð  wongas secan, 
his ealdne eard,  of þisse eþeltyrf. 
Swa se fugel fleogeð,  folcum oðeaweð 
mongum monna  geond middangeard, 
þonne somniað 
                suþan ond norþan, 
eastan ond westan,  eoredciestum, 
farað feorran ond nean  folca þryþum 
þær hi sceawiaþ  scyppendes giefe 
fægre on þam fugle,  swa him æt fruman sette 
sigora soðcyning  sellicran gecynd, 
frætwe fægerran 
                ofer fugla cyn. 
ðonne wundriað  weras ofer eorþan 
wlite ond wæstma,  ond gewritum cyþað, 
mundum mearciað  on marmstane, 
hwonne se dæg ond seo tid  dryhtum geeawe 
frætwe flyhthwates.  ðonne fugla cynn 
on healfa gehwone  heapum þringað, 
sigað sidwegum,  songe lofiað, 
mærað modigne  meaglum reordum, 
ond swa þone halgan  hringe beteldað 
flyhte on lyfte;  fenix biþ on middum, 
þreatum biþrungen.  þeoda wlitað, 
wundrum wafiað,  hu seo wilgedryht 
wildne weorþiað,  worn æfter oþrum, 
cræftum cyþað  ond for cyning mærað 
leofne leodfruman,  lædað mid wynnum 
æþelne to earde,  oþþæt se anhoga 
oðfleogeð, feþrum snel,  þæt him gefylgan ne mæg 
drymendra gedryht,  þonne duguða wyn 
of þisse eorþan tyrf  eþel seceð. 
Swa se gesæliga  æfter swylthwile 
his ealdcyðþe  eft geneosað, 
fægre foldan.  Fugelas cyrrað 
from þam guðfrecan  geomormode 
eft to earde.  þonne se æþeling bið 
giong in geardum.  God ana wat, 
cyning ælmihtig,  hu his gecynde bið, 
wifhades þe weres;  þæt ne wat ænig 
monna cynnes,  butan meotod ana, 
hu þa wisan sind  wundorlice, 
fæger fyrngesceap,  ymb þæs fugles gebyrd. 
þær se eadga mot  eardes neotan, 
wyllestreama  wuduholtum in, 
wunian in wonge,  oþþæt wintra bið 
þusend urnen.  þonne him weorþeð 
ende lifes;  hine ad þeceð 
þurh æledfyr.  Hwæþre eft cymeð 
aweaht wrætlice  wundrum to life. 
Forþon he drusende  deað ne bisorgað, 
sare swyltcwale,  þe him symle wat 
æfter ligþræce  lif edniwe, 
feorh æfter fylle,  þonne fromlice 
þurh briddes had  gebreadad weorðeð 
eft of ascan,  edgeong weseð 
under swegles hleo.  Bið him self gehwæðer 
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, 
feþrum bifongen,  þeah hine fyr nime. 
Swa þæt ece lif  eadigra gehwylc 
æfter sarwræce  sylf geceoseð 
þurh deorcne deað,  þæt he dryhtnes mot 
æfter geardagum  geofona neotan 
on sindreamum,  ond siþþan a 
wunian in wuldre 
                weorca to leane. 
þisses fugles gecynd  fela gelices 
bi þam gecornum  Cristes þegnum 
beacnað in burgum,  hu hi beorhtne gefean 
þurh fæder fultum  on þas frecnan tid 
healdaþ under heofonum,  ond him heanne blæd 
in þam uplican  eðle gestrynaþ. 
Habbaþ we geascad  þæt se ælmihtiga 
worhte wer ond wif  þurh his wundra sped, 
ond hi þa gesette  on þone selestan 
foldan sceata,  þone fira bearn 
nemnað neorxnawong,  þær him nænges wæs 
eades onsyn,  þenden eces word, 
halges hleoþorcwide,  healdan woldan 
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 wearð 
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 
gyrne onguldon,  þe hi þæt gyfl þegun 
ofer eces word.  Forþon hy eðles wyn 
geomormode  ofgiefan sceoldon 
þurh nædran niþ,  þa heo nearwe biswac 
yldran usse  in ærdagum 
þurh fæcne ferð,  þæt hi feor þonan 
in þas deaðdene  drohtað sohton, 
sorgfulran gesetu.  Him wearð selle lif 
heolstre bihyded,  ond se halga wong 
þurh feondes searo  fæste bityned 
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 

               wordum secgað,  ond writu cyþað, 
þisses fugles gefær,  þonne frod ofgiefeð 
eard ond eþel,  ond geealdad bið. 
Gewiteð werigmod,  wintrum gebysgad, 
þær he holtes hleo  heah gemeteð, 
in þam he getimbreð  tanum ond wyrtum 
þam æþelestum  eardwic niwe, 
nest on bearwe.  Bið him neod micel 
þæt he feorhgeong eft  onfon mote 
þurh liges blæst  lif æfter deaþe, 
edgeong wesan,  ond his ealdcyðþu, 
sunbeorht gesetu,  secan mote 
æfter fyrbaðe.  Swa ða foregengan, 
yldran usse,  anforleton 
þone wlitigan wong  ond wuldres setl, 
leoflic on laste,  tugon longne sið 
in hearmra hond,  þær him hettende, 
earme aglæcan,  oft gescodan. 
Wæron hwæþre monge,  þa þe meotude wel 
            
gehyrdun under heofonum  halgum ðeawum, 
dædum domlicum,  þæt him dryhten wearð, 
heofona heahcyning,  hold on mode. 
ðæt is se hea beam  in þam halge nu 
wic weardiað,  þær him wihte ne mæg 
ealdfeonda nan  atre sceþþan, 
facnes tacne,  on þas frecnan tid. 
þær him nest wyrceð  wið niþa gehwam 
dædum domlicum  dryhtnes cempa, 
þonne he ælmessan  earmum dæleð, 
dugeþa leasum,  ond him dryhten gecygð, 
fæder on fultum,  forð onetteð, 
lænan lifes  leahtras dwæsceþ, 
mirce mandæde,  healdeð meotudes æ 
beald in breostum,  ond gebedu seceð 
clænum gehygdum,  ond his cneo bigeð 
æþele to eorþan,  flyhð yfla gehwylc, 
grimme gieltas,  for godes egsan, 
glædmod gyrneð  þæt he godra mæst 
dæda gefremme;  þam biþ dryhten scyld 
in siþa gehwane,  sigora waldend, 
weoruda wilgiefa.  þis þa wyrta sind, 
wæstma blede,  þa se wilda fugel 
somnað under swegle  side ond wide 
to his wicstowe,  þær he wundrum fæst 
wið niþa gehwam  nest gewyrceð. 
Swa nu in þam wicum  willan fremmað 
mode ond mægne  meotudes cempan, 
mærða tilgað;  þæs him meorde wile 
ece ælmihtig  eadge forgildan. 
Beoð him of þam wyrtum  wic gestaþelad 
in wuldres byrig  weorca to leane, 
þæs þe hi geheoldan  halge lare 
hate æt heortan,  hige weallende 
dæges ond nihtes  dryhten lufiað, 
leohte geleafan  leofne ceosað 
ofer woruldwelan;  ne biþ him wynne hyht 
þæt hy þis læne lif  long gewunien. 
þus eadig eorl  ecan dreames, 
heofona hames  mid heahcyning 
earnað on elne,  oþþæt ende cymeð 
dogorrimes,  þonne deað nimeð, 
wiga wælgifre,  wæpnum geþryþed, 
ealdor anra gehwæs,  ond in eorþan fæðm 
snude sendeð 
                sawlum binumene 
læne lichoman,  þær hi longe beoð 
oð fyres cyme  foldan biþeahte. 
ðonne monge beoð  on gemot læded 
            
fyra cynnes;  wile fæder engla, 
sigora soðcyning,  seonoþ gehegan, 
duguða dryhten,  deman mid ryhte. 
þonne æriste  ealle gefremmaþ 
men on moldan,  swa se mihtiga cyning 
beodeð, brego engla,  byman stefne 
ofer sidne grund,  sawla nergend. 
Bið se deorca deað  dryhtnes meahtum 
eadgum geendad.  æðele hweorfað, 
þreatum þringað,  þonne þeos woruld, 
scyldwyrcende,  in scome byrneð, 
ade onæled.  Weorþeð anra gehwylc 
forht on ferþþe,  þonne fyr briceð 
læne londwelan,  lig eal þigeð 
eorðan æhtgestreon,  æpplede gold 
gifre forgripeð,  grædig swelgeð 
londes frætwe.  þonne on leoht cymeð 
ældum þisses  in þa openan tid 
fæger ond gefealic  fugles tacen, 
þonne anwald eal  up astelleð 
            
of byrgenum,  ban gegædrað, 
leomu lic somod,  ond lifes gæst, 
fore Cristes cneo.  Cyning þrymlice 
of his heahsetle  halgum scineð, 
wlitig wuldres gim.  Wel biþ þam þe mot 
in þa geomran tid  gode lician. 
ðær þa lichoman,  leahtra clæne, 
gongað glædmode,  gæstas hweorfað 
in banfatu,  þonne bryne stigeð 
heah to heofonum.  Hat bið monegum 
egeslic æled,  þonne anra gehwylc, 
soðfæst ge synnig,  sawel mid lice, 
from moldgrafum  seceð meotudes dom, 
forhtafæred.  Fyr bið on tihte, 
æleð uncyste.  þær þa eadgan beoð 
æfter wræchwile  weorcum bifongen, 
agnum dædum.  þæt þa æþelan sind 
wyrta wynsume,  mid þam se wilda fugel 
his sylfes nest  biseteð utan, 
þæt hit færinga  fyre byrneð, 
forsweleð under sunnan,  ond he sylfa mid, 
ond þonne æfter lige  lif eft onfehð 
edniwinga.  Swa bið anra gehwylc 
flæsce bifongen  fira cynnes, 
ænlic ond edgeong,  se þe his agnum her 
willum gewyrceð  þæt him wuldorcyning 
meahtig æt þam mæþle  milde geweorþeð. 
þonne hleoþriað  halge gæstas, 
sawla soðfæste,  song ahebbað, 
clæne ond gecorene,  hergað cyninges þrym, 
stefn æfter stefne,  stigað to wuldre 
wlitige gewyrtad  mid hyra weldædum. 
Beoð þonne amerede  monna gæstas, 
beorhte abywde  þurh bryne fyres. 
Ne wene þæs ænig  ælda cynnes 
þæt ic lygewordum  leoð somnige, 
write woðcræfte.  Gehyrað witedom 
Iobes gieddinga.  þurh gæstes blæd 
breostum onbryrded,  beald reordade, 
wuldre geweorðad;  he þæt word gecwæð: 
"Ic þæt ne forhycge  heortan geþoncum, 
þæt ic in minum neste  neobed ceose, 
hæle hrawerig,  gewite hean þonan 
on longne sið,  lame bitolden, 
geomor gudæda,  in greotes fæðm, 
ond þonne æfter deaþe  þurh dryhtnes giefe 
swa se fugel fenix  feorh edniwe 
æfter æriste  agan mote, 
dreamas mid dryhten,  þær seo deore scolu 
leofne lofiað.  Ic þæs lifes ne mæg 
æfre to ealdre  ende gebidan, 
leohtes ond lissa.  þeah min lic scyle 
on moldærne  molsnad weorþan 
wyrmum to willan,  swa þeah weoruda god 
æfter swylthwile  sawle alyseð 
ond in wuldor aweceð.  Me þæs wen næfre 
forbirsteð in breostum,  ðe ic in brego engla 
forðweardne gefean  fæste hæbbe." 
ðus 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 
þurh bryne beacnað.  Bana lafe, 
ascan ond yslan,  ealle gesomnað 
æfter ligbryne,  lædeþ siþþan 
fugel on fotum  to frean geardum, 
sunnan togeanes.  þær hi siþþan forð 
wuniað wintra fela,  wæstmum geniwad, 
ealles edgiong,  þær ænig ne mæg 
in þam leodscype  læþþum hwopan. 
Swa nu æfter deaðe  þurh dryhtnes miht 
somod siþiaþ  sawla mid lice, 
fægre gefrætwed,  fugle gelicast, 
in eadwelum  æþelum stencum, 
þær seo soþfæste  sunne lihteð 
wlitig ofer weoredum  in wuldres byrig. 
ðonne soðfæstum  sawlum scineð 
heah ofer hrofas  hælende Crist. 
Him folgiað  fuglas scyne, 
beorhte gebredade,  blissum hremige, 
in þam gladan ham,  gæstas gecorene, 
ece to ealdre.  þær him yfle ne mæg 
fah feond gemah  facne sceþþan, 
ac þær lifgað a  leohte werede, 
swa se fugel fenix,  in freoþu dryhtnes, 
wlitige in wuldre.  Weorc anra gehwæs 
beorhte bliceð  in þam bliþan ham 
fore onsyne  ecan dryhtnes, 
symle in sibbe,  sunnan gelice. 
þær se beorhta beag,  brogden wundrum 
eorcnanstanum,  eadigra gehwam 
hlifað ofer heafde.  Heafelan lixað, 
þrymme biþeahte.  ðeodnes cynegold 
soðfæstra gehwone  sellic glengeð 
leohte in life,  þær se longa gefea, 
ece ond edgeong,  æfre ne sweþrað, 
ac hy in wlite wuniað,  wuldre bitolden 
fægrum frætwum,  mid fæder engla. 
Ne bið 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 
forgifeð goda gehwylc.  þær gæsta gedryht 
hælend hergað  ond heofoncyninges 
meahte mærsiað,  singað metude lof. 
Swinsað sibgedryht  swega mæste 
hædre ymb þæt halge  heahseld godes, 
bliþe bletsiað  bregu selestan 
eadge mid englum,  efenhleoþre þus: 
"Sib si þe, soð god,  ond snyttrucræft, 
ond þe þonc sy  þrymsittendum 
geongra gyfena,  goda gehwylces. 
Micel, unmæte  mægnes strengðu, 
heah ond halig!  Heofonas sindon 
fægre gefylled,  fæder ælmihtig, 
ealra þrymma þrym,  þines wuldres, 
uppe mid englum  ond on eorðan somod. 
Gefreoþa usic, frymþa scyppend!  þu eart fæder ælmihtig 
in heannesse,  heofuna waldend." 
ðus reordiað  ryhtfremmende, 
manes amerede,  in þære mæran byrig; 
cyneþrym cyþað,  caseres lof 

               singað on swegle  soðfæstra gedryht, 
þam anum is  ece weorðmynd 
forð butan ende.  Næs his frymð æfre, 
eades ongyn.  þeah he on eorþan her 
þurh cildes had  cenned wære 
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 
æfter lices hryre  lif eft onfeng 
þurh fæder fultum.  Swa fenix beacnað, 
geong in geardum,  godbearnes meaht, 
þonne he of ascan  eft onwæcneð 
            
in lifes lif,  leomum geþungen. 
Swa se hælend us  
               helpe gefremede 
þurh his lices gedal,  lif butan ende, 
swa se fugel swetum  his fiþru tu 
ond wynsumum  wyrtum gefylleð, 
fægrum foldwæstmum,  þonne afysed bið. 
þæt sindon þa word,  swa us gewritu secgað, 
hleoþor haligra,  þe him to heofonum bið, 
to þam mildan gode,  mod afysed 
in dreama dream,  þær hi dryhtne to giefe 
worda ond weorca  wynsumne stenc 
in þa mæran gesceaft  meotude bringað, 
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 
middangeardes  ond mægenþrymmes, 
wuldre biwunden  in þære wlitigan byrig. 
Hafað us alyfed  [lucis auctor] 
þæt we motun her  [merueri], 
goddædum begietan  [gaudia in celo], 
þær we motun 
                [maxima regna] 
secan ond gesittan  [sedibus altis], 
lifgan in lisse  [lucis et pacis], 
agan eardinga  
               [almæ letitię], 
brucan blæddaga,  [blandem et mitem] 
geseon sigora frean  [sine fine], 
ond him lof singan  [laude perenne], 
eadge mid englum.  [Alleluia]. 

15. JulianaKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 113-33; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Hwæt! We ðæt hyrdon  hæleð eahtian, 
deman dædhwate,  þætte in dagum gelamp 
Maximianes,  se geond middangeard, 
arleas cyning,  eahtnysse ahof, 
cwealde cristne men,  circan fylde, 
geat on græswong  
               godhergendra, 
hæþen hildfruma,  haligra blod, 
ryhtfremmendra.  Wæs his rice brad, 
wid ond weorðlic  ofer werþeode, 
lytesna ofer ealne  yrmenne grund. 
Foron æfter burgum,  swa he biboden hæfde, 
þegnas þryðfulle.  
               Oft hi þræce rærdon, 
dædum gedwolene,  þa þe dryhtnes æ 
feodon þurh firencræft.  Feondscype rærdon, 
hofon hæþengield,  halge cwelmdon, 
breotun boccræftge,  
               bærndon gecorene, 
gæston godes cempan  gare ond lige. 
Sum wæs æhtwelig  æþeles cynnes 
rice gerefa.  Rondburgum weold, 
eard weardade  oftast symle 
in þære ceastre  Commedia, 
heold hordgestreon.  Oft he hæþengield 
ofer word godes,  weoh gesohte 
neode geneahhe.  Wæs him noma cenned 
Heliseus,  hæfde ealdordom 
micelne ond mærne.  ða his mod ongon 
fæmnan lufian,  (hine fyrwet bræc), 
Iulianan.  Hio in gæste bær 
halge treowe,  hogde georne 
þæt hire mægðhad  mana gehwylces 
fore Cristes lufan  clæne geheolde. 
ða wæs sio fæmne  mid hyre fæder willan 
welegum biweddad;  wyrd ne ful cuþe, 
freondrædenne  hu heo from hogde, 
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, 
þæt him mon fromlicast  fæmnan gegyrede, 
bryd to bolde.  Heo þæs beornes lufan 
fæste wiðhogde,  þeah þe feohgestreon 
under hordlocan,  hyrsta unrim 
æhte ofer eorþan.  Heo þæt eal forseah, 
ond þæt word acwæð  on wera mengu: 

               "Ic þe mæg gesecgan  þæt þu þec sylfne ne þearft 
swiþor swencan.  Gif þu soðne god 
lufast ond gelyfest,  ond his lof rærest, 
ongietest gæsta hleo,  ic beo gearo sona 
unwaclice  willan þines. 
Swylce ic þe secge,  gif þu to sæmran gode 
þurh deofolgield  dæde biþencest, 
hætsð hæþenweoh,  ne meaht þu habban mec, 
ne geþreatian  þe to gesingan. 
Næfre þu þæs swiðlic  sar gegearwast 
þurh hæstne nið  heardra wita, 
þæt þu mec onwende  worda þissa." 
ða se æþeling wearð  yrre gebolgen, 
firendædum fah,  gehyrde þære fæmnan word, 
het ða gefetigan  ferend snelle, 
hreoh ond hygeblind,  haligre fæder, 
recene to rune.  Reord up astag, 
siþþan hy togædre  garas hlændon, 
hildeþremman.  Hæðne wæron begen 
synnum seoce,  sweor ond aþum. 
ða reordode  rices hyrde 
wið þære fæmnan fæder  frecne mode, 
daraðhæbbende:  "Me þin dohtor hafað 
geywed orwyrðu.  Heo me on an sagað 
þæt heo mæglufan  minre ne gyme, 
freondrædenne.  Me þa fraceðu sind 
on modsefan  mæste weorce, 
þæt heo mec swa torne  tæle gerahte 
fore þissum folce,  het me fremdne god, 
ofer þa oþre  þe we ær cuþon, 
welum weorþian,  wordum lofian, 
on hyge hergan,  oþþe hi nabban." 
Geswearc þa swiðferð  
               sweor æfter worde, 
þære fæmnan fæder,  ferðlocan onspeon: 
"Ic þæt geswerge  þurh soð 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, 
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, 
anræd ond yreþweorg,  yrre gebolgen, 
þær he glædmode 
                geonge wiste 
wic weardian.  He þa worde cwæð: 
"ðu eart dohtor min  seo dyreste 
ond seo sweteste  in sefan minum, 
ange for eorþan,  minra eagna leoht, 
Iuliana!  þu on geaþe hafast 
þurh þin orlegu  unbiþyrfe 
ofer witena dom  wisan gefongen. 
Wiðsæcest þu to swiþe  sylfre rædes 
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." 
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 
geornor bigonge  þonne he gen dyde, 
lufige mid lacum  þone þe leoht gescop, 
heofon ond eorðan  ond holma bigong, 
eodera ymbhwyrft.  Ne mæg he elles mec 
bringan to bolde.  He þa brydlufan 
sceal to oþerre  æhtgestealdum 
idese secan;  nafað he ænige her." 
Hyre þa þurh yrre  ageaf ondsware 
fæder feondlice,  nales frætwe onheht: 
"Ic þæt gefremme,  gif min feorh leofað 
gif þu unrædes  ær ne geswicest, 
ond þu fremdu godu  forð bigongest 
ond þa forlætest  þe us leofran sind, 
þe þissum folce  to freme stondað, 
þæt þu ungeara  ealdre scyldig 
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." 
Him þa seo eadge  ageaf ondsware, 
gleaw ond gode leof,  Iuliana: 
"Ic þe to soðe  secgan wille, 
bi me lifgendre  nelle ic lyge fremman. 
Næfre ic me ondræde  domas þine, 
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." 
ða wæs ellenwod,  yrre ond reþe, 
frecne ond ferðgrim,  fæder wið dehter. 
Het hi þa swingan,  susle þreagan, 
witum wægan,  ond þæt word acwæð: 
"Onwend þec in gewitte,  ond þa word oncyr 
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, 
dumbum ond deafum  deofolgieldum, 

               gæsta geniðlum  gaful onhate, 
þam wyrrestum  wites þegnum, 
ac ic weorðige  wuldres ealdor 
middangeardes  ond mægenþrymmes, 
ond him anum to  eal biþence, 
þæt he mundbora  min geweorþe, 
helpend ond hælend  wið hellsceaþum." 
Hy þa þurh yrre  Affricanus, 
fæder fæmnan ageaf  on feonda geweald 
Heliseo.  He in æringe 
gelædan het  æfter leohtes cyme 
to his domsetle.  Duguð wafade 
on þære fæmnan wlite,  folc eal geador. 
Hy þa se æðeling  ærest grette, 
hire brydguma,  bliþum wordum: 
"Min se swetesta  sunnan scima, 
Iuliana!  Hwæt, þu glæm hafast, 
ginfæste giefe,  geoguðhades blæd! 
Gif þu godum ussum  gen gecwemest, 
ond þe to swa mildum  mundbyrd secest, 

               hyldo to halgum,  beoð þe ahylded fram 
wraþe geworhtra  wita unrim, 
grimra gyrna,  þe þe gegearwad sind, 
gif þu onsecgan nelt  soþum gieldum." 
Him seo æþele mæg  ageaf ondsware: 
"Næfre þu geþreatast  þinum beotum, 
ne wita þæs fela  wraðra gegearwast, 
þæt ic þeodscype  þinne lufie, 
buton þu forlæte  þa leasinga, 
weohweorðinga,  ond wuldres god 
ongyte gleawlice,  gæsta scyppend, 
meotud moncynnes,  in þæs meahtum sind 
a butan ende  ealle gesceafta." 
ða for þam folce  frecne mode 
beotwordum spræc,  bealg hine swiþe 
folcagende,  ond þa fæmnan het 
þurh niðwræce  nacode þennan, 
ond mid sweopum swingan  synna lease. 
Ahlog þa se hererinc,  hospwordum spræc: 
"þis is ealdordom  uncres gewynnes 
on fruman gefongen!  Gen ic feores þe 
unnan wille,  þeah þu ær fela 
unwærlicra  worda gespræce, 
onsoce to swiðe  þæt þu soð godu 
lufian wolde.  þe þa lean sceolan 

               wiþerhycgendre,  witebrogan, 
æfter weorþan,  butan þu ær wiþ hi 
geþingige,  ond him þoncwyrþe 
æfter leahtorcwidum  lac onsecge, 
sibbe gesette.  Læt þa sace restan, 
lað leodgewin.  Gif þu leng ofer þis 
þurh þin dolwillen  gedwolan fylgest, 
þonne ic nyde sceal  niþa gebæded 
on þære grimmestan  godscyld wrecan, 
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 oncwæð: 
"Ne ondræde ic me  domas þine, 
awyrged womsceaða,  ne þinra wita bealo. 
Hæbbe ic me to hyhte  heofonrices weard, 
mildne mundboran,  mægna waldend, 
se mec gescyldeð  wið þinum scinlace 
of gromra gripe,  þe þu to godum tiohhast. 
ða sind geasne  goda gehwylces, 
idle, orfeorme,  unbiþyrfe, 
ne þær freme meteð 
                fira ænig 
soðe sibbe,  þeah þe sece to him 
freondrædenne.  He ne findeð þær 
duguþe mid deoflum.  Ic to dryhtne min 
mod staþelige,  se ofer mægna gehwylc 
waldeð wideferh,  wuldres agend, 
sigora gehwylces.  þæt is soð cyning." 
ða þam folctogan  fracuðlic þuhte 
þæt he ne meahte  mod oncyrran, 
fæmnan foreþonc.  He bi feaxe het 
ahon ond ahebban  on heanne beam, 
þær seo sunsciene  slege þrowade, 
sace singrimme,  siex tida dæges, 
ond he ædre het  eft asettan, 
laðgeniðla,  ond gelædan bibead 
to carcerne.  Hyre wæs Cristes lof 
in ferðlocan  fæste biwunden, 
milde modsefan,  mægen unbrice. 
ða wæs mid clustre  carcernes duru 
behliden, homra geweorc.  Halig þær inne 
wærfæst wunade.  Symle heo wuldorcyning 
herede æt heortan,  heofonrices god, 
in þam nydclafan,  nergend fira, 
heolstre bihelmad.  Hyre wæs halig gæst 
singal gesið.  ða cwom semninga 
in þæt hlinræced  hæleða gewinna, 
yfeles ondwis.  Hæfde engles hiw, 
gleaw gyrnstafa  gæstgeniðla, 
helle hæftling,  to þære halgan spræc: 
"Hwæt dreogest þu,  seo dyreste 
ond seo weorþeste  wuldorcyninge, 
dryhtne ussum?  ðe þes dema hafað 
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 
onsecge sigortifre,  ær þec swylt nime, 
deað fore duguðe.  þy þu þæs deman scealt, 
eadhreðig mæg,  yrre gedygan." 
Frægn þa fromlice,  seo þe forht ne wæs, 
Criste gecweme,  hwonan his cyme wære. 
Hyre se wræcmæcga  wið þingade: 
"Ic eom engel godes  ufan siþende, 
þegn geþungen,  ond to þe sended, 
halig of heahþu.  þe sind heardlicu, 
wundrum wælgrim,  witu geteohhad 
to gringwræce.  Het þe god beodan, 
bearn waldendes,  þæt þe burge þa." 
ða wæs seo fæmne  for þam færspelle 
egsan geaclad,  þe hyre se aglæca, 
wuldres wiþerbreca,  wordum sægde. 
Ongan þa fæstlice  ferð 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, 
þæt þu me ne læte  of lofe hweorfan 
þinre eadgife,  swa me þes ar bodað 
frecne færspel,  þe me fore stondeð. 
Swa ic þe, bilwitne,  biddan wille 
þæt þu me gecyðe,  cyninga wuldor, 
þrymmes hyrde,  hwæt þes þegn sy, 
lyftlacende,  þe mec læreð from þe 
on stearcne weg."  Hyre stefn oncwæð 
wlitig of wolcnum,  word hleoþrade: 
"Forfoh þone frætgan  ond fæste geheald, 
oþþæt he his siðfæt  secge mid ryhte, 
ealne from orde,  hwæt his æþelu syn." 
ða wæs þære fæmnan  ferð geblissad, 

               domeadigre.  Heo þæt deofol genom 

                [...] "ealra cyninga cyning  to cwale syllan. 
ða gen ic gecræfte  þæt se cempa ongon 
waldend wundian,  weorud to segon 
þæt þær blod ond wæter  bu tu ætgædre 
eorþan sohtun.  ða gen ic Herode 
in hyge bisweop 
                þæt he Iohannes bibead 
heafde biheawan,  ða se halga wer 
þære wiflufan  wordum styrde, 
unryhtre æ.  Eac ic gelærde 
Simon searoþoncum  þæt he sacan ongon 
wiþ þa gecorenan  Cristes þegnas, 
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 
on rode aheng  rodera waldend, 
meotud meahtigne  minum larum. 
Swylce ic Egias  eac gelærde 
þæt he unsnytrum  Andreas het 
ahon haligne  on heanne beam, 
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, 
heardra heteþonca."  Him seo halge oncwæð 
þurh gæstes giefe,  Iuliana: 
"þu scealt furþor gen,  feond moncynnes, 
siþfæt secgan,  hwa þec sende to me." 
Hyre se aglæca  ageaf ondsware, 
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. 
þonne he usic sendeð  þæt we soðfæstra 
þurh misgedwield  mod oncyrren, 
ahwyrfen from halor,  we beoð hygegeomre, 
forhte on ferðþe.  Ne biþ us frea milde, 
egesful ealdor,  gif we yfles noht 
gedon habbaþ;  ne durran we siþþan 
for his onsyne  ower geferan. 
þonne he onsendeð  geond sidne grund 
þegnas of þystrum,  hateð þræce ræran, 
gif we gemette sin  on moldwege, 
oþþe feor oþþe neah  fundne weorþen, 
þæt hi usic binden  ond in bælwylme 
suslum swingen.  Gif soðfæstra 
þurh myrrelsan  mod ne oðcyrreð, 
haligra hyge,  we þa heardestan 
ond þa wyrrestan  witu geþoliað 
þurh sarslege.  Nu þu sylfa meaht 
on sefan þinum  soð gecnawan, 
þæt ic þisse noþe wæs  nyde gebæded, 
þragmælum geþread,  þæt ic þe sohte." 
þa gen seo halge ongon  hæleþa gewinnan, 
wrohtes wyrhtan,  wordum frignan, 
fyrnsynna fruman:  "þu me furþor scealt 
secgan, sawla feond,  hu þu soðfæstum 
            
þurh synna slide  swiþast sceþþe, 
facne bifongen."  Hyre se feond oncwæð, 
wræcca wærleas,  wordum mælde: 
"Ic þe, ead mæg,  yfla gehwylces 
or gecyðe  oð ende forð 
þara þe ic gefremede,  nalæs feam siðum, 
synna wundum,  þæt þu þy sweotolicor 
sylf gecnawe  þæt þis is soð, nales leas. 
Ic þæt wende  ond witod tealde 
þriste geþoncge,  þæt ic þe meahte 
butan earfeþum  anes cræfte 
ahwyrfan from halor,  þæt þu heofoncyninge 
wiðsoce, sigora frean,  ond to sæmran gebuge, 
onsægde synna fruman.  þus ic soðfæstum 
þurh mislic bleo  mod oncyrre. 
þær ic hine finde  ferð staþelian 
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, 
mæne modlufan,  þæt he minum hraþe, 
leahtrum gelenge,  larum hyreð. 
Ic hine þæs swiþe  synnum onæle 
þæt he byrnende  from gebede swiceð, 
stepeð stronglice,  staþolfæst ne mæg 
fore leahtra lufan  lenge gewunian 
in gebedstowe.  Swa ic brogan to 
laðne gelæde  þam þe ic lifes ofonn, 
leohtes geleafan,  ond he larum wile 
þurh modes myne  minum hyran, 
synne fremman,  he siþþan sceal 
godra gumcysta  geasne hweorfan. 
Gif ic ænigne  ellenrofne 
gemete modigne  metodes cempan 
wið flanþræce,  nele feor þonan 
bugan from beaduwe,  ac he bord ongean 
hefeð hygesnottor,  haligne scyld, 
gæstlic guðreaf,  nele gode swican, 
ac he beald in gebede  bidsteal gifeð 
fæste on feðan,  ic sceal feor þonan 
heanmod hweorfan,  hroþra bidæled, 
in gleda gripe,  gehðu mænan, 
þæt ic ne meahte  mægnes cræfte 
guðe wiðgongan,  ac ic geomor sceal 
secan oþerne  ellenleasran, 
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, 
hu gefæstnad sy  ferð innanweard, 
wiðsteall geworht.  Ic þæs wealles geat 
ontyne þurh teonan;  bið se torr þyrel, 
ingong geopenad,  þonne ic ærest him 
þurh eargfare  in onsende 
in breostsefan  bitre geþoncas 
þurh mislice  modes willan, 
þæt him sylfum  selle þynceð 
leahtras to fremman  ofer lof godes, 
lices lustas.  Ic beo lareow georn 
þæt he monþeawum  minum lifge 
acyrred cuðlice  from Cristes æ, 
mod gemyrred  me to gewealde 
in synna seað.  Ic þære sawle ma 
geornor gyme  ymb þæs gæstes forwyrd 
þonne þæs lichoman,  se þe on legre sceal 
weorðan in worulde  wyrme to hroþor, 
bifolen in foldan."  ða gien seo fæmne spræc: 
"Saga, earmsceapen,  unclæne gæst, 
hu þu þec geþyde,  þystra stihtend, 
on clænra gemong?  þu wið Criste geo 
wærleas wunne  ond gewin tuge, 
hogdes wiþ halgum.  þe wearð helle seað 
niþer gedolfen,  þær þu nydbysig 
fore oferhygdum  eard gesohtes. 
Wende ic þæt þu þy wærra  weorþan sceolde 
wið soðfæstum  swylces gemotes 
ond þy unbealdra,  þe þe oft wiðstod 
þurh wuldorcyning  willan þines." 
Hyre þa se werga  wið þingade, 
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, 
þrymsittendne,  þinne getreowdes, 
meotud moncynnes,  swa ic in minne fæder, 
hellwarena cyning,  hyht staþelie. 
þonne ic beom onsended  wið soðfæstum, 
þæt ic in manweorcum  mod oncyrre, 
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, 
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, 
þæt unsælig  eall ne forweorþe, 
þeah ic þec gedyrstig  ond þus dolwillen 
siþe gesohte,  þær ic swiþe me 
þyslicre ær  þrage ne wende." 
ða seo wlitescyne  wuldres condel 
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 
deorcum gedwildum."  Hyre þæt deofol oncwæð: 
"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, 
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 
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 wearð 
siþast gesyne.  Eac ic sume gedyde 
þæt him banlocan  blode spiowedan, 
þæt hi færinga  feorh aleton 
þurh ædra wylm.  Sume on yðfare 
wurdon on wege 
                wætrum bisencte, 
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 

               ealde æfþoncan  edniwedan, 
beore druncne.  Ic him byrlade 
wroht of wege,  þæt hi in winsele 
þurh sweordgripe  sawle forletan 
of flæschoman  fæge scyndan, 
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, 
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, 
Adam ond Aeue,  þam ic ealdor oðþrong, 
ond hy gelærde  þæt hi lufan dryhtnes, 
ece eadgiefe  anforleton, 
beorhtne boldwelan,  þæt him bæm gewearð 
yrmþu to ealdre,  ond hyra eaferum swa, 
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, 
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 
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, 
þream forþrycte,  ær þu nu þa 
þa miclan meaht  
               mine oferswiðdest, 
fæste forfenge,  þe me fæder sealde, 
feond moncynnes,  þa he mec feran het, 
þeoden of þystrum,  þæt ic þe sceolde 
synne swetan.  þær mec sorg bicwom, 
hefig hondgewinn.  Ic bihlyhhan ne þearf 
æfter sarwræce  siðfæt þisne 
magum in gemonge,  þonne ic mine sceal 
agiefan gnorncearig  gafulrædenne 
in þam reongan ham."  ða 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, 
breostum inbryrded,  bendum fæstne, 
halig hæþenne.  Ongan þa hreowcearig 
siðfæt seofian,  sar cwanian, 
wyrd wanian,  wordum mælde: 
"Ic þec halsige,  hlæfdige min, 
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 
in feonda byrig;  þæt is fæder user, 
morþres manfrea.  Hwæt, þu mec þreades 
þurh sarslege!  Ic to soþe wat 
þæt ic ær ne sið  ænig ne mette 
in woruldrice  
               wif þe gelic, 
þristran geþohtes  ne þweorhtimbran 
mægþa cynnes.  Is on me sweotul 
þæt þu unscamge  æghwæs wurde 
on ferþe frod."  ða hine seo fæmne forlet 
æfter þræchwile  þystra neosan 
in sweartne grund,  sawla gewinnan, 
on wita forwyrd.  Wiste he þi gearwor, 
manes melda,  magum to secgan, 
susles þegnum,  hu him on siðe gelomp. 

                "georne ær 
heredon on heahþu  ond his halig word, 
sægdon soðlice  þæt he sigora gehwæs 
ofer ealle gesceaft  ana weolde, 
ecra eadgiefa."  ða cwom engel godes 
frætwum blican  ond þæt fyr tosceaf, 
gefreode ond gefreoðade  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, 
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 
biwyrcan het  wundorcræfte, 
wiges womum,  ond wudubeamum, 
holte bihlænan.  ða se hearda bibead 
þæt mon þæt lamfæt  leades gefylde, 
ond þa onbærnan het  bælfira mæst, 
ad onælan,  se wæs æghwonan 
ymbboren mid brondum.  Bæð hate weol. 
Het þa ofestlice  yrre gebolgen 
leahtra lease  in þæs leades wylm 
scufan butan scyldum.  þa toscaden wearð 
lig tolysed.  Lead wide sprong, 
hat, heorogifre.  
               Hæleð wurdon acle 
arasad for þy ræse.  þær on rime forborn 
þurh þæs fires fnæst  fif ond hundseofontig 
hæðnes herges.  ða gen sio halge stod 
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 wearð 
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 
wifes willan.  Wæs seo wuldres mæg 
anræd ond unforht,  eafoða gemyndig, 
dryhtnes willan.  þa se dema het 
aswebban sorgcearig  þurh sweordbite 
on hyge halge,  heafde bineotan 
Criste gecorene.  Hine se cwealm ne þeah, 
siþþan he þone fintan  furþor cuþe. 
ða wearð þære halgan  hyht geniwad 
ond þæs mægdnes mod  miclum geblissad, 
siþþan heo gehyrde  hæleð eahtian 
inwitrune,  þæt hyre endestæf 
of gewindagum  weorþan sceolde, 
lif alysed.  Het þa leahtra ful 
clæne ond gecorene  to cwale lædan, 
synna lease.  ða cwom semninga 
hean helle gæst,  hearmleoð agol, 
earm ond unlæd,  þone heo ær gebond 
awyrgedne  ond mid witum swong, 
cleopade þa for corþre,  ceargealdra full: 
"Gyldað nu mid gyrne,  þæt heo goda ussa 
meaht forhogde,  ond mec swiþast 
geminsade,  þæt ic to meldan wearð. 
Lætað hy laþra  leana hleotan 
þurh wæpnes spor,  wrecað ealdne nið, 
synne gesohte.  Ic þa sorge gemon, 
hu ic bendum fæst  bisga unrim 
on anre niht  earfeða dreag, 
yfel ormætu."  þa seo eadge biseah 
ongean gramum,  
               Iuliana, 
gehyrde heo hearm galan  helle deofol. 
Feond moncynnes  ongon þa on fleam sceacan, 
wita neosan,  ond þæt word acwæð: 
"Wa me forworhtum!  Nu is wen micel 
þæt heo mec eft wille  earmne gehynan 
yflum yrmþum,  swa heo mec ær dyde." 
ða 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, 
weg to wuldre,  ond þæt word acwęð: 
"Gemunað wigena wyn  ond wuldres þrym, 
haligra hyht,  heofonengla god. 
He is þæs wyrðe,  þæt hine werþeode 
ond eal engla cynn  up on roderum 
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 
windas toweorpan.  Weal sceal þy trumra 
strong wiþstondan  storma scurum, 
leahtra gehygdum.  Ge mid lufan sibbe, 
leohte geleafan,  to þam lifgendan 
stane stiðhydge  staþol fæstniað, 
soðe treowe  ond sibbe mid eow 
healdað æt heortan,  halge rune 
þurh modes myne.  þonne eow miltse giefeð 
fæder ælmihtig,  þær ge frofre agun 
æt mægna gode,  mæste þearfe 
æfter sorgstafum.  Forþon ge sylfe neton 
utgong heonan,  ende lifes. 
Wærlic me þinceð  þæt ge wæccende 
wið hettendra  hildewoman 
wearde healden,  þy læs eow wiþerfeohtend 
weges forwyrnen  to wuldres byrig. 
Biddað bearn godes  þæt me brego engla, 
meotud moncynnes,  milde geweorþe, 
sigora sellend.  Sibb sy mid eowic, 
symle soþ lufu."  ða hyre sawl wearð 
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 
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 
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, 
to þam frumgare  
               feohgestealda 
            
witedra wenan,  þæt hy in winsele 
ofer beorsetle 
                beagas þegon, 
æpplede gold.  Ungelice wæs 
læded lofsongum  lic haligre 
micle mægne  to moldgræfe, 
þæt hy hit gebrohton  burgum in innan, 
sidfolc micel.  þær siððan wæs 
geara gongum  godes lof hafen 
þrymme micle  oþ þisne dæg 
mid þeodscipe.  Is me þearf micel 
þæt seo halge me  helpe gefremme, 
þonne me gedælað  deorast ealra, 
sibbe toslitað  sinhiwan tu, 
micle modlufan.  Min sceal of lice 
sawul on siðfæt,  nat ic sylfa hwider, 
eardes uncyðgu;  of sceal ic þissum, 
secan oþerne  ærgewyrhtum, 
gongan iudædum.  Geomor hweorfeð 

               C
               Y ond N.  Cyning biþ reþe, 
sigora syllend,  þonne synnum fah 

               E
               W ond U 
                acle bidað 
hwæt him æfter dædum  deman wille 
lifes to leane.  
               L
               F beofað, 
seomað sorgcearig.  Sar eal gemon, 
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 
onsund on earde.  þonne arna biþearf, 
þæt me seo halge  wið þone hyhstan cyning 
geþingige.  Mec þæs þearf monaþ, 
micel modes sorg.  Bidde ic monna gehwone 
gumena cynnes,  þe þis gied wræce, 
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, 
dæda demend,  ond se deora sunu, 
þonne seo þrynis  þrymsittende 
in annesse  ælda cynne 
þurh þa sciran gesceaft  scrifeð bi gewyrhtum 
meorde monna gehwam.  Forgif us, mægna god, 
þæt we þine onsyne,  æþelinga wyn, 
milde gemeten  on þa mæran tid. 
Amen. 

16. The WandererKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 134-7; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Oft him anhaga  are gebideð, 
metudes miltse,  þeah þe he modcearig 
geond lagulade  longe sceolde 
hreran mid hondum  hrimcealde sæ, 
wadan wræclastas.  Wyrd bið ful aręd! 
Swa cwæð eardstapa,  earfeþa gemyndig, 
wraþra wælsleahta,  winemæga hryre: 
"Oft ic sceolde ana  uhtna gehwylce 
mine ceare cwiþan.  Nis nu cwicra nan 
þe ic him modsefan  minne durre 
sweotule asecgan.  Ic to soþe wat 
þæt biþ in eorle  indryhten þeaw, 
þæt he his ferðlocan  fæste binde, 

               healde his hordcofan,  hycge swa he wille. 
Ne mæg werig mod  wyrde wiðstondan, 
ne se hreo hyge  helpe gefremman. 
Forðon domgeorne  dreorigne oft 
in hyra breostcofan  bindað fæste; 
swa ic modsefan  minne sceolde, 
oft earmcearig,  eðle bidæled, 
freomægum feor  feterum sælan, 
siþþan geara iu  goldwine minne 
            
hrusan heolstre biwrah,  ond ic hean þonan 
wod wintercearig  ofer waþema gebind, 
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 cunnað, 
hu sliþen bið  sorg to geferan, 
þam þe him lyt hafað  leofra geholena. 
Warað hine wræclast,  nales wunden gold, 
ferðloca freorig,  nalæs foldan blæd. 
Gemon he selesecgas  ond sincþege, 
hu hine on geoguðe  his goldwine 
wenede to wiste.  Wyn eal gedreas! 
Forþon wat se þe sceal  his winedryhtnes 
leofes larcwidum  longe forþolian, 
ðonne sorg ond slæp  somod ætgædre 
earmne anhogan  oft gebindað. 
þinceð 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. 
ðonne onwæcneð eft  wineleas guma, 
gesihð him biforan  fealwe wegas, 
baþian brimfuglas,  brædan feþra, 
hreosan hrim ond snaw,  hagle gemenged. 
þonne beoð þy hefigran  heortan benne, 
sare æfter swæsne.  Sorg bið geniwad, 
þonne maga gemynd  mod geondhweorfeð; 
greteð gliwstafum,  georne geondsceawað 
secga geseldan.  Swimmað eft on weg! 
Fleotendra ferð  no þær fela bringeð 
cuðra cwidegiedda.  Cearo bið 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, 
þonne ic eorla lif  eal geondþence, 
hu hi færlice  flet ofgeafon, 
modge maguþegnas.  Swa þes middangeard 
ealra dogra gehwam  dreoseð ond fealleþ, 
forþon ne mæg weorþan wis  wer, ær he age 
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. 
Beorn sceal gebidan,  þonne he beot spriceð, 
oþþæt collenferð  cunne gearwe 
hwider hreþra gehygd  hweorfan wille. 
Ongietan sceal gleaw hæle  hu gæstlic bið, 
þonne ealre þisse worulde wela  weste stondeð, 
swa nu missenlice  geond þisne middangeard 
winde biwaune  weallas stondaþ, 
hrime bihrorene,  hryðge þa ederas. 
Woriað þa winsalo,  waldend licgað 
dreame bidrorene,  duguþ eal gecrong, 
wlonc bi wealle.  Sume wig fornom, 
ferede in forðwege,  sumne fugel oþbær 
ofer heanne holm,  sumne se hara wulf 
deaðe gedælde,  sumne dreorighleor 
in eorðscræfe  eorl gehydde. 
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 geondþenceð, 
frod in ferðe,  feor oft gemon 
wælsleahta worn,  ond þas word acwið: 
"Hwær cwom mearg? Hwær cwom mago?  Hwær cwom maþþumgyfa? 
Hwær cwom symbla gesetu?  Hwær sindon seledreamas? 
Eala beorht bune!  Eala byrnwiga! 
Eala þeodnes þrym!  Hu seo þrag gewat, 
genap under nihthelm,  swa heo no wære. 
Stondeð nu on laste  leofre duguþe 
weal wundrum heah,  wyrmlicum fah. 
Eorlas fornoman  asca þryþe, 
wæpen wælgifru,  wyrd seo mære, 
ond þas stanhleoþu  stormas cnyssað, 
hrið hreosende  
               hrusan bindeð, 
wintres woma,  þonne won cymeð, 
nipeð nihtscua,  norþan onsendeð 
hreo hæglfare  hæleþum on andan. 
Eall is earfoðlic  eorþan rice, 
onwendeð wyrda gesceaft  weoruld under heofonum. 
Her bið feoh læne,  her bið freond læne, 
her bið mon læne,  her bið mæg læne, 
eal þis eorþan gesteal  idel weorþeð!" 
Swa cwæð 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 bið þam þe him are seceð, 
frofre to fæder on heofonum,  þær us eal seo fæstnung stondeð. 

17. The Gifts of MenKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 137-40; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Fela bið on foldan  forðgesynra 
geongra geofona,  þa þa gæstberend 
wegað in gewitte,  swa her weoruda god, 
meotud meahtum swið,  monnum dæleð, 
syleð sundorgiefe,  sendeð wide 
agne spede,  þara æghwylc mot 
dryhtwuniendra  dæl onfon. 
Ne bið ænig þæs  earfoðsælig 
mon on moldan,  ne þæs medspedig, 
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, 
þara þe he geworhte  in woruldlife, 
geofona gehwylcre.  Næfre god demeð 
þæt ænig eft  þæs earm geweorðe. 
Nænig eft þæs swiþe  þurh snyttrucræft 
in þeode þrym  þisses lifes 
forð gestigeð,  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, 
mon mode swið  of gemete hweorfe 
ond þonne forhycge  heanspedigran; 
ac he gedæleð,  se þe ah domes geweald, 
missenlice  geond þisne middangeard 
leoda leoþocræftas  londbuendum. 

               Sumum her ofer eorþan  æhta onlihð, 
woruldgestreona.  Sum bið wonspedig, 
heardsælig hæle,  biþ hwæþre gleaw 
modes cræfta.  Sum mægenstrengo 
furþor onfehð.  Sum freolic bið 
wlitig on wæstmum.  Sum biþ woðbora, 
giedda giffæst.  Sum biþ gearuwyrdig. 
Sum bið on huntoþe  hreðeadigra 
deora dræfend.  Sum dyre bið 
woruldricum men.  Sum bið wiges heard, 
beadocræftig beorn,  þær bord stunað. 
Sum in mæðle mæg  modsnottera 
folcrædenne  forð gehycgan, 
þær witena biþ  worn ætsomne. 
Sum mæg wrætlice  weorc ahycgan 
            
heahtimbra gehwæs;  hond bið gelæred, 
wis ond gewealden,  swa bið wyrhtan ryht, 
sele asettan,  con he sidne ræced 
fæste gefegan  wiþ færdryrum. 
Sum mid hondum mæg  hearpan gretan, 
ah he gleobeames  gearobrygda list. 
Sum bið rynig,  sum ryhtscytte, 
sum leoða gleaw,  sum on londe snel, 
feþespedig.  Sum on fealone wæg 
stefnan steoreð,  streamrade con, 
weorudes wisa,  ofer widne holm, 
þonne særofe  snelle mægne 
arum bregdað  yðborde neah. 
Sum bið syndig,  sum searocræftig 
goldes ond gimma,  þonne him gumena weard 
hateð him to mærþum  maþþum renian. 
Sum mæg wæpenþræce,  wige to nytte, 
modcræftig smið  monige gefremman, 
þonne he gewyrceð  to wera hilde 
helm oþþe hupseax  oððe heaþubyrnan, 
scirne mece  oððe scyldes rond, 
fæste gefeged 
                wið flyge gares. 
Sum bið arfæst  ond ælmesgeorn, 
þeawum geþyde.  Sum bið þegn gehweorf 
on meoduhealle.  Sum bið meares gleaw, 

               wicgcræfta wis.  Sum gewealdenmod 
þafað in geþylde  þæt he þonne sceal. 
Sum domas con,  þær dryhtguman 
ræd eahtiað.  Sum bið hrædtæfle. 
Sum bið gewittig  æt winþege, 
beorhyrde god.  Sum bið bylda til 
ham to hebbanne.  Sum bið heretoga, 
fyrdwisa from.  Sum biþ folcwita. 
Sum biþ æt þearfe 
                þristhydigra 
þegn mid his þeodne.  Sum geþyld hafað, 
fæstgongel ferð.  Sum bið fugelbona, 
hafeces cræftig.  Sum bið to horse hwæt. 
Sum bið swiðsnel,  hafað searolic gomen, 
gleodæda gife  for gumþegnum, 
leoht ond leoþuwac.  Sum bið leofwende, 
hafað mod ond word  monnum geþwære. 
Sum her geornlice  gæstes þearfe 
mode bewindeþ,  ond him metudes est 
            
ofer eorðwelan  ealne geceoseð. 
Sum bið deormod  deofles gewinnes, 
bið a wið firenum  in gefeoht gearo. 
Sum cræft hafað  circnytta fela, 
mæg on lofsongum  lifes waldend 
hlude hergan,  hafað healice 
beorhte stefne.  Sum bið boca gleaw, 
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 
gegearwade,  þy læs him gilp sceððe, 
oþþe fore þære mærþe  mod astige, 
gif he hafaþ ana  ofer ealle men 
wlite ond wisdom  ond weorca blæd; 
ac he missenlice  monna cynne 
gielpes styreð  ond his giefe bryttað, 
sumum on cystum,  sumum on cræftum, 
sumum on wlite,  sumum on wige, 
sumum he syleð monna  milde heortan, 

               þeawfæstne geþoht,  sum biþ þeodne hold. 
Swa weorðlice  wide tosaweð 
dryhten his duguþe.  A þęs dom age, 
leohtbære lof,  se us þis lif giefeð 
ond his milde mod  monnum cyþeð. 

18. PreceptsKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 140-43; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).ðus frod fæder  freobearn lærde, 
modsnottor mon,  maga cystum eald, 
wordum wisfæstum,  þæt he wel þunge: 
"Do a þætte duge,  deag þin gewyrhtu; 
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, 
maga gehwylcne,  gif him sy meotud on lufan. 
Wes þu þinum yldrum  arfæst symle, 
fægerwyrde,  ond þe in ferðe læt 
þine lareowas  leofe in mode, 
þa þec geornast  to gode trymmen." 
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 gieldeð, 
swylce þam oþrum  mid eadwelan." 
ðriddan syþe  þoncsnottor guma 
breostgehygdum  his bearn lærde: 
"Ne gewuna wyrsa,  widan feore, 
ængum eahta,  ac þu þe anne genim 
to gesprecan symle  spella ond lara 
rædhycgende.  Sy ymb rice swa hit mæge." 
Feorþan siðe  fæder eft lærde 
modleofne magan,  þæt he gemunde þis: 
"Ne aswic sundorwine,  ac a symle geheald 
ryhtum gerisnum.  Ræfn elne þis, 
þæt þu næfre fæcne weorðe 
                freonde þinum." 
Fiftan siþe  fæder eft ongon 
breostgeþoncum  his bearn læran: 
"Druncen beorg þe  ond dollic word, 
man on mode  ond in muþe lyge, 
yrre ond æfeste  ond idese lufan. 
Forðon sceal æwiscmod  oft siþian, 
se þe gewiteð  in wifes lufan, 
fremdre meowlan.  þær bið a firena wen, 
laðlicre scome,  long nið wið god, 
geotende gielp.  Wes þu a giedda wis, 
wær wið willan,  worda hyrde." 
Siextan siþe  swæs eft ongon 
þurh bliðne geþoht  his bearn læran: 
"Ongiet georne  hwæt sy god oþþe yfel, 
ond toscead simle  scearpe mode 
in sefan þinum  ond þe a þæt selle geceos. 
A þe bið gedæled;  gif þe deah hyge, 
wunað wisdom in,  ond þu wast geare 
ondgit yfles,  heald þe elne wið, 
feorma þu symle  in þinum ferðe god." 
Seofeþan siþe  his sunu lærde 
fæder, frod guma,  sægde fela geongum: 
"Seldan snottor guma  sorgleas blissað, 
swylce dol seldon  drymeð sorgful 
ymb his forðgesceaft,  nefne he fæhþe wite. 
Wærwyrde sceal  wisfæst hæle 
breostum hycgan,  nales breahtme hlud." 
Eahtoþan siþe  eald fæder ongon 
his mago monian  mildum wordum: 
"Leorna lare  lærgedefe, 
wene þec in wisdom,  weoruda scyppend 
hafa þe to hyhte,  haligra gemynd, 
ond a soð to syge,  þonne þu secge hwæt." 
Nigeþan siþe  nægde se gomola, 
eald uðwita  sægde eaforan worn: 
"Nis nu fela folca  þætte fyrngewritu 
healdan wille,  ac him hyge brosnað, 
ellen colað,  idlað þeodscype; 
ne habbað wiht for þæt,  þeah hi wom don 
ofer meotudes bibod.  Monig sceal ongieldan 
sawelsusles.  Ac læt þinne sefan healdan 

               forð
               fyrngewritu
                ond frean domas, 
þa þe her on mægðe gehwære  men forlætaþ 
swiþor asigan,  þonne him sy sylfum ryht." 
Teoþan siþe  tornsorgna ful, 
eald eft ongon  eaforan læran: 
"Snyttra bruceþ  þe fore sawle lufan 
warnað him wommas  worda ond dæda 
on sefan symle  ond soþ fremeð; 
bið him geofona gehwylc  gode geyced, 
meahtum spedig,  þonne he mon flyhð. 
Yrre ne læt þe  æfre gewealdan, 
heah in hreþre,  heoroworda grund 
wylme bismitan,  ac him warnað þæt 
on geheortum hyge.  Hæle sceal wisfæst 
ond gemetlice,  modes snottor, 
gleaw in gehygdum,  georn wisdomes, 
swa he wið ælda mæg  eades hleotan. 
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 wið firenum geheald." 

19. The SeafarerKrapp and Dobbie 1936, 143-7; Krapp and Dobbie 1936, The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Mæg ic be me sylfum  soðgied wrecan, 
siþas secgan,  hu ic geswincdagum 
earfoðhwile  oft þrowade, 
bitre breostceare  gebiden hæbbe, 
gecunnad in ceole  cearselda fela, 
atol yþa gewealc,  þær mec oft bigeat 
nearo nihtwaco  æt nacan stefnan, 
þonne he be clifum cnossað.  Calde geþrungen 
wæron mine fet,  forste gebunden, 
caldum clommum,  þær þa ceare seofedun 
hat ymb heortan;  hungor innan slat 
merewerges mod.  þæt se mon ne wat 
þe him on foldan  fægrost limpeð, 
hu ic earmcearig  iscealdne sæ 
winter wunade  wræccan lastum, 
winemægum bidroren,  
            
bihongen hrimgicelum;  hægl scurum fleag. 
þær ic ne gehyrde  butan hlimman sæ, 
iscaldne wæg.  Hwilum ylfete song 
dyde ic me to gomene,  ganetes hleoþor 
ond huilpan sweg  fore hleahtor wera, 
mæw singende  fore medodrince. 
Stormas þær stanclifu beotan,  þær him stearn oncwæð 
isigfeþera;  ful oft þæt earn bigeal, 
urigfeþra;  
               ne ænig hleomæga 
feasceaftig ferð  
               frefran meahte. 
Forþon him gelyfeð lyt,  se þe ah lifes wyn 
gebiden in burgum,  bealosiþa hwon, 
wlonc ond wingal,  hu ic werig oft 
in brimlade  bidan sceolde. 
Nap nihtscua,  norþan sniwde, 
hrim hrusan bond,  hægl feol on eorþan, 
corna caldast.  Forþon cnyssað nu 
heortan geþohtas,  þæt ic hean streamas, 
sealtyþa gelac  sylf cunnige; 
monað modes lust  mæla gehwylce 
ferð to feran,  þæt ic feor heonan 
elþeodigra  eard gesece. 
Forþon nis þæs modwlonc  mon ofer eorþan, 
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, 
ne to wife wyn  ne to worulde hyht, 
ne ymbe owiht elles,  nefne ymb yða gewealc, 
ac a hafað longunge  se þe on lagu fundað. 
Bearwas blostmum nimað,  byrig fægriað, 
wongas wlitigað,  woruld onetteð; 
ealle þa gemoniað  modes fusne 
sefan to siþe,  þam þe swa þenceð 
on flodwegas  feor gewitan. 
Swylce geac monað  geomran reorde, 
singeð sumeres weard,  sorge beodeð 
bitter in breosthord.  þæt se beorn ne wat, 

               esteadig secg,  hwæt þa sume dreogað 
þe þa wræclastas  widost lecgað. 
Forþon nu min hyge hweorfeð  ofer hreþerlocan, 
min modsefa  mid mereflode 
ofer hwæles eþel  hweorfeð wide, 
eorþan sceatas,  cymeð eft to me 
gifre ond grædig,  gielleð anfloga, 
hweteð on hwælweg 
                hreþer unwearnum 
ofer holma gelagu.  Forþon me hatran sind 
dryhtnes dreamas  þonne þis deade lif, 
læne on londe.  Ic gelyfe no 
þæt him eorðwelan  ece stondað. 
Simle þreora sum  þinga gehwylce, 
ær his tid aga,  to tweon weorþeð; 
adl oþþe yldo  oþþe ecghete 
fægum fromweardum  feorh oðþringeð. 
Forþon þæt bið eorla gehwam  æftercweþendra 
lof lifgendra  lastworda betst, 
þæt he gewyrce,  ær he on weg scyle, 

               fremum on foldan  wið 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, 
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 
ond on dryhtlicestum  dome lifdon. 
Gedroren is þeos duguð eal,  dreamas sind gewitene, 
wuniað þa wacran  ond þas woruld healdaþ, 
brucað þurh bisgo.  Blæd is gehnæged, 
eorþan indryhto  ealdað ond searað, 
swa nu monna gehwylc  geond middangeard. 
Yldo him on fareð,  onsyn blacað, 
gomelfeax gnornað,  wat his iuwine, 
æþelinga bearn,  eorþan forgiefene. 
Ne mæg him þonne se flæschoma,  þonne him þæt feorg losað, 
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, 
ne mæg þære sawle  þe biþ synna ful 
gold to geoce  for godes egsan, 
þonne he hit ær hydeð  þenden he her leofað. 
Micel biþ se meotudes egsa,  forþon hi seo molde oncyrreð; 
se gestaþelade  stiþe grundas, 
eorþan sceatas  ond uprodor. 
Dol biþ se þe him his dryhten ne ondrædeþ;  cymeð him se deað unþinged. 
Eadig bið se þe eaþmod leofaþ;  cymeð him seo ar of heofonum, 
meotod him þæt mod gestaþelað,  forþon he in his meahte gelyfeð. 
Stieran mon sceal strongum mode,  ond þæt on staþelum healdan, 
ond gewis werum,  wisum clæne, 
scyle monna gehwylc  mid gemete healdan 
wiþ leofne ond wið laþne  bealo, 
þeah þe he hine wille fyres  fulne 
oþþe on bæle  forbærnedne 
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 
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. 
Amen. 

20. VaingloryKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 147-9; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Hwæt, me frod wita  on fyrndagum 
sægde, snottor ar,  sundorwundra fela. 
Wordhord onwreah 
                witgan larum 
beorn boca gleaw,  bodan ærcwide, 
þæt ic soðlice  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, 
se þe hine ne læteð  on þas lænan tid 
amyrran his gemyndum  modes gælsan 
ond on his dægrime  
               druncen to rice, 
þonne monige beoð  
               mæþelhegendra, 
wlonce wigsmiþas  winburgum in, 
sittaþ æt symble,  soðgied wrecað, 
wordum wrixlað,  witan fundiaþ 
hwylc æscstede  inne in ræcede 
mid werum wunige,  þonne win hweteð 
beornes breostsefan.  Breahtem stigeð, 
cirm on corþre,  cwide scralletaþ 
missenlice.  Swa beoþ modsefan 
dalum gedæled,  sindon dryhtguman 
ungelice.  Sum on oferhygdo 
þrymme þringeð,  þrinteð him in innan 
ungemedemad mod;  sindan to monige þæt! 
Bið þæt æfþonca  eal gefylled 
feondes fligepilum,  facensearwum; 
breodað he ond bælceð,  boð his sylfes 
swiþor micle  þonne se sella mon, 
þenceð þæt his wise  welhwam þince 
eal unforcuþ.  Biþ þæs oþer swice, 
þonne he þæs facnes  fintan sceawað. 
Wrenceþ he ond blenceþ,  worn geþenceþ 
hinderhoca,  hygegar leteð, 
scurum sceoteþ.  He þa scylde ne wat 
fæhþe gefremede,  
               feoþ his betran 
eorl fore æfstum,  læteð inwitflan 
brecan þone burgweal,  þe him bebead meotud 
þæt he þæt wigsteal  wergan sceolde, 
siteþ symbelwlonc,  searwum læteð 
wine gewæged  word ut faran, 
þræfte þringan  þrymme gebyrmed, 
æfæstum onæled,  oferhygda ful, 
niþum nearowrencum.  Nu þu cunnan meaht, 
gif þu þyslicne  þegn gemittest 
wunian in wicum,  wite þe be þissum 
feawum forðspellum  þæt þæt biþ feondes bearn 
flæsce bifongen,  hafað fræte lif, 
grundfusne gæst  gode orfeormne, 
wuldorcyninge.  þæt se witga song, 
gearowyrdig guma,  ond þæt gyd awræc: 
"Se þe hine sylfne  in þa sliþnan tid 
þurh oferhygda  up ahlæneð, 
ahefeð heahmodne,  se sceal hean wesan 
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, 
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 
wuldres wynlond.  þæt him wige forstod 
fæder frumsceafta;  wearð him seo feohte to grim. 
ðonne bið þam oþrum  ungelice 
se þe her on eorþan  eaðmod leofað, 
ond wiþ gesibbra gehwone  simle healdeð 
freode on folce  ond his feond lufað, 
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, 
se þe on ofermedum  eargum dædum 
leofaþ in leahtrum,  ne beoð þa lean gelic 
mid wuldorcyning."  Wite þe be þissum, 
gif þu eaðmodne  eorl gemete, 
þegn on þeode,  þam bið simle 
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. 
Amen. 

21. WidsithKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 149-53; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Widsið maðolade,  wordhord onleac, 
se þe monna mæst  
               mægþa ofer eorþan, 
folca geondferde;  oft he on flette geþah 
mynelicne maþþum.  
               Him from Myrgingum 
æþele onwocon.  He mid Ealhhilde, 
fælre freoþuwebban,  forman siþe 
Hreðcyninges  ham gesohte 
eastan of Ongle,  Eormanrices, 
wraþes wærlogan.  Ongon þa worn sprecan: 
"Fela ic monna gefrægn  mægþum wealdan! 
Sceal þeodna gehwylc  þeawum lifgan, 
eorl æfter oþrum  eðle rædan, 
se þe his þeodenstol  geþeon wile. 
þara wæs Hwala 
                hwile selast, 
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. 
Casere weold Creacum  ond Cęlic Finnum, 
Hagena Holmrygum 
                ond Heoden Glommum. 
Witta weold Swæfum,  Wada Hælsingum, 
Meaca Myrgingum,  Mearchealf Hundingum. 
þeodric weold Froncum,  þyle Rondingum, 
Breoca Brondingum,  Billing Wernum. 
Oswine weold Eowum  ond Ytum Gefwulf, 
Fin Folcwalding  Fresna cynne. 
Sigehere lengest  Sædenum weold, 
Hnæf Hocingum,  Helm Wulfingum, 
Wald Woingum,  Wod þyringum, 
Sæferð Sycgum,  Sweom Ongendþeow, 
Sceafthere Ymbrum,  Sceafa Longbeardum, 
Hun Hætwerum  ond Holen Wrosnum. 
Hringweald wæs haten  Herefarena cyning. 
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. 
Nænig efeneald him  eorlscipe maran 
on orette.  Ane sweorde 
merce gemærde  wið Myrgingum 
bi Fifeldore;  heoldon forð siþþan 
Engle ond Swæfe,  swa hit Offa geslog. 
Hroþwulf ond Hroðgar  heoldon lengest 
sibbe ætsomne  suhtorfædran, 
siþþan hy forwræcon  wicinga cynn 
ond Ingeldes  ord forbigdan, 
forheowan æt Heorote  Heaðobeardna þrym. 
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, 
mænan fore mengo  in meoduhealle 
hu me cynegode  cystum dohten. 
Ic wæs mid Hunum  ond mid Hreðgotum, 
mid Sweom ond mid Geatum  ond mid Suþdenum. 
Mid Wenlum ic wæs ond mid Wærnum  ond mid wicingum. 
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, 
ond mid Burgendum,  þær ic beag geþah; 
me þær Guðhere 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. 
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. 
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; 
mid Lidwicingum ic wæs ond mid Leonum  ond mid Longbeardum, 
mid hæðnum 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, 
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; 
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, 
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, 
þonne ic be songe  secgan sceolde 
hwær ic under swegle 
                selast wisse 
goldhrodene cwen  giefe bryttian. 

               ðonne wit Scilling  sciran reorde 
for uncrum sigedryhtne  song ahofan, 
hlude bi hearpan  hleoþor swinsade, 
þonne monige men,  modum wlonce, 
wordum sprecan,  þa þe wel cuþan, 
þæt hi næfre song  sellan ne hyrdon. 
ðonan ic ealne geondhwearf  eþel Gotena, 
sohte ic a gesiþa 
                þa selestan; 
þæt wæs innweorud  Earmanrices. 
Heðcan sohte ic ond Beadecan  ond Herelingas, 
Emercan sohte ic ond Fridlan  ond Eastgotan, 
frodne ond godne  fæder Unwenes. 
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, 
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; 
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 
werum ond wifum,  Wudga ond Hama. 
Swa ic þæt symle onfond  on þære feringe, 
þæt se biþ leofast  londbuendum 
se þe him god syleð  gumena rice 
to gehealdenne,  þenden he her leofað." 
Swa scriþende  gesceapum hweorfað 
gleomen gumena  geond grunda fela, 
þearfe secgað,  þoncword sprecaþ, 
simle suð oþþe norð  sumne gemetað 
gydda gleawne,  geofum unhneawne, 
se þe fore duguþe wile  dom aræran, 
eorlscipe æfnan,  oþþæt eal scæceð, 
leoht ond lif somod;  lof se gewyrceð, 
hafað under heofonum  heahfæstne dom. 

22. The Fortunes of MenKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 154-6; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ful oft þæt gegongeð,  mid godes meahtum, 
þætte wer ond wif  in woruld cennað 
bearn mid gebyrdum  ond mid bleom gyrwað, 
tennaþ ond tætaþ,  oþþæt seo tid cymeð, 
gegæð gearrimum,  þæt þa geongan leomu, 
liffæstan leoþu,  geloden weorþað. 
Fergað swa ond feþað  fæder ond modor, 
giefað ond gierwaþ.  God ana wat 
hwæt him weaxendum  winter bringað! 
Sumum þæt gegongeð  on geoguðfeore 
þæt se endestæf  earfeðmæcgum 
wealic weorþeð.  Sceal hine wulf etan, 
har hæðstapa;  hinsiþ þonne 
modor bimurneð.  Ne bið swylc monnes geweald! 
Sumne sceal hungor ahiþan,  sumne sceal hreoh fordrifan, 
sumne sceal gar agetan,  sumne guð abreotan. 
Sum sceal leomena leas  lifes neotan, 
folmum ætfeohtan,  sum on feðe lef, 
seonobennum seoc,  sar cwanian, 
murnan meotudgesceaft  mode gebysgad. 
Sum sceal on holte  of hean beame 
            
fiþerleas feallan;  bið on flihte seþeah, 
laceð on lyfte,  oþþæt lengre ne bið 
westem wudubeames.  þonne he on wyrtruman 
sigeð sworcenferð,  sawle bireafod, 
fealleþ on foldan,  feorð biþ on siþe. 
Sum sceal on feþe  on feorwegas 
nyde gongan  ond his nest beran, 
tredan uriglast  elþeodigra, 
frecne foldan;  ah he feormendra 
lyt lifgendra,  lað biþ æghwær 
fore his wonsceaftum  wineleas hæle. 
Sum sceal on geapum  galgan ridan, 
seomian æt swylte,  oþþæt sawlhord, 
bancofa blodig,  abrocen weorþeð. 
þær him hrefn nimeþ  heafodsyne, 
sliteð salwigpad  sawelleasne; 
noþer he þy facne mæg  folmum biwergan, 
laþum lyftsceaþan,  biþ his lif scæcen, 
ond he feleleas,  feores orwena, 
blac on beame  bideð wyrde, 
bewegen wælmiste.  Bið him werig noma! 

               Sumne on bæle sceal  brond aswencan, 
fretan frecne lig 
                fægne monnan; 
þær him lifgedal  lungre weorðeð, 
read reþe gled;  reoteð meowle, 
seo hyre bearn gesihð  brondas þeccan. 
Sumum meces ecg  on meodubence 
yrrum ealowosan  ealdor oþþringeð, 
were winsadum;  bið 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, 
dreogan dryhtenbealo  dreamum biscyred, 
ond hine to sylfcwale  secgas nemnað, 
mænað mid muþe  meodugales gedrinc. 
Sum sceal on geoguþe  mid godes meahtum 
his earfoðsiþ  ealne forspildan, 
ond on yldo eft  eadig weorþan, 
wunian wyndagum  ond welan þicgan, 
maþmas ond meoduful  mægburge on, 
þæs þe ænig fira mæge  
               forð gehealdan. 
Swa missenlice  meahtig dryhten 
geond eorþan sceat  eallum dæleð, 
scyreþ ond scrifeð  ond gesceapo healdeð, 
sumum eadwelan,  sumum earfeþa dæl, 
sumum geogoþe glæd,  sumum guþe blæd, 
gewealdenne wigplegan,  sumum wyrp oþþe scyte, 
torhtlicne tiir,  sumum tæfle cræft, 
bleobordes gebregd.  Sume boceras 
weorþað wisfæste.  Sumum wundorgiefe 
þurh goldsmiþe  gearwad weorþað; 
ful oft he gehyrdeð  ond gehyrsteð wel, 
brytencyninges beorn,  ond he him brad syleð 
lond to leane.  He hit on lust þigeð. 
Sum sceal on heape  hæleþum cweman, 
blissian æt beore  bencsittendum; 
þær biþ drincendra  dream se micla. 
Sum sceal mid hearpan  æt his hlafordes 
fotum sittan,  feoh þicgan, 
ond a snellice  snere wræstan, 
lætan scralletan  
               sceacol, se þe hleapeð, 
nægl neomegende;  biþ him neod micel. 
Sum sceal wildne fugel  wloncne atemian, 
heafoc on honda,  oþþæt seo heoroswealwe 
wynsum weorþeð;  deþ he wyrplas on, 
fedeþ swa on feterum  fiþrum dealne, 
lepeþ lyftswiftne  lytlum gieflum, 
oþþæt se wælisca  wædum ond dædum 
his ætgiefan  eaðmod weorþeð 
ond to hagostealdes  honda gelæred. 
Swa wrætlice  weoroda nergend 
            
geond middangeard  monna cræftas 
sceop ond scyrede  ond gesceapo ferede 
æghwylcum on eorþan  eormencynnes. 
Forþon him nu ealles þonc  æghwa secge, 
þæs þe he fore his miltsum  monnum scrifeð. 

23. Maxims IKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 156-63; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Frige mec frodum wordum!  Ne læt þinne ferð 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 
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 wendað hine wyrda  ne hine wiht dreceþ, 
adl ne yldo  ælmihtigne; 
ne gomelað he in gæste,  ac he is gen swa he wæs, 
þeoden geþyldig.  He us geþonc syleð, 
missenlicu mod,  monge reorde. 
Feorhcynna fela  fæþmeþ wide 
eglond monig.  Eardas rume 
meotud arærde  for moncynne, 
ælmihtig god,  efenfela bega 
þeoda ond þeawa.  þing sceal gehegan 
frod wiþ frodne;  biþ hyra ferð gelic, 
hi a sace semaþ,  sibbe gelærað, 
þa ær wonsælge  awegen habbað. 
Ræd sceal mid snyttro,  ryht mid wisum, 
til sceal mid tilum.  Tu beoð gemæccan; 
sceal wif ond wer  in woruld cennan 
bearn mid gebyrdum.  Beam sceal on eorðan 
leafum liþan,  leomu gnornian. 
Fus sceal feran,  fæge sweltan 
ond dogra gehwam  ymb gedal sacan 
middangeardes.  Meotud ana wat 
hwær se cwealm cymeþ,  þe heonan of cyþþe gewiteþ. 
Umbor yceð,  þa æradl nimeð; 
þy weorþeð on foldan swa fela  fira cynnes, 
ne sy þæs magutimbres  gemet ofer eorþan, 
gif hi ne wanige  se þas woruld teode. 
Dol biþ se þe his dryhten nat,  to þæs oft cymeð deað unþinged. 
Snotre men sawlum beorgað,  healdað hyra soð mid ryhte. 
Eadig bið se þe in his eþle geþihð,  earm se him his frynd geswicað. 
Nefre sceal se him his nest aspringeð,  
               nyde sceal þrage gebunden. 
Bliþe sceal bealoleas heorte.  Blind sceal his eagna þolian, 
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 weneð þæt him þæs edhwyrft cyme. 
Waldend him þæt wite teode,  se him mæg wyrpe syllan, 
hælo of heofodgimme,  gif he wat heortan clæne. 
Lef mon læces behofað.  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. 
Styran sceal mon strongum mode.  Storm oft holm gebringeþ, 
geofen in grimmum sælum;  onginnað grome fundian 
fealwe on feorran to londe,  hwæþer he fæste stonde. 
Weallas him wiþre healdað,  him biþ wind gemæne. 
Swa biþ sæ smilte,  
            
þonne hy wind ne weceð;  
            
swa beoþ þeoda geþwære,  þonne hy geþingad habbað, 
gesittað him on gesundum þingum,  ond þonne mid gesiþum healdaþ 
cene men gecynde rice.  Cyning biþ anwealdes georn; 
lað se þe londes monað,  leof se þe mare beodeð. 
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 geriseð; 
widgongel wif word gespringeð,  oft hy mon wommum bilihð, 
hæleð hy hospe mænað,  oft hyre hleor abreoþeð. 
Sceomiande man sceal in sceade hweorfan,  scir in leohte geriseð. 
Hond sceal heofod inwyrcan,  hord in streonum bidan, 
gifstol gegierwed stondan,  hwonne hine guman gedælen. 
Gifre biþ se þam golde onfehð,  guma þæs on heahsetle geneah; 
lean sceal, gif we leogan nellað,  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 
forstes fetre  felameahtig god; 
winter sceal geweorpan,  weder eft cuman, 
sumor swegle hat,  sund unstille. 
Deop deada wæg  dyrne bið lengest; 
holen sceal inæled,  yrfe gedæled 
deades monnes.  Dom biþ selast. 
Cyning sceal mid ceape  cwene gebicgan, 
bunum ond beagum;  bu sceolon ærest 
geofum god wesan.  Guð sceal in eorle, 
wig geweaxan,  ond wif geþeon 

               leof mid hyre leodum,  leohtmod wesan, 
rune healdan,  rumheort beon 
mearum ond maþmum,  meodorædenne 
for gesiðmægen  symle æghwær 
eodor æþelinga 
                ærest gegretan, 
forman fulle  to frean hond 
ricene geræcan,  ond him ræd witan 
boldagendum  bæm ætsomne. 
Scip sceal genægled,  scyld gebunden, 
leoht linden bord,  leof wilcuma 
Frysan wife,  þonne flota stondeð; 
biþ his ceol cumen  ond hyre ceorl to ham, 
agen ætgeofa,  ond heo hine in laðaþ, 
wæsceð his warig hrægl  ond him syleþ wæde niwe, 
liþ him on londe  þæs his lufu bædeð. 
Wif sceal wiþ wer wære gehealdan,  oft hi mon wommum belihð; 
fela bið fæsthydigra,  fela bið fyrwetgeornra, 
freoð 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 weorðe, 
ham cymeð, gif he hal leofað,  nefne him holm gestyreð, 
mere hafað mundum  mægðegsan wyn. 
Ceapeadig mon  cyningwic þonne 
leodon cypeþ,  þonne liþan cymeð; 
wuda ond wætres nyttað,  þonne him biþ wic alyfed, 
mete bygeþ, gif he maran þearf,  ærþon he to meþe weorþe. 
Seoc se biþ þe to seldan ieteð;  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, 
hinder under hrusan,  þe hit forhelan þenceð; 
ne biþ þæt gedefe deaþ,  þonne hit gedyrned weorþeð. 
Hean sceal gehnigan,  
               hadl gesigan, 
ryht rogian.  Ræd biþ nyttost, 
yfel unnyttost,  þæt unlæd nimeð. 
God bið genge,  ond wiþ god lenge. 
Hyge sceal gehealden,  hond gewealden, 
seo sceal in eagan,  snyttro in breostum, 
þær bið þæs monnes  modgeþoncas. 
Muþa gehwylc mete þearf,  mæl sceolon tidum gongan. 
Gold geriseþ  on guman sweorde, 
sellic sigesceorp,  sinc on cwene, 
god scop gumum,  garniþ werum, 
wig towiþre  wicfreoþa healdan. 
Scyld sceal cempan,  sceaft reafere, 
sceal bryde beag,  bec leornere, 
husl halgum men,  hæþnum synne. 
Woden worhte weos,  wuldor alwalda, 
rume roderas;  þæt is rice god, 
sylf soðcyning,  sawla nergend, 
se us eal forgeaf  þæt we on lifgaþ, 
ond eft æt þam ende  eallum wealdeð 
monna cynne.  þæt is meotud sylfa. 
Ræd sceal mon secgan,  rune writan, 
leoþ gesingan,  
               lofes gearnian, 
dom areccan,  dæges onettan. 
Til mon tiles  ond tomes meares, 
cuþes ond gecostes  ond calcrondes; 
nænig fira  to fela gestryneð. 
Wel mon sceal wine healdan  on wega gehwylcum; 
oft mon fereð feor bi tune,  þær him wat freond unwiotodne. 
Wineleas, wonsælig mon  genimeð him wulfas to geferan, 
felafæcne deor.  Ful oft hine se gefera sliteð; 
gryre sceal for greggum,  græf deadum men; 
hungre heofeð,  nales þæt heafe bewindeð, 
ne huru wæl wepeð  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 weorð, 
gold mon sceal gifan.  Mæg god syllan 
eadgum æhte  ond eft niman. 
Sele sceal stondan,  sylf ealdian. 
Licgende beam  læsest groweð. 
Treo sceolon brædan  ond treow weaxan, 
sio geond bilwitra  breost ariseð. 
Wærleas mon ond wonhydig,  
            
ætrenmod ond ungetreow,  
            
þæs ne gymeð god.  
            
Fela sceop meotud þæs þe fyrn gewearð,  het siþþan swa forð wesan. 
Wæra gehwylcum wislicu  word gerisað, 
gleomen gied  ond guman snyttro. 
Swa monige beoþ men ofer eorþan,  swa beoþ modgeþoncas; 
ælc him hafað sundorsefan.  
            
Longað þonne þy læs  þe him con leoþa worn, 
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, 

               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,  
            
ær hy deað 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 weorpeð. 
Seldan in sidum ceole,  nefne he under segle yrne, 
werig scealc wiþ winde roweþ;  ful oft mon wearnum tihð 
eargne, þæt he elne forleose,  drugað his ar on borde. 
Lot sceal mid lyswe,  list mid gedefum; 
þy weorþeð se stan forstolen.  
            
Oft hy wordum toweorpað,  
            
ær hy bacum tobreden;  
            
geara is hwær aræd.  
            
Wearð fæhþo fyra cynne,  siþþan furþum swealg 
eorðe Abeles blode.  Næs þæt andæge nið, 
of þam wrohtdropan  wide gesprungon, 
micel mon ældum,  monegum þeodum 
bealoblonden niþ.  Slog his broðor swæsne 
Cain, þone cwealm nerede;  cuþ wæs wide siþþan, 
þæt ece nið ældum scod,  swa aþolwarum. 
Drugon wæpna gewin  wide geond eorþan, 
ahogodan ond ahyrdon  heoro sliþendne. 
Gearo sceal guðbord,  gar on sceafte, 
ecg on sweorde  ond ord spere, 
hyge heardum men.  Helm sceal cenum, 
ond a þæs heanan hyge  hord unginnost. 

24. The Order of the WorldKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 163-6; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Wilt þu, fus hæle,  fremdne monnan, 
wisne woðboran  wordum gretan, 
fricgan felageongne  ymb forðgesceaft, 
biddan þe gesecge  sidra gesceafta 
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 
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 
ond secgende  searoruna gespon 
a gemyndge mæst  monna wiston. 
Forþon scyle ascian,  se þe on elne leofað, 
deophydig mon,  dygelra gesceafta, 

               bewritan in gewitte  wordhordes cræft, 
fæstnian ferðsefan,  þencan forð teala; 
ne sceal þæs aþreotan  þegn modigne, 
þæt he wislice  woruld fulgonge. 
Leorna þas lare.  Ic þe lungre sceal 
meotudes mægensped  maran gesecgan, 
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 
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 eaðe magon  upcund rice 
forð gestigan,  gif us on ferðe geneah 
ond we willað healdan  heofoncyninges bibod. 
Gehyr nu þis herespel  ond þinne hyge gefæstna. 
Hwæt, on frymþe gescop  fæder ælmihtig, 
heah hordes weard,  heofon ond eorðan, 
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 
stiþe stefnbyrd,  swa him se steora bibead 
missenlice gemetu  þurh þa miclan gecynd. 
Swa hi to worulde  wlite forþ berað 
dryhtnes duguþe  ond his dæda þrym, 
lixende lof  in þa longan tid, 
fremmaþ fæstlice  frean ece word 
in þam frumstole  þe him frea sette, 
hluttor heofones weard,  healdað georne 
mere gemære;  meaht forð tihð 
heofoncondelle  ond holmas mid, 
laþað 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 
cymeð morgna gehwam  ofer misthleoþu 
wadan ofer wægas  wundrum gegierwed, 
ond mid ærdæge  eastan snoweð 
wlitig ond wynsum  wera cneorissum; 
lifgendra gehwam  leoht forð biereð 
bronda beorhtost,  ond his brucan mot 
æghwylc on eorþan,  þe him eagna gesihð 
sigora soðcyning  syllan wolde. 
Gewiteð þonne mid þy wuldre  on westrodor 
forðmære tungol  faran on heape, 
oþþæt on æfenne  ut garsecges 
grundas pæþeð,  glom oþer cigð; 
niht æfter cymeð,  healdeð nydbibod 
halgan dryhtnes.  Heofontorht swegl 
scir gescyndeð  in gesceaft godes 
under foldan fæþm,  farende tungol. 
Forþon nænig fira  þæs frod leofað 
þæt his mæge æspringe  þurh his ægne sped witan, 
hu geond grund færeð  goldtorht sunne 
in þæt wonne genip  under wætra geþring, 
oþþe hwa þęs leohtes  londbuende 
brucan mote,  siþþan heo ofer brim hweorfeð. 
Forþon swa teofenede,  se þe teala cuþe, 
dæg wiþ nihte,  deop wið hean, 
lyft wið lagustream,  lond wiþ wæge, 
flod wið flode,  fisc wið yþum. 
Ne waciað þas geweorc,  ac he hi wel healdeð; 

               stondað stiðlice  bestryþed fæste 
miclum meahtlocum  in þam mægenþrymme 
mid þam sy ahefed  heofon ond eorþe. 
Beoð þonne eadge  þa þær in wuniað, 
hyhtlic is þæt heorðwerud.  þæt is herga mæst, 
eadigra unrim,  engla þreatas. 
Hy geseoð symle  hyra sylfra cyning, 
eagum on wlitað,  habbað æghwæs genoh. 
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, 
læne lifes wynne,  fundige him to lissa blisse, 
forlæte heteniþa  gehwone sigan 
mid synna fyrnum,  fere him to þam sellan rice. 

25. The Riming PoemKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 166-9; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Me lifes onlah  se þis leoht onwrah, 
ond þæt torhte geteoh,  tillice onwrah. 
Glæd wæs ic gliwum,  glenged hiwum, 
blissa bleoum,  blostma hiwum. 
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, 
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. 
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, 
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, 
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. 
Burgsele beofode,  beorht hlifade, 
ellen eacnade,  ead beacnade, 
freaum frodade,  fromum godade, 
mod mægnade,  mine fægnade, 
treow telgade,  tir welgade, 
blæd blissade,  
            
gold gearwade,  gim hwearfade, 
sinc searwade,  sib nearwade. 
From ic wæs in frætwum,  freolic in geatwum; 
wæs min dream dryhtlic,  drohtað hyhtlic. 
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;  gewiteð nihtes in fleah 
se ær in dæge wæs dyre.  Scriþeð nu deop in feore 
            
brondhord geblowen,  breostum in forgrowen, 
flyhtum toflowen.  Flah is geblowen 
miclum in gemynde;  modes gecynde 
greteð ungrynde  grorn efenpynde, 
bealofus byrneð,  bittre toyrneð. 
Werig winneð,  widsið onginneð, 
sar ne sinniþ,  sorgum cinnið, 
blæd his blinnið,  blisse linnið, 
listum linneð,  lustum ne tinneð. 
Dreamas swa her gedreosað,  dryhtscype gehreosað, 
lif her men forleosað,  leahtras oft geceosað; 
treowþrag is to trag,  seo untrume genag, 
steapum eatole misþah,  ond eal stund genag. 
Swa nu world wendeþ,  wyrde sendeþ, 
ond hetes henteð,  hæleþe scyndeð. 

               Wercyn gewiteð,  wælgar sliteð, 
flahmah fliteþ,  flan mon hwiteð, 

               borgsorg biteð,  bald ald þwiteþ, 
wræcfæc wriþað,  wraþ að smiteþ, 

               singryn sidað,  
               searofearo glideþ, 
gromtorn græfeþ,  græft hafað, 
searohwit solaþ,  sumurhat colað, 
foldwela fealleð,  feondscipe wealleð, 
eorðmægen ealdaþ,  ellen colað. 
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 becymeð 
seo me eðles ofonn 
                ond mec her eardes onconn. 
þonne lichoma ligeð,  lima wyrm friteþ, 
ac him wenne gewigeð  ond þa wist geþygeð, 
oþþæt beoþ þa ban  an, 
ond æt nyhstan nan  nefne se neda tan 
balawun her gehloten.  Ne biþ se hlisa adroren. 
ær þæt eadig geþenceð,  he hine þe oftor swenceð, 
byrgeð 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, 
wommum biwerede,  wuldre generede, 
þær moncyn mot  for meotude rot 
soðne god geseon,  ond aa in sibbe gefean. 

26. The PantherKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 169-71; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Monge sindon  geond middangeard 
unrimu cynn,  þe we æþelu ne magon 
ryhte areccan  ne rim witan; 
þæs wide sind  geond world innan 
fugla ond deora  foldhrerendra 
wornas widsceope,  swa wæter bibugeð 
þisne beorhtan bosm,  brim grymetende, 
sealtyþa geswing.  We bi sumum hyrdon 
wrætlice gecynd  wildra secgan 
firum freamærne  feorlondum on 
eard weardian,  eðles neotan 
æfter dunscrafum.  Is þæt deor pandher 
bi noman haten,  þæs þe niþþa bearn, 
wisfæste weras  on gewritum cyþað 
            
bi þam anstapan.  Se is æghwam freond, 
duguða estig,  butan dracan anum, 
þam he in ealle tid  ondwrað leofaþ 
þurh yfla gehwylc  þe he geæfnan mæg. 
ðæt is wrætlic deor,  wundrum scyne 
hiwa gehwylces;  swa hæleð secgað, 
gæsthalge guman,  þætte Iosephes 
tunece wære  telga gehwylces 
bleom bregdende,  þara beorhtra gehwylc 
æghwæs ænlicra  oþrum lixte 
dryhta bearnum,  swa þæs deores hiw, 
blæc brigda gehwæs,  beorhtra ond scynra 
wundrum lixeð,  þætte wrætlicra 
æghwylc oþrum,  ænlicra gien 
ond fægerra  frætwum bliceð, 
symle sellicra.  He hafað sundorgecynd, 
milde, gemetfæst.  He is monþwære, 
lufsum ond leoftæl,  nele laþes wiht 

               ængum geæfnan  butan þam attorsceaþan, 
his fyrngeflitan,  þe ic ær fore sægde. 
Symle fylle fægen,  þonne foddor þigeð, 
æfter þam gereordum  ræste seceð 
dygle stowe  under dunscrafum; 
ðær se þeodwiga 
                þreonihta fæc 
swifeð on swefote,  slæpe gebiesgad. 
þonne ellenrof  up astondeð, 
þrymme gewelgad,  on þone þriddan dæg, 
sneome of slæpe.  Sweghleoþor cymeð, 
woþa wynsumast  þurh þæs wildres muð. 
æfter þære stefne  stenc ut cymeð 
of þam wongstede,  wynsumra steam, 
swettra ond swiþra  swæcca gehwylcum, 
wyrta blostmum  ond wudubledum, 
eallum æþelicra  eorþan frætwum. 
þonne of ceastrum  ond cynestolum 
ond of burgsalum  beornþreat monig 
farað foldwegum  folca þryþum, 
eoredcystum,  ofestum gefysde, 
dareðlacende;  deor efne swa some 
æfter þære stefne  on þone stenc farað. 
Swa is dryhten god,  dreama rædend, 
eallum eaðmede  oþrum gesceaftum, 
duguða gehwylcre,  butan dracan anum, 
attres ordfruman.  þæt is se ealda feond, 
þone he gesælde  in susla grund, 
ond gefetrade  fyrnum teagum, 
biþeahte þreanydum,  ond þy þriddan dæge 
of digle aras,  þæs þe he deað fore us 
þreo niht þolade,  þeoden engla, 
sigora sellend.  þæt wæs swete stenc, 
wlitig ond wynsum  geond woruld ealle. 
Siþþan to þam swicce  soðfæste men 
on healfa gehwone  heapum þrungon 
geond ealne ymbhwyrft  eorþan sceata. 
Swa se snottra gecwæð  sanctus Paulus: 
"Monigfealde sind  geond middangeard 
god ungnyðe 
                þe us to giefe dæleð 
ond to feorhnere  fæder ælmihtig, 
ond se anga hyht  ealra gesceafta, 
uppe ge niþre."  þæt is æþele stenc. 

27. The WhaleKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 171-4; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Nu ic fitte gen  ymb fisca cynn 
wille woðcræfte  wordum cyþan 
þurh modgemynd  bi þam miclan hwale. 
Se bið unwillum  oft gemeted, 
frecne ond ferðgrim,  fareðlacendum, 
niþþa gehwylcum;  þam is noma cenned, 
fyrnstreama geflotan,  Fastitocalon. 
Is þæs hiw gelic  hreofum stane, 
swylce worie  bi wædes ofre, 
sondbeorgum ymbseald,  særyrica mæst, 
swa þæt wenaþ  wægliþende 
þæt hy on ealond sum  eagum wliten, 
ond þonne gehydað  heahstefn scipu 
to þam unlonde  oncyrrapum, 
setlaþ sæmearas  sundes æt ende, 
ond þonne in þæt eglond  up gewitað 
collenferþe;  ceolas stondað 
bi staþe fæste,  streame biwunden. 
ðonne gewiciað  werigferðe, 
faroðlacende,  frecnes ne wenað, 
on þam ealonde  æled weccað, 
heahfyr ælað;  hæleþ beoþ on wynnum, 
reonigmode,  ræste geliste. 
þonne gefeleð  facnes cræftig 
þæt him þa ferend on  fæste wuniaþ, 
wic weardiað  wedres on luste, 
ðonne semninga  on sealtne wæg 
mid þa noþe  niþer gewiteþ 
garsecges gæst,  grund geseceð, 
ond þonne in deaðsele  drence bifæsteð 
scipu mid scealcum.  Swa bið scinna þeaw, 
deofla wise,  þæt hi drohtende 
þurh dyrne meaht  duguðe beswicað, 
ond on teosu tyhtaþ  tilra dæda, 
wemað on willan,  þæt hy wraþe secen, 
frofre to feondum,  oþþæt hy fæste ðær 
æt þam wærlogan  wic geceosað. 
þonne þæt gecnaweð  of cwicsusle 
flah feond gemah,  þætte fira gehwylc 
hæleþa cynnes  on his hringe biþ 
fæste gefeged,  he him feorgbona 
þurh sliþen searo  siþþan weorþeð, 
wloncum ond heanum,  þe his willan her 
firenum fremmað,  mid þam he færinga, 
heoloþhelme biþeaht,  helle seceð, 
goda geasne,  grundleasne wylm 
under mistglome,  swa se micla hwæl, 
se þe bisenceð  sæliþende 
eorlas ond yðmearas.  He hafað oþre gecynd, 
wæterþisa wlonc,  wrætlicran gien. 
þonne hine on holme  hungor bysgað 
ond þone aglæcan  ætes lysteþ, 
ðonne se mereweard  muð ontyneð, 
wide weleras;  cymeð wynsum stenc 
of his innoþe,  þætte oþre þurh þone, 
sæfisca cynn,  beswicen weorðaþ, 
swimmað sundhwate  þær se sweta stenc 
ut gewiteð.  Hi þær in farað 
unware weorude,  oþþæt se wida ceafl 
gefylled bið;  þonne færinga 
ymbe þa herehuþe  hlemmeð togædre 
grimme goman.  Swa biþ gumena gehwam, 
se þe oftost his  unwærlice 
on þas lænan tid  lif bisceawað, 
læteð hine beswican  þurh swetne stenc, 
leasne willan,  þæt he biþ leahtrum fah 
wið wuldorcyning.  Him se awyrgda ongean 
æfter hinsiþe  helle ontyneð, 
þam þe leaslice  lices wynne 
ofer ferhtgereaht  fremedon on unræd. 
þonne se fæcna  in þam fæstenne 
gebroht hafað,  bealwes cræftig, 
æt þam edwylme  þa þe him on cleofiað, 
gyltum gehrodene,  ond ær georne his 
in hira lifdagum  larum hyrdon, 
þonne he þa grimman  goman bihlemmeð 
æfter feorhcwale  fæste togædre, 
helle hlinduru;  nagon hwyrft ne swice, 
utsiþ æfre,  þa þær in cumað, 
þon ma þe þa fiscas  faraðlacende 
of þæs hwæles fenge  hweorfan motan. 
Forþon is eallinga  
            
dryhtna dryhtne,  ond a deoflum wiðsace 
wordum ond weorcum,  þæt we wuldorcyning 
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. 

28. The PartridgeKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 174; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Hyrde ic secgan gen  bi sumum fugle 
wundorlicne  
            

                fæger, 
þæt word þe gecwæð  wuldres ealdor: 
"In swa hwylce tiid  swa ge mid treowe to me 
on hyge hweorfað,  ond ge hellfirena 
sweartra geswicað,  swa ic symle to eow 
mid siblufan  sona gecyrre 
þurh milde mod.  Ge beoð me siþþan 
torhte tireadge  talade ond rimde, 
beorhte gebroþor  on bearna stæl." 
Uton we þy geornor  gode oliccan, 
firene feogan,  friþes earnian, 
duguðe to dryhtne,  þenden us dæg scine, 
þæt swa æþelne  eardwica cyst 
in wuldres wlite  wunian motan. 
[Finit]. 

29. Soul and Body IIKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 174-8; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Huru, ðæs behofaþ  hæleþa æghwylc 
þæt he his sawle sið  sylfa bewitige, 
hu þæt bið deoplic  þonne se deað cymeð, 
asundrað þa sibbe,  þa þe ær somud wæron, 
lic ond sawle!  Long bið siþþan 
þæt se gæst nimeð  æt gode sylfum 
swa wite swa wuldor,  swa him in worulde ær 
efne þæt eorðfæt  ær geworhte. 
Sceal se gæst cuman  gehþum hremig, 
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. 
Cleopað þonne swa cearful  caldan reorde, 
spriceð grimlice  gæst to þam duste: 
"Hwæt, drug þu dreorga,  to hwon dreahtest þu me, 
eorþan fylnes  eal forweornast, 
lames gelicnes!  Lyt þu geþohtes 
to won þinre sawle sið  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 
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! 

               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 deaðdæge.  Hwæt, ic uncres gedales bad 
earfoðlice.  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, 
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 

               ned gearwode  þurh þinra neoda lust. 
Scealt þu nu hwæþre minra gescenta  scome þrowian 
on þam miclan dæge,  þonne monna cynn 
se ancenda  ealle gegædrað. 
Ne eart þu nu þon leofre  nængum lifgendra, 
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, 
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. 
Eart þu dumb ond deaf,  ne sindan þine dreamas wiht. 
Sceal ic þe nihtes seþeah  nyde gesecan, 
synnum gesargad,  ond eft sona from ðe 
hweorfan on honcred,  þonne halege menn 
gode lifgendum  lofsong doð, 
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, 
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, 
oððe 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, 
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 beoð 
wunde onwrigene,  þa þe in worulde ær 
firenfulle menn  fyrn geworhton, 
ðonne wile dryhten sylf  dæda gehyran, 
æt ealra monna gehwam  muþes reorde 
wunde wiþerlean.  Ac hwæt wilt þu þær 
on domdæge  dryhtne secgan? 
þonne ne bið nænig to þæs lytel lið  on lime geweaxen, 
þæt þu ne scyle for æghwylc  anra onsundran 
ryht agieldan,  ðonne reþe bið 
dryhten æt dome.  Ac hwæt do wit unc, 
þonne he unc hafað geedbyrded  oþre siþe? 
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.  Ligeð dust þær hit wæs, 
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, 
seonwe beoð asogene,  sweora bicowen; 
rib reafiað  reþe wyrmas, 
drincað hloþum hra,  heolfres þurstge. 
Bið seo tunge totogen  on tyn healfe 
hungrum to hroþor.  Forþon heo ne mæg horsclice 
wordum wrixlan  wið þone wergan gæst. 
Gifer hatte se wyrm,  þam þa geaflas beoð 
nædle scearpran.  Se geneþeð to 
ærest ealra  on þam eorðscræfe; 
he þa tungan totyhð  ond þa toþas þurhsmyhð, 
ond to ætwelan  oþrum gerymeð, 
ond þa eagan þurhiteð  ufon on þæt heafod 
wyrmum to wiste,  þonne biþ þæt werge 
lic acolad  þæt he longe ær 
werede mid wædum.  Bið þonne wyrmes giefl, 
æt on eorþan.  þæt mæg æghwylcum 
men to gemyndum  modsnotterra. 

30. DeorKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 178-9; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Welund him be wurman  wræces cunnade, 
anhydig eorl  earfoþa dreag, 
hæfde him to gesiþþe  sorge ond longaþ, 
wintercealde wræce;  wean oft onfond, 
siþþan hine Niðhad 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, 
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 Mæðhilde  monge gefrugnon 
wurdon grundlease  Geates frige, 
þæt hi seo sorglufu  slæp ealle binom. 
þæs ofereode,  þisses swa mæg! 
ðeodric ahte  þritig wintra 
Mæringa burg;  þæt wæs monegum cuþ. 
þæs ofereode,  þisses swa mæg! 
We geascodan  Eormanrices 
wylfenne geþoht;  ahte wide folc 
Gotena rices.  þæt wæs grim cyning. 
Sæt secg monig  sorgum gebunden, 
wean on wenan,  wyscte geneahhe 
þæt þæs cynerices  ofercumen wære. 
þæs ofereode,  þisses swa mæg! 
Siteð sorgcearig,  sælum bidæled, 
on sefan sweorceð,  sylfum þinceð 
þæt sy endeleas  
               earfoða dæl. 
Mæg þonne geþencan,  þæt geond þas woruld 
witig dryhten  wendeþ geneahhe, 
eorle monegum  are gesceawað, 
wislicne blæd,  sumum weana dæl. 
þæt ic bi me sylfum  secgan wille, 
þæt ic hwile wæs  Heodeninga scop, 
dryhtne dyre.  Me wæs Deor noma. 
Ahte ic fela wintra  folgað tilne, 
holdne hlaford,  oþþæt Heorrenda nu, 
leoðcræftig monn  londryht geþah, 
þæt me eorla hleo  ær gesealde. 
þæs ofereode,  þisses swa mæg! 

31. Wulf and EadwacerKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 179-80; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Leodum is minum  swylce him mon lac gife; 
willað hy hine aþecgan,  gif he on þreat cymeð. 
Ungelic is us.  
            
Wulf is on iege,  ic on oþerre. 
Fæst is þæt eglond,  fenne biworpen. 
Sindon wælreowe  weras þær on ige; 
willað hy hine aþecgan,  gif he on þreat cymeð. 
Ungelice is us.  
            
Wulfes ic mines widlastum  wenum dogode; 
þonne hit wæs renig weder  ond ic reotugu sæt, 
þonne mec se beaducafa  bogum bilegde, 
wæs me wyn to þon,  wæs me hwæþre eac lað. 
Wulf, min Wulf,  wena me þine 
seoce gedydon,  þine seldcymas, 
murnende mod,  nales meteliste. 
Gehyrest þu, Eadwacer?  Uncerne earne hwelp 
bireð wulf to wuda.  
            
þæt mon eaþe tosliteð  þætte næfre gesomnad wæs, 
uncer giedd geador.  
            

32. Riddles 1Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 180; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Hwylc is hæleþa þæs horsc  ond þæs hygecræftig 
þæt þæt mæge asecgan,  hwa mec on sið wræce, 
þonne ic astige strong,  stundum reþe, 
þrymful þunie,  þragum wræce 
fere geond foldan,  folcsalo bærne, 
ræced reafige?  Recas stigað, 
haswe ofer hrofum.  Hlin bið on eorþan, 
wælcwealm wera,  þonne ic wudu hrere, 
bearwas bledhwate,  beamas fylle, 
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, 
oþþe hu ic hatte,  þe þa hlæst bere. 

33. Riddles 2Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 180-81; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Hwilum ic gewite,  swa ne wenaþ men, 
under yþa geþræc  eorþan secan, 
garsecges grund.  Gifen biþ gewreged, 
fam gewealcen;  
            
hwælmere hlimmeð,  hlude grimmeð, 
streamas staþu beatað,  stundum weorpaþ 
on stealc hleoþa  stane ond sonde, 
ware ond wæge,  þonne ic winnende, 
holmmægne biþeaht,  hrusan styrge, 
side sægrundas.  Sundhelme ne mæg 
losian ær mec læte  se þe min latteow bið 
on siþa gehwam.  Saga, þoncol mon, 
hwa mec bregde  of brimes fæþmum, 
þonne streamas eft  stille weorþað, 
yþa geþwære,  þe mec ær wrugon. 

34. Riddles 3Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 181-83; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Hwilum mec min frea  fæste genearwað, 
sendeð þonne  under salwonges 
            
bearm þone bradan,  ond on bid wriceð, 
þrafað on þystrum  þrymma sumne, 

               hæste on enge,  þær me heord siteð 
hruse on hrycge.  Nah ic hwyrftweges 
of þam aglace,  ac ic eþelstol 
hæleþa hrere;  hornsalu wagiað, 
wera wicstede,  weallas beofiað, 
steape ofer stiwitum.  Stille þynceð 
lyft ofer londe  ond lagu swige, 
oþþæt ic of enge  up aþringe, 
efne swa mec wisaþ  se mec wræde on 
æt frumsceafte  furþum legde, 
bende ond clomme,  þæt ic onbugan ne mot 
of þæs gewealde  þe me wegas tæcneð. 
Hwilum ic sceal ufan  yþa wregan, 

               streamas styrgan  ond to staþe þywan 
            
flintgrægne flod.  Famig winneð 
wæg wið wealle,  wonn ariseð 
dun ofer dype;  hyre deorc on last, 
eare geblonden,  oþer fereð, 
þæt hy gemittað  mearclonde neah 
hea hlincas.  þær bið hlud wudu, 
brimgiesta breahtm,  bidað stille 
stealc stanhleoþu  streamgewinnes, 
hopgehnastes,  þonne heah geþring 
on cleofu crydeþ.  þær bið ceole wen 
sliþre sæcce,  gif hine sæ byreð 
on þa grimman tid,  gæsta fulne, 
þæt he scyle rice  birofen weorþan, 
feore bifohten  fæmig ridan 
yþa hrycgum.  þær bið egsa sum 
ældum geywed,  þara þe ic hyran sceal 
strong on stiðweg.  Hwa gestilleð þæt? 
Hwilum ic þurhræse,  þæt me on bæce rideð 
won wægfatu,  wide toþringe 
lagustreama full,  hwilum læte eft 
slupan tosomne.  Se bið swega mæst, 
breahtma ofer burgum,  ond gebreca hludast, 
þonne scearp cymeð  sceo wiþ oþrum, 
ecg wið ecge;  earpan gesceafte 
fus ofer folcum  fyre swætað, 
blacan lige,  ond gebrecu ferað 
deorc ofer dryhtum 
                gedyne micle, 
farað feohtende,  feallan lætað 
sweart sumsendu  seaw of bosme, 
wætan of wombe.  Winnende fareð 
atol eoredþreat,  egsa astigeð, 
micel modþrea  monna cynne, 
brogan on burgum,  þonne blace scotiað 
scriþende scin  scearpum wæpnum. 
Dol him ne ondrædeð  ða deaðsperu, 
swylteð hwæþre,  gif him soð meotud 
on geryhtu  þurh regn ufan 
of gestune læteð  stræle fleogan, 
farende flan.  Fea þæt gedygað, 
þara þe geræceð  rynegiestes wæpen. 
Ic þæs orleges  or anstelle, 
þonne gewite  wolcengehnaste 
þurh geþræc þringan  þrimme micle 
ofer byrnan bosm.  Biersteð hlude 
heah hloðgecrod;  þonne hnige eft 
under lyfte helm  londe near, 
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 
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 stæðþe,  þonne ic stille beom. 

35. Riddles 4Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 183; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic sceal þragbysig  þegne minum, 

               hringum hæfted,  hyran georne, 
min bed brecan,  breahtme cyþan 
þæt me halswriþan  hlaford sealde. 
Oft mec slæpwerigne  secg oðþe meowle 
gretan eode;  ic him gromheortum 
winterceald oncweþe.  Wearm lim 
gebundenne bæg  hwilum bersteð; 
se þeah biþ on þonce  þegne minum, 
medwisum men,  me þæt sylfe, 
þær wiht wite,  ond wordum min 
on sped mæge  spel gesecgan. 

36. Riddles 5Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 183-84; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic eom anhaga  iserne wund, 
bille gebennad,  beadoweorca sæd, 
ecgum werig.  Oft ic wig seo, 
frecne feohtan.  Frofre ne wene, 
þæt me geoc cyme  guðgewinnes, 
ær ic mid ældum  eal forwurðe, 
ac mec hnossiað  homera lafe, 
heardecg heoroscearp,  
               hondweorc smiþa, 
bitað in burgum;  ic abidan sceal 
laþran gemotes.  Næfre læcecynn 
on folcstede  findan meahte, 
þara þe mid wyrtum  wunde gehælde, 
ac me ecga dolg  eacen weorðað 
þurh deaðslege  dagum ond nihtum. 

37. Riddles 6Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 184; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Mec gesette soð  sigora waldend 
Crist to compe.  Oft ic cwice bærne, 
unrimu cyn  eorþan getenge, 
næte mid niþe,  swa ic him no hrine, 
þonne mec min frea  feohtan hateþ. 
Hwilum ic monigra  mod arete, 
hwilum ic frefre  þa ic ær winne on 
feorran swiþe;  hi þæs felað þeah, 
swylce þæs oþres,  þonne ic eft hyra 
ofer deop gedreag  drohtað bete. 

38. Riddles 7Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 184-5; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Hrægl min swigað,  þonne ic hrusan trede, 
oþþe þa wic buge,  oþþe wado drefe. 
Hwilum mec ahebbað  ofer hæleþa byht 
hyrste mine,  ond þeos hea lyft, 
ond mec þonne wide  wolcna strengu 
ofer folc byreð.  Frætwe mine 
swogað hlude  ond swinsiað, 
torhte singað,  þonne ic getenge ne beom 
flode ond foldan,  ferende gæst. 

39. Riddles 8Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 185; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic þurh muþ sprece  mongum reordum, 
wrencum singe,  wrixle geneahhe 
heafodwoþe,  hlude cirme, 
healde mine wisan,  hleoþre ne miþe, 
eald æfensceop,  eorlum bringe 
blisse in burgum,  þonne ic bugendre 
stefne styrme;  stille on wicum 

               sittað nigende.  Saga hwæt ic hatte, 

               þe swa scirenige  sceawendwisan 
hlude onhyrge,  hæleþum bodige 
wilcumena fela  woþe minre. 

40. Riddles 9Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 185; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).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, 
heold ond freoþode,  hleosceorpe wrah 

               swa arlice  swa hire agen bearn, 
oþþæt ic under sceate,  swa min gesceapu wæron, 
ungesibbum wearð  eacen gæste. 
Mec seo friþe mæg  fedde siþþan, 
oþþæt ic aweox,  widdor meahte 
siþas asettan.  Heo hæfde swæsra þy læs 
suna ond dohtra,  þy heo swa dyde. 

41. Riddles 10Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 185-86; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Neb wæs min on nearwe,  ond ic neoþan wætre, 
flode underflowen,  firgenstreamum 
swiþe besuncen,  ond on sunde awox 
ufan yþum þeaht,  anum getenge 
liþendum wuda  lice mine. 
Hæfde feorh cwico,  þa ic of fæðmum cwom 
brimes ond beames  on blacum hrægle; 
sume wæron hwite  hyrste mine, 
þa mec lifgende  lyft upp ahof, 
wind of wæge,  siþþan wide bær 
ofer seolhbaþo.  Saga hwæt ic hatte. 

42. Riddles 11Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 186; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Hrægl is min hasofag,  hyrste beorhte, 
reade ond scire  on reafe minum. 
Ic dysge dwelle  ond dole hwette 
unrædsiþas,  oþrum styre 
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 bringað 
                horda deorast, 
gif hi unrædes  ær ne geswicaþ. 

43. Riddles 12Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 186; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Fotum ic fere,  foldan slite, 
grene wongas,  þenden ic gæst bere. 
Gif me feorh losað,  fæste binde 
swearte Wealas,  hwilum sellan men. 
Hwilum ic deorum  drincan selle 

               beorne of bosme,  hwilum mec bryd triedeð 
felawlonc fotum,  hwilum feorran broht 
wonfeax Wale  wegeð ond þyð, 
dol druncmennen  deorcum nihtum, 
wæteð in wætre,  wyrmeð hwilum 
fægre to fyre;  me on fæðme sticaþ 
hygegalan hond,  hwyrfeð geneahhe, 
swifeð me geond sweartne.  Saga hwæt ic hatte, 
þe ic lifgende  lond reafige 
ond æfter deaþe  dryhtum þeowige. 

44. Riddles 13Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 187; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic seah turf tredan,  [X] wæron ealra, 
[VI] gebroþor  ond hyra sweostor mid; 
hæfdon feorg cwico.  Fell hongedon 
sweotol ond gesyne  on seles wæge 
anra gehwylces.  Ne wæs hyra ængum þy wyrs, 
ne siðe þy sarre,  þeah hy swa sceoldon 
reafe birofene,  rodra weardes 
meahtum aweahte,  muþum slitan 
haswe blede.  Hrægl bið geniwad 
þam þe ær forðcymene  frætwe leton 
licgan on laste,  gewitan lond tredan. 

45. Riddles 14Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 187; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic wæs wæpenwiga.  Nu mec wlonc þeceð 
geong hagostealdmon  golde ond sylfore, 
woum wirbogum.  Hwilum weras cyssað, 
hwilum ic to hilde  hleoþre bonne 
wilgehleþan,  hwilum wycg byreþ 
mec ofer mearce,  hwilum merehengest 
fereð ofer flodas  frætwum beorhtne, 
hwilum mægða sum  minne gefylleð 
bosm beaghroden;  hwilum ic bordum sceal, 
heard, heafodleas,  behlyþed licgan, 
hwilum hongige  hyrstum frætwed, 
wlitig on wage,  þær weras drincað, 
freolic fyrdsceorp.  Hwilum folcwigan 

               on wicge wegað,  þonne ic winde sceal 
sincfag swelgan  of sumes bosme; 
hwilum ic gereordum  rincas laðige 
wlonce to wine;  hwilum wraþum sceal 
stefne minre  forstolen hreddan, 
flyman feondsceaþan.  Frige hwæt ic hatte. 

46. Riddles 15Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 188; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Hals is min hwit  ond heafod fealo, 
sidan swa some.  Swift ic eom on feþe, 
beadowæpen bere.  Me on bæce standað 
her swylce swe on hleorum.  Hlifiað tu 
earan ofer eagum.  Ordum ic steppe 
in grene græs.  Me bið gyrn witod, 
gif mec onhæle  an onfindeð 
wælgrim wiga,  þær ic wic buge, 

               bold mid bearnum,  ond ic bide þær 
mid geoguðcnosle,  hwonne gæst cume 
to durum minum,  him biþ deað witod. 
Forþon ic sceal of eðle  eaforan mine 
forhtmod fergan,  fleame nergan, 
gif he me æfterweard  ealles weorþeð; 
hine berað 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, 
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 niðsceaþa  nearwe stige 
me on swaþe seceþ,  ne tosæleþ him 
on þam gegnpaþe  guþgemotes, 
siþþan ic þurh hylles  hrof geræce, 
ond þurh hest hrino  hildepilum 
laðgewinnum,  þam þe ic longe fleah. 

47. Riddles 16Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 188-89; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Oft ic sceal wiþ wæge winnan  ond wiþ winde feohtan, 
somod wið þam sæcce,  þonne ic secan gewite 
eorþan yþum þeaht;  me biþ se eþel fremde. 
Ic beom strong þæs gewinnes,  gif ic stille weorþe; 
gif me þæs tosæleð,  hi beoð swiþran þonne ic, 
ond mec slitende  sona flymað, 
willað oþfergan  þæt ic friþian sceal. 
Ic him þæt forstonde,  gif min steort þolað 
ond mec stiþne wiþ  stanas moton 
fæste gehabban.  Frige hwæt ic hatte. 

48. Riddles 17Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 189; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic eom mundbora  minre heorde, 
eodorwirum fæst,  innan gefylled 
dryhtgestreona.  Dægtidum oft 
spæte sperebrogan;  sped biþ þy mare 
fylle minre.  
               Frea þæt bihealdeð, 
hu me of hrife fleogað  hyldepilas. 
Hwilum ic sweartum  swelgan onginne 
brunum beadowæpnum,  bitrum ordum, 
eglum attorsperum.  Is min innað til, 
wombhord wlitig,  wloncum deore; 
men gemunan  þæt me þurh muþ fareð. 

49. Riddles 18

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 189; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

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.

50. Riddles 19Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 189-90; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic on 
               siþe seah  
               S
               R 
               O 
            

               H hygewloncne,  heafodbeorhtne, 

               swiftne ofer sælwong  swiþe þrægan. 
Hæfde him on hrycge  hildeþryþe 

               N
               O
               M
                nægledne rad 

               A
               G
               E
               W.  Widlast ferede 
rynestrong on rade  rofne C 
               O 
            

               F
               O
               A
               H.  For wæs þy beorhtre, 
swylcra siþfæt.  Saga hwæt ic hatte. 

51. Riddles 20Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 190-91; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic eom wunderlicu wiht,  on gewin sceapen, 
frean minum leof,  fægre gegyrwed. 
Byrne is min bleofag,  swylce beorht seomað 
            
wir ymb þone wælgim  þe me waldend geaf, 
se me widgalum  wisað hwilum 
sylfum to sace.  þonne ic sinc wege 
þurh hlutterne dæg,  hondweorc smiþa, 
gold ofer geardas.  Oft ic gæstberend 
cwelle compwæpnum.  Cyning mec gyrweð 
since ond seolfre  ond mec on sele weorþað; 
ne wyrneð wordlofes,  wisan mæneð 
mine for mengo,  þær hy meodu drincað, 
healdeð mec on heaþore,  hwilum læteð eft 
radwerigne  on gerum sceacan, 
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 genægeð; 
ne weorþeð sio mægburg  gemicledu 
eaforan minum  þe ic æfter woc, 
nymþe ic hlafordleas  hweorfan mote 
from þam healdende  þe me hringas geaf. 
Me bið forð witod,  gif ic frean hyre, 
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 wyrneð,  se mec geara on 
bende legde;  forþon ic brucan sceal 
on hagostealde  hæleþa gestreona. 
Oft ic wirum dol  wife abelge, 
wonie hyre willan;  heo me wom spreceð, 
floceð hyre folmum,  firenaþ mec wordum, 
ungod gæleð.  Ic ne gyme þæs compes 

52. Riddles 21Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 191; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Neb is min niþerweard;  neol ic fere 
ond be grunde græfe,  geonge swa me wisað 
har holtes feond,  ond hlaford min 
woh færeð  weard æt steorte, 
wrigaþ on wonge,  wegeð mec ond þyð, 
saweþ on swæð min.  Ic snyþige forð, 
brungen of bearwe,  bunden cræfte, 
wegen on wægne,  hæbbe wundra fela; 
me biþ gongendre  grene on healfe 
ond min swæð sweotol  sweart on oþre. 
Me þurh hrycg wrecen  hongaþ under 
an orþoncpil,  oþer on heafde, 
fæst ond forðweard.  Fealleþ on sidan 
þæt ic toþum tere,  gif me teala þenaþ 
hindeweardre,  þæt biþ hlaford min. 

53. Riddles 22Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 191-92; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).ætsomne cwom  [LX] monna 
to wægstæþe  wicgum ridan; 
hæfdon [XI]  eoredmæcgas 
fridhengestas,  [IIII] sceamas. 
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 
hlodan under hrunge;  þa þa hors oðbær 
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, 
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 stæðe heaum,  þæt hy stopan up 
on oþerne,  ellenrofe, 
weras of wæge,  ond hyra wicg gesund. 

54. Riddles 23Krapp and Dobbie 1936, 192; Krapp and Dobbie 1936, The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Agof is min noma  eft onhwyrfed; 
ic eom wrætlic wiht  on gewin sceapen. 
þonne ic onbuge,  ond me of bosme fareð 
ætren onga,  ic beom eallgearo 
þæt ic me þæt feorhbealo  feor aswape. 
Siþþan me se waldend,  se me þæt wite gescop, 
leoþo forlæteð,  ic beo lengre þonne ær, 
oþþæt ic spæte,  spilde geblonden, 
ealfelo attor  þæt ic ær geap. 
Ne togongeð þæs  gumena hwylcum, 
ænigum eaþe  þæt ic þær ymb sprice, 
gif hine hrineð  þæt me of hrife fleogeð, 
þæt þone mandrinc  mægne geceapaþ, 

               fullwered fæste  feore sine. 
Nelle ic unbunden  ænigum hyran 
nymþe searosæled.  Saga hwæt ic hatte. 

55. Riddles 24Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 192-93; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).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, 
guðfugles hleoþor,  hwilum glidan reorde 
muþe gemæne,  hwilum mæwes song, 
þær ic glado sitte.  
               G mec nemnað, 
swylce æ ond R 
                
               O fullesteð, 

               H ond I.  Nu ic haten eom 
swa þa siex stafas  sweotule becnaþ. 

56. Riddles 25Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 193; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic eom wunderlicu wiht,  wifum on hyhte, 
neahbuendum nyt;  nængum sceþþe 
burgsittendra,  nymþe bonan anum. 
Staþol min is steapheah,  stonde ic on bedde, 
neoþan ruh nathwær.  Neþeð hwilum 
ful cyrtenu  ceorles dohtor, 
modwlonc meowle,  þæt heo on mec gripeð, 
ræseð mec on reodne,  reafað min heafod, 
fegeð mec on fæsten.  Feleþ sona 
mines gemotes,  
               seo þe mec nearwað, 
wif wundenlocc.  Wæt bið þæt eage. 

57. Riddles 26Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 193-94; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Mec feonda sum  feore besnyþede, 
woruldstrenga binom,  wætte siþþan, 
dyfde on wætre,  dyde eft þonan, 
sette on sunnan,  þær ic swiþe beleas 
herum þam þe ic hæfde.  Heard mec siþþan 
snað seaxses ecg,  sindrum begrunden; 
fingras feoldan,  ond mec fugles wyn 
geond speddropum  spyrede geneahhe, 
ofer brunne brerd,  beamtelge swealg, 
streames dæle,  stop eft on mec, 
siþade sweartlast.  Mec siþþan wrah 
hæleð hleobordum,  
               hyde beþenede, 
gierede mec mid golde;  forþon me gliwedon 
wrætlic weorc smiþa,  wire bifongen. 
Nu þa gereno  ond se reada telg 
ond þa wuldorgesteald  wide mære 
dryhtfolca helm,  nales dol wite. 
Gif min bearn wera  brucan willað, 
hy beoð þy gesundran  ond þy sigefæstran, 
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 ycað  ond hy arstafum 
lissum bilecgað  ond hi lufan fæþmum 
fæste clyppað.  Frige hwæt ic hatte, 
niþum to nytte.  Nama min is mære, 
hæleþum gifre  ond halig sylf. 

58. Riddles 27Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 194; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic eom weorð werum,  wide funden, 
brungen of bearwum  ond of burghleoþum, 
of denum ond of dunum.  Dæges mec wægun 
feþre on lifte,  feredon mid liste 
under hrofes hleo.  Hæleð mec siþþan 
baþedan in bydene.  Nu ic eom bindere 
ond swingere,  sona weorpe 
            

               esne to eorþan,  hwilum ealdne ceorl. 
Sona þæt onfindeð,  se þe mec fehð ongean, 
ond wið mægenþisan  minre genæsteð, 
þæt he hrycge sceal  hrusan secan, 
gif he unrædes  ær ne geswiceð, 
strengo bistolen,  strong on spræce, 
mægene binumen;  nah his modes geweald, 
fota ne folma.  Frige hwæt ic hatte, 
ðe on eorþan swa  esnas binde, 
dole æfter dyntum  be dæges leohte. 

59. Riddles 28Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 194-95; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Biþ foldan dæl  fægre gegierwed 
mid þy heardestan  ond mid þy scearpestan 
ond mid þy grymmestan  gumena gestreona, 
corfen, sworfen,  cyrred, þyrred, 
bunden, wunden,  blæced, wæced, 
frætwed, geatwed,  feorran læded 
to durum dryhta.  Dream bið in innan 
cwicra wihta,  clengeð, lengeð, 
þara þe ær lifgende  longe hwile 
wilna bruceð  ond no wið spriceð, 
ond þonne æfter deaþe  deman onginneð, 
meldan mislice.  Micel is to hycganne 
wisfæstum menn,  hwæt seo wiht sy. 

60. Riddles 29Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 195; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic wiht geseah  wundorlice 

               hornum bitweonum  huþe lædan, 
lyftfæt leohtlic,  listum gegierwed, 
huþe to þam ham  of þam heresiþe; 
walde hyre on þære byrig  bur atimbran, 
searwum asettan,  gif hit swa meahte. 
ða cwom wundorlicu wiht  ofer wealles hrof, 
seo is eallum cuð  eorðbuendum, 
ahredde þa þa huþe  ond to ham bedraf 
            
wreccan ofer willan,  gewat hyre west þonan 
fæhþum feran,  forð onette. 
Dust stonc to heofonum,  deaw feol on eorþan, 
niht forð gewat.  Nænig siþþan 
wera gewiste  þære wihte sið. 

61. Riddles 30aKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 195-96; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic eom legbysig,  lace mid winde, 
bewunden mid wuldre,  wedre gesomnad, 
fus forðweges,  fyre gebysgad, 
bearu blowende,  byrnende gled. 
Ful oft mec gesiþas  sendað æfter hondum, 
þæt mec weras ond wif  wlonce cyssað. 
þonne ic mec onhæbbe,  ond hi onhnigaþ to me 
monige mid miltse,  þær ic monnum sceal 
ycan upcyme  eadignesse. 

62. Riddles 31Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 196; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Is þes middangeard  missenlicum 
wisum gewlitegad,  wrættum gefrætwad. 
Ic seah sellic þing  singan on ræcede; 
wiht wæs nower 
                werum on gemonge, 
sio hæfde wæstum  wundorlicran. 

               Niþerweard
                wæs neb hyre, 
fet ond folme  fugele gelice; 
no hwæþre fleogan mæg  ne fela gongan, 
hwæþre feþegeorn  fremman onginneð, 
gecoren cræftum,  cyrreð geneahhe 
oft ond gelome  eorlum on gemonge, 
siteð æt symble,  sæles bideþ, 
hwonne ær heo cræft hyre  cyþan mote 
werum on wonge.  Ne heo þær wiht þigeð 
þæs þe him æt blisse  beornas habbað. 
Deor domes georn,  hio dumb wunað; 
hwæþre hyre is on fote  fæger hleoþor, 
wynlicu woðgiefu.  Wrætlic me þinceð, 
hu seo wiht mæge  wordum lacan 
þurh fot neoþan,  frætwed hyrstum. 
Hafað hyre on halse,  þonne hio hord warað, 
bær, beagum deall,  broþor sine, 
mæg mid mægne.  Micel is to hycgenne 
wisum woðboran,  hwæt sio wiht sie. 

63. Riddles 32Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 196-97; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Is þes middangeard  missenlicum 
wisum gewlitegad,  wrættum gefrætwad. 
Siþum sellic  ic seah searo hweorfan, 
grindan wið greote,  giellende faran. 
Næfde sellicu wiht  syne ne folme, 
exle ne earmas;  sceal on anum fet 
searoceap swifan,  swiþe feran, 
faran ofer feldas.  Hæfde fela ribba; 
muð wæs on middan.  Moncynne nyt, 

               fereð foddurwelan,  folcscipe dreogeð, 
wist in wigeð,  ond werum gieldeð 
gaful geara gehwam  þæs þe guman brucað, 
rice ond heane.  Rece, gif þu cunne, 
wis worda gleaw,  hwæt sio wiht sie. 

64. Riddles 33Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 197; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Wiht cwom æfter wege  wrætlicu liþan, 
cymlic from ceole  cleopode to londe, 
hlinsade hlude;  
               hleahtor wæs gryrelic, 
egesful on earde,  ecge wæron scearpe. 
Wæs hio hetegrim,  hilde to sæne, 
biter beadoweorca;  bordweallas grof, 
heardhiþende.  Heterune bond, 
sægde searocræftig  ymb hyre sylfre gesceaft: 
"Is min modor  
               mægða cynnes 
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." 

65. Riddles 34Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 197; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic wiht geseah  in wera burgum, 
seo þæt feoh fedeð.  Hafað fela toþa; 
nebb biþ hyre æt nytte,  niþerweard gongeð, 
hiþeð holdlice  ond to ham tyhð, 
wæþeð geond weallas,  wyrte seceð; 
aa heo þa findeð,  þa þe fæst ne biþ; 
læteð hio þa wlitigan,  wyrtum fæste, 
stille stondan  on staþolwonge, 
beorhte blican,  blowan ond growan. 

66. Riddles 35Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 198; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Mec se wæta wong,  wundrum freorig, 
of his innaþe  ærist cende. 
Ne wat ic mec beworhtne  wulle flysum, 
hærum þurh heahcræft,  hygeþoncum min. 
Wundene me ne beoð wefle,  ne ic wearp hafu, 
ne þurh þreata geþræcu  þræd me ne hlimmeð, 
ne æt me hrutende  hrisil scriþeð, 
ne mec ohwonan  sceal am cnyssan. 
Wyrmas mec ne awæfan  wyrda cræftum, 
þa þe geolo godwebb  geatwum frætwað. 
Wile mec mon hwæþre seþeah  wide ofer eorþan 
hatan for hæleþum  hyhtlic gewæde. 
Saga soðcwidum,  searoþoncum gleaw, 
wordum wisfæst,  hwæt þis gewæde sy. 

67. Riddles 36Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 198; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic wiht geseah  on wege feran, 
seo wæs wrætlice  wundrum gegierwed. 
Hæfde feowere  fet under wombe 
ond ehtuwe  
            
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, 
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 soð witan, 
hu þære wihte  wise gonge. 

68. Riddles 37

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 198-99; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

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.

Ne swylteð he symle, þonne syllan sceal

innað þam oþrum, ac him eft cymeð

bot in bosme, blæd biþ aræred;

he sunu wyrceð, bið him sylfa fæder.

69. Riddles 38

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 199; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Ic þa wiht geseah wæpnedcynnes,

geoguðmyrþe grædig; him on gafol forlet

ferðfriþende feower wellan

scire sceotan, on gesceap þeotan.

Mon maþelade, se þe me gesægde:

"Seo wiht, gif hio gedygeð, duna briceð;

gif he tobirsteð, bindeð cwice."

70. Riddles 39Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 199-200; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Gewritu secgað  þæt seo wiht sy 
mid moncynne  miclum tidum 
sweotol ond gesyne.  Sundorcræft hafað 

               maran micle,  þonne hit men witen. 
Heo wile gesecan  sundor æghwylcne 
feorhberendra,  gewiteð eft feran on weg. 
Ne bið hio næfre  niht þær oþre, 
ac hio sceal wideferh  wreccan laste 
hamleas hweorfan;  no þy heanre biþ. 
Ne hafað hio fot ne folme,  ne æfre foldan hran, 
ne eagena 
                ægþer twega, 
ne muð hafaþ,  ne wiþ monnum spræc, 
ne gewit hafað,  ac gewritu secgað 
þæt seo sy earmost  ealra wihta, 
þara þe æfter gecyndum  cenned wære. 
Ne hafað hio sawle ne feorh,  ac hio siþas sceal 
geond þas wundorworuld  wide dreogan. 
Ne hafaþ hio blod ne ban,  hwæþre bearnum wearð 
geond þisne middangeard  mongum to frofre. 
Næfre hio heofonum hran,  ne to helle mot, 
ac hio sceal wideferh  
               wuldorcyninges 
            
larum lifgan.  Long is to secganne 
hu hyre ealdorgesceaft  æfter gongeð, 
woh wyrda gesceapu;  þæt is wrætlic þing 
to gesecganne.  Soð is æghwylc 
þara þe ymb þas wiht  wordum becneð; 
ne hafað heo ænig lim,  leofaþ efne seþeah. 
Gif þu mæge reselan  recene gesecgan 
soþum wordum,  saga hwæt hio hatte. 

71. Riddles 40Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 200-03; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ece is se scyppend,  se þas eorþan nu 
wreðstuþum wealdeð 
                ond þas world healdeð. 

               Rice is se reccend  ond on ryht cyning 
ealra anwalda,  eorþan ond heofones, 
healdeð ond wealdeð,  swa he ymb þas utan hweorfeð. 
He mec wrætlice  worhte æt frymþe, 
þa he þisne ymbhwyrft  ærest sette, 
heht mec wæccende  wunian longe, 
þæt ic ne slepe  siþþan æfre, 
ond mec semninga  slæp ofergongeþ, 
beoð eagan min  ofestum betyned. 
þisne middangeard  meahtig dryhten 
mid his onwalde  æghwær styreð; 
swa ic mid waldendes  worde ealne 
þisne ymbhwyrft  utan ymbclyppe. 
Ic eom to þon bleað,  þæt mec bealdlice mæg 
gearu gongende  grima abregan, 
ond eofore eom  æghwær cenra, 
þonne he gebolgen  bidsteal giefeð; 
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, 

                on eorþan tyrf 
wynlic weaxeð;  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 
mid minre swetnesse  symle æghwær, 
ond ic fulre eom  þonne þis fen swearte 
þæt her yfle  adelan stinceð. 
Eal ic under heofones  hwearfte recce, 
swa me leof fæder  lærde æt frymþe, 
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; 
eac ic under eorþan  eal sceawige 
wom wraðscrafu  wraþra gæsta. 
Ic eom micle yldra  þonne ymbhwyrft þes 
            
oþþe þes middangeard  meahte geweorþan, 
ond ic giestron wæs  geong acenned 
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 
oððe þis waroð  þe her aworpen ligeð. 
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, 
hrim heorugrimma,  þonne he to hrusan cymeð; 

               ic
               eom Ulcanus  up irnendan 
leohtan leoman  lege hatra. 
Ic eom on goman  gena swetra 
þonne þu beobread  blende mid hunige; 
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 
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; 
me is snægl swiftra,  
               snelra regnwyrm 
ond fenyce  fore hreþre; 

               is þæs gores sunu  gonge hrædra, 
þone we wifel  wordum nemnað. 
Hefigere ic eom micle  þonne se hara stan 
oþþe unlytel  leades clympre, 
leohtre ic eom micle  þonne þes lytla wyrm 
þe her on flode gæð  fotum dryge. 
Flinte ic eom heardre  þe þis fyr drifeþ 
of þissum strongan  style heardan, 
hnescre ic eom micle  halsrefeþre, 
seo her on winde  wæweð on lyfte. 
Ic eorþan eom  æghwær brædre 
ond widgelra  þonne þes wong grena; 
ic uttor eaþe 
                eal ymbwinde, 
wrætlice gewefen  wundorcræfte. 
Nis under me  ænig oþer 
wiht waldendre  on worldlife; 
ic eom ufor  ealra gesceafta, 
þara þe worhte  waldend user, 
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 bihealdeð 
sweartan syne;  ic eom swiþre þonne he, 
swylce ic eom on mægene  minum læsse 
þonne se hondwyrm,  se þe hæleþa bearn, 
secgas searoþoncle,  seaxe delfað. 
Ne hafu ic in heafde  hwite loccas 
wræste gewundne,  ac ic eom wide calu; 
ne ic breaga ne bruna  brucan moste, 
ac mec bescyrede  scyppend eallum; 
nu me wrætlice  weaxað on heafde 
þæt me on gescyldrum  scinan motan 
ful wrætlice  wundne loccas. 
Mara ic eom ond fættra  þonne amæsted swin, 
bearg bellende,  
               þe on bocwuda, 
won wrotende  wynnum lifde 
þæt he  
            

72. Riddles 41Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 203; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).
                edniwu; 
þæt is moddor  monigra cynna, 
þæs selestan,  þæs sweartestan, 
þæs deorestan  þæs þe dryhta bearn 
ofer foldan sceat  to gefean agen. 
Ne magon we her in eorþan  owiht lifgan, 
nymðe we brucen  þæs þa bearn doð. 
þæt is to geþencanne  þeoda gehwylcum, 
wisfæstum werum,  hwæt seo wiht sy. 

73. Riddles 42Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 203-04; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic seah wyhte  wrætlice twa 
undearnunga  ute plegan 
hæmedlaces;  hwitloc anfeng 
wlanc under wædum,  gif þæs weorces speow, 
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 
an an linan,  Acas twegen, 
Hægelas swa some.  Hwylc þæs hordgates 
cægan cræfte  þa clamme onleac 
þe þa rædellan  wið rynemenn 
hygefæste heold  heortan bewrigene 
orþoncbendum?  Nu is undyrne 
werum æt wine  hu þa wihte mid us, 
heanmode twa,  hatne sindon. 

74. Riddles 43Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 204; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic wat indryhtne  æþelum deorne 
giest in geardum,  þam se grimma ne mæg 
hungor sceððan  ne se hata þurst, 
yldo ne adle.  Gif him arlice 
esne þenað,  se þe agan sceal 
on þam siðfate,  hy gesunde æt ham 
findað witode him  wiste ond blisse, 
cnosles unrim,  care, gif se esne 
his hlaforde  hyreð yfle, 
frean on fore.  Ne wile forht wesan 
broþor oþrum;  him þæt bam sceðeð, 
þonne hy from bearme  begen hweorfað 
anre magan  ellorfuse, 
moddor ond sweostor.  Mon, se þe wille, 
cyþe cynewordum  hu se cuma hatte, 
eðþa se esne,  þe ic her ymb sprice. 

75. Riddles 44

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 204-05; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Wrætlic hongað bi weres þeo,

frean under sceate. Foran is þyrel.

Bið stiþ ond heard, stede hafað godne;

þonne se esne his agen hrægl

ofer cneo hefeð, wile þæt cuþe hol

mid his hangellan heafde gretan

þæt he efenlang ær oft gefylde.

76. Riddles 45

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 205; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Ic on wincle gefrægn weaxan nathwæt,

þindan ond þunian, þecene hebban;

on þæt banlease bryd grapode,

hygewlonc hondum, hrægle þeahte

þrindende þing þeodnes dohtor.

77. Riddles 46

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 205; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

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

þara æþelinga æghwæðres mid,

eam ond nefa. Ealra wæron fife

eorla ond idesa insittendra.

78. Riddles 47

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 205; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Moððe word fræt. Me þæt þuhte

wrætlicu wyrd, þa ic þæt wundor gefrægn,

þæt se wyrm forswealg wera gied sumes,

þeof in þystro, þrymfæstne cwide

ond þæs strangan staþol. Stælgiest ne wæs

wihte þy gleawra, þe he þam wordum swealg.

79. Riddles 48

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 205-06; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Ic gefrægn for hæleþum hring endean,

torhtne butan tungan, tila þeah he hlude

stefne ne cirmde, strongum wordum.

Sinc for secgum swigende cwæð:

"Gehæle mec, helpend gæsta."

Ryne ongietan readan goldes

guman galdorcwide, gleawe beþencan

hyra hælo to gode, swa se hring gecwæð.

80. Riddles 49Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 206; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic wat eardfæstne  anne standan, 
deafne, dumban,  se oft dæges swilgeð 
þurh gopes hond  gifrum lacum. 
Hwilum on þam wicum  se wonna þegn, 
sweart ond saloneb,  sendeð oþre 
under goman him  golde dyrran, 
þa æþelingas  oft wilniað, 
cyningas ond cwene.  Ic þæt cyn nu gen 
nemnan ne wille,  þe him to nytte swa 
ond to dugþum doþ  þæt se dumba her, 
eorp unwita,  ær forswilgeð. 

81. Riddles 50Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 206; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Wiga is on eorþan  wundrum acenned 
dryhtum to nytte,  of dumbum twam 
torht atyhted,  þone on teon wigeð 
feond his feonde.  
               Forstrangne oft 
wif hine wrið;  he him wel hereð, 
þeowaþ him geþwære,  gif him þegniað 
mægeð ond mæcgas  mid gemete ryhte, 
fedað hine fægre;  he him fremum stepeð 
life on lissum.  Leanað grimme 

               þam þe hine wloncne  weorþan læteð. 

82. Riddles 51

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 206; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Ic seah wrætlice wuhte feower

samed siþian; swearte wæran lastas,

swaþu swiþe blacu. Swift wæs on fore,

fuglum framra; fleag on lyfte,

deaf under yþe. Dreag unstille

winnende wiga se him wegas tæcneþ

ofer fæted gold feower eallum.

83. Riddles 52

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 207; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Ic seah ræpingas in ræced fergan

under hrof sales hearde twegen,

þa wæron genamnan, nearwum bendum

gefeterade fæste togædre;

þara oþrum wæs an getenge

wonfah Wale, seo weold hyra

bega siþe bendum fæstra.

84. Riddles 53Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 207; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).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 
on oþrum wearð  aglachade 
deope gedolgod,  dumb in bendum, 
wriþen ofer wunda,  wonnum hyrstum 
foran gefrætwed.  Nu he fæcnum weg 
            
þurh his heafdes mægen 
                hildegieste 
oþrum rymeð.  Oft hy an yste strudon 
hord ætgædre;  hræd wæs ond unlæt 
se æftera,  gif se ærra fær 
genamnan in nearowe  neþan moste. 

85. Riddles 54Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 207-08; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Hyse cwom gangan,  þær he hie wisse 
stondan in wincsele,  stop feorran to, 
hror hægstealdmon,  hof his agen 
hrægl hondum up,  
               hrand under gyrdels 
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, 
werig þæs weorces.  Hyre weaxan ongon 
under gyrdelse  þæt oft gode men 
ferðþum freogað  ond mid feo bicgað. 

86. Riddles 55Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 208; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic seah in healle,  þær hæleð druncon, 
on flet beran  feower cynna, 
wrætlic wudutreow  ond wunden gold, 
sinc searobunden,  ond seolfres dæl 
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 
ond se fealwa holen;  frean sindon ealle 
nyt ætgædre,  naman habbað anne, 
wulfheafedtreo,  þæt oft wæpen abæd 
his mondryhtne,  maðm in healle, 
goldhilted sweord.  Nu me þisses gieddes 
ondsware ywe,  se hine on mede 
wordum secgan  hu se wudu hatte. 

87. Riddles 56Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 208; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic wæs þær inne  þær ic ane geseah 
winnende wiht  wido bennegean, 
holt hweorfende;  heaþoglemma feng, 
deopra dolga.  Daroþas wæron 
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 
leafum bihongen.  Ic lafe geseah 
minum hlaforde,  þær hæleð druncon, 
þara flana 
               geweorc,  on flet beran. 

88. Riddles 57

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 209; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

ðeos lyft byreð lytle wihte

ofer beorghleoþa. þa sind blace swiþe,

swearte salopade. Sanges rope

heapum ferað, hlude cirmað,

tredað bearonæssas, hwilum burgsalo

niþþa bearna. Nemnað hy sylfe.

89. Riddles 58Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 209; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic wat anfete  ellen dreogan 
wiht on wonge.  Wide ne fereð, 
ne fela rideð,  ne fleogan mæg 
þurh scirne dæg,  ne hie scip fereð, 
naca nægledbord;  nyt bið hwæþre 
hyre mondryhtne 
                monegum tidum. 
Hafað hefigne steort,  heafod lytel, 
tungan lange,  toð nænigne, 
isernes dæl;  eorðgræf pæþeð. 
Wætan ne swelgeþ  ne wiht iteþ, 
foþres ne gitsað,  fereð oft swa þeah 
lagoflod on lyfte;  life ne gielpeð, 
hlafordes gifum,  hyreð swa þeana 
þeodne sinum.  þry sind in naman 
ryhte runstafas,  þara is Rad foran. 

90. Riddles 59Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 209-10; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic seah in healle  hring gyldenne 
            
men sceawian,  modum gleawe, 
ferþþum frode.  
               Friþospede bæd 
god nergende  gæste sinum 
se þe wende wriþan;  word æfter cwæð 
hring on hyrede,  hælend nemde 
tillfremmendra.  Him torhte in gemynd 
his dryhtnes naman  dumba brohte 
ond in eagna gesihð,  gif þæs æþelan 
goldes tacen  ongietan cuþe 

               ond
               dryhtnes dolg,  don swa þæs beages 
benne cwædon.  Ne mæg þære bene 
æniges monnes  
               ungefullodre 
            
godes ealdorburg  gæst gesecan, 
rodera ceastre.  Ræde, se þe wille, 
hu ðæs wrætlican  wunda cwæden 
hringes to hæleþum,  þa he in healle wæs 
wylted ond wended  wloncra folmum. 

91. The Wife's LamentKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 210-11; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic þis giedd wrece  bi me ful geomorre, 
minre sylfre sið.  Ic þæt secgan mæg, 
hwæt ic yrmþa gebad,  siþþan ic up weox, 
niwes oþþe ealdes,  no ma þonne nu. 
A ic wite wonn  minra wræcsiþa. 
ærest min hlaford gewat  heonan of leodum 
ofer yþa gelac;  hæfde ic uhtceare 
hwær min leodfruma  londes wære. 
ða ic me feran gewat  folgað secan, 
wineleas wręcca,  for minre weaþearfe. 
Ongunnon þæt þæs monnes  magas hycgan 
þurh dyrne geþoht,  þæt hy todælden unc, 
þæt wit gewidost  in woruldrice 
lifdon laðlicost,  ond mec longade. 
Het mec hlaford min  herheard niman, 
ahte ic leofra lyt  on þissum londstede, 
holdra freonda.  Forþon is min hyge geomor, 
ða ic me ful gemæcne  monnan funde, 
heardsæligne,  hygegeomorne, 
mod miþendne,  morþor hycgendne. 
Bliþe gebæro  ful oft wit beotedan 
þæt unc ne gedælde  nemne deað ana 
owiht elles;  eft is þæt onhworfen, 
is nu  swa hit no wære 
freondscipe uncer.  
               Sceal ic feor ge neah 
mines felaleofan  fæhðu dreogan. 
Heht mec mon wunian  on wuda bearwe, 
under actreo  in þam eorðscræfe. 
Eald is þes eorðsele,  eal ic eom oflongad, 
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 weardiað, 
þonne ic on uhtan  ana gonge 
under actreo  geond þas eorðscrafu. 
þær ic sittan mot  sumorlangne dæg, 
þær ic wepan mæg  mine wræcsiþas, 
earfoþa fela;  forþon ic æfre ne mæg 
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, 
sinsorgna gedreag,  sy æt him sylfum gelong 
eal his worulde wyn,  sy ful wide fah 
feorres folclondes,  þæt min freond siteð 
under stanhliþe  storme behrimed, 
wine werigmod,  wætre beflowen 
on dreorsele.  Dreogeð se min wine 
micle modceare;  he gemon to oft 
wynlicran wic.  Wa bið þam þe sceal 
of langoþe  leofes abidan. 

92. The Judgment Day IKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 212-5; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).ðæt gelimpan sceal,  þætte lagu floweð, 
flod ofer foldan;  feores bið æt ende 
anra gehwylcum.  Oft mæg se þe wile 
in his sylfes sefan  soð geþencan. 
Hafað 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 bið onæled, 
siþþan fyr nimeð  foldan sceatas, 
byrnende lig  beorhte gesceafte; 
bið eal þes ginna grund  gleda gefylled, 
reþra bronda,  swa nu rixiað 
gromhydge guman,  gylpe strynað, 
hyra hlaforde  gehlæges tilgað, 
oþþæt hy beswicað  synna weardas, 
þæt hi mid þy heape  helle secað, 
fleogað mid þam feondum.  Him biþ fyr ongean, 
droflic wite,  þær næfre dæg scineð 
leohte of lyfte,  ac a bilocen stondeð, 
siþþan þæs gæstes gryre  agiefen weorþeð. 
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, 
sarlic siðfæt  þam þe sibbe ful oft 
tomældeð mid his muþe.  Ne con he þa mircan gesceaft, 
hu hi butan ende  ece stondeð 
þam þe þær for his synnum  onsægd weorþeð, 
ond þonne a to ealdre  orleg dreogeð. 
Hwa is þonne þæs ferðgleaw,  oþþe þæs fela cunne, 
þæt æfre mæge heofona  heahþu gereccan, 
swa georne þone godes dæl,  swa he gearo stondeð 
clænum heortum,  þam þe þisne cwide willað 
ondrædan þus deopne?  Sceal se dæg weorþan 
þæt we forð berað  firena gehwylce, 
þeawas ond geþohtas;  þæt bið þearlic gemot, 
heardlic heremægen.  Hat biþ acolod. 
Ne biþ þonne on þisse worulde  nymþe wætres sweg 

                fisces eþel; 
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 bið wide cuð. 
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 
wyrcan in þisse worulde,  ær þon se wlonca dæg 
bodige þurh byman  brynehatne leg, 
egsan oferþrym.  Ne bið nænges eorles tir 
leng on þissum life,  siþþan leohtes weard 
ofer ealne foldan fæþm  fyr onsendeð. 
Lixeð lyftes mægen,  leg onetteð, 
blæc byrnende,  blodgyte weorþeð 
mongum gemeldad,  mægencyninges þrea; 
beofað eal beorhte gesceaft,  brondas lacað 
on þam deopan dæge,  dyneð upheofon. 
þonne weras ond wif  woruld alætað, 
eorþan yrmþu,  seoð þonne on ece gewyrht. 
þonne bið gecyþed  hwa in clænnisse 
lif alifde;  him bið lean gearo. 
Hyht wæs a in heofonum,  siþþan user hælend wæs, 
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, 
þonne he gehyrweð ful oft  halge lare, 
brigdeð on bysmer.  Ne con he þæs brogan dæl, 
yfles ondgiet,  ær hit hine on fealleð. 
He þæt þonne onfindeð,  þonne se fær cymeþ, 
geond middangeard  
               monegum gecyþeð, 
þæt he bið on þæt wynstre weorud  wyrs gescaden, 
þonne he on þa swiþran hond  swican mote, 
leahtra alysed.  Lyt þæt geþenceð, 
se þe him wines glæd  wilna bruceð, 
siteð him symbelgal,  siþ ne bemurneð, 
hu him æfter þisse worulde  weorðan mote. 
Wile þonne forgieldan  gæsta dryhten 
willum æfter þære wyrde,  wuldres ealdor, 
þam þe his synna nu  sare geþenceþ, 
modbysgunge  micle dreogeð; 
him þæt þonne geleanað  lifes waldend, 
heofona hyrde,  æfter heonansiþe 
godum dædum,  þæs þe he swa geomor wearð, 
sarig fore his synnum.  Ne sceal se to sæne beon 
ne þissa larna to læt,  se þe him wile lifgan mid gode, 
brucan þæs boldes  þe us beorht fæder 
gearwað togeanes,  gæsta ealdor. 
þæt is sigedryhten  þe þone sele frætweð, 
timbreð torhtlice;  to sculon clæne, 
womma lease,  swa se waldend cwæð, 
ealra cyninga cyning.  Forþon cwicra gehwylc, 
deophydigra,  dryhtne hyreð, 
þara þe wile heofona  heahþu gestigan. 
Hwæþre þæt gegongeð,  þeah þe hit sy greote beþeaht, 
lic mid lame,  þæt hit sceal life onfon, 
feores æfter foldan.  Folc biþ gebonnen, 
Adames bearn  ealle to spræce; 
beoð þonne gegædrad  gæst ond bansele, 
gesomnad to þam siþe.  Soþ þæt wile cyþan, 
þonne we us gemittað  on þam mæstan dæge, 
rincas æt þære rode,  secgað þonne ryhta fela, 
eal swylce under heofonum gewearð  hates ond cealdes, 
godes oþþe yfles;  georne gehyreð 
heofoncyninga hyhst  
               hæleþa dæde. 
Næfre mon þæs hlude  horn aþyteð 
ne byman ablaweþ,  þæt ne sy seo beorhte stefn 
ofer ealne middangeard  monnum hludre, 
waldendes word;  wongas beofiað 
for þam ærende  þæt he to us eallum wat. 
Oncweþ nu þisne cwide;  cuþ sceal geweorþan 
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 bið gestaþelad, 
welan ah in wuldre  se nu wel þenceð. 

93. ResignationKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 215-18; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).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, 
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. 
Getacna me,  tungla hyrde, 
þær selast sy  sawle minre 
to gemearcenne  meotudes willan, 
þæt ic þe geþeo  þinga gehwylce, 
ond on me sylfum,  soðfæst cyning, 
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, 
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 
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, 
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 
bette bealodæde  þonne bibodu wæron 
halgan heofonmægnes.  Hwæt, þu me her fela 

                [...] forgeafe.  Gesette minne hyht on þec, 
forhte foreþoncas,  þæt hio fæstlice 
stonde gestaðelad.  Onstep minne hige, 
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, 
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 
geniman on þinne neawest,  nergende cyning, 
meotud, for þinre miltse.  þeah ðe ic mana fela 
æfter dogrum dyde,  ne læt þu mec næfre deofol seþeah 
þin lim lædan  on laðne sið, 
þy læs hi on þone foreþonc  gefeon motan 
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 
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 
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 ðæs earninga  ænige wæron mid; 
hwæþre ic me ealles þæs  ellen wylle 
habban ond hlyhhan  ond me hyhtan to, 
frætwian mec on ferðweg  ond fundian 
sylf to þam siþe  þe ic asettan sceal, 
gæst gearwian,  ond me þæt eal for gode þolian 
bliþe mode,  nu ic gebunden eom 
fæste in minum ferþe.  Huru me frea witeð 
sume þara synna  þe ic me sylf ne conn 
ongietan gleawlice.  Gode ic hæbbe 
abolgen, brego moncynnes;  forþon ic þus bittre wearð 
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 frymðe gelomp 
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, 
leodwynna leas,  leng drohtian, 
wineleas wræcca,  (is him wrað meotud), 
gnornað on his geoguþe,  
            
ond him ælce mæle  men fullestað, 
ycað his yrmþu,  ond he þæt eal þolað, 
sarcwide secga,  ond him bið a sefa geomor, 
mod morgenseoc.  Ic bi me tylgust 
secge þis sarspel  ond ymb siþ spræce, 
longunge fus,  ond on lagu þence, 
nat min  
            
hwy ic gebycge  bat on sæwe, 
fleot on faroðe;  nah ic fela goldes 
ne huru þæs freondes,  þe me gefylste 
to þam siðfate,  nu ic me sylf ne mæg 
fore minum wonæhtum  willan adreogan. 
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, 
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, 
cyðþu 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. 

94. The Descent into HellKrapp and Dobbie 1936, 219-23; Krapp and Dobbie 1936, The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ongunnon him on uhtan  æþelcunde mægð 
gierwan to geonge;  wiston gumena gemot 
æþelinges lic  eorðærne biþeaht. 
Woldan werigu wif  wope bimænan 
æþelinges deað  ane hwile, 

               reonge bereotan.  Ræst wæs acolad, 
heard wæs hinsið;  hæleð wæron modge, 
þe hy æt þam beorge  
               bliðe fundon. 
Cwom seo murnende  Maria on dægred, 
heht hy oþre mid  eorles dohtor. 
Sohton sarigu tu  sigebearn godes 
ænne in þæt eorðærn  þær hi ær wiston 
þæt hine gehyddan  hæleð Iudea; 
wendan þæt he on þam beorge  bidan sceolde, 
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 eorðærn,  æþelinges lic 
onfeng feores gæst,  folde beofode, 
hlogan helwaran;  hagosteald onwoc 
modig from moldan,  mægenþrym aras 
sigefæst ond snottor.  Sægde Iohannis, 
hæleð helwarum,  hlyhhende spræc 
modig to þære mengo  ymb his mæges  [...]: 
"Hæfde me gehaten  hælend user, 
þa he me on þisne sið  sendan wolde, 
þæt he me gesoht/  siex monað, 
ealles folces fruma.  Nu  [...] sceacen. 
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 
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, 
clustor of þam ceastrum;  cyning in oþrad, 
ealles folces fruma  forð onette, 

               weoruda wuldorgiefa.  Wræccan þrungon, 
hwylc hyra þæt sygebearn  geseon moste, 
Adam ond Abraham,  Isac ond Iacob, 
monig modig eorl,  Moyses ond Dauid, 
Esaias  ond Sacharias, 
heahfædra fela,  swylce eac hæleþa gemot, 
witgena weorod,  wifmonna þreat, 
fela fæmnena,  folces unrim. 
Geseah þa Iohannis  sigebearn godes 
mid þy cyneþrymme  cuman to helle, 
ongeat þa geomormod  godes sylfes sið. 
Geseah he helle duru  hædre scinan, 
þa þe longe ær  bilocen wæron, 
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, 
þæt þu us/ /ige  secan woldest, 
nu we on þissum bendum  bidan  [...] 
            
þonne monige bindeð  broþorleasne 
wræccan  [...] 
                (he bið wide fah), 
ne bið he no þæs nearwe  under niðloc/ 
þæs bitre gebunden  under bealuclommum, 
þæt he þy yð ne mæge  ellen habban, 
þonne he his hlafordes  hyldo gelyfeð, 
þæt hine of þam bendum  bicgan wille. 
Swa we ealle to þe  an gelyfað, 
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 gecyðdest,  cyneþrymma wyn, 
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 gecyðdest 
                þa þu þone cnyht to us 
brohtest in Bethlem.  Bidan we þæs longe, 
setan on sorgum,  sibbe oflyste, 
wynnum ond wenum,  hwonne we word godes 
þurh his sylfes muð  secgan hyrde. 
Eala Maria,  hu þu us modigne 
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 
þonne hy gehyrdon  hu we hreowen/ 
/on murnende  mægburg usse, 
oþþæt  [...] 
                sigedryhten god, 
bimengdes/  /gust ealra cyninga. 

                nu us mon modge þe 
ageaf from usse geogoðe.  We þurh gifre mod 
beswican us sylfe;  we þa synne forþon 
berað in urum breostum  to bonan honda, 
sculon eac to ussum feondum  freoþo wilnian. 
Eala Hierusalem  in Iudeum, 
hu þu in þære stowe  stille gewunadest! 
Ne mostan þe geondferan  foldbuende 
ealle lifgende,  þa þe lof singað. 
Eala Iordane  in Iudeum, 
hu þu in þære stowe  stille gewunadest! 
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. 
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. 
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, 
ond fore þære wunde,  weoruda dry/ 
þinum æriste,  æþelinga wyn, 
ond fore þinre me/  /ian nama, 
þa ealle hellwara  hergað ond lof/ 
/lum  þe þe ymb stondað, 
þa þu þe lete sittan  
                [...] hond, 
þa þu us on þisne wræcsið,  weoroda dryhten, 
þurh þines sylfes geweald  secan woldest, 
ond fore Hierusalem  in Iudeum, 
(sceal seo burg nu þa  bidan efne swa þeah, 
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, 
swylce git Iohannis  in Iordane 
mid þy fullwihte  fægre onbryrdon 
ealne þisne middangeard.  Sie þæs symle meotude þonc!" 

95. Alms-GivingKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 223; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Wel bið þam eorle  þe him on innan hafað, 
reþehygdig wer,  rume heortan; 
þæt him biþ for worulde  weorðmynda mæst, 
ond for ussum dryhtne  doma selast. 
Efne swa he mid wætre  þone weallendan 
leg adwæsce,  þæt he leng ne mæg 
blac byrnende  burgum sceððan, 
swa he mid ælmessan  ealle toscufeð 
synna wunde,  sawla lacnað. 

96. Pharaoh

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 223; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

"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,

þæt þær screoda wære gescyred rime

siex hun/ /a searohæbbendra;

þæt eal fornam yþ/

wraþe wyrde in woruldrice."

97. The Lord's Prayer IKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 223-4; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York)./g fæder,  þu þe on heofonum eardast, 

               geweorðad wuldres dreame.  Sy þinum weorcum halgad 
noma niþþa bearnum;  þu eart nergend wera. 
Cyme þin rice wide,  ond þin rædfæst willa 
aræred under rodores hrofe,  eac þon on rumre foldan. 
Syle us to dæge  domfæstne blæd, 
hlaf userne,  helpend wera, 
þone singalan,  soðfæst meotod. 
Ne læt usic costunga  cnyssan to swiðe, 
ac þu us freodom gief,  folca waldend, 
from yfla gehwam,  a to widan feore. 

98. Homiletic Fragment IIKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 224; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Gefeoh nu on ferðe  ond to frofre geþeoh 
dryhtne þinum,  ond þinne dom arær, 
heald hordlocan,  hyge fæste bind 
mid modsefan.  Monig biþ uncuþ 
treowgeþofta,  teorað hwilum, 
waciaþ wordbeot;  swa þeos woruld fareð, 
scurum scyndeð  ond gesceap dreogeð. 
An is geleafa,  an lifgende, 
an is fulwiht,  an fæder ece, 
an is folces fruma,  se þas foldan gesceop, 
duguðe ond dreamas.  Dom siþþan weox, 
þeah þeos læne gesceaft  longe stode 
heolstre gehyded,  helme /edygled, 
biþeaht wel treowum,  þystre oferfæðmed, 

               siþþan geong aweox  
            
mægeð modhwatu  mid moncynne; 
ðær gelicade  þa/ /op 
in þam hordfate,  halgan gæste, 
beorht on br/  /e scan, 
se wæs ordfruma  ealles leohtes. 

99. Riddles 30b and 60Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 224-25; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic eom ligbysig,  lace mid winde, 
w/  /dre gesomnad, 
fus forðweges,  fyre gemylted, 
bear/ blowende,  byrnende gled. 
Ful oft mec gesiþas  sendað æfter hondum, 
þær mec weras ond wif  wlonce gecyssað. 
þonne ic mec onhæbbe,  hi onhnigað to me, 
modge miltsum,  swa ic mongum sceal 
ycan upcyme  eadignesse. 

100. Riddles 60Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 225; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic wæs be sonde,  sæwealle neah, 
æt merefaroþe,  minum gewunade 
frumstaþole fæst;  fea ænig wæs 
monna cynnes,  þæt minne þær 
on anæde  eard beheolde, 
ac mec uhtna gehwam  yð sio brune 
lagufæðme beleolc.  Lyt ic wende 
þæt ic ær oþþe sið  æfre sceolde 
ofer meodubence 
                muðleas sprecan, 
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 
for unc anum twam 
                ærendspræce 
abeodan bealdlice,  swa hit beorna ma 
uncre wordcwidas  widdor ne mænden. 

101. The Husband's MessageKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 225-7; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Nu ic onsundran þe  secgan wille 

                [...] treocyn  ic tudre aweox; 
in mec æld/ sceal  ellor londes 
settan  [...] 
                sealte streamas 
/sse.  Ful oft ic on bates 

                gesohte 
þær mec mondryhten  min  [...] 
            
ofer heah hofu;  eom nu her cumen 
on ceolþele,  ond nu cunnan scealt 
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 
on gewitlocan  wordbeotunga, 
þe git on ærdagum  oft gespræcon, 
þenden git moston  on meoduburgum 
eard weardigan,  an lond bugan, 
freondscype fremman.  Hine fæhþo adraf 
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, 
lade gelettan  lifgendne monn. 
Ongin mere secan,  mæwes eþel, 
onsite sænacan,  þæt þu suð heonan 
ofer merelade  monnan findest, 
þær se þeoden is  þin on wenum. 
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/ 
næglede beagas;  he genoh hafað 
fędan goldes 
                
            
/d elþeode  eþel healde, 
fægre foldan  
            
/ra hæleþa,  þeah þe her min wine/ 
nyde gebæded,  nacan ut aþrong, 
ond on yþa geong  
                [...] sceolde 
faran on flotweg,  forðsiþes georn, 
mengan merestreamas.  Nu se mon hafað 
wean oferwunnen;  nis him wilna gad, 
ne meara ne maðma  ne meododreama, 
ænges ofer eorþan  eorlgestreona, 
þeodnes dohtor,  gif he þin beneah 
ofer eald gebeot  incer twega. 
Gecyre ic ætsomne  
               S
               R geador 

               EA
               W ond D 
                aþe benemnan, 
þæt he þa wære  ond þa winetreowe 
be him lifgendum  læstan wolde, 
þe git on ærdagum  oft gespræconn. 

102. The RuinKrapp and Dobbie, 1936 227-9; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Wrætlic is þes wealstan,  wyrde gebræcon; 
burgstede burston,  brosnað enta geweorc. 
Hrofas sind gehrorene,  hreorge torras, 

               hrungeat berofen,  hrim on lime, 
scearde scurbeorge  scorene, gedrorene, 
ældo undereotone.  Eorðgrap hafað 
waldend wyrhtan  forweorone, geleorene, 
heardgripe hrusan,  oþ hund cnea 
werþeoda gewitan.  Oft þæs wag gebad 
ræghar ond readfah  rice æfter oþrum, 
ofstonden under stormum;  steap geap gedreas. 
Wonað giet se  /num geheapen, 
fel on  
            
grimme gegrunden  
            
scan  heo/ 
/g orþonc  ærsceaft 
/g  lamrindum beag 
mod mo/  /yne swiftne gebrægd 
hwætred in hringas,  hygerof gebond 
weallwalan wirum  wundrum togædre. 
Beorht wæron burgræced,  burnsele monige, 
heah horngestreon,  heresweg micel, 
meodoheall monig  
               M dreama full, 
oþþæt þæt onwende  wyrd seo swiþe. 
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 dreorgiað, 
ond þæs teaforgeapa  tigelum sceadeð 
hrostbeages hrof.  Hryre wong gecrong 
gebrocen to beorgum,  þær iu beorn monig 
glædmod ond goldbeorht  gleoma gefrætwed, 
wlonc ond wingal  wighyrstum scan; 
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 
beorhtan bosme,  þær þa baþu wæron, 
hat on hreþre.  þæt wæs hyðelic. 
Leton þonne geotan  
            
ofer harne stan  hate streamas 
un/  
            
/þþæt hringmere  hate 

                þær þa baþu wæron. 
þonne is  
            
/re;  þæt is cynelic þing, 
huse  [...] 
                burg/. 

103. Riddles 61Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 229; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Oft mec fæste bileac  freolicu meowle, 
ides on earce,  hwilum up ateah 
folmum sinum  ond frean sealde, 
holdum þeodne,  swa hio haten wæs. 
Siðþan 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. 

104. Riddles 62Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 229; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic eom heard ond scearp,  
               hingonges strong, 
forðsiþes from,  frean unforcuð, 
wade under wambe  ond me weg sylfa 
ryhtne geryme.  Rinc bið on ofeste, 
se mec on þyð  æftanweardne, 
hæleð mid hrægle;  hwilum ut tyhð 
of hole hatne,  hwilum eft fareð 
on nearo nathwær,  nydeþ swiþe 
suþerne secg.  Saga hwæt ic hatte. 

105. Riddles 63

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 229-30; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Oft ic secga seledreame sceal

fægre onþeon, þonne ic eom forð boren

glæd mid golde, þær guman drincað.

Hwilum mec on cofan cysseð muþe

tillic esne, þær wit tu beoþ,

fæðme on folm/ /grum þyð,

wyrceð his willa/ /ð l/

fulre, þonne ic forð cyme

[...]

Ne mæg ic þy miþan,

/an on leohte

[...]

swylce eac bið sona

/r/ /te getacnad, hwæt me to

/leas rinc, þa unc geryde wæs.

106. Riddles 64

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 230; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Ic seah W ond I ofer wong faran,

beran B E; bæm wæs on siþþe

hæbbendes hyht H ond A

swylce þryþa dæl, þ ond E.

Gefeah F ond æ fleah ofer EA

S ond P sylfes þæs folces.

107. Riddles 65

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 230; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Cwico wæs ic, ne cwæð ic wiht, cwele ic efne seþeah.

ær ic wæs, eft ic cwom. æghwa mec reafað,

hafað mec on headre, ond min heafod scireþ,

biteð mec on bær lic, briceð mine wisan.

Monnan ic ne bite, nympþe he me bite;

sindan þara monige þe mec bitað.

108. Riddles 66Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 230-31; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic eom mare  þonne þes middangeard, 
læsse þonne hondwyrm,  leohtre þonne mona, 
swiftre þonne sunne.  Sæs me sind ealle 
flodas on fæðmum  ond þes foldan bearm, 
grene wongas.  Grundum ic hrine, 
helle underhnige,  heofonas oferstige, 
wuldres eþel,  wide ræce 
ofer engla eard,  eorþan gefylle, 

               ealne middangeard  ond merestreamas 
side mid me sylfum.  Saga hwæt ic hatte. 

109. Riddles 67Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 231; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic on þinge gefrægn  þeodcyninges 
wrætlice wiht,  wordgaldra 

                [...] snytt/  hio symle deð 
fira gehw/  
            
wisdome.  Wundor me þæt 

                nænne muð hafað 
fet ne  
            

                welan oft sacað, 
cwiþeð cy/  wearð 
leoda lareow.  Forþon nu longe mæg 
            

                [...] ealdre  ece lifgan 
missenlice,  þenden menn bugað 
eorþan sceatas.  Ic þæt oft geseah 
golde gegierwed,  þær guman druncon, 
since ond seolfre.  Secge se þe cunne, 
wisfæstra hwylc,  hwæt seo wiht sy. 

110. Riddles 68

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 231; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Ic þa wiht geseah on weg feran;

heo wæs wrætlice wundrum gegierwed.

111. Riddles 69

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 231; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Wundor wearð on wege; wæter wearð to bane.

112. Riddles 70

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 231-32; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Wiht is wrætlic þam þe hyre wisan ne conn.

Singeð þurh sidan. Is se sweora woh,

orþoncum geworht; hafaþ eaxle tua

scearp on gescyldrum. His gesceapo dreogeð

þe swa wrætlice be wege stonde

heah ond hleortorht hæleþum to nytte.

113. Riddles 71Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 232; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic eom rices æht,  reade bewæfed, 
stið ond steapwong.  Staþol wæs iu þa 
wyrta wlitetorhtra;  nu eom wraþra laf, 
fyres ond feole,  fæste genearwad, 
wire geweorþad.  Wepeð hwilum 
for minum gripe  se þe gold wigeð, 
þonne ic yþan sceal  /fe, 
hringum gehyrsted.  Me /i/ 
/go/  dryhtne min/ 

                /wlite bete. 

114. Riddles 72Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 232-33; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic wæs lytel  
            
fo/  
            
/te geaf  
            
/pe  þe unc gemæne 

                sweostor min, 
fedde mec  [...] 
                oft ic feower teah 
swæse broþor,  þara onsundran gehwylc 
dægtidum me  drincan sealde 
þurh þyrel þearle.  Ic þæh on lust, 
oþþæt ic wæs yldra  ond þæt an forlet 
sweartum hyrde,  siþade widdor, 
mearcpaþas Walas træd,  moras pæðde, 
bunden under beame,  beag hæfde on healse, 
wean on laste  weorc þrowade, 
earfoða dæl.  Oft mec isern scod 
sare on sidan;  ic swigade, 
næfre meldade  monna ængum 
gif me ordstæpe  egle wæron. 

115. Riddles 73Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 233-34; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).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, 
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, 
oþþe æfter dome  /ri/ 
/an  mæ/ /þa fremman, 
wyrcan w/  
            
/ec on þeode  utan we/ 

                /ipe 
ond to wrohtstæp/  
            
/eorp,  eaxle gegyrde, 
wo/  
            
ond swiora smæl,  sidan fealwe 

                þonne mec heaþosigel 
scir bescineð  ond mec  [...] 
            
fægre feormað  ond on fyrd wigeð 
cræfte on hæfte.  Cuð is wide 
þæt ic þristra sum  þeofes cræfte 
under hrægnlocan  
            
hwilum eawunga  eþelfæsten 
forðweard brece,  þæt ær frið hæfde. 
Feringe from,  he fus þonan 
wendeð of þam wicum.  Wiga se þe mine 
wisan cunne,  saga hwæt ic hatte. 

116. Riddles 74

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 234; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

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,

ond on foldan stop, hæfde ferð cwicu.

117. Riddles 75

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 234; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Ic swiftne geseah on swaþe feran

D N L H.

118. Riddles 76

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 234; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Ic ane geseah idese sittan.

119. Riddles 77

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 234; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Sæ mec fedde, sundhelm þeahte,

ond mec yþa wrugon eorþan getenge

feþelease. Oft ic flode ongean

muð ontynde. Nu wile monna sum

min flæsc fretan, felles ne recceð,

siþþan he me of sidan seaxes orde

hyd arypeð, /ec hr/ /þe siþþan

iteð unsodene ea/ /d.

120. Riddles 78

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 234-35; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Oft ic flodas

/s cynn/ minum

ond

/yde me to mos/

swa ic him

ne æt ham gesæt

flote cwealde

þurh orþonc [...] yþum bewrigene.

121. Riddles 79

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 235; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Ic eom æþelinges æht ond willa.

122. Riddles 80Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 235; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic eom æþelinges  eaxlgestealla, 
fyrdrinces gefara,  frean minum leof, 
cyninges geselda.  Cwen mec hwilum 
hwitloccedu  hond on legeð, 
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 woðboran  wordleana sum 
agyfe æfter giedde.  Good is min wise 
ond ic sylfa salo.  Saga hwæt ic hatte. 

123. Riddles 81Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 235; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic eom byledbreost,  belcedsweora, 
heafod hæbbe  ond heane steort, 
eagan ond earan  ond ænne foot, 
hrycg ond heardnebb,  hneccan steapne 
ond sidan twa,  sag on middum, 
eard ofer ældum.  Aglac dreoge, 
þær mec wegeð  se þe wudu hrereð, 
ond mec stondende  streamas beatað, 
hægl se hearda,  ond hrim þeceð, 
/orst /eoseð,  ond fealleð snaw 

               on þyrelwombne,  ond ic þæt /ol/ 
mæ/  wonsceaft mine. 

124. Riddles 82

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 236; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Wiht is

gongende, greate swilgeð,

[...]

fell ne flæsc, fotum gong/

/eð,

sceal mæla gehwam

125. Riddles 83Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 236; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Frod wæs min fromcynn 
                
            
biden in burgum,  siþþan bæles weard 

                [...] wera  life bewunden, 
fyre gefælsad.  Nu me fah warað 
eorþan broþor,  se me ærest wearð 
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 
wide geond wongas.  Hæbbe ic wundra fela, 
middangeardes  mægen unlytel, 
ac ic miþan sceal  monna gehwylcum 
degolfulne dom  dyran cræftes, 
siðfæt minne.  Saga hwæt ic hatte. 

126. Riddles 84Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 236-38; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).An wiht is on 
               eorþan 
                wundrum acenned, 
hreoh ond reþe,  hafað ryne strongne, 
grimme grymetað  ond be grunde fareð. 
Modor is monigra  mærra wihta. 
Fæger ferende  fundað æfre; 
neol is nearograp.  Nænig oþrum mæg 
wlite ond wisan  wordum gecyþan, 
hu mislic biþ  mægen þara cynna, 
fyrn forðgesceaft;  fæder ealle bewat 
or ond ende,  swylce an sunu, 
mære meotudes bearn,  þurh /ed, 
ond þæt hyhste mæge/  /es gæ/ 

                dyre cræft/ 
 [...]/onne hy aweorp/  
            
/þe ænig þara  
            
/fter ne mæg  
            
oþer cynn  eorþan 

                þon ær wæs 
wlitig ond wynsum,  
            
Biþ sio moddor  mægene eacen, 
wundrum bewreþed,  wistum gehladen, 
hordum gehroden,  hæleþum dyre. 
Mægen bið gemiclad,  meaht gesweotlad, 
wlite biþ geweorþad  wuldornyttingum, 
wynsum wuldorgimm  wloncum getenge, 
clængeorn bið ond cystig,  cræfte eacen; 
hio biþ eadgum leof,  earmum getæse, 
freolic, sellic;  fromast ond swiþost, 
gifrost ond grædgost  grundbedd trideþ, 
þæs þe under lyfte  aloden wurde 
ond ælda bearn  eagum sawe, 
swa þæt wuldor wifeð,  worldbearna mægen, 
þeah þe ferþum gleaw  
            
mon mode snottor  mengo wundra. 
Hrusan bið heardra,  hæleþum frodra, 
geofum bið gearora,  gimmum deorra; 
worulde wlitigað,  wæstmum tydreð, 
firene dwæsceð,  
            
oft utan beweorpeð  anre þecene, 
wundrum gewlitegad,  geond werþeode, 
þæt wafiað  weras ofer eorþan, 
þæt magon micle  /sceafte. 
Biþ stanum bestreþed,  stormum 
/len  /timbred weall, 
þrym/  /ed, 
hrusan hrineð,  h/ 

                /etenge, 
oft searwum biþ  
            

                deaðe ne feleð, 
þeah þe  
            
/du hreren,  hrif wundigen, 

                /risse. 
Hordword onhlid,  hæleþum ge/ 
/wreoh,  wordum geopena, 
hu mislic sy  mægen þara cy/. 

127. Riddles 85

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 238; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Nis min sele swige, ne ic sylfa hlud

ymb [...] unc dryhten scop

siþ ætsomne. Ic eom swiftre þonne he,

þragum strengra, he þreohtigra.

Hwilum ic me reste; he sceal yrnan forð.

Ic him in wunige a þenden ic lifge;

gif wit unc gedælað, me bið deað witod.

128. Riddles 86

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 238; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Wiht cwom gongan þær weras sæton

monige on mæðle, mode snottre;

hæfde an eage ond earan twa,

ond [II] fet, [XII] hund heafda,

hrycg ond wombe ond honda twa,

earmas ond eaxle, anne sweoran

ond sidan twa. Saga hwæt ic hatte.

129. Riddles 87

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 239; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Ic seah wundorlice wiht; wombe hæfde micle,

þryþum geþrungne. þegn folgade

męgenstrong ond mundrof; micel me þuhte

godlic gumrinc, grap on sona

heofones toþe

bleowe on eage; hio borcade,

wancode willum. Hio wolde seþeah

niol/

130. Riddles 88Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 239-40; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic weox þær ic s/  
            
ond sumor  mi/ 
/me  wæs min ti/ 
 [...]/d ic on staðol/  
            
/um geong,  swa 

                seþeana 
oft geond  /fgeaf, 
ac ic uplong stod,  þær ic  [...] 
            
ond min broþor;  begen wæron hearde. 
Eard wæs þy weorðra  þe wit on stodan, 
hyrstum þy hyrra.  Ful oft unc holt wrugon, 
wudubeama helm  wonnum nihtum, 
scildon wið scurum;  unc gescop meotud. 
Nu unc mæran twam  magas uncre 
sculon æfter cuman,  eard oðþringan 
gingran broþor.  Eom ic gumcynnes 
anga ofer eorþan;  is min agen bæc 
wonn ond wundorlic.  Ic on wuda stonde 
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, 
se me ær be healfe  heah eardade. 
Wit wæron gesome  sæcce to fremmanne; 
næfre uncer awþer  his ellen cyðde, 
swa wit þære beadwe  begen ne onþungan. 

               Nu mec unsceafta  innan slitað, 
wyrdaþ mec be wombe;  ic gewendan ne mæg. 
æt þam spore findeð  sped se þe se/ 

                sawle rædes. 

131. Riddles 89Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 240; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).
                se wiht, 
wombe hæfde  
            
/tne,  leþre wæs beg/ 

                /on hindan. 
Grette wea/  
            

                listum worhte, 
hwilum eft  
            
þygan,  him þoncade, 
siþþan u/  
            
swæsendum  swylce þrage. 

132. Riddles 91Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 240-41; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Min heafod is  homere geþuren, 
searopila wund,  sworfen feole. 
Oft ic begine  þæt me ongean sticað, 
þonne ic hnitan sceal,  hringum gyrded, 
hearde wið heardum,  hindan þyrel, 
forð ascufan  þæt mines frean 
mod W freoþað  middelnihtum. 
Hwilum ic under bæc  bregde nebbe, 
hyrde þæs hordes,  þonne min hlaford wile 
lafe þicgan  þara þe he of life het 
wælcræfte awrecan  willum sinum. 

133. Riddles 92

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 241; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Ic wæs brunra beot, beam on holte,

freolic feorhbora ond foldan wæstm,

weres wynnstaþol ond wifes sond,

gold on geardum. Nu eom guðwigan

hyhtlic hildewæpen, hringe beg/

/e/ byreð,

oþrum.

134. Riddles 93Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 241-42; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Frea min  
            
/de  willum sinum, 
 [...]heah ond hyht/  
            
/rpne,  hwilum 

                /wilum sohte 
frea/  /s wod, 
dægrime frod,  deo/ /s , 
hwilum stealc hliþo  stigan sceolde 
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 
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 
stiðecg 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 
wuda ond wætre,  w/ /b/ befæðme 
þæt mec on fealleð  ufan þær ic stonde, 
eorpes nathwæt;  hæbbe anne fot. 
Nu min hord warað  hiþende feond, 
se þe ær wide bær  wulfes gehleþan; 
oft me of wombe  bewaden fereð, 
steppeð on stið bord,  
            
deaþes d/  þonne dægcondel, 
sunne  
            
/eorc  eagum wliteð 
ond spe/.  
            

135. Riddles 94

Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 242; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).

Smeþr/ /ad,

hyrre þonne heofon/

glædre þonne sunne,

/style,

smeare þonne sealtry/

leofre þonne þis leoht eall, leohtre þon w/

136. Riddles 95Krapp and Dobbie, 1936 243; Krapp, G.P. and Dobbie, E.V.K., The Exeter Book, ASPR 3 (New York).Ic eom indryhten  ond eorlum cuð, 
ond reste oft;  ricum ond heanum, 
folcum gefræge  
               fere wide, 
ond me fremdes ær  freondum stondeð 
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 sprecað 
ænig ofer eorðan.  þeah nu ælda bearn 
londbuendra  lastas mine 
swiþe secað,  ic swaþe hwilum 
mine bemiþe  monna gehwylcum. 

137. BeowulfDobbie, 1953 3-98; Dobbie, E.V.K., Beowulf and Judith, ASPR 4 (New York).Hwæt! We Gardena  in geardagum, 
þeodcyninga,  þrym gefrunon, 
hu ða æþelingas  ellen fremedon. 
Oft Scyld Scefing  
               sceaþena þreatum, 
monegum mægþum,  meodosetla ofteah, 
egsode eorlas.  Syððan ærest wearð 
feasceaft funden,  he þæs frofre gebad, 
weox under wolcnum,  weorðmyndum þah, 
oðþæt him æghwylc  þara ymbsittendra 
ofer hronrade  hyran scolde, 
gomban gyldan.  þæt wæs god cyning! 
ðæm eafera wæs  æfter cenned, 
geong in geardum,  þone god sende 
folce to frofre;  fyrenðearfe ongeat 
þe hie ær drugon  
               aldorlease 
            
lange hwile.  Him þæs liffrea, 
wuldres wealdend,  woroldare forgeaf; 
Beowulf wæs breme  (blæd wide sprang), 
Scyldes eafera  Scedelandum in. 
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 
in mægþa gehwære  man geþeon. 
Him ða Scyld gewat  to gescæphwile 
felahror feran  on frean wære. 
Hi hyne þa ætbæron  to brimes faroðe, 
swæse gesiþas,  swa he selfa bæd, 
þenden wordum weold  wine Scyldinga; 
leof landfruma  lange ahte. 
þær æt hyðe stod  hringedstefna, 
isig ond utfus,  æþelinges fær. 
Aledon þa  leofne þeoden, 
beaga bryttan,  on bearm scipes, 
mærne be mæste.  þær wæs madma fela 
of feorwegum,  frætwa, gelæded; 
ne hyrde ic cymlicor  ceol gegyrwan 
hildewæpnum  ond heaðowædum, 
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 
þe hine æt frumsceafte  forð onsendon 
ænne ofer yðe  umborwesende. 
þa gyt hie him asetton  segen geldenne 
            
heah ofer heafod,  leton holm beran, 
geafon on garsecg;  him wæs geomor sefa, 
murnende mod.  Men ne cunnon 
secgan to soðe,  
               selerædende, 
hæleð under heofenum,  hwa þæm hlæste onfeng. 
ða wæs on burgum  Beowulf Scyldinga, 
leof leodcyning,  longe þrage 
folcum gefræge  (fæder ellor hwearf, 
aldor of earde),  oþþæt him eft onwoc 
heah Healfdene;  heold þenden lifde, 
gamol ond guðreouw,  glæde Scyldingas. 
ðæm feower bearn  forð gerimed 
in worold wocun,  weoroda ræswan, 
Heorogar ond Hroðgar  ond Halga til; 
hyrde ic þæt  
               wæs 
               Onelan cwen, 
Heaðoscilfingas  healsgebedda. 
þa wæs Hroðgare  heresped gyfen, 
wiges weorðmynd,  þæt him his winemagas 
georne hyrdon,  
               oð þæt seo geogoð geweox, 
magodriht micel.  Him on mod bearn 
þæt healreced  hatan wolde, 
medoærn micel,  men gewyrcean 

               þonne yldo bearn  æfre gefrunon, 
ond þær on innan  eall gedælan 
geongum ond ealdum,  swylc him god sealde, 
buton folcscare  ond feorum gumena. 
ða ic wide gefrægn  weorc gebannan 
manigre mægþe  geond þisne middangeard, 
folcstede frætwan.  Him on fyrste gelomp, 
ædre mid yldum,  þæt hit wearð ealgearo, 
healærna mæst;  scop him Heort naman 
se þe his wordes geweald  wide hæfde. 
He beot ne aleh,  beagas dælde, 
sinc æt symle.  Sele hlifade, 
heah ond horngeap,  heaðowylma bad, 
laðan liges;  ne wæs hit lenge þa gen 
þæt se ecghete 
                
               aþumsweorum 
            
æfter wælniðe  wæcnan scolde. 
ða se ellengæst  earfoðlice 
þrage geþolode,  se þe in þystrum bad, 
þæt he dogora gehwam  dream gehyrde 
hludne in healle;  þær wæs hearpan sweg, 
swutol sang scopes.  Sægde se þe cuþe 
frumsceaft fira  feorran reccan, 
cwæð þæt se ælmihtiga  eorðan worhte, 
wlitebeorhtne wang,  swa wæter bebugeð, 
gesette sigehreþig  sunnan ond monan 
leoman to leohte  landbuendum 
ond gefrætwade  foldan sceatas 
leomum ond leafum,  lif eac gesceop 
cynna gehwylcum  þara ðe cwice hwyrfaþ. 
Swa ða drihtguman  dreamum lifdon 
eadiglice,  oððæt an ongan 
fyrene fremman 
                feond on helle. 
Wæs se grimma gæst  Grendel haten, 
mære mearcstapa,  se þe moras heold, 
fen ond fæsten;  fifelcynnes eard 
wonsæli wer  weardode hwile, 
siþðan him scyppend  forscrifen hæfde 
in Caines cynne.  þone cwealm gewræc 
ece drihten,  þæs þe he Abel slog; 
ne gefeah he þære fæhðe,  ac he hine feor forwræc, 
metod for þy mane,  mancynne fram. 
þanon untydras  ealle onwocon, 
eotenas ond ylfe  ond orcneas, 
swylce gigantas,  þa wið gode wunnon 
lange þrage;  he him ðæs lean forgeald. 
Gewat ða neosian,  syþðan niht becom, 
hean huses,  hu hit Hringdene 
æfter beorþege  gebun hæfdon. 
Fand þa ðær inne  æþelinga gedriht 
swefan æfter symble;  sorge ne cuðon, 
wonsceaft wera.  Wiht unhælo, 
grim ond grædig,  gearo sona wæs, 
reoc ond reþe,  ond on ræste genam 
þritig þegna,  þanon eft gewat 
huðe hremig  to ham faran, 
mid þære wælfylle  wica neosan. 
ða wæs on uhtan  mid ærdæge 
Grendles guðcræft  gumum undyrne; 
þa wæs æfter wiste  wop up ahafen, 
micel morgensweg.  Mære þeoden, 
æþeling ærgod,  unbliðe sæt, 
þolode ðryðswyð,  þegnsorge dreah, 
syðþan hie þæs laðan  last sceawedon, 
wergan gastes;  wæs þæt gewin to strang, 
lað ond longsum.  Næs hit lengra fyrst, 
ac ymb ane niht  eft gefremede 
morðbeala mare  ond no mearn fore, 
fæhðe ond fyrene;  wæs to fæst on þam. 
þa wæs eaðfynde  þe him elles hwær 
gerumlicor  ræste sohte, 
bed æfter burum,  ða him gebeacnod wæs, 
gesægd soðlice  sweotolan tacne 
healðegnes hete;  heold hyne syðþan 
fyr ond fæstor  se þæm feonde ætwand. 
Swa rixode  ond wið rihte wan, 
ana wið eallum,  oðþæt idel stod 
husa selest.  Wæs seo hwil micel; 
[XII] wintra tid  torn geþolode 
wine Scyldinga,  weana gehwelcne, 
sidra sorga.  Forðam secgum wearð, 
ylda bearnum,  undyrne cuð, 
gyddum geomore,  þætte Grendel wan 
hwile wið Hroþgar,  heteniðas wæg, 
fyrene ond fæhðe  fela missera, 
singale sæce,  sibbe ne wolde 
wið manna hwone  mægenes Deniga, 
feorhbealo feorran,  fea þingian, 
ne þær nænig witena  wenan þorfte 
beorhtre bote  to banan folmum, 

               ac
               se æglæca  ehtende wæs, 
deorc deaþscua,  duguþe ond geogoþe, 
seomade ond syrede,  sinnihte heold 
mistige moras;   men ne cunnon 
hwyder helrunan  hwyrftum scriþað. 
Swa fela fyrena  feond mancynnes, 
atol angengea,  oft gefremede, 
heardra hynða.  Heorot eardode, 
sincfage sel  sweartum nihtum; 
no he þone gifstol  gretan moste, 
maþðum for metode,  ne his myne wisse. 
þæt wæs wræc micel  wine Scyldinga, 
modes brecða.  Monig oft gesæt 
rice to rune;  ræd eahtedon 
hwæt swiðferhðum  selest wære 
wið færgryrum  to gefremmanne. 
Hwilum hie geheton  æt hærgtrafum 
            
wigweorþunga,  wordum bædon 
þæt him gastbona  geoce gefremede 
wið þeodþreaum.  Swylc wæs þeaw hyra, 
hæþenra hyht;  helle gemundon 
in modsefan,  metod hie ne cuþon, 
dæda demend,  ne wiston hie drihten god, 
ne hie huru heofena helm  herian ne cuþon, 
wuldres waldend.  Wa bið þæm ðe sceal 
þurh sliðne nið  sawle bescufan 
in fyres fæþm,  frofre ne wenan, 
wihte gewendan;  wel bið þæm þe mot 
æfter deaðdæge  drihten secean 
ond to fæder fæþmum  freoðo wilnian. 
Swa ða mælceare  maga Healfdenes 
singala seað,  ne mihte snotor hæleð 
wean onwendan;  wæs þæt gewin to swyð, 
laþ ond longsum,  þe on ða leode becom, 
nydwracu niþgrim,  nihtbealwa mæst. 
þæt fram ham gefrægn  Higelaces þegn, 
god mid Geatum,  Grendles dæda; 
se wæs moncynnes  mægenes strengest 
on þæm dæge  þysses lifes, 
æþele ond eacen.  Het him yðlidan 
godne gegyrwan,  cwæð, he guðcyning 
ofer swanrade  secean wolde, 
mærne þeoden,  þa him wæs manna þearf. 
ðone siðfæt him  snotere ceorlas 
lythwon logon,  þeah he him leof wære; 
hwetton higerofne,  hæl sceawedon. 
Hæfde se goda  Geata leoda 
cempan gecorone  þara þe he cenoste 
findan mihte;  [XV]na sum 
sundwudu sohte;  secg wisade, 
lagucræftig mon,  landgemyrcu. 
Fyrst forð gewat.  Flota wæs on yðum, 
bat under beorge.  Beornas gearwe 
on stefn stigon;  streamas wundon, 
sund wið sande;  secgas bæron 
on bearm nacan  beorhte frætwe, 
guðsearo geatolic;  guman ut scufon, 
weras on wilsið,  wudu bundenne. 
Gewat þa ofer wægholm,  winde gefysed, 
flota famiheals  fugle gelicost, 
oðþæt ymb antid  oþres dogores 
wundenstefna  gewaden hæfde 
þæt ða liðende  land gesawon, 
brimclifu blican,  beorgas steape, 
side sænæssas;  þa wæs sund liden, 
eoletes æt ende.  þanon up hraðe 
Wedera leode  on wang stigon, 
sæwudu sældon  (syrcan hrysedon, 
guðgewædo),  gode þancedon 
þæs þe him yþlade  eaðe wurdon. 
þa of wealle geseah  weard Scildinga, 
se þe holmclifu  healdan scolde, 
beran ofer bolcan  beorhte randas, 
fyrdsearu fuslicu;  hine fyrwyt bræc 
modgehygdum,  hwæt þa men wæron. 
Gewat him þa to waroðe  wicge ridan 
þegn Hroðgares,  þrymmum cwehte 
mægenwudu mundum,  meþelwordum frægn: 
"Hwæt syndon ge  searohæbbendra, 
byrnum werede,  þe þus brontne ceol 
ofer lagustræte  lædan cwomon, 
hider ofer holmas?  /le wæs 
endesæta,  ægwearde heold, 
þe on land Dena  laðra nænig 
mid scipherge  sceðþan ne meahte. 
No her cuðlicor  cuman ongunnon 
lindhæbbende;  ne ge leafnesword 
guðfremmendra  gearwe ne wisson, 
maga gemedu.  Næfre ic maran geseah 
eorla ofer eorþan  ðonne is eower sum, 
secg on searwum;  nis þæt seldguma, 
wæpnum geweorðad,  
               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, 
mereliðende,  
               minne gehyrað 
anfealdne geþoht:  Ofost is selest 
to gecyðanne  hwanan eowre cyme syndon." 
Him se yldesta  ondswarode, 
werodes wisa,  wordhord onleac: 
"We synt gumcynnes  Geata leode 
ond Higelaces  heorðgeneatas. 
Wæs min fæder  folcum gecyþed, 
æþele ordfruma,  Ecgþeow haten. 
Gebad wintra worn,  ær he on weg hwurfe, 
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. 
Habbað 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  sceaðona ic nat hwylc, 
deogol dædhata,  deorcum nihtum 
eaweð þurh egsan  uncuðne nið, 
hynðu ond hrafyl.  Ic þæs Hroðgar mæg 
þurh rumne sefan  ræd gelæran, 
hu he frod ond god  feond oferswyðeþ, 
gyf him edwendan  æfre scolde 
bealuwa bisigu,  bot eft cuman, 
ond þa cearwylmas  colran wurðaþ; 
oððe a syþðan  earfoðþrage, 
þreanyd þolað,  þenden þær wunað 
on heahstede  husa selest." 
Weard maþelode,  ðær on wicge sæt, 
ombeht unforht:  "æghwæþres sceal 
scearp scyldwiga  gescad witan, 
worda ond worca,  se þe wel þenceð. 
Ic þæt gehyre,  þæt þis is hold weorod 
frean Scyldinga.  Gewitaþ forð beran 
wæpen ond gewædu;  ic eow wisige. 
Swylce ic maguþegnas  mine hate 
wið feonda gehwone  flotan eowerne, 
niwtyrwydne  nacan on sande 
arum healdan,  oþðæt eft byreð 
ofer lagustreamas  leofne mannan 
wudu wundenhals  to Wedermearce, 
godfremmendra  swylcum gifeþe bið 
þæt þone hilderæs  hal gedigeð." 
Gewiton him þa feran.  Flota stille bad, 
seomode on sale 
                sidfæþmed scip, 
on ancre fæst.  Eoforlic scionon 
ofer hleorberan  gehroden golde, 
fah ond fyrheard;  ferhwearde heold 
guþmod grimmon.  Guman onetton, 
sigon ætsomne,  oþþæt hy sæl timbred, 
geatolic ond goldfah,  ongyton mihton; 
þæt wæs foremærost  foldbuendum 
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;  guðbeorna sum 
wicg gewende,  word æfter cwæð: 
"Mæl is me to feran;  fæder alwalda 
mid arstafum  eowic gehealde 
siða gesunde.  Ic to sæ wille 
wið wrað werod  wearde healdan." 
Stræt wæs stanfah,  stig wisode 
gumum ætgædere.  Guðbyrne scan 
heard hondlocen,  hringiren scir 
song in searwum,  þa hie to sele furðum 
in hyra gryregeatwum  gangan cwomon. 
Setton sæmeþe  side scyldas, 
rondas regnhearde,  wið þæs recedes weal, 
bugon þa to bence.  Byrnan hringdon, 
guðsearo gumena;  garas stodon, 
sæmanna searo,  samod ætgædere, 
æscholt ufan græg;  wæs se irenþreat 
wæpnum gewurþad.  þa ðær wlonc hæleð 
oretmecgas  æfter æþelum frægn: 
"Hwanon ferigeað ge  fætte scyldas, 
græge syrcan  ond grimhelmas, 
heresceafta heap?  Ic eom Hroðgares 
ar ond ombiht.  Ne seah ic elþeodige 
þus manige men  modiglicran. 
Wen ic þæt ge for wlenco,  nalles for wræcsiðum, 
ac for higeþrymmum  Hroðgar sohton." 
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, 
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 gecyðed, 
wig ond wisdom):  "Ic þæs wine Deniga, 
frean Scildinga,  frinan wille, 
beaga bryttan,  swa þu bena eart, 
þeoden mærne,  ymb þinne sið, 
ond þe þa ondsware  ædre gecyðan 
ðe me se goda  agifan þenceð." 
Hwearf þa hrædlice  þær Hroðgar sæt 
eald ond anhar 
                mid his eorla gedriht; 
eode ellenrof,  þæt he for eaxlum gestod 
Deniga frean;  cuþe he duguðe þeaw. 
Wulfgar maðelode  to his winedrihtne: 
"Her syndon geferede,  feorran cumene 
ofer geofenes begang  Geata leode; 
þone yldestan  oretmecgas 
Beowulf nemnað.  Hy benan synt 
þæt hie, þeoden min,  wið þe moton 
wordum wrixlan.  No ðu him wearne geteoh 
ðinra gegncwida,  glædman Hroðgar. 
Hy on wiggetawum  wyrðe þinceað 
eorla geæhtlan;  huru se aldor deah, 
se þæm heaðorincum  hider wisade." 
Hroðgar maþelode,  helm Scyldinga: 
"Ic hine cuðe  cnihtwesende. 
Wæs his ealdfæder  Ecgþeo haten, 
ðæm to ham forgeaf  Hreþel Geata 
angan dohtor;  is his eafora nu 
heard her cumen,  sohte holdne wine. 
ðonne sægdon þæt  sæliþende, 
þa ðe gifsceattas  Geata fyredon 
þyder to þance,  þæt he [XXX]tiges 
manna mægencræft  on his mundgripe 
heaþorof hæbbe.  Hine halig god 
for arstafum  us onsende, 
to Westdenum,  þæs ic wen hæbbe, 
wið Grendles gryre.  Ic þæm godan sceal 
for his modþræce  madmas beodan. 
Beo ðu on ofeste,  hat in gan 
seon sibbegedriht  samod ætgædere; 
gesaga him eac wordum  þæt hie sint wilcuman 
Deniga leodum."  
            

                word inne abead: 
"Eow het secgan  sigedrihten min, 
aldor Eastdena,  þæt he eower æþelu can, 
ond ge him syndon  ofer sæwylmas 
heardhicgende  hider wilcuman. 
Nu ge moton gangan  in eowrum guðgeatawum 
under heregriman  Hroðgar geseon; 
lætað hildebord  her onbidan, 
wudu, wælsceaftas,  worda geþinges." 
Aras þa se rica,  ymb hine rinc manig, 
þryðlic þegna heap;  sume þær bidon, 
heaðoreaf heoldon,  swa him se hearda bebead. 
Snyredon ætsomne,  þa secg wisode, 
under Heorotes hrof  
            
heard under helme,  þæt he on heoðe gestod. 
Beowulf maðelode  (on him byrne scan, 
searonet seowed  smiþes orþancum): 
"Wæs þu, Hroðgar, hal!  Ic eom Higelaces 
mæg ond magoðegn;  hæbbe ic mærða fela 
ongunnen on geogoþe.  Me wearð Grendles þing 
on minre eþeltyrf  undyrne cuð; 
secgað sæliðend  þæt þæs sele stande, 
reced selesta,  rinca gehwylcum 
idel ond unnyt,  siððan æfenleoht 
under heofenes hador  beholen weorþeð. 
þa me þæt gelærdon  leode mine 
þa selestan,  snotere ceorlas, 
þeoden Hroðgar,  þæt ic þe sohte, 
forþan hie mægenes cræft  
               minne cuþon, 
selfe ofersawon,  ða ic of searwum cwom, 
fah from feondum,  þær ic fife geband, 
yðde eotena cyn  ond on yðum slog 
niceras nihtes,  nearoþearfe dreah, 
wræc Wedera nið  (wean ahsodon), 
forgrand gramum,  ond nu wið Grendel sceal, 
wið þam aglæcan,  ana gehegan 
ðing wið þyrse.  Ic þe nu ða, 
brego Beorhtdena,  biddan wille, 
eodor Scyldinga,  anre bene, 
þæt ðu me ne forwyrne,  wigendra hleo, 
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 recceð. 
Ic þæt þonne forhicge  (swa me Higelac sie, 
min mondrihten,  modes bliðe), 
þæt ic sweord bere  oþðe sidne scyld, 
geolorand to guþe,  ac ic mid grape sceal 
fon wið feonde  ond ymb feorh sacan, 
lað wið laþum;  ðær gelyfan sceal 
dryhtnes dome  se þe hine deað nimeð. 
Wen ic þæt he wille,  gif he wealdan mot, 
in þæm guðsele  Geotena leode 
etan unforhte,  swa he oft dyde, 
mægen Hreðmanna.  Na þu minne þearft 
hafalan hydan,  ac he me habban wile 

               dreore fahne,  gif mec deað nimeð. 
Byreð blodig wæl,  byrgean þenceð, 
eteð angenga  unmurnlice, 
mearcað morhopu;  no ðu ymb mines ne þearft 
lices feorme  leng sorgian. 
Onsend Higelace,  gif mec hild nime, 
beaduscruda betst,  þæt mine breost wereð, 
hrægla selest;  þæt is Hrædlan laf, 
Welandes geweorc.  Gæð a wyrd swa hio scel." 
Hroðgar maþelode,  helm Scyldinga: 

               "For
               gewyrhtum þu,  wine min Beowulf, 
ond for arstafum  usic sohtest. 
Gesloh þin fæder  fæhðe mæste; 
wearþ he Heaþolafe  to handbonan 
mid Wilfingum;  ða hine Wedera cyn 
for herebrogan  habban ne mihte. 
þanon he gesohte  Suðdena folc 
ofer yða gewealc,  Arscyldinga. 
ða ic furþum weold  folce Deniga 
            
ond on geogoðe heold  
               ginne rice, 
hordburh hæleþa;  ða wæs Heregar dead, 
min yldra mæg  unlifigende, 
bearn Healfdenes;  se wæs betera ðonne ic. 
Siððan þa fæhðe  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 hafað 
hynðo on Heorote  mid his heteþancum, 
færniða gefremed.  Is min fletwerod, 
wigheap gewanod;  hie wyrd forsweop 
on Grendles gryre.  God eaþe mæg 
þone dolsceaðan  dæda getwæfan. 
Ful oft gebeotedon  beore druncne 
ofer ealowæge  oretmecgas 
þæt hie in beorsele  bidan woldon 
Grendles guþe  mid gryrum ecga. 
ðonne wæs þeos medoheal  on morgentid, 
drihtsele dreorfah,  þonne dæg lixte, 
eal bencþelu  blode bestymed, 
heall heorudreore;  ahte ic holdra þy læs, 
deorre duguðe,  þe þa deað fornam. 
Site nu to symle  ond onsæl meoto, 
sigehreð secgum,  swa þin sefa hwette." 
þa wæs Geatmæcgum  geador ætsomne 
on beorsele  benc gerymed; 
þær swiðferhþe  sittan eodon, 
þryðum dealle.  þegn nytte beheold, 
se þe on handa bær  hroden ealowæge, 
scencte scir wered.  Scop hwilum sang 
hador on Heorote.  þær wæs hæleða dream, 
duguð unlytel  Dena ond Wedera. 

               Unferð maþelode,  Ecglafes bearn, 
þe æt fotum sæt  frean Scyldinga, 
onband beadurune  (wæs him Beowulfes sið, 
modges merefaran,  micel æfþunca, 
forþon þe he ne uþe  þæt ænig oðer man 
æfre mærða þon ma  middangeardes 
gehedde under heofenum  þonne he sylfa): 
"Eart þu se Beowulf,  se þe wið Brecan wunne, 
on sidne sæ  ymb sund flite, 
ðær git for wlence  wada cunnedon 
ond for dolgilpe  on deop wæter 
aldrum neþdon?  Ne inc ænig mon, 
ne leof ne lað,  belean mihte 
sorhfullne sið,  þa git on sund reon. 
þær git eagorstream  earmum þehton, 
mæton merestræta,  mundum brugdon, 
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; 
ðonon he gesohte  swæsne OE, 
leof his leodum,  lond Brondinga, 
freoðoburh fægere,  þær he folc ahte, 
burh ond beagas.  Beot eal wið þe 
sunu Beanstanes  soðe gelæste. 
ðonne wene ic to þe  wyrsan geþingea, 
ðeah þu heaðoræsa  gehwær dohte, 
grimre guðe,  gif þu Grendles dearst 
nihtlongne fyrst  nean bidan." 
Beowulf maþelode,  bearn Ecgþeowes: 
"Hwæt! þu worn fela,  wine min Unferð, 
beore druncen  ymb Brecan spræce, 
sægdest from his siðe.  Soð ic talige, 
þæt ic merestrengo  maran ahte, 
earfeþo on yþum,  ðonne ænig oþer man. 
Wit þæt gecwædon  cnihtwesende 
ond gebeotedon  (wæron begen þa git 
on geogoðfeore)  þæt wit on garsecg ut 
aldrum neðdon,  ond þæt geæfndon swa. 
Hæfdon swurd nacod,  þa wit on sund reon, 
heard on handa;  wit unc wið hronfixas 
werian þohton.  No he wiht fram me 
flodyþum feor  fleotan meahte, 
hraþor on holme;  no ic fram him wolde. 
ða wit ætsomne  on sæ wæron 
fif nihta fyrst,  oþþæt unc flod todraf, 
wado weallende,  wedera cealdost, 
nipende niht,  ond norþanwind 
heaðogrim ondhwearf;  hreo wæron yþa. 
Wæs merefixa  mod onhrered; 
þær me wið laðum  licsyrce min, 
heard, hondlocen,  helpe gefremede, 
beadohrægl broden  on breostum læg 
golde gegyrwed.  Me to grunde teah 
fah feondscaða,  fæste hæfde 
grim on grape;  hwæþre me gyfeþe wearð 
þæt ic aglæcan  orde geræhte, 
hildebille;  heaþoræs fornam 
mihtig meredeor  þurh mine hand. 
Swa mec gelome  laðgeteonan 
þreatedon þearle.  Ic him þenode 
deoran sweorde,  swa hit gedefe wæs. 
Næs hie ðære fylle  gefean hæfdon, 
manfordædlan,  þæt hie me þegon, 
symbel ymbsæton  sægrunde neah; 
ac on mergenne  mecum wunde 
be yðlafe  uppe lægon, 

               sweordum aswefede,  þæt syðþan na 
ymb brontne ford  brimliðende 
lade ne letton.  Leoht eastan com, 
beorht beacen godes;  brimu swaþredon, 
þæt ic sænæssas  geseon mihte, 
windige weallas.  Wyrd oft nereð 
unfægne eorl,  þonne his ellen deah. 
Hwæþere me gesælde  þæt ic mid sweorde ofsloh 
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.  ða mec sæ oþbær, 
flod æfter faroðe  on Finna land, 

               wadu weallendu.  No ic wiht fram þe 
swylcra searoniða  secgan hyrde, 
billa brogan.  Breca næfre git 
æt heaðolace,  ne gehwæþer incer, 
swa deorlice  dæd gefremede 
fagum sweordum  (no ic þæs fela gylpe), 
þeah ðu þinum broðrum  to banan wurde, 
heafodmægum;  þæs þu in helle scealt 
werhðo dreogan,  þeah þin wit duge. 
Secge ic þe to soðe,  sunu Ecglafes, 
þæt næfre Grendel swa fela  gryra gefremede, 
atol æglæca,  ealdre þinum, 
hynðo on Heorote,  gif þin hige wære, 
sefa swa searogrim,  swa þu self talast. 
Ac he hafað onfunden  þæt he þa fæhðe ne þearf, 
atole ecgþræce  eower leode 
swiðe onsittan,  Sigescyldinga; 
nymeð nydbade,  nænegum arað 
leode Deniga,  ac he lust wigeð, 
swefeð ond sendeþ,  secce ne weneþ 
to Gardenum.  Ac ic him Geata sceal 
eafoð ond ellen  ungeara nu, 
guþe gebeodan.  Gæþ eft se þe mot 
to medo modig,  siþþan morgenleoht 
ofer ylda bearn  oþres dogores, 
sunne sweglwered  suþan scineð." 
þa wæs on salum  sinces brytta, 
gamolfeax ond guðrof;  geoce gelyfde 
brego Beorhtdena,  gehyrde on Beowulfe 
folces hyrde  fæstrædne geþoht. 
ðær wæs hæleþa hleahtor,  hlyn swynsode, 
word wæron wynsume.  Eode Wealhþeow forð, 
cwen Hroðgares,  cynna gemyndig, 
grette goldhroden  guman on healle, 
ond þa freolic wif  ful gesealde 
ærest Eastdena  eþelwearde, 
bæd hine bliðne  æt þære beorþege, 
leodum leofne.  He on lust geþeah 
symbel ond seleful,  sigerof kyning. 
Ymbeode þa  ides Helminga 
duguþe ond geogoþe  dæl æghwylcne, 
sincfato sealde,  oþþæt sæl alamp 
þæt hio Beowulfe,  beaghroden cwen 
mode geþungen,  medoful ætbær; 
grette Geata leod,  gode þancode 
wisfæst wordum  þæs ðe hire se willa gelamp 
þæt heo on ænigne  eorl gelyfde 
fyrena frofre.  He þæt ful geþeah, 
wælreow wiga,  æt Wealhþeon, 
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 
willan geworhte  oþðe on wæl crunge, 
feondgrapum fæst.  Ic gefremman sceal 
eorlic ellen,  oþðe endedæg 
on þisse meoduhealle  minne gebidan." 
ðam wife þa word  wel licodon, 
gilpcwide Geates;  eode goldhroden 
freolicu folccwen  to hire frean sittan. 
þa wæs eft swa ær  inne on healle 
þryðword sprecen,  ðeod on sælum, 
sigefolca sweg,  oþþæt semninga 
sunu Healfdenes  secean wolde 
æfenræste;  wiste þæm ahlæcan 
to þæm heahsele  hilde geþinged, 
siððan hie sunnan leoht  geseon ne meahton, 
oþðe nipende  niht ofer ealle, 
scaduhelma gesceapu  scriðan cwoman, 
wan under wolcnum.  Werod eall aras. 

               Gegrette þa  guma oþerne, 
Hroðgar Beowulf,  ond him hæl abead, 
winærnes geweald,  ond þæt word acwæð: 
"Næfre ic ænegum men  ær alyfde, 
siþðan ic hond ond rond  hebban mihte, 
ðryþærn Dena  buton þe nu ða. 
Hafa nu ond geheald  husa selest, 
gemyne mærþo,  mægenellen cyð, 
waca wið wraþum.  Ne bið þe wilna gad, 
gif þu þæt ellenweorc  aldre gedigest." 
ða him Hroþgar gewat  mid his hæleþa gedryht, 
eodur Scyldinga,  ut of healle; 
wolde wigfruma  Wealhþeo secan, 
cwen to gebeddan.  Hæfde kyningwuldor 
Grendle togeanes,  swa guman gefrungon, 
seleweard aseted;  sundornytte beheold 
ymb aldor Dena,  eotonweard abead. 
Huru Geata leod  georne truwode 
modgan mægnes,  metodes hyldo. 
ða he him of dyde  isernbyrnan, 
helm of hafelan,  sealde his hyrsted sweord, 
irena cyst,  ombihtþegne, 
ond gehealdan het  hildegeatwe. 
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, 
aldre beneotan,  þeah ic eal mæge. 
Nat he þara goda  þæt he me ongean slea, 
rand geheawe,  þeah ðe he rof sie 
niþgeweorca;  ac wit on niht sculon 
secge ofersittan,  gif he gesecean dear 
wig ofer wæpen,  ond siþðan witig god 
on swa hwæþere hond,  halig dryhten, 
mærðo deme,  swa him gemet þince." 
Hylde hine þa heaþodeor,  hleorbolster onfeng 
eorles andwlitan,  ond hine ymb monig 
snellic særinc  selereste gebeah. 
Nænig heora þohte  þæt he þanon scolde 
eft eardlufan  æfre gesecean, 
folc oþðe freoburh,  þær he afeded wæs; 
ac hie hæfdon gefrunen  þæt hie ær to fela micles 
in þæm winsele  wældeað fornam, 
Denigea leode.  Ac him dryhten forgeaf 
wigspeda gewiofu,  Wedera leodum, 
frofor ond fultum,  þæt hie feond heora 
ðurh anes cræft  ealle ofercomon, 
selfes mihtum.  Soð is gecyþed 
þæt mihtig god  manna cynnes 
weold wideferhð.  Com on wanre niht 
scriðan sceadugenga.  Sceotend swæfon, 
þa þæt hornreced  healdan scoldon, 
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. 
ða com of more  under misthleoþum 
Grendel gongan,  godes yrre bær; 
mynte se manscaða  manna cynnes 
sumne besyrwan  in sele þam hean. 
Wod under wolcnum  to þæs þe he winreced, 
goldsele gumena,  gearwost wisse, 
fættum fahne.  Ne wæs þæt forma sið 
þæt he Hroþgares  ham gesohte; 
næfre he on aldordagum  ær ne siþðan 
heardran hæle,  healðegnas fand. 
Com þa to recede  rinc siðian, 
dreamum bedæled.  Duru sona onarn, 
fyrbendum fæst,  syþðan he hire folmum æthran; 
onbræd þa bealohydig,  ða he 
               gebolgen wæs, 
recedes muþan.  Raþe æfter þon 
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, 
magorinca heap.  þa his mod ahlog; 
mynte þæt he gedælde,  ærþon dæg cwome, 
atol aglæca,  anra gehwylces 
lif wið lice,  þa him alumpen wæs 
wistfylle wen.  Ne wæs þæt wyrd þa gen 
þæt he ma moste  manna cynnes 
ðicgean ofer þa niht.  þryðswyð beheold 
mæg Higelaces,  hu se manscaða 
under færgripum  gefaran wolde. 
Ne þæt se aglæca  yldan þohte, 
ac he gefeng hraðe  forman siðe 
slæpendne rinc,  slat unwearnum, 
bat banlocan,  blod edrum dranc, 
synsnædum swealh;  sona hæfde 
unlyfigendes  eal gefeormod, 
fet ond folma.  Forð near ætstop, 
nam þa mid handa  higeþihtigne 
rinc on ræste,  ræhte ongean 
feond mid folme;  he onfeng hraþe 
inwitþancum  ond wið earm gesæt. 
Sona þæt onfunde  fyrena hyrde 
þæt he ne mette  middangeardes, 
eorþan sceata,  on elran men 
mundgripe maran.  He on mode wearð 
forht on ferhðe;  no þy ær fram meahte. 
Hyge wæs him hinfus,  wolde on heolster fleon, 
secan deofla gedræg;  ne wæs his drohtoð þær 
swylce he on ealderdagum  ær gemette. 
Gemunde þa se goda,  mæg Higelaces, 
æfenspræce,  uplang astod 
ond him fæste wiðfeng;  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 
on grames grapum.  þæt wæs geocor sið 
þæt se hearmscaþa  to Heorute ateah. 
Dryhtsele dynede;  Denum eallum wearð, 
ceasterbuendum,  cenra gehwylcum, 
eorlum ealuscerwen.  Yrre wæron begen, 
reþe renweardas.  Reced hlynsode. 
þa wæs wundor micel  þæt se winsele 
wiðhæfde heaþodeorum,  þæt he on hrusan ne feol, 
fæger foldbold;  ac he þæs fæste wæs 
innan ond utan  irenbendum 
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, 

               betlic ond banfag,  tobrecan meahte, 
listum tolucan,  nymþe liges fæþm 
swulge on swaþule.  Sweg up astag 
niwe geneahhe;  Norðdenum stod 
atelic egesa,  anra gehwylcum 
þara þe of wealle  wop gehyrdon, 
gryreleoð galan  godes ondsacan, 
sigeleasne sang,  sar wanigean 
helle hæfton.  Heold hine fæste 
se þe manna wæs  mægene strengest 
on þæm dæge  þysses lifes. 
Nolde eorla hleo  ænige þinga 
þone cwealmcuman  cwicne forlætan, 
ne his lifdagas  leoda ænigum 
nytte tealde.  þær genehost brægd 
eorl Beowulfes  ealde lafe, 
wolde freadrihtnes  feorh ealgian, 
mæres þeodnes,  ðær hie meahton swa. 
Hie þæt ne wiston,  þa hie gewin drugon, 
heardhicgende  hildemecgas, 
ond on healfa gehwone  heawan þohton, 
sawle secan,  þone synscaðan 
ænig ofer eorþan  irenna cyst, 
guðbilla nan,  gretan nolde, 
ac he sigewæpnum  forsworen hæfde, 
ecga gehwylcre.  Scolde his aldorgedal 
on ðæm dæge  þysses lifes 
earmlic wurðan,  ond se ellorgast 
on feonda geweald  feor siðian. 
ða þæt onfunde  se þe fela æror 
modes myrðe  manna cynne, 
fyrene gefremede  (he wæs fag wið god), 
þæt him se lichoma  læstan nolde, 
ac hine se modega  mæg Hygelaces 
hæfde be honda;  wæs gehwæþer oðrum 
lifigende lað.  Licsar gebad 
atol æglæca;  him on eaxle wearð 
syndolh sweotol,  seonowe onsprungon, 
burston banlocan.  Beowulfe wearð 
guðhreð gyfeþe;  scolde Grendel þonan 
feorhseoc fleon  under fenhleoðu, 
secean wynleas wic;  wiste þe geornor 
þæt his aldres wæs  ende gegongen, 
dogera dægrim.  Denum eallum wearð 
æfter þam wælræse  willa gelumpen. 
Hæfde þa gefælsod  se þe ær feorran com, 
snotor ond swyðferhð,  sele Hroðgares, 
genered wið niðe;  nihtweorce gefeh, 
ellenmærþum.  Hæfde Eastdenum 
Geatmecga leod  gilp gelæsted, 
swylce oncyþðe  ealle gebette, 
inwidsorge,  þe hie ær drugon 
ond for þreanydum  þolian scoldon, 
torn unlytel.  þæt wæs tacen sweotol, 
syþðan hildedeor  hond alegde, 
earm ond eaxle  (þær wæs eal geador 
Grendles grape)  under geapne hrof. 
ða wæs on morgen  mine gefræge 
ymb þa gifhealle  guðrinc monig; 
ferdon folctogan  feorran ond nean 
geond widwegas  wundor sceawian, 
laþes lastas.  No his lifgedal 
sarlic þuhte  secga ænegum 
þara þe tirleases  trode sceawode, 
hu he werigmod  on weg þanon, 
niða ofercumen,  on nicera mere 
fæge ond geflymed  feorhlastas bær. 
ðær wæs on blode  brim weallende, 
atol yða geswing  eal gemenged 
haton heolfre,  heorodreore weol. 
Deaðfæge deog,  siððan dreama leas 
in fenfreoðo  feorh alegde, 
hæþene sawle;  þær him hel onfeng. 
þanon eft gewiton  ealdgesiðas, 
swylce geong manig  of gomenwaþe 
fram mere modge  mearum ridan, 
beornas on blancum.  ðær wæs Beowulfes 
mærðo mæned;  monig oft gecwæð 
þætte suð ne norð  be sæm tweonum 
ofer eormengrund  oþer nænig 
under swegles begong  selra nære 
rondhæbbendra,  rices wyrðra. 
Ne hie huru winedrihten  wiht ne logon, 
glædne Hroðgar,  ac þæt wæs god cyning. 
Hwilum heaþorofe  hleapan leton, 
on geflit faran  fealwe mearas 
ðær him foldwegas  fægere þuhton, 
cystum cuðe.  Hwilum cyninges þegn, 
guma gilphlæden,  gidda gemyndig, 
se ðe ealfela  ealdgesegena 
worn gemunde,  word oþer fand 
soðe gebunden;  secg eft ongan 
sið Beowulfes  snyttrum styrian 
ond on sped wrecan  spel gerade, 
wordum wrixlan.  Welhwylc gecwæð 
þæt he fram Sigemundes 
                secgan hyrde 
ellendædum,  uncuþes fela, 
Wælsinges gewin,  wide siðas, 
þara þe gumena bearn  gearwe ne wiston, 
fæhðe ond fyrena,  buton Fitela mid hine, 
þonne he swulces hwæt  secgan wolde, 
eam his nefan,  swa hie a wæron 
æt niða gehwam  nydgesteallan; 
hæfdon ealfela  eotena cynnes 
sweordum gesæged.  Sigemunde gesprong 
æfter deaðdæge  dom unlytel, 
syþðan wiges heard  wyrm acwealde, 
hordes hyrde.  He under harne stan, 
æþelinges bearn,  ana geneðde 
frecne dæde,  ne wæs him Fitela mid. 
Hwæþre him gesælde  ðæt þæt swurd þurhwod 
wrætlicne wyrm,  þæt hit on wealle ætstod, 
dryhtlic iren;  draca morðre swealt. 
Hæfde aglæca  elne gegongen 
þæt he beahhordes  brucan moste 
selfes dome;  sæbat gehleod, 
bær on bearm scipes  beorhte frætwa, 
Wælses eafera.  Wyrm hat gemealt. 
Se wæs wreccena  wide mærost 
ofer werþeode,  wigendra hleo, 
ellendædum  (he þæs ær onðah), 
siððan Heremodes  hild sweðrode, 

               eafoð ond ellen.  He mid Eotenum wearð 
on feonda geweald  forð forlacen, 
snude forsended.  Hine sorhwylmas 
lemede to lange;  he his leodum wearð, 
eallum æþellingum  to aldorceare; 
swylce oft bemearn  ærran mælum 
swiðferhþes sið  snotor ceorl monig, 
se þe him bealwa to  bote gelyfde, 
þæt þæt ðeodnes bearn  geþeon scolde, 
fæderæþelum onfon,  folc gehealdan, 
hord ond hleoburh,  hæleþa rice, 

               OE Scyldinga.  He þær eallum wearð, 
mæg Higelaces,  manna cynne, 
freondum gefægra;  hine fyren onwod. 
Hwilum flitende  fealwe stræte 
mearum mæton.  ða wæs morgenleoht 
scofen ond scynded.  Eode scealc monig 
swiðhicgende  to sele þam hean 
searowundor seon;  swylce self cyning 
of brydbure,  beahhorda weard, 
tryddode tirfæst  getrume micle, 
cystum gecyþed,  ond his cwen mid him 
medostigge mæt  mægþa hose. 
Hroðgar maþelode  (he to healle geong, 
stod on stapole,  geseah steapne hrof, 
golde fahne,  ond Grendles hond): 
"ðisse ansyne  alwealdan þanc 
lungre gelimpe!  Fela ic laþes gebad, 
grynna æt Grendle;  a mæg god wyrcan 
wunder æfter wundre,  wuldres hyrde. 
ðæt wæs ungeara  þæt ic ænigra me 
weana ne wende  to widan feore 
bote gebidan,  þonne blode fah 
husa selest  heorodreorig stod, 
wea widscofen  witena gehwylcum 
            
ðara þe ne wendon  þæt hie wideferhð 
leoda landgeweorc  laþum beweredon 
scuccum ond scinnum.  Nu scealc hafað 
þurh drihtnes miht  dæd gefremede 
ðe we ealle  ær ne meahton 
snyttrum besyrwan.  Hwæt, þæt secgan mæg 
efne swa hwylc mægþa  swa ðone magan cende 
æfter gumcynnum,  gyf heo gyt lyfað, 
þæt hyre ealdmetod  este wære 
bearngebyrdo.  Nu ic, Beowulf, þec, 
secg betsta,  me for sunu wylle 
freogan on ferhþe;  heald forð tela 
niwe sibbe.  Ne bið þe nænigra gad 
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 lyfað 
awa to aldre.  Alwalda þec 
gode forgylde,  swa he nu gyt dyde!" 
Beowulf maþelode,  bearn Ecþeowes: 
"We þæt ellenweorc  estum miclum, 
feohtan fremedon,  frecne geneðdon 
eafoð uncuþes.  Uþe ic swiþor 
þæt ðu hine selfne  geseon moste, 
feond on frætewum  fylwerigne. 
Ic hine hrædlice  heardan clammum 
on wælbedde  wriþan þohte, 
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, 
feorhgeniðlan;  wæs to foremihtig 
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 leofað  laðgeteona, 
synnum geswenced,  ac hyne sar hafað 

               mid
               nydgripe
                nearwe befongen, 
balwon bendum.  ðær abidan sceal 
maga mane fah  miclan domes, 
hu him scir metod  scrifan wille." 
ða wæs swigra secg,  sunu Eclafes, 
on gylpspræce  guðgeweorca, 
siþðan æþelingas  eorles cræfte 
ofer heanne hrof  hand sceawedon, 
feondes fingras.  Foran æghwylc wæs, 

               stiðra nægla gehwylc,  style gelicost, 
hæþenes handsporu  
               hilderinces, 
egl, unheoru.  æghwylc gecwæð 
þæt him heardra nan  hrinan wolde 
iren ærgod,  þæt ðæs ahlæcan 
blodge beadufolme  onberan wolde. 
ða wæs haten hreþe  Heort innanweard 
folmum gefrætwod.  Fela þæra wæs, 
wera ond wifa,  þe þæt winreced, 
gestsele gyredon.  Goldfag scinon 
web æfter wagum,  wundorsiona fela 
secga gehwylcum  þara þe on swylc starað. 
Wæs þæt beorhte bold  tobrocen swiðe, 
eal inneweard  irenbendum fæst, 
heorras tohlidene.  Hrof ana genæs, 
ealles ansund,  þe se aglæca, 
fyrendædum fag,  on fleam gewand, 
aldres orwena.  No þæt yðe byð 
to befleonne,  fremme se þe wille, 
ac gesecan sceal  sawlberendra, 
nyde genydde,  niþða bearna, 
grundbuendra  gearwe stowe, 
þær his lichoma  legerbedde fæst 
swefeþ æfter symle.  þa wæs sæl ond mæl 
þæt to healle gang  Healfdenes sunu; 
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 
medoful manig  magas þara 
swiðhicgende  on sele þam hean, 
Hroðgar ond Hroþulf.  Heorot innan wæs 
freondum afylled;  nalles facenstafas 
þeodscyldingas  þenden fremedon. 
Forgeaf þa Beowulfe  
               bearn Healfdenes 
segen gyldenne  sigores to leane; 
hroden hildecumbor,  helm ond byrnan, 
mære maðþumsweord  manige gesawon 
beforan beorn beran.  Beowulf geþah 
ful on flette;  no he þære feohgyfte 
for sceotendum 
                scamigan ðorfte. 
Ne gefrægn ic freondlicor  feower madmas 
golde gegyrede  gummanna fela 
in ealobence  oðrum gesellan. 
Ymb þæs helmes hrof  heafodbeorge 
wirum bewunden  
               walu utan heold, 
þæt him fela laf  frecne ne meahton 
scurheard sceþðan,  þonne scyldfreca 
ongean gramum  gangan scolde. 
Heht ða eorla hleo  eahta mearas 
fætedhleore  on flet teon, 
in under eoderas.  þara anum stod 
sadol searwum fah,  since gewurþad; 
þæt wæs hildesetl  heahcyninges, 
ðonne sweorda gelac  sunu Healfdenes 
efnan wolde.  Næfre on ore læg 
widcuþes wig,  ðonne walu feollon. 
Ond ða Beowulfe  bega gehwæþres 
eodor Ingwina  onweald geteah, 
wicga ond wæpna,  het hine wel brucan. 
Swa manlice  mære þeoden, 
hordweard hæleþa,  heaþoræsas geald 
mearum ond madmum,  swa hy næfre man lyhð, 
se þe secgan wile  soð æfter rihte. 
ða gyt æghwylcum  eorla drihten 
þara þe mid Beowulfe  
               brimlade teah 
on þære medubence  maþðum gesealde, 
yrfelafe,  ond þone ænne heht 
golde forgyldan,  þone ðe Grendel ær 
mane acwealde,  swa he hyra ma wolde, 
nefne him witig god  wyrd forstode 
ond ðæs mannes mod.  Metod eallum weold 
gumena cynnes,  swa he nu git deð. 
Forþan bið andgit  æghwær selest, 
ferhðes foreþanc.  Fela sceal gebidan 
leofes ond laþes  se þe longe her 
on ðyssum windagum  worolde bruceð. 
þær wæs sang ond sweg  samod ætgædere 
fore Healfdenes  hildewisan, 
gomenwudu greted,  gid oft wrecen, 
ðonne healgamen  Hroþgares scop 
æfter medobence  mænan scolde 

               be Finnes eaferum,  ða hie se fær begeat, 
hæleð Healfdena,  Hnæf Scyldinga, 
in Freswæle  feallan scolde. 
Ne huru Hildeburh  herian þorfte 
Eotena treowe;  unsynnum wearð 
beloren leofum  æt þam lindplegan, 
bearnum ond broðrum;  hie on gebyrd hruron, 
gare wunde.  þæt wæs geomuru ides! 
Nalles holinga  Hoces dohtor 
meotodsceaft bemearn,  syþðan morgen com, 
ða heo under swegle  geseon meahte 
morþorbealo maga,  þær heo ær mæste heold 
worolde wynne.  Wig ealle fornam 
Finnes þegnas  nemne feaum anum, 
þæt he ne mehte  on þæm meðelstede 
wig Hengeste  wiht gefeohtan, 
ne þa wealafe  wige forþringan 
þeodnes ðegna;  ac hig him geþingo budon, 
þæt hie him oðer flet  eal gerymdon, 
healle ond heahsetl,  þæt hie healfre geweald 
wið Eotena bearn  agan moston, 
ond æt feohgyftum  Folcwaldan sunu 
dogra gehwylce  Dene weorþode, 
Hengestes heap  hringum wenede 
efne swa swiðe  sincgestreonum 
fættan goldes,  swa he Fresena cyn 
on beorsele  byldan wolde. 
ða hie getruwedon  on twa healfa 
fæste frioðuwære.  Fin Hengeste 
elne, unflitme  aðum benemde 
þæt he þa wealafe  weotena dome 
arum heolde,  þæt ðær ænig mon 
wordum ne worcum  wære ne bræce, 
ne þurh inwitsearo  æfre gemænden 
ðeah hie hira beaggyfan  banan folgedon 
ðeodenlease,  þa him swa geþearfod wæs; 
gyf þonne Frysna hwylc  
               frecnan spræce 
ðæs morþorhetes  myndgiend wære, 
þonne hit sweordes ecg  
               seðan scolde. 

               Ad wæs geæfned  ond icge gold 
ahæfen of horde.  Herescyldinga 
betst beadorinca  wæs on bæl gearu. 
æt þæm ade wæs  eþgesyne 
swatfah syrce,  swyn ealgylden, 
eofer irenheard,  æþeling manig 
wundum awyrded;  sume on wæle crungon. 
Het ða Hildeburh  æt Hnæfes ade 
hire selfre sunu  sweoloðe befæstan, 
banfatu bærnan  ond on bæl don 

               eame on eaxle.  Ides gnornode, 
geomrode giddum.  Guðrinc astah. 
Wand to wolcnum  wælfyra mæst, 
hlynode for hlawe;  hafelan multon, 
bengeato burston,  ðonne blod ætspranc, 
laðbite lices.  Lig ealle forswealg, 
gæsta gifrost,  þara ðe þær guð fornam 
bega folces;  wæs hira blæd scacen. 
Gewiton him ða wigend  wica neosian, 
freondum befeallen,  Frysland geseon, 
hamas ond heaburh.  Hengest ða gyt 
wælfagne winter  wunode mid Finne 

               eal unhlitme.  Eard gemunde, 
þeah þe he ne meahte  on mere drifan 
hringedstefnan;  holm storme weol, 
won wið winde,  winter yþe beleac 
isgebinde,  oþðæt oþer com 
gear in geardas,  swa nu gyt deð, 
þa ðe syngales  sele bewitiað, 
wuldortorhtan weder.  ða wæs winter scacen, 
fæger foldan bearm.  Fundode wrecca, 
gist of geardum;  he to gyrnwræce 
swiðor þohte  þonne to sælade, 
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, 
þæs wæron mid Eotenum  ecge cuðe. 
Swylce ferhðfrecan  Fin eft begeat 
sweordbealo sliðen  æt his selfes ham, 
siþðan grimne gripe  Guðlaf ond Oslaf 
æfter sæsiðe,  sorge, mændon, 
ætwiton weana dæl;  ne meahte wæfre mod 
forhabban in hreþre.  ða wæs heal roden 
            
feonda feorum,  swilce Fin slægen, 
cyning on corþre,  ond seo cwen numen. 
Sceotend Scyldinga  to scypon feredon 
eal ingesteald  eorðcyninges, 
swylce hie æt Finnes ham  findan meahton 
sigla, searogimma.  Hie on sælade 
drihtlice wif  to Denum feredon, 
læddon to leodum.  Leoð wæs asungen, 
gleomannes gyd.  Gamen eft astah, 
beorhtode bencsweg;  byrelas sealdon 
win of wunderfatum.  þa cwom Wealhþeo forð 
gan under gyldnum beage,  þær þa godan twegen 
sæton suhtergefæderan;  þa gyt wæs hiera sib ætgædere, 
æghwylc oðrum 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 ða ides Scyldinga: 
"Onfoh þissum fulle,  freodrihten min, 
sinces brytta!  þu on sælum wes, 
goldwine gumena,  ond to Geatum spræc 
mildum wordum,  swa sceal man don. 
Beo wið Geatas glæd,  geofena gemyndig, 
nean ond feorran  þu nu hafast. 
Me man sægde  þæt þu ðe for sunu wolde 

               hererinc habban.  Heorot is gefælsod, 
beahsele beorhta;  bruc þenden þu mote 
manigra medo,  ond þinum magum læf 
folc ond rice,  þonne ðu forð scyle 
metodsceaft seon.  Ic minne can 
glædne Hroþulf,  þæt he þa geogoðe wile 
arum healdan,  gyf þu ær þonne he, 
wine Scildinga,  worold oflætest; 
wene ic þæt he mid gode  gyldan wille 
uncran eaferan,  gif he þæt eal gemon, 
hwæt wit to willan  ond to worðmyndum 
umborwesendum ær  arna gefremedon." 
Hwearf þa bi bence  þær hyre byre wæron, 
Hreðric ond Hroðmund,  ond hæleþa bearn, 
giogoð ætgædere;  þær se goda sæt, 
Beowulf Geata,  be þæm gebroðrum twæm. 
Him wæs ful boren  ond freondlaþu 
wordum bewægned,  ond wunden gold 
estum geeawed,  earmreade twa, 
hrægl ond hringas,  healsbeaga mæst 
þara þe ic on foldan  gefrægen hæbbe. 
Nænigne ic under swegle  selran hyrde 

               hordmaððum hæleþa,  syþðan Hama ætwæg 
to þære byrhtan byrig  Brosinga mene, 
sigle ond sincfæt;  searoniðas fleah 
            
Eormenrices,  geceas ecne ræd. 
þone hring hæfde  Higelac Geata, 
nefa Swertinges,  nyhstan siðe, 
siðþan he under segne  sinc ealgode, 
wælreaf werede;  hyne wyrd fornam, 
syþðan he for wlenco  wean ahsode, 
fæhðe to Frysum.  He þa frætwe wæg, 
eorclanstanas  ofer yða ful, 
rice þeoden;  he under rande gecranc. 
Gehwearf þa in Francna fæþm  feorh cyninges, 
breostgewædu  ond se beah somod; 
wyrsan wigfrecan  wæl reafedon 
            
æfter guðsceare,  Geata leode, 
hreawic heoldon.  Heal swege onfeng. 
Wealhðeo maþelode,  heo fore þæm werede spræc: 
"Bruc ðisses beages,  Beowulf leofa, 
hyse, mid hæle,  ond þisses hrægles neot, 

               þeodgestreona,  ond geþeoh tela, 
cen þec mid cræfte  ond þyssum cnyhtum wes 
lara liðe;  ic þe þæs lean geman. 
Hafast þu gefered  þæt ðe feor ond neah 
ealne wideferhþ  weras ehtigað, 
efne swa side  swa sæ bebugeð, 
windgeard, weallas.  Wes þenden þu lifige, 
æþeling, eadig.  Ic þe an tela 
sincgestreona.  Beo þu suna minum 
dædum gedefe,  dreamhealdende. 
Her is æghwylc eorl  oþrum getrywe, 
modes milde,  mandrihtne hold; 
þegnas syndon geþwære,  þeod ealgearo, 
druncne dryhtguman  doð swa ic bidde." 
Eode þa to setle.  þær wæs symbla cyst; 
druncon win weras.  Wyrd ne cuþon, 
geosceaft grimme,  swa hit agangen wearð 
eorla manegum,  syþðan 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 wearð 
beddum ond bolstrum.  Beorscealca sum 
fus ond fæge  fletræste gebeag. 
Setton him to heafdon  hilderandas, 
bordwudu beorhtan;  þær on bence wæs 
ofer æþelinge  yþgesene 
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 
þearf gesælde;  wæs seo þeod tilu. 
Sigon þa to slæpe.  Sum sare angeald 
æfenræste,  swa him ful oft gelamp, 
siþðan goldsele  Grendel warode, 
unriht æfnde,  oþþæt ende becwom, 
swylt æfter synnum.  þæt gesyne wearþ, 
widcuþ werum,  þætte wrecend þa gyt 
lifde æfter laþum,  lange þrage, 
æfter guðceare.  Grendles modor, 
ides, aglæcwif,  yrmþe gemunde, 
se þe wæteregesan  wunian scolde, 
cealde streamas,  siþðan Cain wearð 
to ecgbanan  angan breþer, 
fæderenmæge;  he þa fag gewat, 
morþre gemearcod,  mandream fleon, 
westen warode.  þanon woc fela 
geosceaftgasta;  wæs þæra Grendel sum, 
heorowearh hetelic,  se æt Heorote fand 
wæccendne wer  wiges bidan. 
þær him aglæca  ætgræpe wearð; 
hwæþre he gemunde  mægenes strenge, 
gimfæste gife  ðe him god sealde, 
ond him to anwaldan  are gelyfde, 
frofre ond fultum;  ðy he þone feond ofercwom, 
gehnægde helle gast.  þa he hean gewat, 
dreame bedæled,  deaþwic seon, 
mancynnes feond,  ond his modor þa gyt, 
gifre ond galgmod,  gegan wolde 
sorhfulne sið,  sunu deað wrecan. 
Com þa to Heorote,  ðær Hringdene 
geond þæt sæld swæfun.  þa ðær sona wearð 
edhwyrft eorlum,  siþðan inne fealh 
Grendles modor.  Wæs se gryre læssa 
efne swa micle  swa bið mægþa cræft, 
wiggryre wifes,  be wæpnedmen, 
þonne heoru bunden,  hamere geþuren, 
sweord swate fah  swin ofer helme 
ecgum dyhttig  andweard scireð. 
þa wæs on healle  heardecg togen 
sweord ofer setlum,  sidrand manig 
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. 
Hraðe heo æþelinga  anne hæfde 
fæste befangen,  þa heo to fenne gang. 
Se wæs Hroþgare  hæleþa leofost 
on gesiðes had  be sæm tweonum, 
rice randwiga,  þone ðe heo on ræste abreat, 
blædfæstne beorn.  Næs Beowulf ðær, 
ac wæs oþer in  ær geteohhod 
æfter maþðumgife  mærum Geate. 
Hream wearð in Heorote;  heo under heolfre genam 
cuþe folme;  cearu wæs geniwod, 
geworden in wicun.  Ne wæs þæt gewrixle til, 
þæt hie on ba healfa  bicgan scoldon 
freonda feorum.  þa wæs frod cyning, 
har hilderinc,  on hreon mode, 
syðþan he aldorþegn  unlyfigendne, 
þone deorestan  deadne wisse. 
Hraþe wæs to bure  Beowulf fetod, 
sigoreadig secg.  Samod ærdæge 
eode eorla sum,  æþele cempa 
self mid gesiðum  þær se snotera bad, 

               hwæþer him alwalda 
                æfre wille 
æfter weaspelle  wyrpe gefremman. 
Gang ða æfter flore  fyrdwyrðe man 
mid his handscale  (healwudu dynede), 
þæt he þone wisan  wordum nægde 
            
frean Ingwina,  frægn gif him wære 
æfter neodlaðum 
                niht getæse. 
Hroðgar maþelode,  helm Scyldinga: 
"Ne frin þu æfter sælum!  Sorh is geniwod 
Denigea leodum.  Dead is æschere, 
Yrmenlafes  yldra broþor, 
min runwita  ond min rædbora, 
eaxlgestealla,  ðonne we on orlege 
hafelan weredon,  þonne hniton feþan, 
eoferas cnysedan.  
               Swylc 
               scolde eorl wesan, 

               æþeling ærgod,  swylc æschere wæs! 
Wearð him on Heorote  to handbanan 
wælgæst wæfre;  ic ne wat hwæder 
            
atol æse wlanc  eftsiðas teah, 
fylle gefægnod.  Heo þa fæhðe wræc 
þe þu gystran niht  Grendel cwealdest 
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 manscaða,  wolde hyre mæg wrecan, 
ge feor hafað  fæhðe gestæled 
(þæs þe þincean mæg  þegne monegum, 
se þe æfter sincgyfan  on sefan greoteþ), 
hreþerbealo hearde;  nu seo hand ligeð, 
se þe eow welhwylcra  wilna dohte. 
Ic þæt londbuend,  leode mine, 
selerædende,  secgan hyrde 
þæt hie gesawon  swylce twegen 
micle mearcstapan  moras healdan, 
ellorgæstas.  ðæra oðer wæs, 
þæs þe hie gewislicost  gewitan meahton, 
idese onlicnæs;  oðer earmsceapen 
on weres wæstmum  wræclastas træd, 
næfne he wæs mara  þonne ænig man oðer; 
þone on geardagum  Grendel nemdon 
            
foldbuende.  No hie fæder cunnon, 
hwæþer him ænig wæs  ær acenned 
dyrnra gasta.  Hie dygel lond 
warigeað, wulfhleoþu,  windige næssas, 
frecne fengelad,  ðær fyrgenstream 
under næssa genipu  niþer gewiteð, 
flod under foldan.  Nis þæt feor heonon 
milgemearces  þæt se mere standeð; 
ofer þæm hongiað  hrinde bearwas, 
wudu wyrtum fæst  wæter oferhelmað. 
þær mæg nihta gehwæm  niðwundor seon, 
fyr on flode.  No þæs frod leofað 
gumena bearna,  þæt þone grund wite; 
ðeah þe hæðstapa  hundum geswenced, 
heorot hornum trum,  holtwudu sece, 
feorran geflymed,  ær he feorh seleð, 
aldor on ofre,  ær he in wille 
hafelan hydan.  Nis þæt heoru stow! 
þonon yðgeblond  up astigeð 
won to wolcnum,  þonne wind styreþ, 
lað gewidru,  oðþæt lyft drysmaþ, 
roderas reotað.  Nu is se ræd gelang 
eft æt þe anum.  Eard git ne const, 
frecne stowe,  ðær þu findan miht 
felasinnigne secg;  sec gif þu dyrre. 
Ic þe þa fæhðe  feo leanige, 
ealdgestreonum,  swa ic ær dyde, 

               wundnum golde,  gyf þu on weg cymest." 
Beowulf maþelode,  bearn Ecgþeowes: 
"Ne sorga, snotor guma;  selre bið æghwæm 
þæt he his freond wrece,  þonne he fela murne. 
Ure æghwylc sceal  ende gebidan 
worolde lifes;  wyrce se þe mote 
domes ær deaþe;  þæt bið drihtguman 
unlifgendum  æfter selest. 
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. 
ðys dogor þu  geþyld hafa 
weana gehwylces,  swa ic þe wene to." 
Ahleop ða se gomela,  gode þancode, 
mihtigan drihtne,  þæs se man gespræc. 
þa wæs Hroðgare  hors gebæted, 
wicg wundenfeax.  Wisa fengel 
geatolic gende;  gumfeþa stop 
lindhæbbendra.  Lastas wæron 
æfter waldswaþum  wide gesyne, 
gang ofer grundas,  
               þær 
               heo gegnum for 
ofer myrcan mor,  magoþegna bær 
þone selestan  sawolleasne 
þara þe mid Hroðgare  ham eahtode. 
Ofereode þa  æþelinga bearn 
steap stanhliðo,  stige nearwe, 
enge anpaðas,  uncuð gelad, 
neowle næssas,  nicorhusa fela. 
He feara sum  beforan gengde 
wisra monna  wong sceawian, 
oþþæt he færinga  fyrgenbeamas 
ofer harne stan  hleonian funde, 
wynleasne wudu;  wæter under stod 
dreorig ond gedrefed.  Denum eallum wæs, 
winum Scyldinga,  weorce on mode 
to geþolianne,  ðegne monegum, 
oncyð eorla gehwæm,  syðþan æscheres 
on þam holmclife  hafelan metton. 
Flod blode weol  (folc to sægon), 
hatan heolfre.  Horn stundum song 
fuslic fyrdleoð.  Feþa eal gesæt. 
Gesawon ða æfter wætere  wyrmcynnes fela, 
sellice sædracan,  sund cunnian, 
swylce on næshleoðum  nicras licgean, 
ða on undernmæl  oft bewitigað 
sorhfulne sið  on seglrade, 
wyrmas ond wildeor;  hie on weg hruron, 
bitere ond gebolgne,  bearhtm ongeaton, 
guðhorn galan.  Sumne Geata leod 
of flanbogan  feores getwæfde, 
yðgewinnes,  þæt him on aldre stod 
herestræl hearda;  he on holme wæs 
sundes þe sænra,  ðe hyne swylt fornam. 
Hræþe wearð on yðum  mid eoferspreotum 
heorohocyhtum  hearde genearwod, 
niða genæged,  ond on næs togen, 
wundorlic wægbora;  weras sceawedon 
gryrelicne gist.  Gyrede hine Beowulf 
eorlgewædum,  nalles for ealdre mearn. 
Scolde herebyrne  hondum gebroden, 
sid ond searofah,  sund cunnian, 
seo ðe bancofan  beorgan cuþe, 
þæt him hildegrap  hreþre ne mihte, 
eorres inwitfeng,  aldre gesceþðan; 
ac se hwita helm  hafelan werede, 
se þe meregrundas  mengan scolde, 
secan sundgebland  since geweorðad, 
befongen freawrasnum,  swa hine fyrndagum 
worhte wæpna smið,  wundrum teode, 
besette swinlicum,  þæt hine syðþan no 
brond ne beadomecas  bitan ne meahton. 
Næs þæt þonne mætost  mægenfultuma 
þæt him on ðearfe lah  ðyle Hroðgares; 
wæs þæm hæftmece  Hrunting nama. 
þæt wæs an foran  ealdgestreona; 
ecg wæs iren,  atertanum fah, 
ahyrded heaþoswate;  næfre hit æt hilde ne swac 
manna ængum  þara þe hit mid mundum bewand, 
se ðe gryresiðas  gegan dorste, 
folcstede fara;  næs þæt forma sið 
þæt hit ellenweorc  æfnan scolde. 
Huru ne gemunde  mago Ecglafes, 
eafoþes cræftig,  þæt he ær gespræc 
wine druncen,  þa he þæs wæpnes onlah 
selran sweordfrecan.  Selfa ne dorste 
under yða gewin  aldre geneþan, 
drihtscype dreogan;  þær he dome forleas, 

               ellenmærðum.  Ne wæs þæm oðrum swa, 
syðþan he hine to guðe  gegyred hæfde. 
Beowulf maðelode,  bearn Ecgþeowes: 
"Geþenc nu, se mæra  maga Healfdenes, 
snottra fengel,  nu ic eom siðes fus, 
goldwine gumena,  hwæt wit geo spræcon, 
gif ic æt þearfe  þinre scolde 
aldre linnan,  þæt ðu me a wære 
forðgewitenum  on fæder stæle. 
Wes þu mundbora  minum magoþegnum, 
hondgesellum,  gif mec hild nime; 
swylce þu ða madmas  þe þu me sealdest, 
Hroðgar leofa,  Higelace onsend. 
Mæg þonne on þæm golde ongitan  Geata dryhten, 
geseon sunu Hrædles,  þonne he on þæt sinc starað, 
þæt ic gumcystum  godne funde 
beaga bryttan,  breac þonne moste. 
Ond þu Unferð læt  ealde lafe, 
wrætlic wægsweord,  widcuðne man 
heardecg habban;  ic me mid Hruntinge 
dom gewyrce,  oþðe mec deað nimeð." 
æfter þæm wordum  Wedergeata leod 
efste mid elne,  nalas ondsware 
bidan wolde;  brimwylm onfeng 
hilderince.  ða wæs hwil dæges 
ær he þone grundwong  ongytan mehte. 
Sona þæt onfunde  se ðe floda begong 
heorogifre beheold  hund missera, 
grim ond grædig,  þæt þær gumena sum 
ælwihta eard  ufan cunnode. 
Grap þa togeanes,  guðrinc gefeng 
atolan clommum.  No þy ær in gescod 
halan lice;  hring utan ymbbearh, 
þæt heo þone fyrdhom  ðurhfon ne mihte, 
locene leoðosyrcan  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 

               swencte on sunde,  sædeor monig 
hildetuxum  heresyrcan bræc, 
ehton aglæcan.  ða se eorl ongeat 
þæt he in niðsele  nathwylcum wæs, 
þær him nænig wæter  wihte ne sceþede, 
ne him for hrofsele  hrinan ne mehte 
færgripe flodes;  fyrleoht geseah, 
blacne leoman,  beorhte scinan. 
Ongeat þa se goda  grundwyrgenne, 
merewif mihtig;  mægenræs forgeaf 
hildebille,  
               hond 
               sweng ne ofteah, 
þæt hire on hafelan  hringmæl agol 
grædig guðleoð.  ða se gist onfand 
þæt se beadoleoma  bitan nolde, 
aldre sceþðan,  ac seo ecg geswac 
ðeodne æt þearfe;  ðolode ær fela 
hondgemota,  helm oft gescær, 
fæges fyrdhrægl;  ða wæs forma sið 
deorum madme,  þæt his dom alæg. 
Eft wæs anræd,  nalas elnes læt, 
mærða gemyndig  mæg Hylaces. 
Wearp ða wundenmæl 
                wrættum gebunden 
yrre oretta,  þæt hit on eorðan læg, 
stið ond stylecg;  strenge getruwode, 
mundgripe mægenes.  Swa sceal man don, 
þonne he æt guðe  gegan þenceð 
longsumne lof,  na ymb his lif cearað. 
Gefeng þa be eaxle  (nalas for fæhðe mearn) 
Guðgeata leod  Grendles modor; 
brægd þa beadwe heard,  þa he gebolgen wæs, 
feorhgeniðlan,  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 wearð. 
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, 
wið ord ond wið ecge  ingang forstod. 
Hæfde ða forsiðod  sunu Ecgþeowes 
under gynne grund,  Geata cempa, 
nemne him heaðobyrne  helpe gefremede, 
herenet hearde,  ond halig god 
geweold wigsigor;  witig drihten, 
rodera rædend,  hit on ryht gesced 
yðelice,  syþðan he eft astod. 
Geseah ða on searwum  sigeeadig bil, 
eald sweord eotenisc,  ecgum þyhtig, 
wigena weorðmynd;  þæt wæs wæpna cyst, 
buton hit wæs mare  ðonne ænig mon oðer 
to beadulace  ætberan meahte, 
god ond geatolic,  giganta geweorc. 
He gefeng þa fetelhilt,  freca Scyldinga 
hreoh ond heorogrim  hringmæl gebrægd, 
aldres orwena,  yrringa sloh, 
þæt hire wið halse  heard grapode, 
banhringas bræc.  Bil eal ðurhwod 
fægne flæschoman;  heo on flet gecrong. 
Sweord wæs swatig,  secg weorce gefeh. 
Lixte se leoma,  leoht inne stod, 
efne swa of hefene  hadre scineð 
rodores candel.  He æfter recede wlat; 
hwearf þa be wealle,  wæpen hafenade 
heard be hiltum  Higelaces ðegn, 
yrre ond anræd.  Næs seo ecg fracod 
hilderince,  ac he hraþe wolde 
Grendle forgyldan  guðræsa fela 
ðara þe he geworhte  to Westdenum 
oftor micle  ðonne on ænne sið, 
þonne he Hroðgares  heorðgeneatas 
sloh on sweofote,  slæpende fræt 
folces Denigea  fyftyne men 
ond oðer swylc  ut offerede, 
laðlicu lac.  He him þæs lean forgeald, 
reþe cempa,  to ðæs þe he on ræste geseah 
guðwerigne  Grendel licgan 
aldorleasne,  swa him ær gescod 
hild æt Heorote.  Hra wide sprong, 
syþðan he æfter deaðe  drepe þrowade, 
heorosweng heardne,  ond hine þa heafde becearf. 
Sona þæt gesawon  snottre ceorlas, 
þa ðe mid Hroðgare  on holm wliton, 
þæt wæs yðgeblond  eal gemenged, 
brim blode fah.  Blondenfeaxe, 
gomele ymb godne,  ongeador spræcon 
þæt hig þæs æðelinges  eft ne wendon 
þæt he sigehreðig  secean come 
mærne þeoden;  þa ðæs monige gewearð 
þæt hine seo brimwylf  
               abroten hæfde. 
ða 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 
selfne gesawon.  þa þæt sweord ongan 
æfter heaþoswate  hildegicelum, 
wigbil wanian.  þæt wæs wundra sum, 
þæt hit eal gemealt  ise gelicost, 
ðonne forstes bend  fæder onlæteð, 
onwindeð wælrapas,  se geweald hafað 
sæla ond mæla;  þæt is soð metod. 
Ne nom he in þæm wicum,  Wedergeata leod, 
maðmæhta ma,  þeh he þær monige geseah, 
buton þone hafelan  ond þa hilt somod 
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 wraðra,  wæter up þurhdeaf. 
Wæron yðgebland  eal gefælsod, 
eacne eardas,  þa se ellorgast 
oflet lifdagas  ond þas lænan gesceaft. 
Com þa to lande  lidmanna helm 
swiðmod swymman;  sælace gefeah, 
mægenbyrþenne  þara þe he him mid hæfde. 
Eodon him þa togeanes,  gode þancodon, 
ðryðlic þegna heap,  þeodnes gefegon, 
þæs þe hi hyne gesundne  geseon moston. 
ða wæs of þæm hroran  helm ond byrne 
lungre alysed.  Lagu drusade, 
wæter under wolcnum,  wældreore fag. 
Ferdon forð þonon  feþelastum 
ferhþum fægne,  foldweg mæton, 
cuþe stræte.  Cyningbalde men 
from þæm holmclife  hafelan bæron 
earfoðlice  heora æghwæþrum, 
felamodigra;  feower scoldon 
on þæm wælstenge  weorcum geferian 
to þæm goldsele  Grendles heafod, 
oþðæt semninga  to sele comon 
frome fyrdhwate  feowertyne 
Geata gongan;  gumdryhten mid 
modig on gemonge  meodowongas træd. 
ða com in gan  ealdor ðegna, 
dædcene mon  dome gewurþad, 
hæle hildedeor,  Hroðgar gretan. 
þa wæs be feaxe  on flet boren 
Grendles heafod,  þær guman druncon, 
egeslic for eorlum  ond þære idese mid, 
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. 
Ic þæt unsofte  ealdre gedigde 
wigge under wætere,  weorc geneþde 
earfoðlice;  ætrihte wæs 
guð getwæfed,  nymðe mec god scylde. 
Ne meahte ic æt hilde  mid Hruntinge 
wiht gewyrcan,  þeah þæt wæpen duge; 
ac me geuðe  ylda waldend 
þæt ic on wage geseah  wlitig hangian 
eald sweord eacen  (oftost wisode 
winigea leasum),  þæt ic ðy wæpne gebræd. 
Ofsloh ða 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, 
deaðcwealm 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, 
duguðe ond iogoþe,  þæt þu him ondrædan ne þearft, 
þeoden Scyldinga,  on þa healfe, 
aldorbealu eorlum,  swa þu ær dydest." 
ða wæs gylden hilt  gamelum rince, 
harum hildfruman,  on hand gyfen, 
enta ærgeweorc;  hit on æht gehwearf 
æfter deofla hryre  Denigea frean, 
wundorsmiþa geweorc,  ond þa þas worold ofgeaf 
gromheort guma,  godes ondsaca, 
morðres scyldig,  ond his modor eac, 
on geweald gehwearf  woroldcyninga 
ðæm selestan  be sæm tweonum 
ðara þe on Scedenigge  sceattas dælde. 
Hroðgar maðelode,  hylt sceawode, 
ealde lafe,  on ðæm wæs or writen 
fyrngewinnes,  syðþan flod ofsloh, 
gifen geotende,  giganta cyn 
(frecne geferdon);  þæt wæs fremde þeod 
ecean dryhtne;  him þæs endelean 
þurh wæteres wylm  waldend sealde. 
Swa wæs on ðæm scennum  sciran goldes 
þurh runstafas  rihte gemearcod, 
geseted ond gesæd  hwam þæt sweord geworht, 
irena cyst,  ærest wære, 
wreoþenhilt ond wyrmfah.  ða se wisa spræc 
sunu Healfdenes  (swigedon ealle): 
"þæt, la, mæg secgan  se þe soð ond riht 
fremeð on folce,  feor eal gemon, 
eald OEweard,  þæt ðes eorl wære 
geboren betera!  Blæd is aræred 
geond widwegas,  wine min Beowulf, 
ðin ofer þeoda gehwylce.  Eal þu hit geþyldum healdest, 
mægen mid modes snyttrum.  Ic þe sceal mine gelæstan 
freode, swa wit furðum spræcon.  ðu scealt to frofre weorþan 
eal langtwidig  leodum þinum, 
hæleðum to helpe.  Ne wearð Heremod swa 
eaforum Ecgwelan,  Arscyldingum; 
ne geweox he him to willan,  ac to wælfealle 
ond to deaðcwalum  Deniga leodum; 
breat bolgenmod  beodgeneatas, 
eaxlgesteallan,  oþþæt he ana hwearf, 
mære þeoden,  mondreamum from. 
ðeah þe hine mihtig god  mægenes wynnum, 
eafeþum stepte,  ofer ealle men 
forð gefremede,  hwæþere him on ferhþe greow 
breosthord blodreow.  Nallas beagas geaf 
Denum æfter dome;  dreamleas gebad 
þæt he þæs gewinnes  weorc þrowade, 
leodbealo longsum.  ðu þe lær be þon, 
gumcyste ongit;  ic þis gid be þe 
awræc wintrum frod.  Wundor is to secganne 
hu mihtig god  manna cynne 
þurh sidne sefan  snyttru bryttað, 
eard ond eorlscipe;  he ah ealra geweald. 
Hwilum he on lufan  læteð hworfan 
monnes modgeþonc  mæran cynnes, 
seleð him on eþle  eorþan wynne 
to healdanne,  hleoburh wera, 
gedeð him swa gewealdene  worolde dælas, 
side rice,  þæt he his selfa ne mæg 
for his unsnyttrum  ende geþencean. 
Wunað he on wiste;  no hine wiht dweleð 
adl ne yldo,  ne him inwitsorh 
on sefan sweorceð,  ne gesacu ohwær 
ecghete eoweð,  ac him eal worold 
wendeð on willan  (he þæt wyrse ne con), 
oðþæt him on innan  oferhygda dæl 

               weaxeð ond wridað.  þonne se weard swefeð, 
sawele hyrde;  bið se slæp to fæst, 
bisgum gebunden,  bona swiðe neah, 
se þe of flanbogan  fyrenum sceoteð. 
þonne bið on hreþre  under helm drepen 
biteran stræle  (him bebeorgan ne con), 
wom wundorbebodum  wergan gastes; 
þinceð him to lytel  þæt he lange heold, 
gytsað gromhydig,  nallas on gylp seleð 
fædde beagas,  ond he þa forðgesceaft 
forgyteð ond forgymeð,  þæs þe him ær god sealde, 
wuldres waldend,  weorðmynda dæl. 
Hit on endestæf  eft gelimpeð 
þæt se lichoma  læne gedreoseð, 
fæge gefealleð;  fehð oþer to, 
se þe unmurnlice  madmas dæleþ, 
eorles ærgestreon,  egesan ne gymeð. 
Bebeorh þe ðone bealonið,  Beowulf leofa, 
secg betsta,  ond þe þæt selre geceos, 
ece rædas;  oferhyda ne gym, 
mære cempa.  Nu is þines mægnes blæd 
ane hwile.  Eft sona bið 
þæt þec adl oððe ecg  eafoþes getwæfeð, 
oððe fyres feng,  oððe flodes wylm, 
oððe gripe meces,  oððe gares fliht, 
oððe atol yldo;  oððe eagena bearhtm 
forsiteð ond forsworceð;  semninga bið 
þæt ðec, dryhtguma,  deað oferswyðeð. 
Swa ic Hringdena  hund missera 
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, 
gyrn æfter gomene,  seoþðan Grendel wearð, 
ealdgewinna,  ingenga min; 
ic þære socne  singales wæg 
modceare micle.  þæs sig metode þanc, 
ecean dryhtne,  þæs ðe ic on aldre gebad 
þæt ic on þone hafelan  heorodreorigne 
ofer ealdgewin  eagum starige! 
Ga nu to setle,  symbelwynne dreoh 
wigge weorþad;  unc sceal worn fela 
maþma gemænra,  siþðan morgen bið." 
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 
deorc ofer dryhtgumum.  Duguð eal aras. 
Wolde blondenfeax  beddes neosan, 
gamela Scylding.  Geat unigmetes wel, 
rofne randwigan,  restan lyste; 
sona him seleþegn  siðes wergum, 
feorrancundum,  forð wisade, 
se for andrysnum  ealle beweotede 
            
þegnes þearfe,  swylce þy dogore 
heaþoliðende  habban scoldon. 
Reste hine þa rumheort;  reced hliuade 
geap ond goldfah;  gæst inne swæf 
oþþæt hrefn blaca  heofones wynne 
bliðheort bodode.  ða com beorht scacan 

                scaþan onetton, 
wæron æþelingas  eft to leodum 
fuse to farenne;  wolde feor þanon 
cuma collenferhð  ceoles neosan. 
Heht þa se hearda  Hrunting beran 
sunu Ecglafes,  heht his sweord niman, 
leoflic iren;  sægde him þæs leanes þanc, 
cwæð, he þone guðwine  godne tealde, 
wigcræftigne,  nales wordum log 
meces ecge;  þæt wæs modig secg. 
Ond þa siðfrome,  searwum gearwe 
wigend wæron;  eode weorð Denum 
æþeling to yppan,  þær se oþer wæs, 

               hæle hildedeor  Hroðgar grette. 
Beowulf maþelode,  bearn Ecgþeowes: 
"Nu we sæliðend  secgan wyllað, 
feorran cumene,  þæt we fundiaþ 
Higelac secan.  Wæron her tela 
willum bewenede;  þu us wel dohtest. 
Gif ic þonne on eorþan  owihte mæg 
þinre modlufan  maran tilian, 
gumena dryhten,  ðonne ic gyt dyde, 
guðgeweorca,  ic beo gearo sona. 
Gif ic þæt gefricge  ofer floda begang, 
þæt þec ymbsittend  egesan þywað, 
swa þec hetende  hwilum dydon, 
ic ðe þusenda  þegna bringe, 
hæleþa to helpe.  Ic on Higelac wat, 
Geata dryhten,  þeah ðe he geong sy, 
folces hyrde,  þæt he mec fremman wile 

               wordum ond worcum,  þæt ic þe wel herige 
ond þe to geoce  garholt bere, 
mægenes fultum,  þær ðe bið manna þearf. 
Gif him þonne Hreþric 
                to hofum Geata 

               geþingeð, þeodnes bearn,  he mæg þær fela 
freonda findan;  feorcyþðe beoð 
selran gesohte  þæm þe him selfa deah." 
Hroðgar 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, 
wis wordcwida.  Wen ic talige, 
gif þæt gegangeð,  þæt ðe gar nymeð, 
hild heorugrimme,  Hreþles eaferan, 
adl oþðe iren  ealdor ðinne, 
folces hyrde,  ond þu þin feorh hafast, 
þæt þe Sægeatas  selran næbben 
to geceosenne  cyning ænigne, 
hordweard hæleþa,  gyf þu healdan wylt 
maga rice.  Me þin modsefa 
licað leng swa wel,  leofa Beowulf. 
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, 
maþmas gemæne,  manig oþerne 
godum gegretan  ofer ganotes bæð; 
sceal hringnaca  ofer heafu bringan 
lac ond luftacen.  Ic þa leode wat 
ge wið feond ge wið freond  fæste geworhte, 
æghwæs untæle  ealde wisan." 
ða git him eorla hleo  inne gesealde, 
mago Healfdenes,  maþmas [XII]; 
het hine mid þæm lacum  leode swæse 
secean on gesyntum,  snude eft cuman. 
Gecyste þa  cyning æþelum god, 
þeoden Scyldinga,  ðegn betstan 
ond be healse genam;  hruron him tearas, 
blondenfeaxum.  Him wæs bega wen, 
ealdum infrodum,  oþres swiðor, 
þæt hie 
               seoððan 
               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 langað 
beorn wið blode.  Him Beowulf þanan, 
guðrinc goldwlanc,  græsmoldan træd 
since hremig;  sægenga bad 

               agendfrean,  se þe on ancre rad. 
þa wæs on gange  gifu Hroðgares 
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, 
locene leoðosyrcan.  Landweard onfand 
eftsið eorla,  swa he ær dyde; 
no he mid hearme  of hliðes nosan 

               gæstas grette,  ac him togeanes rad, 
cwæð þæt wilcuman  Wedera leodum 
scaþan scirhame  to scipe foron. 
þa wæs on sande  sægeap naca 
hladen herewædum,  hringedstefna, 
mearum ond maðmum;  mæst hlifade 
ofer Hroðgares  hordgestreonum. 
He þæm batwearde  bunden golde 
swurd gesealde,  þæt he syðþan wæs 
on meodubence  
               maþme þy weorþra, 
yrfelafe.  Gewat him on naca 
            
drefan deop wæter,  Dena land ofgeaf. 
þa wæs be mæste  merehrægla sum, 
segl sale fæst;  sundwudu þunede. 
No þær wegflotan  wind ofer yðum 
siðes getwæfde;  sægenga for, 
fleat famigheals  forð ofer yðe, 
bundenstefna  ofer brimstreamas, 
þæt hie Geata clifu  ongitan meahton, 
cuþe næssas.  Ceol up geþrang 
lyftgeswenced,  on lande stod. 
Hraþe wæs æt holme  hyðweard geara, 
se þe ær lange tid  leofra manna 
fus æt faroðe  feor wlatode; 
sælde to sande  sidfæþme scip, 

               oncerbendum fæst,  þy læs hym yþa ðrym 
wudu wynsuman  forwrecan meahte. 
Het þa up beran  æþelinga gestreon, 
frætwe ond fætgold;  næs him feor þanon 
to gesecanne  sinces bryttan, 
Higelac Hreþling,  þær æt ham wunað 
selfa mid gesiðum  sæwealle neah. 
Bold wæs betlic,  bregorof cyning, 

               heah
               in healle,  Hygd swiðe geong, 
wis, welþungen,  þeah ðe wintra lyt 
under burhlocan  gebiden hæbbe, 
Hæreþes dohtor;  næs hio hnah swa þeah, 
ne to gneað gifa  Geata leodum, 
maþmgestreona.  Mod þryðo wæg, 
fremu folces cwen,  firen ondrysne. 
Nænig þæt dorste  deor geneþan 
swæsra gesiða,  nefne sinfrea, 
þæt hire an dæges  eagum starede, 
ac him wælbende  weotode tealde 
handgewriþene;  hraþe seoþðan wæs 
æfter mundgripe  mece geþinged, 
þæt hit sceadenmæl  scyran moste, 
cwealmbealu cyðan.  Ne bið swylc cwenlic þeaw 
idese to efnanne,  þeah ðe hio ænlicu sy, 
þætte freoðuwebbe  feores onsæce 
æfter ligetorne  leofne mannan. 
Huru þæt onhohsnode 
                
               Hemminges mæg; 
ealodrincende  oðer sædan, 
þæt hio leodbealewa  læs gefremede, 
inwitniða,  syððan ærest wearð 
gyfen goldhroden  geongum cempan, 
æðelum diore,  syððan hio Offan flet 
ofer fealone flod  be fæder lare 
siðe gesohte;  ðær hio syððan well 
in gumstole,  gode, mære, 
lifgesceafta  lifigende breac, 
hiold heahlufan  wið hæleþa brego, 
ealles moncynnes  mine gefræge 

               þone selestan  bi sæm tweonum, 
eormencynnes.  Forðam Offa wæs 
geofum ond guðum,  garcene man, 
wide geweorðod,  wisdome heold 
eðel sinne;  þonon Eomer woc 
hæleðum to helpe,  
               Hemminges mæg, 
nefa Garmundes,  niða cræftig. 
Gewat him ða se hearda  mid his hondscole 
sylf æfter sande  sæwong tredan, 
wide waroðas.  Woruldcandel scan, 
sigel suðan fus.  Hi sið drugon, 
elne geeodon,  to ðæs ðe eorla hleo, 
bonan Ongenþeoes  burgum in innan, 
geongne guðcyning  godne gefrunon 
hringas dælan.  Higelace wæs 
sið Beowulfes  snude gecyðed, 
þæt ðær on worðig  wigendra hleo, 
lindgestealla,  lifigende cwom, 
heaðolaces hal  to hofe gongan. 
Hraðe wæs gerymed,  swa se rica bebead, 
feðegestum  flet innanweard. 
Gesæt þa wið sylfne  se ða sæcce genæs, 
mæg wið mæge,  syððan mandryhten 
þurh hleoðorcwyde  holdne gegrette, 
meaglum wordum.  Meoduscencum hwearf 
geond þæt healreced 
                Hæreðes dohtor, 
lufode ða leode,  liðwæge bær 

               hæleðum to handa.  Higelac ongan 
sinne geseldan  in sele þam hean 
fægre fricgcean  (hyne fyrwet bræc, 
hwylce Sægeata  siðas wæron): 
"Hu lomp eow on lade,  leofa Biowulf, 
þa ðu færinga  feorr gehogodest 
sæcce secean  ofer sealt wæter, 
hilde to Hiorote?  Ac ðu Hroðgare 

               widcuðne wean  wihte gebettest, 
mærum ðeodne?  Ic ðæs modceare 
sorhwylmum seað,  siðe ne truwode 
leofes mannes;  ic ðe lange bæd 
þæt ðu þone wælgæst  wihte ne grette, 
lete Suðdene  sylfe geweorðan 
guðe wið Grendel.  Gode ic þanc secge 
þæs ðe ic ðe gesundne  geseon moste." 
Biowulf maðelode,  bearn Ecgðioes: 
"þæt is undyrne,  dryhten Higelac, 

               micel gemeting,  monegum fira, 

               hwylc
               orleghwil
                uncer Grendles 
wearð on ðam wange,  þær he worna fela 
Sigescyldingum  sorge gefremede, 
yrmðe to aldre.  Ic ðæt eall gewræc, 
swa begylpan ne þearf  Grendeles maga 

               ænig ofer eorðan  uhthlem þone, 
se ðe lengest leofað  laðan cynnes, 

               facne bifongen.  Ic ðær furðum cwom 
to ðam hringsele  Hroðgar gretan; 
sona me se mæra  mago Healfdenes, 
syððan he modsefan  minne cuðe, 
wið his sylfes sunu  setl getæhte. 
Weorod wæs on wynne;  ne seah ic widan feorh 
under heofones hwealf  healsittendra 
medudream maran.  Hwilum mæru cwen, 
friðusibb folca,  flet eall geondhwearf, 
bædde byre geonge;  oft hio beahwriðan 
secge sealde,  ær hie to setle geong. 
Hwilum for duguðe 
                dohtor Hroðgares 
eorlum on ende  ealuwæge bær; 
þa ic Freaware  fletsittende 
nemnan hyrde,  þær hio nægled sinc 
hæleðum sealde.  Sio gehaten is, 
geong, goldhroden,  gladum suna Frodan; 

               hafað þæs geworden  wine Scyldinga, 
rices hyrde,  ond þæt ræd talað, 
þæt he mid ðy wife  wælfæhða dæl, 
sæcca gesette.  Oft seldan hwær 
æfter leodhryre  lytle hwile 
bongar bugeð,  þeah seo bryd duge! 
Mæg þæs þonne ofþyncan  
               ðeodne Heaðobeardna 
ond þegna gehwam  þara leoda, 
þonne he mid fæmnan  on flett gæð, 
dryhtbearn Dena,  duguða biwenede; 
on him gladiað  gomelra lafe, 
heard ond hringmæl  
               Heaðabeardna gestreon 
þenden hie ðam wæpnum  wealdan moston, 
oððæt hie forlæddan  to ðam lindplegan 
swæse gesiðas  ond hyra sylfra feorh. 
þonne cwið æt beore  se ðe beah gesyhð, 
eald æscwiga,  se ðe eall geman, 
garcwealm gumena  (him bið grim sefa), 
onginneð geomormod  geongum cempan 
þurh hreðra gehygd  higes cunnian, 
wigbealu weccean,  ond þæt word acwyð: 
'Meaht ðu, min wine,  mece gecnawan 
þone þin fæder  to gefeohte bær 
under heregriman  hindeman siðe, 
dyre iren,  þær hyne Dene slogon, 
weoldon wælstowe,  syððan Wiðergyld læg, 
æfter hæleþa hryre,  hwate Scyldungas? 
Nu her þara banena  byre nathwylces 
frætwum hremig  on flet gæð, 
morðres gylpeð,  ond þone maðþum byreð, 
þone þe ðu mid rihte  rædan sceoldest.' 
Manað swa ond myndgað  mæla gehwylce 
sarum wordum,  oððæt sæl cymeð 
þæt se fæmnan þegn  fore fæder dædum 
æfter billes bite  blodfag swefeð, 
ealdres scyldig;  him se oðer þonan 
losað lifigende,  con him land geare. 
þonne bioð abrocene 
                on ba healfe 
aðsweord eorla;  
               syððan Ingelde 
weallað wælniðas,  ond him wiflufan 
æfter cearwælmum  colran weorðað. 
þy ic Heaðobeardna 
                hyldo ne telge, 
dryhtsibbe dæl  Denum unfæcne, 
freondscipe fæstne.  Ic sceal forð sprecan 
gen ymbe Grendel,  þæt ðu geare cunne, 
sinces brytta,  to hwan syððan wearð 
hondræs hæleða.  Syððan heofones gim 
glad ofer grundas,  gæst yrre cwom, 
eatol, æfengrom,  user neosan, 
ðær we gesunde  sæl weardodon. 
þær wæs Hondscio  
               hild onsæge, 
feorhbealu fægum;  he fyrmest læg, 
gyrded cempa;  him Grendel wearð, 
mærum maguþegne 
                to muðbonan, 
leofes mannes  lic eall forswealg. 
No ðy ær ut ða gen  idelhende 
bona blodigtoð,  bealewa gemyndig, 
of ðam goldsele  gongan wolde, 
ac he mægnes rof  min costode, 
grapode gearofolm.  Glof hangode 
sid ond syllic,  searobendum fæst; 
sio wæs orðoncum  eall gegyrwed 
deofles cræftum  ond dracan fellum. 
He mec þær on innan  unsynnigne, 
dior dædfruma,  gedon wolde 
manigra sumne;  hyt ne mihte swa, 
syððan ic on yrre  uppriht astod. 
To lang ys to reccenne  hu ic 
               ðam leodsceaðan 
yfla gehwylces  ondlean forgeald; 
þær ic, þeoden min,  þine leode 
weorðode weorcum.  He on weg losade, 
lytle hwile  lifwynna breac; 
hwæþre him sio swiðre  swaðe weardade 
hand on Hiorte,  ond he hean ðonan 
modes geomor  meregrund gefeoll. 
Me þone wælræs  wine Scildunga 
fættan golde  fela leanode, 
manegum maðmum,  syððan mergen com 
ond we to symble  geseten hæfdon. 
þær wæs gidd ond gleo.  Gomela Scilding, 
felafricgende,  feorran rehte; 
hwilum hildedeor  hearpan wynne, 

               gomenwudu grette,  hwilum gyd awræc 
soð ond sarlic,  hwilum syllic spell 
rehte æfter rihte  rumheort cyning. 
Hwilum eft ongan,  eldo gebunden, 
gomel guðwiga  gioguðe cwiðan, 
hildestrengo;  hreðer inne weoll, 
þonne he wintrum frod  worn gemunde. 
Swa we þær inne  ondlangne dæg 
niode naman,  oððæt niht becwom 
oðer to yldum.  þa wæs eft hraðe 
gearo gyrnwræce  Grendeles modor, 
siðode sorhfull;  sunu deað fornam, 
wighete Wedra.  Wif unhyre 
hyre bearn gewræc,  beorn acwealde 
ellenlice;  þær wæs æschere, 
frodan fyrnwitan,  feorh uðgenge. 
Noðer hy hine ne moston,  syððan mergen cwom, 
deaðwerigne,  Denia leode, 
bronde forbærnan,  ne on bęl hladan 
leofne mannan;  hio þæt lic ætbær 
feondes fæðmum 
                
               under firgenstream. 
þæt wæs Hroðgare 
                hreowa tornost 
þara þe leodfruman  lange begeate. 
þa se ðeoden mec  ðine life 
healsode hreohmod,  þæt ic on holma geþring 
eorlscipe efnde,  ealdre geneðde, 
mærðo fremede;  he me mede gehet. 
Ic ða ðæs wælmes,  þe is wide cuð, 

               grimne gryrelicne  grundhyrde fond; 
þær unc hwile wæs  hand gemæne, 
holm heolfre weoll,  ond ic heafde becearf 
in ðam guðsele 
                Grendeles modor 
eacnum ecgum,  unsofte þonan 
feorh oðferede.  Næs ic fæge þa gyt, 
ac me eorla hleo  eft gesealde 
maðma menigeo,  maga Healfdenes. 
Swa se ðeodkyning  þeawum lyfde. 
Nealles ic ðam leanum  forloren hæfde, 
mægnes mede,  ac he me maðmas geaf, 
sunu Healfdenes,  on minne sylfes dom; 
ða ic ðe, beorncyning,  bringan wylle, 
estum geywan.  Gen is eall æt ðe 
lissa gelong;  ic lyt hafo 
heafodmaga  nefne, Hygelac, ðec." 
Het ða in beran  eaforheafodsegn, 
heaðosteapne helm,  hare byrnan, 
guðsweord geatolic,  gyd æfter wræc: 
"Me ðis hildesceorp  Hroðgar sealde, 
snotra fengel,  sume worde het 
þæt ic his ærest ðe  est gesægde; 
cwæð þæt hyt hæfde  Hiorogar cyning, 
leod Scyldunga  lange hwile; 
no ðy 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, 
æppelfealuwe;  he him est geteah 
meara ond maðma.  Swa sceal mæg don, 
nealles inwitnet  oðrum bregdon 
dyrnum cræfte,  deað renian 
            
hondgesteallan.  Hygelace wæs, 
niða heardum,  nefa swyðe hold, 
ond gehwæðer oðrum  hroþra gemyndig. 
Hyrde ic þæt he ðone healsbeah  Hygde gesealde, 
wrætlicne wundurmaððum,  ðone þe him Wealhðeo geaf, 

               ðeodnes dohtor,  þrio wicg somod 
swancor ond sadolbeorht;  hyre syððan wæs 
æfter beahðege  
               breost geweorðod. 
Swa bealdode  bearn Ecgðeowes, 
guma guðum cuð,  godum dædum, 
dreah æfter dome,  nealles druncne slog 
heorðgeneatas;  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, 
ne hyne on medobence  micles wyrðne 

               drihten
               Wedera
                gedon wolde; 
swyðe wendon 
                þæt he sleac wære, 
æðeling unfrom.  Edwenden cwom 
tireadigum menn  torna gehwylces. 
Het ða eorla hleo  in gefetian, 
heaðorof cyning,  Hreðles lafe 
golde gegyrede;  næs mid Geatum ða 
sincmaðþum selra  on sweordes had; 
þæt he on Biowulfes  bearm alegde 
ond him gesealde  seofan þusendo, 
bold ond bregostol.  Him wæs bam samod 
on ðam leodscipe  lond gecynde, 
eard, eðelriht,  oðrum swiðor 
side rice  þam ðær selra wæs. 
Eft þæt geiode  ufaran dogrum 
hildehlæmmum,  syððan Hygelac læg 
ond Heardrede 
                hildemeceas 
under bordhreoðan  to bonan wurdon, 
ða hyne gesohtan  on sigeþeode 
hearde hildefrecan,  Heaðoscilfingas, 
niða genægdan  nefan Hererices, 
syððan Beowulfe  brade rice 
on hand gehwearf;  he geheold tela 
fiftig wintra  (wæs ða frod cyning, 
eald eþelweard),  oððæt an ongan 
deorcum nihtum  draca ricsian, 
se ðe on heaum hofe  hord beweotode, 
stanbeorh steapne;  stig under læg, 
eldum uncuð.  þær on innan giong 
niða nathwylc,  
               se 
               ðe 
               neh gefeng 
hæðnum horde,  hond  [...], 
since fahne.  He þæt syððan  [...], 

               þeah
               ðe
               he slæpende  
               besyred 
               wurde 
            
þeofes cræfte;  þæt sie ðiod onfand, 

               bufolc beorna,  þæt he gebolgen wæs. 
Nealles mid gewealdum 
                wyrmhord abræc 
            
sylfes willum,  se ðe him sare gesceod, 
ac for þreanedlan  
               þeow nathwylces 
hæleða bearna  heteswengeas fleah, 

               ærnes þearfa,  ond ðær inne fealh, 
secg synbysig,  sona onfunde 
þæt þær ðam gyste  
               gryrebroga stod; 
hwæðre earmsceapen 
                
            

                /sceapen 

               
               þa hyne se fær begeat. 
Sincfæt  [...];  þær wæs swylcra fela 
in ðam eorðhuse 
                ærgestreona, 
swa hy on geardagum  gumena nathwylc, 
eormenlafe  æþelan cynnes, 
þanchycgende  þær gehydde, 
deore maðmas.  Ealle hie deað fornam 
ærran mælum,  ond se an ða gen 
leoda duguðe,  se ðær lengest hwearf, 
weard winegeomor,  wende þæs ylcan, 
þæt he lytel fæc  longgestreona 
brucan moste.  Beorh eallgearo 
wunode on wonge  wæteryðum neah, 
niwe be næsse,  nearocræftum fæst. 
þær on innan bær  eorlgestreona 
hringa hyrde  
               hordwyrðne dæl, 
fættan goldes,  fea worda cwæð: 
"Heald þu nu, hruse,  nu hæleð ne moston, 
eorla æhte!  Hwæt, hyt ær on ðe 
gode begeaton.  Guðdeað fornam, 
feorhbealo frecne,  
               fyra gehwylcne 
leoda minra,  
               þara ðe þis lif ofgeaf, 
gesawon seledream.  
               Ic nah hwa sweord wege 
oððe feormie 
                fæted wæge, 
dryncfæt deore;  
               duguð ellor sceoc. 
Sceal se hearda helm  
               hyrsted golde 
fætum befeallen;  feormynd swefað, 
þa ðe beadogriman  bywan sceoldon, 
ge swylce seo herepad,  sio æt hilde gebad 
ofer borda gebræc  bite irena, 
brosnað æfter beorne.  Ne mæg byrnan hring 
æfter wigfruman  wide feran, 
hæleðum be healfe.  Næs hearpan wyn, 
gomen gleobeames,  ne god hafoc 
geond sæl swingeð,  ne se swifta mearh 
burhstede beateð.  Bealocwealm hafað 
fela feorhcynna  forð onsended!" 
Swa giomormod  giohðo mænde 
an æfter eallum,  unbliðe hwearf 
            
dæges ond nihtes,  oððæt deaðes wylm 
hran æt heortan.  Hordwynne fond 
eald uhtsceaða  opene standan, 
se ðe byrnende  biorgas seceð, 
nacod niðdraca,  nihtes fleogeð 
fyre befangen;  hyne foldbuend 

               swiðe
               ondrædað.  He gesecean sceall 

               hord
               on
               hrusan,  þær he hæðen gold 
warað wintrum frod,  ne byð him wihte ðy sel. 
Swa se ðeodsceaða  þreo hund wintra 
heold on hrusan 
                hordærna sum, 
eacencræftig,  oððæt hyne an abealch 
mon on mode;  mandryhtne bær 
fæted wæge,  frioðowære bæd 
hlaford sinne.  ða wæs hord rasod, 
onboren beaga hord,  bene getiðad 
feasceaftum men.  Frea sceawode 
fira fyrngeweorc  forman siðe. 
þa se wyrm onwoc,  wroht wæs geniwad; 
stonc ða æfter stane,  stearcheort onfand 
feondes fotlast;  he to forð gestop 
dyrnan cræfte  dracan heafde neah. 
Swa mæg unfæge  eaðe gedigan 
wean ond wræcsið,  se ðe waldendes 
hyldo gehealdeþ!  Hordweard sohte 
georne æfter grunde,  wolde guman findan, 
þone þe him on sweofote  sare geteode, 
hat ond hreohmod  
               hlæw oft ymbehwearf 
ealne utanweardne,  ne ðær ænig mon 
on þære westenne;  hwæðre wiges gefeh, 

               beaduwe weorces,  hwilum on beorh æthwearf, 
sincfæt sohte.  He þæt sona onfand 
ðæt hæfde gumena sum  goldes gefandod, 
heahgestreona.  Hordweard onbad 
earfoðlice  oððæt æfen cwom; 
wæs ða gebolgen  beorges hyrde, 
wolde se laða  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 
leodum on lande,  swa hyt lungre wearð 
on hyra sincgifan  sare geendod. 
ða se gæst ongan  gledum spiwan, 
beorht hofu bærnan;  bryneleoma stod 
eldum on andan.  No ðær aht cwices 
lað lyftfloga  læfan wolde. 
Wæs þæs wyrmes wig  wide gesyne, 
nearofages nið  nean ond feorran, 
hu se guðsceaða  Geata leode 
hatode ond hynde;  hord eft gesceat, 
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 gecyðed 
snude to soðe,  þæt his sylfes ham, 
bolda selest,  brynewylmum mealt, 
gifstol Geata.  þæt ðam godan wæs 
hreow on hreðre,  hygesorga mæst; 
wende se wisa  þæt he wealdende 
ofer ealde riht,  ecean dryhtne, 
bitre gebulge.  Breost innan weoll 
þeostrum geþoncum,  swa him geþywe ne wæs. 
Hæfde ligdraca  leoda fæsten, 
ealond utan,  eorðweard ðone 
gledum forgrunden;  him ðæs guðkyning, 
Wedera þioden,  wræce leornode. 
Heht him þa gewyrcean  wigendra hleo 
eallirenne,  eorla dryhten, 
wigbord wrætlic;  wisse he gearwe 
þæt him holtwudu  
               helpan ne meahte, 
lind wið lige.  Sceolde lændaga 
            
æþeling ærgod  ende gebidan, 
worulde lifes,  ond se wyrm somod, 
þeah ðe hordwelan  heolde lange. 
Oferhogode ða  hringa fengel 
þæt he þone widflogan  weorode gesohte, 
sidan herge;  no he him þa sæcce ondred, 
ne him þæs wyrmes wig  for wiht dyde, 
eafoð ond ellen,  forðon he ær fela 
nearo neðende  niða gedigde, 
hildehlemma,  syððan he Hroðgares, 
sigoreadig secg,  sele fælsode 
ond æt guðe forgrap  Grendeles mægum 
laðan cynnes.  No þæt læsest wæs 

               hondgemota,  þær mon Hygelac sloh, 
syððan Geata cyning  guðe ræsum, 
freawine folca  Freslondum on, 
Hreðles eafora  hiorodryncum swealt, 
bille gebeaten.  þonan Biowulf com 
sylfes cræfte,  sundnytte dreah; 
hæfde him on earme  
               ana [XXX] 
hildegeatwa,  þa he to holme beag. 
Nealles Hetware  hremge þorfton 
            
feðewiges,  þe him foran ongean 
linde bæron;  lyt eft becwom 
fram þam hildfrecan  hames niosan. 
Oferswam ða sioleða bigong  sunu Ecgðeowes, 
earm anhaga,  eft to leodum; 
þær him Hygd gebead  hord ond rice, 
beagas ond bregostol,  bearne ne truwode 
þæt he wið ælfylcum  eþelstolas 
healdan cuðe,  ða wæs Hygelac dead. 
No ðy ær feasceafte  findan meahton 
æt ðam æðelinge  ænige ðinga, 
þæt he Heardrede  hlaford wære 
oððe þone cynedom  ciosan wolde; 
hwæðre he him on folce  freondlarum heold, 
estum mid are,  oððæt he yldra wearð, 
Wedergeatum weold.  Hyne wræcmæcgas 
ofer sæ sohtan,  suna Ohteres; 
hæfdon hy forhealden  helm Scylfinga, 
þone selestan  sæcyninga 
þara ðe in Swiorice  sinc brytnade, 
mærne þeoden.  Him þæt to mearce wearð; 
he þær for feorme  feorhwunde hleat 
sweordes swengum,  sunu Hygelaces, 
ond him eft gewat  Ongenðioes bearn 
hames niosan,  syððan Heardred læg, 
let ðone bregostol  Biowulf healdan, 
Geatum wealdan.  þæt wæs god cyning! 
Se ðæs leodhryres  lean gemunde 
uferan dogrum,  Eadgilse wearð 
feasceaftum freond,  folce gestepte 
ofer sæ side  sunu Ohteres, 
wigum ond wæpnum;  he gewræc syððan 
cealdum cearsiðum,  cyning ealdre bineat. 
Swa he niða gehwane  genesen hæfde, 
sliðra geslyhta,  sunu Ecgðiowes, 
ellenweorca,  oð ðone anne dæg 
þe he wið þam wyrme  gewegan sceolde. 
Gewat þa [XII]a sum  torne gebolgen 
dryhten Geata  dracan sceawian. 
Hæfde þa gefrunen  hwanan sio fæhð aras, 
bealonið biorna;  him to bearme cwom 
maðþumfæt mære  þurh ðæs meldan hond. 
Se wæs on ðam ðreate  þreotteoða secg, 
se ðæs orleges  or onstealde, 
hæft hygegiomor,  sceolde hean ðonon 
wong wisian.  He ofer willan giong 
to ðæs ðe he eorðsele  anne wisse, 
hlæw under hrusan  holmwylme neh, 
yðgewinne;  se wæs innan full 
wrætta ond wira.  Weard unhiore, 
gearo guðfreca,  goldmaðmas heold, 
eald under eorðan.  Næs þæt yðe ceap 
to gegangenne  gumena ænigum! 
Gesæt ða on næsse  niðheard cyning, 
þenden hælo abead  heorðgeneatum, 
goldwine Geata.  Him wæs geomor sefa, 
wæfre ond wælfus,  wyrd ungemete neah, 
se ðone gomelan  gretan sceolde, 
secean sawle hord,  sundur gedælan 
lif wið lice,  no þon lange wæs 
feorh æþelinges  flæsce bewunden. 
Biowulf maþelade,  bearn Ecgðeowes: 
"Fela ic on giogoðe  guðræsa genæs, 
orleghwila;  ic þæt eall gemon. 
Ic wæs syfanwintre,  þa mec sinca baldor, 
freawine folca,  æt minum fæder genam; 
heold mec ond hæfde  Hreðel cyning, 
geaf me sinc ond symbel,  sibbe gemunde. 
Næs ic him to life  laðra owihte, 
beorn in burgum,  þonne his bearna hwylc, 
Herebeald ond Hæðcyn  oððe Hygelac min. 
Wæs þam yldestan  ungedefelice 
mæges dædum  morþorbed stred, 
syððan hyne Hæðcyn  of hornbogan, 
his freawine,  flane geswencte, 
miste mercelses  ond his mæg ofscet, 
broðor oðerne  blodigan gare. 
þæt wæs feohleas gefeoht,  fyrenum gesyngad, 
hreðre hygemeðe;  sceolde hwæðre swa þeah 
æðeling unwrecen  ealdres linnan. 
Swa bið geomorlic  gomelum ceorle 
to gebidanne,  þæt his byre ride 
giong on galgan,  þonne he gyd wrece, 
sarigne sang,  þonne his sunu hangað 
hrefne to hroðre,  ond he him helpe ne mæg, 
eald ond infrod,  ænige gefremman. 
Symble bið gemyndgad  morna gehwylce 
eaforan ellorsið;  oðres ne gymeð 
to gebidanne  burgum in innan 
yrfeweardas,  þonne se an hafað 
þurh deaðes nyd  dæda gefondad. 
Gesyhð sorhcearig  on his suna bure 
winsele westne,  windge reste 
reote berofene.  Ridend swefað, 
hæleð in hoðman;  nis þær hearpan sweg, 
gomen in geardum,  swylce ðær iu wæron. 
Gewiteð þonne on sealman,  sorhleoð gæleð 
an æfter anum;  þuhte him eall to rum, 
wongas ond wicstede.  Swa Wedra helm 
æfter Herebealde  heortan sorge 

               weallende wæg.  Wihte ne meahte 
on ðam feorhbonan  fæghðe gebetan; 
no ðy ær he þone heaðorinc  hatian ne meahte 
laðum dædum,  þeah him leof ne wæs. 
He ða mid þære sorhge,  þe him swa sar belamp, 
gumdream ofgeaf,  godes leoht geceas, 
eaferum læfde,  swa deð eadig mon, 
lond ond leodbyrig,  þa he of life gewat. 
þa wæs synn ond sacu  Sweona ond Geata 
ofer wid wæter,  wroht gemæne, 
herenið hearda,  syððan Hreðel swealt, 
oððe him Ongenðeowes  eaferan wæran 
frome, fyrdhwate,  freode ne woldon 
ofer heafo healdan,  ac ymb Hreosnabeorh 
eatolne inwitscear  oft gefremedon. 
þæt mægwine  mine gewræcan, 
fæhðe ond fyrene,  swa hyt gefræge wæs, 
þeah ðe oðer his  ealdre gebohte, 
heardan ceape;  Hæðcynne wearð, 
Geata dryhtne,  guð onsæge. 
þa ic on morgne gefrægn  mæg oðerne 
billes ecgum  on bonan stælan, 
þær Ongenþeow  Eofores niosað. 
Guðhelm toglad,  gomela Scylfing 
hreas hildeblac;  hond gemunde 
fæhðo genoge,  feorhsweng ne ofteah. 
Ic him þa maðmas,  þe he me sealde, 
geald æt guðe,  swa me gifeðe wæs, 
leohtan sweorde;  he me lond forgeaf, 
eard, eðelwyn.  Næs him ænig þearf 
þæt he to Gifðum  oððe to Gardenum 
oððe in Swiorice  secean þurfe 
wyrsan wigfrecan,  weorðe gecypan. 
Symle ic him on feðan  beforan wolde, 
ana on orde,  ond swa to aldre sceall 
sæcce fremman,  þenden þis sweord þolað, 
þæt mec ær ond sið  oft gelæste. 
Syððan ic for dugeðum  Dæghrefne wearð 
to handbonan,  Huga cempan; 
nalles he ða frætwe  
               Frescyninge, 
breostweorðunge,  bringan moste, 
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." 
Beowulf maðelode,  beotwordum spræc 
niehstan siðe:  "Ic geneðde fela 
guða on geogoðe;  gyt ic wylle, 
frod folces weard,  fæhðe secan, 

               mærðu fremman,  gif mec se mansceaða 
of eorðsele  ut geseceð." 
Gegrette ða  gumena gehwylcne, 
hwate helmberend,  hindeman siðe, 
swæse gesiðas:  "Nolde ic sweord beran, 
wæpen to wyrme,  gif ic wiste hu 
wið ðam aglæcean  elles meahte 
gylpe wiðgripan,  swa ic gio wið Grendle dyde. 
Ac ic ðær heaðufyres  hates wene, 

               oreðes ond attres;  forðon ic me on hafu 
bord ond byrnan.  Nelle ic beorges weard 

               forfleon fotes trem,  ac unc furður sceal 
weorðan æt wealle,  swa unc wyrd geteoð, 
metod manna gehwæs.  Ic eom on mode from 
þæt ic wið þone guðflogan  gylp ofersitte. 
Gebide ge on beorge  byrnum werede, 
secgas on searwum,  hwæðer sel mæge 
æfter wælræse  wunde gedygan 
uncer twega.  Nis þæt eower sið 
ne gemet mannes,  nefne min anes, 

               þæt he wið aglæcean  eofoðo dæle, 
eorlscype efne.  Ic mid elne sceall 
gold gegangan,  oððe guð nimeð, 
feorhbealu frecne,  frean eowerne!" 
Aras ða bi ronde  rof oretta, 
heard under helme,  hiorosercean bær 
under stancleofu,  strengo getruwode 
anes mannes.  Ne bið swylc earges sið! 
Geseah ða be wealle  se ðe worna fela, 
gumcystum god,  guða gedigde, 
hildehlemma,  þonne hnitan feðan, 

               stondan stanbogan,  stream ut þonan 
brecan of beorge.  Wæs þære burnan wælm 
heaðofyrum hat;  ne meahte horde neah 
unbyrnende  ænige hwile 
deop gedygan  for dracan lege. 
Let ða of breostum,  ða he gebolgen wæs, 
Wedergeata leod  word ut faran, 
stearcheort styrmde;  stefn in becom 
heaðotorht hlynnan  under harne stan. 
Hete wæs onhrered,  hordweard oncniow 
mannes reorde;  næs ðær mara fyrst 
freode to friclan.  From ærest cwom 
oruð aglæcean  ut of stane, 
hat hildeswat.  Hruse dynede. 
Biorn under beorge  bordrand onswaf 
wið ðam gryregieste,  Geata dryhten; 
ða wæs hringbogan  heorte gefysed 
sæcce to seceanne.  Sweord ær gebræd 
god guðcyning,  gomele lafe, 
ecgum unslaw;  æghwæðrum wæs 
bealohycgendra  broga fram oðrum. 
Stiðmod gestod  
               wið steapne rond 
winia bealdor,  ða se wyrm gebeah 
snude tosomne;  he on searwum bad. 
Gewat ða byrnende  gebogen scriðan, 
to gescipe scyndan.  Scyld wel gebearg 
life ond lice  læssan hwile 
mærum þeodne  þonne his myne sohte, 
ðær he þy fyrste,  forman dogore 
wealdan moste  swa him wyrd ne gescraf 
hreð æt hilde.  Hond up abræd 
Geata dryhten,  gryrefahne sloh 
incgelafe,  þæt sio ecg gewac 
brun on bane,  bat unswiðor 
þonne his ðiodcyning  þearfe hæfde, 
bysigum gebæded.  þa wæs beorges weard 
æfter heaðuswenge  on hreoum mode, 
wearp wælfyre;  wide sprungon 
hildeleoman.  Hreðsigora ne gealp 
goldwine Geata;  guðbill geswac, 
nacod æt niðe,  swa hyt no sceolde, 
iren ærgod.  Ne wæs þæt eðe sið, 
þæt se mæra  maga Ecgðeowes 
grundwong þone  ofgyfan wolde; 
sceolde ofer willan  wic eardian 
elles hwergen,  swa sceal æghwylc mon 
alætan lændagas.  Næs ða long to ðon 
þæt ða aglæcean hy  eft gemetton. 
Hyrte hyne hordweard  (hreðer æðme weoll) 
niwan stefne;  nearo ðrowode, 
fyre befongen,  se ðe ær folce weold. 
Nealles him on heape  
               handgesteallan, 
æðelinga bearn,  ymbe gestodon 
hildecystum,  ac hy on holt bugon, 
ealdre burgan.  Hiora in anum weoll 
sefa wið sorgum;  sibb æfre ne mæg 
wiht onwendan  þam ðe wel þenceð. 
Wiglaf wæs haten  Weoxstanes sunu, 
leoflic lindwiga,  leod Scylfinga, 
mæg ælfheres;  geseah his mondryhten 
under heregriman  hat þrowian. 
Gemunde ða ða are  þe he him ær forgeaf, 
wicstede weligne  Wægmundinga, 
folcrihta gehwylc,  swa his fæder ahte. 
Ne mihte ða forhabban;  hond rond gefeng, 
geolwe linde,  gomel swyrd geteah, 
þæt wæs mid eldum  Eanmundes laf, 
suna Ohteres.  þam æt sæcce wearð, 

               wræccan wineleasum,  
               Weohstan bana 
meces ecgum,  ond his magum ætbær 
brunfagne helm,  hringde byrnan, 
eald sweord etonisc;  þæt him Onela forgeaf, 
his gædelinges  guðgewædu, 
fyrdsearo fuslic,  no ymbe ða fæhðe spræc, 
þeah ðe he his broðor bearn  abredwade. 
He frætwe geheold  fela missera, 
bill ond byrnan,  oððæt his byre mihte 
eorlscipe efnan  swa his ærfæder; 
geaf him ða mid Geatum  guðgewæda, 
æghwæs unrim,  þa he of ealdre gewat, 
frod on forðweg.  þa wæs forma sið 
geongan cempan,  þæt he guðe ræs 
mid his freodryhtne  fremman sceolde. 
Ne gemealt him se modsefa,  ne his mæges laf 
gewac æt wige;  
               þæt se wyrm onfand, 
syððan hie togædre  gegan hæfdon. 
Wiglaf maðelode,  wordrihta fela 
sægde gesiðum  (him wæs sefa geomor): 
"Ic ðæt mæl geman,  þær we medu þegun, 
þonne we geheton 
                ussum hlaforde 
in biorsele,  ðe us ðas beagas geaf, 
þæt we him ða guðgetawa  gyldan woldon 
gif him þyslicu  þearf gelumpe, 
helmas ond heard sweord.  ðe he usic on herge geceas 
to ðyssum siðfate  sylfes willum, 
onmunde usic mærða,  ond me þas maðmas geaf, 
þe he usic garwigend  gode tealde, 
hwate helmberend,  þeah ðe hlaford us 
þis ellenweorc  ana aðohte 
to gefremmanne,  folces hyrde, 
for ðam he manna mæst  mærða gefremede, 
dæda dollicra.  Nu is se dæg cumen 
þæt ure mandryhten  mægenes behofað, 
godra guðrinca;  wutun gongan to, 
helpan hildfruman,  þenden hyt sy, 
gledegesa grim.  God wat on mec 
þæt me is micle leofre  þæt minne lichaman 
mid minne goldgyfan  gled fæðmie. 
Ne þynceð me gerysne  þæt we rondas beren 
eft to earde,  nemne we æror mægen 
fane gefyllan,  feorh ealgian 
Wedra ðeodnes.  Ic wat geare 
þæt næron ealdgewyrht,  þæt he ana scyle 
Geata duguðe  gnorn þrowian, 
gesigan æt sæcce;  urum sceal sweord ond helm, 
byrne ond beaduscrud,  bam gemæne." 
Wod þa þurh þone wælrec,  wigheafolan bær 
frean on fultum,  fea worda cwæð: 
"Leofa Biowulf,  læst eall tela, 
swa ðu on geoguðfeore  geara gecwæde 
þæt ðu ne alæte  be ðe lifigendum 
dom gedreosan.  Scealt nu dædum rof, 
æðeling anhydig,  ealle mægene 
feorh ealgian;  ic ðe fullæstu." 
æfter ðam wordum  wyrm yrre cwom, 
atol inwitgæst,  oðre siðe 
fyrwylmum fah  fionda niosian, 
laðra manna;  ligyðum for. 
Born bord wið rond,  byrne ne meahte 
geongum garwigan  geoce gefremman, 
ac se maga geonga  under his mæges scyld 
elne geeode,  þa his agen wæs 
            
gledum forgrunden.  þa gen guðcyning 

               mærða gemunde,  mægenstrengo sloh 
hildebille,  þæt hyt on heafolan stod 
niþe genyded;  Nægling forbærst, 
geswac æt sæcce  sweord Biowulfes, 
gomol ond grægmæl.  Him þæt gifeðe ne wæs 
þæt him irenna  ecge mihton 
helpan æt hilde;  wæs sio hond to strong, 
se ðe meca gehwane,  mine gefræge, 
swenge ofersohte,  þonne he to sæcce bær 
wæpen wundrum heard;  næs him wihte ðe sel. 
þa wæs þeodsceaða  þriddan siðe, 
frecne fyrdraca,  fæhða gemyndig, 
ræsde on ðone rofan,  þa him rum ageald, 
hat ond heaðogrim,  heals ealne ymbefeng 
biteran banum;  he geblodegod wearð 
sawuldriore,  swat yðum weoll. 
ða ic æt þearfe gefrægn 
                þeodcyninges 
andlongne eorl  ellen cyðan, 
cræft ond cenðu,  swa him gecynde wæs. 
Ne hedde he þæs heafolan,  ac sio hand gebarn 
modiges mannes,  þær he his mæges healp, 
þæt he þone niðgæst  nioðor hwene sloh, 
secg on searwum,  þæt ðæt sweord gedeaf, 
fah ond fæted,  þæt ðæt fyr ongon 
sweðrian syððan.  þa gen sylf cyning 
geweold his gewitte,  wællseaxe gebræd 
biter ond beaduscearp,  þæt he on byrnan wæg; 
forwrat Wedra helm  wyrm on middan. 
Feond gefyldan  (ferh ellen wræc), 
ond hi hyne þa begen  abroten hæfdon, 
sibæðelingas.  Swylc sceolde secg wesan, 
þegn æt ðearfe!  þæt ðam þeodne wæs 

               siðast sigehwila  sylfes dædum, 
worlde geweorces.  ða sio wund ongon, 
þe him se eorðdraca  ær geworhte, 
swelan ond swellan;  he þæt sona onfand, 
þæt him on breostum  
               bealoniðe weoll 
attor on innan.  ða se æðeling giong 
þæt he bi wealle  wishycgende 
gesæt on sesse;  seah on enta geweorc, 
hu ða stanbogan  stapulum fæste 
ece eorðreced  innan healde. 
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, 
wunde wælbleate;  wisse he gearwe 
þæt he dæghwila  gedrogen hæfde, 
eorðan wynne;  ða wæs eall sceacen 
dogorgerimes,  deað ungemete neah): 
"Nu ic suna minum  syllan wolde 
guðgewædu,  þær me gifeðe swa 
ænig yrfeweard  æfter wurde 
lice gelenge.  Ic ðas leode heold 
fiftig wintra;  næs se folccyning, 
ymbesittendra  ænig ðara, 
þe mec guðwinum  gretan dorste, 
egesan ðeon.  Ic on earde bad 
mælgesceafta,  heold min tela, 
ne sohte searoniðas,  ne me swor fela 
aða on unriht.  Ic ðæs ealles mæg 
feorhbennum seoc  gefean habban; 
for ðam me witan ne ðearf  waldend fira 
morðorbealo maga,  þonne min sceaceð 
lif of lice.  Nu ðu lungre geong 
hord sceawian  under harne stan, 
Wiglaf leofa,  nu se wyrm ligeð, 
swefeð sare wund,  since bereafod. 
Bio nu on ofoste,  þæt ic ærwelan, 
goldæht ongite,  gearo sceawige 
swegle searogimmas,  þæt ic ðy seft mæge 
æfter maððumwelan  min alætan 
lif ond leodscipe,  þone ic longe heold." 
ða ic snude gefrægn  sunu Wihstanes 
æfter wordcwydum  wundum dryhtne 
hyran heaðosiocum,  hringnet beran, 
brogdne beadusercean  
               under beorges hrof. 
Geseah ða sigehreðig,  þa he bi sesse geong, 
magoþegn modig  maððumsigla fealo, 
gold glitinian  grunde getenge, 
wundur on wealle,  ond þæs wyrmes denn, 
ealdes uhtflogan,  orcas stondan, 
fyrnmanna fatu  feormendlease, 
hyrstum behrorene;  þær wæs helm monig 
eald ond omig,  earmbeaga fela 
searwum gesæled.  Sinc eaðe mæg, 
gold on grunde,  gumcynnes gehwone 
oferhigian,  hyde se ðe wylle. 
Swylce he siomian geseah  segn eallgylden 
heah ofer horde,  hondwundra mæst, 
gelocen leoðocræftum;  of ðam leoma stod, 
þæt he þone grundwong  ongitan meahte, 

               wræte giondwlitan.  Næs ðæs wyrmes þær 
onsyn ænig,  ac hyne ecg fornam. 
ða ic on hlæwe gefrægn  hord reafian, 
eald enta geweorc,  anne mannan, 
him on bearm hladon 
                bunan ond discas 
sylfes dome;  segn eac genom, 
beacna beorhtost.  Bill ær gescod 
(ecg wæs iren)  ealdhlafordes 
þam ðara maðma  mundbora wæs 
longe hwile,  ligegesan wæg 
hatne for horde,  hioroweallende 
middelnihtum,  oðþæt he morðre swealt. 
Ar wæs on ofoste,  eftsiðes georn, 
frætwum gefyrðred;  hyne fyrwet bræc, 
hwæðer collenferð  cwicne gemette 
in ðam wongstede  Wedra þeoden 
ellensiocne,  þær he hine ær forlet. 
He ða mid þam maðmum  mærne þioden, 
dryhten sinne,  driorigne fand 
ealdres æt ende;  he hine eft ongon 
wæteres weorpan,  oðþæt wordes ord 
breosthord þurhbræc.  
            
gomel on giohðe 
                (gold sceawode): 
"Ic ðara frætwa  frean ealles ðanc, 
wuldurcyninge,  wordum secge, 
ecum dryhtne,  þe ic her on starie, 
þæs ðe ic moste  minum leodum 
ær swyltdæge  swylc gestrynan. 
Nu ic on maðma hord  
               mine bebohte 
frode feorhlege,  fremmað gena 
leoda þearfe;  ne mæg ic her leng wesan. 
Hatað heaðomære  hlæw gewyrcean 
beorhtne æfter bæle  æt brimes nosan; 
se scel to gemyndum  minum leodum 
heah hlifian  on Hronesnæsse, 
þæt hit sæliðend  syððan hatan 
Biowulfes biorh,  ða ðe brentingas 
ofer floda genipu  feorran drifað." 
Dyde him of healse  hring gyldenne 
þioden þristhydig,  þegne gesealde, 
geongum garwigan,  goldfahne helm, 
beah ond byrnan,  het hyne brucan well: 
"þu eart endelaf  usses cynnes, 
Wægmundinga.  Ealle wyrd forsweop 
            
mine magas  to metodsceafte, 
eorlas on elne;  ic him æfter sceal." 
þæt wæs þam gomelan  gingæste word 
breostgehygdum,  ær he bæl cure, 
hate heaðowylmas;  him of hreðre gewat 
sawol secean  soðfæstra dom. 
ða wæs gegongen  
               guman unfrodum 
earfoðlice,  þæt he on eorðan geseah 
þone leofestan  lifes æt ende 
bleate gebæran.  Bona swylce læg, 
egeslic eorðdraca  ealdre bereafod, 
bealwe gebæded.  Beahhordum leng 
wyrm wohbogen  wealdan ne moste, 
ac hine irenna  ecga fornamon, 
hearde, heaðoscearde  homera lafe, 
þæt se widfloga  wundum stille 
hreas on hrusan  hordærne neah. 
Nalles æfter lyfte  lacende hwearf 
middelnihtum,  maðmæhta wlonc 
ansyn ywde,  ac he eorðan gefeoll 
for ðæs hildfruman  hondgeweorce. 
Huru þæt on lande  lyt manna ðah, 
mægenagendra,  mine gefræge, 
þeah ðe he dæda gehwæs  dyrstig wære, 
þæt he wið attorsceaðan  oreðe geræsde, 
oððe hringsele  hondum styrede, 
gif he wæccende  weard onfunde 
buon on beorge.  Biowulfe wearð 
dryhtmaðma dæl  deaðe forgolden; 
hæfde æghwæðer 
                ende gefered 
lænan lifes.  Næs ða lang to ðon 
þæt ða hildlatan  holt ofgefan, 
tydre treowlogan  tyne ætsomne. 
ða ne dorston ær  dareðum lacan 
on hyra mandryhtnes  miclan þearfe, 
ac hy scamiende  scyldas bæran, 
guðgewædu,  þær se gomela læg, 
wlitan on Wilaf.  He gewergad sæt, 
feðecempa,  frean eaxlum neah, 
wehte hyne wætre;  him wiht ne speow. 
Ne meahte he on eorðan,  ðeah he uðe wel, 
on ðam frumgare  feorh gehealdan, 
ne ðæs wealdendes  wiht oncirran; 
wolde dom godes  dædum rædan 
gumena gehwylcum,  swa he nu gen deð. 
þa wæs æt ðam geongan 
                grim ondswaru 
eðbegete  þam ðe ær his elne forleas. 
Wiglaf maðelode,  Weohstanes sunu, 
sec, sarigferð  (seah on unleofe): 
"þæt, la, mæg secgan  se ðe wyle soð specan 
þæt se mondryhten  se eow ða maðmas geaf, 
eoredgeatwe,  þe ge þær on standað, 
þonne he on ealubence  oft gesealde 
healsittendum  helm ond byrnan, 
þeoden his þegnum,  swylce he þrydlicost 
ower feor oððe neah  findan meahte, 
þæt he genunga  guðgewædu 
wraðe forwurpe,  ða hyne wig beget. 
Nealles folccyning  fyrdgesteallum 
gylpan þorfte;  hwæðre him god uðe, 
sigora waldend,  þæt he hyne sylfne gewræc 
ana mid ecge,  þa him wæs elnes þearf. 
Ic him lifwraðe  lytle meahte 
ætgifan æt guðe,  ond ongan swa þeah 
ofer min gemet  mæges helpan; 
symle wæs þy sæmra,  þonne ic sweorde drep 
ferhðgeniðlan,  fyr unswiðor 
weoll of gewitte.  
               Wergendra to lyt 
þrong ymbe þeoden,  þa hyne sio þrag becwom. 

               Nu sceal sincþego  ond swyrdgifu, 
eall eðelwyn  eowrum cynne, 
lufen alicgean;  londrihtes mot 
þære mægburge  monna æghwylc 
idel hweorfan,  syððan æðelingas 
feorran gefricgean  fleam eowerne, 
domleasan dæd.  Deað bið sella 
eorla gehwylcum  þonne edwitlif!" 
Heht ða þæt heaðoweorc  to hagan biodan 
up ofer ecgclif,  þær þæt eorlweorod 
morgenlongne dæg  modgiomor sæt, 
bordhæbbende,  bega on wenum, 
endedogores  ond eftcymes 
leofes monnes.  Lyt swigode 
niwra spella  se ðe næs gerad, 
ac he soðlice  sægde ofer ealle: 
"Nu is wilgeofa  Wedra leoda, 
dryhten Geata,  deaðbedde fæst, 
wunað wælreste  wyrmes dædum. 
Him on efn ligeð  ealdorgewinna 

               sexbennum seoc;  sweorde ne meahte 
on ðam aglæcean  ænige þinga 
wunde gewyrcean.  Wiglaf siteð 
ofer Biowulfe,  byre Wihstanes, 
eorl ofer oðrum  unlifigendum, 
healdeð higemæðum  heafodwearde 
leofes ond laðes.  Nu ys leodum wen 
orleghwile,  syððan underne 
            
Froncum ond Frysum  fyll cyninges 
wide weorðeð.  Wæs sio wroht scepen 
heard wið Hugas,  syððan Higelac cwom 
faran flotherge  on Fresna land, 
þær hyne Hetware  hilde genægdon, 
elne geeodon  mid ofermægene, 
þæt se byrnwiga  bugan sceolde, 
feoll on feðan,  nalles frætwe geaf 
ealdor dugoðe.  Us wæs a syððan 
Merewioingas  milts ungyfeðe. 
Ne ic to Sweoðeode  sibbe oððe treowe 
wihte ne wene,  ac wæs wide cuð 
þætte Ongenðio  ealdre besnyðede 
Hæðcen Hreþling  wið Hrefnawudu, 
þa for onmedlan  ærest gesohton 
Geata leode  Guðscilfingas. 
Sona him se froda  fæder Ohtheres, 
eald ond egesfull,  
               ondslyht ageaf, 
abreot brimwisan,  bryd ahredde, 
gomela iomeowlan  golde berofene, 
Onelan modor  ond Ohtheres, 
ond ða folgode  feorhgeniðlan, 
oððæt hi oðeodon  earfoðlice 
in Hrefnesholt  hlafordlease. 
Besæt ða sinherge  sweorda lafe, 
wundum werge,  wean oft gehet 
earmre teohhe  ondlonge niht, 
cwæð, he on mergenne  meces ecgum 
getan wolde,  sum on galgtreowum 
            

               fuglum to gamene.  Frofor eft gelamp 
sarigmodum  somod ærdæge, 
syððan hie Hygelaces  horn ond byman, 
gealdor ongeaton,  þa se goda com 
leoda dugoðe  on last faran. 
Wæs sio swatswaðu  
               Sweona ond Geata, 
wælræs weora  wide gesyne, 
hu ða folc mid him  fæhðe towehton. 
Gewat him ða se goda  mid his gædelingum, 
frod, felageomor,  fæsten secean, 
eorl Ongenþio,  ufor oncirde; 
hæfde Higelaces  hilde gefrunen, 
wlonces wigcræft,  wiðres ne truwode, 
þæt he sæmannum  onsacan mihte, 
heaðoliðendum  hord forstandan, 
bearn ond bryde;  beah eft þonan 
eald under eorðweall.  þa wæs æht boden 
Sweona leodum,  segn Higelaces 
            
freoðowong þone  
               forð ofereodon, 
syððan Hreðlingas  to hagan þrungon. 
þær wearð Ongenðiow  ecgum sweorda, 
blondenfexa,  on bid wrecen, 
þæt se þeodcyning  ðafian sceolde 
Eafores anne dom.  Hyne yrringa 
Wulf Wonreding  wæpne geræhte, 
þæt him for swenge  swat ædrum sprong 
forð under fexe.  Næs he forht swa ðeh, 
gomela Scilfing,  ac forgeald hraðe 
wyrsan wrixle  wælhlem þone, 
syððan ðeodcyning  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, 
feoll on foldan;  næs he fæge þa git, 
ac he hyne gewyrpte,  þeah ðe him wund hrine. 
Let se hearda  Higelaces þegn 

               bradne mece,  þa his broðor læg, 
eald sweord eotonisc,  entiscne helm 
brecan ofer bordweal;  ða gebeah cyning, 
folces hyrde,  wæs in feorh dropen. 
ða wæron monige  þe his mæg wriðon, 
ricone arærdon,  ða him gerymed wearð 
þæt hie wælstowe  wealdan moston. 
þenden reafode  rinc oðerne, 
nam on Ongenðio  irenbyrnan, 
heard swyrd hilted  ond his helm somod, 
hares hyrste  Higelace bær. 

               He
               ðam frætwum feng  ond him fægre gehet 
leana mid leodum,  ond gelæste swa; 
geald þone guðræs  Geata dryhten, 
Hreðles eafora,  þa he to ham becom, 
Iofore ond Wulfe  mid ofermaðmum, 
sealde hiora gehwæðrum  hund þusenda 
landes ond locenra beaga  (ne ðorfte him ða lean oðwitan 
mon on middangearde),  
               syððan hie ða mærða geslogon, 
ond ða Iofore forgeaf  angan dohtor, 
hamweorðunge,  hyldo to wedde. 
þæt ys sio fæhðo  ond se feondscipe, 
wælnið wera,  ðæs ðe ic wen hafo, 
þe us seceað to  Sweona leoda, 
syððan hie gefricgeað  frean userne 
ealdorleasne,  þone ðe ær geheold 
wið hettendum  hord ond rice 
æfter hæleða hryre,  hwate Scildingas, 
folcred fremede  oððe furður gen 
eorlscipe efnde.  
               Nu is ofost betost 
þæt we þeodcyning  þær sceawian 
ond þone gebringan,  þe us beagas geaf, 
on adfære.  Ne scel anes hwæt 
meltan mid þam modigan,  ac þær is maðma hord, 
gold unrime  grimme geceapod, 
ond nu æt siðestan  sylfes feore 
beagas gebohte.  þa sceall brond fretan, 
æled þeccean,  nalles eorl wegan 
maððum to gemyndum,  ne mægð scyne 
habban on healse  hringweorðunge, 
ac sceal geomormod,  golde bereafod, 
oft nalles æne  elland tredan, 
nu se herewisa  hleahtor alegde, 
gamen ond gleodream.  Forðon sceall gar wesan 
monig, morgenceald,  mundum bewunden, 
hæfen on handa,  nalles hearpan sweg 
wigend weccean,  ac se wonna hrefn 
fus ofer fægum  fela reordian, 
earne secgan  hu him æt æte speow, 
þenden he wið wulf  wæl reafode." 
Swa se secg hwata  secggende wæs 
laðra spella;  he ne leag fela 
wyrda ne worda.  Weorod eall aras; 
eodon unbliðe  under Earnanæs, 
wollenteare  wundur sceawian. 
Fundon ða on sande  sawulleasne 
hlimbed healdan  þone þe him hringas geaf 
ærran mælum;  þa wæs endedæg 
godum gegongen,  þæt se guðcyning, 
Wedra þeoden,  wundordeaðe swealt. 
ær hi þær gesegan  syllicran wiht, 
wyrm on wonge  wiðerræhtes þær 
laðne licgean;  wæs se legdraca 
grimlic, gryrefah,  gledum beswæled. 
Se wæs fiftiges  fotgemearces 
lang on legere,  lyftwynne heold 
nihtes hwilum,  nyðer eft gewat 
dennes niosian;  wæs ða deaðe fæst, 
hæfde eorðscrafa  ende genyttod. 
Him big stodan  bunan ond orcas, 
discas lagon  ond dyre swyrd, 
omige, þurhetone,  swa hie wið eorðan fæðm 
þusend wintra  þær eardodon. 
þonne wæs þæt yrfe,  eacencræftig, 
iumonna gold  galdre bewunden, 
þæt ðam hringsele  hrinan ne moste 
gumena ænig,  nefne god sylfa, 
sigora soðcyning,  sealde þam ðe he wolde 
(he is manna gehyld)  hord openian, 
efne swa hwylcum manna  swa him gemet ðuhte. 
þa wæs gesyne  þæt se sið ne ðah 
þam ðe unrihte  inne gehydde 

               wræte under wealle.  Weard ær ofsloh 
feara sumne;  þa sio fæhð gewearð 
gewrecen wraðlice.  Wundur hwar þonne 
eorl ellenrof  ende gefere 
lifgesceafta,  þonne leng ne mæg 
mon mid his magum 
                meduseld buan. 
Swa wæs Biowulfe,  þa he biorges weard 
sohte, searoniðas;  seolfa ne cuðe 
þurh hwæt his worulde gedal  weorðan sceolde. 
Swa hit oð domes dæg  diope benemdon 
þeodnas mære,  þa ðæt þær dydon, 
þæt se secg wære  synnum scildig, 
hergum geheaðerod,  hellbendum fæst, 
wommum gewitnad,  se ðone wong strude, 
næs he goldhwæte  gearwor hæfde 
agendes est  ær gesceawod. 
Wiglaf maðelode,  Wihstanes sunu: 
"Oft sceall eorl monig  anes willan 
wræc adreogan,  swa us geworden is. 
Ne meahton we gelæran  leofne þeoden, 
rices hyrde,  ræd ænigne, 
þæt he ne grette  goldweard þone, 
lete hyne licgean  þær he longe wæs, 
wicum wunian  oð woruldende; 
heold on heahgesceap.  Hord ys gesceawod, 
grimme gegongen;  wæs þæt gifeðe to swið 
þe ðone þeodcyning 
                þyder ontyhte. 
Ic wæs þær inne  ond þæt eall geondseh, 
recedes geatwa,  þa me gerymed wæs, 
nealles swæslice  sið alyfed 
inn under eorðweall.  Ic on ofoste gefeng 
micle mid mundum  mægenbyrðenne 
hordgestreona,  hider ut ætbær 
cyninge minum.  Cwico wæs þa gena, 
wis ond gewittig;  worn eall gespræc 
gomol on gehðo  ond eowic gretan het, 
bæd þæt ge geworhton  æfter wines dædum 
in bælstede  beorh þone hean, 
micelne ond mærne,  swa he manna wæs 
wigend weorðfullost  wide geond eorðan, 
þenden he burhwelan  brucan moste. 
Uton nu efstan  oðre siðe, 
seon ond secean  
               searogimma geþræc, 
wundur under wealle;  ic eow wisige, 
þæt ge genoge  neon sceawiað 
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 ðæs waldendes  wære geþolian." 
Het ða gebeodan  byre Wihstanes, 
hæle hildedior,  hæleða monegum, 
boldagendra,  þæt hie bælwudu 
feorran feredon,  folcagende, 
godum togenes:  "Nu sceal gled fretan, 
weaxan wonna leg  wigena strengel, 
þone ðe oft gebad  isernscure, 
þonne stræla storm  strengum gebæded 
scoc ofer scildweall,  sceft nytte heold, 

               feðergearwum fus  flane fulleode." 
Huru se snotra  sunu Wihstanes 
acigde of corðre  
               cyninges þegnas 
syfone tosomne,  þa selestan, 
eode eahta sum  under inwithrof 

               hilderinca;  sum on handa bær 
æledleoman,  se ðe on orde geong. 
Næs ða on hlytme  hwa þæt hord strude, 
syððan orwearde  ænigne dæl 
secgas gesegon  on sele wunian, 
læne licgan;  lyt ænig mearn 
þæt hi ofostlice 
                ut geferedon 
dyre maðmas.  Dracan ec scufun, 
wyrm ofer weallclif,  leton weg niman, 
flod fæðmian  frætwa hyrde. 

               þa wæs wunden gold  on wæn hladen, 
æghwæs unrim,  
               æþeling boren, 
har hilderinc 
                to Hronesnæsse. 
Him ða gegiredan  Geata leode 
ad on eorðan  unwaclicne, 

               helmum behongen,  hildebordum, 
beorhtum byrnum,  swa he bena wæs; 
alegdon ða tomiddes  mærne þeoden 
hæleð hiofende,  hlaford leofne. 
Ongunnon þa on beorge  bælfyra mæst 
wigend weccan;  
               wudurec astah, 
sweart ofer swioðole,  swogende leg 
            
wope bewunden  (windblond gelæg), 
oðþæt he ða banhus  gebrocen hæfde, 
hat on hreðre.  Higum unrote 
modceare mændon,  mondryhtnes cwealm; 
swylce giomorgyd  
               Geatisc meowle 

               
               bundenheorde
            

               song sorgcearig  
               swiðe geneahhe 
þæt hio hyre heofungdagas 
                hearde ondrede, 
wælfylla worn,  werudes egesan, 

               hynðo ond hæftnyd.  Heofon rece swealg. 
Geworhton ða  Wedra leode 
hleo on hoe,  se wæs heah ond brad, 

               wægliðendum
                wide gesyne, 
ond betimbredon 
                on tyn dagum 
beadurofes becn,  bronda lafe 
wealle beworhton,  swa hyt weorðlicost 
foresnotre men  findan mihton. 
Hi on beorg dydon  beg ond siglu, 
eall swylce hyrsta,  swylce on horde ær 
niðhedige men  genumen hæfdon, 
forleton eorla gestreon  eorðan healdan, 
gold on greote,  þær hit nu gen lifað 
eldum swa unnyt  swa hit 
               æror wæs. 
þa ymbe hlæw riodan  hildediore, 
æþelinga bearn,  ealra twelfe, 
woldon ceare cwiðan  ond kyning mænan, 
wordgyd wrecan  ond ymb wer sprecan; 
eahtodan eorlscipe  ond his ellenweorc 
duguðum demdon,  swa hit gedefe bið 
þæt mon his winedryhten  wordum herge, 
ferhðum freoge,  þonne he forð scile 
of lichaman  
               læded weorðan. 
Swa begnornodon  Geata leode 
hlafordes hryre,  heorðgeneatas, 
cwædon þæt he wære  
               wyruldcyninga 
            

               manna mildust  ond monðwærust, 
leodum liðost  ond lofgeornost. 

138. JudithDobbie, 1953 99-109; Dobbie, E.V.K., Beowulf and Judith, ASPR 4 (New York).
                tweode 
gifena in ðys ginnan grunde.  Heo ðar ða gearwe funde 
mundbyrd æt ðam mæran þeodne,  þa heo ahte mæste þearfe, 
hyldo þæs hehstan deman,  þæt he hie wið þæs hehstan brogan 
gefriðode, frymða waldend.  Hyre ðæs fæder on roderum 
torhtmod tiðe gefremede,  þe heo ahte trumne geleafan 
a to ðam ælmihtigan.  Gefrægen ic ða Holofernus 
winhatan wyrcean georne  ond eallum wundrum þrymlic 
girwan up swæsendo.  To ðam het se gumena baldor 
ealle ða yldestan ðegnas;  hie ðæt ofstum miclum 
ræfndon, rondwiggende,  comon to ðam rican þeodne 
feran, folces ræswan.  þæt wæs þy feorðan dogore 
þæs ðe Iudith hyne,  gleaw on geðonce, 
ides ælfscinu,  ærest gesohte. 
Hie ða to ðam symle  sittan eodon, 
wlance to wingedrince,  ealle his weagesiðas, 
bealde byrnwiggende.  þær wæron bollan steape 
boren æfter bencum gelome,  swylce eac bunan ond orcas 
fulle fletsittendum;  hie þæt fæge þegon, 
rofe rondwiggende,  þeah ðæs se rica ne wende, 
egesful eorla dryhten.  ða wearð Holofernus, 
goldwine gumena,  on gytesalum, 
hloh ond hlydde,  hlynede ond dynede, 
þæt mihten fira bearn  feorran gehyran 
hu se stiðmoda  styrmde ond gylede, 
modig ond medugal,  manode geneahhe 
bencsittende  þæt hi gebærdon wel. 
Swa se inwidda  ofer ealne dæg 
dryhtguman sine  drencte mid wine, 
swiðmod sinces brytta,  oðþæt hie on swiman lagon, 
oferdrencte his duguðe ealle,  swylce hie wæron deaðe geslegene, 
agotene goda gehwylces.  Swa het se gumena aldor 
fylgan fletsittendum,  oðþæt fira bearnum 
nealæhte niht seo þystre.  Het ða niða geblonden 
þa eadigan mægð  ofstum fetigan 
to his bedreste  beagum gehlæste, 
hringum gehrodene.  Hie hraðe fremedon, 
anbyhtscealcas,  swa him heora ealdor bebead, 
byrnwigena brego,  bearhtme stopon 
to ðam gysterne,  þær hie Iudithðe 
fundon ferhðgleawe,  ond ða fromlice 
lindwiggende  lædan ongunnon 
þa torhtan mægð  to træfe þam hean, 
þær se rica hyne  reste on symbel 
nihtes inne,  nergende lað, 
Holofernus.  þær wæs eallgylden 
fleohnet fæger  
               ymbe þæs folctogan 
bed ahongen,  þæt se bealofulla 
mihte wlitan þurh,  wigena baldor, 
on æghwylcne  þe ðær inne com 
hæleða bearna,  ond on hyne nænig 
monna cynnes,  nymðe se modiga hwæne 
niðe rofra  him þe near hete 
rinca to rune gegangan.  Hie ða on reste gebrohton 
snude ða snoteran idese;  eodon ða stercedferhðe, 
hæleð heora hearran cyðan  þæt wæs seo halige meowle 
gebroht on his burgetelde.  þa wearð se brema on mode 
bliðe, burga ealdor,  þohte ða beorhtan idese 
mid widle ond mid womme besmitan.  Ne wolde þæt wuldres dema 
geðafian, þrymmes hyrde,  ac he him þæs ðinges gestyrde, 
dryhten, dugeða waldend.  Gewat ða se deofulcunda, 
galferhð gumena ðreate  
            
bealofull his beddes neosan,  þær he sceolde his blæd forleosan 
ædre binnan anre nihte;  hæfde ða his ende gebidenne 
on eorðan unswæslicne,  swylcne he ær æfter worhte, 
þearlmod ðeoden gumena,  þenden he on ðysse worulde 
wunode under wolcna hrofe.  Gefeol ða wine swa druncen 
se rica on his reste middan,  swa he nyste ræda nanne 
on gewitlocan.  Wiggend stopon 
ut of ðam inne  ofstum miclum, 
weras winsade,  þe ðone wærlogan, 
laðne leodhatan,  læddon to bedde 
nehstan siðe.  þa wæs nergendes 
þeowen þrymful,  þearle gemyndig 
hu heo þone atolan  eaðost mihte 
ealdre benæman  ær se unsyfra, 
womfull, onwoce.  Genam ða wundenlocc 
scyppendes mægð  scearpne mece, 
scurum heardne,  ond of sceaðe abræd 
swiðran folme;  ongan ða swegles weard 
be naman nemnan,  nergend ealra 
woruldbuendra,  ond þæt word acwæð: 
"Ic ðe, frymða god  ond frofre gæst, 
bearn alwaldan,  biddan wylle 
miltse þinre  me þearfendre, 
ðrynesse ðrym.  þearle ys me nu ða 

               heorte onhæted  ond hige geomor, 
swyðe mid sorgum gedrefed.  Forgif me, swegles ealdor, 
sigor ond soðne geleafan,  þæt ic mid þys sweorde mote 
geheawan þysne morðres 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 hreðre minum."  Hi ða se hehsta dema 
ædre mid elne onbryrde,  swa he deð anra gehwylcne 
herbuendra  þe hyne him to helpe seceð 
mid ræde ond mid rihte geleafan.  þa wearð hyre rume on mode, 
haligre hyht geniwod;  genam ða þone hæðenan mannan 
fæste be feaxe sinum,  teah hyne folmum wið hyre weard 
bysmerlice,  ond þone bealofullan 
listum alede,  laðne mannan, 
swa heo ðæs unlædan  eaðost mihte 
wel gewealdan.  Sloh ða wundenlocc 
þone feondsceaðan  fagum mece, 
heteþoncolne,  þæt heo healfne forcearf 
þone sweoran him,  þæt he on swiman læg, 
druncen ond dolhwund.  Næs ða dead þa gyt, 
ealles orsawle;  sloh ða eornoste 
ides ellenrof  oðre siðe 
þone hæðenan hund,  þæt him þæt heafod wand 
forð on ða flore.  Læg se fula leap 
gesne beæftan,  gæst ellor hwearf 
under neowelne næs  ond ðær genyðerad wæs, 
susle gesæled  syððan æfre, 
wyrmum bewunden,  witum gebunden, 
hearde gehæfted  in hellebryne 
æfter hinsiðe.  Ne ðearf he hopian no, 
þystrum forðylmed,  þæt he ðonan mote 
of ðam wyrmsele,  ac ðær wunian sceal 
awa to aldre  butan ende forð 
in ðam heolstran ham,  hyhtwynna leas. 
Hæfde ða gefohten  foremærne blæd 
Iudith æt guðe,  swa hyre god uðe, 
swegles ealdor,  þe hyre sigores onleah. 
þa seo snotere mægð  snude gebrohte 
þæs herewæðan  heafod swa blodig 
on ðam fætelse  þe hyre foregenga, 
blachleor ides,  hyra begea nest, 
ðeawum geðungen,  þyder on lædde, 
ond hit þa swa heolfrig  hyre on hond ageaf, 
higeðoncolre,  ham to berenne, 
Iudith gingran sinre.  Eodon ða gegnum þanonne 
þa idesa ba  ellenþriste, 
oðþæt hie becomon,  collenferhðe, 
eadhreðige mægð,  ut of ðam herige, 
þæt hie sweotollice  geseon mihten 
þære wlitegan byrig  weallas blican, 
Bethuliam.  Hie ða beahhrodene 
feðelaste  forð onettan, 
oð hie glædmode  gegan hæfdon 
to ðam wealgate.  Wiggend sæton, 
weras wæccende  wearde heoldon 
            
in ðam fæstenne,  swa ðam folce ær 
geomormodum  
               Iudith bebead, 
searoðoncol mægð,  þa heo on sið gewat, 
ides ellenrof.  Wæs ða eft cumen 
leof to leodum,  ond ða lungre het 
gleawhydig wif  gumena sumne 
of ðære ginnan byrig  hyre togeanes gan, 
ond hi ofostlice  in forlęton 
þurh ðæs wealles geat,  ond þæt word acwæð 
to ðam sigefolce:  "Ic eow secgan mæg 
þoncwyrðe þing,  þæt ge ne þyrfen leng 
murnan on mode.  Eow ys metod bliðe, 
cyninga wuldor;  þæt gecyðed wearð 
geond woruld wide,  þæt eow ys wuldorblæd 
torhtlic toweard  ond tir gifeðe 
þara læðða  þe ge lange drugon." 
þa wurdon bliðe  burhsittende, 
syððan hi gehyrdon  hu seo halige spræc 
ofer heanne weall.  Here wæs on lustum. 
Wið þæs fæstengeates  folc onette, 
weras wif somod,  wornum ond heapum, 
ðreatum ond ðrymmum  þrungon ond urnon 
ongean ða þeodnes mægð  þusendmælum, 
ealde ge geonge.  æghwylcum wearð 
men on ðære medobyrig  mod areted, 
syððan hie ongeaton  þæt wæs Iudith cumen 
eft to eðle,  ond ða ofostlice 
hie mid eaðmedum  in forleton. 
þa seo gleawe het,  golde gefrætewod, 
hyre ðinenne  þancolmode 
þæs herewæðan  heafod onwriðan 
ond hyt to behðe  blodig ætywan 
þam burhleodum,  hu hyre æt beaduwe gespeow. 
Spræc ða seo æðele  to eallum 
               þam folce: 
"Her ge magon sweotole,  sigerofe hæleð, 
leoda ræswan,  on ðæs laðestan 
hæðenes heaðorinces  heafod starian, 
Holofernus  unlyfigendes, 
þe us monna mæst  morðra gefremede, 
sarra sorga,  ond þæt swyðor gyt 
ycan wolde,  ac him ne uðe god 
lengran lifes,  þæt he mid læððum us 
eglan moste;  ic him ealdor oðþrong 
þurh godes fultum.  Nu ic gumena gehwæne 
þyssa burgleoda  biddan wylle, 
randwiggendra,  þæt ge recene eow 
fysan to gefeohte.  Syððan frymða god, 
arfæst cyning,  eastan sende 
leohtne leoman,  berað linde forð, 
bord for breostum  ond byrnhomas, 
scire helmas  in sceaðena gemong, 
fyllan folctogan  fagum sweordum, 
fæge frumgaras.  Fynd syndon eowere 
gedemed to deaðe,  ond ge dom agon, 
tir æt tohtan,  swa eow getacnod hafað 
mihtig dryhten  þurh mine hand." 
þa wearð snelra werod  snude gegearewod, 
cenra to campe.  Stopon cynerofe 
secgas ond gesiðas,  bæron sigeþufas, 
foron to gefeohte  forð on gerihte, 
hæleð under helmum,  of ðære haligan byrig 
on ðæt dægred sylf.  Dynedan scildas, 
hlude hlummon.  þæs se hlanca gefeah 
wulf in walde,  ond se wanna hrefn, 
wælgifre fugel.  
               Wistan begen 
þæt him ða þeodguman  þohton tilian 
fylle on fægum;  ac him fleah on last 
earn ætes georn,  urigfeðera, 
salowigpada  sang hildeleoð, 
hyrnednebba.  Stopon heaðorincas, 
beornas to beadowe,  bordum beðeahte, 
hwealfum lindum,  þa ðe hwile ær 
elðeodigra  edwit þoledon, 
hæðenra hosp.  Him þæt hearde wearð 
æt ðam æscplegan  eallum forgolden, 
Assyrium,  syððan Ebreas 
under guðfanum  gegan hæfdon 
to ðam fyrdwicum.  Hie ða fromlice 
leton forð fleogan  flana scuras, 
hildenædran,  of hornbogan, 
strælas stedehearde;  styrmdon hlude 
grame guðfrecan,  garas sendon 
in heardra gemang.  Hæleð wæron yrre, 
landbuende,  laðum cynne, 
stopon styrnmode,  stercedferhðe, 
wrehton unsofte  ealdgeniðlan 
medowerige;  mundum brugdon 
scealcas of sceaðum  scirmæled swyrd, 
ecgum gecoste,  slogon eornoste 
Assiria  oretmæcgas, 
niðhycgende,  nanne ne sparedon 
þæs herefolces,  heanne ne ricne, 
cwicera manna  þe hie ofercuman mihton. 
Swa ða magoþegnas  on ða morgentid 
ehton elðeoda  ealle þrage, 
oðþæt ongeaton  ða ðe grame wæron, 
ðæs herefolces  heafodweardas, 
þæt him swyrdgeswing  swiðlic eowdon 
weras Ebrisce.  Hie wordum þæt 
þam yldestan  ealdorþegnum 
cyðan eodon,  wrehton cumbolwigan 
ond him forhtlice  færspel bodedon, 
medowerigum  morgencollan, 
atolne ecgplegan.  þa ic ædre gefrægn 
slegefæge hæleð  slæpe tobredon 
ond wið þæs bealofullan  burgeteldes 

               werigferhðe
                hwearfum þringan, 
Holofernus.  Hogedon aninga 
hyra hlaforde  
               hilde bodian, 
ærðon ðe him se egesa  on ufan sæte, 
mægen Ebrea.  Mynton ealle 
þæt se beorna brego  ond seo beorhte mægð 
in ðam wlitegan træfe  wæron ætsomne, 
Iudith seo æðele  ond se galmoda, 
egesfull ond afor.  Næs ðeah eorla nan 
þe ðone wiggend  aweccan dorste 
oððe gecunnian  hu ðone cumbolwigan 
wið ða halgan mægð  hæfde geworden, 
metodes meowlan.  Mægen nealæhte, 
folc Ebrea,  fuhton þearle 
heardum heoruwæpnum,  hæfte guldon 
hyra fyrngeflitu,  fagum swyrdum, 
ealde æfðoncan;  Assyria wearð 
on ðam dægeweorce  dom geswiðrod, 
bælc forbiged.  Beornas stodon 
ymbe hyra þeodnes træf  þearle gebylde, 
sweorcendferhðe.  Hi ða somod ealle 
ongunnon cohhetan,  cirman hlude 
ond gristbitian,  gode orfeorme, 
mid toðon torn þoligende.  þa wæs hyra tires æt ende, 
eades ond ellendæda.  Hogedon þa eorlas aweccan 
hyra winedryhten;  him wiht ne speow. 
þa wearð sið ond late  sum to ðam arod 
þara beadorinca,  þæt he in þæt burgeteld 
niðheard neðde,  swa hyne nyd fordraf. 
Funde ða on bedde  blacne licgan 
his goldgifan  gæstes gesne, 
lifes belidenne.  He þa lungre gefeoll 
freorig to foldan,  ongan his feax teran, 
hreoh on mode,  ond his hrægl somod, 
ond þæt word acwæð  to ðam wiggendum 
þe ðær unrote  ute wæron: 
"Her ys geswutelod  ure sylfra forwyrd, 
toweard getacnod  þæt þære tide ys 
mid niðum neah geðrungen,  þe we sculon nyde losian, 
somod æt sæcce forweorðan.  Her lið sweorde geheawen, 
beheafdod healdend ure."  Hi ða hreowigmode 
wurpon hyra wæpen of dune,  gewitan him werigferhðe 
on fleam sceacan.  Him mon feaht on last, 
mægeneacen folc,  oð se mæsta dæl 
þæs heriges læg  hilde gesæged 
on ðam sigewonge,  sweordum geheawen, 
wulfum to willan  ond eac wælgifrum 
fuglum to frofre.  Flugon ða ðe lyfdon, 
laðra lindwerod.  Him on laste for 
sweot Ebrea  sigore geweorðod, 
dome gedyrsod;  him feng dryhten god 
fægre on fultum,  frea ælmihtig. 
Hi ða fromlice  fagum swyrdum, 
hæleð higerofe,  herpað worhton 
þurh laðra gemong,  linde heowon, 
scildburh scæron.  Sceotend wæron 
guðe gegremede,  guman Ebrisce; 
þegnas on ða tid  þearle gelyste 
gargewinnes.  þær on greot gefeoll 
se hyhsta dæl  heafodgerimes 
Assiria  ealdorduguðe, 
laðan cynnes.  Lythwon becom 
cwicera to cyððe.  Cirdon cynerofe, 
wiggend on wiðertrod,  wælscel on innan, 
reocende hræw.  Rum wæs to nimanne 
londbuendum  on ðam laðestan, 
hyra ealdfeondum  unlyfigendum 
heolfrig herereaf,  hyrsta scyne, 
bord ond bradswyrd,  brune helmas, 
dyre madmas.  Hæfdon domlice 
on ðam folcstede  fynd oferwunnen 
eðelweardas,  ealdhettende 
swyrdum aswefede.  Hie on swaðe reston, 
þa ðe him to life  laðost wæron 
cwicera cynna.  þa seo cneoris eall, 
mægða mærost,  anes monðes fyrst, 
wlanc, wundenlocc,  wagon ond læddon 
to ðære beorhtan byrig,  Bethuliam, 
helmas ond hupseax,  hare byrnan, 
guðsceorp gumena  golde gefrætewod, 
mærra madma  þonne mon ænig 
asecgan mæge  searoþoncelra; 
eal þæt ða ðeodguman  þrymme geeodon, 
cene under cumblum  
               on compwige 
þurh Iudithe  gleawe lare, 
mægð modigre.  Hi to mede hyre 
of ðam siðfate  sylfre brohton, 
eorlas æscrofe,  Holofernes 
sweord ond swatigne helm,  swylce eac side byrnan 
gerenode readum golde,  ond eal þæt se rinca baldor 
swiðmod sinces ahte  oððe sundoryrfes, 
beaga ond beorhtra maðma,  hi þæt þære beorhtan idese 
ageafon gearoþoncolre.  Ealles ðæs Iudith sægde 
wuldor weroda dryhtne,  þe hyre weorðmynde geaf, 
mærðe on moldan rice,  swylce eac mede on heofonum, 
sigorlean in swegles wuldre,  þæs þe heo ahte soðne geleafan 
to ðam ælmihtigan;  huru æt þam ende ne tweode 
þæs leanes þe heo lange gyrnde.  ðæs sy ðam leofan drihtne 
wuldor to widan aldre,  þe gesceop wind ond lyfte, 
roderas ond rume grundas,  swylce eac reðe streamas 
ond swegles dreamas,  ðurh his sylfes miltse. 

139. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 51fore ænigre  egesan næfde, 
ne him fultum þær  fæstne gelyfde; 
ac he on his welan spede  wræste getruwode, 
and on idel gylp  ealra geornost. 
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 
on þære worulde  ðe þu geworhtest her; 
forþan þu eart se gooda,  gleaw on gesyhðe, 
þe þinne held curan,  þara haligra. 

140. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 52On his heortan cwæð  unhydig sum, 
ungleawlice,  þætte god nære; 
heo onsceoniendlice  syndon gewordene 
            
and heora willan  wraðe besmitene. 
Næs þa goddoend  se þe god wiste, 
ne an furðum  ealra wære. 
þa of heofenum beseah  halig drihten 
ofer manna bearn,  hwæðer his mihta ða 
andgyt ænig  ealra hæfde, 
oððe god wolde  georne secan. 
Ealle heo on ane  idelnesse 
symle besegan;  þa wæs soð 
               nan mann 
þe god wolde  georne wyrcan; 
ne an furþum  ealra wære. 
Ac ge þæs ealle ne magon  andgyt habban 
þe unrihtes  elne wyrceað 
and min folc fretað  swa fælne hlaf, 
ne hio god wyllað  georne ciegan; 
þær hio forhtigað,  frecnes egesan 
æniges ne þurfon.  
            
Forþam manna ban  mihtig drihten 

               liste tosceadeð,  þa him liciað; 
beoð þa gehyrwede 
                þe forhycggeað god. 
Hwylc Israela  ece hælu 
syleð of Sione  nymðe sylfa god, 
þonne he his folc  fægere alyseð 
of hæftnyde,  halig drihten? 
þonne Iacob byð  on glædum sælum 
and Israelas  ealle bliðe. 

141. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 53On þinum þam haligan naman,  gedo me halne, god; 
alys me fram laðum  þurh þin leofe mægen. 
God, min gebed  gearuwe gehyre, 
and earum onfoh  min agen word. 
Forþam me fremde oft  facne gestodon, 
sohtan mine sawle  swiðe strange, 
and na heom god setton  gleawne on gesyhðe. 
Efne me þonne god  gleawe fultumeð, 
is andfengea  ece drihten 
sawle minre;  he me swican ne wile. 
Afyr me fæcne yfel  feonda minra, 
and hi soðfæst toweorp  syððan wide. 
Ic ðe lustum  lace cweme, 
and naman þinne  
               niode swylce 
geara andette,  forðon ic hine goodne wat. 
Forþon þu me alysdest,  lifes ealdor, 
of earfoðum  eallum symble, 
ealle mine fynd  eagum ofersawe. 

142. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 54Gehyr min gebed,  halig drihten, 
ne forseoh æfre  sariges bene; 
beheald me holdlice  and gehyr me eac. 
Grimme ic eom begangen;  forðon ic gnornige 
and me forhtige  feondes stefne 
and fyrenfulra  fæcne niðas. 
Forðam me on sah  unrihtes feala; 
wurdon me þa on yrre  yfele and hefige. 
Ys me on hreðre heah  heorte gedrefed 
and me fealleð on  fyrhtu deaðes. 
Egsa me and fyrhtu  ealne forcwomon, 
and me beþeahton  þeostru niðgrim. 
Ic þa on mode cwæð,  hwa me sealde 
to fleogenne  fiðeru swa culfran, 
and ic þonne ricene  reste syððan. 
Efne ic feor gewite,  fleame dæle, 
and on westene  wunode lange, 
bide þæs beornes  þe me bete eft 

               modes mindom  and mægenes hreoh. 
Hat nu todælan,  drihten usser, 
heora geðeode  geond þas woruld wide; 
forðon ic þær on unriht  oft locade, 
and wiðercwyda  wearn gehyrde; 
drugon þæt on burgum  dæges and nihtes. 

               þunie him gewinnes wearn  ofer wealles hrof 
and heom on midle wese  man and inwit 
and unsoðfæstnys  ealle wealde. 
Næfre on his weorþige  wea aspringe, 
mearce mansceat,  man inwides; 
forþon gif me min feond  fæcne wyrgeð, 
ic þæt abere  bliðe mode. 
þeah þe þa ealle  ðe me a feodon, 
wordum wyrigen  and wearn sprecan, 
ic me wið heora hete  hyde sneome. 
þu eart se man  þe me wære 
on anmede,  and æghwæs cuð 
latteow lustum;  and wyt gelome eac 
æton swetne mete  samed ætgædere, 
and on godes huse  gangan swylce 
mid geþeahtunge  þine and mine. 
Hi ofer cume  unþinged deað, 
astigon heo on helle  heonan lifigende. 
Forðam on heora gasthusum  is gramlic inwit, 
and on hiora midle  man inwitstæf. 
Ic soðlice  to sylfum drihtne 
cleopode on corðre,  and me cuðlice 
gehyrde  hælend drihten. 
Ic on æfenne,  eac on mergenne 
and on midne dæg,  mægene sæcge 
and bodie,  þæt þu bliðe me 
mine stefne  stiðe gehyre. 

               A ðu symle  sawle mine 
lustum alyse,  laðum wiðferige, 
forðon me manige ymb  mægene syrewað. 
þæt gehyreð god  and hi gehyneð eac, 
þe ær worulde wæs  and nu wunað ece. 
Nis him onwendednes  on woruldlife, 
ne him godes fyrhtu  georne ondrædað. 
Heo besmitað  swylce his sylfes 
þa gewitnesse,  þær hi woh fremedon; 
forðon hi synt on yrre  ut adælde, 
ne hi sylfe wel  geseon æfre, 
forðon hit wæs his heortan  gehygde neah. 
Hi word hira  wel gesmyredon 
ele anlicast;  eft gewurdon 
on gescotfeohta  scearpe garas. 
Sete on drihten  þin soð gehygd; 
he þe butan fracoðum  fedeð syððan. 
Ne syleð he soðfæstum  syððan to feore 
þæt him yþende mod  innan hreðre; 
ðu arlease  ealle gelædest 
on soðe forwyrd  seaðes deopes. 

               Se
               blodhreowa wer  bealuinwites 
fæcne gefylled  
               ne fæger lif 
on middum feore  gemeteð ahwær; 
ic me on minne drihten  deorne getreowige. 

143. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 55Miltsa me drihten,  forðon me man tredeð, 
and me ealne dæg  mid unrihte 
fynd onfeohtað  þurh facensearu. 
And me fæcne tredað  feondas mine, 
doð þæt ealne dæg  fram ærmergene. 
Forðon monige synd  ðe to me feohtað; 
wene ic me wraðe to ðe,  wuldres drihten. 
Ic wealdend god  wordum herige, 
and on god swylce  georne gelyfe, 
þæt minre spræce  sped folgie 
æghwæs ealne dæg;  eac ic swylce 
on god drihten  gearewe gewene; 
nis me ege mannes  for ahwæðer. 
Hwæt, me ealne dæg  mine agen word 
sylfne socon,  swyþe oncuðon, 
and wiðer me  wæran georne 

               on yfel heora geðeaht  ealle onwende. 
On eardiað,  þa ðe swa þenceað 
þæt heo gehyden  hælun mine, 
swa min sawl bad  þæt ðu swylce heo 
for nahwæðer  nowiht hæle; 
on yrre þu folc  eall geðreatast. 
Ic nu leofum gode  lif min secge, 
sette on ðinre gesyhðe  sarige tearas, 
swa ic ðe on gehate  hæfde geneahhige. 
þonne on hinderling  hweorfað mine 
feondas fæcne,  ðonne ic me freoðu to ðe 
wordum wilnige;  ic wat and can, 
þæt þu min god  gleawe wære. 
Ic on god min word  georne herige, 
and on god swylce  georne gelyfe, 
and ic ealne dæg  ecne drihten 
wordum weorðige;  ne me wiht an siteð 
egesan awiht  æniges mannes. 
On me synd, mihtig god,  þæt ic þe min gehat 
on herenesse  hyldo gylde; 
forþon ðu mine sawle  of swyltdeaðes 
laþum wiðlæddest,  dydest lof stunde, 
aweredest mine eagan  wraðum tearum 
and mine fet  fæle beweredest, 
þæt ic gearewe  gode licode 
on lifigendra  leohte eallum. 

144. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 56Miltsa min, god,  and me milde weorð, 
forþon min sawel on þe  swyðe getryweð, 
and ic on fægerum scuan  fiðera ðinra 
gewicie,  oðþæt gewite forð 
and unriht me  eall beglide. 
Heonan ic cleopige  to heahgode 
and to wealdendgode,  ðe me wel dyde. 
He þa of heofenum  hider onsende 
þe me alysde,  laþum wiðferede, 
sealde on edwit  þe me ær trædan. 
Sende mihtig god  his milde gehigd 
and his soðfæst mod  samod ætgædere, 
and mine sawle  sona alysde 
of leon hwelpum  reðe gemanan; 
wæs ic slæpende  sare gedrefed. 
Synd me manna bearn  mihtigum toðum 
wæpenstrælas,  þa me wundedon; 
wæron hyra tungan getale  teonan gehwylcre 
and to yfele gehwam  ungemet scearpe. 
Ahefe þe ofer heofenas,  halig drihten; 
is wuldur ðin  wide and side 
ofer ðas eorþan  ealle mære. 
Fotum heo minum  fæcne grine 
grame gearwodon,  and geornlice 
mine sawle  swyðe onbigdon. 
Hi deopne seað  dulfon widne, 
þær ic eagum  on locade, 
and hi on ðone ylcan  eft gefeollan. 
Gearo is min heorte  þæt ic gode cweme; 
gearo is min heorte  þæt ic gode swylce 
sealmas singe,  soðword sprece. 
Aris, wuldur min,  wynpsalterium, 
and ic on ærmergene  eac arise 
and min hearpe  herige drihten. 
Ic þe on folcum  frine drihten 
ecne andete,  eac geond þeode 
sealmas singe  swiðe geneahhige. 
Forðon þin mildheortnes  is mycel wið heofenas, 
is ðin soðfæstnes  swylce wið wolcnum. 
Ahafen þu eart ofer heofenas,  halig drihten; 
is ofer ealle  eorðan swylce 
            
þines wuldres wlite  wide and side. 

145. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 57Gif ge soð sprecan  symble wyllen, 
demað manna bearn  domum rihtum. 
Eft ge on heortan  hogedon inwit, 
worhton wraðe;  forþan ðæs wite eft 
on eowre handa  hefige geeode. 
Ge firenfulle  fremde wurdon, 
syððan hi on worlde  wæron acende 
and heo on life  lygeword spæcon. 
Yrre heom becume  anlic nædran, 
ða aspide  ylde nemnað; 
seo hi deafe deð,  dytteð hyre earan, 
þæt heo nele gehyran  heahgaldor sum 
þæt snotre men  singað wið attrum. 
God heora toðas  grame gescæneð, 
þa hi on muðe  mycle habbað; 
tolyseð leona mægen  lungre drihten. 
Ac hi forweorðan  wætere gelicost, 
þonne hit yrnende  eorðe forswelgeð; 
swa his bogan bendeð,  oðþæt bitere eft 
adl on seteð,  swa his geearnuncg byð. 
Swa weax melteð,  gif hit byð wearmum neah 
fyre gefæstnad,  swa heo feallað on þæt; 
hi sunnan ne geseoð  syððan æfre. 

               ærðon eowre treowu  telgum blowe, 
wæstmum weaxe,  ær him wol becimeð, 
þæt heo beoð on yrre  ealle forswelgene. 
Soðfæst blissað,  þonne he sið ongan, 
hu þa arleasan  ealle forweorðað, 
and his handa ðwehð  on hæþenra 
and þæra fyrenfulra  fæcnum blode. 
And þonne man cweþeð  on his modsefan: 
"þis is wæstm  wises and goodes, 
þe his soðfæst weorc  symble læste;" 
hi on eorðan god  ealle gedemeð. 

146. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 58Ahrede me, halig god,  hefiges niðes 
feonda minra,  ðe me feohtað to; 
alys me fram laðum  þe me lungre on 
risan willað,  nymðe þu me ræd geofe. 
Genere me fram niþe  nahtfremmendra 
þe her unrihtes  ealle wyrceað, 
and me wið blodhreowes weres  bealuwe gehæle. 
þi nu mine sawle  swiþe bysige 
feondas mine  fæcne ofþryhtun, 
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 ðu, drihten, nu, 
and ðu sylfa gesyhst,  þæt ic swa dyde; 
þu eart mægena god,  mihtig drihten, 
and Israela god  æghwær æt þearfe. 
Beheald holdlice,  hu þu hraðe wylle 
geneosian  niða bearna 
ealra ðeoda  æghwær landes; 
ne þu hweðere on mode  milde weorðest 
eallum ðe unriht  elne wyrceað. 
Hi æt æfene eft  in gecyrrað, 
þonne hy heardne  hungor þoliað, 
swa hundas ymbgað  hwommas ceastre. 
Efne hi habbað on muðe  milde spræce, 
is him on welerum  wrað sweord and scearp. 
þonne gehyreð hwylc,  hwæt hyra hyge seceð? 
And ðu hi, drihten, dest  deope to bysmre; 
nafast þu for awiht  ealle þeoda. 
Ic mine strengðe on ðe  strange gehealde, 
forðon þu me god eart  geara andfencgea, 
and mildheortnes  mines drihtnes 
me fægere becom,  þær me wæs freondes þearf. 
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, 
and hi wraðe toweorp,  wealdend min drihten. 
Ys hyra muðes scyld  manworda feala, 
ða hi mid welerum  wraðe aspræcan; 
wærun hi on oferhygde  ealle gescende, 
þa hi on lige  lange feredon; 
forðon hi on ende  yrre forgripeð 
and hi syþþan ne beoð  samod ætgædere. 
Syððan hi wisslice witon,  þætte wealdeð god 
ofer middangeard  manna cynnes 
and ealra eac  eorðan gemæru. 
Hi on æfenne  eft gecyrrað 
and heardne eac  hungor ðoliað, 
swa hundas ymbgað  hwommas ceastre. 
Efne hi to æte  ut gewitað, 
þær hi towrecene  wide hweorfað; 
gif hi fulle ne beoð,  fela gnorniað. 
Ic þonne ðine strengþu  stundum singe 
and ðin milde mod  morgena gehwylce. 
Forðon þu min andfengea  
               æghwær wære 
and ic helpe æt ðe  hæfde symble, 
þonne me costunge  cnysedon geneahhige; 
þu eart fultum min,  ic ðe fela singe. 
Forðon þu me, god, eart  geara andfengea 
and mildheortnes,  mihtig drihten. 

147. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 59þu us todrife,  drihten user, 
and us towurpe  geond werþeoda, 
yrre us wurde  and eft milde. 

               Eorðan ðu onhrerdest,  ealle gedrefdest; 
hæl hyre wunde,  nu heo ahrered is. 

               Feala ðu ætywdest  folce ðinum 
heardra wisan  and hi hraþe æfter 
mid wynsume  wine drenctest. 
þu becnuncge  beorhte sealdest 
þam þe ege ðinne  elne healdað, 
þæt hi him gebeorgen  bogan and stræle 
and wæron alysede  leofe þine. 

               Do
               me þin seo swyðre hand  symle halne; 
gehyr me, halig god.  Hwæt, ðu holdlice 
on ðinre halignesse  her aspræce: 
"And ic blissie,  ba gedæle 
Sicimam et Conuallem,  ða samod wæron 

               on Metiboris  mihtum spedige. 
Min is Galaad,  gleaw Mannases 
and Effrem ys  æðele strengþu 
heafdes mines  her on foldan. 
Cyninc ys me  Iuda cuð; 
is me Moab  mines hyhtes hwer, 
and ic aðenige eac  on Idumea, 
min gescy sende,  and me syððan gedo 
Allophilas  ealle gewylde." 
Hwylc gelædeð me  leofran on ceastre 
weallum beworhte?  Hwa wyle swylce me 
in Idumea  eac gelædan? 
Ac ne eart þu se sylfa god,  ðe us swa drife? 
Ne ga ðu us on mægene,  mihtig drihten. 
Syle us nu on earfoðum  æðelne fultum, 
forðon hælu byð  her on eorðan 
manna gehwylces  mægene idel. 
Us sceal mægenes gemet  mihtig drihten 
soðfæst syllan,  and he sona mæg 
ure fynd gedon  fracoþe to nahte. 

148. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 60Gehyr, halig god,  hraþe mine bene, 
beheald mine gebed  holde mode. 
Nu ic of eorðan  utgemærum 
cleopige to þe,  nu me caru beateð 
heard æt heortan,  help min nu þa; 
ahefe me holdlice  on halne stan. 
þu me gelæddest  mid lufan hyhte, 
wære me se stranga tor  stið wið feondum. 
Ic eardige  awa to feore 
on ðinum selegesceote;  þær me softe byð, 
þær ic beo fægere beþeaht  fiðerum ðinum. 
Forðon ðu gehyrdest,  halig drihten, 
hu min gebed to ðe  beorhte eode; 
yrfe þu sealdest  anra gehwylcum, 
se þe naman ðinne  þurh neod forhtað. 
Dæg byð ofer dæge,  þær byð gedefe cynincg; 
beoð his winter eac  wynnum iced, 
oð þone dæg þe he 
                on drihtnes sceal 
on ansyne  andweard gangan, 
and þær to worlde  wunian ece. 
Hwylc seceð þæt  þe soðfæst byð? 
Swa ic naman ðinum  neode singe, 
þæt ic min gehat  her agylde 
of dæge on dæg,  swa hit gedefe wese. 

149. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 61Ic mine sawle  symble wylle 
full gleawlice  gode underþeodan; 
æt him is hælu min  her eall gelancg. 
Hwæt, he is god min  and gearu hælend; 
is he fultum min,  ic ne forhtige wiht. 
ðonne ge mid mane  men ongunnon, 
ealle ge ða to deadan  dædun sona, 
swa ge awurpon  wah of stofne. 
Swa ge mine are  ealle þohton 
wraðe toweorpan,  wide urnon 
þurstige muðe;  þæne bletsadan 
and ðone wyrgedan  wraðe mid heortan. 
Hwæðere ic me soðe  sawle mine 
to gode hæfde  georne geðeoded; 
he minre geðylde  þingum wealdeð. 
Hwæt, he is god min  and gleaw hælend 
            
and fultum is;  ne mæg ic hine ahwær befleon. 
On gode standeð  min gearu hælu 
            
and wuldor min  and wyn mycel; 
me is halig hyht  on hine swylce. 
Hycge him halig folc  hælu to drihtne; 
doð eowre heortan hige  hale and clæne, 
forðon eow god standeð  georne on fultum. 
Hwæðere ge, manna bearn,  manes unlyt 
wyrceað on wægum  and woh doð, 
and eow beswicað  sylfe oftast, 
þær ge idel gylp  on þam ilcan fremmað. 
Nellað ge gewenan  welan unrihte 
oþþe to reaflace  ræda þencean. 
þeah þe eow wealan to  
               wearnum flowen, 
nyllan ge eow on heortan þa  hige staðelian; 
æne ic god spræcan  gearuwe gehyrde 
and þæt treowe ongeat  tidum gemeldad. 
Miht is drihtnes  ofer middangeard 
and him þæs to worlde  wuldor stande 
and mildheortness,  þæt he manna gehwam 
æfter his agenum  
               earnungum demeð, 
efne swa he wyrceð  on worldlife. 

150. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 62God min, god min,  ic þe gearuwe to 
æt leohte gehwam  lustum wacie. 

               Min sawl on ðe  swyðe þyrsteð 
and min flæsc on ðe  fæste getreoweð. 
On westene  and on wege swylce 
and on wæterflodum  wene ic swiðe, 
þæt ic ðe on halgum  her ætywe, 
þæt ic þin wuldur and mægen  wis sceawige. 
Ys þin milde mod  micele betere 
þonne þis læne lif  þe we lifiað on; 
weleras ðe mine  wynnum heriað. 
Swa ic ðe on minum life  lustum bletsige 
and ic on naman þinum  neode swylce 
mine handa þwea  halgum gelome. 
Ys sawl min  swetes gefylled, 
swa seo fætte gelynd,  fægeres smeoruwes; 
weleras mine  wynnum swylce 
þinne naman nu ða  neode heriað. 
Swa ic þin gemynd  on modsefan 
on minre reste  rihte begange, 
and on ærmergen on ðe  eac gewene, 
forðon þu me on fultum  fæste gestode. 
Ic beo fægere beþeaht  fiðerum þinum 
and hiht on ðon  hæbbe georne, 
forðon min sawl on ðe  soðe getreoweþ; 
me ðin seo swiðre onfencg  symble æt ðearfe. 
Forðon hi on idel  ealle syððan 
sohton synlice  sawle mine, 
and geond eorðscræfu  eodon geneahhe; 
nu hi wæran geseald  under sweordes hand, 
syndon fracuðe nu  foxes dælas. 
Kynincg sceal on drihtne  clæne blisse 
hluttre habban,  and hine heriað eac 
ealle þa ðe on hine  aðas sweriað; 
forþon synt gemyrde  muðas ealle 
þa unriht sprecað  ahwær landes. 

151. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 63Gehyr min gebed,  halig drihten, 
nu me costunge 
                cnyssað geneahhe, 
and wið egesan  yfeles feondes 
mine sawle gescyld  symle æt þearfe. 
þu me oft aweredest  wyrigra gemotes 
and fram þære menegeo  þe man woldon 
and unrihte  æghwær fremman. 
þa heora tungan teoð  teonan gehwylce 
sweorde efenscearpe  and heora swiðne bogan, 
and unscyldige mid þy  scotian þenceað. 
Hi hine samnuncga  scearpum strelum 
on scotiað,  egsan ne habbað, 
ac hi mid wraðum  wordum trymmað 
and sare sprecað:  Hwa gesyhð usic? 
Swa hi smeagað oft  swiðost unriht 
and on þam ilcan  
               eft forweorðað, 
þær hi mamriað  man and unriht. 
Gangeð man manig  modig on heortan, 
oðþæt hine ahefeð  hælend drihten. 
Syndon hyra wita  scytelum cilda 
æghwæs onlicost;  ne him awiht þon ma 
heora tungan nu  teonan on sittað. 
Ealle synd gedrefede  þe hi on sioð; 
sceal him manna gehwylc  man ondrædan 
and weorc godes  wide mærsian 
and his weorc ongitan  mid wisdome. 
Se soðfæsta  symble on drihten 
blissað baldlice,  bote geweneð, 
and hine heriað eac  heortan clæne. 

152. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 64þe gedafenað,  drihten user, 
þæt þe man on Sion  swyðe herige 
and on Hierusalem  gylde and gehate. 
Gehyr min gebed,  halig drihten, 
for ðe sceal ælc flæsc  forð siðian. 
Synfulra word  swyþe ofer usic 
fræcne foran;  þu gefultuma 
urum misdædum,  mihta wealdend. 
He weorðeð eadig,  se þe hine ece god 
cystum geceoseð  and hine clæne hafað, 
and on his earduncgstowum  eardað syððan. 
Ealle we ðin hus  ecum godum 
fægere fyllað;  fæste is þin templ 
ece and wræclic  awa to feore. 
Gehyr us, hælend god,  þu eart hyht ealra 
þe on ðysse eorðan  utan syndon 
oþþe feor on sæ  foldum wuniað. 
þinre mihte sculon  muntas hyran, 
swylce þu gedrefest  deope wælas 
þæt byð ormætum  yþa hlude 
and hi uneaðe mæg  ænig aræfnan. 
þeoda him ondrædað  þinne egesan, 
þe eard  nymað  utan landes; 
for þinum wundrum  forhte weorðað. 
ærmorgenes gancg  wið æfentid 
ealle þa deman  drihten healdeð; 
eorðan ðu gefyllest  eceum wæstmum, 
þæt heo welig weorþeð  wera cneorissum. 
Beoð godes streamas  gode wætere 
fæste gefylde,  þanan feorhnere 
findað foldbuend,  swa him fægere oft 
gegearewadest,  god lifigende. 
Wæter yrnende  wæstme tyddrað; 
mænige on moldan  manna cynnes 
            
on cneorisse  cende weorðað, 
and blissiað,  blowað and growað 
þurh dropunge  deawes and renes. 
þonne þu geares hring  mid gyfe bletsast 
and þine fremsumnesse wylt  folcum dælan, 
þonne beoð þine feldas  fylde mid wæstmum. 
þonne on wæstmum  weorðað mæsted, 
and mid wynngrafe  weaxað geswiru. 
Hi beoð gegyrede  godre wulle, 
eowdesceapum;  cumað eadilic 
wæstm on wangas  weorðlic on hwætum; 
þonne hi cynlice to ðe  cleopiað sona, 
and þe þonne lustum  lofe þanciað. 

153. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 65Ealle eorðbuend  ecne drihten 
wordum wislicum  wide herian, 
and his naman secgeað  neode mid sealmum 
and him wuldres lof  wide syllað. 
And gode secgeað,  hu his þa goodan weorc 
syndon wundorlice  wide geond eorðan, 
and eac on menigeo  mægenes þines 
þine feondas þe  fæcne leogað. 
Geweorðie  wuldres ealdor 
eall ðeos eorþe,  ecne drihten; 
and þe singe eac,  secge geneahhie, 
þæt þin nama is  ofer eall niða bearn 
se hehsta  hæleþa cynnes. 
Cumað nu and geseoð,  hu cyme weorc 
drihten worhte;  synt his domas eac 
swiþe egeslice  ofer eall ylda bearn. 
He mæg onwendan  wætera ðryðe, 
þæt þas deopan sæ  drige weorðað, 
and þa strangan mæg  streamas swylce 
gefeterian,  þæt þu mid fote miht 
on treddian  eorðan gelice. 
His mægen wealdeð  ofer eall manna cyn 
on ecnesse  awa to feore, 
and he ofer ealle þeode  eagum wliteð; 
þa hine on yrre  æghwær gebringað, 
ne beoð þa on him sylfum  syððan ahafene. 
Bletsigen þeoda  bliðe mode 
ealle eorðbuend  ecne drihten 
and mid stefne lof  strang asecgean. 
He mine sawle  sette to life, 

               ne
               læteð mine fet  laðe hreran. 
Ure costade god  clæne fyre 
soðe dome,  swa man seolfor deð, 
þonne man hit aseoðeð  swyðe mid fyre. 
þu us on grame swylce  gryne gelæddest, 
and us bealuwa fela  on bæce standeð; 
settest us mænige eac  men ofer heafod. 
We þuruh fyr farað  and þuruh floda þrym, 
and ðu us on colnesse  clæne gelæddest. 
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 muðe aspræc  mine æt þearfe, 
þær me costunge  cnyssedan geneahhe, 
þæt ic ðe on tifrum  teala forgulde 
ealle þa gehat,  þe ic æfre her 
mid minum welerum  wis todælde. 
Gehyrað me  and her cumað; 
ic eow mid soþe  secgean wylle, 
gif ge godes egesan  georne habbað, 
hu mycel he dyde  minre sawle. 
þuruh his mihte ic  muðe cleopige 

               oþþe mine tungan  tidum blissade. 
Gif ic me unrihtes oncneow  awiht on heortan, 
ne wite me þæt,  
               wealdend drihten. 
Forðon me gehyrde  hælend drihten, 
and minre stefne beheold  
               strange bene. 
Drihten si gebletsad,  þe he ne dyde æfre 
nymðe he mine bene  bealde gehyrde, 
ne his milde mod  me dyde fremde. 

154. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 66Miltsa us, mihtig drihten,  and us on mode eac 
gebletsa nu;  beorhte leohte 
þinne andwlitan,  and us on mode weorð 
þuruh þine mycelnesse  milde and bliðe. 
And we þæs on eorðan  andgyt habbað, 
ure wegas wide  geond þas werðeode 
on þinre hælo  healdan motan. 
Folc þe andette;  þu eart fæle god, 
and þe andetten  ealle þeoda. 
Hæbbe þæs gefean  folca æghwylc 
and blissien  bealde þeoda, 
þæs þe þu hi on rihtum  rædum demest 
and eorðbuende  ealle healdest. 
Folc þe andetten  fælne drihten 
and þe andetten  ealle þeoda. 
Ge him eorðe syleð  æþele wæstme; 
gebletsige us  bliðe drihten 
and user god  eac bletsige; 
hæbbe his egesan eall  eorþan gemæru. 

155. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 67Arise god,  ricene weorðe 
his feonda gehwylc  fæste toworpen; 
fleoð his ansyne,  þa þe hine feodan ær. 

               Rece hi gelicast  ricene geteoriað; 
swa fram fyre weax  floweð and mylteð, 
swa þa fyrenfullan  frecne forweorðað; 
habbað soðfæste  symbel ece. 
Hi ansyne  ecean drihtnes 
habbað beorhtlice  blisse and sibbe. 
Singað soðum gode  sealmas geneahhige, 
and his naman swylce  neode heriað; 
doð siðfæt þæs  seftne and rihtne, 
þe he sylfa astah  ofer sunnan up, 
þam is to naman  nemned drihten. 
Wesað ge on his gesyhþe  symble bliðe, 
and on his ansyne wesan  ealle gedrefde, 
þa þe wydewum syn  wraðe æt dome 
oþþe steopcildum wesen  strange fæderas. 
Drihten is on his stowe  dema halig, 
se þe eardian deð  anes modes 
and on hiora huse  healdeð blisse; 
Se þe on his mægenes  mihte gelædeð 
þæt he þa gehæftan  hæleð sniome, 
and þa to yrre beoð  ealle gecigde 
and eardiað  on eorðscræfum. 
þonne god gangeð  for his þæt gleawe folc, 

               oððe geond westena  wide ferað, 
þanon eorðe byð  eall onhrered. 
For ansyne  ecean drihtnes 
heofenas droppetað;  hrusan forhtiað 
for Israela godes  egesan þrymme. 
Wilsumne regn  wolcen brincgeð, 
and þonne ascadeð god  sundoryrfe; 
eall þu þa gefremest  þurh þine fæste miht. 
þine wihte on þam  wynnum lifiað; 
þu þin swete good  sealdest þearfum. 
God gifeð gleaw word  godspellendum, 
syleð him modes mægen  se þe is mihtig kynincg 
and wlites wealdend;  oft weorðlic reaf 
on huse men  her gedælað. 
Gif ge slæpað  samod on clero, 
fiðeru beoþ culfran  fægeres seolfres 
and hire bæc scineð  beorhtan golde. 
þonne hi se heofonlica kynincg  her toscadeð, 
syþþan hi on Selmon  snawe weorðað. 
Gebeorh godes  bringeð to genihte 
wæstme weorðlice  and wel þicce. 
Forþon ge onfoð  fægerum beorge, 
þær ge to genihte  geniomað wæstme; 
se is wealdendgode  wel liciendlic, 
on þam wið ende  eardað drihten. 
Wærun godes cræta  gegearwedra 
tyn þusendo  geteled rime, 

               mænigfeald þusend  modblissiendra. 
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. 
Ne magon þær eard niman  ungeleafe menn; 
wese of dæge on dæg  drihten user, 
se goda god,  georne gebletsad. 
Sylle us gesundne  siðfæt drihten; 
ure hælend god  helpe usser 
and us æt deaðe eac  drihten gehealde. 
Hwæðere wealdend god  wiðhycgendra 
heafdas feonda  her gescæneð, 
and he tofylleð  feaxes scadan 

               þara þe her on scyldum  swærum eodon. 
Of Basan, cwæð  bealde drihten, 
ic me on sæ deopre  sniome onwende, 
oþþæt þin fot weorðe  fæste on blode. 
Hundes tungan  habbað feondas, 
from þam þine gangas  wæron gesewene; 
wærun godes mines  gangas rihte, 
soðes kynincges  symble on halgum. 
þyder ealdormen  ofstum coman, 
and gegaderade  gleowe sungon 
on þæra manna  midle geongra 
on tympanis  togenum strengum, 
and on ciricean  Crist, drihten god 
bealde bletsige  bearn Israela. 
þær Benniamines synt  bearn on geogoðe 
and ealdormenn  eac of Iudan, 
þe latteow wæs  forð 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 
getryme on þinum temple  tidum gehalgod; 
þæt ys on Hierusalem,  þyder ðe gyfe lædað 
of feorwegum  foldan kynincgas. 
On wuda þu wildeor  wordum þreatast 
and fearra gemot  under folcum; 
ne beoð ut fram þe  æfre atynde, 
þa þe seolfres beoð  since gecoste. 
Toweorp þu þa ðeoda  
            

156. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 68Do me halne, god,  forþon hreoh wæter 
to minum feore inn  floweð and gangeð; 
eom ic on lame oflegd,  hafað lytle sped. 
Com ic on sæs hricg,  þær me sealt wæter 
hreoh and hopig  holme besencte. 
þær ic werigmod  wann and cleopode, 
þæt me grame syndan  goman hase; 
byð me æt þam earon  eagon wiðgangen; 
hwæðere ic on god minne  gearewe gewene. 
Hiora is mycle ma  þonne ic me hæbbe 
on heafde nu  hæra feaxes, 
þe me earwunga  ealle feogeað. 
Ofer me syndon  þa þe me ehton, 
fæstum folmum  forð gestrangad 
feondas mine,  and ic forð agef 
unrihtlice  þa þe ic ne reafude ær. 
þu wast, wuldres god,  þæt ic eom unwis hyges, 
ne wæren þe bemiðene  mine scylde. 
Ne sceolon æt me  ænige habban 
sceame sceandlice  þe þines siðes her 
ful bealdlice  
               bidað, drihten. 
þu eart mægena god;  ne sceal æt me 
ænige unare  ahwær findan, 
þe ðe Israela god  ahwær seceað. 
Forþon ic edwit for þe  oft aræfnade 
and me hleorsceame  hearde becwoman, 
and ic framþe wearð  fæderenbroðrum, 
wæs unmæge gyst  modorcildum. 
Forþon me þines huses  heard ellenwod 
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 
cyme cyrde,  cwædan hi syþþan, 
þæt ic him wæfersyn  wære eallum. 
Me wiðerwearde  wæron ealle, 
þa him sæton 
                sundor on portum; 
spræcon me wraðe,  þa þe win druncon. 
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, 
and me feondum afyrr,  frea ælmihtig; 
ado me of deope  deorces wæteres, 
þe læs me besencen  sealte flodas. 
Ne me huru forswelge  
               sęgrundes deop 
ne me se seað  supe mid muðe. 
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 gesyhð, 
forþan me feondas to  feohtað geneahhe; 
gehyr me hrædlice  and me help freme. 
Beheald mine sawle  and hi hrædlice 
alys and wiðfere  laþum feondum. 

                arscame; 
for þinre ansyne  ealle syndon 
þe feondas me  fæcne wurdon. 
Min heorte gebad  hearmedwit feala 
and yrmðu mænig  eac aræfnede; 
næfde eorla þæs  
               ænig sorge; 
frefrend ic sohte,  findan ic ne mihte. 
Hi minne mete  
               mengdan wið geallan 
and þa gedrugadne  drenctan mid ecede. 
Wese heora beod fore him  wended on grine 
and on edlean yfel  and on æwisce. 
Syn hiora eagan  eac adimmad, 
þæt hi geseon ne magon  syþþan awiht; 
weorðe heora bæc swylce  abeged eac. 
Ageot ofer hi  þin þæt grame yrre, 
and æbylignes eac  yrres þines 
hi forgripe  gramhicgende. 
Wese wic heora  weste and idel; 
ne on heora eðele ne sy  þinc oneardiendes. 
Forþon hi ealra  ehtan ongunnon, 
ðe þu him earfoðu  ænig geafe, 
and me wean ecton 
                minra wunda sar. 
Asete him þa unriht to  þe hi geearnedan, 
and mid unrihte  ær geworhton, 
and hi on þin soðfæst weorc  syþþan ne gangan. 
Syn hi adilgad  of gedefra eac 
þæra lifigendra  leofra bocum; 
ne wesen hi mid soðfæstum  syþþan awritene. 
Ic me sylfa eam  sarig þearfa, 
and me andwlita onfeng  ecean drihtnes, 
se me holdlice  hælde sona. 
Nu ic naman drihtnes  neode herige 
and hine mid lofsange  læde swylce. 
Ic þam leofan gode  licie swyþor 
þonne æðele cealf,  þeah þe him upp aga 
horn on heafde  oððe hearde cleo. 
Geseoð þæt and gefeoð,  sarie þearfan, 
seceað drihten  and eower sawl leofað. 
Forþam þa þearfendan  þriste drihten 
gehyreð holdlice;  nyle he gehæfte eac 
on heora neode  na forhycgan. 
Herige hine swylce  heofen and eorðe, 
side sæflodas  and þa him syndon on. 
Forþon Sione god  symble hæleð; 
beoð mænige byrig  mid Iudeum 
eft getimbrade,  þær hi eard nimað. 
þær hi yrfestol  eft gesittað 
and hiora eþel begytað  esnas drihtenes, 
and his naman  neode lufiað, 
þær eardiað  awa to feore. 

157. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 69Wes, drihten god,  deore fultum; 
beheald, drihten, me,  and me hraðe syþþan 
gefultuma  æt feorhþearfe. 
þonne beoð gescende  and scame dreogað, 
þa þe mine fynd  fæcne wæron 
and mine sawle  sohton mid niðe. 
Hi on hinderlincg  hweorfað and cyrrað; 
ealle hiora scamien,  þe me yfel hogedon. 
And heora æfstu eac  ealle sceamien, 
þe me word cwædon:  "Weg la, weg la!" 
Habban þa mid wynne  weorðe blisse, 
þa þe secean  symble drihten, 
and symble cweðen:  "Sy þin miht, drihten!" 
and þine hælu  holde lufigean. 
Ic eom wædla  and worldþearfa; 
gefultuma me, god,  frea ælmihtig. 

               þu me fultum eart  fæste, drihten, 
eart alysend min;  ne lata þu awiht. 

158. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 70Ic on þe, god drihten,  gearuwe gewene; 
ne weorðe ic on ealdre  æfre gescended; 
þu me sniome alys  þuruh þine þa swiþeran miht. 
Ahyld me þin eare to  holde mode, 
and me lustum alys  and me lungre weorð 
on god drihten  georne þeccend 
and on trume stowe,  
               þæt þu me teala hæle. 
Forþon þu me, god, wære  geara trymmend, 
freoða fultumiend;  alys me feondum nu, 
and me of folmum afere  firenwyrcendra, 
þe þine æ  efnan nellað; 
syndon unrihtes  ealle wyrcende. 
Forþon þu me eart fæle geþyld  fæste, drihten 
wære me on geoguðe hyht  gleaw æt frymðe. 
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. 
Sy min muð 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, 
þonne me ylde tid  on gesige; 
þonne me mægen and mod  mylte on hreðre, 
ne forlæt þu me,  lifiende god. 
Oft me feala cwædon  feondas yfele, 
and sætendan  sawle minre 
and on anre geþeaht  eodan togædere. 
Cweþað cuðlice:  "Wuton cunnian, 
hwænne hine god læte  swa swa gymeleasne; 
þonne we hine forgripen  and his geara ehtan; 
syþþan he ne hæbbe  helpend ænne." 
Ne ofgif þu me huru,  god ælmihtig; 
beseoh þu me, soð god,  symble on fultum. 
Beoð gedrette,  eac gescende, 
þa mine sawle ær  swyþust tældun; 
byð þam scand and sceamu  þe me syrwedan yfel. 
Ic me symble on god  swiðost getreowige, 
ofer eall þin lof  lengest hihte. 
Min muð sægeð  þine mægenspede 
and þin soðfæst weorc  swyþust mæreð, 
sægeð þe ealne dæg  ece hælu. 
Forþon ic ne ongeat  grame ceapunga, 
ac ic on þine þa myclan  mihte gange. 
Ic þine soðfæstnesse geman  symble, drihten; 
þu me ara, god,  ærest lærdest 
of geoguðhade;  nu ic eom gomel wintrum. 
A ic wundor þin  weorþlic sægde, 
and ic þæt wið oryldu  awa fremme; 
ne forlæt þu me,  lifigende god, 
Oððæt ic þines earmes  eall asecge 
stiþe strencðe  þisse cneorisse, 
eallum þam teohhe,  þe nu toweard ys, 
þines mihtes þrym,  and þæt mære soð, 
þæt ðu on heofenum, god,  heah geworhtest 
wundur wræclicu;  nis þe, wuldres cyning, 
ænig æfre gelic,  ece drihten. 
Oft þu me ætywdest  earfoðes feala 
on costunge  cuðra manna, 
and me yfela feala  oft oncnyssedest; 
þonne þu yrre þin  eft oncyrdest 
and me of neowelnesse eft  neoðan alysdest 
þysse eorðan,  þe we on buiað. 
ðær þu þin soðfæst weorc  sniome tobræddest, 
þonne þu gehwyrfdest  and hulpe min, 
and me getrymedest  þæt ic teala mihte; 
forþon ic þe andette,  ece drihten, 
and þe on sealmfatum  singe be hearpan, 
Israela god,  ece and halig. 
Mine weleras gefeoð,  wynnum lofiað, 
þonne ic þe singe,  sigora wealdend, 
and min sawl eac,  þa þu sylf lysdest. 
Swylce min tunge  tidum mærde 
þin soðfæst weorc;  scende wæron ealle 
þe me yfel to  ær gesohton. 

159. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 71Syle dom þinne,  drihten, kyninge; 
suna cynincges syle,  þæt he soð healde. 
Dem þu þin folc  deore mid soðe, 
heald þine þearfan  holde mid dome. 
Onfon beorgas eac  beorhtre sibbe 
on þinum folce  fægere blisse 
and geswyru eac  soþum dædum. 
On his soðfæstnesse  swylce demeð 
on folce  fyrhte þearfan, 
swylce he þearfena bearn  þriste hæleð. 
He þa hermcweðend  hyneð and bygeð, 
se mid sunnan wunað  swylce mid monan, 
þurh ealra worulda woruld  wunað him ece. 
He þonne astigeð,  swa se stranga ren 
fealleð on flys her,  and swa fæger dropa 
þe on þas eorðan  upon dreopað. 
On his agenum dagum  ypped weorðeþ 
syb soðfæstnes  swiðe genihtsum, 
oþþæt byð ahafen  hluttor mona. 
He þonne wealdeð  wera cneorissum 
be sæ tweonum,  sidum ricum, 
and fram streamracum  styreð him eallum 
oþ þysse eorðan  utgemæru. 

               Hine Sigelwearas  seceað ealle 
and his feondas  foldan liccigeað. 
Cumað of Tharsis  tires eadige 
and of ealandum  utan kynincgas; 
þa him eardgyfu  æðele bringað 
of Arabia,  eac of Saba; 
ealle him leoda  lacum cwemað. 
Hine weorðiað  worulde kyningas 
þa on eorðwege  ealle syndan; 
ealle þeoda hine  weorðiað georne. 
Forþon he alyseð  lungre þearfan, 
þæt him se welega ne mæg  wiht onsittan, 
and þæne wædlan,  þe on worulde næfð 
ahwær elles  ænigne fultum. 
He helpeð þearfan,  swylce eac wædlan, 
and he þearfigendra  sawla gehæleð. 
He of mansceatte  and of mane eac 
sniome hiora sawle  softe alysde; 
ys his nama for him  neode gebyrhted. 
He lyfað leodum,  him byð lungre seald; 
of Arabia gold  eorlas lædað; 
hine weorþiað  wera cneoressa 
and hine ealne dæg  eac bletsiað. 
þonne æðele getrym  eorðan weardað, 
bið se beorht ahafen  ofer beorgas up; 
ofer Libanum  licgeað his yþa, 
and on burgum beoþ  blostmum fægere 
swa on eorðan heg  ute on lande. 
þonne byð his nama  ofer eall niða bearn 
and to widan feore  weorðeð gebletsod; 
ær sunnan his nama  soðfæst standeð, 
byð his setl ær  swylce þonne mona. 
And him byð eorþan cynn  eall gebletsad; 
ealle hine þeoda  þriste heriað. 
Wese Israhela  ece drihten 
and hiora sylfra god  symble gebletsad, 
se þe wundor mycel  wyrceð ana; 
si his mihta nama  mode gebletsad 
on ecnesse  awa to worlde. 
And þeos eorðe si  eall gefylled, 
þurh his wuldres miht.  Wese swa, wese swa! 

160. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 72Hu god is ece god  mid Israhelum, 
þam þe mid heortan  hycgeað rihte; 
me fornean syndon  losode nu ða 
ealle on foldan  fota gangas. 
Forþon ic fæstlice  fyrenwyrcende 
oft elnade;  noldun earme mid him 
sibbe secean,  sohton fyrene. 
Forþon hira deaðes byð  deorc endestæf, 
ne heora wites bið  wislic trymnes. 
Ne synd hi on miclum  manna gewinnum, 
and hi mid manna ne beoð  mægene beswungene. 
Forþon hi oferhygd nam  ungemete swyþe, 
þurh þæt hira unriht wearð  eall untyned. 
þanon forð becom  fæcne unriht, 
swa swa hit of gelynde  lungre cwome, 
and hi on heortan  hogedon and þohton, 
hu hi fyrmest  facen and unriht 
on hean huse  hraðost acwædon. 
Hwæt, hi on heofon setton  hyge hyra muþes, 
and hira tungan  tugon ofer eorðan. 
Forþon min folc hider  fægere hweorfeð, 
þær hi fulle dagas  findað sona. 
And þonne cwædon:  
               "Hu weorðeð þis cuð gode 
oþþe þeos gewitness  weorðeþ on heagum?" 
þi nu fyrenfulle  foldan æhta 
and þysse worulde welan  wynnum namon. 
þa ic on mode cwæð  minum sona, 
þeah þe ic on me ingcan  ænne ne wiste, 
hu ic mine heortan  heolde mid soðe, 
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 weorðað  geboren syþþan, 
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 
and ic þa nehstan ongite  neode syþþan. 
Hwæðere þu him for inwite  yfel befæle, 
awurpe hi wraðe,  þa hi wendan ær, 
þæt hi wæron alysde,  laðum wiðferede. 
Nu syndon hi gewordene  wraðe tolysde, 
and semninga  sneome forwurdon 
for unrihte  þe hi ær dydon, 
swa fram slæpe hwylc  swærum arise. 
And hi on byrig drihtnes  bealde habbað 
hiora ansyne,  and þu hi eaðe miht 
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. 
Ic eom anlic mid þe  anum neate 
and ic symble mid þe  syþþan hwæðere. 
þu mine swyþran hand  sylfa gename, 
and me mid þinon willan  well gelæddest, 
and me þa mid wuldres  welan gename. 
Hwæt mæg me wiðerhabban  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. 
Forþan þa forweorþað,  þe hira wynne to þe 
habban noldan,  ne heora hyge settan; 
huru þu forleosest  þa forhealdað þe. 
Min is ætfele  mihtigum drihtne; 
good is swylce,  þæt ic on god drihten 
minne hiht sette,  healde fæste. 
And ic eall þin lof  eft asecge 
Sione dohtrum  on hire sylfre durum. 

161. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 73For 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. 
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; 
hefe þu þine handa  and hyn hiora oferhygd; 
feala wyrgnessa  wraðe feondas 
þinum þam halgum  hefige brohtan; 
gylpað gramhydige,  þa þin geo ehtan 
and on þinra wica  wuniað midle. 
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 
þæt hi mid adesan  ealle towurpan. 
þa hi þæt þin fægere hus  fyre forbærndan 
and on eorðstede  eac gewemdan, 
þæt þinum naman gewearþ  niode cenned. 
Cwædan on heortan:  "Wutan cuman ealle 
and ure magas mid us;  wutun þyder gemot habban 
and symbeldagas  swylce drihtnes 
on eorðwege  ealle towurpan. 
Ne we sweotul tacen  us geseoð ænig, 
ne we on ænige wisan  witegan habbað, 
þæt us andgytes ma  æfre secgen." 
Wilt þu hu lange,  wealdend drihten, 
edwit þolian  yfelum feondum 
and naman þinne  nu bysmriað 
þa wiþerweardan  wraþe wið ende? 
For hwan awendest þu  wuldres ansyne 
æfre fram us,  eac þa swyðran hand 
of þinum sceate  sylfa wið ende? 
Usser god kynincg,  geara þu worhtest, 
ær woruld wære,  wise hælu 
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 
and his þæt hearde  heafod gescændest, 
sealdest Siglhearwum  syððan to mose. 
þu sylfa eac  toslite wyllas 
and hlynnende  hlude streamas 
on æthane  ealle adrigdest. 
þu dæg settest  and deorce niht, 
swylce þu gesettest  sunnan and monan; 
ealle þu geworhtest  eorðan gemæru, 
sumor þu and lencten  swylce geworhtest. 
Wes þu gemyndig  manna bearna, 
þæra gesceafta 
                þe þu gesceope ðe; 
fynd ætwitað  fæcne drihtne, 
unwis folc ne wat  þinne wyrðne naman. 
Ne syle þu unscyldigra  sawla deorum 
þe þe andettað  earme þearfan; 
þara þu on ealdre ne forgit,  ece drihten. 
Geseoh þu nu sylfa, god,  soð is gecyðed, 

               nu þin gewitnes ys  wel gefylled, 
hu deorce beoð  dagas on eorðan 
þam þe unrihtes  
               æghwær wyrceað. 
Ne byð 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, 
hu þe unwise  edwita fela 
þurh ealne dæg  oft aspræcon. 
Ne forgit huru  godra manna 
soðra stefna,  þa þe seceað þe; 
fyll þa oferhydigan,  ða ðe feogeað þe, 
and eft to þe  ealle stigað. 

162. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 74We þe andettað,  ecne drihten, 
and þe andettað  ealle þeoda 
and naman þinne  neode ciegen. 
Ic þin wundur eall  wræclic sæcge, 
swa ic fæstlicast mæg  befon wordum, 
and eac soð  symble deme. 
Eorðe is gemolten  and hire eardend mid; 
ic þonne hire swyre  symble getrymme. 
Ic to yflum cwæð  oft nalæs seldan: 
"Nelle ge unriht  ænig fremman 
and agyltan, þæt hi  ne gulpan þæs. 
Ne ahebbað ge to hea  eowre hygeþancas, 
ne ge wið gode æfre  gramword sprecan." 
Forþon eastan ne cymeð  gumena ænig, 
ne of westwegum  wera cneorissa, 
ne of þissum westum  widum morum; 
forþon him is dema  drihten sylfa. 
Sumne he gehyneð,  sumne ahefeð sniome; 
forþon se wines steap  on waldendes handa 
fægere gefylled is;  þæs onfehð þe he ann. 
þonne he of þysum on þæt  þonne oncerreð, 
nyle he þa dærstan him  don unbryce; 

               forþam sculon ealle  drincan synfulle, 
þa on þysse foldan  fyrene wyrceað; 
ic þonne worulde gefean  wynnum healde, 
and Iacobes gode  georne singe. 
Ealra fyrenfulra  fyhtehornas 
ic bealdlice  gebrece sniome; 
swyþe beoð ahafene  
               þa soðfæstan. 

163. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 75God wæs geara cuð  mid Iudeum, 
and his æþele nama  mid Israelum. 
Is on sibbe his stow  soþe behealden, 
and he on Sione  swylce eardað. 
þær he hornbogan  hearde gebendeð, 
and sweord and sceld  æt gescotfeohta. 
þu wræclice  wundrum onlyhtest 
fram þam eceum hider  æðelum beorgum; 
ealle synt yrre,  þa þe unwise 
heora heortan hige  healdað 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, 
Iacobes god,  georne slepan, 
þa þe on horsum  hwilon wæron; 
is þin egesa mycel;  hwylc mæg æfre þe, 
gif þu yrre byst,  ahwær wiðstandan? 
þonne þu of heofenum dom  hider on eorþan 
mid gescote sendest,  þonne hio swyþe beofað; 
ðonne to dome  drihten ariseð, 
þæt he on eorðan do  ealle hale 
þe he mildheorte  meteð and findeð. 
Forþon ðe mannes geþoht  mægen andetteð, 
and þonne þa lafe  lustum þence, 
þæt ic þe symbeldæg 
                sette and gyrwe. 
Gehatað nu drihtne,  and him hraðe gyldað 
eowrum þam godan  gode georne; 
ealle þe on ymbhwyrfte  ahwær syndan, 
him gyfe bringen  gode and clæne. 
To þam egsan sceal  æghwylc habban, 
þe wera gastum  wealdeð and healdeð; 
eorðcynincgum  se ege standeð. 

164. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 76Ic mid stefne ongann  styrman to drihtne, 
and he me gehyrde  and beheold sona. 
Ic on earfoðdæge  ecne drihten 
sohte mid handum  swyþe geneahhe, 
and ic on niht for him  neode eode; 
næs ic on þam siðe  beswicen awiht. 
And ic swiðe wiðsoc  sawle minre 
fælre frofre;  þa ic fæste god 

               gemyndgade,  þær ic hæfde mæstne hiht. 
Swyðe 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, 
hæfde me ece gear  ealle on mode. 
Ic þa mid heortan ongann  hycggean nihtes; 
wæs min gast on me  georne gebysgad. 
þa ic sylfa cwæð:  "Ic to soðe wat, 
nele þis ece god  æfre toweorpan 
ne us witnian  for his weldædum, 
oððe wiþ ende  æfre to worulde 
his milde mod  mannum afyrran 
on woruldlife  wera cneorissum. 
Ne byð æfre god  ungemyndig, 
þæt he miltsige  manna cynne, 
oþþe on yrre  æfre wille 
his milde mod  mannum dyrnan." 
And ic selfa cwæð:  "Nu ic sona ongann 

               þas geunwendnes  wenan ærest 
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  eaðust geheolde; 
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 
wundor gewyrcean  on woruldlife. 
Eft þu þine mihte  mænige cyðdest 
folcum on foldan;  þu wiðferedes eac 
Israhela bearn  of ægyptum. 
Hwæt, þe, wuldres god,  wæter sceawedon 
and þe gesawon  sealte yþa; 
forhte wurdan  flodas gedrefde, 
wæs sweg micel  sealtera wætera. 
Sealdon weorðlice  
               wolcnas stefne 
þurh þine stræle  strange foran; 
wæs þunurradstefn  strang on hweole. 

               þonne ligette  lixan cwoman, 
eall ymbhwyrft  eorðan onhrerdan. 
Wærun wegas þine  on widne sæ 
and þine stige  ofer strang wæter; 
ne bið þær eþe þin spor  on to findanne. 
Folc þin ðu feredest  swa fæle sceap 
þurh Moyses  mihtige handa 
and Aarones  ealle gesunde. 

165. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 77Geheald þu, min folc,  mine fæste æ; 
ahyldað eowre earan,  þæt ge holdlice 
mines muðes word  mihte gehyran. 
Ic on anlicnessum  ærest ontyne 
mines sylfes muð,  secggean onginne, 
þa on worldricum  wæron æt frymðe. 

               Ealle þa we oncneowan,  cuð ongeaton, 
and ure fæderas us  æror sægdon. 
Noldan hi þa swiðe  heora synna dyrnan, 
ac ylda gehwylc  oðrum cyðde. 
Sægdon lof symble  leofum drihtne 
and his þa myclan miht,  mænigu wundur, 
þa he geworhte  wera cneorissum. 
He aweahte  gewitnesse 
on Iacobe  goode and strange, 
and Israhelum  æ gesette. 
þa he fæste bebead  fæderum ussum, 
þæt hi heora bearnum  budun and sægdun, 
and cinn oðrum  cyðden and mærden. 

               Gif bearn wære  geboren þam fæder, 
him sceolde se yldra  eall gesæcgan, 
þæt hi gleawne hiht  to gode hæfdan, 
and his weorðlicu  weorc gemundon, 
and godes bebodu  georne heoldan. 
Ne wesen hi on facne  fæderum gelice; 
þæt wæs earfoðcynn  yrre and reðe; 
næfdon heora heortan  hige gestaðelod; 
nis to wenanne,  þætte wolde god 
hiora gasta mid him  gyman awiht. 
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 
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 
him worhte fore  wundur mære 
and on Campotanea  eac mid soðe. 
He sæ toslat,  sealte yþa 
gefæstnade,  and hi foran þurh. 
Him wisode  wolcen unlytel 
daga æghwylce,  swa hit drihten het, 
and him ealle niht  oðer beacen 
fyres leoma  folcnede heold. 
He on westene  wide ædran 
him of stane let,  strange burnan. 
Of þam wæter cwoman  weorude to helpe, 
swyþe wynlice  wætera þryðe. 
þa hi hira firene  furþur ehtan, 
and hine on yrre  eft gebrohtan, 
heora heafodweard  holdne on lande. 
Hi þa on heortan  hogedon to niðe, 
and geornlice  godes costadan, 
bædan hiora feorum  foddur geafe, 
and gramlice  be gode spræcan: 
"Ac we þæs ne wenað,  þæt us witig god 
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 hwæðere wenað,  þæt he wihte mæge 
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, 
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, 
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. 
Him þa eac feoll ufan  flæsc to genihte; 
swa sand sæs  oððe þiss swearte dust 
coman gefiðrade 
                fugelas swylce. 
And on middan þa wic  manige feollan 
and ymb hiora selegescotu  swiðe geneahhe. 
Swiðe ætan  and sade wurdan, 
and hiora lusta  lifdan hwile; 
næron hi bescyrede  sceattes willan. 
þa gyt hi on muðe  heora mete hæfdon, 
þa him on becwom  yrre drihtnes 
and heora mænige  mane swultan, 
æðele Israhela  eac forwurdan. 

               In eallum hi þissum  ihtan synne, 
and noldan his wundrum  wel gelyfan. 
Hi heora dagena tid  
               dædun idle 
and heora geara gancg  eac unnytte. 
þonne he hi sare sloh,  þonne hi sohton hine, 
and ær leohte to him  lustum cwoman. 
Syððan hi ongeaton,  þæt wæs god heora 
fæle fultum,  freond æt þearfe; 
wæs hea god  heora alysend, 
Hi hine lufedan  lease muðe, 
ne þæs on heortan  hogedan awiht. 
Næs him on hreðre  heorte clæne, 
ne hi on gewitnesse  wisne hæfdon, 
on hiora fyrhþe  fæstne geleafan. 
He þonne is mildheort  and manðwære 
hiora fyrendædum,  nolde hi to flymum gedon. 
He þa manige fram him  mangewyrhtan 
yrre awende,  eall ne wolde 
þurh hatne hyge  hæleðum 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, 
aweahtan hine on eorðan  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. 
He ægypti  egesan geþywde 
mid feala tacna  and forebeacna 
in Campotaneos;  þæt wæs cuð werum. 
þær he wæterstreamas  wende to blode; 
ne meahte wæter drincan  wihta ænig. 
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, 
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, 
and heora æhta  ealle fyre. 
He æbyligðe on hi  bitter and yrre, 
sarlic sende  oð sawlhord 
and þæt wið yfele  englas sende. 
He him weg worhte  wraðan yrres, 
ne he heora sawlum deað  swiðe ne sparude 
and heora neat  niðcwealm forswealh. 
He þa on þam folce  frumbearna gehwylc 
on ægiptum  eall acwealde 
and frumwæstme  folce Chames. 
þa he his folc genam  swa fæle sceap, 
lædde geliccast  leofe eowde 
þurh westenas  wegas uncuðe. 
And he hi on hihte  holdre lædde; 
næs him on fyrhtu  feondes egsa, 
ac ealle þa  yþa fornamon. 
He hi þa gelædde  on leofre byrig 
and haligre,  ða his hand begeat. 
And he manige for him  mære þeode 
awearp of wicum,  sealde him weste land, 
þæt hi mid tane  getugan rihte. 
þa Israelas  æhte gesætan 
hrores folces,  þa hi heanne god 
gebysmredan,  noldon his bebodu 
fæste healdan.  
            
Hi awendan aweg,  nalæs wel dydan, 
swa heora fæderas  beforan heoldan, 
and on wiðermede  wendan and cyrdan. 

               Swa
               hi
               his
               yrre
               
               oft aweahtan, 
þonne hi oferhydig  up ahofan, 
and him wohgodu  worhtan and grofun. 
þa þæt gehyrde  halig drihten, 
he hi forhogode,  and hraðe syþþan 
Israhela cynn  egsan geðyde. 
And he þa swa gelome wiðsoc  snytruhuse, 
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, 
and his yrfe eac  eall forhogode. 
Heora geoguðe eac  grimme lige 
fyr fæðmade;  fæmnan ne wæran 
geonge begrette,  þeah ðe hi grame swultan. 
Wæran sacerdas heora  sweordum abrotene; 
ne þæt heora widwan  wepan mostan. 
þa wearð aweaht  wealdend drihten, 
swa he slæpende  softe reste 
oððe swa weorð man  wine druncen. 
He þa his feondas sloh  and him ætfæste eac 
ece edwit  awa to feore. 
And he georne wiðsoc  Iosepes huse, 
ne þon ær geceas  Effremes cynn, 
ac he geceas Iudan him  geswæs frumcynn 
on Sione byrig,  þær him wæs symble leof. 
He þa anhornan 
                ealra gelicast 
his halige hus  her on eorðan 
getimbrade;  het ðæt teala syððan 
on worldrice  wunian ece. 
And him ða Dauid geceas,  deorne esne, 
and genam hine æt eowde  ute be sceapum, 
fostur feormade;  he him onfencg hraðe. 
He þonne fedeð  folc Iacobes 
and Israhela  yrfelafe. 
And he hi þonne butan facne  fedeð syþþan, 
and his folmum syþþan  
               hi 
               forð lædeð. 

166. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 78Comon on ðin yrfe,  ece drihten, 
fremde þeode,  þa þin fæle hus, 

               ealh haligne  yfele gewemdan. 
Settan Hierusalem  samod anlicast 
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 
swa man gute wæter  ymb Hierusalem; 
blodige lagan,  nahtan byrgendas. 
We synd gewordene  wera cneorissum 
eallum edwitstæf  ymbsittendum, 
þe us ahwær neah  nu ða syndon. 

               Hu wilt þu, wuldres god,  wrað yrre þin 
on ende fram us  æfre oncyrran? 
Is nu onbærned  biter þin yrre 
on ðinum folce  fyre hatre. 
Ageot yrre þin  on þæt rice 
and on cneowmagas  þe ne cunnan ðe, 
ne naman þinne  neode cigeað. 
Forþon hi Iacob  geara ætan, 
and his wicstede  westan gelome. 
Ne gemune þu to oft,  mihta wealdend, 
ealdra unrihta  þe we oft fremedon, 
ac we hraðe begytan  hyldo ðine, 
forþon we ðearfende  þearle syndon. 
Gefultuma us,  frea ælmihtig, 
and alys us,  lifigende god; 
weorð urum synnum  sefte and milde 
for naman þinum  neode and aare. 
þy læs æfre cweðan  oðre þeoda, 
hæðene herigeas,  "Hwær com eower halig god?" 
and us þæt on eagum  oftust worpen, 
þær manna wese  mæst ætgædere. 
Wrec agen blod  esna þinra, 
þæt wæs sarlice agoten,  þær þu gesawe to; 
geonge for ðe  gnornendra care 
þara þe on feterum  fæste wæran. 
æfter ðines earmes  æðelum mægene 
gegang þa deaða bearn  þe hi demað nu. 
Gyld nu gramhydigum,  swa hi geearnedan, 
on sceat hiora  seofonfealde wrace, 
forþon hi edwit on þe  ealle hæfdon. 
We þin folc wærun  and fæle sceap 
eowdes þines;  we ðe andettað, 
and þe to worulde  wuldur sæcgeað 
and þe on worulda woruld  wordum heriað. 

167. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 79þu þe Israela  æðelum cynne 
reccest and rædest,  ðu nu recene beheald, 
þu ðe Ioseph swa sceap  gramum wiðlæddest. 
ðu ðe sylfa nu  sittest ofer cherubin, 
æteow fore Effraim  eac Mannasse 
and Beniamin,  nu we biddað þe. 
Awece þine mihte  and mid wuldre cum, 
and us hale do  her on eorðan. 
Gehweorf us, mægena god,  and us mildne æteow 
þinne andwlitan;  ealle we beoð hale. 
Eala ðu, mægena god,  mære drihten, 
hu lange yrsast þu  on þines esnes gebed? 

               Tyhst us and fedest  teara hlafe, 
and us drincan gifest  deorcum tearum 
manna gehwylcum  on gemet rihtes. 
þu us asettest  on sarcwide 
urum neahmannum;  nu we cunnion, 
hu us mid fraceðum  fynd bysmriað. 
Gehweorf us, mægena god,  and us mildne æteow 
þinne andwlitan;  ealle we beoð hale. 
þu of ægyptum  ut alæddest 
wræstne wingeard,  wurpe þeode 
and þone ylcan ðær  eft asettest. 
þu him weg beforan  worhtest rihtne, 
and his wyrtruman  wræstne settest, 
þanon eorðe wearð  eall gefylled. 
His se brada scua  beorgas þeahte, 
and his tanas astigun  godes cedderbeam. 
Ealle þa telgan  ðe him of hlidað, 
þu æt sæstreamas  sealte gebræddest, 
and hi to flodas  forð aweaxað. 
Forhwan þu towurpe  weallfæsten his? 
Wealdeð his winbyrig  eall þæt on wege færð. 
Hine utan of wuda  eoferas wrotað, 
and wilde deor  westað and frettað. 
Gehweorf nu, mægena god,  milde and spedig 
þine ansyne  ufan of heofenum; 
gewite and beseoh  wingeard þisne, 
þæt he mid rihte  ræde gange, 
þæne ðin seo swiðre  sette æt frymðe, 
and ofer mannes sunu,  þe þu his mihte ær 
under ðe getrymedest,  tires wealdend. 
Fyr onbærneð,  folm þurhdelfeð; 
fram ansyne  egsan ðines 
ealle þa on ealdre  yfele forweorðað. 
Si þin seo swiðre hand  ofer soðne wer 
and ofer mannes sunu;  þu his mihta ðe 
geagnadest,  ealle getrymedest, 
weoruda drihten;  ne gewitað we fram ðe. 
Ac þu us wel cwica,  wealdend mihtig; 
we naman þinne  neode cigeað. 
Gehweorf us, mægena  
            

168. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 80gif þu, Israhel, a wylt  elne gehyran. 
Gif þu, Israhel,  me anum gehyrst, 
ne byð god on þe  niwe gemeted, 
ne þu fremedne god  sylfa gebiddest. 
Ic eom þin god,  ðe geara þe 
of ægypta  eorþan alædde. 
Ontyn þinne muð  and ic hine teala fylle; 
nele min folc mine stefne  æfre gehyran, 
ne me Israhel behealdan  holde mode. 
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 cuðan, 
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 leogað; 
byð 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. 

169. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 81God mihtig stod  godum on gemange, 
and he hi on midle  mægene tosceadeð. 
Hu lange deme ge  domas unrihte, 
and ge onfoð ansyna  synnwyrcendra? 
Demað steopcildum  domas soðe 
and eadmedum  eac þæt sylfe, 
wædlum and ðearfum  wel soðfæstum. 

               Ge of firenfulra  fæcnum handum 
þearfan and wædlan  þriste alysað. 
Ne ongeatan hi  ne geara wistan, 
ac hi on ðystrum  þrage eodan; 
ealle abeofedan  eorðan staþelas. 
Ic ærest cwæð:  "Ge synd uppe godu, 
ealle uphea,  and æðele bearn. 
Ge þonne sweltað  samod mid mannum, 
swa ealdormann  an gefealleð." 
Aris drihten, nu!  Dem eorðware, 
forþan þu eart erfeweard  ealra ðeoda. 

170. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 82Hwylc is þe gelic,  ece drihten? 
Ne swiga ðu,  ne þe sylfne bewere. 
Forþon þine feond  fæcne forwurdan, 
þa ðe fæste ær  feodan, drihten, 
and heora heafod wið þe  hofan swiðe. 
Hi on ðinum folce him  facengeswipere 
syredan and feredan,  and to swice hogedon, 
and ehtunga  ealle hæfdon, 
hu hi þine halgan  her yfeladan. 
Cwædan cuðlice:  "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, 
and gewitnesse wið þe  wise gesettan. 

               Selegesceotu synd  onsægd in Idumea 
and Ismæhelita,  eac synt Moabes, 
Ammon and Ammalech,  Agareni, 

               swylce Gebal  and grame manige 
fremde þeoda mid eardiendum  folce on Tyrum. 
Cwom samod mid ðam  swylce Assur; 
ealle on wegum  æghwær syndon 
on leodstefnum  Loðes bearnum. 
Do him nu swa ðu dydest  dagum Madiane 
and Sisare,  swylce Iabin; 
ealle þa namon  ændor wylle 
and Cisone  clæne hlimme; 

               wurdan þa earme  eorþan to meohxe. 
Sete heora ealdormenn  swa ðu Oreb dydest, 
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 
swa se wægnes hweol  oþþe windes healm, 
and swa færincga  fyr wudu byrneð, 
oððe swa lig freteð  lungre morhæð, 
Swa þu hi on yrre  ehtest and drefest, 
þæt hi on hrernesse  hraþe forweorðað. 
Gedo þæt hiora ansyn  awa sceamige, 
þonne hi naman þinne  neode seceað. 
Ealle beoð georette,  eac gescende, 
and on weoruldlife  weorþað gedrefde, 
þonne hi naman þinne  neode seceað. 
þu ana eart  ofer ealle heah 
eorðbuende,  ece drihten. 

171. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 83Synd me wic þine  weorðe and leofe, 
mægena drihten;  a ic on mode þæs 
willum hæfde,  þet ic him wunude onn. 
Heorte min and flæsc  hyhtað georne 
on þone lifigendan  leofan drihten; 
him eac spedlice  spearuwa hus begyteð, 
and tidlice  turtle nistlað, 
þær hio afedeð  fugelas geonge. 
Wærun wigbedu þin,  weoruda drihten; 
þu eart drihten min  and deore cynincg. 
Eadige weorðað,  þa þe eardiað 
on þinum husum,  halig drihten, 
and þe on worulda woruld,  wealdend, heriað. 
þæt byð eadig wer,  se þe him oðerne 
fultum ne seceð  nymþe fælne god, 
and þæt on heortan hige  healdeð fæste, 
geseteð him þæt sylfe  on ðisse sargan dene, 
þær hi teara  teonan cnyssað 
            
on þam sylfan stede  þe þu him settest her. 
Brohte him bletsunge  se ðe him beorhte æ 
soðe sette;  syþþan eodan 
of mægene on mægen;  þær wæs miht gesawen 
on Sionbeorge  soðes drihtnes. 
Gehyr min gebed,  halig drihten, 
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 
anne dæg mid þe  þonne oðera 
on þeodstefnum  þusend mæla. 
Ic me þæs wyrce  and wel ceose, 
þæt ic hean gange  on hus godes, 
þonne ic on fyrenfulra  folce eardige. 
Forþon god lufað  geornast ealles, 
þæt man si mildheort  mode soðfæst, 
þonne him god gyfeð  gyfe and wuldur. 
Nele god æfre  gode bedælan, 
þa ðe heortan gehygd  healdað clæne; 
þæt bið eadig mann,  se þe him ecean godes 
to mundbyrde  miht gestreoneð. 

172. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 84þu bletsadest,  bliðe drihten, 
foldan fæle,  and afyrdest eac 
of Iacobe  þa graman hæftned. 
Unriht þu forlete  eallum þinum folce, 
and heora fyrene  fæste hæle. 
Eall þu þin yrre  eðre gedydest, 
na ðu ure gyltas  egsan gewræce. 
Gehweorf us hraðe,  hælend drihten, 
and þin yrre fram us  eac oncyrre, 
þæt ðu us ne weorðe  wrað on mode. 
Ne wrec þu þin yrre  wraðe mode 
of cynne on cynn  and on cneorisse; 
gecyr us georne to ðe,  Crist ælmihtig, 
and ðin folc on ðe  gefeo swiðe. 
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  seceð geornast, 
and swiðust to þam  þe hine seceað. 
Hwæðere he is mid soðe  forswiðe neah 

               þam þe egsan his  elne healdað, 
hæleð mid hyldo,  and him her syleð 
ure eorðan  æðele wuldor. 
Him gangað ongean  gleawe cræftas, 
mildheortnesse mod  and mihte soð, 
and hine sybbe lufu  swylce clyppeð. 
Up of eorðan cwom  æþelast soða, 
beseah soðfæstnes  samod of heofenum. 
Syleð us fremsum god  fægere drihten, 
þonne us eorðe syleð  æðele wæstmas. 

               Hine soðfæstnes  symble foregangeð 
and on weg setteð  wise gangas. 

173. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 85Ahyld me þin eare,  halig drihten; 
forðon ic eom wædla,  þu me wel gehyr, 
and ic sylfa eom  sorhfull þearfa. 
Geheald mine sawle,  forðon ic halig eom; 
hæl þinne scealc,  forþon ic ðe hihte to. 
Miltsa me drihten,  þonne ic mægene to ðe 
þurh ealne dæg  elne cleopade; 
do þines scealces  sawle bliðe, 
forðon ic hi to ðe  hebbe genehhige. 
Forðon þu eart wynsum,  wealdend drihten; 
is þin milde mod  mycel and genihtsum 
eallum þam þe þe  elne cigeað. 
þu mid earum onfoh,  ece drihten, 
min agen gebed,  and eac beheald, 
hu ic stefne to ðe  stundum cleopige. 
þonne me on dæge  deorc earfoðe 
carelice cnyssedan,  þonne ic cleopode to ðe; 
forþon þu me gehyrdest  holde mode. 
Nis þe goda ænig  on gumrice 
ahwær efne gelic,  ece drihten, 
ne ðe weorc magon  wyrcean anlic. 
Ealle þu geworhtest  wera cneorissa, 
þa þe weorðiað,  wuldres aldor, 
and naman drihtnes  neode cigeað. 
Forðan ðu eart se mycla  mihtiga drihten, 
þe wundor miht  wyrcean ana. 
Gelæd, drihten, me  on þinne leofne weg, 
and ic on þinum soðe  syþþan gancge. 
Heorte min ahlyhheð,  þonne ic ðinne halgan naman 
forhtige me on ferhðe,  forð andette 
mid ealre heortan hyge,  þæt þu eart, halig god, 
nemned drihten,  and we naman þinne 
on ecnesse  a weorðien. 
Ys þin mildheortnes mycel  ofer me, drihten, 
and þu mine sawle  swylce alysdest 
of helwarena  hinderþeostrum. 
God min se leofa,  gramhydige me 
mid unrihte  oft onginnað, 
and gesamnincge  swiðmihtigra 
sohton mine sawle  swyþe geneahhe; 
ne doð him for awiht  egsan drihtnes. 
Hwæt, þu eart, min drihten god,  dædum mildheort, 
þenden geðyldig,  þearle soðfæst. 
Beseoh nu on me,  and me syþþan weorð 
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 
fæste feodan,  habban forð sceame. 
Forþon þu me wære fultum  fæste, drihten, 
and me frefredest,  frea ælmihtig. 

174. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 86
               Healdað his staðelas  halige beorgas; 
lufude Sione duru  symble drihten 
ofer Iacobes wic  goode ealle. 
Wærun wuldurlice wið þe  wel acweðene, 
þæt þu si cymast  ceastra drihtnes; 
eac ic gemyndige  þa mæran Raab 
and Babilonis  begea gehwæðeres. 
Efne fremde cynn  foran of Tyrum, 
folc Sigelwara  naman þær fæstne eard. 
Modor Sion  "man" cwæð ærest, 
and hire mære gewearð  mann on innan, 
and he hi þa hehstan  her staðelade. 
Drihten þæt on gewritum  dema sægde 
þam þe frumsprecend  folces wæron, 
eallum swylce,  þe hire on wæron. 
Swa ure ealra bliss  eardhæbbendra 
on anum þe  ece standeð. 

175. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 87þu eart me, drihten god,  dyre hælend; 
ic on dæge to ðe  dygle cleopode, 
and on niht fore þe  neode swylce. 
Gange min ingebed  on þin gleawe gesihð; 
ahyld eare þin  and gehyr min gebed. 
Forðon is sawl min  sares and yfeles 
fæste gefylled;  is min feorh swylce 
to helldore  hylded geneahhe. 
Wenað þæs sume,  þæt ic on wraðne seað 
mid fyrenwyrhtum  feallan sceolde; 
ic eom men gelic  mære geworden, 
þe mid deadum bið  betweox deaðe freo. 
Swa gewundade  wraðe slæpe 
syn þonne geworpene 
                on widne hlæw, 
þær hiora gymynde  men ne wænan, 
swa hi syn fram þinre handa  heane adrifene. 
Hi me asetton  on seað hinder, 
þær wæs deorc þeostru  and deaþes scua. 
þær me wæs yrre þin  on acyþed, 
and þu me oferhige on  ealle gelæddest. 
Feor ðu 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 
geworden for wædle;  ic me to wuldres gode 
þuruh ealne dæg  elne clypige 
and mine handa to þe  hebbe and ðenige. 
Ne huru wundur  wyrceað deade, 
oþþe hi listum  læceas weccean 
and hi andettan þe  ealle syþþan. 
Ne on ðeostrum ne mæg  þances gehygdum 
ænig wislicu  wundur oncnawan, 
oððe þin soðfæstnes  si on þam lande 
þe ofergytnes  on eardige. 
Cwist þu, oncnawað hi  wundru ðine 
on ðam dimmum  deorcan ðystrum, 
oððe ðine rihtwisnesse  recene gemeteð 
on ofergyttolnesse  manna ænig? 
Ic me to ðe,  ece drihten, 
mid modgehygde  mægene clypade, 
and min gebed  morgena gehwylce 
fore sylfne þe  soðfæst becume. 
Forhwan ðu min gebed  æfre woldest, 
soð god, wiðsacan,  oððe þinre gesihðe me 
on þissum ealdre  æfre wyrnan? 
Wædla ic eom on gewinne,  worhte swa on geoguðe; 
ahafen ic wæs and gehyned,  hwæðere næs gescended. 
Oft me þines yrres  egsa geðeowde, 
and me broga þin  bitere gedrefde. 
Hi me ealne dæg  utan ymbsealdan, 
swa wæterflodas  wæron ætsomne. 
þu me afyrdest  frynd þa nehstan 
and mine cuðe eac  cwicu geyrmdest. 

176. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 88Mildheortnesse þine,  mihtig drihten, 
ic on ecnesse  awa singe; 
fram cynne on cynn  and on cneorisse 
ic þine soðfæstnesse  secge geneahhe 
on minum muþe  manna cynne. 
Forþon þa ðu cwæde  cuðe worde, 
þæt on ecnesse  awa wære 
þin milde mod  micel getimbrad 
heah on heofenum  hæleða bearnum 
and þin soðfestnes  symble gearwad. 
Ic minum gecorenum  cuðe gesette, 
hu min gewitnes  wolde gangan; 
ic Dauide  dyrum esne 
on aðsware  ær benemde, 
þæt ic his cynne  and cneowmagum 
on ecnesse  a geworhte 
ful sefte seld,  þæt hi sæton on. 
Heofenas andettað,  halig drihten, 
hu wundor þin  wræclic standeð, 
and þa halgan eac  hergeað on cyricean 
þine soðfæstnesse,  
               secgeað geneahhige. 
Nis under wolcnum,  weoroda drihten, 
ænig anlic,  ne ðe ænig byð 
betweox godes bearnum  gyt gelicra. 
þu bist gewuldrad god,  þær bið wisra geðeaht 
and haligra  heah gemetincg, 
micel and egeslic  ofer eall manna bearn, 
ða ðe on ymbhwyrfte  ahwær syndon. 
þu eart mægena god,  mihtig drihten; 
nis þe ealra gelic  ahwær on spedum, 
is þin soðfæstnes  symble æghwær. 
þu wide sæs  wealdest mihtum; 
þu his yþum miht  ana gesteoran, 
ðonne hi on wæge  wind onhrereð. 
þu miht oferhydige  eaðe mid wunde 
heane gehnægean;  hafast ðu heah mægen 
þines earmes sped  wið ealle fynd. 
Heofonas þu wealdest,  hrusan swylce; 
eorðan ymbehwyrft  eall þu gesettest. 
þu norðdæl and sæ  
               niode gesceope, 
Tabor et Hermon  on naman ðinum; 
hi mid strencgðe eac  upp ahebbað 
þinne swiþran earm  swylce, drihten. 
Wesan hea mihte  handa þinre 
ahafen ofer hæleðas;  halig seo swyðre is, 
þines setles dom  soð gegearwod. 
Mildheortnes and soðfæstnes  mægene forgangað 
þinne andwlitan;  þæt bið eadig folc 
þe can naman ðinne  neode herigean. 
þa on ðinum leohte  lifigeað and gangað 
þe him ansyn þin  ær onlihte, 
and on naman þinum  neode swylce 
beoð ealne dæg  eac on blisse 
and þine soðfæstnesse  symble æghwær. 
Forþon þu heora mægenes eart  mærost wuldor, 
and we þinum weldædum  wurdan ahafene. 
Us an nimeð  ece drihten 
and Israhela cyning  eac se halga. 
þonne ðu ofer ealle  undearnunga 
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. 
Heo him fultumeð  and min fæle earm, 
and hine mid mycle  mægene geswyðeð. 
Ne mæg him ænig facen  feond æteglan, 
ne unrihtes bearn  ænig sceððan. 
Of his ansyne  ealle ic aceorfe, 
þa ðe him feondas  fæcne syndon, 
and his ehtendas  ealle geflyme. 
Hine soðfæstnes min  samod ætgædere 
and mildheortnes min  mægene healdeð, 
and on naman minum  neode swylce 
his horn bið ahafen,  heane on mihtum. 
And ic his swiðran hand  settan þence, 
þæt he sæstreamum  syþþan wealde. 
He me him to fælum  fæder gecygde: 
'Wæs me andfencge, god,  ecere hælu.' 
And ic þonne frumbearn  forð asette 
ofer eorðcyningas  ealra heahstne. 

               Ic him to widan feore  wille gehealdan 
min milde mod  and him miht syllan, 
mine gewitnesse  weorðe and getreowe. 
Ic to widan feore  wyrce syððan 
þin heahsetl  hror and weorðlic 
swa heofones dagas  her mid mannum. 
Gif mine bearn nellað  mine bebodu efnan 
ne mine domas  dædum healdan, 
Gif hi mine rihtwisnessa  fracoðe gewemmað 
and hi mine bebodu  bliðe ne healdað, 
þonne ic heora unriht gewrece  egsan gyrde 
and hiora synne  swinglum forgylde. 
Ne ic him mildheortnesse  mine wille 
fægere afyrran,  ac him forð swa þeah 
mine soðfæstnesse  syllan þence. 
Ic æne swor  að on halgum, 
þæt ic Dauide  dæda ne leoge, 
þæt on ecnesse  his agen cynn 
wunað on wicum;  bið him weorðlic setl 
on minre gesihðe  sunnan anlic 
and swa mona  meahte on heofenum, 
þe is ece gewita  æhwær getreowe." 
þu þonne wiðsoce  soþum criste 
and hine forhogodest,  hwile yldest 
and awendest fram him  
               gewitnesse 
            
esnes þines;  ealle gewemdest 
his halignesse  her on eorðan. 
Ealle þu his weallas  wide todældest, 
towurpe fæsten his  for folcegsan. 
Hine þa towurpon  wegferende, 
and he on edwit wearð  ymbsittendum. 
Handa þu ahofe  heah ehtendra, 
gebrohtest his feondas  fæcne on blisse. 
Fultum þu him afyrdest  fagan sweordes, 
nafað æt gefeohte  fælne helpend. 
þu hine of clænnesse  clæne alysdest, 
setl his gesettest  sorglic on eorðan. 
þu his dagena tid  deorce gescyrtest 
and mid sarlicre  sceame onmettest. 
Wilt þu hu lange,  wealdend drihten, 
yrre þin acyðan  swa onæled fyr? 
Gemune, mære god,  hwæt si min lytle sped; 
ne huru ðu manna bearn  on middangeard 
to idelnesse  æfre geworhtest. 
Hwylc is manna,  þæt feores neote, 
and hwæþere on ende  deað ne gesceawige; 
oððe hwylc manna is,  þæt his agene 
fram helle locum  sawle generige? 
Hwær is seo ealde nu,  ece drihten, 
micel mildheortness,  þe þu mancynne 
and Dauide  deope aðe 
þurh þines sylfes  soð benemdest? 
Gemune þinra esna  edwitspræce, 
þa him fracuðlice  fremde þeode 
utan ætywað,  oðre mægðe. 
Cweþað him þæt edwit,  ece drihten, 
feondas þine,  fæste ætwitað 
and þæt þinum criste  becweþað swiðe. 
A sy gebletsad  ece drihten 
to widan feore.  Wese swa, wese swa! 

177. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 89þu eart friðstol us  fæste, drihten, 
of cynne on cynne  and on cneorisse. 
ærðon munta gesceaft  ofer middangeard 
oððe ymbhwyrft  eorðan wære 
oþþe world wære,  þu eart, wuldres god. 
Ne ahwyrf þu fram mænn  heah eadmedu; 
and þu cuðlice  cwæde sylfa: 
"Ic manna bearnum 
                mod onwende." 
For þinum eagum,  ece drihten, 
þusend wintra bið  þon anlicast, 
swa geostran dæg  gegan wære; 
And swa hi on niht hyrdnesse  neode begangað, 
ne heora winterrim  for wiht ne doð. 
Morgen gewiteð  swa gemolsnad wyrt; 
oðre morgene  eft gebloweð 
and geefneð swa,  oþþæt æfen cymeð, 
þonne forwisnað,  weorðeð to duste. 
Forþon we on þinum yrre  ealle forwurdon, 
wæron on þinum hathige  hearde gedrefde. 
þu ure unriht  eall asettest, 
þær þu sylfa  to eagum locadest, 
and ure worulde þu  eac gestaðelodest 
on alihtincge  andwlitan þines. 
Forþam ðe ure dagas  ealle geteorudun, 
and we on þinum yrre synt  swiðe gewæhte. 
Wæran anlicast  ure winter 
geongewifran,  þonne hio geornast bið, 
þæt heo afære  fleogan on nette; 
beoð ure geardagas  gnornscendende, 
þeah þe heora hundred seo  samod ætgædere. 
Gif on mihtigum  mannum geweorðeð, 
þæt hi hundehtatig  ylda gebiden, 
ealle þe þær ofer beoð  æfre getealde 
wintra on worulde,  þa beoð gewinn and sar. 
Us manðwærnes becwom  micel ofer ealle 
and we on þam gefean  forhte gewurdan. 
Hwa ðæs soð me cann  sæcgean ænig, 
hu þines yrres  egsa standeð 
and seo micle miht?  Nis þæt mann ænig 
þe þa ariman  rihte cunne. 
Do us þa þine swiðran hand,  drihten, cuðe, 
þam þe on snytrum syn  swyðe getyde, 
and þa heora heortan  healdað clæne. 
Gehweorf us hwæthwiga,  halig drihten; 
wes þinum scealcum  wel eaðbede. 
We synd gefyllede  fægere on mergenne 
þinre mildheortnesse;  þæs we on mode nu 
habbað ealle dagas  æþele blisse. 
We gefeoð swylce  for þon fægerum dagum, 
on þam þu us to eadmedum  ealle gebrohtest, 
and for ðam gearum þe we on gesawon  yfela feala. 
Beseoh on þine scealcas  swæsum eagum 
and on þin agen weorc,  ece drihten, 
and heora bearn gerece  bliðe mode. 
Wese us beorhtnes ofer  bliðan drihtnes, 
ures þæs godan godes  georne ofer ealle; 
gerece ure handgeweorc  heah ofer usic. 

178. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 90Me eardað æt  æþele fultum 
þæs hehstan  heofonrices weard, 
þe me æt wunað  awa to feore. 
Ic to drihtne cwæð:  "þu me dyre eart 
fæle fultum;  hæbbe ic freond on him, 
min se goda god,  and ic on ðe geare hycge." 
Forðon he me alysde  of laðum grine, 
huntum unholdum,  hearmum worde. 
He me mid his gesculdrum  sceade beþeahte; 
forþon ic under fiðrum  fæle hihte. 
Hwæt, me soðfæstnes min  scylde wið feondum, 
ne ðu þe nihtegsan  nede ondrædest. 
Ne forhtast þu ðe on dæge  flan on lyfte, 
þæt þe þurhgangan  garas on ðeostrum, 
oððe on midne dæg  mære deoful. 
Fealleð þe on þa wynstran  wergra þusend, 
and eac geteledra  tyn þusendo 
on þine þa swiðran,  and þe ne sceaðeð ænig. 
Hwæðere þu ðæs eagan  eall sceawadest, 
gesege fyrenfulra  frecne wite. 
þu me eart se hehsta hyht,  halig drihten; 
þu me friðstol on ðe  fæstne settest. 
Ne mæg þe ænig yfel  egle weorðan, 
ne heard sweopu  huse þinum 
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, 
þe læs þu fræcne on stan  fote spurne. 
þu ofer aspide miht  eaðe gangan, 
and bealde nu  basiliscan tredan, 
and leon and dracan  liste gebygean. 
Forðon he hyhte to me,  ic hine hraðe lyse, 

               niode hine scylde,  nu he cuðe naman minne. 
He cigde me,  and ic hine cuðlice 
hold gehyrde,  and hine hraðe syþþan 
of earfoþum  ut alysde. 
Ic hine generige  and his naman swylce 
gewuldrige  
               geond ealle werðeoda, 
and him lifdagas  lange sylle, 
swylce him mine hælu  holde ætywe. 

179. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 91God is, þæt man drihtne  geara andette 
and neodlice  his naman asinge, 
þone heahestan  hæleða cynnes; 
And þonne on morgene  mægene sæcge, 
hu he milde wearð  manna cynne, 
and his soðe  sæcge nihtes. 
Hwæt, ic on tyn strengum  getogen hæfde, 
hu ic þe on psalterio  singan mihte 
oððe þe mid hearpan  hlyste cweman, 
forðon þu me on þinum weorcum  wisum lufadest; 
hihte ic to þinra handa  halgum dædum. 
Hu micle synt þine mægenweorc,  mihtig drihten; 
wærun þine geðancas  þearle deope. 

               Wonhydig wer  þæs wiht ne cann, 
ne þæs andgit hafað  ænig dysigra. 
þonne forð cumað  fyrenfulra ðreat, 
heap synnigra  hige onlic; 
ealle þær ætywað,  þa ðe unrihtes 
on weoruldlife  worhtan geornast, 
þæt hi forwordene  weorðen syþþan 
on worulda woruld  and to widan feore. 
þu on ecnesse  awa, drihten, 

               heahesta bist,  heofonrices weard. 
þi nu ðine feond  fæcne, drihten, 
on eorðwege  ealle forweorþað, 
and weorðað towrecene  wide ealle, 
þa þe unrihtes  æror worhtan. 
þonne anhorna  ealra gelicost, 
min horn weorðeð  ahafen swiðe 
and mine yldo beoð  
               æghwær genihtsum. 
And eage þin  eac sceawode, 
hwær fynd mine  fæcne wæran, 
and mine wergend  wraðe gehyrde 
efne þin agen  eare swylce. 
Se soðfæsta  samed anlicast 
beorht on blædum  bloweð swa palma, 
and swa Libanes beorh  lideð and groweð. 
Settað nu georne  on godes huse, 
þæt ge on his wicum  wel geblowan. 
Nu gyt syndan manige  manna swylce, 
þe hiom yldo gebidan  ær to genihte, 
and þa mid geþylde  þenden sægdan, 
Cwædon, þæt wære soðfæst  sylfa drihten 
and hine unrihtes  awyht ne heolde. 

180. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 92Drihten hine gegyrede  gode strengðe, 
and hine þa mid micle  mægene begyrde. 
Drihten rixað,  dema usser, 
and hine mid weorðlice  wlite gegyrede. 
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, 
hofan and hlynsadan  hludan reorde 
fram wæterstefnum  widra manigra. 
Wræclice syndon  wægea gangas, 
þonne sæstreamas  swiðust flowað; 
swa is wundorlic  wealdend usser 
halig drihten  on heanessum. 
þin gewitnes is  weorcum geleafsum, 
and mid soðe is  swiðe getreowed. 

               Huse þinum  halig gedafenað, 
drihten usser,  and dagas lange. 

181. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 93þu 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. 
Hu lange fyrenwyrhtan  foldan wealdað 
oþþe manwyrhtan  morðre gylpað? 
Hi oftust sprecað,  unnyt sæcgeað 
and woh meldiað,  wyrceað unriht. 
Folc hi þin, drihten,  fæcne gehyndan, 
and yrfe þin  eall forcoman. 
ælðeodige men,  earme wydewan, 
steopcilda feala  stundum acwealdon. 
Sægdan and cwædan,  þæt ne gesawe 
drihten æfre,  dyde swa he wolde, 
ne þæt Iacobes god  ongitan cuðe. 
Onfindað þæt and ongeotað 
                þe on folce nu 
unwiseste  ealra syndon; 
dysige hwæthwygu  deope þæt oncnawan. 
Se ðe ærest ealdum  earan worhte, 
hu se oferhleoður  æfre wurde? 
And him eagena gesyhð  eallum sealde 
and he scearpe ne mæge  gesceawian? 
And se þe ege healdeð  eallum þeodum, 
and his þrea ne si  þær for awiht, 
se þe men læreð  micelne wisdom? 
God ealle cann  guman geðancas 
eorðbuendra,  forðon hi idle synt. 
þæt bið eadig mann,  þe þu hine, ece god, 
on þinre soðre æ  sylfa getyhtest 
and hine þeodscipe  ðinne lærest 
and him yfele dagas  ealle gebeorgest, 
oðþæt bið frecne seað  þam fyrenfullan 
deop adolfen  deorc and ðystre. 
Næfre wiðdrifeð  drihten ure 
his agen folc,  ne his yrfe þon ma 
on ealdre wile  æfre forlætan. 
Hwylc þonne gena  gehwyrfed byð, 
þæt he on unriht  eft ne cyrre; 
oððe hwylc nymeð me,  þæt ic man fleo 
and mid rihtheortum  rædes þence? 
Hwylc ariseð mid me,  þæt ic riht fremme 
and wið awyrgedum  winne and stande, 
þe unrihtes  ealle wyrceað? 
Nymðe me drihten,  dema usser, 
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 
gefultumede,  þæt ic feorh ahte. 
æfter þære menigeo  minra sara 
þe me ær on ferhðe  fæste gestodan, 
þa me þine frofre  fægere, drihten, 
gesibbedan  sawle mine. 
Ne ætfyligeð þe ahwær  facen ne unriht; 
ðu gefæstnast  facen sares; 
hi soðfæste  sneome gehæftað 
and heora sawle  ofslean þenceað, 
blod soðfæstra  bitere ageotan. 
Forðon me is geworden  wealdend drihten 
to friðstole  fæst and gestaðelad; 
is me fultum his  fæst on drihtne. 
þonne him gyldeð  god ælmihtig 
ealle þa unriht  ðe hi geearnedan, 
and on heora facne  fæste todrifeð 
drihten eallmihtig,  dema soðfæst. 

182. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 94Cumað nu togædere,  wutun cweman gode, 
wynnum drihten  wealdend herigean, 
urum hælende  hyldo gebeodan. 
Wutun his ansyne  ærest secean, 
þæt we andettan  ure fyrene 
and we sealmas him  singan mid wynne. 
Forðon is se micla god  mihtig drihten 
and se micla cynincg  ofer eall manna godu. 
Forðon ne wiðdrifeð  drihten usser 
his agen folc  æfre æt þearfe; 
he þas heahbeorgas  healdeð swylce. 
Eac he sæs wealdeð  and he sette þone; 
worhte his folme eac  foldan drige. 
Cumað him fore  and cneow bigeað 
on ansyne  ures drihtnes, 
and him wepan fore  ðe us worhte ær. 
Forðon he is drihten god,  dema usser; 
wærun we his fæle folc  and his fægere sceap, 
þa he on his edisce  ær afedde. 
Gif ge to dæge  drihtnes stefne 
holde gehyran,  næfre ge heortan geþanc 
deorce forhyrden  drihtnes willan. 
Swa on grimnesse  fyrn geara dydan 
on þam wraðan dæge  and on westenne, 
þær min ðurh facen  fæderas eowre 
þisse cneorisse  cunnedan georne, 
þær hi cunnedan,  cuð ongeaton 
and min sylfes weorc  gesawon mid eagum. 
Nu ic feowertig  folce þyssum 
wintra rimes  wunade neah, 
aa and symble cwæð  and eac swa oncneow, 
þæt hi on heortan  hyge dysegedan. 
Hi wegas mine  wihte ne oncneowan, 
þæt ic ær on yrre  aðe benemde, 
gif hi on mine reste  ricene eodon. 

183. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 95Singað nu drihtne  sangas neowe; 
singe þeos eorðe eall  eceum drihtne. 
Singað nu drihtne,  and his soðne naman 
bealde bletsiað;  beornas sæcgeað 
fram dæge to dæge  drihtnes hælu. 
Secgeað 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 
ofer ealle godu  eorðbuendra. 
Syndon ealle hæþenu godu  hildedeoful; 
heofonas þænne worhte  halig drihten. 
Ys on þinre gesihðe  soð andetnes, 
fæger halignes  fæste gebletsad 
and weorðlic wlite  wuldres þines. 
Bringað nu drihtne  bu ætsomne 
wlite and are,  wuldor ðridde, 
and þæt of hiora eðele don  ealle þeode, 
þæt hi naman drihtenes  neode herigean. 
Genimað eow arlice lac  and in gangað 
on his wictunas;  weorðiað drihten 
on his þære halgan  healle geneahhige. 
For his ansyne sceal  eorðe beofian; 
secgað nu on cynnum  and on cneorissum, 
þæt from treowe becwom  tirfæst rice 
drihten ure;  dome he syþþan 
eorðan ymbhwyrft  ealle gesette. 
He ferhtlic riht  folcum demeð 
and on his yrre  ealle þeode. 

               Heofenas blissiað,  hrusan swylce 
gefeoð fæstlice,  and floda þrym; 
sealte sæstreamas  sælðe habbað. 
Habbað feldas eac  fægere blisse 
and ealle þa þe on him  eard weardiað; 
wærun wudubearuwas  on wyndagum 
for andwlitan  ecean drihtnes, 
forþon he cwom  on cyneðrymme, 
þæt he þas eorðan  ealle demde. 

               þonne he ymbhwyrft  eorðan folca 
soðe and rihte  syþþan demeð. 

184. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 96

Rixað nu mid rihte rice drihten;

is eorðe nu eac on blisse,

and þæs fægerne gefean habbað

ealanda mænig ut on garsæcge.

185. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 97
                stundum onginnað 
fægnian mid folmum  on gefean ælcne; 
beorgas blissiað,  beacen oncnawað, 
for ansyne  ecean drihtnes; 
forþon he eadig com  eorþan to demanne. 
He ymbhwyrft  eorþan demeð 
soðe and rihte,  and his syndrig folc 
on rihtnesse  ræde gebringeð. 

186. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 98Rixað drihten,  and he reðe folc 
healdeð on yrre  ungemete swiðe; 
sitteð ofer cherubin,  se þe sona mæg 
ana eorðware  ealle onstyrian. 
Drihten is on Sion,  dema se mæsta, 
heah and mære  ofer eall hæleða folc. 
We andetað þinum  þam ecean naman, 
þæt he mid mannum is  mycel and egeslic, 
halig on helpe  hæleþa bearnum, 
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. 
Ahebbað haligne  heofena drihten, 
usserne god  
               ellencræfte, 
and his fota sceamul  forð weorþiað; 
forþon he halig is  hæleða bearnum. 
Moyses et Aaron 
                mære gebroðor, 
soðe sacerdas,  Samuhel ðridda, 
þa gode his naman  neode cigdan. 
Hi cymlice  cigdon drihten, 
and he hi gehyrde  holde mode, 
spræc him wordum to  þurh wolcnes swyr. 
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, 
and heora æfþancan  ealle gewræce. 
Hebbað urne god,  hælend drihten, 
and hine on halgum  her weorðiað 
mærum beorge;  forðon his meahte synt 
and halig is  heofonrices weard. 

187. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 99Nu ge mycle gefean  mihtigum drihtne 
eall þeos eorðe  elne hyre, 
and blisse gode  bealde þeowie. 
Gangað on ansyne  ealle bliðe; 
witað wislice  þæt he is wealdend god; 
he us geworhte  and we his syndon. 
We his folc syndan  and his fæle sceap, 
ða he on his edisce  ealle afedde; 
gað nu on his doru,  god andettað, 
and hine weorðiað  on wictunum 
mid lofsangum  lustum myclum. 
Heriað naman drihtnes,  forþon he is niðum swæs; 
is þin milde mod  ofer manna bearn. 

188. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 100Mildheortnesse and dom  mihtigan drihtnes 
singe and secge,  and soð ongyte 
on unwemmum wege,  hwænne þu me wylle to. 

               Ic mid unbealuwe  ealre heortan 
þurh ðin hus middan  halig eode. 
Ne sette ic me fore eagum  yfele wisan; 
ealle ic feode  facnes wyrcend, 
næs me wyngesið  
               wiðerweard heorte. 
Ic awyrgde fram me  wende and cyrde; 
nolde ic hiora andgit  ænig habban, 
þe tælnessa  teonan geneahhige 
wið heora þam nehstan  nið ahofan; 
þara ic ehte  ealra mid niðe. 
Oferhydegum eagum,  unsædre heortan, 
nolde ic mid þæm men  minne mete ðicgean. 
Ofer geleaffulle 
                eorðbugende 
eagan mine  georne sceawedun, 
hwær ic tirfæste  treowe funde, 
þa me symble mid  sæton and eodon; 
he me holdlice  her ðegnade. 
Ne eardað on midle  mines huses, 
þe oferhygd  up ahebbe 
oþþe unriht cweþan  elne wille. 
Ic on morgenne ofslea  manes wyrhtan 
ealle þe unriht  elne worhtan 
and fyrena fela  gefremed habbað; 
ealle ic þa of drihtnes  drife ceastre. 

189. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 101ðu min gebed,  
               mære drihten, 
gehyr, heofenes weard,  and gehlyde min 
to ðe becume,  þeoda reccend. 
Na þu andwlitan  æfre þinne 
awend fram me,  wuldres ealdor; 
gif ic geswenced sy,  þu swæs to me 
þin eare onhyld  and me ofestlice 
gehyr, heofenes weard,  helpys benan. 
Forðon dagas mine  gedroren syndan 
smece gelice,  and forspyrcende synd 
mine mearhcofan,  þæs þe me þinceð, 
swylce hi on cocerpannan  cocas gehyrstan. 
Ic eom hege gelic,  þam þe hraðe weornað, 
ðonne hit byð amawyn  mannes folmum; 
is min heorte eac  hearde geswenced, 
forðon ic ær forgeat,  þæt ic etan sceolde 
minne swetne hlaf;  forðon me is swære stefn 
hefig gnorniende  heortan getenge, 
ætfeolen eac min ban  
               flæsce minum. 
Ic geworden eom  pellicane gelic, 
se on westene wunað;  wat ic eac swiðe geare, 
þæt ic genemned eam  nihthrefne gelic, 
þe on scræfe eardað,  and ic spearuwan swa some 
gelice gewearð,  anlicum fugele. 
Hwæt, me ealne dæg  
               edwitspræce on 
mine feondas  fæste brohtan, 
and ða me heredan;  hi me hraþe æfter 
full swyþe eft  swerigean ongunnon. 
Forðon ic anlic ætt  æscean hlafe, 
and ic minne drinc  mengde wið 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 hraðe weornað. 
þu on ecnysse wunast  awa, drihten; 
wunað þin gemynd,  þenden woruld standeð. 
Aris nu, mihtig god,  miltsa Sione; 
nu is hire helpe  heahsæl cumen. 
Forþon þæs þancunga  
               þine scealcas 
ambyhtmæcgas  ealle hæfdan, 
forðon þe þu stiðlice  stanum and eorðan 
eallum ætgædere  ær miltsadest. 
Forþon neodlice  on naman ðinum 
ealle eorðbuend  egsan habbað, 
and þin wuldor ongitað  
               wise 
               cyningas. 
Eft timbrade  ece drihten 
and gesette Sion  þurh his sylfes miht, 
ðær wæs gesyne  his seo soðe sped. 
Oft he þearfendra bene  ðance gehyrde, 
and he ne forhogode  heora hold gebed. 
ða wislice  awriten standað 
and on cneoressum  cyðed syndan, 
þæt he folc gesceop;  fægere drihten 
herað holdlice  hrore geþance. 
Forðon he fæstlice  forð locade 
of his þam hean  halgan setle; 
drihten geseah of heofenum  her on eorðan. 
He þa gehyrde  heahgnornunge 
þæra ðe gebundene 
                bitere wæron, 
and ða bealdlice  bearn alysde 
þara ðe ofslegene  sliþe wæran. 
þonne byð on Sione sægd  soð nama drihtnes, 
and his lof swylce,  leoda bearnum, 
on Hierusalem  gleawast and mærust. 
Cumað folc syððan  feorran togædere 
and ricu eac,  þæt hraðe drihtne 
ful holdlice  hyran syþþan. 
He him andwyrdeð  eallum sona 
on wege worulde,  þær his gewis mægen 
fæste standeð:  "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. 
æt fruman þu,  drihten, geworhtest 
eorþan frætwe  and upheofen; 
þæt is heahgeweorc  handa þinra. 
Sweotule þa forweorðað  and ðu sylf wunast; 
eall forwisnað  wædum anlice, 
and ðu hi onwendest,  swa man wrigels deð, 
and hi beoð to worulde  wended syþþan. 
þu þonne byst se ilca,  se þu ær wære; 
ne beoð winter þin  wiht ðe sæmran. 
Bearn þinra scealca  her bu namon, 
and þær eardedan  ealle þrage, 
and heora sylfra cynn  syððan to feore 
on worulda woruld  well gerehtest. 

190. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 102Bletsa, mine sawle,  bliðe drihten, 
and eall min inneran  his þæne ecean naman. 
Bletsige, mine sawle,  bealde dryhten, 
ne wylt þu ofergeottul  æfre weorðan 
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. 
He þe gesigefæste  soðre miltse 
and ðe mildheorte  mode getrymede; 
eart þu edneowe  earne gelicast 
on geogoðe nu  gleawe geworden. 
Hafast þu milde mod,  mihta strange, 
drihten, domas  
               eallum þe deope her 
and ful treaflice  teonan þolian. 
He his wegas dyde  wise and cuðe 
Moyse þam mæran  on mænige tid, 
swylce his willan eac  werum Israhela. 
Mildheort þu eart and mihtig,  mode geþyldig, 
ece drihten,  swa þu a wære; 
is þin milde mod  mannum cyðed. 
Nelle þu oð ende  yrre habban, 
ne on ecnesse  ðe awa belgan. 
Na þu be gewyrhtum,  wealdend, urum 
wommum wyrhtum  woldest us don, 
ne æfter urum unryhte  ahwær gyldan. 
Forðon þu æfter heahweorce  heofenes þines 
mildheortnysse,  mihtig drihten, 
lustum cyðdest,  þam þe lufedan þe. 

               Swa þas foldan  fæðme bewindeð 
þes eastrodor  and æfter west, 
he betweonan þam  teonan and unriht 
us fram afyrde  
               æghwær symble. 
Swa fæder ðenceð  fægere his bearnum 
milde weorðan,  swa us mihtig god, 
þam þe hine lufiað,  liðe weorðeð, 
forðan he ealle can  ure þearfe. 
Gemune, mihtig god,  þæt we synt moldan and dust; 
beoð mannes dagas  mawenum hege 
æghwær anlice,  eorðan blostman, 
swa his lifdagas  læne syndan. 
þonne he gast ofgifeð,  syþþan hine gærsbedd sceal 
wunian widefyrh,  ne him man syððan wat 
ahwær elles  ænige stowe. 
þin mildheortnes,  mihtig drihten, 
þurh ealra worulda woruld  wislic standeð, 
deorust and gedefust  ofer ealle þa þe ondrædað him. 
Swa his soðfæstnyss  swylce standeð 
ofer þara bearna bearn  þe his bebodu healdað, 
and þæs gemynde  mycle habbað, 
þæt heo his wisfæst word  wynnum efnan. 
On heofenhame  halig drihten 
his heahsetl  hror timbrade, 
þanon he eorðricum  eallum wealdeð. 
Ealle his englas  ecne drihten 
bletsian bealde,  heora bliðne frean, 
mægyn and mihta,  þa his mære word 
habbað and healdað  and hyge fremmað. 
Bletsian drihten  eall his bearna mægen 
and his ðegna ðreat,  þe þæt þence nu, 
þæt hi his willan  wyrcean georne. 
Eall his agen geweorc  ecne drihten 
on his agenum stede  eac bletsige, 
þær him his egsa,  anweald, standeð; 
bletsige min sawl  bliðe drihten. 

191. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 103Bletsa, mine sawle,  bliþe drihten; 
þu eart, min drihten god,  dædum swyþe, 
meahtum mære  ofer manna bearn. 
þu þe weorðlice  
               wliteandette 
            
gode gegyredest;  eart nu gleawlice 
swa limwædum  leohte gegyrwed. 
Heofen þu aðenedest  hyde gelice, 
þone weardiað ufan  wætra ðryðe. 
He wolcen eac  worhte and sette, 
þæt he mihte eaðe  upp astigan, 
se fotum tredeð  fiðru winda. 
He his englas deð  æðele gastas 
and his frome ðegnas  fyr byrnende. 
He gefæstnude  foldan staðelas, 
eorðan eardas;  ne seo æfre nu 
on worulda world  weorðeð ahylded. 
He nywolnessa  neoðan swa swa ryfte 

               him to gewæde  woruhte swylce; 
standað ofer mannum  muntas on wæterum. 
þa him þrea þine  þearle ondrædað, 
fleoð forhtlice  þunres brogan 
þinre stefne  strangne egsan. 
Beorgas and feldas  
               ba astigað 
on þæne stede  þe þu gestaðeludest him, 
and on ðære stowe  standað fæste; 
ne magon hi ofer gemære  mare gegangan, 
þæt hi ðysse eorþan  awyht habban. 
Oft of denum yrnað  deope wyllan, 
and of midle  munta swylce 
wæter awealleð,  wide floweð. 
Of þam eorðan deor  ealle drincað, 
bidað assan  eac on þurste; 

               ofer þan heofonfugelas  healdað eardas, 
sendað of þam stanum  stefne mycle. 
Beorgas onfoð  blædum and wæstmum, 
ufan eorðwæstme  ealle growað, 
swylce of wæstmum  weorca þinra 
eall eorðan cið  ufan byð gefylled. 
Swylce þu of foldan  fodder neatum 
lætest alædan,  on þæm hi lif healdað; 
wyrta þu geworhtest  to wraðe manna. 
Eac þu him of eorþan  ut alæddest 
hlaf to helpe;  heortan manna 
must and windrinc  myclum blissað. 
Ele andwlitan  eac gescyrpeð 
and hlaf trymeð  heortan mannes. 
Swylce þu gefyllest  fægrum blædum 
telgum treowwæstme;  tydrað ealle, 
þa on Libanes  
               lædað on beorge 
cwice cederbeamas,  þa ðu cuðlice 
sylfa gesettest;  on þam swylce nu 
mid heora spedum  spearwan nystlað. 
Uphebbean hus  hiora agen is 
latteow on lande;  oft laðne beorh 
on hean muntum  heortas wuniað; 
erinaces fleoð  oft on stanas. 
Monan he geworhte  on þa mæran tid; 
sunne hire setlgang  sweotule healdeð. 
þystru ðu gesettest  on þearle niht, 
on þære ealle wildeor  wide toeornað. 
And leon hwelpas  lange swylce 
grymetigað gnorne;  georne secað, 
þæt him grædigum æt  god gedeme. 
Syþþan up cumeð  æðele sunne, 
hi of siðum eft  gesamniað 
and hi on holum  hydað hi georne. 
Mægenweorc on morgen  man onginneð 
and þæt geendað  on æfynne. 
Mycel wærun þine weorc,  mihtig drihten, 
ealle þa þu mid snyteru  sylfa worhtest; 
is þeos eorðe eac  eall gefylled 
þinra gesceafta,  scyppend mære. 
His is mycel sæ  and on gemærum wid, 
þær is unrim on  ealra cwycra 
mycelra and mætra;  ofer ðæne mægene oft 
scipu scriðende  scrinde fleotað. 
Dracan þu þysne  dædum ðinum 
geheowadest,  hete syððan 

               his bysmere  brade healdan; 
ealle to ðe,  ece drihten, 
ætes on eorðan  eac wilniað. 

               And him gesomnadum  swylce wylle 
þine þa halgan  hand ontynan, 
ealle hi gefyllan  fægere gode. 
Gif þu þine ansyne fram him  æfre awendest, 
þonne hi gedrefde  deope weorðað, 
and him gast weorðeð  georne afyrred; 
swylce teonlice  geteoriað, 
on heora agen dust  æfter hweorfað. 
Onsend þines sylfes gast,  sona weorþað 
geedniwad,  and þu eac scyppest 
eorðan ansyne  ealle swylce. 
Wuldor si wide  weruda drihtne 
and on worulda woruld  wunie syððan, 
blissie on his weorcum  bealde drihten. 
He on ðas eorðan  ealle locað, 
deð hi for his egsan  ealle beofian; 
gif he mid his mihte  muntas hrineð, 
hi ful ricene  reocað sona. 
Ic on minum life  lustum drihtne 
singe soðlice  and secge eac, 
þenden ic wunige  on worulddreamum. 
Wese him herenes min  æt heortan weðe, 
ic minne drihten  deorne lufige. 
And þa fyrenfullan  frecne forweorðaþ, 
þa on ðysse eorðan synt,  ealle sniome, 
þæt hio ne wunian  on worldlife. 
Bletsa, mine sawle,  bliðe drihten. 

192. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 104Andetað drihtne  and his ecne naman 
cegað cymlice,  and cwyce secgeað 
his wundorweorc  ofer ealle werðeode. 
Singað him swylce  and salletað, 
secgað his wundor eall  wide mæru. 
Hergeað his naman  niode swylce; 
heorte hygeclæne  hlutre blissað 
            
þam þe soðlice  secað dryhten. 
Secað ge drihten,  and ge syððan beoð 
teonan gehwylce  ful trume æghwær; 
secað his ansyne  symble georne. 
Gemunað ge on mode,  hu he mænig wundor 
worhte wræclice,  wundur unlytel, 
and his muþes eac  mære domas. 
Hwæt, he Abrahames cynn,  þe his esne wæs, 
geweorðude  ofer werþeoda, 
and Iacobes bearn,  þone he geara geceas. 
He is ure drihten  dædum spedig; 
earun his domas  deore and mære 
geond þisse eorðan  æghwylcne dæl. 
He þæs on worulde  wearð gemyndig, 
þæt he worde gecwæð  on gewitnesse, 
þæt heo on þusende  þæt sceoldan healdan, 
þære cneorisse  cwyc se þe lifde. 
þæt he mid aðsware  to Abrahame 
and to Isaace  eac gesohte, 
and gleawlice  Iacobe bead, 
þæt awa to feore  Israheles cyn 
his gewitnesse  wel geheolde. 
And him þa mid soðe  sægde cweðende: 
"Ic eowrum cynne  Khananea land 
on agene æht  yrfe gesylle." 

               Næs þæt mære cynn  mycel on rime, 
ac on þam folce  feawe wæran ænige, 
oððæt bigengum  beornas onwocan; 
cynn æfter cynne  cende wæran, 
oðþæt hio oðer folc  egsan geðiwdan. 
Ne let he him manna  mihte sceððan 
and he þearle for him  þrea geaf kyningum. 
Ne sceolon ge mine þa halgan  hrinan ne gretan 
ne on mine witigan  wergðe settan. 
Cwom þa ofer eorðan  ermðu and hungor, 
wurdon wide menn  wædlan hlafes. 
He him snoterne beforan  sende æryst 
ful wisne  wer to scealce, 
and þa bebohtan  bearn Iacobes 
Ioseph on geoguðe;  þær hine grame æryst 
hæfdon to hæfte,  oþþæt hine halig god 
þurh his worda  wisdom ahof. 
Sende him soð 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, 
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, 
and se goda  Iacob syþþan 
eft eardude  eorðan Khanaan. 
He þæt eadige folc  ehte swyðe, 
and hio ofer heora feond  fæste getrymede. 
Hiora heortan he ongan  hwyrfan æryst, 
þæt heo his folc  feodan swyðe 
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. 
He sette on hi sylfe  soðne wisdom 
worda and weorca  wundortacna 
and forebeacna,  þæt hio fromlice 
cyðdan cneomagum  cystum godum, 
oðþæt heo geforan  folc Khananea. 
He hi mid þystrum ongan  þrean æt frymþe, 
forðon hio word heora  wel ne oncneowan. 
And heora wæter swylce  wende to blode, 
on ðam heora fisceas  frecne forwurdan. 
Sende on heora eorþan  ealle swylce 
toscean teonlice,  þa teolum husum 
on cyninga cofum  cwyce eardedan. 
He sylfa cwæð;  sona cwoman 
mysci manige,  mid wæran gnættas, 
fleohcynnes feala  flugan on gemæru. 
Sette him regnas  reþe swylce, 
hate of heofenum  hagol byrnende, 
se lige forgeaf  land Egypta. 
Syððan forwurdan  heora wingeardas 
and ficbeamas;  furþor ne mihton 
blæda bringan  ne bearwa treow. 
He þa syþþan cwæð;  sona cwoman 
gangan gærshoppan  and grame ceaferas; 
ne mihte þa on moldan  man geriman, 
þe þær on foldan  fræton wæstmas. 
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 
leofe lædde;  næs þæra leoda ða 
ænig untrum  yldra ne gingra. 
Wurdon him Egyptas  æfter bliðe, 
syððan hi on fore  folc sceawedan, 
forðon him þær egesa  angryslic stod. 
He hi wolcne bewreah,  wraðum ahredde, 
het him neode  nihta gehwylce 
fyrenne beam  beforan wisian. 
Flæsces hi bædon,  fuglas coman, 
of garsecge  ganetas fleogan, 
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, 
halig heofenes weard,  þe he hleoðrade 
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 
on agene æht  oðre þeode 
and hi folca gewinn  fremdra gesæton. 
þær hi heoldan 
                halige domas 
and his soðfæst word  swylce georne, 
and his æbebod  awa to feore. 

193. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 105Ic andette  ecum drihtne, 
georne ðam gleawan,  forðan ic hine godne wat; 
forþon he his mildheortnysse  mannum cyðde, 
on ðysse worulde  wis gestandeð. 
Hwylc mæg æfre  mihta drihtnes 
asprecan and aspyrian,  oððe spedlice 
eall his lofmægen  leode gehyran 
and his gehyrnesse  her oncnawan? 
Eadige beoð æghwær,  þa ðe a wyllað 
soðe domas  sylfe efnan, 
on ealle tid  æghwæs healdan 
heora soðfæstnysse  symble mid dædum. 

               Gemune us, drihten,  on modsefan 
forð hycgende  folces þines, 
and us mid hælo  her geneosa. 
And us tidlice  teala sceawige, 
ceose mid gecorenum,  þenden we cwice lifgen, 
þæt we mid þinre ðeode  þær blissian 
and þæt yrfe þin  æghwær herige. 
We gefyrnedan  mid urum fæderum ær, 
and we unsoðfæste  ealle wæron 
and unrihtes  æghwær worhtan. 
Fæderas ure  fæste ne oncneowan 
ealle þa wundor  þe ðu on Egyptum 
worhtest wræclice,  wundor unlytel; 
næron hi gemyndige  miltsa þinra, 
þa ðu him on ðære mægðe  manige cyðdest. 
Hi bysmredan,  þa hi on brad wæter 
on þone readan sæ  randas bæron, 
þær ðu hi alysdest,  lifes ealdor, 
and hi generedest  on naman þinum, 
þa ðu þine miht  mycle cyðdest. 
þær ðu readne sæ  ricene geðywdest, 
and þær wæron  þa wareðas drige, 
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, 
and heora feondas  flod adrencte, 
þæt þæra æfre ne com  an spellboda. 
Syððan hi his wordon  wel gelyfdan 
and him lofsangum  lustum cwemdan, 
and þæs eft hraðe  ealle forgeaton, 
weorca wræclicra;  na hi wel syþþan 
his geæhtunge  ahwær heoldan. 
Hi on westenne  wraðe ongunnan 
gitsunge began  and gramlice 
heora godes þær  geare costedan. 
He him been sniome  brohte and sealde, 
sende on heora muþas  mete to genihte. 
Ongunnon hi on þam wicum  wraðe swylce 
mærne Moyses  ma bysmrian 
and Aaron mid  eac þone halgan. 
þa eorðe togaan  and eall forswealh 
on deope forwyrd  Dathanes weorod 
and Abirones  eall ætgædere. 
þær fyr abarn  frecne swylce 
on heora gemetinge,  and þær maansceaðan 
þa synfullan  sniome forbærnde. 
Hi on Choreb swylce  cealf ongunnan 
him to godgylde  georne wyrcean, 
onwendan heora wuldor  on þæne wyrsan had 
hæðenstyrces  hig etendes. 
Godes hi forgeaton,  þe hi of gramra ær 
feonda folmum  frecne generede, 
þe on Egyptum  æðele wundur 
            
and on Chananea  cymu worhte 
and recene wundur  on þam readan sæ. 
þa hi wolde toweorpan  wuldres aldor, 
þær heora Moyses  mægene ne hulpe; 
he þæt folc forstod  feonda mægene; 
forðon he him his yrre  of acyrde, 
þæt he hi ne towurpe  geond werþeoda. 

               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. 
He his handa ahof  and hi hraðe 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. 
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; 
he þæs hæl gehleat  and helpe fand 
of cynna gehwam  and on cneorisse. 
Eac hi gefremedan  oðer bysmer, 
þær hi wiðercwyde  wæteres hæfdon; 
þær Moyses wearð  mægene gebysgad 
for heora yfelum,  swa he oftor wæs, 
on his gaste gram;  ne mihte him godes willan 
mid his welerum  wisne getæcean. 
Noldan hi toworpan  wraðe þeode, 
swa him drihten ær  dema sægde, 
ac hi wið manfullum  
               mengdan þeode 
and leornedan  lað weorc gode 
and sceuccgyldum  swyþe guldan; 
him þæt eall gewearð  to æswyce. 
Ongunnan heora bearn  blotan feondum, 
sceuccum onsæcgean  suna and dohter; 
agutan blod swylce  bearna feala, 
þa unscyldige  ealle wærun, 
syðþan hi gecuran  Chananea god. 
þanon eorþe wearð  eall mid blode 
mane gemenged,  
               misdædum fah. 
Eall hi forheoldan  heahweorc godes; 
forðan him yrre wearð  ece drihten 
and he his yrfe  eall forhogode. 
He hi on handgeweald  hæðenum sealde 
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. 
Hi hine on geþeahte  oft abylgdan; 
wæron on unrihtum  oft gehynde. 
Swa he furðum oncneow,  þæt heora fynd ehtan, 
he heora bene  bealde gehyrde. 
þonne he his wordgebeot  well gemunde; 
hreaw hine sona,  þonne hi hynþa drugan, 
æfter his miltsa  menigu godes. 
Syððan he him sealde  sona miltse, 
þær hi on gesawon  ealle ætgædere, 
þe ehtend him  ær gestodan. 
Do us hale nu,  halig drihten, 
and us, se goda god,  georne gesamna 
of widwegum,  þær we wean dreogað, 
þæt we þinne naman  nede motan 
þone halgestan  her andettan 
and we on lofe þinum  lungre weorðan 
ofer werðeode  wuldre geherede. 
Wese Israhela god  aa gebletsad 
on worulda woruld,  wealdend drihten, 
and þæt fægere becweðe  folca æghwylc; 
wese swa, wese swa  þurh eall wide ferhð. 

194. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 106Ic andette  ecne drihten, 
þæne goodan god,  forðan ic hine gleawne wat; 
is his mildheortnes  
               mycel to worulde. 
Secge þæt nu ða,  þæt hi sylfa god 
alysde, lifes weard,  laðum of handa, 
and hi of sidfolcum  gesamnade. 
Fram uppgange  æryst sunnan 
oþþæt heo gewiteð  on westrodur 
            
and fram sæ norðan  swycedan geond westen; 
ne meahton ceastre weg  cuðne mittan, 
þe hi eardunge  on genaman. 
Hæfde hi hungor and þurst  heard gewyrded, 
þæt him frecne on  feorh aðolude. 
And hi þa on þære costunge  cleopedan to dryhtne, 
and he hi of þam earfeðum  eallum alysde. 
Hi þa gelædde  lifes ealdor, 
þær hi on rihtne weg  ricene eodan, 
oðþæt hi cuðlice  on becwoman 
to hiora cestre  eardungstowe. 
Forðon hi mildheortnesse  mihtigan drihtnes 
ealle andettað,  and eac sæcgeað 
mycel wundur hys  manna bearnum. 
Forðon he gesedeð  sawle idle, 
and þa hungrian  her mid godum 
fæste gefylleð  to feore syþþan, 
þa þe her on ðystrum  þrage sæton 
and on deaðes scuan  deorcum lifdan, 

               gebundene
                bealuwe feterum 
on wædle wrace  and on iserne. 
Forðon hi dydan  drihtnes spræce 
æghwæs ægype,  and his geðeaht swylce 
þæs heahstan him  hæfdan on bysmer. 
Hiora heorte wæs  hean on gewinnum 
and untrume  ealle wæran, 
næfdan þa on foldan  fultum ænne. 
Hi on costunge  cleopedan to drihtne, 
and he hi of þam earfoðum  eallum alysde. 
And he hi of þam þystrum  þanon alædde 
and of deaðes scuan  deorcum generede 
and heora bendas towearp  bitre sneome. 
Forðan hi mildheort mod  mihtigan drihtnes 
ealle andettan,  and eac cweþan 
mycel wundur his 
                ofer manna bearn. 
Forðon he æren dor  eaðe gescæneð 
and iserne steng  ana gebigeð. 
He hi of unrihtum  ealle swylce 
þam wraðan wege  wis alædeð, 
þær hi wæron on woo  ær wraðe besmitene. 
Hi onhysctan  æghwylcne mete, 
mode mægen heora,  oð unmihte, 
þæt hy wið deaða duru  drencyde wæran. 
þa hi on costunge  cleopedan to drihtne, 
and he hi of þam earfoþum  eallum alysde. 
He him wisfæstlic  word onsende, 
þurh þæt hi hrædlice  hælde wæron 
and of heora forwyrde  wurdan generede. 
Forðon hi nu andettan  ecum drihtne, 
þæt he milde wearð  manna cynne; 
mycel ys his wundur  ofer manna bearn. 
Hi him sculon laces lof  lustum bringan, 
and his weorc wynsum  wide sæcgean. 
þa þe sæ seceað,  mid scipe liðað, 
wyrceað weorc mænig  on wæterðryþum. 
Hi drihtnes weorc  digul gesawon 
and his wundra wearn  on wætergrundum. 
Gif he sylfa cwyð,  sona ætstandað 
            
ystige gastas  ofer egewylmum, 
beoð heora yþa  up astigene. 
þa to heofenum up  heah astigað, 
nyþer gefeallað  under neowulne grund; 
oft þa on yfele  eft aþindað. 
Gedrefede þa  deope syndan, 
hearde onhrerede  her anlicast, 
hu druncen hwylc  gedwæs spyrige; 
ealle heora snytru beoð  yfele forglendred. 
Hi on costunge  cleopedan to drihtne, 
and he hi of earfeðum  eallum alysde. 
He yste mæg  eaðe oncyrran, 
þæt him windes hweoðu  weorðeð smylte, 
and þa yðe  eft swygiað, 
bliþe weorðað,  þa þe brimu weþað. 
And he hi on hælo  hyþe gelædde, 
swa he hira willan  wyste fyrmest, 
and he hig of earfoðum  eallum alysde. 
Hi andettan  ealle drihtne, 
hu he milde wearð  manna cynne; 
mære synd his wundur  ofer manna bearn. 
Forðon hine on cyrcean  cristenes folces 
hean ahebbað,  and him hælu and lof 
on sotelum soðfæstra  secgean to worulde. 
He on westenne  wynne streamas 
soðfæst sette,  þær he sarig folc 
geðewde þurste  þa blissade. 
He ða weaxendan  wende eorðan 
on sealtne mersc  for synndædum 
þara eardendra,  þe hire on lifdan. 
Westen he geworhte  on widne mere, 
and swylce eorðan  eac butan wætre 
on utgange  æþelast burnan. 
þær he hungrium  ham staðelude, 
and þær gesetton  swylce ceastre, 
þær hi eard namon  awa syþþan. 
Hi wingeardas  wyrcean ongunnon, 
sæde seowan,  syþþan growan 
lungre land heora  aloden wæstmum. 
þa he bletsade,  and hi brade þa 
weoxan weorðlice,  wide greowan; 
næs heora neata  nan geyfelad. 
Oft hi fea wurdan  feondum geswencte 
fram þære costunge  þe him becwom æfter, 
sares and yfeles,  þe hi syþþan begeat. 
Syððan hi forhogedan  halige lare; 
hiora ealdormen  ealle wæron 
sare beswicene,  swicedan oftust 
and on wegas werige  wendan hwilum of. 
þær he þearfendra  þa miltsude, 
and hi of wædle  wean alysde, 
sette heora staðol  sceapum anlice. 
Syþþan þæt soðfæste geseoð,  sniome æfter 
bliðe weorðað,  beot geþenceað, 
þæt unrihta gehwylc  eft oncyrreð 
            
and his sylfes muð  symble hemneð. 
Hwylc is wisra nu  wel snotera, 
þe þas mid gehygde  healdan cunne, 
and milde mod  mihtigan drihtnes 
full gleawlice  ongite syþþan? 

195. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 107Ys min heorte gearu,  halig drihten, 
gearu is min heorte,  þæt ic gode cweme, 
sealmas singe  soþum drihtne. 
Aris nu, wuldur min,  þæt ic wynlice 
on psalterio  þe singan mote, 
and ic ðe on hleoðre  hearpan swylce 
on ærmergen  eac gecweme. 
Ic þe andette,  ece drihten, 
on folca gehwam  fægrum wordum, 
and ic þe on ðeodum  on þanc mote 
sealmas singan  swyþe geneahhe. 
Is þin mildheort mod  mycel oð heofenas 
ahafen healice  ofer hæleða bearn; 
ys þin soðfæstnes  seted oþ wolcen. 
Ahafen þu eart ofer heofenas,  halig drihten; 
is wuldur ðin  wide swylce 
ofer þas eorðan  ealle mære, 
and þine þa gecorenan wesan  clæne and alysde. 
Do me þin swyðre hand  swylce halne 
and me gehyre,  hælynd drihten, 
þe on halgum spreceð  her on eorðan: 
"And ic blissige,  bu gedæle, 
þa selegesceotu,  þa on Sycimam nu 
and on Metibor  mære standað. 
Min is Galaad,  gearwe Mannases, 
is Effrem his  agen broður 
efne heah strengðu  heafdes mines. 
Ic me to cyninge  cenne Iudas, 
syndan me Moabitingas  magas swylce; 
ic Idumea  ealle cenne 
and min gescy þyder  sendan þence; 
syndan me fremde cynn  fæste underþeoded." 
Hwylc gelædeð me  on lifes byrig 
fæste getrymede,  þæt ic forð þanon 
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 earfoðum  æþelne fultum; 
forþon hælu byð  her on eorðan 
manna gehwylces  mægene idel. 

               Us sceal mægenes gemet  mihtig drihten 
soðfæst syllan,  and he sona mæg 
ure feond gedon  fracuþe to nawihte. 

196. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 108Nelle ic lofes þines,  lifigende god, 
geswigian,  þeah þe me synfulra 
inwitfulra muðas  on ganian. 
Hio þa innwit feala  ywdan on tungan, 
and me wraðra wearn  worda spræcon, 
fæcne firenlicu,  and afuhtan me 
ealle earwunga  ungemete swyðe. 
Hi me wið lufan  laþum dædum 
torne telnysse  
               teodan mænige; 
ic him a gebæd  ungemete georne. 
Hi me yfel settan  a wið goode 
and feounge  for minre lufan. 
Gesete him synnfulle  symble to ealdrum, 
stande him on þa swyþeran hand  swylce deoful. 
Gange of dome gehwam  deope gehyned, 
and him his gebed  hweorfe to fyrenum. 
Gewurðe him weste  eall his onwunung 
and on hys eardungstowe  næfre gewurþe 
þæt þær on gewunige  awiht lifigendes. 
Wesan him dagas deorce  and dimme and feawe, 
and his bisceophad  brucan feondas. 
Weorðan his agene bearn  ealle steopcild 
and his wif wyrðe  wydewe hreowlic. 
Syn his bearn swylce  toboren wide, 
and he ut weorpe  earme þearfan, 
þonne hi to his huse  hleowes wilnian. 
Ealle his æhta  unholde fynd 
rice reðemann  rycene gedæle, 
and his feoh onfon  fremde handa. 
Ne him ahwær wese  ænig fultum, 
ne his steopcildum  stande to helpe. 
Gangan ealle his bearn  on ece forwyrd, 
and on anum cneowe  eall gewyrðe 
his nama nyhsta  nede adilgad. 
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. 
Wesan hi wið drihtne  dædum swylce, 
and hine adilgie  dome ealne 
of ðysse eorðan  awa to feore. 
Næs him milde gemynd  on modsefan, 
and he þearfendra  ðriste ehte; 
symble þæt on heortan  hogode geornust, 
hu he mid searuwe  swylce acwealde. 
He wolde wergðu  wyrcean georne, 
and hine seo ylce on  eft gesette; 
nolde he bletsunge  biddan ne tilian, 
forðon hio him wæs afyrred  of ferhðcofan. 
He hine gegyrede  mid grame wyrgðu, 
swa he hine wædum  wræstum geteode, 
and sio his innað  
               ywde swylce 
wan wætere gelic  and wynele, 
se þe banes byrst  beteð and hæleð. 
Wese he hrægle gelic  þe her hraðe ealdað, 
and gyrdelse,  
               ðe hine man gelome gyrt. 
þis is weorc þara  þe oft wraðe me 
trage tældan;  tyne hine dryhten 
þam þe sar sprece  sawle minre. 
And þu, min drihten god,  do me þine nu 
mycle mildheortnesse  for þinum þam mæran naman, 
swa ðu oft þin milde mod  manegum cyðdest. 
Alys me, lifes weard,  forþan ic eom lama þearfa; 
is me heorte on  hearde gedrefed. 
Ic eom scuan gelic  swyþe ahylded, 
oðlæded godum  swa se gærshoppa. 
Me synt cneowu swylce  cwicu unhale 
for fæstenum;  is min flæsc swylce 
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, 
for þinre þære myclan  mildheortnysse. 
þæt hi soð witan,  þæt si þin sylfes hand 
and þu þas gedydest,  drihten usser. 
Weorðan þa awyrgde,  wes þu gebletsad; 
and þa þe me mid unryhte  ænige styrian, 
and hi þær sceande  sylfe agon; 
wese þin esne on þe  ungemete bliðe. 
Syn ða butan are  ealle gegyrede 
þe me tælnysse  teonan ætfæstan, 
and him si abrogden  swa of brechrægle 
hiora sylfra sceamu  swyþust ealra. 
Ic on minum muðe  mihta drihtnes 
ealle andette,  and eac swylce 
hine on midle  manna herige. 
He sylfa gestod  on ða swyðran hand, 
þær he þearfendra  þinga teolode; 
he mine sawle  swylce gehealde 
wið ehtendra  egsan griman. 

197. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 109
                hefige gefylleð; 
heafod he gebreceð  hæleða mæniges 
and swa geweorðeð  wide geond eorðan. 
þa þe on wege weorðað,  wætres æt hlimman 
deopes ondrincað;  beoð þy dædfromran, 
and forðon hiora heafod  hebbað syþþan. 

198. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 110Ic andytte þe,  ece drihten, 
mid hyge ealle  heortan minre 
for gesamnuncge  þæra soðfæstra 
and on gemetingum  mycel drihtnes weorc. 
Swylce ic his willan  wylle georne 
swyþe secean,  samed andettan, 
hu his mægenþrymnes 
                mycellic standeð 
and his soðfæstnyss wunað  symble ece. 
He gemynd dyde  mærra wundra; 
mildheort he is and modig;  mihtig drihten 
syleð eallum mete  þam þe his ege habbað. 
And he on worulde  wearð gemyndig 
his gewitnesse,  þe he wel swylce 
myhtum miclum 
                and mærweorcum 
fægrum gefylde  and to his folce cwæð, 
þæt he him wolde yrfe  ellþeodigra 
on agene æht  eall gesyllan. 
Ys his handgeweorc  hyge soðfæstra, 
ryhte domas,  þa he ræran wyle; 
wærun his bebodu  ealle treowfæste, 
on ealra weorulda weoruld  wurdan soðfæste 
and on rihtnysse  ræda getrymede. 
He alysinge  leofum folce 
soðe onsende  and him swylce bebead, 
þæt hi on ecnysse  a syððan 
his gewitnesse  well geheoldan 
and his þone halgan naman  hæfdan mid egsan. 
þæt byð secga gehwam  snytru on frymðe, 
þæt he godes egesan  gleawe healde, 
and þæt byð andgit good  eallum swylce 
þe hine wyllað well  wyrcean and healdan. 
Herenes drihtnes  her sceal wunian, 
on worulda woruld  wynnum standan. 

199. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 111Eadig byð se wer  se þe him ege drihtnes 
on ferhðcleofan  fæste gestandeð, 
and his bebod healdeð  bealde mid willan. 
He on eorðan byð  eadig and spedig, 
and his cneorisse byð  cyn gebletsad. 

               Him wuldur and wela  wunað æt huse, 
byð his soþfæstnys  swylce mære, 
þenden þysse worulde  wunaþ ænig dæl. 
Leoht wæs on leodum  leofum acyðed, 
þam þe on ðystrum  þrage lifdan 
and hiora heortan  heoldan mid rihte; 
milde is on mode  mihtig dryhten, 
and he ys soðfæst  symble æt þearfe. 
Glæd man gleawhydig,  god and mildheort, 
seteð soðne dom  þurh his sylfes word, 
se on ecnysse  eadig standeð. 
Byð on eceum gemynde  æghwylc þæra 
þe his soðe and riht  symble healdeð, 
ne him on hlyste  mycelum ondrædeð 
awiht on ealdre  yfeles syððan. 
Byð his heorte gearo  hyhte to drihtne 
getrymed and getyhted,  þæt him teonan ne mæg 
fæcne ætfæstan  feonda ænig, 
ac he ealle forsyhð  æghwær georne. 
Se þe his æhta  ealle tostredeð 
and þearfendum  þa gedæleð, 
his soðfæstnyss wunað  symble oð ende; 
byð his horn wended  her on wuldur. 
Swa þæt synfull gesyhð,  sona yrsað, 
toþum torn þolað,  teonum grimetað, 
þearle þindeð,  oþþæt þonne byð, 
þæt fyrenfulra lust  fæcne forweorðeð. 

200. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 112Herigean nu cnihtas  hælynd drihten, 
and naman dryhtnes  neode herigan. 
Wese nama dryhtnes  neode gebletsad 
of ðyssan forð  awa to worulde. 
Fram upgange  æryst sunnan 
oðþæt heo wende  on westrodur 
ge sculon dryhtnes naman  dædum herigean. 
He is ofer ealle  ingeþeode 
se heahsta  hæleða cynnes, 
is ofer heofenas eac  ahafen his wuldur. 
Hwylc ys anlic  urum dryhtne, 
þam halgan gode,  þe on heofonrice 
eadig eardað,  ofer ealle gesyhð, 
þa eadmedu  æghwær begangæð 
on eorðwege,  up on heofenum? 
He of eorðan mæg  þone unagan 
weccan to willan,  and of woruftorde 
þone þearfendan  þriste areccan, 
And hine on ealdordom  upp asettan 
his folces fruman  on fæger lif. 
Se þe eard seteð  unwæstmbærre 
on modor hus  manigra bearna; 
hio ofer hire suna  symblað and blissað. 

201. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 113þa ut eode  Israheles cynn 
and of ægyptum  ealle foran 
Iacobes hus  of gramum folce, 
þa elreordige  ealle wæron. 
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, 
for him Iordanen  gengde on hinder. 
Hæfdan þær beorgas  bliðe sæle 
and rammum þa  restan gelice; 
wæron geswyru  swyðe on blisse, 
swa on sceapum beoð  sceone lambru. 
Hwæt wæs þe, sæ swiþa?  Forhwan fluge þu swa? 
Oððe þu, Iordanen,  for hwi gengdest on bæcling? 
Beorgas wæron bliðe,  gebærdon swa rammas; 
wurdan gesweoru 
                on seledreame, 
swa on sceapum beoð  sceone lambru. 
For ansyne  ecan dryhtnes 
þeos eorþe sceal  eall abifigan 
and for Iacobes gode  geara forhtigean. 
He wendeð stan  on widne mere, 
and clifu cyrreð  on cwicu swylce 
wæteres wellan  mid his gewealdendre hand. 
Nalæs us, nalæs us,  nergend dryhten, 
ac we naman þinum  neode secgeað 
wuldur wide  geond woruldricu, 
For ðinre þære myclan  mildheortnysse 
and for þinre soðfæstnysse  samed ætgædere, 
þy læs þæt æfre cweðan  oðre þeode: 
"Hwær is heora agen god  ahwær nu ða?" 
Ys ure se halga god  on heofondreame 
uppe mid englum,  and he eall gedeð, 
swa his willa byð,  on woruldrice. 
þa wæron deofulgild  deorce hæþenra 
golde and seolfre,  þa her geara menn 
worhtan wigsmiðas  wræste mid folmum. 
þa muð habbað,  and ne magon hwæþere 
wiht hleoðrian  ne word sprecan; 
beoð onforan eagan,  ne magon feor geseon. 
Earan habbað swylce  and opene nose, 
ne magon eþian,  awyht gehyran. 
Handa hi habbað,  ne hio hwæðere magon 
gegrapian  godes awiht, 
and fet habbað,  ne magon feala gangan. 
Ne cleopigað hi care,  þeah þe hi ceolan habban, 
ne him hluttur gast  on hracan eardað. 
Ac heo wæron þam wyrcendum  wel gelice 
and æghwylcum,  þe him on treowað. 
Israhela hus  ærest on drihten 
helpe gehogedan,  holdne begeaton 
fælne fultum;  he hi wið feondum geheold. 
Aarones hus  eac on dryhten 
leofne gelyfdan;  he him liðe wearð 
and him fultum gestod  fæste æt þearfe. 
þa ðe a wegen  egsan dryhtnes, 
hio hyht heora  habban on drihten, 
he him fultum  fæste gestandeð 
and him scyldend byð  symble æt þearfe. 
Weorð þu ure gemyndig,  mihtig dryhten, 
and þine bletsunge  bring ofer us; 
þu gebletsudest  bearn Israheles, 
Aarones hus  eac gebletsadest; 
þu gebletsadest  bliðe mode 
ealle þa þe on ðe  egsan hæfdan, 
mycle and mæte  ofer middangeard. 
Gemænigfealdige þis  mihtig dryhten 
ofer eow ealle  and ofer agene bearn. 
Wesað ge fram gode  geara gebletsade, 
þam þe heofon worhte,  hrusan swylce; 
heofonas healdeð  halig dryhten, 
sealde þas moldan  manna bearnum. 
Næfre þe, dryhten,  deade heriað, 
ne ealle þa þe heonan  helle seceað. 
Ac we lifigende  leofne dryhten 
balde bletsigað,  ne þæs blinnað nu 
of ðyssan forð  awa to worulde. 

202. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 114Ic lufie þe,  leofa drihten, 
forþan þu mines gebedes  bene gehyrdest. 
And þu þin eare to me  eadmodlice 
hold ahyldest  and gehyrdest me, 
þa ic þe on dagum minum  dyrne cigde. 
þar me ymbsealde  swylde deaðes, 
and me frecne ætfeah  fyrhtu helle. 
Me costung and sar  cnyssedan geneahhe, 
þonne ic naman drihtnes  nyde cigde. 
Eala þu leofa god,  alys mine nu 
sawle on gesyntum;  ic to soþan wat, 
þæt þu wære mildheort,  mihtig dryhten, 
and ure god  æghwæs soðfæst; 
mihta us þine  milde weorðan. 
Drihten gehealdeð  dome þa lytlan; 
ic hean gewearð,  he me hraðe lysde. 
Gecyr mine sawle  clæne on þine 
rædæs reste,  rice drihten; 
þu me wel dydest  on woruldlife. 
Forþon þu mine sawle  sylfa generedyst, 
and hig of deopum  deaþe gelæddest; 
eagan mine wið tearum  æghwær geheolde 
and fet mine  wið færslide; 
ic gelicie  leofum drihtne 
on lifigendra  lande nu ða. 

203. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 115Ic þæt gelyfde,  forþon ic lyt sprece; 
ic eom eadmede  ungemete swiðe. 
Swylce ic sylfa cwæð,  þa me swa ðuhte 
on modseofan  minum geþancum, 
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. 
Beorht ys and fæger  beacen dryhtne 
on his gesyhðe  swylt haligra. 
Eala, ic eom þin agen  esne, dryhten, 
and þin swylce eom  scealc ombehte 
and þinre þeowan sunu  on ðe acenned. 
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, 
þær hit eagum folc  eall sceawiað, 
and on Hierusalem  georne midre. 

204. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 116Ealle þeode  ecne drihten 
mid hygecræfte  herigan wordum, 
and hine eall folc on efn  æðelne herigan. 
Forþon his mildheortnyss  is mycel ofer us 
torhtlice getrymed,  til mancynne, 
and soðfæstnys  swylce dryhtnes 
wunað ece 
                awa to feore. 

205. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 117Ic andette  ecum dryhtne 
þam godan gode;  ic hine gleawne wat; 
ys his mildheortnys  mycel to worulde. 
þæt Israela cwæðan  ealle nu ða, 
þe he is se goda god,  and gearu standeð 
his mildheortnys  mære to worulde. 
Cweðe Aarones hus  eac þæt sylfe; 
he ys se goda god,  and gearu standeð 
his mildheortnys 
                mære to worulde. 
Cweðan ealle þæt  unforcuðe, 
þe him on standeð  egsa dryhtnes; 
forðon he ys se goda god,  and gearu standeð 
his mildheortnys 
                mære on worulde. 
Ic on costunge  cigde to dryhtne, 
and he me gehyrde  on heare brædu. 
Nu me fultum is  fæle dryhten, 
nis me ege mannes  for ahwæðer. 
Nu me fultum ys  fæle dryhten, 
ic fracuþe forseo  feondas mine. 
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, 
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,  oððe þu bærne eac 
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. 
Me wæs strengðu strang  stiþ on dryhtne 
and herenes heah,  and he me eac 
ys a to worulde  worden on hælu. 
A byð blisse stefn  beorht gehyred 
on soðfæstra  swæsum muðe. 
Dyde gedefe mægen  dryhtnes swyðre, 
and me seo swyðre  swylce drihtnes 
ahof hrædlice  æt heahþearfe. 
Ne swelte ic mid sare,  ac ic gesund lifige 
and weorc godes  wide secge. 
Se clænsude,  se þe him clæne wæs; 
dryhten ælmihtig  nolde to deaðe me 
on ecnysse  æfre gesyllan. 
Undoð me sniome duru  soðfæstra eac, 
þær ic gange inn,  gode andette; 
soðfæste on þa duru  seceað inngang. 
Ic þe andette,  ece dryhten, 
forðon þu me gehyrdest  æt heahþearfe 
and me þa gewurde  wis on hælu. 
þone sylfan stan  þe hine swyðe ær 
wyrhtan awurpan,  nu se geworden is 
hwommona heagost;  halig dryhten 
to wealles wraðe  wis teofrade; 
þæt is urum eagum  eall wundorlic. 
þis ys se dæg  þe hine drihten us 
wisfæst geworhte  wera cneorissum, 
eallum eorðtudrum  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 
on dryhtnes naman  dædum mærum; 
we eow æt godes huse  gearwe bletsiað, 
nu us drihten god  deore onlyhte. 
Wutan us to symbeldæge  settan georne, 
and ðone gelome  lustum healdan 
oð wigbedes  wræste hornas. 
þu eart min dryhten god,  and ic dædum þe 
ecne andette;  
            
þu eart min hælend god,  and ic herige ðe. 
Ic ðe andette  ecne dryhten, 
forðon þu me gehyrdest  æt heahþearfe, 
and þa wurde me  wis to hælu. 
Eac ic andette  eceum dryhtne, 
forðon he ys se goda god,  and ic ful geare wat, 
þæt þin mildheortnyss  ys mycel to worulde. 

206. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 118Eadige beoð on wege,  þa þe unwemme 
on hiora dryhtnes æ  deore gangað. 
Eadige beoð swylce,  þa þe a wyllað 
his gewitnesse  wise smeagan, 
and hine mid ealle  
               innancundum 
            
heortan hordcofan  helpe biddað. 
Ne magon manwyrhtan  mægene feran 
on his mærne weg,  mihtigan drihtnes. 
þu þine bebodu  bealde hete 
ealle eorðbuend  elne haldan. 
Ic þæs la wisce,  þæt wegas mine 
on ðinum willan  weorþan gereahte, 
þæt ic þin agen bebod  elne healde. 
Ne beo ic þonne on ealdre  æfre gescynded, 
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. 
And ic þine soðfæstnysse  swylce mote 
on hyge healdan,  þæt þu huru me 
on ðyssum ealdre  ænne ne forlæte. 
On hwan mæg se iunga  on godne weg 

               rihtran
               þe rædran  ræd gemittan, 
þonne he þine wisan  word gehealde? 
Ic þe mid ealre  innancundre 
heortan sece;  ne þu huru me 
fram þinum bebodum  feor adrife. 
Forðon ic on minre heortan  hydde georne, 
þæt ic þinre spræce  sped gehealde, 
þy læs ðe ic gefremme  fyrene ænige. 
þu eart gebletsud,  bliþe dryhten; 
lær me mid lufan,  hu ic læste well 
and ic þine soðfæstnysse  sweotule cunne. 
Ic on minum welerum  wordum secge 
ealles þines muðes  meahte domas. 
And ic on wege swylce  wynnum gange, 
þær ic ðine gewitnesse  wat ful clæne, 
swa ic ealra welena  willum bruce. 
Swa ic on þine soðfæstnysse  soðe getreowe, 
þæt ic ne weorðe  worda þinra 
ealra ofergittul  awa to feore. 
Ic on þinre soðfæstnysse  symble meteode, 
þæt ic þine wislicu  word geheolde. 
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 
wundur wræclicu,  þa þu worhtyst ær. 
Ic eom on eorðan  earm bigenga; 
ne do þu me dyrne  þine þa deoran bebodu. 
þæt sawul min  symble wilnað, 
þæt ic þin soðfæst word  gesund mote 
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, 
oððe ic oferhydige  awiht wylle; 
forðan ic þine gewitnesse  wylle secan. 
Ac nu ealdormenn  ealle ætgædere 
sæton on seldum,  swyþe spræcon, 
and wið me wraðum  wordum scirdan; 
hwæþere þin esne  elnes teolode, 
þæt he þine soðe word  snotur beeode. 
Me wæs þin gewitnys  wyrð and getreowe, 
and ic hi on mode  metegie georne 
and me to frofre wat,  þæt ic forð heonun 
his soðfæstnysse  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; 
lær me on life,  hu ic lengest mæge 
þine soðfæstnysse 
                selest gehealdan. 
þu me soðfæstnysse weg  swylce getacna, 
þæt ic on þinum wundrum  me wel begange. 
Min sawl aslep,  þa me sorh begeat 
for langunga;  læt me nu þa 
on þinum wordum  weorðan trumne. 
Afyr fram me  unryhte wegas, 
and me on þinre æ geweorþ  ealles milde. 
Ic me wise geceas  wegas soðfæste; 
ne weorðe ic þinra doma  gedweled æfre. 
Swa ic fæste ætfealh,  þæt ic forð heonun 
þine gewitnysse  wel geheolde; 
ne wylt þu me on ealdre  æfre gescyndan. 
Nu ic on wisne weg  worda þinra 
reðne rinne,  and þu rice nu 
mine heortan geheald  on hyge brade. 
æ þu me sete,  ece dryhten, 
þæt ic on soðfæste wegas  symble gange 
and ic þa secan  symble mote. 
Syle me andgit eac,  þæt ic æ þine 
smeage mid soðe,  swylce healde 
on ealre minre heortan  holde mode. 
Gelæd me on stige,  þær ic stæpe mine 
on þinum bebodum  bryce hæbbe, 
forðan ic hy mid soðe  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 
gese þurh synne,  ac me on soðne weg 
þinne þone leofan  læde cwiculice. 
Sete ðinum esne  oðer swylce, 
þæt he þine spræce  sped leornige 
and þa on ege þinum  ealle healde. 
þu me scealt edwitt min  of awyrpan, 
þæt me to incan  ahwær gangeð; 
forþon ic eom on þinum domum  gedefe glæd. 
Efne ic þine bebodu  bealde wolde 
wis wylle gegan;  wene ic swylce, 
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 
wordum wrað cweþað,  þæt ic gewene on ðe 
and on þinum wordum  wære hæbbe. 
Ne afyr þu me æfre  fæle spræce, 
þa ic me on muðe  mægene hæbbe, 
and ic soðfæst word  on sylfan healde, 
þæt ic on ðinra doma  dæde getreowige. 
And ic æ þine  efne and healde, 
and to worulde on ðære  wunian mote 
and on ecnysse  efnan and healdan. 
And ic on bealde 
                brædu gange, 
forðan ic þine gewitnysse  wel getrymede. 
And ic þæt fore cyningum  cyðan mote, 
þær hig eagum  on locian, 
hu me þin gewitnyss ys  weorð and getreowe, 
and on ðam ne beon  æfre gescynded. 
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, 
þa ic mid ðysse þeode  þearle begange, 
and on ðine soðcwydas  symble ic getreowige. 
Gemun nu, dryhten,  þines wordes, 
on þam þu me þinum  þeowe hyht gesealdest. 
þas ic me on frofre  fæste hæbbe 
on minum eaðmedum  ungemete swyðe, 
forðon me þin spræc  spedum cwycade. 
Oftust ofermodige  unriht fremmað, 
oþþæt hi on eorðan  ealle forweorðað; 
ic þinre æ  a folgode. 
Ic wæs gemyndig  mærra doma 
þinra geþancol,  ðeoden dryhten, 
þæt ic on worulde æt ðe  wurde afrefred. 
Me wearð gemolten  mod on hreðre 
for fyrenfulra  facendædum, 
þa hi æ þine  anforleton. 
Ac me to sange  symble hæfde, 
hu ic þine soðfæstnysse  selest heolde, 
þær ic on elelande  ahte stowe. 
Nede ic þæt gemunde  
               nihta gehwylcre, 
þæt ic naman þinne  nemde, dryhten, 
and ic æ þine  elne heolde. 
þas me andweardum  ealle gewurdan, 
forþon ic þine soðfæstnysse  sohte georne. 
Me ys on dæle,  dryhten user, 
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 weorðe 
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, 
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. 
Ic æt midre niht  mæla gehwylce 
ricene arise,  and hraðe gange 
þær ic ðe andette  eall ætgædere, 
secge þine domas  dædum rihte. 
Ic eom dælneomend  þe heom ondrædað þe, 
and þine halige bebodu  healdað georne. 
þeos eorðe is  eall gefylled 
þinre mildheortnesse,  mihtig drihten; 
þine soðfæstnesse  þu me swylce lær. 
þu ymb þinne esne  æghwær dydest 
wel weorðlice;  wene ic, drihten, 
þæt þu þin word wylle  wis gehealdan. 
þu me þeodscipe lær  þinne tilne 
and wisdomes  word to genihte, 
forðon ic þin bebod  þriste gelyfde. 
ærþon ic gehened  hean gewurde, 
ic agylte  ungemetum swiðe; 
hwæðere ic þine spræce geheold  sped on mode. 
God þu eart, drihten,  and me god swylce 
on þinum tile gelær,  þæt ic teala cunne 
þin soðfæst weorc  symble healdan. 
Ys nu mænigfeald ofer me  man and unriht 
oferhydigra;  ic nu mid ealre 
minre heortan hige  hycge swiðe, 
þæt ic þin bebod  beorht atredde. 
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 
heane gehnægdest,  and ic hraðe syþþan 
þin soðfæst weorc  wel leornade. 
Me is micle betere,  þæt ic bebodu healde, 
ðines muðes gemet,  þonne mon me geofe 
geara ðusende  goldes and seolfres. 
Handa me ðine  holde geworhton 
and gehiwedan  mid higecræfte; 
syle me nu andgyt,  þæt ic eall mæge 
þine bliðe bebodu  beorhte leornian. 
þa ðe on feore forhtigað,  þa me on fægere geseoð 
and blissiað,  bu geðenceað, 
þæt ic þinum wordum  wel getreowde. 
Ic þæt, dryhten, ongeat,  domas þine 
reðe rihtwise,  and ðu ricene me 
on ðinre soðfæstnesse dydest  samed eadmedne. 
Wese þin milde mod  mihtum geswiðed, 
and me to frofre  fæste gestande, 
swa ðu on þinre spræce  sped gehete 
þinum agenum  esne æt þearfe. 
Cumen me ðine miltsa  mihtum geswyþede, 
and ic lange on þam  lifian mote; 
forðon me is metegung  on modsefan, 
hu ic æ þine  efnast healde. 
Beon þa oferhydegan  ealle gescende, 
þe me unrihte  ahwær gretan; 
ic þine bebodu  bealde gegange. 
Gehweorfen to me,  þa þe hyldu to ðe 
egsan ahtan,  and ealle þa 
ðe þine gewitnesse  wise cuðan. 
Wese heorte min  on hige clæne 
and ic on þin soðfæst word  symble getreowige, 
þæt ic on ealdre ne wese  æfre gescended. 
Min saul gewearð  swancur on mode, 
þær ic on þinre hælu  hogode and sohte, 
hu ic on þinum wordum  wel getrywade. 
Eagan me swylce  eac teoredon, 
þær on þinre spræce  spede eodan; 
cwædon cynlice:  "Hwa cwicenne me 
on ðysum ealdre  eft frefrade?" 
Ic eom nu geworden  werum anlicast, 
swa þu on hrime setest  hlance cylle; 
ne eom ic ofergyttol,  þæt ic ealle nu 
þine soðfæste weorc  smicere healde. 
Hwæt synt þinum esne  ealra dagena, 
þe þu mine ehtend for me  ealle gedeme? 
Me manwyrhtan  manige on spellum 
sægdon soðlice;  na ic hit swa oncneow, 
swa hit þin æ hafað,  ece dryhten. 
Wærun þine ealle gebann  æðele and soðfæst; 
min ehtan oft  unrihtwyrhtan; 
gefultuma me  fægere, drihten. 
Hio me lytle læs  laþe woldan 
ðisses eorðweges  ende gescrifan; 
ic þin gebod  þa ne wolde 
on þysum ealdre  anforlætan. 
æfter ðinre þære myclan  mildheortnesse 
weorð me, mihtig god,  milde and bliðe; 
and ic gewitnesse  wel gehealde 
muþes þines,  þe þu men lærdest. 
On ecnesse  awa, drihten, 
þin word wunað  weorð on heofenum. 
And on worulda woruld  wunað ece forð 
þin soðfæstnes  swylce, dryhten. 
ðu þas eorðan  ealle worhtest, 
swa heo nu to worulde  wunian ðenceað; 
þurh þinra dæda sped  dagas her gewuniað, 
forðon ðu ealles  anweald hafast. 
þær me þin æ  an ne hulpe, 
ðe ic on mode  minum hæfde, 
þonne ic wende  on woruldlife, 
þæt ic on minum eadmedum  eall forwurde. 
Ne mæg ic þæs æfre forgytan  on ecnesse, 
nymðe ic soð word  symble gehealde; 
forþon ic cuðlice on ðæm  her nu cwicu lifige. 
Ic eom þin hold scealc;  do ðu halne me, 
forðon ic þin soð weorc  sece geneahhe. 
Me fyrenfulle  fæcne seceað, 
wyllað me laðe  lifes asecean; 
ic ðine gewitnesse  wat and sohte. 
Ic soð geseah  and swylce wat, 
ealre þysse worulde  wurðeð ende; 
brad is þin gebann  and beorht swyðe. 
Hu ic æ þine,  ece drihten, 
lustum lufode;  ic þæt lange dyde, 
þæt ic þa on mode  metegade georne. 
þu me snoterne gedydest  swylce ofer mine 
feondas on foldan  fæcne ealle; 
forðon ic beorhtlice  þine bebodu læste. 
Ofer ealle þa  þe me ær lærdon, 
ic þæs hæfde andgyt  æghwær gleawast, 
þæt ic þine gewitnesse  wise sohte. 
Ic þæt ofer yldran oncneow  and þæt a geheold, 
þæt ic þine bebodu  bliðe geheolde. 
Ic minum fotum  fæcne siðas 
þa wraþan wegas  werede georne, 
þæt ic þine word mihte  wel gehealdan. 

               Na ic fram þinum domum  dædum swicade, 
forðon þu me æbebod  ærest settest. 
Me is on gomum  god and swete 
þin agen word,  ece drihten; 
hit is halwende,  hunige mycle 
and beobreade  betere and swetre. 
On bebodum ðinum  ic me betst oncneow, 
þæt ic unrihte wegas  ealle ofeode, 
forðon þu me æ þine  ær gesettest. 
þæt is fæle blacern  fotum minum, 
þæt ic þin word, drihten,  wel gehealde, 
and þæt ys þæt strange leoht  stige minre. 
Ic aðas swor  and eac hycge, 
þæt ic soðne dom  symble healde. 
And ic eadmedu  ungemetum georne 
efnan þence;  forgif me, ece god, 
þæt ic æfter ðinum wordum  weorðe bliðe. 
Mines muðes me  modes willa 
on heahsælum  hraðe gebringe, 
and me þine domas alær,  drihten, swylce. 
Is sawl min  symble on ðinum 
holdum handum,  ne ic þine þa halgan æ 
on ðysum ealdre forgitan  æfre þence. 
Me firenfulle  fæcne gyrene 
awriþan wraðe,  and ne wolde ic 
fram þinum bebodum  feor geswican. 
Ic me eowde begeat,  æðele hæbbe 
þine gewitnesse  wel getreowe 
on ecnesse  awa to feore; 
þæt byð heahbliss  heortan minre. 
Ahylde ic mine heortan  holde mode, 
þæt ic þin soðfæst weorc  symble worhte; 
forðon ic ðæs ece  edlean hæbbe. 
And ic synfulle  symble feode, 
and ic æ þine  elne lufade. 
þu me fultumian scealt,  fæle gestandan 
and andfenga  æghwær æt ðearfe, 
and ic on þin word  wel getreowe. 
Gewitað fram me,  þe awyrgede synt, 
þenden ic godes bebodu  georne smeage. 
Onfoh me freondlice,  fæle drihten, 
æfter þam þe þu sylfa  sægdest and cwæde, 
þæt ic sceolde lifigan  lange ðrage; 
ne gescend me on siðe,  nu ic þin swa onbad. 
Gefultuma me fæste;  ðonne beo ic fægere hal, 
and ic þine soðfæstnysse  symble þence. 
Ealle ðu forhogodest,  ða ðe unrihtes 
wæran wyrhtan;  wat ic gearewe, 
þæt heo on unriht  ealle þohtan. 
Ic oferhylmend  ealle getealde, 
þa on eorðan her  yfele wæron, 
forðon ic þine gewitnesse  wyrðe lufade. 
Gefæstna þinne egsan  flæsce minum, 
þæt ic me ondræde  domas ðine. 
Ic soðne 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 gymað. 
Hwæt, me eagan mine  atule gewurdan, 
þær ic on ðinre hælo  hyldo sohte 
and on þinre spræce  sped soðfæste. 
Do þinum agenum  esne swylce 
mycel milde mod,  and me mægene eac 
þin soðfæst 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 ðu dole æfre 
þin æbebod  ahwær toweorpan. 
Forðon ic þin bebod  beorhte lufode, 
ða me georne synd  golde deorran, 
topazion þæra  teala gimma. 
Forðon ic eall þin bebod  elne healde, 
and ic unrihte wegas  ealle feoge. 
Wundorlic is ðin gewitnes,  wealdend dryhten; 
forðon heo min sawl smeað  and seceð georne. 
Worda me þinra  wise onleohteð, 
beorhtnesse blæcern,  and þu bealde sylest 
andgit eallum  eorðbuendum. 
Muð ic ontynde  minne wide, 
þæt me min oroð  ut afæmde, 
þær ic ðin bebod  efnede mid willan. 
Beseoh þu on me,  and me syððan hraðe 
mære gemiltsa,  swa ðu manegum dydest, 
þe naman þinne  nyde lufedon. 
Gerece ðu me swylce,  þæt ic on rihtne weg 
æfter þinre spræce  spedum gange, 
þy læs min ænig unriht  ahwær wealde. 
Ahrede me hearmcwidum  heanra manna, 
þæt ic ðine bebodu  bealde healde. 
Do þine ansyne  esne þinum 
leohte and leofe;  lær me syþþan, 
hu ic ðin soðfæst word  selest gehealde. 
Eagan mine gesawon,  hu yða gelaac, 
wid gang wætera,  wundrum gangeð; 
swa ðam ilcum byð,  þe ær nellað 
þinre æ bebod  elne healdan. 
Drihten is soðfæst;  synd his domas eac 
reðe mid ræde  rihte gecyðde. 
Hwæt, ðu soðfæst weorc  symble hete 
on þinre gewitnesse  wel gehealdan; 
ealles forgeaton,  þa me grame wæron, 
worda þinra  and me wa dydan. 
Me heard ehtnes  huses þines 
on bearme me  gebrohte oft, 
ða þin word noldan  wel gehealdan, 
þa me feondas ær  fæste wæron. 
Is þin agen spræc  innan fyren, 
sylf swiþe hat,  and symble ða 
þin esne her  ealle lufade. 
Ic wæs on geoguðe,  grame me forhogedon; 
næs ic ofergittol  æfre hwæðere, 
þæt ic þin soð weorc  symble heolde. 
Is þin soðfæstnes  symble, drihten, 
seo soðfæste,  and seo symble bið 
on ecnesse  awa to feore; 
is þin swylce æðelnes 
                and æ soðfæst. 
Me costunga  cnysdan geneahhe, 
and nearonessa  naman gelome; 
ac ic þine bebodu  efnde and læste, 
eac on minum mode  hi metegade georne. 
Ys me þin gewitnes  weorðast and rihtast, 
and ða me on ece  andgyt hæbbe; 
syle me ða to soðe,  and ic syþþan lifige. 
Ic mid ealle ongann  inngehygde 
heortan minre  hige to drihtne 
ceare cleopian;  he me cynlice 
hraðe gehyrde,  hyldo cuðe, 
þæt ic his soðfæstnesse  sohte geneahhe. 
Ic cleopode to ðe;  do me cuðlice 
halne, heahcyning,  heofona wealdend, 
hælende Crist;  ic þæt hicge nu, 
þæt ic ðine bebodu  bliðe gehealde. 
And ic ðe on ripe forecom,  and hraðe swylce 
ceare cleopode;  þu me cynlice 
wel onfencge,  wistest gearwe, 
þæt ic on ðinum wordum  wel getruwade. 
þe eagan mine  eac forecoman; 
on ærmergen  ic elne ongann 
þine spræce  spyrian georne. 
Gehyr mine stefne,  halig drihten, 
æfter ðinre þære myclan  mildheortnesse, 
and æfter þinum domum  do me halne. 
Me syndon eahtend  ungemete neah aa 
and ða synfullan;  syndan ealle hi 
fram æ þinre  unneah gewiten. 
Wes me swiðe neah,  wuldres drihten; 
synt ealle þine wegas  wise and cuðe. 
Ic gewitnesse  wise þine 
ongeat gleawlice,  þæt þu geara hi 
on ecnesse  ær staþelodest. 
Ac min eaðmedu geseoh 
                eall ful georne, 
genere niode,  nu me ned belæg; 
forþon ic wolde æ þine  elne healdan. 
Dem minne dom  and me deore alys; 
for þinre spræce,  do me spedlice 
and cuðlice  cwicne nu ða. 
Wærun fyrenfulle feor  fælre hælu; 
forðon hi þine soðfæstnesse  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 hwæðere 
þine gewitnesse  wræste forlætan. 
Ic manige geseah  men þa þe noldan 
heora friðowære  fæste healdan, 
and ic þand wið þan  þe hi teala noldan 
þinre spræce  sped gehealdan. 
Swylce ic sylf geseah,  þæt ic þin soð bebod 
lustum lufige,  leofa drihten; 
on þinre mildheortnesse  me scealt acwician. 
þæt is weorðlic fruma  worda þinra, 
þæt þær byð soð  symble meted, 
and on ecnesse  awa to feore 
ealle þine domas synt  dædum geseðde. 
Min earwunga 
                ehtan ongunnon 
ealdurmanna gehwylc  ungemete swiðe; 
wearð me heorte forht,  þær ic þin halig word 
on þinum egesan ærest  æðelu tredde. 
Ic blissige  bealde mode 
ofer ðinre spræce  spede þa myclan, 
swa se bið bliðe,  se þe beorna reaf 
manige meteð,  þær hit mannum losað. 
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 cweðan 
daga æghwylce,  forþon ic þine domas wat 
on soð fæste  smicere gefylde. 
þam bið sib mycel  þe him þenceð, 
þæt hi naman þinne  neode lufien; 
ne bið him æswic on þon  æfre to feore. 
Ic þinre hælu bad,  halig drihten, 
and þine bebodu  bealde lufode. 
Hafað sawl min  soð gehealden 
þinre gewitnesse 
                worda æghwylc, 
and ic þa lustum  
               lufade swiðe. 
Heold ic þine bebodu  holde mode 
and þine gewitnesse  wordum trymede; 
forðon ealle mine wegas  wise syndan 
on þinre gesihðe  soðe, drihten. 
Nu genealæceð  neode minum 
gebedum bealde,  þæt ic bidde nu 
on þinre gesihðe  symble, drihten; 
æfter þinre spræce  syle me spedlice, 
þæt þu me generige  niða gehwylces. 
Ingange min ben,  ece drihten, 
on þinre gesihðe  symble æt þearfe; 
æfter þinre spræce  do spedlice, 
ðæt ðu me generige  niða gehwylces. 
Nu mine weleras ðe  wordum belcettað 
ymnas elne,  gif þu me ærest wylt 
þine soðfæstnesse  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, 
and þæt domlice  gedon weorðe; 
forðon ic þine bebodu geceas  bealde æt þearfe. 
Ic þinre hælu  her wilnade, 
drihten ælmihtig;  do me symble, 
þæt ic æ þine  elne metige. 
Leofað sawl min  and þe lustum hereð, 
and me þine domas  dædum fultumiað. 
Ic gedwelede  swa þæt dysige scep, 
þætte forweorðan  wolde huru; 
la, sece þinne esne  elne, drihten; 
forðon ic þinra beboda ne forgeat  beorhtra æfre. 

207. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 119Ic me to drihtne  deorum cleopode, 
þonne me costunga  cnysdon geneahhe, 
and he me gehyrde  holde mode. 
Alys mine sawle,  lifes drihten, 
of þam welerum  þe wom cweðen, 
and from þære tungan  þe teosu wylle. 
Hwæt bið þe ealles seald  oþþe eced swa 
from þære inwitfullan  yflan tungan? 
Strele beoð scearpe,  strange and mihtige, 
syððan of gledon wesað  gearwe ahyrde. 
Wa me þære wyrde,  þæt min wynn alæg 
and min bigengea gewat  bryce on feorweg; 
sceal ic eard niman,  swa me eðe nis, 
mid Cedaringum;  nis min cyð þær, 

               þe mine sawle  swiðe beeode. 
Mid þam þe hi sibbe  swyþost feodan, 
ic sibbe mid him  soðe hæfde; 
þonne ic him spedlice to  spræce and hi lærde, 
ðonne me earwunga  ealle onfuhtan. 

208. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 120Hof ic mine eagan  to þam hean beorge, 
þær ic fultum fand  fælne æt þearfe. 
Is min fultum eac  fæger æt drihtne, 
se ðe heofon worhte,  hrusan swylce. 
Ne sylle he þinne fot  on feondes geweald, 
ne hycge to slæpe  se ðe healdeð þe. 
Efne se on hygde  huru ne slæpeð 
ne swefeð swyðe,  se þe sceal healdan nu 
Israela folc  utan wið feondum. 
Gehealde þe  halig drihten, 
and þin mundbora  
               mihtig weorðe 
ofer þa swiðran hand  symble æt þearfe. 
Ne þe sunne on dæge  sol ne gebærne 
ne þe mona on niht  min ne geweorðe, 
ac þe gehealde  halig drihten 
wyð yfela gehwam  æghwær georne 
and ðine sawle  swylce gehealde. 
Utgang þinne and ingang  ece drihten, 
sawla soðcynincg,  symble gehealde 
of þisson forð  awa to worulde. 

209. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 121Ic on ðyssum eom  eallum bliðe, 
þæt me cuðlice to  acweden syndon, 
and on godes hus  gange syððan. 
Wæron fæststealle  fotas mine 
on þinum cafertunum,  þær ure cyðð wæs, 
on Hierusalem  geara ærest. 
Hierusalem,  geara ðu wære 
swa swa cymlic  ceaster getimbred, 
þær syndon dælas  on sylfre hire. 
þær cneorisse  cende wæron 
cynn æfter cynne;  cuðan þa drihten 
and on þære gewitnesse  wæran Israelas, 
þe his naman  neode sceoldon 
            
him andetnes  æghwær habban. 
Oft hi þær on seldon  sæton æt domum; 
þu eart ðonne dema,  Dauides hus, 
þæt on heofenum siteþ  heah gestaðelod. 
Biddað eow bealde  beorhtere sibbe, 
ða ðe on Hierusalem  gode syndan; 
and geniht agun,  þa þe neode þe 
on heora lufun  lustum healdað. 
Si þe on þinum mægene sib  mæst and fyrmest, 
and on þinum torrum wese  tidum genihtsum. 
For mine broðru  ic bidde nu, 
and mine þa neahstan  nemne swylce, 
þæt we sibbe on ðe  symble habbon. 
And ic for mines godes huse  georne þingie, 
and to minum drihtne  deorum sece, 
þæt ic god æt him  begitan mote. 

210. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 122To þe ic mine eagan hof,  ece drihten, 
þu þe heofonhamas  healdest and wealdest. 
Efne mine eagan synt  ealra gelicast 
þonne esne bið,  þonne ondrysnum 
his hlaforde  hereð and cwemeð. 
And swa eagan gað  earmre þeowenan, 
þonne heo on hire hlæfdigean  handa locað, 
swa us synt eagan to ðe,  ece drihten, 
urum þam godan gode;  geare lociað, 
oþþæt us miltsige  mihta wealdend. 
Miltsa us nu ða,  mihtig drihten, 
miltsa us swylce,  forþon we manegum synt 
forhogednessum  hearde gefylde. 
And we manegum synd  manna wordum 
ure sawl  swiðe gefylled 
mid edwite,  oft and geneahhe, 
and us oferhydige forseoð  oft and gelome. 

211. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 123Nymþe us on wese  ece drihten, 
cweþað Israhelas  ealle nu ða, 
nymþe us eardige on  awa drihten, 
þonne us manfulle  menn onginnað; 
wen is, þæt hi us lifigende  lungre wyllen 
sniome forsweolgan,  gif hi swa magon. 
þonne us ðara manna  mod yrsade, 
and us wiðerwearde  wæron geneahhe; 
wen is, þæt hi us woldan  wætre gelice 
sona gesupan,  gif hit swa wolde. 
Oft ure sawl  swyþe frecne 
hlimman gedegde  hludes wæteres; 
wene ic forþon,  þæt heo wel mæge 
þæt swyðre mægen,  sawel usser, 
wæteres wenan  ðæs wel gedegean. 
Drihten si gebletsad,  þe þæt ne dyde æfre, 
þæt us on hearde  hæftnyd sealde 
þam þe us mid toðum  toteon woldan. 
Wærun ure sawla  samod anlice 
niþa generede,  swa swa neodspearuwa 
of grames huntan  gryne losige. 
Grin bið on sadan  grame torænded, 
and we synd alysde  lifes wyrðe; 
we us naman drihtnes  neode habbað 
on fultume  fæstne and strangne, 
þæs þe heofon worhte,  hrusan swylce. 

212. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 124þa þe on drihten heora  dædum getreowað, 
hi beoð on Sionbeorge  swyþe gelice; 
ne mæg hine on ealdre  ænig onhreran 
þe eardfæst byð  on Hierusalem. 
Hi synd mundbeorgas  micle ymbutan; 
haldeð heora ymbhwyrft  ece drihten 
of ðisson nu  awa to worulde. 
Næfre forlæteð  lifes drihten 
firenfulra tan  furðor gangan, 
þonne he soðfæstra  settan wylle. 
Ne he soðfæste  swylce læteð, 
þæt hi to unrihte  ahwær willen 
handum ræcean,  ac he him hraþe gyldeð; 
do þu, drihten, wel  þam þe gedefe her 
hiora heortan riht  
               healdað mid gode. 
þa ðe gearwe beoð  to gramum bendum, 
eft hi gelædeð  ece drihten 
mid þæm þe unriht  æghwær wyrceað; 
sibb si Israhelum  symble ofer ealle. 

213. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 125þonne drihten wyle  gedon æfter, 
þæt he of Sione  swære ahweorfe 
hæftned hefige,  syððan we hraðe weorðað 
afrefrede  fægere ealle. 
Sona beoð gefylde  mid gefean syþþan 
muðas ure,  and we ma sprecað, 
beoð ure tungan  teala wynsume. 
þonne hi geond þeode  cweðað þriste; 
æghwær hi gemiclade  mihtig drihten, 
þa he him wundur mid  worhte seldlic; 
gemicla ðe swylce,  mihtig drihten, 
þæt þu wundur mid us  wyrce mære, 
and we bealde on þam  bliðe weorðan. 
Gehweorf ure hæftned,  halig drihten, 
swa suðhealde  swiþe hlimman. 
þa her on tornlicum  tearum sawað, 
hi eft fægerum  gefean sniðað; 
gangende and ferende  georne wepað 
and heora sylfra sæd  sniðað æfter. 
Cumað þonne mid cumendum  cuðe mid blisse 
and on heora sceafas berað,  swa hi gesamnedon. 

214. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 126Nymþe hus timbrige  halig drihten, 
on idel gylp  oðre winnað 
            
þe þæs huses  hrof staðeliað. 
Nymðe gehealde eac  halig drihten 
ceastre mid cynnum,  ne mæg hi cynlice 

               wæccende
                weard gehealdan. 
Forhwan ge mid idelnesse  ealle arisað, 
ærðon leoht cume  leoda bearnum? 
Arisað nu ricene,  and hraðe sittað, 
þa ðe sares hlaf  swiðe æton. 
þonne he slæp syleð  swiðe leofum; 
þæt is yrfe eac  ecean drihtnes 
and herde bearn,  þa her mannum beoð 
of innaðe  ærest cende. 
Swa seo stræle byð  strangum and mihtigum 
hrorum on handa  heard ascyrped, 
swa lyðra bearn  lungre gewitað. 
þæt bið eadig wer,  se ðe a þenceð, 
þæt he his lust on ðon  leofne gefylle; 
ne bið he on ealdre ealre  æfre gescended, 
þonne he on gaton greteð  his grame feondas. 

215. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 127Eadige syndon ealle  þe him ecne god 
drihten ondrædað,  and his gedefne weg 
on hyra lifes tid  lustum gangað. 
þonne þu þines gewinnes  wæstme byrgest, 
etest oretes,  and þu eadig leofast, 
and þe wel weorðeð  on wynburgum. 
Beoð þines wifes  welan gelice, 
swa on wingearde  weaxen berigean, 
and on þines huses  hwommum genihtsum. 
Synd þine bearn swylce  samed anlicast, 
swa elebeamas  æþele weaxen, 
ymb þinne beod utan  blæda standen. 
Efne swa bið gebletsad  beorna æghwylc 
mann on moldan  þe him metodes ege 
on his dædum  drihten forhtað. 

               þe of Sionbeorge  swylce drihten 
bealde bletsige,  and þu bruce eac 
on Hierusalem  goda gehwylces 
ealle lange dagas  lifes þines. 
And þu þinra bearna  bearn sceawige, 
geseo samed gangan  sibb ofer Israhel. 

216. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 128Oft me fuhtan to  fynd on geoguðe, 
cweðan Israhelas nu  eac þæt sylfe; 
oft me fuhtan to  fynd on geoguþe, 
ne mihton hi awiht æt me  æfre gewyrcean. 
Ofer minum bæce  bitere ongunnon 
þa firenfullan  facen timbrian, 
and heora unriht  eft gelengdon. 
Drihten is soðfæst,  and gedeð sniome, 
þæt he firenfullra  fæcne geðancas 
wis toweorpeð;  weorðað gescende 
and hiora scamiað  swiþust ealles, 
þa to Sione hete  swiðost hæfdon. 
Wesen hi hige  her gelicast 
þam þe on huses þæce  heah aweaxeð, 
þæt bið forwisnad  wraðe sona, 
ær hit afohten  foldan losige. 
Of þam he ne gefylleð  folme æfre, 
þeah þe he hit mawe  micle elne; 
ne mid his sceafe ne mæg  sceat afyllan, 
þeah þe he samnige  swiðe georne. 
And þæt ne cweðan,  þa his cwide weoldan 
on ofergeate  æghwær hæbben: 
"Us gebletsige  bealde drihten 
and ofer eow wese  eac his bletsung; 
we eow neodlice  on naman drihtnes 
swylce bletsiað  bliðe mode." 

217. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 129Ic of grundum to þe  geomur cleopode; 
drihten, drihten,  do þu nu ða, 
þæt þu mines gebedes  bene gehyre. 
Wesan þine earan  eac gehyrende 
and beheldende  mid hige swylce 
on eall gebedd  esnes þines. 
Gif þu ure unriht wilt  eall behealdan, 
drihten, drihten,  hwa gedeð æfre, 
þæt he þæt geefne  eall mid rihte? 
Ys seo mildheortnes mid þe,  mihta wealdend, 
and ic for ðinre æ,  ece drihten, 
þas oþer eall  eaðe aræfnige. 
Hwæt, þæt sawl min  symble aræfnede, 
þæt ic on þinum wordum  me wel getreowde; 
forðon min sawl on þe  symble getreoweð. 
Fram þære mæran  mergentide 
oðþæt æfen cume  ylda bearnum, 
Israhelas on drihten  a getreowen. 
Forðon is mildheortnesse  miht on drihtne 
and he alyseð  lustum ealle, 
þa ðe hiht on hine  habbað fæste. 
He Israhelas  ealle alyseð 
of unrihte  
               æghwær symble. 

218. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 130Nis min heorte wið þe  ahafen, drihten, 
ne mine eagan wið þe  on oferhygde. 
Ne ic on mægene  miclum gange 
ne wundur ofer me  wuniað ænig. 
Ac ic mid eaðmedum  eall geþafige; 
is min sawl on ðon  swyþe gefeonde. 
Swa man æt meder  bið miclum feded, 
swa þu minre sawle  symble gyldest. 
Israhelas on drihten  a getreowigen 
of ðyssum nu  awa to worulde. 

219. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 131Gemune þu, drihten,  mærne Dauid 
and ealle his mannþwærnesse  micle and goode. 
Swa ic æt frymðe geswor  ferhðe wið drihten 
and gehat gehet,  he geheold teala 
wið Iacobes  god þone mæran. 
þeah þe ic on mines huses  hyld gegange 
oþþe selegesceot  þænne swæs wese 
oððe on min restbedd  ricene gestige, 
Gif ic minum eagum  unne slæpes, 
oþþe minum breawum  beode hnappunga, 
oþþe ic on þunwange  þriste gereste, 
Oþþæt ic gemete  mære stowe 
drihtne gecorene,  dyre selegesceot 
Iacobes gode  georne gecweme. 
Efne we þas eall  on Eufraten 
sæcgean gehyrdon,  syððan gemitton 
forwel manegu  on wudufeldum. 
We on his selegesceot  swylce gangað, 
and þære stowe  stede ariað 
þær his fotas ær  fæste gestodan. 
Aris on þinre reste  recene, drihten; 
þu earce eart  eallhaligra. 
Synd þine sacerdas  on soðfæstnesse 
gode gegierede,  and gleawe nu 
þine þa halgan  her blissiað. 
For þinum agenum  esne swylce, 
deorum Dauide,  þu ne do æfre, 
þæt þu andwlitan  ut oncyrre 
þines þæs halgan  her on eorðan. 
þæs deopne að  drihten aswor 
and þone mid soðe  swylce getrymede, 
þæt he hine for hole  ær ne aswore, 
gehet Dauide,  swa he him dyde syþþan, 
þæt he weorðlicne  wæstm gesette 
þe of his innaðe  agenum cwome, 
ofer þin heahsetl;  gif nu healdað well 

               þines sylfes bearn  soðe treowa 
and þa gewitnesse,  
               þe ic hig wel lære, 
þonne hiora suna  swylce motan 
a þysse worulde  wynnum brucan 
and on þinum setle  sittan geneahhe. 
Forðon him Sione geceas  sylfa drihten, 
and him to earde geceas  ærest æt frymðe. 
þis is min rest,  þe ic recene nu 
on worulda woruld  wunian þence, 
þær ic eard nime,  forðon ic hi ær geceas. 
His wuduan ic  wordum bletsige 
and gesegnade,  sylle geneahhe 
heora hungrium  hlaf to fylle. 
Ec his sacerdas  swylce mid hælu 
georne gegyrwe,  and gode eac 
his þa halgan her  habbað blisse. 
þær ic Dauides horn  deorne bringe, 
forð gelæde,  fægre gearuwe 
byrnende blacern,  bere for minum 
criste gecorenum,  þe ic hine cuðne wat. 
Ic his feondas eac  facne gegyrwe 
mid scame swiðust;  ofer hine scir cymeð 

               minra segnunga  soðfæst blostma. 

220. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 132Efne hu glædlic bið  and god swylce, 
þætte broður on an  begen hicgen, 
þær hig ænne sculan  eard weardian. 
Swa unguentum mæg  æðele wyrtcynn 
heafde healdan  hrore stence, 
mid þy Aaron his beard  oftast smyrede. 
Seo niðer astah  on his reafæs fnæd 
swa æþele deaw  on Hermone, 
se ofer Sionbeorge  sneome astigeð. 
Forþon her bebead  halig drihten 
lifes bletsunga  lange to feore 
of þisson nu  awa to worulde. 

221. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 133Efne bletsien nu  bliðe drihten 
ealle his agene  onbyhtscealcas. 
Ge þe on godes huse  gearwe standað, 
and on cafertunum  Cristes huses 
ures þæs halgan godes  held begangað. 
Hebbað neodlice  nihta gehwylcere 
eowre handa  on halig lof 
and bletsiað  balde drihten. 
Ge bletsige  bliðe drihten 
of Sionbeorge  symble æt þearfe, 
se þe heofon worhte,  hrusan swylce. 

222. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 134Heriað naman drihtenes,  neode swylce 
herigen hine his scealcas  swiðe ealle. 
Ge þe on godes huse  gleawe standað 
and on cafertunum  Cristes huses 
þæs godan godes  gearwe syndan, 
Lofiað ge drihten,  forþon he lungre is 
fæstræd and fremsum  fira æghwam; 
weorðiað his naman,  forþon he wyrðe is. 
Forðon him godne geceas  Iacob drihten 
and on agene æht  Israeles cynn. 
Ic þæt gearwe ongeat,  þæt is god and mycel 
drihten ure;  forþon him dom standeð 
ofer ealle godu  eorðbuendra. 
Ealle þa þe wolde,  worhte drihten 
on heofonrice  and her on eorðan, 
on sidum sæ  swylce on eallum, 
þær he dyrne wat  deorce grundas. 
And he fram þysse eorðan  ende lædeð 
wolcen wræclicu,  wind and liget, 
and þa to regne  recene wyrceð, 
þe forð lædeð  fægere windas 
of his goldhordum  godra manegum; 
se ægipta sloh  æðele frumbearn 
æghwylc ealra  oð þa nytenu. 
He sigetacen  sende manegum 
forebeacn fæle 
                folce ægipta, 
and þa Pharaones  folce gecyðde 
and his scealcum  samed ætgædere. 
Se sloh þeode folc  þearle manige, 
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 
and heora yrfe  eac his folce. 
Ys þin nama, drihten,  nemned ece, 
and þin gemynd,  mihtig drihten, 
on ealra worulda woruld  wynnum standeð. 
Forþon his folc demeð  fægere drihten, 
and he bið on his esnum  agenum frefriend. 
Beoð deofolgyld  dysigra þeoda 
gold and seolfur,  þe her geotað menn, 
and mid heora folmum  fægere wyrceað. 
þa muð habbað,  and ne meldiað wiht, 
fægere eagan,  ne magon feor geseon. 
Earan habbað,  ne hi awiht magon 
holdes gehyran,  þeah ðe him hleoðrige, 
and nose habbað,  nawiht gestincað. 
Handa hi habbað,  ne hi hwæðere magon 
gegrapian  godes awiht; 
habbað fet swylce,  ne magon feala gangan. 
Ne hi on hracan awiht  hlude ne cleopiað, 
ne him gast warað  gomum on muðe. 
Synt anlice þæm  þe hi ær worhtan, 
and ealle þa ðe on hi  æfre getreowað. 
Hus Israela  holdne drihten 
bletsien bealde,  biddan swylce 
þæt Aarones hus  ecne drihten 
bliðe bletsien;  beornas ealle, 
þa on lifes hus  leof eardiað, 
bletsien drihten  bliðe mode. 
þa þe him ondræden  drihtnes egsan, 
bletsien drihten  beornas ealle; 
se drihten is  deore gebletsad 
of Sion sniome,  þe soðfæst ær 
on Hierusalem  god eardode. 

223. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 135Ic andette  ecum drihtne, 
forðon he god is,  and ic ful gearwe wat, 
þæt he to worulde byð  wis and mildheort. 
Eac ic andette  þam þe ece is 
ealra godena god,  forðon ic hine godne wat. 
Andette ic swylce  þam þe ealra is 
drihtna drihten  dædum spedigast, 
forðon he god is,  and ic gearwe wat, 
þæt his mildheortnes  is mycel to worulde. 
He wundur dyde  weorþlic ana. 
Se heofon worhte,  hæleða andgit. 
He eorðan æfter wæter  ærest sette. 

               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, 

               And he Israhelas  ealle oðlædde 
of ægyptum  ealle gesunde, 
On mihtigre  mære handa 
and on eallmihte  earmes swylce. 
He readne sæ  recene todælde, 
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. 
He of stanclife  stearce burnan 
leodum lædde  on leofne þanc. 
Swylce he acwealde  cyningas mycle. 

               And he eac ofsloh  æðele cyningas, 
weras wræclice,  þa þe weoruld heoldan. 
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, 

               And þæt yrfe  on Israele, 
þe his esnas  agene wæron. 
Forþon ure eaðmedu  ece drihten 
gemyndgade,  and us mycel sealde. 
And he us aferede  feondum of handa, 
þa ðe wraðe  wæron ealle. 
He eac afedeð  
               flæscea æghwylc. 
Andetað nu ealle  þam ecean gode, 
þe on heofonum is  heah eardiende. 
And ge ealra godena gode  geara andettað, 
forþan his mildheortnes  is mycel to worulde. 

224. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 136Ofer Babilone  bradum streame, 
þær we sittað  and sare wepað, 
þonne we Sion gemunan  swiðe georne. 
On salig we sarige  swiðe gelome 
ure organan  up ahengan. 
Forþon us þær frunon  fæcnum wordum, 

               woh meldedan,  ða us on weg læddan: 
"Singað us ymnum  ealdra sanga 
þe ge on Sione  sungan geneahhige." 
Hu magon we singan  sangas drihtne 
on þære foldan  þe us fremde is? 
Gif ic þin, Hierusalem,  forgyten hæbbe, 
forgyte min seo swyðre  symble æt þearfe; 
ætfeole min tunge  fæste gomum, 
gif ic ofergittol þin  æfre weorðe, 
Gif ic ne forsette þe  symble æt frymðe; 
ac ic on Hierusalem  georne blissie. 
Gemune þu, drihten,  manigra bearna, 
þe on Edom synt  eal lifigende, 
þonne þu Hierusalem  gegodie; 
þa nu oft cweðað:  "Wutun hi idle gedon, 
oðþæt hi heora  eard geceosan." 
Hwæt, þu eart Babilone  bitere ætfæsted 
ænge and yfele,  hire earm dohter; 
eadig byð hwæðere  se þe eft gyldeð 
þa þu him on ealdre  ær forgeafe 
and us eallum  eac gesealdest. 
Eadig byð se þe nimeð  and eac seteð 
            
his agen bearn  on þone æþelan stan. 

225. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 137Ic þe andette,  ecne drihten, 
on minre gehygde  heortan ealre; 
forðon þu ealle mine word  earum gehyrdest, 
þa ic mid muðe  and mid mode cweðe, 
and on þinra engla  ealra gesihðe 
ic þe singe  swiðe geneahhige. 
Eac ic þin tempel  tidum weorðige, 
þæt halige hus,  holde mode, 
and þær þinne naman  on neod secge. 
Ofer þine þa miclan  mildheortnesse 
and soðfæstnesse  samed ætgædere, 
þu þinne þone halgan naman  neode gedydest, 
ofer us ealle  æghwær micelne. 
Swa hwylce daga  ic þe deorne cige, 
gehyr me hwætlice,  and me hraðe gedo 
micle mine sawle  on þines mægenes sped. 
Ealle þe andettan  eorðan kyningas, 
forðon þe hi gehyrdon  hlude reorde 
þines muðes  þa mæran word; 
þa on sangum  singan drihtne. 
Forþon þin 
               wuldur is  wide geond eorðan 
micel and mære,  ofer middaneard 
eart þu healice  ahafen, drihten; 
þu eadmodra  ealra locast 
on heofonhame  her on eorðan. 
þeah þe ic on midle  manes gange, 
þær me costunga  cnysdan geneahhe, 
a þu me weredest  wraþum feondum 
þe me woldan yrre  on acyðan; 
þu me geræhtest  recene mid handa 
and me þin swyðre  sneome hælde. 
Drihten for me  dome gylde, 
is his mildheortnes  mycel on worulde; 
ne forseoh æfre,  þæt þu sylfa ær 
mid þinum handum  her geworhtest. 

226. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 138þu min costadest  cynnum, drihten, 
and me ongeate  gleawe mode; 
þu min setl  swylce oncneowe, 
and minne ærist  æfter gecyðdest. 
And mine geðohtas 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. 
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, 
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  eorðan dæles? 
Gif ic on heofenas up  hea astige, 
þu me þær on efn  andweard sittest; 
gif ic on helle gedo  hwyrft ænigne, 
þu me æt byst  efne rihte. 
Gif ic mine fiðeru gefo,  fleoge ær leohte, 
oþþæt ic beutan wese  eallum sæwum, 
Hwæt, me þin hand þyder  ofer holma begang 
lædeð lustum,  and me lungre eft 
þin seo swiðre  þær gehendeð. 
Ic on mode cwæð  minum swylce: 
"Wen is, þæt me þystru  ðearle forgripen 
and me on nihte  neode onlihte, 
þæt ic minum bleom  bregde neahhige." 
Ne beoð þeostru deorc  butan þinre miht; 
þurh þa onlihtest niht,  þæt heo byð dæge gelic. 
Swa þragum gæð  þeostru wið leohte, 
forþon þu hi settest  swylce, drihten; 
canst mine ædre  ealle gearuwe, 
onfenge me fægere,  swa ic furðum wæs 
of modur hrife  
               minre acenned. 
Ic þe andette,  
               ece drihten, 
forþon þu mid egesan eart  eall gewuldrad, 
and þine weorc wæron  wræclice swyþe, 
þa min saul oncneow  sona georne. 
Nis min ban wið þe  deope behyded, 
þæt þu wislice  worhtest on diglum, 
þeh min lichama  lytle ðrage 
on niðerdælum  eorðan wunige. 

               Eagan þine gesawon  þæt ic ealles wæs 
unfrom on ferhþe;  eall þæt forð heonan 
on þinum wisbocum  awriten standeð. 
Dagas syndon trymede,  swa hi drihten gesceop, 
ne mæg ænig on þam  awa lifigean; 
me synd arwyrðe  ealle swiðe, 
þe þine frynd wærun  fæste, drihten, 
is heora ealdordom  ungemete swiðe 
on cneorissum  cuð gestrangod. 
Gif ic hi recene nu  riman onginne, 
hi beoð ofer sandcorn  sniome manige; 
syþþan ic arise  and recene nu gyt 
mid þe sylfum eom,  gif þu syþþan wylt 
þa firenfullan  fyllan mid deaðe. 
Blodhreowe weras,  ge bebugað me, 
þe þæt on geþohtum  þenceað cweðende: 
"Wutun þurh idel searu  ealle tiligean, 
þæt we heora burh  tobrecan moton." 
Ealle þa þe feodan  þurh facen god, 
ic hi feode nu  fæste mid niðe, 
and ofer þine feondas beo  facne gebolgen. 
Swa ic hi mid rihte  recene feoge, 
forþon hi me feondas  fæcne wurdan. 
Costa min, god,  swa hit cyn wese, 
and minre heortan gehygd  her gesceawa, 
þone fælan geþanc;  frine me syþþan 
and mine stige ongit  gestaðelode. 
And þu sylfa geseoh,  gif ic on swiculne weg 
oþþe on unrihte  ahwær eode; 
gelæd me þonne,  lifes ealdor, 
þæt ic on ecne weg  æghwær gange. 

227. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 139Genere me wið niþe  on naman þinum 
fram yfelum menn,  ece drihten, 
and fram þam were,  þe wom fremme. 
þa ealne dæg  inwit and facen 
hycgeað on heortan 
                þurh hearme geþoht, 
hi þæt to gefeohte georne  gefremed habbað. 
And heora tungan  torncwidum 
neode serwað,  swa oft nædran doð, 
and him aspidas,  ætrene wyrmas, 
under welerum is  gewunad fæste. 
Geheald þu me, drihten,  wið heteniðas 
and wið firenfulles  folmum swylce, 
and fram þam mannum  þe man fremmen, 
alys þu me lungre,  lifes ealdur. 
þa on hyge þohtan,  þæt hi ahyltan me 
and minne gang  georne swylce, 
forhyddan oferhygde me  inwitgyrene, 
wraðan wealsadan  
               wundnum 
               rapum; 
woldan mine fotas  gefæstnian, 
settan me swyce,  þær ic siþade. 
Ic þa to drihtne cwæð:  "þu me eart dyre god; 
gehyr min gebed,  halig drihten, 
nu ic stefne to þe  styrme hlude." 
Drihten, drihten,  þu eart gedefe mægen 
hælo minre,  and þu min heafod scealt 
on gefeohtdæge  feondum awergean. 
Ne alyf þu me æfre  ofer lust minne 
on fyrenfulra  fæcne geðancas, 
þa wiðerwearde me  wraðe hycgeað; 
ne forlæt þu me  on lifdagum, 
þy læs hi ahafene ofer me  hwile weorðen. 
Him ymb heafod  hefegast gewinna, 
þæt hi mid welerum  geworht habbað, 
him þæt ilce sceal  on gesittan. 
Eac hi feallað on  fyres glede, 
and þu hi mid fyre  facnes gehnegest, 
þæt hi þam yrmðum  a ne wiðstanden. 
Se getynga wer  on teosuspræce, 
ne bið se ofer eorþan  gereaht ahwær; 
unsoðfæstne wer  yfel gecnysseð, 
oþþe he on eorðan  eall forweorðeð. 
Ic þæt gearuwe ongeat,  þæt gode deð 
drihten domas,  þe on dagum þyssum 
wædlum weorðað,  wreceð þearfendra. 
Soð is hwæðere,  soðfæste nu 
þinne naman willað  þuruh neod herigean; 
scylan eard niman  on þinre ansyne, 
þa mid ræde her  rihte lifigeað. 

228. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 140Ic 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 
ful recene gereht,  swa ricels byð, 
þonne hit gifre  gleda bærnað. 
Swylce is ahafenes  handa minra, 
þonne ic þe æfenlac  estum secge. 

               Sete swæse geheald  swylce, drihten, 
muðe 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, 
and ic lædend wese  laðra firena. 
Ne ic æfre mid mannum  manfremmendum 
gemænnesse  micle hæbbe, 
ne on heora gecorenesse  becume æfre. 

               Ac me soðfæst  symble gerecce 
and mildheorte  mode þreage; 
ele synfulra  æfre ne mote 
heafde minum  hrinan ahwær. 
Forþon min gebed nu gyt  becnum standeð, 
þæt him on wisum is  wel lycendlice; 
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, 
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. 
Geheald me wið þare gryne  þe me grame setton, 
þæt me ne beswice  synwyrcende, 
þa þe unrihtes  æghwær þenceað. 
Feallað firenfulle  on heora fengnettum; 
ic me syndrig eom,  oþþæt ic swa fere. 

229. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 141Min stefn to þe  styrmeð, drihten, 
and ic mid strangere  stefne swylce 
eam biddende  bealde drihten. 
Ic mine bene  bealde swylce 
on his gesihðe  symble ageote, 
and mine earfeþu  ealle full georne 
fore him sylfum  sæcge geneahhe, 
Gif mine grame þenceað  gast teorian, 
and þu mine stige  strange ongeate. 
On þyssum grenan wege,  þe ic gange on, 
me oferhydige  æghwær setton 
gearwe grine;  geara ic sceawade, 
geseah on þa swyðran,  ne me sylfne þær 
ænig mid gode  ongitan wolde. 
ða me eac frecne fram  fleam gedydan, 
næs þa þe mine sawle  secean wolde, 
þa ic to þe, drihten,  digle cleopode 
and sona cwæð:  "þu eart min se soða hiht; 
eart þu on lifigendra  lande swylce 
se gedefa dæl,  drihten, æghwær." 
Beheald mine sawle,  hæleþa wealdend, 
forþon ic geeadmeded eom  ungemete swiðe. 
Alys me fram laþum;  hi me lungre synt 
ealle ofer me  ungemete strange. 
Alæd me of carcernes  cluse swylce 
mine sawle,  þæt ic syþþan forð 
þinne naman mote  neode sæcgean. 
Min soðfæste  snotere bidað, 
oþþæt þu me edlean  eft forgylde. 

230. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 142Drihten, min gebed  deore gehyre, 
and mid earum onfoh  ungemetum georne 
mine halsunge;  heald me syððan 
on þinre soðfæstnesse  and me on soðe gehyr. 
Ne ga þu mid þinum esne  in to dome, 
forþon on þinre gesihðe ne bið  soðfæst ænig 
þe on ðisse foldan  feorhlif bereð. 
Forþon mine sawle  swiðe feondas 
ealle ehtan  ungemete strange, 
habbað me gehnæged  heanne to eorðan 
and min lif swylce  gelytlad is. 
Hi me on digle  deorce stowe 
settan sarlice  samed anlice, 
swa þu worulddeade  wrige mid foldan; 
is me ænge gast  innan hreðres, 
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 
and ymbe þine handgeweorc  hogode georne. 
þonne ic mine handa to þe  holde þenede 
and mine sawle  sette mid mode, 
swa eorðan bið  ansyn wæteres; 
gehyr me hrædlice,  hæl me syþþan. 
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 astigað. 
Gedo þæt ic gehyre  holde on morgene 
þine mildheortnesse,  mihtig drihten, 
forþon ic hycge to ðe,  helpe gelyfe. 
Do me wegas wise,  þæt ic wite gearwe 
on hwylcne ic gange  gleawe mode; 
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, 
forþon þu min god eart,  þu me god dydest. 

               Me þin se goda gast  gleawe lædde, 
þæt ic on rihtne weg  reðne ferde; 
for naman þines  neodweorðunge, 
drihten usser,  do me halne, 
þæt ic on ðinum rihte  rædfæst lifige. 
And þu of costunge  clæne alæddest 
sawle mine,  þær heo syððan forð 
on þinre mildheortnesse  mote wunian; 
and þu mine feondas  fæcne todrife, 
and eac forleose  laðra gehwylcne 
þe mine sawle  synne ætfæsten, 
forþon ic þin esne eom  agen symble. 

231. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 143Drihten is gebletsad,  min se deora god, 
þe mine handa  to hilde teah 
and mine fingras  to gefeohtanne. 

               He is mildheortnes  min æt þearfe, 
frið and fultum,  fæst andfengea 
and alysend is  lifes mines. 
Min þu mære eart  mihtig scyldend; 
ic hiht on ðe  hæbbe fæste, 
þæt þu me folc mænig  fægere underþeoddest. 
Hwæt is se manna,  mihtig drihten, 
þe þu him cuðlice  cyþan woldest, 
oððe mannes sunu,  þæt hit gemet wære, 
þæt þu him aht wið  æfre hæfdest? 

               Man byð merwe gesceaft,  mihtum idel; 
beoð his dagas swylce  demde gelice, 
swa þu on scimiendre  sceade locige. 
Ahyld þine heofenas,  halig drihten, 
onhrin þissum muntum,  and hi hraðe reocað. 
þine ligetta  
               leohtað and beorhtað, 
and þu hi toweorpest  wide æfter; 
synd þine strele  strange swylce, 
and ðu hi gedrefed hafast  deope syþþan. 
Onsend þine handa  of heanessum, 
alys me and genere  wið lagustreamum 
manegum wæterum  and wið manfolmum 
fremdra bearna  and frecenra. 
þara muðas sprecað  manidel word, 
bið hyra seo swiðre  symble abysgod, 
þæt hi unrihtes 
                elne tiligeað. 
Ic niwlice  niwne cantic 
þam godan gode  gleawne singe 
on psalterio,  þe him swynsað oft 
mid tyn strengum  getogen hearpe, 
on þære þe ic þe singe  swiþe geneahhe. 
þu healdest and sylest  hælu cyningum; 
þu alysdest eac  leofne Dauid, 
þinne agenne  
               ombihtmæcg, 
of þam awyrgedan  wraðan sweorde. 
Alys me and oðlæd  laþum wætrum, 
manegum merestreamum,  mærum handum, 
þa me fremde bearn  fæcne syndan. 
þara muðas sprecað  manidel word, 
byð hyra seo swiðre  symble abysgad, 
þæt hi unrihtes  awa tiligean. 
þara bearn swylce  
               bogum æþelum 
settum beamum  samed anlice, 

               standað on staðule  stiðe wið geoguðe. 
Wærun heora dohtru  deore gesette 
and ymb frætwum  utan gegyrede, 
efne anlicast  æþelum temple. 
Heora frumwæstme  fulle syndon, 
þæt hi rumlice  roccettað swiðe, 
of þissan on þæt  þonne wendað. 
Heora sceap wærun  swylce tydred 
and on siðfatum  swiþe genihtsum, 
heora oxan eac  ungemete fætte. 
Ne hreosað hi to hrusan  hearde gebiged, 
ne þær fernes is  folca mænegum, 
ne care micle  cleopiað on worðum. 
Eadig bið þæt folc,  oðre hatað, 
þe him swa on foldan  fægre limpeð; 
eadig bið þæt folc  þe ælmihtig wile 

               drihten god  dema weorðan. 

232. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 144Ic me heahne god  hæbbe to kyninge, 
and ic naman þinne  neode herige 
on ecnesse  awa to worulde. 
þuruh syndrige dagas  symble ic ðe bletsige, 
and naman þinne  neode herige 
on ecnesse  awa to worulde. 
Mycel is drihten,  hine man mægene sceal 
holde mode  herian swiðe; 
nis his micelmodes  mægenes ende. 
Cneorissa kynn  cwidum symble 
þin weorc herigen  wordum georne, 
and þine mihte eac  micle sæcgeon. 
Mycel mod and strang  þines mægenðrymmes 
and þine halignesse  holdes modes 
wise wordum sprecað,  weredum secggeað 
eall þin wundur  wide mære. 
And hi mægen swylce  mære and egeslic 
þinra wundra  wislic sæcgen 
and þine mægenstrengðu 
                mærsien wide. 
Gemune þines modes  þa miclan geniht, 
þinre weðnesse  wise sæcgenum 
roccette  and ræd sprece, 
and þine soðfæstnesse  sæcge geneahhe. 
Mildheort is drihten  and mannþwære 
and geþyldig eac,  þearle mildheort. 
Swylce eallum is  ure drihten 
manna cynne  milde and bliðe; 

               syndan his miltsa  ofer us mære weorc 
eall yldum cuð  awa to feore. 
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 
riht and reðe  rices þines. 
þæt þu cuð gedydest  ofer cneorisse, 
þær synd manna bearn  manig ætsomne, 
and þæt þin miht is  ofer middaneard 
and þines rices  rædfæst wuldur. 
Rice is þin, drihten,  ræde gefæstnod, 
and þu woruldricum  wealdest eallum; 
is þin anweald eac  ofer eorðware 
of cynne on cynn  and on cneorissum. 
Drihten is on wordum  dædum getreowe 
and on eallum his weorcum  wis and halig. 
Ahefeð halig god  þa ðe hreosað ær, 
and he ealle areceð  earme gebrocene. 
Eagan on þe  ealra, drihten, 
wisra gewenað  wiste to genihte, 
and þu him mete sylest  mæla gehwylce 
and þæs tidlice  tid gemearcast. 

               Onhlidest ðu þine handa  and hi hraðe fyllest, 
ealra wihta gehwam  wis bletsunga. 
Soðfæst is drihten  on his sylfes wegum 
eallum on eorðan,  and he æfter þan 
on his weorcum is  wis and halig. 
Neah is drihten  niþum eallum 
þe hine mid soðe hige  seceað and ciegað 
and his willan her  wyrceað georne 
and his ege swylce  elne ræfnað; 
he heora bene  bealde gehyreð 
and hi hrædlice gedeð  hale sona. 
Ealle gehealdeð  halig drihten 
þe lufan wið hine  lustum healdeð, 
and he synfulle  swylce todrifeð 
geond widwegas  wearnum ealle. 
Sceal lof drihtnes  on lust sprecan 
min muð mannum  mæla gehwylce, 
and flæsca gehwylc  þurh fæle word 
his þone haligan naman  her bletsian 
on ecnesse  awa to feore. 

233. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 145Herige min sawl  hælend drihten, 
and ic on minum life  lustum drihten 
herige haligne  and holdum gode 
sealmas singe,  þenden ic sylf lifige. 
Nelle ge on ealdurmenn  ane getreowian, 
ne on manna bearn;  nis þær mycel hælu. 
Heora gast gangeð,  gearwe onwendeð 
on þa eorðan  þe hi of comon; 
of þam sylfan dæge  syðþan forweorðað 
ealle þa geþohtas  þe hi þohtan ær. 
þonne bið eadig  þe him æror wæs 
Iacobes god  geara fultumiend, 
and ær his hiht on god  hæfde fæste, 
Se þe heofon worhte,  hrusan swylce 
and sidne sæ  samed ætgædere, 
and ealle þa þe him on  ahwær syndon. 
He his soðfæst word  swylce gehealdeð, 
and on worulde his  wise domas 
deð gedefe  þe her deorce ær 

               teonan manige  torne geþoledan; 
syleð mete swylce  þe her murcne ær 
hungur heaðugrimne  heardne geþoledan. 
Wreceð to ræde  rice drihten 
þara manna bearn  þe ær man gebræc, 
swylce þa gefetredan  fægre drihten 
lungre alyseð  and him lif geofeð, 
and blinde eac  bealde drihten 
on heora eagum  eft onleohteð; 
soðfæste drihten  swylce lufade. 
þa elðeodigan  ealle drihten 
lustum healdeð,  and lif geofeð 
weodewum wencelum;  he hiom wel onfehð, 
fyrenfulra weg  frecne toweorpeð. 
Rixað mid ræde  rice drihten 
on ecnesse  awa to feore, 
and þin, Sione, god  symble to worulde. 

234. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 146Heriað drihten,  he is heah and good; 
singað him sealmas  swiðe geneahhe 
and hine wlitegum  wordum herigeað. 
Eft Hierusalem  georne drihten 
timbreð tidum,  and to somnað 
þa þe ut gewitan  of Israhelum. 
Se hæleð eac  heortan geðræste 
and heora unrotnesse  ealle gewriðeð. 
He recene mæg  riman steorran 
and þa neodlice  be naman sona 
full cuðlice  cigean ealle. 

               Micel is ure  mihtig drihten, 
and his mægen is micel  and mihtum strang; 
ne his snytru mæg  secgean ænig, 
on þyssum ealdre  æfre ariman. 
Milde mode  and manþwære 
            

               he onfehð fægere,  and fyrenfulle 
wið eorðan niþer  ealle gehnegeð. 
Onginnað ge drihtne  geare andettan, 
singað gode urum  gleawe be hearpan, 
Se þe heofen þeceð  hadrum wolcnum 
and regn þanon  recene sendeð 
þe þeos eorðe fram  æfter groweð. 
He of beorgum ut  blæde lædeð, 

               hig to helpe  hæleða bearnum, 
Se þe mete syleð  manegum neatum, 
hrefnes briddum,  þonne heo hropende 
him cigeað to,  cuðes æses. 

               Nafast ðu to manna  mægene willan, 
ne þe on þinum selegescotum  swiðe licað, 
þeah þe weras wyrcean  wræst on eorðan. 
Ac wel licað  wuldres drihtne, 
þa þe hine him ondrædað  dædum and wordum, 
and on his milde mod  mægene gewenað. 

235. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 147Herige Hierusalem  georne drihten, 
here þu, Sion, swylce  þinne soðne god. 
Forþon he getrymede  wið teonhete, 
þæt þu þine doru mihtest  bedon fæste, 
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 
hwætecynnes  holde lynde. 
He his spræce hider  spowendlice 
on þas eorðan  ærest sendeð, 
and his word yrneð  wundrum sniome. 
He snaw sendeð  samed anlice 
swa þu wulle flys  wolcnum bringe, 
and þone toweorpeð  wide swa æscean. 
He his cristallum  cynnum sendeð 
swylc swa hlafgebrece  of heofonwolcnum; 
for andwlitan celes  þær ænig ne mæg 
him standan  stiðe mode. 
He his word sendeð  þuruh windes gast; 
blaweð beorhtlice,  burnan floweð 
and to wætere  weorðeð sniome. 
He his word eac  ær mid wisdome 
godum Iacobe  geara foresægde, 
and Israhele  eac his domas. 
Ne dyde he ahwær swa  eldran cynne, 
þæt he him his domas  digle gecydde. 

236. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 148Heriað ge on heofenum  hælend drihten, 
heriað hlude  on heanessum. 
Heriað hine ealle  engla ðreatas, 
lofige hine swylce  eall his leodmægen. 
Herigen hine swylce  sunna and mona, 
æghwylc steorra  and þæt æðele leoht. 
Heofenas hine heofena  herian georne, 
and þa wæter swylce  ðe ofer wolcnum synt 
on heofenhame,  herigen drihten. 
Forðon he sylfa cwæð,  sona wærun 

               wræclice geworht  wætera ðryþe, 
and gesceapene wærun,  þa he sylfa het. 
þa he on ecnesse  eall staðelade 
and on worulda woruld  wolde healdan; 
he sette bebod,  syþþan heo þæt heoldon. 
Herigen dracan swylce  drihten of eorðan, 
and ealle neowelnessa  herian naman drihtnes. 
Fyr, forst, hægel  and gefeallen snaw, 
is and yste,  ealra gastas 
þe his word willað  wyrcean georne, 
Muntas and geswyru,  micle beamas, 
þa þe mæst and wæstm  mannum bringað, 
and on eallum cedrum  
               ciið 
               alæded, 
Deor and neat,  do þæt sniome; 
nifle nædran cynn  be naman ealle, 
and fugla cynn  fiðerum gescyrped, 
Eorðcyningas eac  ealle swylce 
þe folcum her  fore wisien 
and ealdormen  ahwær syndan, 
and ealle þe þas eorþan  ahwær demeð. 
Beon ge, hægestealdas  and glade fæmnan, 
ealde and geonge  ealle ætsamne; 
herian naman drihtnes  mid neodlofe. 
Forþon his anes nama  ofer ealle is 
ahafen healice  hæleða ealra; 
is upp ahafen  his andetness 
heah ofer myclum  heofone and eorðan. 
He horn hefeð  holdes folces, 
he lofe leohteð  leofe þa halgan; 
wese awa frið  on Israhela 
fælum folce,  and hi forð heonan 
on his neaweste  neode wunian. 

237. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 149Singað samheorte  sangas drihtne 
and him neowne sang  nu ða singað; 
wese his herenes  on haligra 
clænre cyricean  
               cyðed geneahhe. 
Israhelas on hine  eac blissien, 
and Sione bearn  symble hihtan 
swiðust ealra.  
            
Herigen his naman  neode on ðreatum, 
on timpano  tidum heriað 
and on psalterio  singað georne. 
Forðon on his folce is  fægere drihtne 
wel licendlic,  and he wynlice 
þam manþwærum syleð  mære hælu. 
þonne on wuldre gefeoð  wel þa halgan, 
beoð on heora husum  bliðe gedreme. 
Him on gomum bið  godes oft gemynd; 
heo þæs wislice  wynnum brucað, 
and sweord habbaþ  swylce on folmum. 
Mid þy hi wrecan þenceað  wraðum cynnum 
and ðrea þearle  þeodum eawan. 
And hio bindan  balde þenceað 
cyningas on campum,  and cuðlice 
heora æðelingas don  
               on isene bendas, 
þæt hio dom on him  deopne gecyðan 
and þæt mid wuldre  awriten stande: 
þis is haligra wuldor 
                her on eorðan. 

238. The Paris Psalter: Psalm 150Heriað on þam halgum  his holdne drihten, 
heriað hine on his mægenes  mære hælu. 
Heriað hine swylce  on his heahmihtum, 
heriað hine æfter mode  his mægenþrymmes. 
Heriað hine on hleoðre  holdre beman 

239. The Meters of Boethius: Proemðus ælfred us  ealdspell reahte, 
cyning Westsexna,  cræft meldode, 
leoðwyrhta list.  Him wæs lust micel 
ðæt he ðiossum leodum  leoð spellode, 
monnum myrgen,  mislice cwidas, 
þy læs ælinge  ut adrife 
selflicne secg,  þonne he swelces lyt 
gymð for his gilpe.  Ic sceal giet sprecan, 
fon on fitte,  folccuðne ræd 
hæleðum secgean.  Hliste se þe wille! 

240. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 1Hit wæs geara iu  ðætte Gotan eastan 
of Sciððia  sceldas læddon, 
þreate geþrungon  þeodlond monig, 
setton suðweardes  sigeþeoda twa; 
Gotena rice  gearmælum weox. 
Hæfdan him gecynde  cyningas twegen, 
Rædgod and Aleric;  rice geþungon. 
þa wæs ofer Muntgiop  monig atyhted 
Gota gylpes full,  guðe gelysted, 
folcgewinnes.  Fana hwearfode 
scir on sceafte.  Sceotend þohton 
Italia  ealle gegongan, 
lindwigende.  Hi gelæstan swua 
efne from Muntgiop  oð þone mæran wearoð 
þær Sicilia  sæstreamum in, 
eglond micel,  eðel mærsað. 
ða wæs Romana  rice gewunnen, 
abrocen burga cyst,  beadurincum wæs 
Rom gerymed.  Rædgot and Aleric 
foron on ðæt fæsten;  fleah casere 
mid þam æþelingum  ut on Grecas. 
Ne meahte þa seo wealaf  wige forstandan 
Gotan mid guðe;  giomonna gestrion 
sealdon unwillum  eþelweardas, 
halige aðas.  Wæs gehwæðeres waa. 
þeah wæs magorinca  mod mid Grecum, 
gif hi leodfruman  læstan dorsten. 
Stod þrage on ðam.  þeod wæs gewunnen 
wintra mænigo,  oðþæt wyrd gescraf 
þæt þe ðeodrice  þegnas and eorlas 
heran sceoldan.  Wæs se heretema 
Criste gecnoden,  cyning selfa onfeng 
fulluhtþeawum.  Fægnodon ealle 
Romwara bearn  and him recene to 
friðes wilnedon.  He him fæste gehet 
þæt hy ealdrihta  ælces mosten 
wyrðe gewunigen  on þære welegan byrig, 
ðenden god wuolde  þæt he Gotena geweald 
agan moste.  He þæt eall aleag. 
Wæs þæm æþelinge  Arrianes 
gedwola leofre  þonne drihtnes æ. 
Het Iohannes,  godne papan, 
heafde beheawon;  næs ðæt hærlic dæd. 
Eac þam wæs unrim  oðres manes 
þæt se Gota fremede  godra gehwilcum. 
ða wæs ricra sum  on Rome byrig 
ahefen heretoga,  hlaforde leof, 
þenden cynestole  Creacas wioldon. 
þæt wæs rihtwis rinc,  næs mid Romwarum 
sincgeofa sella  siððan longe. 
He wæs for weorulde wis,  weorðmynða georn, 
beorn boca gleaw;  Boitius 
se hæle hatte  se þone hlisan geþah. 
Wæs him on gemynde  mæla gehwilce 
yfel and edwit  þæt him elðeodge 
kyningas cyðdon.  Wæs on Greacas hold, 
gemunde þara ara  and ealdrihta 
þe his eldran mid him  ahton longe, 
lufan and lissa.  Angan þa listum ymbe 
ðencean þearflice,  hu he ðider meahte 
Crecas oncerran,  þæt se casere eft 
anwald ofer hi  agan moste. 
Sende ærendgewrit  ealdhlafordum 
degelice,  and hi for drihtne bæd 
ealdum treowum,  ðæt hi æft to him 
comen on þa ceastre,  lete Greca witan 
rædan Romwarum,  rihtes wyrðe 
lete þone leodscipe.  ða þa lare ongeat 
ðeodric Amuling,  and þone þegn oferfeng, 
heht fæstlice  folcgesiðas 
healdon þone hererinc.  Wæs him hreoh sefa, 
ege from ðam eorle.  He hine inne heht 
on carcernes  cluster belucan. 
þa wæs modsefa  miclum gedrefed 
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, 
ac he neowol astreaht  niðer of dune 
feol on þa flore,  fela worda spræc, 
forþoht ðearle;  ne wende þonan æfre 
cuman of ðæm clammum.  Cleopode to drihtne 
geomran stemne,  gyddode þus: 

241. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 2Hwæt, ic lioða fela  lustlice geo 
sanc on sælum,  nu sceal siofigende, 
wope gewæged,  wreccea giomor, 
singan sarcwidas.  Me þios siccetung hafað 
agæled, ðes geocsa,  þæt ic þa ged ne mæg 
gefegean swa fægre,  þeah ic fela gio þa 
sette soðcwida,  þonne ic on sælum wæs. 
Oft ic nu miscyrre  cuðe spræce, 
and þeah uncuðre  ær hwilum fond. 
Me þas woruldsælða  welhwæs blindne 
on ðis 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 
heora bacu bitere,  and heora blisse from. 
Forhwam wolde ge,  weoruldfrynd mine, 
secgan oððe singan  þæt ic gesællic mon 
wære on weorulde?  Ne synt þa word soð, 
nu þa gesælða ne magon  simle gewunigan. 

242. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 3æala, on hu grimmum  and hu grundleasum 
seaðe swinceð  þæt sweorcende mod, 
þonne hit þa strongan  stormas beatað 
weoruldbisgunga,  þonne hit winnende 
his agen leoht  an forlæteð, 
and mid uua forgit  þone ecan gefean, 
ðringð on þa ðiostro  ðisse worulde, 
sorgum geswenced.  Swa is þissum nu 
mode gelumpen,  nu hit mare ne wat 
for gode godes  buton gnornunge 
fremdre worulde.  Him is frofre ðearf. 

243. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 4æala, ðu scippend  scirra tungla, 
hefones and eorðan!  ðu on heahsetle 
ecum ricsast,  and ðu ealne hræðe 
hefon ymbhwearfest,  and ðurh ðine halige miht 
tunglu genedest  þæt hi ðe to herað. 
Swylce seo sunne  sweartra nihta 
ðiostro adwæsceð  ðurh ðine meht. 
Blacum leohte  beorhte steorran 
mona gemetgað  ðurh ðinra meahta sped, 
hwilum eac þa sunnan  sines bereafað 
beorhtan leohtes,  þonne hit gebyrigan mæg 
þæt swa geneahsne  nede weorðað. 
Swelce þone mæran  morgensteorran, 
þe we oðre naman  æfensteorra 
nemnan herað,  ðu genedest þone 
þæt he þære sunnan  sið bewitige; 
geara gehwelce  he gongan sceal 
beforan feran.  Hwæt, ðu, fæder, wercest 
sumurlange dagas  swiðe hate, 
þæm winterdagum  wundrum sceorta 
tida getiohhast.  ðu þæm treowum selest 
suðan and westan,  þa ær se swearta storm 
norðan and eastan  benumen hæfde 
leafa gehwelces  ðurh þone laðran wind. 
Eala hwæt, on eorðan  ealla gesceafta 
hyrað ðinre hæse,  doð on heofonum swa some 
mode and mægne,  butan men anum, 
se wið ðinum willan  wyrceð oftost. 
Wel la, ðu eca  and ðu ælmihtiga, 
ealra gesceafta  sceppend and reccend, 
ara ðinum earmum  eorðan tudre, 
monna cynne,  ðurh ðinra mehta sped. 
Hwi ðu, ece god,  æfre wolde 
þæt sio wyrd on gewill  wendan sceolde 
yflum monnum  ealles swa swiðe? 
Hio ful oft dereð  unscyldegum. 
Sittað yfele men  giond eorðricu 
on heahsetlum,  halige þriccað 
under heora fotum;  firum uncuð 
hwi sio wyrd swa wo  wendan sceolde. 
Swa sint gehydde  her on worulde 
geond burga fela  beorhte cræftas. 
Unrihtwise  eallum tidum 
habbað on hospe  ða þe him sindon 
rihtes wisran,  rices wyrðran; 
bið þæt lease lot  lange hwile 
bewrigen mid wrencum.  Nu on worulde her 
monnum ne deriað  mane aðas. 
Gif ðu nu, waldend, ne wilt  wirde steoran, 
ac on selfwille  sigan lætest, 
þonne ic wat þætte wile  woruldmen tweogan 
geond foldan sceat  buton fea ane. 
Eala, min dryhten,  ðu þe ealle ofersihst 
worulde gesceafta,  wlit nu on moncyn 
mildum eagum,  nu hi on monegum her 
worulde yðum  wynnað and swincað, 
earme eorðwaran;  ara him nu ða. 

244. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 5ðu meaht be ðære sunnan  sweotole geþencean 
and be æghwelcum  oðrum steorran 
þara þe æfter burgum  
               beorhtost scineð. 
Gif him wan fore  wolcen hangað, 
ne mægen hi swa leohtne  leoman ansendan, 
ær se þicca mist  þynra weorðe. 
Swa oft smylte sæ  suðerne wind 
græge glashlutre  grimme gedrefeð, 
þonne hie gemengað  micla ysta, 
onhrerað hronmere;  hrioh bið þonne 
seo þe ær gladu  onsiene wæs. 
Swa oft æspringe  ut awealleð 
of clife harum  col and hlutor, 
and gereclice  rihte floweð, 
irneð wið his eardes,  oð him on innan felð 
muntes mægenstan,  and him on middan geligeð, 
atrendlod of ðæm torre.  He on tu siððan 
tosceaden wyrð,  scir bið gedrefed, 
burna geblonden,  broc bið onwended 
of his rihtryne,  ryðum toflowen. 
Swa nu þa þiostro  þinre heortan 
willað minre leohtan  lare wiðstondan 
and ðin modgeþonc  miclum gedrefan. 
Ac gif ðu nu wilnast,  þæt ðu wel mæge, 
þæt soðe leoht  sweotole oncnawan, 
leohte geleafan,  ðu forlætan scealt 
idle ofersælða,  unnytne gefean. 
þu scealt eac yfelne ege  an forlætan, 
woruldearfoða,  ne most ðu wesan for ðæm 
ealles to ormod,  ne ðu ðe æfre ne læt 
wlenca gewæcan,  þe læs þu weorðe for him 
mid ofermettum  eft gescended, 
and to up ahafen  for orsorgum 
woruldgesælðum,  ne eft to waclice 
geortreowe  æniges godes, 
þonne þe for worulde  wiðerwearda mæsð 
þinga þreage  and þu ðe selfum 
swiðost onsitte.  Forðæm simle bið 
se modsefa  miclum gebunden 
mid gedrefnesse,  gif hine dreccean mot 
þissa yfla hwæðer,  innan swencan. 
Forðæm þa twegen tregan  teoð tosomne 
wið þæt mod foran  mistes dwoleman, 
þæt hit seo ece ne mot  innan geondscinan 
sunne for ðæm sweartum mistum,  ærðæm hi geswiðrad weorðen. 

245. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 6ða se wisdom eft  wordhord onleac, 
sang soðcwidas,  and þus selfa cwæð: 
ðonne sio sunne  sweotolost scineð, 
hadrost of hefone,  hræðe bioð aðistrod 
ealle ofir eorðan  oðre steorran, 
forðæm hiora birhtu  ne bið auht 
to gesettane  wið þære sunnan leoht. 
ðonne smolte blæwð  suðan and westan 
wind under wolcnum.  þonne weaxeð hraðe 
feldes blostman,  fægen þæt hi moton. 
Ac se stearca storm,  þonne he strong cymð 
norðan and eastan,  he genimeð hraðe 
þære rosan wlite,  and eac þa ruman sæ 
norðerne yst  nede gebædeð, 
þæt hio strange geondstyred  on staðu beateð. 
Eala, þæt on eorðan  auht fæstlices 
weorces on worulde  ne wunað æfre! 

246. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 7ða ongon se wisdom  his gewunan fylgan, 
gliowordum gol,  gyd æfter spelle, 
song soðcwida  sumne þa geta, 
cwæð þæt he ne herde  þæt on heane munt 
monna ænig  meahte asettan 
healle hroffæste.  Ne þearf eac hæleða nan 
wenan þæs weorces,  þæt he wisdom mæge 
wið ofermetta  æfre gemengan. 
Herdes þu æfre  þætte ænig mon 
on sondbeorgas  settan meahte 
fæste healle?  Ne mæg eac fira nan 
wisdom timbran  þær ðær woruldgitsung 
beorg oferbrædeð.  Baru sond willað 
ren forswelgan;  swa deð ricra nu 
grundleas gitsung  gilpes and æhta, 
gedrinceð to dryggum  dreosendne welan, 
and þeah þæs þearfan ne bið  þurst aceled. 
Ne mæg hæleþa gehwæm  hus on munte 
lange gelæstan,  forðæm him lungre on 
swift wind swapeð.  Ne bið sond þon ma 
wið micelne ren  manna ængum 
huses hirde,  ac hit hreosan wile, 
sigan sond æfter rene.  Swa bioð anra gehwæs 
monna modsefan  miclum awegede, 
of hiora stede styrede,  þonne hi strong dreceð 
wind under wolcnum  woruldearfoða, 
oþþe hi eft se reða  ren onhrereð 
sumes ymbhogan,  ungemet gemen. 
Ac se ðe þa ecan  agan wille 
soðan gesælða,  he sceal swiðe flion 
ðisse worulde wlite,  wyrce him siððan 
his modes hus,  þær he mæge findan 
eaðmetta stan  unigmet fæstne, 
grundweal gearone;  se toglidan ne þearf, 
þeah hit wecge wind  woruldearfoða 
oððe ymbhogena  ormete ren, 
forþæm on þære dene  drihten selfa 
þara eadmetta  eardfæst wunigað, 
þær se wisdom a  wunað on gemyndum. 
Forðon orsorg lif  ealnig lædað 
woruldmen wise  buton wendinge. 
þonne he eall forsihð  eorðlicu good, 
and eac þara yfela  orsorh wunað, 
hopað to þæm ecum  þe þær æfter cumað, 
hine þonne æghwonan  ælmihtig good 
singallice  simle gehealdeð 
anwunigendne  his agenum 
modes gesælðum  þurh metodes gife, 
þeah hine se wind  woruldearfoða 
swiðe swence,  and hine singale 
gemen gæle,  þonne him grimme on 
woruldsælða wind  wraðe blaweð, 
þeah þe hine ealneg  se ymbhoga 
ðyssa woruldsælða  wraðe drecce. 

247. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 8Sona swa se wisdom  þas word hæfde 
swetole areahte,  he þa siððan ongan 
singan soðcwidas,  and þus selfa cwæð: 
Hwæt, sio forme eld  foldbuendum 
geond eorðan sceat  æghwam dohte, 
þa þa anra gehwæm  on eorðwæstmum 
genoh ðuhte.  Nis hit nu ða swelc! 
Næron þa geond weorulde  welige hamas, 
ne mislice  mettas ne drincas, 
ne hi þara hrægla  huru ne gemdon 
þe nu drihtguman  diorost lætað. 
Forðæm hiora nænig  næs þa gieta, 
ne hi ne gesawon  sundbuende, 
ne ymbutan hi  awer ne herdon. 
Hwæt, hi firenlusta  frece ne wæron, 
buton swa hi meahton  gemetlicost 
ða gecynd began  þe him Crist gesceop, 
and hi æne on dæge  æton symle 
on æfentid  eorðan wæstmas, 
wudes and wyrta,  nalles win druncon 
scir of steape.  Næs þa scealca nan 
þe mete oððe drinc  mængan cuðe, 
wæter wið hunige,  ne heora wæda þon ma 
sioloce siowian,  ne hi siarocræftum 
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 
ofer eargeblond  ellendne wearod, 
ne huru ymbe sciphergas  
               scealcas ne herdon, 
ne furðum fira nan  ymb gefeoht sprecan. 
Næs ðeos eorðe besmiten  awer þa geta 
beornes blode  þe hine bill rude, 
ne furðum wundne wer  weoruldbuende 
gesawan under sunnan.  Nænig siððan wæs 
weorð on weorulde,  gif mon his willan ongeat 
yfelne mid eldum;  he wæs æghwæm lað. 
Eala, þær hit wurde  oððe wolde god 
þæt on eorðan nu  ussa tida 
geond þas widan weoruld  wæren æghwæs 
swelce under sunnan.  Ac hit is sæmre nu, 
þæt ðeos gitsunc hafað  gumena gehwelces 
mod amerred,  þæt he maran ne recð, 
ac hit on witte  weallende byrnð. 
Efne sio gitsung  þe nænne grund hafað 
swearte swæfeð  sumes onlice 
efne þam munte  þe nu monna bearn 
Etne hatað.  Se on iglonde 
Sicilia  swefle byrneð, 
þæt mon helle fyr  hateð wide, 
forþæm hit symle bið  sinbyrnende, 
and ymbutan hit  oðra stowa 
blate forbærnð  biteran lege. 
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 oððe eorðan. 

248. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 9Hwæt, we ealle witon  hwelce ærleste 
ge neah ge feor  Neron worhte, 
Romwara cyning,  þa his rice wæs 
hehst under heofonum,  to hryre monegum. 
Wælhreowes gewed  wæs ful wide cuð, 
unrihthæmed,  arleasta fela, 
man and morðor,  misdæda worn, 
unrihtwises  inwidþoncas. 
He het him to gamene  geara forbærnan 
Romana burig,  sio his rices wæs 
ealles eðelstol.  He for unsnyttrum 
wolde fandian  gif þæt fyr meahte 
lixan swa leohte  and swa longe eac, 
read rasettan,  swa he Romane 
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, 
þa he ne earnade  elles wuhte, 
buton þæt he wolde  ofer werðiode 
his anes huru  anwald cyðan. 
Eac hit gesælde  æt sumum cierre 
ðæt se ilca het  ealle acwellan 
þa ricostan  Romana witan 
and þa æþelestan  eorlgebyrdum 
þe he on þæm folce  gefrigen hæfde, 
and on uppan  agene broðor 
and his modor mid  meca ecgum, 
billum ofbeatan.  He his bryde ofslog 
self mid sweorde,  and he symle wæs 
micle þe bliðra  on breostcofan 
þonne he swylces morðres 
                mæst gefremede. 
Nalles sorgode  hwæðer siððan a 
mihtig drihten  ametan wolde 
wrece be gewyrhtum  wohfremmendum, 
ac he on ferðe fægn  facnes and searuwa 
wælriow wunode.  Wiold emne swa þeah 
ealles þisses mæran  middangeardes, 
swa swa lyft and lagu  land ymbclyppað, 
garsecg embegyrt  gumena rice, 

               secgea sitlu,  suð, east and west, 
oð ða norðmestan  næssan on eorðan; 
eall þæt Nerone  nede oððe lustum, 
heaðorinca gehwilc,  heran sceolde. 
He hæfde him to gamene,  þonne he on gylp astag, 
hu he eorðcyningas  yrmde and cwelmde. 
Wenst ðu þæt se anwald  eaðe ne meahte 
godes ælmihtiges  þone gelpscaðan 
rice berædan  and bereafian 
his anwaldes  ðurh þa ecan meaht, 
oððe him his yfeles  elles gestioran? 
Eala, gif he wolde,  ðæt he wel meahte, 
þæt unriht him  eaðe forbiodan! 
Eawla, þæt se hlaford  hefig gioc slepte 
sware on þa swyran  sinra ðegena, 
ealra ðara hæleða  þe on his tidum 
geond þas lænan worold  liban sceoldon. 
He on unscyldgum  eorla blode 
his sweord selede  swiðe gelome; 
ðær wæs swiðe sweotol,  þæt we sædon oft, 
þæt se anwald ne deð  awiht godes 
gif se wel nele  þe his geweald hafað. 

249. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 10
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 10Gif nu hæleða hwone  hlisan lyste, 
unnytne gelp  agan wille, 
þonne ic hine wolde  wordum biddan 
þæt he hine æghwonon utan  ymbeþohte, 
sweotole ymbsawe,  suð, east and west, 
hu widgil sint  wolcnum ymbutan 
heofones hwealfe.  Higesnotrum mæg 
eaðe ðincan  þæt þeos eorðe sie 
eall for ðæt oðer  unigmet lytel; 
þeah hio unwisum  widgel þince, 
on stede stronglic  steorleasum men, 
þeah mæg þone wisan  on gewitlocan 
þære gitsunge  gelpes scamian, 
ðonne hine þæs hlisan  heardost lysteð, 
and he þeah ne mæg  þone tobredan 
ofer ðas nearowan  nænige ðinga 
eorðan sceatas;  is ðæt unnet gelp! 
Eala, ofermodan,  hwi eow a lyste 
mid eowrum swiran  selfra willum 
þæt swære gioc  symle underlutan? 
Hwy ge ymb ðæt unnet  ealnig swincen, 
þæt ge þone hlisan  habban tiliað 
ofer ðioda ma  þonne eow þearf sie? 
þeah eow nu gesæle  þæt eow suð oððe norð 
þa ytmestan  eorðbuende 
on monig ðiodisc  miclum herien, 
ðeah hwa æðele sie  eorlgebyrdum, 
welum geweorðad,  and on wlencum ðio, 
duguðum diore,  deað þæs ne scrifeð, 
þonne him rum forlæt  rodora waldend, 
ac he þone welegan  wædlum gelice 
efnmærne gedeð  ælces þinges. 
Hwær sint nu þæs wisan  Welandes ban, 
þæs goldsmiðes,  þe wæs geo mærost? 
Forþy ic cwæð þæs wisan  Welandes ban, 
forðy ængum ne mæg  eorðbuendra 
se cræft losian  þe him Crist onlænð. 
Ne mæg mon æfre þy eð  ænne wræccan 
his cræftes beniman,  þe mon oncerran mæg 
sunnan onswifan,  and ðisne 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, 
and se aroda,  þe we ymb sprecað, 
hiora heretoga,  se gehaten wæs 
mid þæm burgwarum  Brutus nemned? 
Hwær is eac se wisa  and se weorðgeorna 
and se fæstræda  folces hyrde, 
se wæs uðwita  ælces ðinges, 
cene and cræftig,  ðæm wæs Caton nama? 
Hi wæron gefyrn  forðgewitene; 
nat nænig mon  hwær hi nu sindon. 
Hwæt is hiora here  buton se hlisa an? 
Se is eac to lytel  swelcra lariowa, 
forðæm þa magorincas  maran wyrðe 
wæron on worulde.  Ac hit is wyrse nu, 
þæt geond þas eorðan  æghwær sindon 
hiora gelican  hwon ymbspræce, 
sume openlice  ealle forgitene, 
þæt hi se hlisa  hiwcuðe ne mæg 
foremære weras  forð gebrengan. 
þeah ge nu wenen  and wilnigen 
þæt ge lange tid  libban moten, 
hwæt iow æfre þy bet  bio oððe þince? 
Forðæm þe nane forlet,  þeah hit lang ðince, 
deað æfter dogorrime,  þonne he hæfð drihtnes leafe. 
Hwæt þonne hæbbe  hæleþa ænig, 
guma æt þæm gilpe,  gif hine gegripan mot 
se eca deað  æfter þissum worulde? 

250. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 11
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 11An sceppend is  butan ælcum tweon. 
Se is eac wealdend  woruldgesceafta, 
heofones and eorðan  and heare sæ 
and ealra þara  þe ðær in wuniað, 
ungesæwenlicra,  and eac swa same 
ðara ðe we eagum  on lociað, 
ealra gesceafta.  Se is ælmihtig, 
þæm oleccað  ealle gesceafte 
þe þæs ambehtes  awuht cunnon, 
ge eac swa same  þa ðæs auht nyton 
þæt hi þæs ðeodnes  þeowas sindon. 
Se us gesette  sido and þeawas, 
eallum gesceaftum  
               unawendende, 
singallice  sibbe gecynde, 
þa þa he wolde,  þæt þæt he wolde, 
swa lange swa he wolde  þæt hit wesan sceolde. 
Swa hit eac to worulde  sceal wunian forð, 
forþæm æfre ne magon  þa unstillan 
woruldgesceafta  weorðan gestilde, 
of ðæm ryne onwend  ðe him rodera weard 
endebyrdes  eallum gesette. 
Hæfð se alwealda  ealle gesceafta 
gebæt mid his bridle,  hafað butu gedon, 
ealle gemanode  and eac getogen, 
þæt hi ne moten  ofer metodes est 
æfre gestillan,  ne eft eallunga 
swiðor stirian,  þonne him sigora weard 
his gewealdleðer  wille onlæten. 
He hafað þe bridle  butu befangen 
heofon and eorðan  and eall holma begong. 
Swa hæfð geheaðærod  hefonrices weard 
mid his anwealde  ealle gesceafta, 
þæt hiora æghwilc  wið oðer winð, 
and þeah winnende  wreðiað fæste, 
æghwilc oðer  utan ymbclyppeð, 
þy læs hi toswifen.  Forðæm hi symle sculon 
ðone ilcan ryne  eft gecyrran 
þe æt frymðe  fæder getiode, 
and swa edniwe  eft gewiorðan. 
Swa hit nu fagað,  frean ealdgeweorc, 
þætte winnende  wiðerweard gesceaft 
fæste sibbe  forð anhealdað. 
Swa nu fyr and wæter,  folde and lagustream, 

               manigu oðru gesceaft  efnswiðe him 
giond þas widan worulde  winnað betweox him, 
and swa þeah magon  hiora þegnunga 
and geferscipe  fæste gehealdan. 
Nis hit no þæt an  þæt swa eaðe mæg 
wiðerweard gesceaft  wesan ætgædere 
symbel geferan,  ac hit is sellicre 
þæt hiora ænig ne mæg  butan oþrum bion. 
Ac sceal wuhta gehwilc  wiðerweardes hwæthwugu 
habban under heofonum,  þæt his hige durre 
gemetgian,  ær hit to micel weorðe. 
Hæfð se ælmihtiga  eallum gesceaftum 
ðæt gewrixle geset  þe nu wunian sceal, 
wyrta growan,  leaf grenian, 
þæt on hærfest eft  hrest and wealuwað. 
Winter bringeð  weder ungemet cald, 
swifte windas.  Sumor æfter cymeð, 
wearm gewideru.  Hwæt, þa wonnan niht 
mona onlihteð,  oððæt monnum dæg 
sunne bringeð  giond þas sidan gesceaft. 
Hæfð se ilca god  eorðan and wætere 
mearce gesette.  Merestream ne dear 
ofer eorðan sceat  eard gebrædan 
fisca cynne  butan frean leafe, 
ne hio æfre ne mot  eorðan þyrscwold 
up ofersteppan,  ne ða ebban þon ma 
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 
þa gewealdleðeru  wile onlætan 
efne þara bridla  þe he gebætte mid 
his agen weorc  eall æt frymðe, 
(þæt is wiðerweardnes  wuhte gehwelcre 
þe we mid þæm bridle  becnan tiliað); 
gif se ðioden læt  þa toslupan, 
sona hi forlætað  lufan and sibbe, 
ðæs geferscipes  freondrædenne; 
tilaþ anra gehwilc  agnes willan, 
woruldgesceafta  winnað betweox him, 
oððæt ðios eorðe  eall forweorðeð, 
and eac swa same  oðra gesceafta 
weorðað him selfe  siððan to nauhte. 
Ac se ilca god,  se þæt eall metgað, 
se gefehð fela  folca tosomne, 
and mid freondscipe  fæste gegadrað, 

               gesamnað sinscipas,  sibbe gemengeð, 
clænlice lufe.  Swa se cræftga eac 
geferscipas  fæste gesamnað, 
þæt hi hiora freondscipe  forð on symbel 
untweofealde  treowa gehealdað, 
sibbe samrade.  Eala, sigora god, 

               wære þis moncyn  miclum gesælig, 
gif hiora modsefa  meahte weorðan 
staðolfæst gereaht  þurh þa strongan meaht, 
and geendebyrd,  swa swa oðra sint 
woruldgesceafta.  Wære hit, la, þonne 
murge mid monnum,  gif hit meahte swa. 

251. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 12
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 12Se þe wille wyrcan  wæstmbære lond, 
atio of ðæm æcere  ærest sona 
fearn and þornas  and fyrsas swa same, 
wiod þa þe willað  welhwær derian 
clænum hwæte,  þy læs he ciða leas 
licge on ðæm lande.  Is leoda gehwæm 
ðios oðru bysen  efnbehefu, 
þæt is, þætte ðynceð  þegna gehwelcum 
huniges bibread  healfe þy swetre, 
gif he hwene ær  huniges teare 
bitres onbyrgeð.  Bið eac swa same 
monna æghwilc  micle þy fægenra 
liðes weðres,  gif hine lytle ær 
stormas gestondað  and se stearca wind 
norðan and eastan.  Nænegum þuhte 
dæg on þonce,  gif sio dimme niht 
ær ofer eldum  egesan ne brohte. 
Swa þincð anra gehwæm  eorðbuendra 
sio soðe gesælð  symle ðe betere 
and þy wynsumre,  þe he wita ma, 
heardra henða,  her adreogeð. 
þu meaht eac mycle þy eð  on modsefan 
soða gesælða  sweotolor gecnawan, 
and to heora cyððe  becuman siððan, 
gif þu up atyhsð  ærest sona 
and ðu awyrtwalast  of gewitlocan 
leasa gesælða,  swa swa londes ceorl 
of his æcere lycð  yfel weod monig. 
Siððan ic ðe secge  þæt þu sweotole meaht 
soða gesælða  sona oncnawan, 
and þu æfre ne recst  æniges ðinges 
ofer þa ane,  gif þu hi ealles ongitst. 

252. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 13
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 13Ic wille mid giddum  get gecyðan 
hu se ælmihtga  
               ealla gesceafta 
bryrð mid his bridlum,  begð ðider he wile 
mid his anwalde,  ge endebyrd 
wundorlice  wel gemetgað. 
Hafað swa geheaðorad  heofona wealdend, 
utan befangen  ealla gesceafta, 
geræped mid his racentan,  þæt hi aredian ne magon 
þæt hi hi æfre him  of aslepen; 
and þeah wuhta gehwilc  wrigað toheald 
sidra gesceafta,  swiðe onhelded 
wið þæs gecyndes  þe him cyning engla, 
fæder æt frymðe,  fæste getiode. 
Swa nu þinga gehwilc  ðiderweard fundað 
sidra gesceafta,  buton sumum englum 
and moncynne,  þara micles to feola 
woroldwuniendra  winð wið gecynde. 
þeah nu on londe  leon gemete, 
wynsume wiht  wel atemede, 
hire magister  miclum lufige, 
and eac ondræde  dogora gehwelce, 
gif hit æfre gesælð  þæt hio æniges 
blodes onbyrgeð,  ne ðearf beorna nan 
wenan þære wyrde  þæt hio wel siððan 
hire taman healde,  ac ic tiohhie 
þæt hio ðæs niwan taman  nauht ne gehicgge, 
ac ðone wildan gewunan  wille geþencan 
hire eldrena;  onginð eorneste 
racentan slitan,  ryn, grymetigan, 
and ærest abit  hire agenes 
huses hirde,  and hraðe siððan 
hæleða gehwilcne  þe hio gehentan mæg. 
Nele hio forlætan  libbendes wuht, 
neata ne monna,  nimð eall þæt hio fint. 
Swa doð wudufuglas;  þeah hi wel sien, 
tela atemede,  gif hi on treowum weorðað 
holte tomiddes,  hræðe bioð forsewene 
heora lareowas,  þe hi lange ær 
tydon and temedon.  Hi on treowum wilde 
ealdgecynde  a forð siððan 
willum wuniað,  þeah him wolde hwilc 
heora lareowa  listum beodan 
þone ilcan mete  þe he hi æror mid 
tame getede.  Him þa twigu þincað 
emne swa merge  þæt hi þæs metes ne recð, 
ðincð him to ðon wynsum  þæt him se weald oncwyð; 
þonne hi geherað  hleoðrum brægdan 
oðre fugelas,  hi heora agne 
stefne styriað;  stunað eal geador 
welwynsum sanc,  wudu eallum oncwyð. 
Swa bið eallum treowum  þe him on æðele bið 
þæt hit on holte  hyhst geweaxe; 
þeah ðu hwilcne boh  byge wið eorðan, 
he bið upweardes,  swa ðu an forlætst 
widu on willan,  went on gecynde. 
Swa deð eac sio sunne,  þonne hio on sige weorðeð, 
ofer midne dæg,  merecondel scyfð 
on ofdæle,  uncuðne weg 
nihtes geneðeð,  norð eft and east; 
eldum oteweð,  brencð eorðwarum 
morgen meretorhtne.  Hio ofer moncyn stihð 
a upweardes,  oð hio eft cymeð 
þær hire yfemesð bið  eard gecynde. 
Swa swa ælc gesceaft  ealle mægene 
geond ðas widan woruld  wrigað and higað, 
ealle mægene  eft symle onlyt, 
wið his gecyndes  cymð to, ðonne hit mæg. 
Nis nu ofer eorðan  ænegu gesceaft 
þe ne wilnie  þæt hio wolde cuman 
to þam earde  þe hio of becom; 
þæt is orsorgnes  and ecu rest, 
þæt is openlice  ælmihti god. 
Nis nu ofer eorðan  ænegu gesceaft 
þe ne hwearfige,  swa swa hweol deð, 
on hire selfre.  Forðon hio swa hwearfað, 
þæt hio eft cume  þær hio æror wæs; 
þonne hio ærest sie  utan behwerfed, 
þonne hio ealles wyrð  utan becerred, 
hio sceal eft don  þæt hio ær dyde, 
and eac wesan  þæt hio æror wæs. 

253. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 14
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 14Hwæt bið ðæm welegan  woruldgitsere 
on his mode ðe bet,  þeah he micel age 
goldes and gimma  and gooda gehwæs, 
æhta unrim,  and him mon erigen scyle 
æghwelce dæg  æcera ðusend, 
ðeah ðes middangeard  and þis manna cyn 
sy under sunnan  suð, west and east 
his anwalde  eall underðieded? 
Ne mot he þara hyrsta  hionane lædan 
of ðisse worulde  wuhte þon mare, 
hordgestreona,  ðonne he hiðer brohte. 

254. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 15
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 15ðeah hine nu se yfela  unrihtwisa 
Neron cynincg  niwan gescerpte 
wlitegum wædum  wundorlice, 
golde geglengde  and gimcynnum, 
þeah he wæs on worulde  witena gehwelcum 
on his lifdagum  lað and unweorð, 
fierenfull.  Hwæt, se feond swa ðeah 
his diorlingas  duguðum stepte. 
Ne mæg ic þeah gehycgan  hwy him on hige þorfte 
a ðy sæl wesan;  þeah hi sume hwile 
gecure butan cræftum  cyninga dysegast, 
næron hy ðy weorðran  witena ænegum. 
ðeah hine se dysega  do to cyninge, 
hu mæg þæt gesceadwis  scealc gereccan 
þæt he him ðy selra  sie oððe þince? 

255. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 16
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 16Se þe wille anwald agon,  ðonne sceal he ærest tilian 
þæt he his selfes  on sefan age 
anwald innan,  þy læs he æfre sie 
his unþeawum  eall underðyded, 
ado of his mode  mislicra fela 
þara ymbhogona  þe him unnet sie, 
læte sume hwile  siofunga ana 
            
ermða sinra.  þeah him eall sie 
þes middangeard,  swa swa merestreamas 
utan belicgað,  on æht gifen, 
efne swa wide  swa swa westmest nu 
an iglond ligð  ut on garsecg, 
þær nængu bið  niht on sumera 
ne wuhte þon ma  on wintra dæg 
toteled tidum,  þæt is Tile haten; 
þeah nu anra hwa  ealles wealde 
þæs iglandes,  and eac þonan 
oð Indeas  eastewearde; 
þeah he nu þæt eall  agan mote, 
hwy bið his anwald  auhte ðy mara, 
gif he siððan nah  his selfes geweald 
ingeðances,  and hine eorneste 
wel ne bewarenað  wordum and dædum 
wið ða unþeawas  þe we ymb sprecað? 

256. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 17
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 17
               Hwæt, eorðwaran  ealle hæfden, 
foldbuende,  fruman gelicne; 
hi of anum twæm  ealle comon, 
were and wife,  on woruld innan, 
and hi eac nu get  ealle gelice 
on woruld cumað,  wlance and heane. 
Nis þæt nan wundor,  forðæm witan ealle 
þæt an god is  ealra gesceafta, 
frea moncynnes,  fæder and scippend. 
Se ðære sunnan leoht  seleð of heofonum, 
monan and þyssum 
                mærum steorrum. 
Se milda 
               metod 
                gesceop men on eorðan, 
and gesamnade  sawle to lice 
æt fruman ærest,  folc under wolcnum 
emnæðele gesceop  æghwilcne mon. 
Hwy ge þonne æfre  ofer oðre men 
ofermodigen  buton andweorce, 
nu ge unæðelne  
               nænigne metað? 
Hwy ge eow for æþelum  up ahebben, 
nu on þæm mode bið  monna gehwilcum 
þa rihtæþelo  þe ic ðe recce ymb, 
nales on ðæm flæsce  foldbuendra? 
Ac nu æghwilc mon  þe mid ealle bið 
his unþeawum  underðieded, 
he forlæt ærest  lifes frumsceaft 
and his agene  æþelo swa selfe, 
and eac þone fæder  þe hine æt fruman gesceop. 
Forðæm hine anæþelað  ælmihtig god, 
þæt he unæþele  a forð þanan 
wyrð on weorulde,  to wuldre ne cymð. 

257. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 18
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 18Eala ðæt se yfla  unrihta gedeð 
wraða willa  wohhæmetes, 
þæt he mid ealle gedræfð  anra gehwylces 
monna cynnes  mod fulneah ðon. 
Hwæt, sio wilde beo,  þeah wis sie, 
anunga sceal  eall forweorðan 
gif hio yrringa  awuht stingeð. 
Swa sceal sawla gehwilc  siððan losian, 
gif se lichoma  forlegen weorðeð 
unrihthæmede,  bute him ær cume 
hreow to heortan,  ær he hionan wende. 

258. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 19
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 19Eala, þæt is hefig dysig,  hygeð ymbe se ðe wile, 
and frecenlic  fira gehwilcum 
þæt ða earman men  mid ealle gedwæleð, 
of ðæm rihtan wege  recene alæded. 
Hwæðer ge willen  on wuda secan 
gold ðæt reade  on grenum triowum? 
Ic wat swa ðeah  þæt hit witena nan 
þider ne seceð,  forðæm hit þær ne wexð, 
ne on wingeardum  wlitige gimmas. 
Hwy ge nu ne settan  on sume dune 
fiscnet eowru,  þonne eow fon lysteð 
leax oððe cyperan?  Me gelicost ðincð 
þætte ealle witen  eorðbuende 
þoncolmode  ðæt hi þær ne sint. 
Hwæþer ge nu willen  wæþan mid hundum 
on sealtne sæ,  þonne eow secan lyst 
heorotas and hinda?  þu gehicgan meaht 
þæt ge willað ða  on wuda secan 
oftor micle  þonne ut on sæ. 
Is ðæt wundorlic,  þæt we witan ealle, 
þæt mon secan sceal  be sæwaroðe 
and be eaofrum  æþele gimmas, 
hwite and reade  and hiwa gehwæs. 
Hwæt, hi eac witon  hwær hi eafiscas 
secan þurfan,  and swylcra fela 
weoruldwelena;  hi þæt wel doð, 
geornfulle men,  geara gehwilce. 
Ac ðæt is earmlicost  ealra þinga 
þæt þa dysegan sint  on gedwolan wordene, 
efne swa blinde  þæt hi on breostum ne magon 
eaðe gecnawan  hwær þa ecan good, 
soða gesælða,  sindon gehydda. 
Forþæm hi æfre ne lyst  æfter spyrian, 
secan þa gesælða.  Wenað samwise 
þæt hi on ðis lænan mægen  life findan 
soða gesælða,  þæt is selfa god. 
Ic nat hu ic mæge  nænige ðinga 
ealles swa swiðe  on sefan minum 
hiora dysig tælan  swa hit me don lysteð, 
ne ic þe swa sweotole  gesecgan ne mæg, 
forðæm hi sint earmran  and eac dysegran, 
ungesæligran,  þonne ic þe secgan mæge. 
Hi wilniað  welan and æhta 
and weorðscipes  to gewinnanne; 
þonne hi habbað  þæt hiora hige seceð, 
wenað þonne  swa gewitlease 
ðæt hi þa soðan  gesælða hæbben. 

259. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 20
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 20Eala, min drihten,  þæt þu eart ælmihtig, 
micel, modilic,  mærþum gefræge, 
and wundorlic  witena gehwylcum. 
Hwæt, ðu, ece god,  ealra gesceafta 
wundorlice  wel gesceope, 
ungesewenlica,  and eac swa same 
gesewenlicra  softe wealdest 
scirra gesceafta  mid gesceadwisum 
mægne and cræfte.  þu þysne middangeard 
from fruman ærest  forð oð ende 
tidum totældes,  swa hit getæsost wæs, 
endebyrdes,  þæt hi æghwæðer 
ge ær farað  ge eft cumað. 
þu þe unstilla  agna gesceafta 
to ðinum willan  wislice astyrest, 
and þe self wunæst  swiðe stille 
unanwendendlic  a forð simle. 
Nis nan mihtigra  ne nan mærra 
ne geond ealle þa gesceaft  efnlica þin, 
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, 
þeah ðe nænegu  nedðearf wære 
eallra þara mærþa.  Is ðæt micel gecynd 
þines goodes,  þencð ymb se ðe wile, 
forðon hit is eall an  ælces þincges, 
þu and þæt ðin good.  Hit is þin agen, 
forðæm hit his utan  ne com auht to ðe, 
ac ic georne wat  þæt ðin goodnes is, 
ælmihtig good,  eall mid ðe selfum. 
Hit is ungelic  urum gecynde; 
us is utan cymen  eall þa we habbað 
gooda on grundum  from gode selfum. 
Næfst þu to ænegum  andan genumenne, 
forðam þe nan þing nis  þin gelica, 
ne huru ænig  ælcræftigre, 
forðæm þu ealgood  anes geþeahte 
þines geþohtest,  and hi þa worhtest. 
Næs æror ðe  ænegu gesceaft 
þe auht oððe nauht  auðer worhte, 
ac ðu butan bysne,  brego moncynnes, 

               ælmihtig god,  eall geworhtest 
þing þearle good;  eart þe selfa 
þæt hehste good.  Hwæt, ðu, halig fæder, 
æfter þinum willan  woruld gesceope, 
ðisne middangeard,  meahtum þinum, 
weorada drihten,  swa þu woldest self, 
and mid ðinum willan  wealdest ealles; 
forðæm þu, soða god,  selfa dælest 
gooda æghwilc.  Forðæm þu geara ær 
ealla gesceafta  ærest gesceope 
swiðe gelice,  sumes hwæðre þeah 
ungelice,  nemdest eall swa ðeah 
mid ane noman  ealle togædre 
woruld under wolcnum.  Hwæt, þu, wuldres god, 
þone anne naman  eft todældes, 
fæder, on feower;  wæs þara folde an 
and wæter oðer  worulde dæles, 
and fyr is þridde  and feowerðe lyft; 
þæt is eall weoruld  eft togædere. 
Habbað þeah þa feower  frumstol hiora, 
æghwilc hiora  agenne stede, 
þeah anra hwilc  wið oðer sie 
miclum gemenged,  and mid mægne eac 
fæder ælmihtiges  fæste gebunden 
gesiblice  softe togædre 
mid bebode þine,  bilewit fæder, 
þætte heora ænig  oðres ne dorste 
mearce ofergangan  for metodes ege; 
ac geþweorod sint  ðegnas togædre, 
cyninges cempan,  cele wið hæto, 
wæt wið drygum,  winnað hwæðre. 
Wæter and eorðe  wæstmas brengað; 
þa sint on gecynde  cealda ba twa, 
wæter wæt and ceald.  Wangas ymbelicgað, 
eorðe ælgreno,  eac hwæðre ceald. 
Lyft is gemenged,  forþæm hio on middum wunað; 
nis þæt nan wundor  þæt hio sie wearm and ceald, 
wæt wolcnes tier,  winde geblonden, 
forðæm hio is on midle,  mine gefræge, 
fyres and eorðan.  Fela monna wat 
þætte yfemest is  eallra gesceafta 
fyr ofer eorðan,  folde neoðemest. 
Is þæt wundorlic,  weroda drihten, 
þæt ðu mid geþeahte  þinum wyrcest 
þæt ðu þæm gesceaftum  swa gesceadlice 
mearce gesettest,  and hi gemengdest eac. 
Hwæt, ðu þæm wættere  wætum and cealdum 
foldan to flore  fæste gesettest, 
forðæm hit unstille  æghwider wolde 
wide toscriðan  wac and hnesce. 
Ne meahte hit on him selfum,  soð ic geare wat, 
æfre gestandan,  ac hit sio eorðe hylt 
and swelgeð eac  be sumum dæle, 
þæt hio siðþan mæg  for ðæm sype weorðan 
geleht lyftum.  Forðæm leaf and gærs 
bræd geond Bretene,  bloweð and groweð 
eldum to are.  Eorðe sio cealde 
brengð wæstma fela  wundorlicra, 
forðæm hio mid þæm wætere  weorðað geþawened. 
Gif þæt nære,  þonne hio wære 
fordrugod to duste  and todrifen siððan 
wide mid winde,  swa nu weorðað oft 
axe giond eorðan  eall toblawen. 
Ne meahte on ðære eorðan  awuht libban, 
ne wuhte þon ma  wætres brucan, 
on eardian  ænige cræfte 
for cele anum,  gif þu, cyning engla, 
wið fyre hwæthwugu  foldan and lagustream 

               ne mengdest togædre,  and gemetgodest 
cele and hæto  cræfte þine, 
þæt þæt fyr ne mæg  foldan and merestream 
blate forbærnan,  þeah hit wið ba twa sie 
fæste gefeged,  fæder ealdgeweorc. 
Ne þincð me þæt wundur  wuhte þe læsse 
þæt ðios eorðe mæg  and egorstream, 
swa ceald gesceaft,  cræfta nane 
ealles adwæscan  þæt þæt him on innan sticað 
fyres gefeged  mid frean cræfte. 
þæt is agen cræft  
               eagorstreames, 
wætres and eorþan,  and on wolcnum eac, 
and efne swa same  uppe ofer rodere. 
þonne is þæs fyres  frumstol on riht, 
eard ofer eallum  oðrum gesceaftum 
gesewenlicum  geond þisne sidan grund; 
þeah hit wið ealla sie  eft gemenged 
weoruldgesceafta,  þeah waldan ne mot 
þæt hit ænige  eallunga fordo 
butan þæs leafe  þe us þis lif tiode, 
þæt is se eca  and se ælmihtga. 
Eorðe is hefigre  oðrum gesceaftum, 
þicre geþuren,  
               forðæm hio þrage stod 
ealra gesceafta  under niðemæst, 
buton þæm rodere,  þe þas ruman gesceaft 
æghwylce dæge  utan ymbhwyrfeð, 
and þeah þære eorðan  æfre ne oðrineð, 
ne hire on nanre ne mot  near þonne on oðre 
stowe gestæppan;  striceð ymbutan 
ufane and neoðane,  efenneah gehwæðer. 
æghwilc gesceaft  þe we ymb sprecað 
hæfð his agenne  eard onsundran, 
bið þeah wið þæm oðrum  eac gemenged. 
Ne mæg hira ænig  butan oðrum bion. 
þeah hi unsweotole  somod eardien, 
swa nu eorðe and wæter  earfoðtæcne 
unwisra gehwæm  wuniað on fyre, 
þeah hi sindan 
                sweotole þæm wisum. 
Is þæt fyr swa same  fæst on þæm wætre 
and on stanum eac  stille geheded 
earfoðhawe,  is hwæðre þær. 
Hafað fæder engla  fyr gebunden 
efne to þon fæste  þæt hit fiolan ne mæg 
eft æt his eðle,  þær þæt oðer fyr 
up ofer eall þis  eardfæst wunað. 
Sona hit forlæteð  þas lænan gesceaft, 
mid cele ofercumen,  gif hit on cyððe gewit, 
and þeah wuhta gehwilc  wilnað þiderweard 
þær his mægðe bið  mæst ætgædre. 
þu gestaðoladest  þurh þa strongan meaht, 
weroda wuldorcyning,  wundorlice 
eorðan swa fæste  þæt hio on ænige 
healfe ne heldeð;  ne mæg hio hider ne þider 
sigan þe swiðor  þe hio symle dyde. 
Hwæt, hi þeah eorðlices  auht ne haldeð, 
is þeah efneðe  up and of dune 
to feallanne  foldan ðisse, 
þæm anlicost  þe on æge bið, 
gioleca on middan,  glideð hwæðre 
æg ymbutan.  Swa stent eall weoruld 
stille on tille,  streamas ymbutan, 
lagufloda gelac,  lyfte and tungla, 
and sio scire scell  scriðeð ymbutan 
dogora gehwilce;  dyde lange swa. 
Hwæt, þu, ðioda god,  ðriefalde on us 
sawle gesettest,  and hi siððan eac 
styrest and stihtest  þurh ða strongan meaht, 
þæt hire þy læsse  on ðæm lytlan ne bið 
anum fingre  þe hire on eallum bið 
þæm lichoman.  Forðæm ic lytle ær 
sweotole sæde  þæt sio sawl wære 
þriefald gesceaft  þegna gehwilces, 
forðæm uðwitan  ealle seggað 
ðætte an gecynd  ælcre saule 
irsung sie,  oðer wilnung; 
is sio ðridde gecynd  þæm twæm betere, 
sio gesceadwisnes.  Nis ðæt scandlic cræft, 
forðæm hit nænig hafað  neat buton monnum. 
Hæfð þa oðra twa  unrim wuhta; 
hæfð þa wilnunga  welhwilc neten 
and þa yrsunga  eac swa selfe. 
Forðy men habbæð  geond middangeard 
eorðgesceafta  ealla oferþungen, 
forðæm ðe hi habbað,  þæs ðe hi nabbað, 
þone ænne cræft  þe we ær nemdon. 
Sio gesceadwisnes  sceal on gehwelcum 
þære wilnunge  waldan semle, 
and irsunge  eac swa selfe; 
hio sceal mid geþeahte  þegnes mode, 
mid andgite,  ealles waldan. 
Hio is þæt mæste mægen  monnes saule 
and se selesta  sundorcræfta. 
Hwæt, þu ða saule,  sigora waldend, 
þeoda þrymcyning,  þus gesceope, 
þæt hio hwearfode  on hire selfre 
hire utan ymb,  swa swa eal deð 
rineswifte rodor,  
               recene ymbscriðeð 
dogora gehwilce  drihtnes meahtum 
þisne middangeard.  Swa deð monnes saul, 
hweole gelicost,  hwærfeð ymbe hy selfe, 
oft smeagende  ymb ðas eorðlican 
drihtnes gesceafta  dagum and nihtum. 
Hwilum ymb hi selfe  secende smeað, 
hwilum eft smeað  ymb þone ecan god, 
sceppend hire.  Scriðende færð, 
hweole gelicost,  hwærfð ymb hi selfe. 
þonne hio ymb hire scyppend  mid gescead smeað, 
hio bið up ahæfen  ofer hi selfe, 
ac hio bið eallunga  an hire selfre, 
þonne hio ymb hi selfe  secende smeað; 
hio bið swiðe fior  hire selfre beneoðan, 
þonne hio þæs lænan  lufað and wundrað 
eorðlicu þing  ofer ecne ræd. 
Hwæt, þu, ece god,  eard forgeafe 
saulum on heofonum,  selest weorðlica 
ginfæsta gifa,  god ælmihtig, 
be geearnunga  anra gehwelcre. 
Ealle hi scinað  ðurh þa sciran neaht 
hadre on heofonum,  na hwæðre þeah 
ealle efenbeorhte.  Hwæt, we oft gesioð 
hadrum nihtum  þætte heofonsteorran 
ealle efenbeorhte  æfre ne scinað. 
Hwæt, þu, ece god,  eac gemengest 
þa heofoncundan  hider wið eorðan, 
saula wið lice;  siððan wuniað 
þis eorðlice  and þæt ece samod, 
saul in flæsce.  Hwæt, hi simle to ðe 

               hionan fundiað;  forðæm hi hider of ðe 
æror comon,  sculon eft to ðe. 
Sceal se lichama  last weardigan 
eft on eorðan,  forðæm he ær of hire 
weox on weorulde.  Wunedon ætsomne 
efen swa lange  swa him lyfed wæs 
from þæm ælmihtigan,  þe hi æror gio 
gesomnade,  þæt is soð cining. 
Se þas foldan gesceop  and hi gefylde þa 
swiðe mislicum,  mine gefræge, 
neata cynnum,  nergend user. 
He hi siððan asiow  sæda monegum 
wuda and wyrta  weorulde sceatum. 
Forgif nu, ece god,  urum modum, 
þæt hi moten to þe,  metod alwuhta, 
þurg þas earfoðu  up astigan, 
and of þisum bysegum,  bilewit fæder, 
þeoda waldend,  to ðe cuman, 
and þonne mid openum  eagum moten 
modes ures,  ðurh ðinra mægna sped, 
æwelm gesion  eallra gooda, 
þæt þu eart selfa  sigedrihten god, 
ge þa eagan hal  ures modes, 
þæt we hi on ðe selfum  siððan moten 
afæstnian.  Fæder engla, todrif 
þone þiccan mist  þe þrage nu 
wið þa eagan foran  usses modes 
hangode hwyle,  hefig and þystre. 
Onliht nu þa eagan  usses modes 
mid þinum leohte,  lifes waldend, 
forðæm þu eart sio birhtu,  bilewit fæder, 
soðes leohtes,  and þu selfa eart 
sio fæste ræst,  fæder ælmihtig, 
eallra soðfæstra.  Hwæt, þu softe gedest 
þæt hi ðe selfne  gesion moten. 
þu eart eallra þinga,  þeoda waldend, 
fruma and ende.  Hwæt, þu, fæder engla, 
eall þing birest  eðelice 
buton geswince.  þu eart selfa weg 
and latteow eac  lifgendra gehwæs, 
and sio wlitige stow  þe se weg to ligð, 
þe ealle to  a fundiað 
men of moldan  on þa mæran gesceaft. 

260. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 21
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 21Wel la, monna bearn  geond middangeard, 
friora æghwilc  fundie to 
þæm ecum gode  þe we ymb sprecað, 
and to þæm gesælðum  þe we secgað ymb. 
Se ðe ðonne nu sie  nearwe gehefted 
mid þisses mæran  middangeardes 
unnyttre lufe,  sece him eft hræðe 
fulne friodom,  þæt he forð cume 
to þæm gesælðum  saula rædes. 
Forþæm þæt is sio an rest  eallra geswinca, 
hyhtlicu hyð  heaum ceolum 
modes usses,  meresmylta wic. 
þæt is sio an hyð  þe æfre bið 
æfter þam yðum  ura geswinca, 
ysta gehwelcre,  ealnig smylte. 
þæt is sio friðstow  and sio frofor an 
eallra yrminga  æfter þissum 
weoruldgeswincum.  þæt is wynsum stow 
æfter þyssum yrmðum  to aganne. 
Ac ic georne wat  þætte gylden maðm, 
sylofren sincstan,  searogimma nan, 
middangeardes wela  modes eagan 
æfre ne onlyhtað,  auht ne gebetað 
hiora scearpnesse  to þære sceawunga 
soðra gesælða,  ac hi swiðor get 
monna gehwelces  modes eagan 
ablendað on breostum,  þonne hi hi beorhtran gedon. 
Forðæm æghwilc ðing  þe on þys andweardan 
life licað  lænu sindon, 
eorðlicu þing  a fleondu. 
Ac þæt is wundorlic  wlite and beorhtnes 
þe wuhta gehwæs  wlite geberhteð, 
and æfter þæm  eallum wealdeð. 
Nele se waldend  ðæt forweorðan scylen 
saula usse,  ac he hi selfa wile 
leoman onlihtan,  lifes wealdend. 
Gif þonne hæleða hwilc  hlutrum eagum 
modes sines  mæg æfre ofsion 
hiofones leohtes  hlutre beorhto, 
þonne wile he secgan  þæt ðære sunnan sie 
beorhtnes þiostro  beorna gehwylcum 
to metanne  wið þæt micle leoht 
godes ælmihtiges;  þæt is gasta gehwæm 
ece butan ende  eadegum saulum. 

261. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 22
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 22Se þe æfter rihte  mid gerece wille 
inweardlice  æfter spyrian 
swa deoplice,  þæt hit todrifan ne mæg 
monna ænig,  ne amerran huru 
ænig eorðlic ðincg,  he ærest sceal 
secan on him selfum  þæt he sume hwile 
ymbutan hine  æror sohte. 
Sece þæt siððan  on his sefan innan, 
and forlæte an,  swa he oftost mæge, 

               ælcne ymbhogan  ðy him unnet sie, 
and gesamnige,  swa he swiðost mæge, 
ealle to þæm anum  his ingeðonc, 
gesecge his mode 
                þæt hit mæg findan 
eall on him innan  þæt hit oftost nu 
ymbutan hit  ealneg seceð, 
gooda æghwylc.  He ongit siððan 
yfel and unnet  eal þæt he hæfde 
on his incofan  æror lange 
efne swa sweotole  swa he on þa sunnan mæg 
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 scineð. 
Forðæm þæs lichoman  leahtras and hefignes 
and þa unþeawas  eallunga ne magon 
of mode ation  monna ænegum 
rihtwisnesse,  ðeah nu rinca hwæm 
þæs lichoman  leahtras and hefignes 
and unþeawas  oft bysigen 
monna modsefan,  mæst and swiðost 
mid þære yflan  oforgiotolnesse; 
mid gedwolmiste  dreorigne sefan 
fortihð mod foran  monna gehwelces, 
þæt hit swa beorhte ne mot  blican and scinan 
swa hit wolde,  gif hit geweald ahte; 
þeah bið sum corn  sædes gehealden 
symle on ðære saule  soðfæstnesse, 
þenden gadertang wunað  gast on lice. 
ðæs sædes corn  bið symle aweaht 
mid ascunga,  eac siððan mid 
goodre lare,  gif hit growan sceal. 
Hu mæg ænig man  andsware findan 
ðinga æniges,  þegen mid gesceade, 
þeah hine rinca hwilc  rihtwislice 
æfter frigne  gif he awuht nafað 
on his modsefan  mycles ne lytles 

               rihtwisnesse
                ne geradscipes? 
Nis þeah ænig man  þætte ealles swa 
þæs geradscipes  swa bereafod sie 
þæt he andsware  ænige ne cunne 
findan on ferhðe,  gif he frugnen bið. 
Forðæm hit is riht spell  þæt us reahte gio 
ald uðwita,  ure Platon; 
he cwæð þætte æghwilc  ungemyndig 
rihtwisnesse  hine hræðe sceolde 
eft gewendan  in to sinum 
modes gemynde;  he mæg siððan 
on his runcofan  rihtwisnesse 
findan on ferhte  fæste gehydde 
mid gedræfnesse  dogora gehwilce 
modes sines  mæst and swiðost, 
and mid hefinesse  his lichoman, 
and mid þæm bisgum  þe on breostum styreð 
mon on mode  mæla gehwylce. 

262. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 23
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 23Sie ðæt la on eorðan  ælces ðinges 
gesælig mon,  gif he gesion mæge 
þone hlutrestan  heofontorhtan stream, 
æðelne æwelm  ælces goodes, 
and of him selfum  ðone sweartan mist, 
modes þiostro,  mæg aweorpan. 
We sculon ðeah gita  mid godes fylste 
ealdum and leasum  ðinne ingeðonc 
betan bispellum,  þæt ðu ðe bet mæge 
aredian to rodorum  rihte stige 
on ðone ecan eard  ussa saula. 

263. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 24
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 24Ic hæbbe fiðru  fugle swiftran, 
mid ðæm ic fleogan mæg  feor fram eorðan 
ofer heane hrof  heofones þisses, 
ac ðær ic nu moste  mod gefeðran, 
ðinne ferðlocan,  feðrum minum, 
oððæt ðu meahte  þisne middangeard, 
ælc eorðlic ðing,  eallunga forsion. 
Meahtes ofer rodorum  gereclice 
feðerum lacan,  feor up ofer 
wolcnu windan,  wlitan siððan 
ufan ofer ealle.  Meahtes eac faran 
ofer ðæm fyre  ðe fela geara 
for lange betweox  lyfte and rodere, 
swa him æt frymðe  fæder getiode. 
ðu meahtest ðe siððan  mid ðære sunnan 
faran betweox  oðrum tunglum. 
Meahtest ðe full recen  on ðæm rodere ufan 
siððan weorðan,  and ðonne samtenges 
æt ðæm ælcealdan  anum steorran, 
se yfmest is  eallra tungla, 
ðone Saturnus  sundbuende 
hatað under heofonum;  he is se cealda 
eallisig tungl,  yfemest wandrað 
ofer eallum ufan  oðrum steorrum. 
Siððan ðu ðonne  ðone up a hafast 
forð oferfarenne,  ðu meaht feorsian; 
ðonne bist ðu siððan  sona ofer uppan 
rodere ryneswiftum.  Gif ðu on riht færest, 
ðe ðone hehstan heofon  behindan lætst, 
ðonne meaht ðu siððan 
                soðes leohtes 
habban þinne dæl,  ðonan an cyning 
rume ricsað  ofer roderum up 
and under swa same  eallra gesceafta, 
weorulde waldeð.  þæt is wis cyning, 
þæt is se ðe waldeð  giond werðioda 
ealra oðra  eorðan cyninga, 
se mid his bridle  
               ymbebæted hæfð 
ymbhwyrft ealne  eorðan and heofones. 
He his gewaldleðer  wel gemetgað, 
se stioreð a  þurg ða strongan meaht 
ðæm hrædwæne  heofones and eorðan. 
Se an dema  is gestæððig, 
unawendendlic,  wlitig and mære. 
Gif ðu weorðest 
                on wege rihtum 
up to ðæm earde,  þæt is æðele stow, 
ðeah ðu hi nu geta  forgiten hæbbe, 
gif ðu æfre eft  þær an cymest, 
ðonne wilt þu secgan  and sona cweðan: 
"ðis is eallunga  min agen cyð, 
eard and eðel.  Ic wæs ær hionan 
cumen and acenned  ðurh ðisses cræftgan meaht. 
Nylle ic æfre  hionan ut witan, 
ac ic symle her  softe wille 
mid fæder willan  fæste stondan." 
Gif ðe ðonne æfre  eft geweorðeð 
þæt ðu wilt oððe most  weorolde ðiostro 
eft fandian,  ðu meaht eaðe gesion 
unrihtwise  eorðan cyningas 
and þa ofermodan  oðre rican 
ðe þis werige folc  wyrst tuciað, 
þæt hi symle bioð  swiðe earme, 
unmehtige  ælces ðinges, 
emne ða ilcan  þe þis earme folc 
sume hwile nu  swiðost ondrædæð. 

264. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 25
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 25Geher nu an spell  be ðæm ofermodum 
unrihtwisum  eorðan cyningum, 
ða her nu manegum  and mislicum 
wædum wlitebeorhtum  wundrum scinað 
on heahsetlum,  hrofe getenge, 
golde gegerede  and gimcynnum, 
utan ymbestandne  mid unrime 
ðegna and eorla.  þa bioð gehyrste 
mid heregeatwum  hildetorhtum, 
sweordum and fetelum  swiðe geglengde, 
and þegniað  ðrymme micle 
ælc oðrum,  and hi ealle him 
ðonan mid ðy ðrymme  þreatiað gehwider 
ymbsittenda  oðra ðeoda; 
and se hlaford ne scrifð,  ðe ðæm here waldeð, 
freonde ne feonde,  feore ne æhtum, 
ac he reðigmod  ræst on gehwilcne, 
wedehunde  wuhta gelicost; 
bið to up ahæfen  inne on mode 
for ðæm anwalde  þe him anra gehwilc 
his tirwina  to fultemað. 
Gif mon ðonne wolde  him awindan of 
þæs cynegerelan  claða gehwilcne, 
and him þonne oftion  ðara ðegnunga 
and þæs anwaldes  ðe he ær hæfde, 
ðonne meaht ðu gesion  þæt he bið swiðe gelic 
sumum ðara gumena  þe him geornost nu 
mid ðegnungum  ðringað ymbeutan; 
gif he wyrsa ne bið,  ne wene ic his na beteran. 
Gif him þonne æfre  unmendlinga 
weas geberede  þæt him wurde oftogen 
þrymmes and wæda  and þegnunga 
and ðæs anwaldes  þe we ymbe sprecað, 
gif him ænig þara  ofhende wyrð, 
ic wat þæt him þynceð  þæt he þonne sie 
becropen on carcern,  oððe coðlice 
racentan geræped.  Ic gereccan mæg 
þæt of ungemete  ælces ðinges, 
wiste and wæda,  wingedrinces, 
and of swetmettum,  swiðost weaxað 
þære wrænnesse  wodðrag micel; 
sio swiðe gedræfð  sefan ingehygd 
monna gehwelces,  þonan mæst cymeð 
yfla ofermetta,  unnetta saca. 
þonne hi gebolgene weorðað,  him wyrð on breostum inne 
beswungen sefa on hraðre  mid ðæm swiðan welme 
hatheortnesse,  and hreðe siððan 
unrotnesse  eac geræped, 
hearde gehæfted.  Him siððan onginð 
sum tohopa  swiðe leogan 
þæs gewinnes wræce;  wilnað þæt irre 
anes and oðres;  him þæt eall gehæt 
his recelest,  rihtes ne scrifeð. 
Ic ðe sæde ær  on ðisse selfan bec 
þæt sumes goodes  sidra gesceafta 
anlepra ælc  a wilnode 
for his agenum  ealdgecynde. 
Unrihtwise  eorðan cyningas 
ne magon æfre þurhtion  awuht goodes 
for ðæm yfle  þe ic ðe ær sæde. 
Nis ðæt nan wundor,  forðæm hi willað hi 
þæm unðeawum  þe ic ðe ær nemde, 
anra gehwelcum,  a underðeodan. 
Sceal ðonne nede  nearwe gebugan 
to ðara hlaforda  
               hæftedome, 
þe he hine eallunga ær  underþiodde. 
ðæt is wyrse get,  þæt he winnan nyle 
wið ðæm anwalde  ænige stunde; 
þær he wolde a  winnan onginnan, 
and þonne on ðæm gewinne  þurhwunian forð, 
þonne næfde he  nane scylde, 
ðeah he oferwunnen  weorðan sceolde. 

265. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 26
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 26Ic þe mæg eaðe  ealdum and leasum 
spellum andreccan  spræce gelice 
efne ðisse ilcan  þe wit ymb sprecað. 
Hit gesælde gio  on sume tide 
ðæt Aulixes  under hæfde 
ðæm casere  cynericu twa. 
He wæs þracia  ðioda aldor 
and Retie  rices hirde. 
Wæs his freadrihtnes  folccuð nama, 
Agamemnon,  se ealles weold 
Creca rices.  Cuð wæs wide 
þæt on þa tide  Troia gewin 
wearð under wolcnum.  For wiges heard 
Creca drihten  campsted secan, 
Aulixes mid,  an hund scipa 
lædde ofer lagustream,  sæt longe ðær 
tyn winter full.  
               þa sio tid gelomp 
þæt hi ðæt rice  geræht hæfdon, 
diore gecepte  drihten Creca 
Troia burg  tilum gesiðum. 
ða ða Aulixes  leafe hæfde, 
ðracia cining,  þæt he þonan moste, 
he let him behindan  hyrnde ciolas 
nigon and hundnigontig,  nænigne þonan 
merehengesta  ma þonne ænne 
ferede on fifelstream,  famigbordon, 
ðriereðre ceol;  þæt bið ðæt mæste 
Creciscra scipa.  þa wearð ceald weder, 
stearc storma gelac;  stunede sio brune 
yð wið oðre,  ut feor adraf 
on Wendelsæ  wigendra scola 
up on þæt igland  þær Apolines 
dohtor wunode  dægrimes worn. 
Wæs se Apollinus  æðeles cynnes, 
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, 
oððæt him gelyfde  leoda unrim, 
forðæm he wæs mid rihte  rices hirde, 
hiora cynecynnes.  Cuð is wide 
þæt on ða tide  þeoda æghwilc 
hæfdon heora hlaford  for ðone hehstan god, 
and weorðodon  swa swa wuldres cining, 
gif he to ðæm rice wæs  on rihte boren. 
Wæs þæs Iobes fæder  god eac swa he; 
Saturnus ðone  sundbuende 
heton, hæleða bearn.  Hæfdon ða mægða 
ælcne æfter oðrum  for ecne god. 
Sceolde eac wesan  Apollines 
dohtor diorboren,  dysiges folces, 
gumrinca gyden;  cuðe galdra fela, 
drifan drycræftas.  Hio gedwolan fylgde 
manna swiðost  manegra þioda, 
cyninges dohtor;  sio Circe wæs 
haten for herigum.  Hio ricsode 
on ðæm iglonde  þe Aulixes, 
cining þracia,  com ane to 
ceole liðan.  Cuð wæs sona 
eallre þære mænige  þe hire mid wunode 
æþelinges sið.  Hio mid ungemete 
lissum lufode  liðmonna frean, 
and he eac swa same  ealle mægne 
efne swa swiðe  hi on sefan lufode, 
þæt he to his earde  ænige nyste 
modes mynlan  ofer mægð giunge; 
ac he mid þæm wife  wunode siððan, 
oððæt him ne meahte  monna ænig 

               ðegna sinra  þær mid wesan, 
ac hi for ðæm yrmðum  eardes lyste; 
mynton forlætan  leofne hlaford. 
ða ongunnon wercan  werðeoda spell, 
sædon þæt hio sceolde  mid hire scinlace 
beornas forbredan,  and mid balocræftum 
wraðum weorpan  on wildra lic 
cyninges þegnas,  cyspan siððan 
and mid racentan eac  ræpan mænigne. 
Sume hi to wulfum wurdon,  ne meahton þonne word forðbringan, 
ac hio þragmælum  ðioton ongunnon. 
Sume wæron eaforas,  a grymetedon 
ðonne hi sares hwæt  siofian scioldon. 
þa ðe leon wæron  ongunnon laðlice 
yrrenga ryn  a ðonne hi sceoldon 
clipian for corðre.  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. 
Nolde þara oþra  ænig onbitan 
mennisces metes,  ac hi ma lufedon 
diora drohtað,  swa hit gedefe ne wæs. 
Næfdon hi mare  monnum gelices 
eorðbuendum  ðonne ingeþonc; 
hæfde anra gehwylc  his agen mod, 
þæt wæs þeah swiðe  sorgum gebunden 
for ðæm earfoðum  þe him on sæton. 
Hwæt, ða dysegan men  þe ðysum drycræftum 

               longe gelyfdon,  leasum spellum, 
wisson hwæðre  þæt þæt gewit ne mæg 
mod onwendan  monna ænig 
mid drycræftum,  þeah hio gedon meahte 
þæt ða lichoman  lange þrage 
onwend wurdon.  Is þæt wundorlic 
mægencræft micel  moda gehwilces 
ofer lichoman  lænne and sænne. 
Swylcum and swylcum  þu meaht sweotole ongitan 
þæt ðæs lichoman  listas and cræftas 
of ðæm mode cumað  monna gehwylcum, 
anlepra ælc.  þu meaht eaðe ongitan 
þætte ma dereð  monna gehwelcum 
modes unðeaw  þonne mettrymnes 
lænes lichoman.  Ne þearf leoda nan 
wenan þære wyrde  þæt þæt werige flæsc 
þæt mod mæge 
                monna æniges 
eallunga to him  æfre onwendan, 
ac þa unðeawas  ælces modes 
and þæt ingeþonc  ælces monnes 
þone lichoman  lit þider hit wile. 

266. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 27
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 27Hwy ge æfre scylen  unrihtfioungum 
eower mod drefan,  swa swa mereflodes 
yþa hrerað  iscalde sæ, 
wecggað for winde?  Hwy oðwite ge 
wyrde eowre  þæt hio geweald nafað? 
Hwy ge þæs deaðes  þe eow drihten gesceop 
gebidan ne magon  bitres gecyndes, 
nu he eow ælce dæg  onet toweard? 
Ne magon ge gesion  þæt he symle spyreð 
æfter æghwelcum  eorðan tudre, 
diorum and fuglum?  Deað eac swa same 
æfter moncynne  geond ðisne middangeard, 
egeslic hunta,  a bið on waðe; 
nyle he ænig swæð  æfre forlætan 
ær he gehede  þæt he hwile ær 
æfter spyrede.  Is þæt earmlic þing 
þæt his gebidan ne magon  burgsittende, 
ungesælige men;  hine ær willað 
foran to sciotan,  swa swa fugla cyn 
oððe wildu dior;  þa winnað betwuh, 
æghwylc wolde  oðer acwellan. 
Ac þæt is unriht  æghwelcum men 
þæt he oðerne  inwitþoncum 
fioge on færðe,  swa swa fugl oððe dior, 
ac þæt wære rihtost,  þætte rinca gehwylc 
oðrum gulde  edlean on riht, 
weorc be geweorhtum  weoruldbuendum 
þinga gehwilces,  þæt is, þæt he lufige 
godra gehwilcne  swa he geornost mæge, 
mildsige yflum,  swa we ær spræcon. 
He sceal þone monnan  mode lufian, 
and his unþeawas  ealle hatian 
and ofsniðan,  swa he swiðost mæge. 

267. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 28
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 28Hwa is on eorðan  nu unlærdra 
þe ne wundrige  wolcna færeldes, 
rodres swifto,  ryne tunglo, 
hu hy ælce dæge  utan ymbhwerfeð 
eallne middangeard?  Hwa is moncynnes 
þæt ne wundrie  ymb þas wlitegan tungl, 
hu hy sume habbað  swiðe micle 
scyrtran ymbehwerft,  sume scriðað leng 
utan ymb eall ðis?  An þara tungla 
woruldmen hatað  wænes þisla; 
þa habbað scyrtran  scriðe and færelt, 
ymbhwerft læssan,  ðonne oðru tungl, 
forðæm hi þære eaxe  utan ymbhweorfeð, 
þone norðende  nean ymbcerreð. 
On ðære ilcan  eaxe hwerfeð 
eall ruma rodor,  recene scriðeð, 
suðheald swifeð,  swift, untiorig. 
Hwa is on weorulde  þæt ne wafige, 
buton þa ane  þe hit ær wisson, 
þætte mænig tungul  maran ymbhwyrft 
hafað on heofonum,  sume hwile eft 
læsse geliðað,  þa þe lacað ymb 
eaxe ende  oððe micle 
mare geferað  þa hire middre ymbe 
þearle þrægeð?  þara is gehaten 
Saturnus sum,  se hæfð ymb þritig 
wintergerimes  weoruld ymbcirred. 
Boetes eac  beorhte scineð, 
oðer steorra,  cymeð efne swa same 
on þone ilcan stede  eft ymb þritig 
geargerimes,  ðær he gio ða wæs. 
Hwa is weoruldmonna  þæt ne wafige, 
hu sume steorran  oð ða sæ farað 
under merestreamas,  þæs ðe monnum ðincð? 
Swa eac sume wenað  þæt sio sunne do, 
ac se wena nis  wuhte þe soðra. 
Ne bið hio on æfen  ne on ærmorgen 
merestreame þe near  ðe on midne dæg, 
and þeah monnum þyncð  þæt hio on mere gange 
under sæ swife,  þonne hio on setl glideð. 
Hwa is on weorulde  þæt ne wundrige 
fulles monan,  þonne he færinga 
wyrð under wolcnum  wlites bereafad, 
beþeaht mid þiostrum?  Hwa þegna ne mæge 
eac wafian  ælces stiorran, 
hwy hi ne scinen  scirum wederum 
beforan ðære sunnan,  swa hi symle doð 
middelnihtum  wið þone monan foran, 
hadrum heofone?  Hwæt, nu hæleða fela 
swelces and swelces  swiðe wundrað, 
and ne wundriað  þætte wuhta gehwilc, 
men and netenu,  micelne habbað 
and unnetne  andan betweoh him, 
swiðe singalne.  Is þæt sellic þincg, 
þæt hi ne wundriað  hu hit on wolcnum oft 
þearle þunrað,  þragmælum eft 
anforlæteð,  and eac swa same 
yð wið lande  ealneg winneð, 

               wind wið wæge.  Hwa wundrað þæs 
oððe oþres eft,  hwi þæt is mæge 
weorðan of wætere;  
               wlitetorht scineð 
sunna swegle hat;  sona gecerreð 
ismere ænlic  on his agen gecynd, 
weorðeð to wætre.  Ne þincð þæt wundor micel 
monna ænegum  þæt he mægge gesion 
dogora gehwilce,  ac ðæt dysie folc 
þæs hit seldnor gesihð  swiðor wundrað, 
þeah hit wisra gehwæm  wundor ðince 
on his modsefan  micle læsse. 

               Unstaðolfæste
                ealneg wenað 
þæt þæt ealdgesceaft  æfre ne wære 
þæt hi seldon gesioð,  ac swiðor giet 
weoruldmen wenað  þæt hit weas come, 
niwan gesælde,  gif hiora nængum hwylc 
ær ne oðeowde;  is þæt earmlic þinc. 
Ac gif hiora ænig  æfre weorðeð 
to ðon firwetgeorn  þæt he fela onginð 
leornian lista,  and him lifes weard 
of mode abrit  þæt micle dysig 
ðæt hit oferwrigen mid  wunode lange, 
þonne ic wæt geare  þæt hi ne wundriað 
mæniges þinges  þe monnum nu 

               wæfðo and wunder  welhwær þynceð. 

268. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 29
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 29Gif ðu nu wilnige  weorulddrihtnes 
heane anwald  hlutre mode 
ongitan giorne,  gem almægene 
heofones tunglu,  hu hi him healdað betwuh 
sibbe singale,  dydon swa lange. 
Swa hi gewenede  wuldres aldor 
æt frumsceafte  þæt sio fyrene ne mot 
sunne gesecan  snawcealdes weg, 

               monan gemæro.  Hwæt, ða mæran tungl 
auðer oðres rene  a ne gehrineð 
ær þæm þæt oðer  of gewiteð. 
Ne huru se stiorra  gestigan wile 
westdæl wolcna,  þone wise men 
Ursa nemnað;  ealle stiorran 
sigað æfter sunnan  samod mid rodere 
under eorðan grund,  he ana stent. 
Nis þæt nan wundor;  he is wundrum fæst, 
upende neah  eaxe ðæs roderes. 
ðonne is an steorra  ofer oðre beorht, 
cymeð eastan up  ær þonne sunne; 
þone monna bearn  morgenstiorra 
hatað under heofonum,  forðæm he hæleþum dæg 
bodað æfter burgum,  brengeð æfter 
swegeltorht sunne  samad eallum dæg. 
Is se forrynel  fæger and sciene, 
cymeð eastan up  ær for sunnan 
and eft æfter sunnan  on setl glideð, 
west under weorulde.  Werðioda his 
noman onwendað  þonne niht cymeð, 
hatað hine ealle  æfenstiorra. 
Se bið þære sunnan swiftra;  siððan hi on setl gewitað, 
ofirneð þæt æþele tungol,  oðþæt he be eastan weorðeð 
eldum oðewed  ær þonne sunne. 
Habbað æðele tungol  emne gedæled 
dæg and nihte  drihtnes meahtum, 
sunna and mona,  swiðe geþwære, 
swa him æt frymþe  fæder getiohhode. 
Ne þearft þu no wenan  þæt ða wlitegan tungl 
ðæs þeowdomes  aðroten weorðe 
ær domes dæge;  deð siððan ymbe 
moncynnes fruma  swa him gemet þinceð, 
forðon hi be healfe  heofones þisses 
on ane ne læt  ælmihtig god, 
þy læs hi oðra fordyden  æþela gesceafta, 
ac se eca god  ealla gemetgað 
sida gesceafta,  softa geþwerað. 
Hwilum ðæt drige  drifð þone wætan, 
hwylum he gemengeð,  metodes cræfte, 
cile wið hæto;  hwilum cerreð eft 
on uprodor  ælbeorhta leg, 
leoht on lyfte;  ligeð him behindan 
hefig hrusan dæl,  þeah hit hwilan ær 
eorðe sio cealde  oninnan hire 
heold and hydde  haliges meahtum. 
Be þæs cyninges gebode  cymeð geara gehwæt, 
eorðe bringeð  æghwylc tudor, 
and se hata sumor  hæleða bearnum 
geara gehwilce  giereð and drigeð 
geond sidne grund  sæd and bleda, 
hærfest to honda  herbuendum, 
ripa receð.  Ren æfter þæm 
swylce hagal and snaw  hrusan leccað 
on wintres tid,  weder unhiore. 
Forðæm eorðe onfehð  eallum sædum, 
gedeð þæt hi growað  geara gehwilce; 
on lenctentid  leaf up spryttað. 
Ac se milda metod  monna bearnum 
on eorðan fet  eall þætte groweð, 
wæstmas on weorolde,  wel forðbrengeð 
hit þonne he wile,  heofona waldend, 
and eowað eft  eorðbuendum, 
nimð þonne he wile,  nergende god. 
And þæt hehste good  on heahsetle 
siteð self cyning,  and þios side gesceaft 
þenað and ðiowað.  He þonan waldeð 
þæm geweltleðrum  weoruldgesceafta. 
Nis þæt nan wundor;  he is weroda god, 
cyning and drihten  cwucera gehwelces, 
æwelm and fruma  eallra gesceafta, 
wyrhta and sceppend  weorulde þisse, 
wisdom and æ  woruldbuendra. 
Ealla gesceafta  on his ærendo 
hionane he 
               sendeð,  hæt eft cuman. 
Gif he swa gestæððig  ne staðolade 
ealla gesceafta,  æghwylc hiora 
wraðe tostencte  weorðan sceolden, 
æghwilc hiora  ealle to nauhte 
weorðan sceoldon  wraðe toslopena, 
þeah þa ane lufe  ealla gesceafta 
heofones and eorðan  hæbben gemæne, 
þæt hi þiowien  swilcum þiodfruman, 
and fægniað  þæt hiora fæder wealdeð. 
Nis þæt nan wundor,  forðæm wuhta nan 
æfre ne meahte  elles wunian, 
gif hi eallmægene  hiora ordfruman 
ne þiowoden,  þeodne mærum. 

269. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 30
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 30Omerus wæs  east mid Crecum 
on ðæm leodscipe  leoða cræftgast, 
Firgilies  freond and lareow, 
þæm mæran sceope  magistra betst. 
Hwæt, se Omerus  oft and gelome 
þære sunnan wlite  swiðe herede, 
æðelo cræftas  oft and gelome 
leoðum and spellum  leodum reahte. 
Ne mæg hio þeah gescinan,  þeah hio sie scir and beorht, 
ahwærgen neah  ealla gesceafta; 
ne furðum þa gesceafta  ðe hio gescinan mæg 
endemes ne mæg  ealla geondlihtan 
innan and utan.  Ac se ælmihtega 
waldend and wyrhta  weorulde gesceafta 
his agen weorc  eall geondwliteð, 
endemes þurhsyhð  ealla gesceafta. 
ðæt is sio soðe  sunne mid rihte, 
be ðæm we magon singan  swylc butan lease. 

270. The Meters of Boethius: Meter 31
The Meters of Boethius: Meter 31Hwæt, ðu meaht ongitan,  gif his ðe geman lyst, 
þætte mislice  manega wuhta 
geond eorðan farað  ungelice; 
habbað blioh and fær,  bu ungelice, 
and mægwlitas  manegra cynna 
            
cuð and uncuð.  Creopað and snicað, 
eall lichoma  eorðan getenge, 
nabbað hi æt fiðrum fultum,  ne magon hi mid fotum gangan, 
eorðan brucan,  swa him eaden wæs. 
Sume fotum twam  foldan peððað, 
sume fierfete,  sume fleogende 

               windað under wolcnum.  Bið ðeah wuhta gehwylc 
onhnigen to hrusan,  hnipað of dune, 
on weoruld wliteð,  wilnað to eorðan, 
sume nedþearfe,  sume neodfræce. 
Man ana gæð  metodes gesceafta 
mid his andwlitan  up on gerihte. 
Mid ðy is getacnod  þæt his treowa sceal 
and his modgeþonc  ma up þonne niðer 
habban to heofonum,  þy læs he his hige wende 
niðer swa ðær nyten.  
               Nis þæt gedafenlic, 
þæt se modsefa  monna æniges 
niðerheald wese  and þæt neb upweard! 

271. The Battle of FinnsburhDobbie, 1942 3-4; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).
                /nas byrnað?" 

               Hnæf hleoþrode ða,  
               heaþogeong cyning: 
"Ne ðis ne dagað eastan,  ne her draca ne fleogeð, 
ne her ðisse healle  hornas ne byrnað. 
Ac her forþ berað;  fugelas singað, 
gylleð græghama,  guðwudu hlynneð, 
scyld scefte oncwyð.  Nu scyneð þes mona 
waðol under wolcnum.  Nu arisað weadæda 
ðe ðisne folces nið  fremman willað. 
Ac onwacnigeað nu,  wigend mine, 
habbað eowre linda,  
               hicgeaþ on ellen, 

               winnað  on orde,  wesað onmode!" 
ða aras mænig goldhladen ðegn,  gyrde hine his swurde. 
ða to dura eodon  drihtlice cempan, 
Sigeferð and Eaha,  hyra sword getugon, 
and æt oþrum durum  Ordlaf and Guþlaf, 
and Hengest sylf  hwearf him on laste. 
ða gyt Garulf  Guðere styrde 
            
ðæt he swa freolic feorh  forman siþe 
to ðære healle durum  hyrsta ne bære, 
nu hyt niþa heard  anyman wolde, 
ac he frægn ofer eal  undearninga, 
deormod hæleþ,  hwa ða duru heolde. 
"Sigeferþ is min nama," cweþ he,  "ic eom Secgena leod, 

               wreccea wide cuð;  fæla ic weana gebad, 

               heardra hilda.  ðe is gyt her witod 
swæþer ðu sylf to me  secean wylle." 
ða wæs on healle  wælslihta gehlyn; 
sceolde cellod 
               bord 
                
               cenum on handa, 
banhelm berstan  (buruhðelu dynede), 
oð æt ðære guðe  Garulf gecrang, 
ealra ærest  eorðbuendra, 
Guðlafes sunu,  ymbe hyne godra fæla, 

               hwearflicra
               hræw.  Hræfen wandrode, 
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 
ðonne Hnæfe guldan  his hægstealdas. 
Hig fuhton fif dagas,  swa hyra nan ne feol 
drihtgesiða,  ac hig ða duru heoldon. 
ða gewat him wund hæleð  on wæg gangan, 
sæde þæt his byrne  abrocen wære, 
heresceorp unhror,  and eac wæs his helm ðyrel. 
ða hine sona frægn  folces hyrde, 
hu ða wigend hyra  wunda genæson, 
oððe hwæþer ðæra hyssa  
            

272. Waldere, Fragment IIDobbie, 1942 5-6; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).
                hyrde hyne georne: 
"Huru Welande/  worc ne geswiceð 
monna ænigum  ðara ðe Mimming can 
heardne gehealdan.  Oft æt hilde gedreas 
swatfag and sweordwund  
               secg æfter oðrum. 
ætlan ordwyga,  ne læt ðin ellen nu gy/ 
gedreosan to dæge,  dryhtscipe 

                is se dæg cumen 
þæt ðu scealt aninga  oðer twega, 
lif forleosan  oððe l/ /gne dom 
agan mid eldum,  ælfheres sunu. 
Nalles ic ðe, wine min,  wordum cide, 
ðy ic ðe gesawe  æt ðam sweordplegan 
            
ðurh edwitscype  æniges monnes 
wig forbugan  oððe on weal fleon, 
lice beorgan,  ðeah þe laðra fela 
ðinne byrnhomon  billum heowun, 
ac ðu symle furðor  feohtan sohtest, 
mæl ofer mearce;  ðy ic ðe metod ondred, 
þæt ðu to fyrenlice  feohtan sohtest 
æt ðam ætstealle  oðres monnes, 
wigrædenne.  Weorða ðe selfne 
godum dædum,  ðenden ðin god recce. 
Ne murn ðu for ði mece;  ðe wearð maðma cyst 

               gifeðe to geoce,  mid ðy ðu Guðhere scealt 
beot forbigan,  ðæs ðe he ðas beaduwe ongan 
/d unryhte  ærest secan. 
Forsoc he ðam swurde  and ðam syncfatum, 

               beaga mænigo,  nu sceal bega leas 
hworfan from ðisse hilde,  hlafurd secan 
ealdne OE 
                oððe her ær swefan, 
gif he ða" 

273. Waldere B
                "/ce bæteran 
buton ðam anum  ðe ic eac hafa 
on stanfate  stille gehided. 
Ic wat þæt hit ðohte  ðeodric Widian 
selfum onsendon,  and eac sinc micel 
maðma mid ði mece,  monig oðres mid him 
golde gegirwan  (iulean genam), 
þæs ðe hine of nearwum  Niðhades mæg, 
Welandes bearn,  Widia ut forlet; 
ðurh fifela gewe/ /ld  forð onette." 
Waldere mað/ /lode,  wiga ellenrof, 
hæfde him on handa  
               hildefrofre, 
guðbilla gripe,  gyddode wordum: 
"Hwæt! ðu huru wendest,  wine Burgenda, 
þæt me Hagenan hand  hilde gefremede 
and getwæmde /ðewigges.  Feta, gyf ðu dyrre, 
æt ðus heaðuwerigan  hare byrnan. 

               Standeð me her on eaxelum  ælfheres laf, 
god and geapneb,  golde geweorðod, 
ealles unscende  æðelinges reaf 
to habbanne,  þonne hand wereð 
feorhhord feondum.  
               Ne bið fah wið me, 
þonne  [...] unmægas  eft ongynnað, 
mecum gemetað,  swa ge me dydon. 
ðeah mæg sige syllan  se ðe symle byð 
recon and rædfest  ryh/ /a gehwilces. 
Se ðe him to ðam halgan  helpe gelifeð, 
to gode gioce,  he þær gearo findeð 
gif ða earnunga  ær geðenceð. 
þonne moten wlance  welan britnian, 
æhtum wealdan,  þæt is" 

274. The Battle of MaldonDobbie, 1942 7-16; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).
                brocen wurde. 
Het þa hyssa hwæne  hors forlætan, 
feor afysan,  and forð gangan, 
hicgan to handum  and to hige godum. 

               þa þæt Offan mæg  ærest onfunde, 
þæt se eorl nolde  yrhðo geþolian, 
he let him þa of handon  leofne fleogan 
hafoc wið þæs holtes,  and to þære hilde stop; 
be þam man mihte oncnawan  þæt se cniht nolde 
wacian æt þam wige,  þa he to wæpnum feng. 
Eac him wolde Eadric  his ealdre gelæstan, 
frean to gefeohte,  ongan þa forð beran 
gar to guþe.  He hæfde god geþanc 
þa hwile þe he mid handum  healdan mihte 
bord and bradswurd;  beot he gelæste 
þa he ætforan his frean  feohtan sceolde. 
ða þær Byrhtnoð ongan  beornas trymian, 
rad and rædde,  rincum tæhte 
hu hi sceoldon standan  and þone stede healdan, 
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 heorðwerod  holdost wiste. 
þa stod on stæðe,  stiðlice 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, 
heton ðe secgan  þæt þu most sendan raðe 
beagas wið 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; 
we willað wið þam golde  grið fæstnian. 
Gyf þu þat gerædest,  þe her ricost eart, 
þæt þu þine leoda  lysan wille, 
syllan sæmannum  on hyra sylfra dom 
feoh wið freode,  and niman frið æt us, 
we willaþ mid þam sceattum  us to scype gangan, 
on flot feran,  and eow friþes healdan." 
Byrhtnoð maþelode,  bord hafenode, 
wand wacne æsc,  wordum mælde, 
yrre and anræd  ageaf him andsware: 
"Gehyrst þu, sælida,  hwæt þis folc segeð? 
Hi willað eow to gafole  garas syllan, 
ættrynne ord  and ealde swurd, 
þa heregeatu  þe eow æt hilde ne deah. 
Brimmanna boda,  abeod eft ongean, 
sege þinum leodum  miccle laþre spell, 
þæt her stynt unforcuð  eorl mid his werode, 
þe wile gealgean  eþel þysne, 
æþelredes eard,  ealdres mines, 
folc and foldan.  Feallan sceolon 
hæþene æt hilde.  To heanlic me þinceð 
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; 
us sceal ord and ecg  ær geseman, 
grim guðplega,  ær we gofol syllon." 
Het þa bord beran,  beornas gangan, 
þæt hi on þam easteðe  ealle stodon. 
Ne mihte þær for wætere  werod to þam oðrum; 
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. 
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 hæleða hleo  healdan þa bricge 
wigan wigheardne,  se wæs haten Wulfstan, 
cafne mid his cynne,  þæt wæs Ceolan sunu, 
þe ðone forman man  mid his francan ofsceat 
þe þær baldlicost  on þa bricge stop. 
þær stodon mid Wulfstane  wigan unforhte, 
ælfere and Maccus,  modige twegen, 
þa noldon æt þam forda  fleam gewyrcan, 
ac hi fæstlice  wið ða fynd weredon, 
þa hwile þe hi wæpna  wealdan moston. 
þa hi þæt ongeaton  and georne gesawon 
þæt hi þær bricgweardas  bitere fundon, 
ongunnon lytegian þa  laðe gystas, 
bædon þæt hi upgang 
                agan moston, 
ofer þone ford faran,  feþan lædan. 
ða se eorl ongan  for his ofermode 
alyfan landes to fela  laþere ðeode. 
Ongan ceallian þa  ofer cald wæter 
Byrhtelmes bearn  (beornas gehlyston): 
"Nu eow is gerymed,  gað ricene to us, 
guman to guþe;  god ana wat 
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. 
þær ongean gramum  gearowe stodon 
Byrhtnoð mid beornum;  he mid bordum het 
wyrcan þone wihagan,  and þæt werod healdan 
fæste wið feondum.  þa wæs feohte neh, 
tir æt getohte.  Wæs seo tid cumen 
þæt þær fæge men  feallan sceoldon. 
þær wearð hream ahafen,  hremmas wundon, 
earn æses georn;  wæs on eorþan cyrm. 
Hi leton þa of folman  feolhearde speru, 
gegrundene  garas fleogan; 
bogan wæron bysige,  bord ord onfeng. 
Biter wæs se beaduræs,  beornas feollon 
on gehwæðere hand,  hyssas lagon. 
Wund wearð Wulfmær,  wælræste geceas, 
Byrhtnoðes mæg;  he mid billum wearð, 
his swuster sunu,  swiðe forheawen. 
þær wearð wicingum  wiþerlean agyfen. 
Gehyrde ic þæt Eadweard  anne sloge 
swiðe mid his swurde,  swenges ne wyrnde, 
þæt him æt fotum feoll  fæge cempa; 
þæs him his ðeoden  þanc gesæde, 
þam burþene,  þa he byre hæfde. 
Swa stemnetton  stiðhicgende 
hysas æt hilde,  hogodon georne 
hwa þær mid orde  ærost mihte 
on fægean men  feorh gewinnan, 
wigan mid wæpnum;  wæl feol on eorðan. 
Stodon stædefæste;  stihte hi Byrhtnoð, 
bæd þæt hyssa gehwylc  hogode to wige 
þe on Denon wolde  dom gefeohtan. 
Wod þa wiges heard,  wæpen up ahof, 
bord to gebeorge,  and wið þæs beornes stop. 
Eode swa anræd  eorl to þam ceorle, 
ægþer hyra oðrum  yfeles hogode. 
Sende ða se særinc  suþerne gar, 
þæt gewundod wearð  wigena hlaford; 
he sceaf þa mid ðam scylde,  þæt se sceaft tobærst, 
and þæt spere sprengde,  þæt hit sprang ongean. 
Gegremod wearð se guðrinc;  he mid gare stang 
wlancne wicing,  þe him þa wunde forgeaf. 
Frod wæs se fyrdrinc;  he let his francan wadan 
þurh ðæs hysses hals,  hand wisode 
þæt he on þam færsceaðan  feorh geræhte. 
ða he oþerne  ofstlice sceat, 
þæt seo byrne tobærst;  he wæs on breostum wund 
þurh ða hringlocan,  him æt heortan stod 
ætterne ord.  Se eorl wæs þe bliþra, 
hloh þa, modi man,  sæde metode þanc 
ðæs dægweorces  þe him drihten forgeaf. 
Forlet þa drenga sum  daroð of handa, 
fleogan of folman,  þæt se to forð gewat 
þurh ðone æþelan  æþelredes þegen. 
Him be healfe stod  hyse unweaxen, 
cniht on gecampe,  se full caflice 
bræd of þam beorne  blodigne gar, 
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; 
he wolde þæs beornes  beagas gefecgan, 
reaf and hringas  and gerenod swurd. 
þa Byrhtnoð bræd  bill of sceðe, 
brad and bruneccg,  and on þa byrnan sloh. 
To raþe hine gelette  lidmanna sum, 
þa he þæs eorles  earm amyrde. 
Feoll þa to foldan  fealohilte swurd; 
ne mihte he gehealdan  heardne mece, 
wæpnes wealdan.  þa gyt þæt word gecwæð 
har hilderinc,  hyssas bylde, 
bæd gangan forð  gode geferan; 
ne mihte þa on fotum leng  fæste gestandan. 
He to heofenum wlat:  
            

               "Geþancie þe,  ðeoda waldend, 
ealra þæra wynna  þe ic on worulde gebad. 
Nu ic ah, milde metod,  mæste þearfe 
þæt þu minum gaste  godes geunne, 
þæt min sawul to ðe  siðian mote 
on þin geweald,  þeoden engla, 
mid friþe ferian.  Ic eom frymdi to þe 
þæt hi helsceaðan  hynan ne moton." 
ða hine heowon  hæðene scealcas 
and begen þa beornas  þe him big stodon, 
ælfnoð and Wulmær  begen lagon, 
ða onemn hyra frean  feorh gesealdon. 
Hi bugon þa fram beaduwe  þe þær beon noldon. 
þær wearð 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, 
on þam gerædum  þe hit riht ne wæs, 
and his broðru 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, 
and manna ma  þonne hit ænig mæð 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, 
þæt þær modiglice 
                manega spræcon 
þe eft æt þearfe 
                þolian noldon. 
þa wearð afeallen  þæs folces ealdor, 
æþelredes eorl;  ealle gesawon 
heorðgeneatas  þæt hyra heorra læg. 
þa ðær wendon forð  wlance þegenas, 
unearge men  efston georne; 
hi woldon þa ealle  oðer twega, 
lif forlætan 
                oððe leofne gewrecan. 
Swa hi bylde forð  bearn ælfrices, 
wiga wintrum geong,  wordum mælde, 
ælfwine þa cwæð,  he on ellen spræc: 

               "Gemunan þa mæla  þe we oft æt meodo spræcon, 
þonne we on bence  beot ahofon, 
hæleð on healle,  ymbe heard gewinn; 
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. 
Ne sceolon me on þære þeode  þegenas ætwitan 
þæt ic of ðisse fyrde  feran wille, 
eard gesecan,  nu min ealdor ligeð 
forheawen æt hilde.  Me is þæt hearma mæst; 
he wæs ægðer min mæg  and min hlaford." 
þa he forð eode,  fæhðe 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 forð eodon. 
Offa gemælde,  æscholt asceoc: 
"Hwæt þu, ælfwine, hafast  ealle gemanode 
þegenas to þearfe,  nu ure þeoden lið, 
eorl on eorðan.  Us is eallum þearf 
þæt ure æghwylc  oþerne bylde 
wigan to wige,  þa hwile þe he wæpen mæge 
habban and healdan,  heardne mece, 
gar and godswurd.  Us Godric hæfð, 
earh Oddan bearn,  ealle beswicene. 
Wende þæs formoni man,  þa he on meare rad, 
on wlancan þam wicge,  þæt wære hit ure hlaford; 
forþan wearð her on felda  folc totwæmed, 
scyldburh tobrocen.  Abreoðe his angin, 
þæt he her swa manigne  man aflymde!" 
Leofsunu gemælde  and his linde ahof, 
bord to gebeorge;  he þam beorne oncwæð: 
"Ic þæt gehate,  þæt ic heonon nelle 
fleon fotes trym,  ac wille furðor gan, 
wrecan on gewinne  minne winedrihten. 
Ne þurfon me embe Sturmere  stedefæste hælæð 
wordum ætwitan,  nu min wine gecranc, 
þæt ic hlafordleas  ham siðie, 
wende fram wige,  ac me sceal wæpen niman, 
ord and iren."  He ful yrre wod, 
feaht fæstlice,  fleam he forhogode. 
Dunnere þa cwæð,  daroð acwehte, 
unorne ceorl,  ofer eall clypode, 
bæd þæt beorna gehwylc  Byrhtnoð wręce: 
"Ne mæg na wandian  se þe wrecan þenceð 
frean on folce,  ne for feore murnan." 
þa hi forð 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. 
Him se gysel ongan  geornlice fylstan; 
he wæs on Norðhymbron  heardes cynnes, 
Ecglafes bearn,  him wæs æscferð nama. 
He ne wandode na  æt þam wigplegan, 
ac he fysde forð  flan genehe; 
hwilon he on bord sceat,  hwilon beorn tæsde, 
æfre embe stunde  he sealde sume wunde, 
þa hwile ðe he wæpna  wealdan moste. 
þa gyt on orde stod  Eadweard se langa, 
gearo and geornful,  gylpwordum spræc 
þæt he nolde fleogan  fotmæl landes, 
ofer bæc bugan,  þa his betera leg. 
He bræc þone bordweall  and wið þa beornas feaht, 
oðþæt he his sincgyfan  on þam sæmannum 
wurðlice wrec,  ær he on wæle lęge. 
Swa dyde æþeric,  æþele gefera, 
fus and forðgeorn,  feaht eornoste. 
Sibyrhtes broðor  and swiðe mænig oþer 
clufon cellod bord,  cene hi weredon; 
bærst bordes lærig,  and seo byrne sang 
gryreleoða sum.  þa æt guðe sloh 
Offa þone sælidan,  þæt he on eorðan feoll, 
and ðær Gaddes mæg  grund gesohte. 
Raðe wearð æt hilde  Offa forheawen; 
he hæfde ðeah geforþod  þæt he his frean gehet, 
swa he beotode ær  wið his beahgifan 
þæt hi sceoldon begen  on burh ridan, 
hale to hame,  oððe on here crincgan, 
on wælstowe  wundum sweltan; 
he læg ðegenlice  ðeodne gehende. 
ða wearð borda gebræc.  Brimmen wodon, 
guðe gegremode;  gar oft þurhwod 
fæges feorhhus.  Forð þa eode Wistan, 
þurstanes sunu,  wið þas secgas feaht; 
he wæs on geþrange 
                hyra þreora bana, 
ær him Wigelines bearn  on þam wæle læge. 
þær wæs stið gemot;  stodon fæste 
wigan on gewinne,  wigend cruncon, 
wundum werige.  Wæl feol on eorþan. 
Oswold and Eadwold  ealle hwile, 
begen þa gebroþru,  beornas trymedon, 
hyra winemagas  wordon bædon 
þæt hi þær æt ðearfe  þolian sceoldon, 
unwaclice  wæpna neotan. 
Byrhtwold maþelode  bord hafenode 
(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 lytlað. 
Her lið ure ealdor  eall forheawen, 
god on greote.  A mæg gnornian 
se ðe nu fram þis wigplegan  wendan þenceð. 
Ic eom frod feores;  fram ic ne wille, 
ac ic me be healfe  minum hlaforde, 
be swa leofan men,  licgan þence." 
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,  
               oðþæt he on hilde gecranc. 
Næs þæt na se Godric  þe ða guðe forbeah 

275. The Battle of BrunanburhDobbie, 1942 16-20; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Her æþelstan cyning,  eorla dryhten, 
beorna beahgifa,  and his broþor eac, 
Eadmund æþeling,  ealdorlangne tir 
geslogon æt sæcce  sweorda ecgum 
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, 
hord and hamas.  Hettend crungun, 
Sceotta leoda  and scipflotan 
fæge feollan,  feld dænnede 
secga swate,  siðþan sunne up 
on morgentid,  mære tungol, 
glad ofer grundas,  godes condel beorht, 
eces drihtnes,  oð sio æþele gesceaft 
sah to setle.  þær læg secg mænig 
garum ageted,  guma norþerna 
ofer scild scoten,  swilce Scittisc eac, 
werig, wiges sæd.  Wesseaxe forð 
ondlongne dæg  eorodcistum 
on last legdun  laþum þeodum, 
heowan herefleman  hindan þearle 
mecum mylenscearpan.  Myrce ne wyrndon 

               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, 
sweordum aswefede,  swilce seofene eac 
eorlas Anlafes,  unrim heriges, 
flotan and Sceotta.  þær geflemed wearð 
Norðmanna bregu,  nede gebeded, 
to lides stefne  litle weorode; 
cread cnear on flot,  cyning ut gewat 
on fealene flod,  feorh generede. 
Swilce þær eac se froda  mid fleame com 
on his cyþþe norð,  Costontinus, 
har hilderinc,  hreman ne þorfte 
mæca gemanan;  he wæs his mæga sceard, 
freonda gefylled  on folcstede, 
beslagen æt sæcce,  and his sunu forlet 
on wælstowe  wundun forgrunden, 
giungne æt guðe.  Gelpan ne þorfte 
beorn blandenfeax  bilgeslehtes, 
eald inwidda,  ne Anlaf þy ma; 
mid heora herelafum  hlehhan ne þorftun 
þæt heo beaduweorca  beteran wurdun 
on campstede  
               cumbolgehnastes, 
garmittinge,  gumena gemotes, 
wæpengewrixles,  þæs hi on wælfelda 
wiþ Eadweardes  afaran plegodan. 
Gewitan him þa Norþmen  nęgledcnearrum, 
dreorig daraða laf,  on Dinges mere 
ofer deop wæter  Difelin secan, 
eft Iraland,  æwiscmode. 
Swilce þa gebroþer  begen ætsamne, 
cyning and æþeling,  cyþþe sohton, 
Wesseaxena land,  wiges hremige. 
Letan him behindan  hræw bryttian 
saluwigpadan,  þone sweartan hræfn, 
hyrnednebban,  and þane hasewanpadan, 
earn æftan hwit,  æses brucan, 
grædigne guðhafoc  and þæt græge deor, 
wulf on wealde.  Ne wearð wæl mare 
on þis eiglande  
               æfre gieta 
folces gefylled  beforan þissum 
sweordes ecgum,  þæs þe us secgað bec, 
ealde uðwitan,  siþþan eastan hider 
Engle and Seaxe  up becoman, 
ofer brad brimu  Brytene sohtan, 
wlance wigsmiþas,  
               Wealas ofercoman, 
eorlas arhwate  eard begeatan. 

276. The Capture of the Five BoroughsDobbie, 1942 20-21; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Her Eadmund cyning,  Engla þeoden, 

               mæcgea mundbora,  Myrce geeode, 
dyre dædfruma,  swa Dor scadeþ, 
Hwitanwyllesgeat  and Humbra ea, 
brada brimstream.  Burga fife, 
Ligoraceaster  and Lincylene 
and Snotingaham,  swylce Stanford eac 

               and Deoraby.  Dæne wæran æror 
            
under Norðmannum  nyde gebegde 
on hæþenra  hæfteclommum 
lange þrage,  oþ hie alysde eft 
for his weorþscipe  wiggendra hleo, 
afera Eadweardes,  Eadmund cyning. 

277. The Coronation of EdgarDobbie, 1942 21-2; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Her Eadgar wæs,  Engla waldend, 
corðre miclum 
                to cyninge gehalgod 
on ðære ealdan byrig,  Acemannesceastre; 
eac hi igbuend  oðre worde 
beornas Baðan nemnaþ.  þær wæs blis micel 
on þam eadgan dæge  eallum geworden, 

               þone niða bearn  nemnað and cigað 
Pentecostenes dæg.  þær wæs preosta heap, 
micel muneca ðreat,  mine gefrege, 
gleawra gegaderod.  And ða agangen wæs 
tyn hund wintra  geteled rimes 
fram gebyrdtide  bremes cyninges, 
leohta hyrdes,  buton ðær to lafe þa get 
            
wæs wintergeteles,  þæs ðe gewritu secgað, 
seofon and twentig;  swa neah wæs sigora frean 
ðusend aurnen,  ða þa ðis gelamp. 
And him Eadmundes  eafora hæfde 
nigon and [XX],  niðweorca heard, 
wintra on worulde,  
               ða þis geworden wæs, 
and þa on ðam [XXX] wæs  ðeoden gehalgod. 

278. The Death of EdgarDobbie, 1942 22-4; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Her geendode  eorðan dreamas 
Eadgar, Engla cyning,  ceas him oðer leoht, 
wlitig and wynsum,  and þis wace forlet, 
lif þis læne.  Nemnað leoda bearn, 
men on moldan,  þæne monað gehwær 
in ðisse eðeltyrf,  þa þe ær wæran 
on rimcræfte  rihte getogene, 
Iulius monoð,  
               þær se geonga gewat 
on þone eahteðan dæg  Eadgar of life, 
beorna beahgyfa.  Feng his bearn syððan 
to cynerice,  cild unweaxen, 
eorla ealdor,  þam wæs Eadweard nama. 
And him tirfæst hæleð  tyn nihtum ær 
of Brytene gewat,  bisceop se goda, 
þurh gecyndne cræft,  ðam wæs Cyneweard nama. 
ða wæs on Myrceon,  mine gefræge, 
wide and welhwær  waldendes lof 
afylled on foldan.  Fela wearð todræfed 
gleawra godes ðeowa;  þæt wæs gnornung micel 
þam þe on breostum wæg  byrnende lufan 
metodes on mode.  þa wæs mærða fruma 
to swiðe forsewen,  sigora waldend, 
rodera rædend,  þa man his riht tobræc. 
And þa wearð eac adræfed  deormod hæleð, 
Oslac, of earde  ofer yða gewealc, 
ofer ganotes bæð,  gamolfeax hæleð, 
wis and wordsnotor,  ofer wætera geðring, 
ofer hwæles eðel,  hama bereafod. 
And þa wearð ætywed  uppe on roderum 
steorra on staðole,  þone stiðferhþe, 
hæleð higegleawe,  hatað wide 
cometa be naman,  cræftgleawe men, 
wise woðboran.  Wæs geond werðeode 
waldendes wracu  wide gefrege, 
hungor ofer hrusan;  þæt eft heofona weard 
gebette, brego engla,  geaf eft blisse gehwæm 
egbuendra  þurh eorðan westm. 

279. The Death of AlfredDobbie, 1942 24-5; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Her com ælfred, se unsceððiga æþeling, æþelrædes 
sunu cinges, hider inn and wolde to his meder, þe on Win- 
cestre sæt, ac hit him ne geþafode Godwine eorl, ne ec oþre 
men þe mycel mihton wealdan, forðan hit hleoðrode þa 
swiðe toward Haraldes, þeh hit unriht wære. 
Ac Godwine hine þa gelette  and hine on hæft sette, 
and his geferan he todraf,  and sume mislice ofsloh; 
sume hi man wið feo sealde,  sume hreowlice acwealde, 
sume hi man bende,  sume hi man blende, 
sume hamelode,  sume hættode. 
Ne wearð dreorlicre dæd  gedon on þison earde, 
syþþan Dene comon  and her frið namon. 
Nu is to gelyfenne  to ðan leofan gode, 
þæt hi blission  bliðe mid Criste 
þe wæron butan scylde  swa earmlice acwealde. 
Se æþeling lyfode þa gyt;  ælc yfel man him gehet, 
oðþæt man gerædde  þæt man hine lædde 
to Eligbyrig  swa gebundenne. 
Sona swa he lende,  on scype man hine blende, 
and hine swa blindne  brohte to ðam munecon, 
and he þar wunode  ða hwile þe he lyfode. 
Syððan hine man byrigde,  swa him wel gebyrede, 
ful wurðlice,  swa he wyrðe wæs, 
æt þam westende,  þam styple ful gehende, 
on þam suðportice;  seo saul is mid Criste. 

280. The Death of EdwardDobbie, 1942 25-6; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Her Eadward kingc,  Engla hlaford, 
sende soþfæste  sawle to Criste 
on godes wæra,  gast haligne. 
He on worulda her  wunode þrage 
on kyneþrymme,  cræftig ræda, 
[XXIIII],  freolic wealdend, 
wintra gerimes,  weolan britnode, 
and healfe tid,  hæleða wealdend, 
weold wel geþungen  Walum and Scottum 
and Bryttum eac,  byre æðelredes, 
Englum and Sexum,  oretmægcum, 
swa ymbclyppað  cealde brymmas, 
þæt eall Eadwarde,  æðelum kinge, 
hyrdon holdlice  hagestealde menn. 
Wæs a bliðemod  bealuleas kyng, 
þeah he lange ær,  lande bereafod, 
wunode wræclastum  wide geond eorðan, 
syððan Cnut ofercom  kynn æðelredes 
and Dena weoldon  deore rice 
Engla landes  [XXVIII] 
wintra gerimes,  welan brytnodon. 
Syððan forð becom  freolice in geatwum 
kyningc kystum god,  clæne and milde, 
Eadward se æðela,  eðel bewerode, 
land and leode,  oðþæt lungre becom 
deað se bitera,  and swa deore genam 
æþelne of eorðan;  englas feredon 
soþfæste sawle  innan swegles leoht. 
And se froda swa þeah  befæste þæt rice 
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. 

281. DurhamDobbie, 1942 27; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Is ðeos burch breome  geond Breotenrice, 
steppa gestaðolad,  stanas ymbutan 
wundrum gewæxen.  Weor ymbeornad, 
ea yðum stronge,  and ðer inne wunað 

               feola fisca kyn  on floda gemonge. 
And ðær gewexen is  wudafæstern micel; 
wuniad in ðem wycum  wilda deor monige, 
in deope dalum  deora ungerim. 
Is in ðere byri eac  bearnum gecyðed 
ðe arfesta  eadig Cudberch 
and ðes clene  
               cyninges heafud, 
Osuualdes, Engle leo,  and Aidan biscop, 
Eadberch and Eadfrið,  æðele geferes. 
Is ðer inne midd heom  
               æðelwold biscop 
and breoma bocera Beda,  and Boisil abbot, 
ðe clene Cudberte  on gecheðe 
lerde lustum,  and he his lara wel genom. 
Eardiæð æt ðem eadige  in in ðem minstre 
unarimeda  reliquia, 

               ðær monia wundrum gewurðað,  ðes ðe writ seggeð, 
midd ðene drihnes wer  domes bideð. 

282. The Rune PoemDobbie, 1942 28-30; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).
               F byþ frofur  fira gehwylcum. 
Sceal ðeah manna gehwylc  miclun hyt dælan 
gif he wile for drihtne  domes hleotan. 

               U byþ anmod  and oferhyrned, 
felafrecne deor,  feohteþ mid hornum, 
mære morstapa;  þæt is modig wuht. 

               þ byþ ðearle scearp;  ðegna gehwylcum 
anfeng ys yfyl,  ungemetun reþe 
manna gehwylcun  ðe him mid resteð. 

               O byþ ordfruma  ælcre spræce, 
wisdomes wraþu  and witena frofur, 
and eorla gehwam  eadnys and tohiht. 

               R byþ on recyde  rinca gehwylcum 
sefte, and swiþhwæt  ðam ðe sitteþ on ufan 
meare mægenheardum  ofer milpaþas. 

               C byþ cwicera gehwam  cuþ on fyre, 
blac and beorhtlic,  byrneþ oftust 
ðær hi æþelingas  inne restaþ. 

               G gumena byþ  gleng and herenys, 
wraþu and wyrþscype,  and wræcna gehwam 
ar and ætwist  ðe byþ oþra leas. 

               Wne bruceþ  ðe can weana lyt, 
sares and sorge,  and him sylfa hæfþ 
blæd and blysse  and eac byrga geniht. 

               H byþ hwitust corna;  hwyrft hit of heofones lyfte, 
wealcaþ hit windes scuras,  weorþeþ hit to wætere syððan. 

               N byþ nearu on breostan,  weorþeþ hi ðeah oft niþa bearnum 
to helpe and to hæle gehwæþre,  gif hi his hlystaþ æror. 

               I byþ oferceald,  ungemetum slidor, 
glisnaþ glæshluttur,  gimmum gelicust, 
flor forste geworuht,  fæger ansyne. 

               J byþ gumena hiht,  ðon god læteþ, 
halig heofones cyning,  hrusan syllan 
beorhte bleda  beornum and ðearfum. 

               Z byþ utan  unsmeþe treow, 
heard, hrusan fæst,  hyrde fyres, 
wyrtrumun underwreþyd,  
               wyn on eþle. 

               P byþ symble  plega and hlehter 
wlancum  ðar wigan sittaþ 
on beorsele  bliþe ætsomne. 

               
                  Xsecg
               eard hæfþ  oftust on fenne, 
wexeð on wature,  wundaþ grimme, 
blode breneð  beorna gehwylcne 
ðe him ænigne  onfeng gedeð. 

               S semannum  symble biþ on hihte, 
ðonn hi hine feriaþ  ofer fisces beþ, 
oþ hi brimhengest  bringeþ to lande. 

               T biþ tacna sum,  healdeð trywa wel 
wiþ æþelingas,  a biþ on færylde, 
ofer nihta genipu  næfre swiceþ. 

               B byþ bleda leas,  bereþ efne swa ðeah 
tanas butan tudder,  biþ on telgum wlitig, 

               heah on helme  hrysted fægere, 
geloden leafum,  lyfte getenge. 

               E byþ for eorlum  æþelinga wyn, 
hors hofum wlanc,  ðær him hæleþ 
               ymbe, 
welege on wicgum,  wrixlaþ spræce, 
and biþ unstyllum  æfre frofur. 

               M byþ on myrgþe  his magan leof; 
sceal þeah anra gehwylc  
               oðrum swican, 
for ðam dryhten wyle  dome sine 
þæt earme flæsc  eorþan betæcan. 

               L byþ leodum  langsum geþuht, 
gif hi sculun neþan 
                on nacan tealtum, 
and hi sæyþa  swyþe bregaþ, 
and se brimhengest  bridles ne gymeð. 

               NG wæs ærest  mid Eastdenum 
gesewen secgun,  oþ he siððan eft 
            
ofer wæg gewat,  wæn æfter ran; 
ðus heardingas  ðone hæle nemdun. 

               OE byþ oferleof  æghwylcum men, 
gif he mot ðær rihtes 
                and gerysena on 
brucan on bolde 
                bleadum oftast. 

               D byþ drihtnes sond,  deore mannum, 
mære metodes leoht,  myrgþ and tohiht 
eadgum and earmum,  eallum brice. 

               A byþ on eorþan  elda bearnum 
flæsces fodor,  fereþ gelome 
ofer ganotes bæþ;  garsecg fandaþ 
hwæþer ac hæbbe  æþele treowe. 

               æ biþ oferheah,  eldum dyre, 
stiþ on staþule,  stede rihte hylt, 
ðeah him feohtan on  firas monige. 

               Y byþ æþelinga  and eorla gehwæs 
wyn and wyrþmynd,  byþ on wicge fæger, 
fæstlic on færelde,  
               fyrdgeatewa sum. 

               IO byþ eafix,  and ðeah a bruceþ 
fodres on foldan,  hafaþ fægerne eard, 
wætre beworpen,  ðær he wynnum leofaþ. 

               EA byþ egle  eorla gehwylcun, 
ðonn fæstlice  flæsc onginneþ, 
hraw colian,  hrusan ceosan 
blac to gebeddan;  bleda gedreosaþ, 
wynna gewitaþ,  wera geswicaþ. 

283. Solomon and SaturnDobbie, 1942 31-48; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Hwæt! Ic iglanda  eallra hæbbe 
boca onbyrged  þurh gebregdstafas, 
larcræftas onlocen  Libia and Greca, 
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 
soðe samnode.  Ic sohte þa git 
hwylc wære modes  oððe mægenþrymmes, 
elnes oððe æhte  oððe eorlscipes 
se gepalmtwigoda  Pater Noster. 

               Sille ic þe ealle,  sunu Dauides, 
þeoden Israela,  [XXX] punda 
smætes goldes  and mine suna twelfe, 
gif þu mec gebringest  þæt ic si gebryrded 
            
ðurh þæs cantices cwyde  Cristes linan, 
gesemesð mec mid soðe,  and ic mec gesund fare, 
wende mec on willan  on wæteres hrigc 
ofer Coferflod  Caldeas secan." 
Salomon cwæð:  
            
"Unlæde bið on eorþan,  unnit lifes, 
wesðe wisdomes,  weallað swa nieten, 
feldgongende  feoh butan gewitte, 
se þurh ðone cantic ne can  Crist geherian. 
Worað he windes full,  worpað hine deofol 
on domdæge,  draca egeslice, 
bismorlice,  of blacere liðran 
irenum aplum;  ealle beoð aweaxen 
of edwittes  iða heafdum. 
þonne him bið leofre  ðonne eall ðeos leohte gesceaft, 
gegoten fram ðam grunde  goldes and seolfres, 
feðersceatum full  feohgestreona, 
gif he æfre ðæs organes  owiht cuðe. 
Fracoð he bið ðonne and fremede  frean ælmihtigum, 
englum ungelic  ana hwearfað." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Ac hwa mæg eaðost  ealra gesceafta 
ða halgan duru  heofona rices 
torhte ontynan  on getælrime?" 
Salomon cwæð:  
            
"ðæt gepalmtwigede  Pater Noster 
heofonas ontyneð,  halige geblissað, 
metod gemiltsað,  morðor gefylleð, 
adwæsceð deofles fyr,  dryhtnes onæleð. 
Swylce ðu miht mid ðy beorhtan gebede  blod onhætan, 
ðæs deofles dreor,  þæt him dropan stigað, 
swate geswiðed,  seofan intingum, 
egesfullicran  ðonne seo ærene gripu, 
ðonne heo for [XII] fyra  tydernessum 
ofer gleda gripe  gifrust wealleð. 
Forðon hafað se cantic  ofer ealle Cristes bec 
widmærost word;  he gewritu læreð, 
stefnum steoreð,  and him stede healdeð 
heofona rices,  heregeatewa wigeð." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Ac hulic is se organ  ingemyndum 
to begonganne  ðam ðe his gast wile 
meltan wið morðre,  mergan of sorge, 
asceadan of scyldum?  Huru him scippend geaf 
wuldorlicne wlite.  Mec ðæs on worolde full oft 
fyrwit frineð,  fus gewiteð, 
mod gemengeð.  Nænig manna wat, 
hæleða under hefenum,  hu min hige dreoseð, 
bysig æfter bocum;  hwilum me bryne stigeð, 
hige heortan neah  hædre wealleð." 
Salomon cwæð:  
            
"Gylden is se godes cwide,  gimmum astæned, 
hafað sylfren leaf;  sundor mæg æghwylc 
ðurh gastes gife  godspel secgan. 
He bið seofan snytro  and saule hunig 
and modes meolc,  mærþa gesælgost. 
He mæg ða saule  of siennihte 
gefeccan under foldan,  næfre hie se feond to ðæs niðer 
feterum gefæstnað;  ðeah he hie mid fiftigum 
clusum beclemme,  he ðone cræft briceð 
and ða orðancas  ealle tosliteð. 
Hungor he ahieðeð,  helle gestrudeð, 
wylm toweorpeð,  wuldor getimbreð. 
He is modigra  middangearde, 
staðole strengra  ðonne ealra stana gripe. 
Lamena he is læce,  leoht wincendra, 
swilce he is deafra duru,  dumbra tunge, 
scyldigra scyld,  scyppendes seld, 
flodes ferigend,  folces nerigend, 
yða yrfeweard,  earmra fisca 
and wyrma welm,  wildeora holt, 
on westenne weard,  weorðmynta geard. 
And se ðe wile geornlice  ðone godes cwide 
singan soðlice,  and hine siemle wile 
lufian butan leahtrum,  he mæg ðone laðan gæst, 
feohtende feond,  fleonde gebrengan, 
gif ðu him ærest on ufan  ierne gebrengest 
prologa prima,  ðam is P P nama. 
Hafað guðmæcga  gierde lange, 
gyldene gade,  and a ðone grymman feond 
swiðmod sweopað,  and him on swaðe fylgeð 

               A A ofermægene  and hine eac ofslihð. 

               T T hine teswað  and hine on ða tungan sticað, 
wræsteð him ðæt woddor  and him ða wongan brieceð. 

               E E hiene yflað,  swa he a wile 
ealra feonda gehwane  fæste gestondan. 
ðonne hiene on unðanc R R  ieorrenga geseceð, 
bocstafa brego,  bregdeð sona 
feond be ðam feaxe,  læteð flint brecan 
scines sconcan;  he ne besceawað no 
his leomona lið,  ne bið him læce god. 
Wendeð he hiene ðonne under wolcnum,  wigsteall seceð, 
heolstre behelmed.  Huru him bið æt heartan wa, 
ðonne he hangiende  helle wisceð, 
ðæs ęngestan  eðelrices. 
ðonne hine forcinnað  ða cirican getuinnas, 
N and 
               O 
               samod 
                æghwæðer brengeð 
sweopan of siðe;  sargiað hwile 
fremdne flæschoman,  feorh ne bemurnað. 
ðonne S S cymeð,  engla geræswa, 
wuldores stæf,  wraðne gegripeð 
feond be ðam fotum,  læteð foreweard hleor 
on strangne stan,  stregdað toðas 
geond helle heap.  Hydeð hine æghwylc 
æfter sceades sciman;  sceaða bið gebisigod, 
Satanes ðegn  swiðe gestilled. 
Swilce hiene Q Q and U V  cwealme gehnægað, 
frome folctogan,  farað him togegnes, 
habbað leoht speru,  lange sceaftas, 
swiðmode sweopan,  swenga ne wyrnað, 
deorra dynta;  him bið ðæt deofol lað. 
ðonne hine I 
               and 
               L L
 and se yrra C C 
guðe begyrdað  (geap stæf wigeð 
biterne brogan),  bigað sona 
helle hæftling,  ðæt he on hinder gæð. 
ðonne hiene F F and M M  utan ymbðringað, 
scyldigne sceaðan,  habbað scearp speru, 
atole earhfare,  æled lætað 
on ðæs feondes feax  flana stregdan, 
biterne brogan;  banan heardlice 
grimme ongieldað,  ðæs hie oft gilp brecað. 
ðonne hine æt niehstan  nearwe stilleð 

               J G se geapa,  ðone god sendeð 
freondum on fultum,  færeð æfter D D 
fifmægnum full.  Fyr bið se ðridda 
stæf stræte neah,  stille bideð. 
H onetteð,  engel hine scierpeð, 
Cristes cempan,  on cwicum wædum 
godes spyrigendes  geonges hrægles. 
ðonne hine on lyfte  lifgetwinnan 
under tungla getrumum  tuigena ordum, 
sweopum seolfrynum,  swiðe weallað, 
oððæt him ban blicað,  bledað ædran; 
gartorn geotað  gifrum deofle. 
Mæg simle se godes cwide  gumena gehwylcum 
ealra feonda gehwane  fleondne gebrengan 
ðurh mannes muð,  manfulra heap 
sweartne geswencan,  næfre hie ðæs syllice 
bleoum bregdað.  æfter bancofan 
feðerhoman onfoð,  hwilum flotan gripað; 
hwilum hie gewendað  in wyrmes lic 

               stronges and sticoles,  stingeð nieten, 
feldgongende  feoh gestrudeð. 
Hwilum he on wætere  wicg gehnægeð, 
hornum geheaweð,  oððæt him heortan blod, 
famig flodes bæð,  foldan geseceð. 
Hwilum he gefeterað  fæges mannes, 
handa gehefegað,  ðonne he æt hilde sceall 
wið lað werud  lifes tiligan; 
awriteð he on his wæpne  wællnota heap, 
bealwe bocstafas,  bill forscrifeð, 
meces mærðo.  Forðon nænig man scile 
oft orðances  ut abredan 
wæpnes ecgge,  ðeah ðe him se wlite cweme, 
ac symle he sceal singan,  ðonne he his sweord geteo, 
Pater Noster,  and ðæt palmtreow 
biddan mid blisse,  ðæt him bu gife 
feorh and folme,  ðonne his feond cyme." 
" [...] swice,  ær he soð wite, 
ðæt ða sienfullan  saula sticien 
mid hettendum  helle tomiddes. 
Hateð ðonne heahcining  helle betynan, 
fyres fulle,  and ða feondas mid." 
Hæfde ða se snotra  sunu Dauides 
forcumen and forcyðed  Caldea eorl. 
Hwæðre was on sælum  se ðe of siðe cwom 
feorran gefered;  næfre ær his ferhð ahlog. 
Hwæt!  Ic flitan gefrægn  on fyrndagum 
modgleawe men,  middangeardes ræswan, 
gewesan ymbe hira wisdom;  wyrs deð se ðe liehð 
oððe ðæs soðes ansæceð.  Saloman was bremra, 
ðeah ðe Saturnus 
                sumra hæfde, 
bald breosttoga,  boca cæga, 

               leornenga locan.  land eall geondhwearf, 
Indea mere,  east Corsias, 
Persea rice,  Palestinion, 
Niniuen ceastre  and norð Predan, 
Meda maððumselas,  Marculfes eard, 
Saulus rice,  swa he suð ligeð 
ymbe Geallboe  and ymb Geador norð, 
Filistina flet,  fæsten Creca, 
wudu Egipta,  wæter Mathea, 

               cludas Coreffes,  Caldea rice, 
Creca cræftas,  cynn Arabia, 
lare Libia,  lond Syria, 
Pitðinia,  Buðanasan, 
Pamhpilia,  Pores gemære, 
Macedonia,  Mesopotamie, 
Cappadocia,  Cristes eðel, 
Hieryhco, Galilea,  
               Hierusalem 
            

                "oððe ic swigie, 
nyttes hycgge,  ðeah ic no sprece. 
Wat ic ðonne, gif ðu gewitest  on Wendelsæ 
ofer Coforflod  cyððe secean, 
ðæt ðu wille gilpan  ðæt ðu hæbbe gumena bearn 
forcumen and forcyððed.  Wat ic ðæt wæron Caldeas 
guðe ðæs gielpne  and ðæs goldwlonce, 
mærða ðæs modige,  ðær to ðam moning gelomp 
suð ymbe Sanere feld.  Sæge me from ðam lande 
ðær nænig fyra ne mæg  fotum gestæppan." 
Saturnus cuæð:  
            
"Se mæra was haten  sæliðende 
weallende Wulf,  
               werðeodum cuð 
Filistina,  freond Nebrondes. 
He on ðam felda ofslog  [XXV] 
dracena on dægred,  and hine ða deað offeoll; 
forðan ða foldan ne mæg  fira ænig, 
ðone mercstede,  mon gesecan, 
fugol gefleogan,  ne ðon ma foldan neat. 
ðanon atercynn  ærest gewurdon 
wide onwæcned,  ða ðe nu weallende 
ðurh attres oroð  ingang rymað. 
Git his sweord scineð 
                swiðe gescæned, 
and ofer ða byrgenna  blicað ða hieltas." 
Salomon cwæð:  
            
"Dol bið se ðe gæð  on deop wæter, 
se ðe sund nafað  ne gesegled scip 
ne fugles flyht,  ne he mid fotum ne mæg 
grund geræcan;  huru se godes cunnað 
full dyslice,  dryhtnes meahta." 
Saturnus cuæð:  
            
"Ac hwæt is se dumba,  se ðe on sumre dene resteð? 
Swiðe snyttrað,  hafað seofon tungan; 
hafað tungena gehwylc  [XX] orda, 
hafað orda gehwylc  engles snytro, 
ðara ðe wile anra hwylc  uppe bringan, 
ðæt ðu ðære gyldnan gesiehst  Hierusalem 
weallas blican  and hiera winrod lixan, 
soðfæstra segn.  Saga hwæt ic mæne." 
Salomon cuæð:  
            
"Bec sindon breme,  bodiað geneahhe 
weotodne willan  ðam ðe wiht hygeð. 
Gestrangað hie and gestaðeliað  staðolfæstne geðoht, 
amyrgað modsefan  manna gehwylces 
of ðreamedlan  ðisses lifes." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Bald bið se ðe onbyregeð  boca cræftes; 
symle bið ðe wisra  ðe hira geweald hafað." 
Salomon cuæð:  
            
"Sige hie onsendað  soðfæstra gehwam, 
hælo hyðe,  ðam ðe hie lufað." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"An wise is  on woroldrice 
ymb ða me fyrwet bræc  [L] wintra 
dæges and niehtes  ðurh deop gesceaft; 
geomrende gast  deð nu gena swa, 
ærðon me geunne  ece dryhten 
ðæt me geseme  snoterra monn." 
Salomon cwæð:  
            
"Soð is ðæt ðu sagast;  seme ic ðe recene 
ymb ða wrætlican wiht.  Wilt ðu ðæt ic ðe secgge? 
An fugel siteð  on Filistina 
            
middelgemærum;  munt is hine ymbutan, 
geap gylden weall.  Georne hine healdað 
witan Filistina,  wenað ðæs ðe naht is, 
ðæt hiene him scyle eall ðeod  on genæman 
wæpna ecggum;  hie ðæs wære cunnon, 

               healdað hine niehta gehwylce  norðan and suðan 
on twa healfa  tu hund wearda. 
Se fugel hafað  [IIII] heafdu 
medumra manna,  and he is on middan hwælen; 
geowes he hafað fiðeru  and griffus fet, 
ligeð lonnum fæst,  locað unhiere, 
swiðe swingeð  and his searo hringeð, 
gilleð geomorlice  and his gyrn sefað, 
wylleð hine on ðam wite,  wunað unlustum, 
singgeð syllice;  seldum æfre 
his leoma licggað.  Longað hine hearde, 
ðynceð him ðæt sie ðria [XXX]  ðusend wintra 
ær he domdæges  dynn gehyre. 
Nyste hine on ðære foldan  fira ænig 
eorðan cynnes,  ærðon ic hine ana onfand 
and hine ða gebendan het  ofer brad wæter, 
ðæt hine se modega heht  Melotes bearn, 
Filistina fruma,  fæste gebindan, 
lonnum belucan  wið leodgryre. 
ðone fugel hatað  feorbuende, 
Filistina fruman,  uasa mortis." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Ac hwæt is ðæt wundor  ðe geond ðas worold færeð, 
styrnenga gæð,  staðolas beateð, 
aweceð wopdropan,  winneð oft hider? 
Ne mæg hit steorra ne stan  ne se steapa gimm, 
wæter ne wildeor  wihte beswican, 
ac him on hand gæð  heardes and hnesces, 
micles and mætes;  him to mose sceall 
gegangan geara gehwelce  grundbuendra, 
lyftfleogendra,  laguswemmendra, 
ðria ðreoteno  ðusendgerimes." 
Salomon cuæð:  
            
"Yldo beoð on eorðan  æghwæs cræftig; 
mid hiðendre  hildewræsne, 
rumre racenteage,  ræceð wide, 
langre linan,  lisseð eall ðæt heo wile. 
Beam heo abreoteð  and bebriceð telgum, 
astyreð standendne 
                stefn on siðe, 
afilleð hine on foldan;  friteð æfter ðam 
wildne fugol.  Heo oferwigeð wulf, 
hio oferbideð stanas,  heo oferstigeð style, 
hio abiteð iren mid ome,  deð usic swa." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Ac forhwon fealleð se snaw,  foldan behydeð, 
bewrihð wyrta cið,  wæstmas getigeð, 
geðyð hie and geðreatað,  ðæt hie ðrage beoð 
cealde geclungne?  Full oft he gecostað eac 
wildeora worn,  wætum he oferbricgeð, 
gebryceð burga geat,  baldlice fereð, 
reafað"  
            
"swiðor micle  ðonne se swipra nið 
se hine gelædeð  on ða laðan wic 
mid ða fræcnan  feonde to willan." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Nieht bið wedera ðiestrost,  ned bið wyrda heardost, 
sorg bið swarost byrðen,  slæp bið deaðe gelicost." 
Salomon cwæð:  
            
"Lytle hwile  leaf beoð grene; 
ðonne hie eft fealewiað,  feallað on eorðan 
and forweorniað,  weorðað to duste. 
Swa ðonne gefeallað  ða ðe fyrena ær 
lange læstað,  lifiað him in mane, 
hydað heahgestreon,  healdað georne 
on fæstenne  feondum to willan, 
and wenað wanhogan  ðæt hie wille wuldorcining, 
ælmihtig god,  ece gehiran." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Sona bið gesiene,  siððan flowan mot 
yð ofer eall lond,  ne wile heo awa ðæs 
siðes geswican,  sioððan hire se sæl cymeð, 
ðæt heo domes dæges  dyn gehiere." 
Salomon cwæð:  
            

               "Wa bið ðonne ðissum modgum monnum,  ðam ðe her nu mid mane lengest 
lifiað on ðisse lænan gesceafte.  Ieo ðæt ðine leode gecyðdon; 
wunnon hie wið dryhtnes miehtum,  forðon hie ðæt worc ne gedegdon. 
Ne sceall ic ðe hwæðre, broðor, abelgan;  ðu eart swiðe bittres cynnes, 
eorre eormenstrynde.  Ne beyrn ðu in ða inwitgecyndo!" 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Saga ðu me, Salomon cyning,  sunu Dauides, 
hwæt beoð ða feowere  fægæs rapas?" 
Salomon cuæð:  
            
"Gewurdene wyrda,  
            
ðæt beoð ða feowere  fæges rapas." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Ac hwa demeð ðonne  dryhtne Criste 
on domes dæge,  ðonne he demeð eallum gesceaftum?" 
Salomon cwæð:  
            
"Hwa dear ðonne dryhtne deman,  ðe us of duste geworhte, 
nergend of niehtes wunde?  Ac sæge me hwæt nærende wæron." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Ac forhwon ne mot seo sunne  side gesceafte 
scire geondscinan?  Forhwam besceadeð heo 
muntas and moras  and monige ec 
weste stowa?  Hu geweorðeð ðæt?" 
Salomon cuæð:  
            
"Ac forhwam næron eorðwelan 
                ealle gedæled 
            
leodum gelice?  Sum to lyt hafað, 
godes grædig;  hine god seteð 
ðurh geearnunga  eadgum to ræste." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Ac forhwan beoð ða gesiðas  somod ætgædre, 
wop and hleahtor?  Full oft hie weorðgeornra 
sælða toslitað;  hu gesæleð ðæt?" 
Salomon cuæð:  
            
"Unlæde bið and ormod  se ðe a wile 
geomrian on gihðe;  se bið gode fracoðast." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Forhwon ne moton we ðonne ealle  mid onmedlan 
gegnum gangan  in godes rice?" 
Salomon cwæð:  
            
"Ne mæg fyres feng  ne forstes cile, 
snaw ne sunne  somod eardian, 
aldor geæfnan,  ac hira sceal anra gehwylc 
onlutan and onliðigan  ðe hafað læsse mægn." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Ac forhwon ðonne leofað  se wyrsa leng? 
Se wyrsa ne wat  in woroldrice 
on his mægwinum  maran are." 
Salomon cwæð:  
            
"Ne mæg mon forildan 
                ænige hwile 
ðone deoran sið,  ac he hine adreogan sceall." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Ac hu gegangeð ðæt?  Gode oððe yfle, 
ðonne hie beoð ðurh ane  idese acende, 
twegen getwinnas,  ne bið hira tir gelic. 
Oðer bið unlæde on eorðan,  oðer bið eadig, 
swiðe leoftæle  mid leoda duguðum; 
oðer leofað  lytle hwile, 
swiceð on ðisse sidan gesceafte,  and ðonne eft mid sorgum gewiteð. 
Fricge ic ðec, hlaford Salomon,  hwæðres bið hira folgoð betra?" 
Salomon cuæð:  
            
"Modor ne rædeð,  ðonne heo magan cenneð, 
hu him weorðe geond worold  widsið sceapen. 
Oft heo to bealwe  bearn afedeð, 
seolfre to sorge,  siððan dreogeð 
his earfoðu  orlegstunde. 
Heo ðæs afran sceall  oft and gelome 
grimme greotan,  ðonne he geong færeð, 
hafað wilde mod,  werige heortan, 
sefan sorgfullne,  slideð geneahhe, 
werig, wilna leas,  wuldres bedæled, 
hwilum higegeomor  healle weardað, 
leofað leodum feor;  locað geneahhe 
fram ðam unlædan  
               agen hlaford. 
Forðan nah seo modor geweald,  ðonne heo magan cenneð, 
bearnes blædes,  ac sceall on gebyrd faran 
an æfter anum;  ðæt is eald gesceaft." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Ac forhwan nele monn him on giogoðe  georne gewyrcan 
deores dryhtscipes  and dædfruman, 
wadan on wisdom,  winnan æfter snytro?" 
Salomon cwæð:  
            
"Hwæt! Him mæg eadig eorl  eaðe geceosan 
on his modsefan  mildne hlaford, 
anne æðeling.  Ne mæg don unlæde swa." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Ac forhwam winneð ðis wæter  geond woroldrice, 
dreogeð deop gesceaft?  Ne mot on dæg restan, 
neahtes neðyð,  cræfte tyð, 
cristnað and clænsað  cwicra manigo, 
wuldre gewlitigað.  Ic wihte ne cann 
forhwan se stream ne mot  stillan neahtes." 
"his lifes fæðme.  Simle hit bið his lareowum hyrsum; 
full oft hit eac ðæs deofles  dugoð gehnægeð, 
ðær weotena bið  worn gesamnod. 
ðonne snottrum men  snæd oððglideð, 
ða he be leohte gesihð,  luteð æfter, 
gesegnað and gesyfleð  and him sylf friteð. 
Swilc bið seo an snæd  æghwylcum men 
selre micle,  gif heo gesegnod bið, 
to ðycgganne,  gif he hit geðencan cann, 
ðonne him sie seofon daga  symbelgereordu. 
Leoht hafað heow and had  haliges gastes, 
Cristes gecyndo;  hit ðæt gecyðeð full oft. 
Gif hit unwitan  ænige hwile 
healdað butan hæftum,  hit ðurh hrof wædeð, 
bryceð and bærneð  boldgetimbru, 
seomað steap and geap,  stigeð on lenge, 
clymmeð on gecyndo,  cunnað hwænne mote 
fyr on his frumsceaft  on fæder geardas, 
eft to his eðle,  ðanon hit æror cuom. 
Hit bið eallenga  eorl to gesihðe, 
ðam ðe gedælan can  dryhtnes ðecelan, 
forðon nis nænegu gecynd  cuiclifigende, 
ne fugel ne fisc  ne foldan stan, 
ne wæteres wylm  ne wudutelga, 
ne munt ne mor  ne ðes middangeard, 
ðæt he forð ne sie  fyrenes cynnes." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Full oft ic frode menn  fyrn gehyrde 
secggan and swerian  ymb sume wisan, 
hwæðer wære twegra  butan tweon strengra, 
wyrd ðe warnung,  ðonne hie winnað oft 
mid hira ðreamedlan,  hwæðerne aðreoteð ær. 
Ic to soðon wat;  sægdon me geara 
Filistina witan,  ðonne we on geflitum sæton, 
bocum tobræddon  and on bearm legdon, 
meðelcwidas mengdon,  moniges fengon, 
ðæt nære nænig manna  middangeardes 
ðæt meahte ðara twega  tuion aspyrian." 
Salomon cwæð:  
            
"Wyrd bið wended hearde,  wealleð swiðe geneahhe; 
heo wop weceð,  heo wean hladeð, 
heo gast scyð,  heo ger byreð, 
and hwæðre him mæg wissefa  wyrda gehwylce 
gemetigian,  gif he bið modes gleaw 
and to his freondum wile  fultum secan, 
ðeh hwæðre godcundes  gæstes brucan." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Ac hwæt witeð us  wyrd seo swiðe, 
eallra fyrena fruma,  fæhðo modor, 
weana wyrtwela,  wopes heafod, 
frumscylda gehwæs  fæder and modor, 
deaðes dohtor?  Ac tohwan drohtað heo mid us? 
Hwæt! Hie wile lifigende  late aðreotan, 
ðæt heo ðurh fyrena geflitu  fæhðo ne tydre." 
Salomon cwæð:  
            
"Nolde gæd geador  in godes rice 
eadiges engles  and ðæs ofermodan; 
oðer his dryhtne hierde,  oðer him ongan wyrcan ðurh dierne cræftas 
segn and side byrnan,  cwæð ðæt he mid his gesiðum wolde 
hiðan eall heofona rice  and him ðonne on healfum sittan, 

               tydran him mid ðy teoðan dæle,  oððæt he his tornes 
               ne 
               cuðe 
            
ende ðurh insceafte.  ða wearð se æðelra 
               ðeoden 
            
gedrefed ðurh ðæs deofles gehygdo;  forlet hine ða of dune gehreosan, 
afielde hine ða  under foldan sceatas, 
heht hine ðær fæste gebindan.  ðæt sindon ða usic feohtað on. 
Forðon is witena gehwam  wopes eaca. 
ða ðæt eadig onfand  engla dryhten, 
ðæt heo leng mid hine  lare ne namon, 
aweorp hine ða of ðam wuldre  and wide todraf, 
and him bebead  bearn heofonwara 
ðæt hie ec scoldon  a ðenden hie lifdon 
wunian in wylme,  wop ðrowian, 
heaf under hefonum,  and him helle gescop, 
wælcealde wic  wintre beðeahte, 
wæter in sende  and wyrmgeardas, 
atol deor monig  irenum hornum, 
blodige earnas  and blace nædran, 
ðurst and hungor  and ðearle gewin, 
egna egesan,  unrotnesse; 
and æghwylc him ðissa earfeða  ece stondeð 
butan edwende 
                a ðenden hie lifigað." 
Saturnus cwæð:  
            
"Is ðonne on ðisse foldan  fira ænig 
eorðan cynnes,  ðara ðe man age, 
ðe deað abæde,  ær se dæg cyme 
ðæt sie his calendcwide  arunnen 
and hine mon annunga  ut abanne?" 
Salomon cwæð:  
            

               "æghwylcum
               men
                engel onsendeð 
dryhten heofona 
                
               ðonne 
               dæg 
               styreð; 
se sceall behealdan  hu his hyge wille; 

               grædig growan  in godes willan, 
murnan metodes ðrym,  mid ðy ðe hit dæg bið. 
ðonne hine ymbegangað  gastas twegen; 
oðer bið golde glædra,  oðer bið grundum sweartra, 
oðer cymeð  
            

                ofer ðære stylenan helle; 
oðer hine læreð  ðæt he lufan healde, 
metodes miltse,  and his mæga ræd, 
oðer hine tyhteð  and on tæso læreð, 
yweð him and yppeð  earmra manna 
misgemynda,  and ðurh ðæt his mod hweteð, 
lædeð hine and læceð  and hine geond land spaneð, 
oððæt his ege bið,  æfðancum full, 
ðurh earmra scyld  yrre geworden. 
Swa ðonne feohteð se feond  on feower gecynd, 
oððæt he gewendeð  on ða wyrsan hand 
deofles dædum  dæglongne fyrst, 
and ðæs willan wyrcð  ðe hine on woh spaneð. 
Gewiteð ðonne wepende  on weg faran 
engel to his earde  and ðæt eall sagað: 
'Ne meahte ic of ðære heortan  heardne aðringan 
stylenne stan;  sticað him tomiddes'" 

284. The MenologiumDobbie, 1942 49-55; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Crist wæs acennyd,  cyninga wuldor, 
on midne winter,  mære þeoden, 
ece ælmihtig,  on þy eahteoðan dæg 
Hælend gehaten,  heofonrices weard. 
Swa þa sylfan tiid  side herigeas, 
folc unmæte,  habbað foreweard gear, 
for þy se kalend us  cymeð geþincged 
on þam ylcan dæge  us to tune, 
forma monað;  hine folc mycel 
Ianuarius  gerum heton. 
And þæs embe fif niht  þætte fulwihttiid 
eces drihtnes  to us cymeð, 
þæne twelfta dæg  tireadige, 
hæleð heaðurofe,  hatað on Brytene, 
in foldan her.  Swylce emb feower wucan 
þætte Solmonað  sigeð to tune 
butan twam nihtum,  swa hit getealdon geo, 
Februarius fær,  frode gesiþas, 
ealde ægleawe.  And þæs embe ane niht 
þæt we Marian  mæssan healdað, 
cyninges modor,  forþan heo Crist on þam dæge, 
bearn wealdendes,  brohte to temple. 
ðænne þæs emb fif niht  þæt afered byð 
winter of wicum,  and se wigend þa 
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 cuð 
ymb [III] and twa  þeodum gewelhwær 
his cyme kalend  ceorlum and eorlum 
(butan þænne bises  geboden weorðe 
feorðan geare;  þænne he furðor cymeð 
ufor anre niht  us to tune), 
hrime gehyrsted  hagolscurum færð 
geond middangeard  Martius reðe, 
Hlyda healic.  ðænne se halga þæs 
emb [XI] niht  æþele scynde 
Gregorius  in godes wære, 
breme in Brytene.  Swylce Benedictus 
embe nigon niht þæs  nergend sohte, 
heard and higestrang,  þæne heriað wel 
in gewritum wise,  wealdendes þeow 
rincas regolfæste.  Swylce eac rimcræftige 
on þa ylcan tiid  emniht healdað, 
forðan wealdend god  worhte æt frymðe 
on þy sylfan dæge  sunnan and monan. 
Hwæt, ymb feower niht  fæder onsende, 
þæs þe emnihte  eorlas healdað, 
heahengel his,  se hælo abead 
Marian mycle,  þæt heo meotod sceolde 
cennan, kyninga betst,  swa hit gecyðed wearð 
geond middangeard;  wæs þæt mære wyrd, 
folcum gefræge!  Swylce emb feower and þreo 
nihtgerimes,  þætte nergend sent 
Aprelis monað,  on þam oftust cymð 
seo mære tiid  mannum to frofre, 
drihtnes ærist;  þænne dream gerist 
wel wide gehwær,  swa se witega sang: 
"þis is se dæg  þæne drihten us 
wisfæst worhte,  wera cneorissum, 
eallum eorðwarum  eadigum to blisse." 
Ne magon we þa tide  be getale healdan 
dagena rimes,  ne drihtnes stige 
on heofenas up,  forþan þe hwearfað aa 
wisra gewyrdum,  ac sceal wintrum frod 
on circule  cræfte findan 
halige dagas.  Sculan we hwæðere gyt 
martira gemynd  ma areccan, 
wrecan wordum forð,  wisse gesingan, 
þæt embe nihgontyne  niht and 
               fifum, 
þæs þe Eastermonað  to us cymeð, 
þæt man reliquias  ræran onginneð, 
halige gehyrste;  þæt is healic dæg, 
bentiid bremu.  Swylce in burh raþe 

               embe
               siex
               niht
               þæs,  smicere on gearwum, 
wudum and wyrtum  cymeð wlitig scriðan 

               þrymilce on tun,  þearfe bringeð 
Maius micle  geond menigeo gehwær. 
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, 
on þam þrowode  þeoden engla 
for manna lufan,  meotud on galgan 
be fæder leafe.  Swylce ymb fyrst wucan 
butan anre niht  þætte yldum bringð 
sigelbeorhte dagas  sumor to tune, 
wearme gewyderu.  þænne wangas hraðe 
blostmum blowað,  swylce blis astihð 
geond middangeard  manigra hada 
cwicera cynna,  cyninge lof secgað 
mænifealdlice,  mærne bremað, 
ælmihtigne.  þæs emb eahta and nigon 
dogera rimes  þætte drihten nam 
in oðer leoht  Agustinus, 
bliðne on breostum,  þæs þe he on Brytene her 
eaðmode him  eorlas funde 
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 
on Cantwarum  cynestole neah, 
mynstre mærum.  þænne monað bringð 
ymb twa and feower 
                tiida lange 
ærra Liða  us to tune, 
Iunius on geard,  on þam gim astihð 
on heofenas up  hyhst on geare, 
tungla torhtust,  and of tille agrynt, 
to sete sigeð.  Wyle syððan leng 
grund behealdan  and gangan lator 
ofer foldan wang  fægerust leohta, 
woruldgesceafta.  þænne wuldres þegn 
ymb þreotyne,  þeodnes dyrling, 
Iohannes in geardagan  wearð acenned, 
tyn nihtum eac;  we þa tiid healdað 
on midne sumor  mycles on æþelum. 
Wide is geweorðod,  swa þæt wel gerist, 
haligra tid  geond hæleða bearn, 
Petrus and Paulus.  Hwæt, þa apostolas, 
þeodenholde,  þrowedon on Rome 
ofer midne sumor,  miccle gewisse, 
furðor 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, 
ealdorþegnas.  þænne ædre cymð 
emb twa niht þæs  tidlice us 
Iulius monað,  on þam Iacobus 
ymb feower niht  feorh gesealde 

               ond twentigum,  trum in breostum, 
frod and fæstræd  folca lareow, 
Zebedes afera.  And þæs symle scriþ 
ymb seofon niht þæs  sumere gebrihted 
Weodmonað on tun,  
               welhwær bringeð 
Agustus  yrmenþeodum 
hlafmæssan dæg.  Swa þæs hærfest cymð 
ymbe oðer swylc  butan anre wanan, 
wlitig, wæstmum hladen;  wela byð geywed 
fægere on foldan.  þænne forð gewat 
ymb þreo niht þæs  þeodne getrywe 
þurh martyrdom,  mære diacon, 
Laurentius,  hæfð nu lif wiðþan 
mid wuldorfæder  weorca to leane. 
Swylce þæs ymb fif niht  fægerust mægða, 
wifa wuldor,  sohte weroda god 
for suna sibbe,  sigefæstne ham 

               on neorxnawange;  hæfde nergend þa 
fægere fostorlean  fæmnan forgolden 
ece to ealdre.  þænne ealling byð 
ymb tyn niht þæs  tiid geweorðad 
Bartholomeus  in Brytene her, 

               wyrd welþungen.  Swylce eac wide byð 
eorlum geypped  æþelinges deað 
ymb feower niht,  se þe fægere iu 
mid wætere oferwearp  wuldres cynebearn, 
wiga weorðlice.  Be him wealdend cwæð 
þæt nan mærra man  geond middangeard 
betux wife and were  wurde acenned. 
Ond þæs ymbe þreo niht  geond þeoda feala 
þætte Haligmonð,  heleþum geþinged, 
fereð to folce,  swa hit foregleawe, 
ealde uþwitan,  æror fundan, 
Septembres fær,  and þy seofoþan dæg 
þæt acenned wearð  cwena selost, 
drihtnes modor.  þænne dagena worn 
ymbe þreotyne  þegn unforcuð, 
godspelles gleaw,  gast onsende 
Matheus his  to metodsceafte, 
in ecne gefean.  þænne ealling cymð 
ymb þreo niht þæs  þeodum wide 
emnihtes dæg,  ylda bearnum. 
Hwæt, we weorðiað  wide geond eorðan 
heahengles tiid  on hærfeste, 
Michaheles,  swa þæt menigo wat, 
fif nihtum ufor  þæs þe folcum byð, 
eorlum geywed  emnihtes dæg. 
And þæs embe twa niht  þæt se teoða monð 
on folc fereð,  frode geþeahte, 
October on tun  us to genihte, 
Winterfylleð,  swa hine wide cigað 
            
igbuende  Engle and Seaxe, 
weras mid wifum.  Swylce wigena tiid 
ymb twentig þæs  twegra healdað 
and seofon nihtum  samod ætgædere 
on anne dæg.  We þa æþelingas 
fyrn gefrunan  þæt hy foremære, 
Simon and Iudas,  symble wæron, 
drihtne dyre;  forþon hi dom hlutan, 
eadigne upweg.  And þæs ofstum bringð 
embe feower niht,  folce genihtsum, 
Blotmonað on tun,  beornum to wiste, 
Nouembris,  niða bearnum 
eadignesse,  swa nan oðer na deð 
monað maran  miltse drihtnes. 
And þy ylcan dæge  ealra we healdað 
sancta symbel  þara þe sið oððe ær 
worhtan in worulde  willan drihtnes. 
Syþþan wintres dæg  wide gangeð 
on syx nihtum,  sigelbeortne genimð 
hærfest mid herige  hrimes and snawes, 
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, 
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  clypiað to þearfe. 
And þæs embe seofon niht,  sigedrihtne leof, 
æþele Andreas  up on roderum 
his gast ageaf  on godes wære, 
fus on forðweg.  þænne folcum bringð 
morgen to mannum  monað to tune, 
Decembris  drihta bearnum, 
ærra Iula.  Swylce emb eahta and twelf 
nihtgerimes  þætte nergend sylf 
þristhydigum  Thomase forgeaf 
wið earfeðum  ece rice, 
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, 
swa bebugeð gebod  geond Brytenricu 
Sexna kyninges  on þas sylfan tiid. 

285. Maxims IIDobbie, 1942 55-7; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Cyning sceal rice healdan.  Ceastra beoð feorran gesyne, 
orðanc enta geweorc,  þa þe on þysse eorðan syndon, 
wrætlic weallstana geweorc.  Wind byð on lyfte swiftust, 
þunar byð þragum hludast.  þrymmas syndan Cristes myccle, 
wyrd byð swiðost.  Winter byð cealdost, 
lencten hrimigost  (he byð lengest ceald), 
sumor sunwlitegost  (swegel byð hatost), 
hærfest hreðeadegost,  hæleðum bringeð 
geres wæstmas,  þa þe him god sendeð. 
Soð bið switolost,  sinc byð deorost, 
gold gumena gehwam,  and gomol snoterost, 
fyrngearum frod,  se þe ær feala gebideð. 

               Weax bið wundrum clibbor.  Wolcnu scriðað. 
Geongne æþeling sceolan  gode gesiðas 
byldan to beaduwe  and to beahgife. 
Ellen sceal on eorle,  ecg sceal wið hellme 
hilde gebidan.  Hafuc sceal on glofe 
wilde gewunian,  wulf sceal on bearowe, 

               earm anhaga,  eofor sceal on holte, 
toðmægenes trum.  Til sceal on eðle 
domes wyrcean.  Daroð sceal on handa, 
gar golde fah.  Gim sceal on hringe 
standan steap and geap.  Stream sceal on yðum 

               mencgan mereflode.  Mæst sceal on ceole, 
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 hæðe, 
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 
grene standan.  God sceal on heofenum, 
dæda demend.  Duru sceal on healle, 
rum recedes muð.  Rand sceal on scylde, 
fæst fingra gebeorh.  Fugel uppe sceal 
lacan on lyfte.  Leax sceal on wæle 
mid sceote scriðan.  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 
þæt hi man beagum gebicge.  Brim sceal sealte weallan, 
lyfthelm and laguflod  ymb ealra landa gehwylc, 
flowan firgenstreamas.  Feoh sceal on eorðan 
tydran and tyman.  Tungol sceal on heofenum 
beorhte scinan,  swa him bebead meotud. 
God sceal wið yfele,  geogoð sceal wið yldo, 
lif sceal wið deaþe,  leoht sceal wið þystrum, 
fyrd wið fyrde,  feond wið oðrum, 
lað wið laþe  ymb land sacan, 
synne stælan.  A sceal snotor hycgean 
ymb þysse worulde gewinn,  wearh hangian, 
fægere ongildan  þæt he ær facen dyde 
manna cynne.  Meotod ana wat 
hwyder seo sawul sceal  syððan hweorfan, 
and ealle þa gastas  þe for gode hweorfað 
æfter deaðdæge,  domes bidað 
on fæder fæðme.  Is seo forðgesceaft 
digol and dyrne;  drihten ana wat, 
nergende fæder.  Næni eft cymeð 
hider under hrofas,  þe þæt her for soð 
mannum secge  hwylc sy meotodes gesceaft, 
sigefolca gesetu,  þær he sylfa wunað. 

286. A Proverb from Winfrid's Time

Dobbie, 1942 57; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).

Oft daedlata domę foręldit,

sigisitha gahuem, suuyltit thi ana.

287. The Judgment Day IIDobbie, 1942 58-67; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Hwæt! Ic ana sæt  innan bearwe, 
mid helme beþeht,  holte tomiddes, 
þær þa wæterburnan  swegdon and urnon 
on middan gehæge,  eal swa ic secge. 
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. 
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  deaðes on eorðan. 
Ic ondræde me eac  dom þone miclan 
for mandædum  minum on eorðan, 
and þæt ece ic eac  yrre ondræde me 
and synfulra gehwam  æt sylfum gode, 
and hu mihtig frea  eall manna cynn 
todæleð and todemeð  þurh his dihlan miht. 
Ic gemunde eac  mærðe drihtnes 
and þara haligra  on heofonan rice, 
swylce earmsceapenra  
               yfel and witu. 
Ic gemunde þis mid me,  and ic mearn swiðe, 
and ic murcnigende cwæð,  mode gedrefed: 
"Nu ic eow, æddran,  ealle bidde 
þæt ge wylspringas  wel ontynan, 
hate of hleorum,  recene to tearum, 
þænne ic synful slea  swiðe mid fyste, 
breost mine beate  on gebedstowe, 
and minne lichaman  lecge on eorðan 
and geearnade sar  ealle ic gecige. 
Ic bidde eow  benum nu ða 
þæt ge ne wandian  wiht for tearum, 
ac dreorige hleor  dreccað mid wope 
and sealtum dropum  sona ofergeotaþ, 
and geopeniað man  ecum drihtne. 
Ne þær owiht  inne ne belife 
on heortscræfe  heanra gylta, 
þæt hit ne sy dægcuð,  þæt þæt dihle wæs, 
openum wordum  eall abæred, 
breostes and tungan  and flæsces swa some. 
ðis is an hæl  earmre sauwle 
and þam sorgiendum  selest hihta, 
þæt he wunda her  
               wope gecyðe 
uplicum læce,  se ana mæg 
aglidene mod  
               gode gehælan 
and ræplingas  recene onbindan, 
ne mid swiðran his  swyþe nele brysan 
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, 
hu micel forstent  and hu mære is 
seo soðe hreow  synna and gylta? 
Se sceaþa wæs on rode  scyldig and manful, 
mid undædum  eall gesymed; 
he drihtene swa þeah,  deaðe gehende, 
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. 
Ic acsige þe, la,  earme geþanc, 
hwi latast þu swa lange,  þæt þu ðe læce ne cyþst, 
oððe hwi swigast þu,  synnigu tunge, 
nu þu forgifnesse hæfst  gearugne timan, 
nu þe ælmihtig  earum atihtum, 
heofonrices weard,  gehyreð mid lustum? 
Ac se dæg cymeð  ðonne demeð god 
eorðan ymbhwyrft;  þu ana scealt 
gyldan scad wordum  wið scyppend god, 
and þam rican frean  riht agyldan. 
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? 
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 
and dædbote do  drihtne to willan. 
Glæd bið se godes sunu,  gif þu gnorn þrowast 
and þe sylfum demst  for synnum on eorðan, 
ne heofenes god  henða and gyltas 
ofer ænne syþ wrecan wile  ænigum men. 
Ne scealt þu forhyccan  heaf and wopas 
and forgifnesse  gearugne timan. 
Gemyne eac on mode,  
               hu micel is þæt wite 
þe þara earmra byð  for ærdædum, 
oþþe hu egeslice 
                and hu andrysne 
heahþrymme cyningc  her wile deman 
anra gehwylcum  be ærdædum, 
oþþe hwylce forebeacn  feran onginnað 
and Cristes cyme  cyþað on eorðan. 
Eall eorðe bifað,  eac swa þa duna 
dreosað and hreosað,  
            
and beorga hliðu 
                bugað and myltað, 
and se egeslica sweg  ungerydre sæ 
eall manna mod  miclum gedrefeð. 
Eal bið eac upheofon  
            
sweart and gesworcen,  swiðe geþuxsað, 
deorc and dimhiw,  and dwolma sweart. 
þonne stedelease  steorran hreosað, 
and seo sunne forswyrcð  sona on morgen, 
ne se mona næfð  nanre mihte wiht, 
þæt he þære nihte  genipu mæge flecgan. 
Eac þonne cumað hider  ufon of heofone 
deaðbeacnigende tacn,  bregað þa earman; 
þonne cumað upplice  eoredheapas, 
stiþmægen astyred,  styllað embutan 
eal engla werod,  ecne behlænað, 
ðone mæran metod  mihte and þrymme. 
Sitt þonne sigelbeorht  swegles brytta 
on heahsetle,  helme beweorðod. 
We beoð færinga  him beforan brohte, 
æghwanum cumene  to his ansyne, 
þæt gehwylc underfo  
            
dom be his dædum  æt drihtne sylfum. 
Ic bidde, man, þæt þu gemune  hu micel bið se broga 
beforan domsetle  drihtnes þænne; 
stent hergea 
               mæst 
                heortleas and earh, 
amasod and amarod,  mihtleas, afæred. 
þænne samod becumað  of swegles hleo 
eall engla werod,  ecne ymtrymmað. 

               þænne bið geban micel,  and aboden þider 
eal Adames cnosl  
               eorðbuendra 
            
þe on foldan wearð  
               feded æfre 
oððe modar gebær  to manlican, 
oþþe þa þe wæron  oððe woldon beon 
oþþe towearde  geteald wæron awiht. 
ðonne eallum beoð  ealra gesweotolude 
digle geþancas  on þære dægtide, 
eal þæt seo heorte  hearmes geþohte 
oððe seo tunge  to teonan geclypede 
oþþe mannes hand  manes gefremede 
on þystrum scræfum  þinga on eorðan; 
eal þæt hwæne sceamode  scylda on worulde, 
þæt he ænigum men  ypte oððe cyðde, 
þonne bið eallum  open ætsomne, 
gelice alyfed  þæt man lange hæl. 
Ufenan eall þis  eac byð gefylled 
eal uplic lyft  ættrenum lige. 
Færð fyr ofer eall,  ne byð þær nan foresteal, 
ne him man na ne mæg  miht forwyrnan; 

               eal þæt us þincð æmtig  eahgemearces 
under roderes ryne,  readum lige 
bið emnes mid þy  eal gefylled. 
ðonne fyren lig  
               blaweð and braslað, 
read and reaðe,  ræsct and efesteð, 
hu he synfullum  susle gefremme; 
ne se wrecenda bryne  wile forbugan 
oððe ænigum þær  are gefremman, 
buton he horwum sy  her afeormad, 
and þonne þider cume,  þearle aclænsad. 
þonne fela mægða,  folca unrim, 
heora sinnigan breost  swiðlice beatað 
forhte mid fyste  for fyrenlustum. 
þær beoð þearfan  and þeodcyningas, 
earm and eadig,  ealle beoð afæred; 
þær hæfð ane lage  earm and se welega, 
forðon hi habbað ege  ealle ætsomne. 
ðæt reðe flod  ræscet fyre 
and biterlice  bærnð ða earman saula, 
and heora heortan  horxlice wyrmas, 
synscyldigra,  ceorfað and slitað. 
Ne mæg þær æni man  be agnum gewyrhtum 
gedyrstig wesan,  deman gehende, 
ac ealle þurhyrnð  oga ætsomne, 
breostgehyda  and se bitera wop, 
and þær stænt astifad,  stane gelicast, 
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 
and þe mid stiðum astyrest  sticelum þæs gælsan! 
Hwi ne forhtas þu  fyrene egsan, 
and þe sylfum ondræd  swiðlice witu, 
ða deoflum geo  drihten geteode, 
awyrgedum gastum,  weana to leane? 
þa oferswiðað  sefan and spræce 
manna gehwylces  for micelnysse. 
Nænig spræc mæg beon,  spellum areccan 
ænegum on eorðan  earmlice witu, 

               fulle stowa  fyres on grunde, 
þe wæs in grimmum  susle on helle. 
þær synt to sorge  ætsomne gemenged 
se þrosma lig  and se þrece gicela, 
swiðe hat and ceald  helle tomiddes. 
Hwilum þær eagan  ungemetum wepað 
for þæs ofnes bryne  (eal he is bealuwes full); 
hwilum eac þa teþ for miclum cyle  manna þær gryrrað. 
þis atule gewrixl  
               earmsceapene men 
on worulda woruld  wendað þær inne 
betwyx forsworcenum  sweartum nihtum 
and weallendes pices  wean and þrosme. 
þær nan stefn styreð  butan stearcheard 
wop and wanung,  nawiht elles; 
ne bið þær ansyn gesewen  ænigre wihte, 
butan þara cwelra  þe cwylmað ða earman. 
Ne bið þær inne  aht gemeted 
butan lig and cyle  and laðlic ful; 
hy mid nosan ne magon  naht geswæccan 
butan unstences 
                ormætnesse. 
þær beoð þa wanigendan  welras gefylde 
ligspiwelum bryne  laðlices fyres, 
and hy wælgrimme  wyrmas slitað 
and heora ban gnagað  brynigum tuxlum. 
Ufenon eal þis  bið þæt earme breost 
mid bitere care  breged and swenced, 
for hwi fyrngende flæsc  on þas frecnan tid 
hym selfum swa fela  synna geworhte, 
þæt hit on cweartern  cwylmed wurde, 
þær ða atelan synd  ecan witu; 
þær leohtes ne leoht  lytel sperca 
earmum ænig,  ne þær arfæstnes 
ne sib ne hopa  ne swige gegladað 
ne þara wependra 
                worn wihte. 
Flyhð frofor aweg;  ne bið þær fultum nan 
þæt wið þa biteran þing  gebeorh mæge fremman. 
Ne bið þær ansyn gemet  ænigre blisse, 

               ac
               þær bið angryslic  ege and fyrhtu 
and sari mod,  swiðlic gristbigtung; 
þær bið unrotnes  æghwær wælhreow, 

               adl and yrre  and æmelnes, 
and þær synnge eac  sauwle on lige 
on blindum scræfe  byrnað and yrnað. 
þonne deriende  gedwinað heonone 
þysse worulde gefean,  gewitað mid ealle; 
þonne druncennes  gedwineð mid wistum, 
and hleahter and plega  hleapað ætsomne, 
and wrænnes eac  gewiteð heonone, 
and fæsthafolnes  feor gewiteð, 
uncyst onweg  and ælc gælsa 
scyldig scyndan 
                on sceade þonne, 
and se earma flyhð  uncræftiga slæp 
sleac mid sluman  slincan on hinder. 
ðonne blindum beseah  biterum ligum 
earme on ende  þæt unalyfed is nu; 

               leofest on life  lað bið þænne, 
and þæt werige mod  wendað þa gyltas 
swiðe mid sorgum  and mid sargunge. 
Eala, se bið gesælig  and ofersælig 
and on worulda woruld  
               wihta gesæligost, 
se þe mid gesyntum  swylce cwyldas 
and witu mæg  wel forbugon, 
and samod bliðe  on woruld ealle 
his þeodne geþeon,  and þonne mot 
habban heofonrice;  þæt is hihta mæst. 
þær niht ne genimð 
                næfre þeostrum 
            
þæs heofenlican  leohtes sciman; 
ne cymð þær sorh ne sar  ne geswenced yld, 
ne þær ænig geswinc  æfre gelimpeð, 
oððe hunger oþþe þurst  oððe heanlic slæp, 
ne bið þær fefur ne adl  ne færlic cwyld, 
nanes liges gebrasl  ne se laðlica cyle. 
Nis þær unrotnes  ne þær æmelnys, 
ne hryre ne caru  ne hreoh tintrega, 
ne bið þær liget  ne laðlic storm, 
winter ne þunerrad  ne wiht cealdes, 
ne þær hagulscuras  hearde mid snawe, 
ne bið þær wædl ne lyre  ne deaðes gryre 
ne yrmð ne agnes  ne ænigu gnornung, 
ac þær samod ricxað  sib mid spede, 
and arfæstnes  and ece god, 
wuldor and wurðmynt,  
            
swylce lof and lif  and leoflic geþwærnes. 
Ufenan eal þis  ece drihten 
him ealra goda gehwylc  glædlice ðenað, 
þær a andweard  ealle weorðaþ 
and fehþ and geblyssað 
                fæder ætsomne, 
wuldraþ and wel hylt,  
            
fægere frætuað  and freolice lufað 
            
and on heofonsetle  hean geregnað. 
His sunu bliðe,  sigores brytta, 
sylð anra gehwam  ece mede, 
heofonlice hyrsta,  þæt is healic gifu, 
gemang þam ænlican  engla werode 
and þæra haligra  heapum and þreatum. 
þær hy beoð geþeode  þeodscipum on gemang 
betwyx heahfæderas  and halige witegan, 
blissiendum modum,  byrgum tomiddes, 
þær þa ærendracan synd  ælmihtiges godes, 
and betweoh rosena 
                reade heapas, 
þær symle scinað.  
            
þær þæra hwittra  hwyrfð mædenheap, 
blostmum behangen,  
               beorhtost wereda, 
þe ealle læt  ænlicu godes drut, 
seo frowe þe us  frean acende, 
metod on moldan,  meowle seo clæne. 
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 
rice rædwitan,  rodera weardas. 
Hwæt mæg beon heardes  her on life, 
gif þu wille secgan  soð þæm ðe frineð, 
wið þam þu mote  gemang þam werode 
eardian unbleoh  on ecnesse, 
and on upcundra  eadegum setlum 
brucan bliðnesse  butan ende forð?" 

288. The Rewards of PietyRobinson 1994, 188-92; Robinson 1994, '"The Rewards of Piety": "Two" Old English Poems in Their Manuscript Context,' in The Editing of Old English (Oxford, Cambridge MA), pp. 188-92.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 
on hyge halgum  on þas hwilwendan tid, 
bliðe mode,  and gebedum filige 
oftost symle  þær þu ana sy. 
Forðan þæt halige gebed  and seo hluttre lufu 
godes and manna  and seo ælmessylen 
and se miccla hopa  to þinum hælende, 
þæt he þine synna  adwæscan wylle, 
and eac oþera fela  
            
godra weorca  glengað and bringað 
þa soðfæstan  sauwle to reste 
on þa uplican  eadignesse. 
Wyrc þæt þu wyrce,  word oððe dæda, 
hafa metodes ege  on gemang symle; 
þæt is witodlice  wisdomes ord, 
þæt þu þæt ece leoht  eal ne forleose. 
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 eorðan  ær gestryndes 
goda gehwylces,  wylle gode cweman, 
ne mihtu mid þæm eallum  sauwle þine 
ut alysan,  gif heo inne wyrð 
feondum befangen,  frofre bedæled, 
welena forwyrned;  ac þu wuldres god, 
ece ælmihtigne,  ealninga bidde 
þæt he þe ne forlæte  laðum to handa, 
feondum to frofre,  ac þu fleoh þanan, 
syle ælmessan  oft and gelome 
digolice;  þæt bið drihtnes lac 
gumena gehwylces  þe on god gelyfð. 
Ceapa þe mid æhtum  eces leohtes, 
þy læs þu forweorðe,  þænne þu hyra geweald nafast 
to syllanne.  Hit bið swiðe yfel 
manna gehwilcum  þæt he micel age, 
gif he him god ne ondræt  
            
swiðor micle  þonne his sylfes gewil. 
Warna þe georne  wið þære wambe fylle, 
forþan heo þa unþeawas  ealle gesomnað 
þe þære saule  swiðost deriað, 
þæt is druncennes  and dyrnegeligere, 
ungemet wilnung  ætes and slæpes; 
þa man mæg mid fæstenum  
            
and forhæfdnessum  heonon adrifan, 
and mid cyricsocnum  cealdum wederum 
eadmodlice  ealluncga biddan 
heofena drihten  þæt he þe hæl gife, 
milde mundbora,  swa him gemet þince. 
And ondræd þu ðe  dihle wisan, 
nearwe geþancas,  þe on niht becumað, 
synlustas foroft  swiðe fremman 
earfoðlice,  þy þu earhlice scealt 
gyltas þine  swiðe bemurnan, 
har hilderinc;  hefie þe ðincaþ 
synna þine.  Forþam þu sylf ongyte 
þæt þu alætan scealt  læne staþelas, 
eard and eþel.  Uncuð bið 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 ðe beorgan scealt, 
and wið feonda gehwæne  fæste healdan 
sauwle þine;  a hi winnað 
embe þæt  
            
dæges and nihtes  ongean drihtnes lif. 
þu miht hy gefleman,  gif þu filian wilt 
larum minum,  swa ic lære þe 
digollice  þæt þu on dægred oft 
ymbe þinre sauwle ræd  swiðe smeage, 
hu þu þæt ece leoht  æfre begytan mæge, 
siðe gesecan;  þu scealt glædlice swiðe swincan 
wið 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 eorðan  ær geþencan, 
and þu þe sylfne  swiðe gebindan 
            
and þa unþeawas  ealle forlætan 
þe þu on þis life ær  lufedest and feddest. 

289. A Summons to Prayerþænne gemiltsað þe, N.,  [mundum qui regit], 
ðeoda þrymcyningc  [thronum sedentem] 
a butan ende  
            
saule þinre 
                
            
Geunne þe on life  [auctor pacis] 
sibbe gesælða,  [salus mundi], 
metod se mæra  [magna uirtute], 
and se soðfæsta  [summi filius] 
fo on fultum,  [factor cosmi], 
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], 
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]. 
and þu þa soðfæstan  [supplex rogo], 
fultumes bidde friclo  [uirginem almum], 
and þær æfter to  [omnes sancti] 
bliðmod bidde,  [beatus et iustus], 
þæt hi ealle þe  [unica uoce] 
þingian to þeodne  [thronum regentem], 

               ęcum drihtne,  [alta polorum], 
þæt he þine saule,  [summus iudex], 
onfo freolice,  [factor aeternus], 
and he gelæde  [luce perhennem], 
þær eadige  [animę sanctę] 
rice restað 
                [regna caelorum]. 

290. The Lord's Prayer IIDobbie, 1942 70-74; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).[Pater noster].
þu eart ure fæder,  ealles wealdend, 
cyninc on wuldre.  Forðam we clypiað to þe, 
are biddað,  nu þu yþost miht 
sawle alysan.  þu hig sændest ær 
þurh þine æþelan hand  in to þam flæsce; 
ac hwar cymð heo nu,  
            
buton þu, engla god,  eft hig alyse, 
sawle of synnum  þurh þine soðan miht? 
[Qui es in celis].
ðu eart on heofonum  hiht and frofor, 
blissa beorhtost;  ealle abugað to þe, 
þinra gasta þrym,  anre stæfne 
clypiað to Criste,  cweþað ealle þus: 
"Halig eart þu, halig,  heofonengla cyningc, 
drihten ure,  and þine domas synd 
rihte and rume,  
               ræcað efne gehwam, 
æghwilcum men  agen gewyrhta. 
Wel bið ðam þe wyrcð  willan þinne!" 
[Sanctificetur nomen tuum].
Swa is gehalgod  þin heah nama 
swiðe mærlice  manegum gereordum, 
twa and hundseofontig,  þæs þe secgað bec, 
þæt þu, engla god,  ealle gesettest 
ælcere þeode  þeaw and wisan. 
þa wurþiað þin weorc  wordum and dædum, 
þurh gecynd clypiað  and Crist heriað 
and þin lof lædað,  lifigenda god, 
swa þu eart geæþelod  geond ealle world. 
[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 gemetað, 
eagena beorhtnysse 
                and ealle mirhðe, 
þar bið gehyred  þin halige lof 
and þin micele miht,  mannum to frofre, 
swa þu, engla god,  eallum blissast. 
[Fiat uoluntas tua].
Gewurðe þin willa,  swa þu, waldend, eart 
ece geopenod  geond ealle world, 
and þu þe silf eart  soðfæst dema, 
rice rædbora,  geond rumne grund. 
Swa þin heahsetl is  heah and mære, 
fæger and wurðlic,  swa þin fæder worhte, 
æþele and ece,  þar ðu on sittest 
on sinre swiðran healf.  þu eart sunu and fæder, 
ana ægþer;  swa is þin æþele gecynd 
micclum gemærsod,  and þu monegum helpst, 
ealra cyninga þrym,  clypast ofer ealle. 
Bið þin wuldorword  wide gehyred, 
þonne þu þine fyrde  fægere geblissast, 
sylest miht and mund  micclum herige, 
and þe þanciað  þusenda fela, 
eal engla þrym,  anre stæfne. 
[Sicut in celo].
Swa þe on heofonum  heahþrymnesse 
æþele and ece  a þanciað, 
clæne and gecorene  Cristes þegnas, 
singað and biddað  soðfæstne god 
are and gifnesse  ealre þeode; 
þonne þu him tiðast,  tyreadig cyningc, 
swa þu eadmod eart  ealre worlde. 
Sy þe þanc and lof  þinre mildse, 
wuldor and willa;  þu gewurðod eart 
on heofonrice,  heah casere, 
[Et in terra].
and on eorðan,  ealra cyninga 
help and heafod,  halig læce, 
reðe and rihtwis,  rumheort hlaford. 
þu geæþelodest þe  ealle gesceafta, 
and tosyndrodest hig  siððan on manega, 
sealdest ælcre 
               gecynde 
                agene wisan 
and a þine mildse  ofer manna bearn. 
[Panem nostrum cotidianum].
Swa mid sibbe  sænst urne hlaf 
dæghwamlice  duguðe þinre, 
rihtlice dælest  
            
mete þinum mannum  and him mare gehætst 
æfter forðsiðe,  þines fæder rice, 
þæt wæs on fruman  fægere gegearwod, 
earda selost  and ece lif, 
gif we soð and riht  symle gelæstað. 
[Da nobis hodie].
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, 
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, 
drihten ure,  þonne þu on dome sitst 
and ealle men  up arisað 
            
þe fram wife and fram were  wurdon acænned. 
Beoð þa gebrosnodon 
                ban mid þam flæsce 
ealle ansunde  eft geworden; 
þar we swutollice  siððan oncnawað 
eal þæt we geworhton  on worldrice, 
betere and wyrse,  þar beoð buta geara. 
Ne magon we hit na dyrnan,  for ðam þe hit drihten wat, 
and þar gewitnesse beoð  wuldormicele, 
heofonwaru and eorðwaru,  helwaru þridde. 
þonne bið egsa  geond ealle world, 
þar man us tyhhað on dæg  twegen eardas, 
drihtenes are  oððe deofles þeowet, 
swa hwaðer we geearniað  her on life, 
þa hwile þe ure mihta  mæste wæron. 
[Sicut et dimittimus debitoribus nostris].
Ac þonne us alyseð 
                lifigende god 
sawle ure,  swa we her forgifað 
            
earmon mannum  þe wið us agilt. 
[Et ne nos inducas in temtationem].
And na us þu ne læt  laðe beswican 
on costunga,  cwellan and bærnan 
sawla ure,  þeah we sinna fela 
didon for ure disige  dæges and nihtes, 
idele spræce  and unrihte weorc, 
þine bodu bræcon.  We þe biddað nu, 
ælmihtig god,  are and gifnesse; 
ne læt swa heanlice  þin handgeweorc 
on endedæge  eal forwurðan, 
[Set libera nos a malo].
ac alys us of yfele.  Ealle we beþurfon 
godes gifnesse;  we agylt habbað 
and swiðe gesingod.  We ðe, soðfæstan god, 
heriað and lofiað,  swa þu, hælend, eart 
cynebearn gecydd  cwycum and deadum, 
æþele and ece  ofer ealle þingc. 
þu miht on anre hand  eaðe befealdan 
ealne middaneard.  Swilc is mære cyningc. 
[Amen].
Sy swa þu silf wilt,  soðfæst dema; 
we þe, engla god,  ealle heriað, 
swa þu eart gewurðod  a on worlda forð. 

291. The Gloria IDobbie, 1942 74-7; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).[Gloria.]
Sy þe wuldor and lof  wide geopenod 
geond ealle þeoda,  þanc and wylla, 
mægen and mildse  and ealles modes lufu, 
soðfæstra sib,  and ðines sylfes dom 
worulde gewlitegod,  swa ðu wealdan miht 
eall eorðan mægen  and uplyfte, 
wind and wolcna.  Wealdest eall on riht. 
[Patri et filio et spiritui sancto.]
þu eart frofra fæder  and feorhhyrde, 
lifes latteow,  leohtes wealdend, 
asyndrod fram synnum,  swa ðin sunu mære 
þurh clæne gecynd,  cyning ofer ealle, 
beald gebletsod,  boca lareow, 
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 
þa ðu, ece god,  ana gewrohtest 
þurh halige miht  heofonas and eorðan, 
eardas and uplyft  and ealle þing. 
þu settest on foldan  swyðe feala cynna 
and tosyndrodost hig  syððon on mænego; 
þu gewrohtest, ece god,  ealle gesceafta 
on syx dagum,  and on þone seofoðan þu gerestest. 
þa wæs geforðad  þin fægere weorc, 
and ðu sunnandæg  sylf halgodest 
and gemærsodest hine  manegum to helpe. 
þone heahan dæg  healdað and freoðiaþ 
ealle þa ðe cunnon  cristene þeawas, 

               halige heortlufan  and ðæs hehstan gebod; 
on drihtnes namon  se dæg is gewurðod. 
[Et nunc et semper.]
And nu and symble  þine soðan weorc 
and ðin mycele miht  manegum swytelað, 
swa þine cræftas heo  cyðaþ wide 
ofer ealle woruld;  ece standeþ 
godes handgeweorc,  groweð swa ðu hete. 
Ealle þe heriað  halige dreamas 
clænre stefne  and cristene bec, 
eall middaneard,  and we men cweþað 
on grunde her:  "Gode lof and ðanc, 
ece willa,  and ðin agen dom!" 
[Et in secula seculorum.]
And on worulda woruld  wunað and rixað 
cyning innan wuldre  and his þa gecorenan, 
heahþrymnesse  haliges gastes, 
wlitige englas  and wuldorgyfe, 
soðe 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 
swutele and gesyne,  þæt ðu hy sylf worhtest. 
[Amen.]
We þæt soðlice  secgað ealle: 
þurh clæne gecynd  þu eart cyning on riht, 
clæne and cræftig.  þu gecyddest þæt 
þa ðu, mihtig god,  man geworhtest 
and him on dydest  oruð and sawul, 
sealdest word and gewitt  and wæstma gecynd, 
cyddest þine cræftas.  Swylc is Cristes miht! 

292. The Lord's Prayer IIIDobbie, 1942 77-8; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).[Pater noster qui es in cęlis.]
Fæder manncynnes,  frofres ic þe bidde, 
halig drihten,  þu ðe on heofonum eart. 
[Sanctificetur nomen tuum.]
þæt sy gehalgod,  hygecræftum fæst, 
þin nama nu ða,  neriende Crist, 
in urum ferhðlocan  fæste gestaðelod. 
[Adueniat regnum tuum.]
Cume nu to mannum,  mihta wealdend, 
þin rice to us,  rihtwis dema, 
and ðin geleafa  in lifdæge 
on urum mode  mære þurhwunige. 
[Fiat uolontas tua sicut in cęlo et in terra.]
And þin willa mid us  weorðe gelæsted 
on eardunge  eorðan rices, 
swa hluttor is  in heofonwuldre, 
wynnum gewlitegod  a to worulde forð. 
[Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie.]
Syle us nu to dæge,  drihten gumena, 
heofena heahcyning,  hlaf urne, 
þone ðu onsendest  sawlum to hæle 
on middaneard  manna cynnes; 
þæt is se clæna  Crist, drihten god. 
[Et dimitte nobis debita nostra.]
Forgyf us, gumena weard,  gyltas and synna, 
and ure leahtras alet,  lices wunda 
and mandæda,  swa we mildum wið ðe, 
ælmihtigum gode,  oft abylgeað, 
[Sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris.]
swa swa we forlætað  leahtras on eorþan 
þam þe wið us  oft agyltað, 
and him womdæde  witan ne þencað 
            
for earnunge  ecan lifes. 
[Et no nos inducas in temptationem.]
Ne læd þu us to wite  in wean sorge 
ne in costunge,  Crist nerigende, 
þy læs we arlease  ealra þinra mildsa 
þurh feondscipe  fremde weorðan. 
[Sed libera nos a malo.]
And wið yfele gefreo  us eac nu ða 
feonda gehwylces;  we in ferhðlocan, 
þeoden engla,  ðanc and wuldor, 
soð sigedrihten,  secgað georne, 
þæs ðe þu us milde  mihtum alysdest 
fram hæftnyde  hellewites. 
[Amen.]
Weorðe þæt.  
            

293. The CreedDobbie, 1942 78-80; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).[Credo in deum patrem omnipotentem.]
ælmihtig fæder  up on rodore, 
þe ða sciran gesceaft  sceope and worhtest 
and eorðan wang  ealne gesettest, 
ic þe ecne god  ænne gecenne, 
lustum gelyfe.  þu eart lifes frea, 
engla ordfruma,  eorðan wealdend, 
and ðu garsecges  grundas geworhtest, 
and þu 
               ða 
               menegu canst  mærra tungla. 
[Et in Iesum Christum filium eius unicum, dominum nostrum.]
Ic on sunu þinne  soðne gelyfe, 
hælendne cyning,  hider asendne 
of ðam uplican  engla rice, 
þone Gabriel,  godes ærendraca, 

               sanctan Marian  sylfre gebodode. 
Ides unmæne,  heo þæt ærende 
onfeng freolice,  and ðe fæder sylfne 
under breostcofan  bearn acende. 
Næs ðær gefremmed  firen æt giftum, 
ac þær halig gast  handgyft sealde, 
þære fæmnan bosm  fylde mid blisse, 
and heo cuðlice  cende swa mærne 
eorðbuendum  engla scyppend, 
se to frofre gewearð  foldbuendum, 
and ymbe Bethleem  bodedan englas 
þæt acenned wæs  Crist on eorðan. 
[Passus sub Pontio Pilato.]
ða se pontisca  Pilatus weold 
under Romwarum  rices and doma, 
þa se deora frea  deað þrowade, 
on gealgan stah,  gumena drihten, 
þone geomormod  Iosep byrigde, 
and he of helle  huðe gefette, 
of þam suslhofe,  sawla manega, 
het ða uplicne  eþel secan. 
[Tertia die resurrexit a mortuis.]
þæs þy ðriddan dæge  þeoda wealdend 
aras, rices frea,  
               recene of moldan, 
and he [XL] daga  folgeras sine 
runum arette,  and ða his rice began, 
þone uplican  eðel secan, 
cwæð þæt he nolde  nænne forlætan 
þe him forð ofer þæt  fylian wolde 
and mid fæstum sefan  freode gelæstan. 
[Credo in spiritum sanctum.]
Ic haligne gast  hihte beluce, 
emne swa ecne  swa is aðor gecweden, 
fæder oððe freobearn,  folca gereordum. 
Ne synd þæt þreo godas,  þriwa genemned, 
ac is an god,  se ðe ealle hafað 
þa þry naman  þinga gerynum, 
soð and sigefæst  ofer side gesceaft, 
wereda wuldorgyfa,  wlanc and ece. 
[Sanctum ęcclesiam catholicam.]
Eac ic gelyfe  þæt syn leofe gode 
þe þurh ænne geþanc  ealdor heriað, 
heofona heahcyning  her for life, 
[Sanctorum communionem.]
and ic gemænscipe  mærne getreowe 
þinra haligra  her for life. 
[Remissionem peccatorum.]
Lisse ic gelyfe  leahtra gehwylces, 
[Carnis resurrectionem.]
and ic þone ærest  ealra getreowe, 
flæsces on foldan  on þa forhtan tid, 
[Et uitam ęternam.]

               þær ðu ece lif  eallum dælest, 
swa her manna gehwylc  metode gecwemað. 

294. Fragment of Psalm 5[Verba mea auribus percipe, domine; intellege clamorem meum.]
Word þu min onfoh,  wuldres ealdor, 
and mid earum gehyr,  ece drihten. 
[Intende uoci orationis mę
               ę, rex meus et deus meus.]
Ongyt mine clypunga  cuðum gereorde, 
beheald min gebed  holdum mode; 
þu eart min cyning  and eac ece god. 
[Quoniam ad te orabo: Domine, mane exaudies uocem meam.]
Forðon ic to ðe,  ece drihten, 
soðum gebidde,  and ðu 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 
and ðe sylfne geseo;  forðon ic to soðe wat 
þæt ðu unriht ne wilt  ænig, drihten. 

295. Fragment of Psalm 19

[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 ðe daga, drihten, cigen.

296. Fragment of Psalm 24[Uias tuas, domine, notas fac mihi, et semitas tuas edoce me.]
Do me wegas þine  wise, drihten, 
and me ðinra 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 soðfæstnysse  simble lyfige. 
[Reminiscrere miserationum tuarum, domine, et misericordię tuę, quę a seculo sunt.]
Wes ðu gemyndig  miltsa þinra, 
þe ðu, drihten, dydest  syððan dagas wæron, 
and ðu wislice  þas woruld gesettest. 
[Delicta iuuentutis meę, 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 
and me uncuðe  æghwær wæron; 
for ðinre þære myclan  mildheortnysse 
weorð gemyndig min,  mihtig drihten. 

297. Fragment of Psalm 27[Saluum fac populum tuum, domine, et benedic hereditati tuę, et rege eos et extolle illos usque in aeternum.]
Hal do þin folc,  halig drihten, 
and ðin yrfe eac  eal gebletsa; 
rece þu heo swylce  and on riht ahefe, 
þæt hi on worulde  
               wynnum lifigen. 

298. Fragment of Psalm 32

[Fiat misericordia tua, domine, super nos, quemadmodum sperauimus in te.]

Wese þin mildheortnys, mihtig drihten,

wel ofer us, swa we wenað on ðe.

299. Fragment of Psalm 34[Iudica, domine, nocentes me; expugna inpugnantes me.]
Dem, drihten, nu  þa me deredon ær, 
afeoht swylce  þa me fuhtan to. 
[Adprehende arma et scutum, et exsurge in adiutorium michi.]
Gegrip gar and scyld,  and me georne gestand 
on fultume  wið feonda gryre. 
[Effunde frameam et conclude aduersus eos qui me persecuntur; dic anime mę
               ę, Salus tua ego sum.]
Heald me herewæpnum  wið unholdum 
and wige beluc  wraðum feondum 
þe min ehtend  ealle syndon; 
sæge þonne syððan  sawle minre 
þæt ðu hire on hæle  hold gestode. 

300. Fragment of Psalm 40

[Ego dixi, Domine, miserere mei; sana animam meam, quia peccaui tibi.]

Ic nu mægene cweðe: "Miltsa me, drihten,

hæl mine sawle, forðon me hreoweð nu

þæt ic firene on ðe fremede geneahhige."

301. Fragment of Psalm 43

[Exsurge, domine, adiuua nos, et libera nos propter nomen tuum.]

Aris, drihten, nu and us ricene do

fælne fultum, and us æt feondum ahrede,

forðon we naman þinne nyde lufiað.

302. Fragment of Psalm 50
Fragment of Psalm 50[Miserere mei, deus, secundam magnam misericordiam tuam.]
Mildsa me, mihtig drihten,  swa ðu manegum dydest, 
æfter ðinre þære mycelan  mildheortnysse. 
[Auerte faciem tuam a peccatis meis, et omnes iniquitates meas dele.]
Awend þine ansyne  a fram minum 
fræcnum fyrenum,  and nu forð heonon 
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, 
fram ðinre ansyne  æfre to feore, 
ne huru on weg aber  þone halgan gast, 
þæt he me færinga  fremde wyrðe. 
[Redde michi lętitiam salutaris tui, et spiritu principali confirma me.]
Syle me þinre hælu  holde blisse, 
and me ealdorlice  æþele gaste 
on ðinne willan getryme,  weroda drihten. 

303. Fragment of Psalm 53
Fragment of Psalm 53

[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 laðum þurh þin leofe mægen.

304. Fragment of Psalm 58
Fragment of Psalm 58[Eripe me de inimicis meis, deus meus, et ab insurgentibus in me libera me.]
Ahrede me, halig god,  hefiges niðes 
feonda minra,  þe me feohtað to; 
alys me fram laðum  þe me lungre on 
risan willað,  nymþe þu me ræd gife. 
[Eripe me de operantibus iniquitatem, et de uiris sanguinum salua me.]
Genere me fram niðe  nahtfremmendra 
þe her unrihtes  ealle wyrceað, 
and me wið blodhreowes weres  bealuwe gehæle. 

305. Fragment of Psalm 60

[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.

306. Fragment of Psalm 64

[Exaudi nos, deus salutaris noster, spes omnium finium terre et in mari longe.]

Gehyr us, hælend god, þu eart hiht ealra

þe on ðisse eorðan utan syndon

oððe feor on sæ foldum wuniað.

307. Fragment of Psalm 69

[Deus, in adiutorium meum intende; domine, ad adiuuandum me festina.]

Wes, drihten god, deore fultum;

beheald, drihten, me, and me hraðe syððan

gefultuma æt feorhþearfe.

308. Fragment of Psalm 70[Repleatur os meum laude tua, ut possim cantare gloriam tuam, tota die magnificentiam tuam.]
Sy min muð and min mod  mægne gefylled, 
þæt ic þin lof mæge  lustum singan 
and wuldor ðin  wide mærsian 
and ðe ealne dæg  æghwær herian. 

309. Fragment of Psalm 79

[Domine deus uirtutum, conuerte nos et ostende faciem tuam, et salui erimus.]

Gehweorf us, mægna god, and us milde æteow

þinne andwlitan; ealle we beoð hale.

310. Fragment of Psalm 84

[Conuerte nos, deus salutaris noster, et auerte iram tuam a nobis.]

Gehweorf us hraðe, hælend drihten,

and ðin yrre fram us eac oncyrre.

311. Fragment of Psalm 87[Et ego ad te, domine, clamaui, et mane oratio mea preueniet te.]
Ic me to ðe,  ece drihten, 
mid modgehygde  mægne clypode, 
and min gebed  morgena gehwylce 
fore sylfne ðe  soðfæst becume. 

312. Fragment of Psalm 89[Conuertere, domine, aliquantulum, et deprecabilis esto super seruos tuos.]
Gehweorf us hwæthwygu,  halig drihten; 
wes ðinum scealcum  wel eaðbene. 
[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, 
and heora bearn gerece  bliðum 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  bliðan drihtnes, 
ures þæs godan godes  georne ofer ealle; 
gerece ure handgeweorc  heah ofer usic. 

313. Fragment of Psalm 101

[Domine, exaudi orationem meam, et clamor meus ad te perueniat.]

þu min gebed, mære drihten,

gehyr, heofones weard, and gehlyde min

to ðe becume, þeoda reccend.

314. Fragment of Psalm 102[Benedic, anima mea, domino, et omnia interiora mea nomen sanctum eius.]
Bletsa, mine sawle,  bliðe 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 ðu ofergeotul  æfre weorðan 
ealra goda  þe he ðe ær dyde. 
[Qui propitiatur omnibus iniquitatibus tuis, qui sanat omnes languores tuos.]
He þinum mandædum  miltsade eallum 
and ðine 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. 
[Qui coronat te in miseratione et misericordia; renouabitur sicut aquile iuuentus tua.]
He ðe gesigefæste  soðre mildse 
and ðe mildheorte  mode getrymede; 
eart ðu edniwe  earne gelicost 
on geoguðe nu  gleaw geworden. 

315. Fragment of Psalm 118[Uiuet anima mea et laudabit te, et iudicia tua adiuuabunt me.]
Leofað sawul min  and ðe lustum hereð, 
and me þine domas  dædum fultumiað. 
[Erraui sicut ouis que perierat; require seruum tuum, domine, quia mandata tua non sum oblitus.]
Ic gedwelede  swa þæt dysige sceap, 
þæt ðe forwurðan  wolde huru; 
la, sec þinne esne  elne, drihten, 
forðon ic ðinra beboda ne forgeat  beorhtra æfre. 

316. Fragment of Psalm 121

[Fiat pax in uirtute tua, et abundantia in turribus tuis.]

Sy ðe on ðinum mægne sib mæst and fyrmest,

and on þinum torrum wese tidum genihtsum.

317. Fragment of Psalm 139

[Eripe me, domine, ab homine malo; a uiro iniquo libera me.]

Genere me wið niþe on naman þinum,

fram yfelum men, ece drihten.

318. Fragment of Psalm 140

[Dirigatur, domine, ad te oratio mea sicut incensum in conspectu tuo.]

Sy on ðinre gesihðe mines sylfes gebed

full ricene gereht, swa recels bið,

þonne hit gifre gleda bærnað.

319. The Kentish HymnDobbie, 1942 87-8; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Wuton wuldrian  weorada dryhten 
halgan hlioðorcwidum,  hiofenrices weard, 
lufian liofwendum,  lifęs agend, 
and him simle sio  sigefęst wuldor 
uppe mid ænglum,  and on eorðan sibb 
gumena gehwilcum  goodes willan. 
We ðe heriað  halgum stefnum 
and þe blætsiað,  
               bilewit fęder, 
and ðe þanciað,  þioda walden, 
ðines weorðlican  wuldordreames 
and ðinra miclan  mægena gerena, 
ðe ðu, god dryhten,  gastes mæhtum 
hafest on gewealdum  hiofen and eorðan, 
an ece fęder,  ælmehtig god. 
ðu eart cyninga cyningc  cwicera gehwilces, 
ðu eart sigefest sunu  and soð hęlend 
ofer ealle gescęft  angla and manna. 
ðu, dryhten god,  on dreamum wunast 
on ðære upplican  æðelan ceastre, 
frea folca gehwæs,  swa ðu æt fruman wære 
efeneadig bearn  agenum fæder. 
ðu eart heofenlic lioht  and ðæt halige lamb, 
ðe ðu manscilde  middangeardes 
for þinre arfęstnesse  ealle towurpe, 
fiond geflæmdest,  follc generedes, 
blode gebohtest  bearn Israela, 
ða ðu ahofe  ðurh ðæt halige triow 
ðinre ðrowunga  ðriostre senna, 
þæt ðu on hæahsetle  heafena rices 
sitest sigehræmig  on ða swiðran hand 
ðinum godfæder,  gasta gemyndig. 
Mildsa nu, meahtig,  manna cynne, 
and of leahtrum ales  ðine ða liofan gescęft, 
and us hale gedo,  heleða sceppend, 
niða nergend,  for ðines naman are. 
ðu eart soðlice  simle halig, 
and ðu eart ana  æce dryhten, 
and ðu ana bist  eallra dema 
cwucra ge deadra,  Crist nergende, 
forðan ðu on ðrymme ricsast  and on ðrinesse 
and on annesse,  ealles waldend, 
hiofena heahcyninc,  haliges gastes 
fegere gefelled  in fæder wuldre. 

320. Psalm 50Dobbie, 1942 88-94; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Dauid wæs haten  diormod hæleð, 
Israela bręga,  æðelæ and rice, 
cyninga cynost,  Criste liofost. 
Wæs he under hiofenum  hearpera mærost 
ðara we an folcum  gefrigen hæbben. 
Sangere he wæs soðfæstest,  swiðe geðancol 
to ðingienne  þiodum sinum 
wið þane mildostan  manna sceppend. 
Wæs se dryhtnes ðiowa  Dauid æt wige 
soð sigecempa,  searocyne man, 
casere creaftig,  þonne cumbulgebrec 
on gewinndagum  weorðan scoldan. 
Hwęðere him geiode,  swa ful oft gedeð 
þætte godferhte  gylt gefræmmað 
þurh lichaman  lene geðohtas. 
Gelamp þæt him mon ansende  saula neriend, 
witgan mid wordum,  weorada dominus, 
and secgan het,  selfum gecyðan 
ymb his womdeda  waldendes doom, 
þæt se fruma wære  his feores sceldig, 
for ðam þe he Uriam het  aldre beneman, 
fromne ferdrinc  fere beserode, 
and him Bezabe  brohte to wife 
for gitsunga,  þe he godes eorre 
þurh his selfes weorc  sona anfunde. 
Him ða ðingode  þioda aldor, 
Dauid georne,  and to dryhtne gebæd, 
and his synna hord  selfa ontende, 
gyltas georne  gode andhette, 
weoruda  dryhtne,  and ðus wordum spæc: 
[Miserere mei deus secundum magnam misericordiam tuam.]
"Miltsa ðu me, meahta walden,  nu ðu wast manna geðohtas, 
help ðu, hælend min,  handgeweorces 
þines anes,  ælmehtig god, 
efter þinre ðære miclan  
               mildhiortnesse. 
[Et secundum multitudinem miserationem tuarum dele iniquitatem meam.]
Ond eac efter menio  miltsa ðinra, 
dryhten weoruda,  adilga min unriht 
to forgefenesse  gaste minum. 
[Amplius laua me ab iniustitia mea et a delicta mea munda mæ.]
Aðweah me of sennum,  saule fram wammum, 
gasta sceppend,  geltas geclansa, 
þa ðe ic on aldre  æfre gefremede 
ðurh lichaman  leðre geðohtas. 
[Quoniam iniquitatem meam ego agnosco et delictum meum coram me est semper.]
Forðan ic unriht min  eal oncnawe, 
and eac synna gehwær  selfum æt eagan, 
firendeda geðrec  beforan standeð, 
scelda scinað;  forgef me, sceppen min, 
lifes liohtfruma,  ðinre lufan blisse. 
[Tibi soli peccaui et malum coram te feci ut iustificeris in sermonibus tuis et uincas dum iudicaris.]
Nu ic anum ðe  oft syngode, 
and yfela feola  eac gefræmede, 
gelta gramhegdig,  ic ðe, gasta breogo, 
helende Crist,  helpe bidde, 
ðæt me forgefene  gastes wunde 
an forðgesceaft  feran mote, 
þy ðine wordcwidas  weorðan gefelde, 
ðæt ðu ne wilnast  weora æniges deað; 
ac ðu synfulle  simle lærdes 
ðæt hio cerrende  Criste herdon 
and hiom lif mid ðe  langsum begęton, 
swilce ðu æt dome,  dryhten, oferswiðdest 
            
ealra synna cynn,  saula neriend. 
[Ecce enim iniquitatibus.]
Ic on unrihtum  eac ðan in synnum 
geeacnod wæs.  ðu ðæt ana wast, 
mæhtig dryhten,  hu me modor gebær 
in scame and in sceldum;  forgef me, sceppend min, 
ðæt ic fram ðæm synnum  selfa gecerre, 
þa ðe mine ældran  ær geworhtan 
and ic selfa eac  sioððan beeode. 
[Ecce enim ueritatem.]
Ac ðu, selua god,  soð an lufast; 
þy ic ðe mid benum  biddan wille 
lifes and lisse,  liohtes aldor, 
forðan ðu me uncuðe  eac ðan derne 
þinre snetera hord  selfa ontendes. 
[Asperies me ysopo et mundabor.]
ðu me, meahtig god,  milde and bliðe 
þurh ysopon  ealne ahluttra, 
þonne ic geclænsod  Criste hero, 
and eac ofer snawe  self scinende 
þinre sibbe lufan  sona gemete. 
[Auditui meo dabis gaudium.]
Ontyn nu, elmehtig,  earna hleoðor, 
þæt min gehernes  hehtful weorðe 
on gefean bliðse  forðweard to ðe; 
ðanne bioð on wenne,  waldend, simle 
þa gebrocenan ban,  bilwit dominus, 
ða þe on hænðum ær  hwile wæron. 
[Auerte faciem tuam a peccatis meis et omnes.]
Ahwerf nu fram synnum,  saula neriend, 
and fram misdedum  minra gylta 
þine ansione,  ælmeahtig god, 
and ðurh miltsunga  meahta þinra 
ðu unriht min  eall adilga. 
[Cor mundum crea in me deus et spiritum rectum.]
æc ðu, dryhten Crist,  clęne hiortan 
in me, mehtig god,  modswiðne geðanc 
to ðolienne  ðinne willan 
and to healdenne  halige domas, 
and ðu rihtne gast,  rodera waldend, 
in ferðe minum  feste geniowa. 
[Ne proicias me a facie tuae et spiritum sanctum tuum.]
Ne aweorp ðu me,  weoruda dryhten, 
fram ansione  ealra þinra miltsa, 
ne ðane godan fram me  gast haligne 
aferre, domine,  frea ælmeahtig, 

               þinra arna me  eal ne bescerwe. 
[Redde mihi letitiam.]
Sæle nu bliðse me,  bilewit dominus, 
þinre hælo heht,  helm alwihta, 
and me, lifgende  liohtes hiorde, 
gaste ðine,  god selfa, getreme, 
ðæt ic aldorlice  a forð  sioððan 
to ðinum willan  weorðan mote. 
[Doceam iniquos uias tuas et impii ad te.]
Simle ic ðine weogas  wanhogan lærde, 
ðæt hio arlease  eft gecerdan 
to hiora selfra  saula hiorde, 
god selfa, to ðe  gastes mundberd 
ðurh sibbe lufan  seocan scoldan. 
[Libera me de sanguinibus.]
Befreo me an ferðe,  fæder mancynnes, 
fram blodgete  and bealaniðum, 
god lifigende,  gylta geclansa, 
helo and helpend,  hiofenrices weard; 
ðanne tunge min  triowfest blissað 
for ðines selfes  soðfestnesse. 
[Domine labia mea aperies et os meum adnuntiauit.]
Ontyn nu, waldend god,  weoloras mine; 
swa min muð sioððan  mæhte ðine 
and lof georne  liodum to bliðse, 
soð sigedryhten,  
               secgende wæs. 
[Quoniam si uoluisses.]
Ic ðe onsegednesse  sona brohte, 
weoruda dryhtne,  ðer ðu wolde swa, 
ða ðu þæt ne lufedest,  lifes bretta, 
ðæt ic ðe bernelac  
               brengan moste 
deadra neata,  dryhtne to willan. 
[Sacrificium deo spiritus contribulatus.]
Ac ðe micle ma,  mehtig dryhten, 
lifiende Crist,  liicwerðe bið 
se gehnysta gast,  hiorte geclansod 
and geeadmeded  ingeþancum; 
ða ðu, ælmæhtig,  æfre ne æwest. 
[Benigne fact domine in bona uoluntate.]
Gedoo nu fræmsume  frofre ðine 
to ðinum godan  gastes willan, 
ðætte Sione dun  sigefest weorðe, 
and weallas Sion  wynfęste getremed, 
Hierusolimę,  god lifiende. 
[Tunc acceptabis sacrificium.]
Swa þu, frea meahtig,  anfehst siþðan 
liofwende lac  lioda þinra, 
hælend manna;  hio ðæt halige cealf 
on wigbed þin  willum asettað, 
liohtes aldor.  Forgef me, lifigende 
meotod mancynnes,  mæhtig dominus, 
ðæt ða sorhfullan  saule wunde, 
þa ðe ic on ælde  
               uel on giogeðe 
in flæschaman  gefręmed hæbbe 
leahtra hegeleasra,  mid lufan þinre 
            
gastæ forgeofene  
               glidan mote." 
Swæ þingode  þiode aldor, 
Dauid to dryhtne,  deda gemyndig, 
þæt hine męhtig god  mannum to frofre 
ðæs cynedomes,  Crist neriende, 
waldende god,  weorðne munde. 
Forðon he gebette  balaniða hord 
mid eaðmede  ingeþance, 
ða ðe he on ferðe  gefręmed hæfde, 
gastes wunde.  Forgef us, god mæahtig, 
þæt we synna hord  simle oferwinnan 
and us geearnian  æce dreamas 
an lifigendra  landes wenne. 
Amen. 

321. The Gloria II

Dobbie, 1942 94; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).

Wuldor sy ðe and wurðmynt, wereda drihten,

fæder on foldan, fægere gemæne,

mid sylfan sunu and soðum gaste.

Amen.

322. A PrayerDobbie, 1942 94-6; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).æla, drihten leof!  æla, dema god! 
Geara me,  ece waldend. 
Ic wat mine saule  synnum forwundod; 
gehæl þu hy,  heofena drihten, 
and gelacna þu hy,  lifes ealdor, 
forþan ðu eðest miht  ealra læca 
ðæra þe gewurde  side oððe wyde. 
æla, frea beorhta,  folkes scippend! 
Gemilsa þyn mod  me to gode, 
sile þyne are  
               þynum earminge. 
Se byð earming  
               þe on eorðan her 
dæiges and nihtes  deofle campað 
and hys willan wyrcð;  wa him þære mirigðe, 
þonne he ða handlean  hafað and sceawað, 
bute he þæs yfeles  ær geswyce. 
Se byð eadig,  se þe on eorðan her 
dæiges and nyhtes  drihtne hyræð 
and a hys willan wyrcð;  wel hym þæs geweorkes, 
ðonne he ða handlean  hafað and sceawað, 
gyf he ealteawne  ende gedreogeð. 
æla, leohtes leoht!  æla, lyfes wynn! 
Getiþa me,  tireadig kyning, 
þonne ic minre sawle  swegles bydde, 
ece are.  þu eart eaðe, god, 
hæfst and waldest  
            
ana ofer ealle  eorðan and heofonas 
syddra gesceafta.  ðu eart soð meotod, 
ana ofer ealle  eorðbugende, 
swilce on heofonum up  þu eart hælend god. 
Ne mæg þe aherian  hæleða ænig; 
þeh us gesomnie  geond sidne grund, 
men ofer moldan,  geond ealne middaneard, 
ne mage we næfre asæcgan,  ne þæt soðe witan, 
hu þu æðele eart,  ece drihten. 
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, 
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 duguð,  drihten hælend. 
ðu eart se æðela  þe on ærdagum 
ealra femnena wyn  fægere akende 
on Bethleem ðære byrig  beornum to frofre, 
eallum to are  ylda bearnum, 
þam þe gelyfað  on lyfiendne god 
and on þæt ece leoht  uppe on roderum. 

               ðyn mægen ys swa mære,  mihtig drihten, 
swa þæt ænig ne wat  eorðbuende 
þa deopnesse  drihtnes mihta, 
ne þæt ænig ne wat  engla hades 
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 
and se ece kyning  ealra gesceafta, 
and ic eom se litla for þe  and se lyðra man, 
se her syngige  swiðe genehhe, 
dæges and nihtes  do, swa ic ne sceolde, 
hwile mid weorce,  hwile mid worde, 
hwile mid geþohte,  þearle scyldi, 
inwitniðas  oft and gelome. 
Ac ic þe halsige nu,  heofena drihten, 
and gebidde me to þe,  bearna selost, 
þæt ðu gemilsige me,  mihtig drihten, 
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, 
ac getyþa me,  tyreadig kyning, 
læt me mid englum  up siðian, 
sittan on swegle,  
            
herian heofonas god  haligum reorde 
a butan ende.  Amen. 

323. ThurethDobbie, 1942 97; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Ic eom halgungboc;  healde hine dryhten 
þe me fægere þus  frætewum belegde. 
þureð to þance  þus het me wyrcean, 
to loue and to wurðe,  þam þe leoht gesceop. 
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; 
and he sceal ęce lean  ealle findan 
þæs þe he on foldan  fremaþ to ryhte. 

324. AldhelmDobbie, 1942 97-8; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).þus me gesette  [sanctus et iustus] 
beorn boca gleaw,  [bonus auctor], 
Ealdelm, æþele sceop,  [etiam fuit 
ipselos] on æðele 
                Angolsexna, 
byscop on Bretene.  Biblos ic nu sceal, 
[ponus et pondus  pleno cum sensu], 
geonges geanoðe  geomres [iamiamque], 
secgan soð, nalles leas,  þæt him symle wæs 
[euthenia]  oftor on fylste, 
æne on eðle  ec ðon ðe se is 
yfel on gesæd.  [Etiam nusquam] 
ne sceal ladigan  [labor quem tenet] 
encratea,  ac he ealneg sceal 
boethia  biddan georne 
þurh his modes gemind  [micro in cosmo], 
þæt him drihten gyfe  dinams on eorðan, 
[fortis factor],  þæt he forð simle 

325. The Seasons for FastingDobbie, 1942 98-104; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Wæs on ealddagum  Israheala folc 
þurh Moysen,  mærne lareow, 
anlyht and gelared,  swa hine lifes frea, 
heofna heahcyning,  her on life 

               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 
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 
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; 
ac him se ende wearð  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. 
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 
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 
hyht and gehateð,  gyf we his willaþ 
þurh rihtne sefan  rædum fyligan. 
Na þær in cumeð  atele gefylled, 

               womme gewesed,  ac scal on wyrd sceacan. 
Nu we herian sceolan  her for life 
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, 
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 
geond Romwara  rice nemneð, 
and þær twelfe sceolan  torhtum dihte 
runa gerædan  in þæs rican hofe, 
heofona heahcyninges,  herian mid sange, 
wlancne weorþian  wuldres bryttan. 
Ofer þa Eastertid  oþer fæsten 
ys to bremenne  Brytena leodum 
mid gelicum lofe,  þe gelesen hafað 
on þære wucan  þe æfter cumeð 
            
þam sunnandæge  þe geond sidne wang 
Pentecostenes dæg  preostas nemnað, 
on þam monþe,  þæs þe me þinceð, 
þe man Iunius  gearum nemde. 
ðonne is þæt þrydde  þinga gehwelces 
fæsten on foldan  fyra bearnum 
dihte gelicum  on þam deoran hofe 
to brymenne  beorhtum sange 
on þære wucan  þe ærur byð 
emnihtes dæge  ælda beornum, 
on þam monþe,  mine gefræge, 
þe man September  genemneð. 
We þæt feorþe sceolen  
               fæsten gelæstan 
on þære wucan  þe bið ærur full 
dryhtnes gebyrde,  and we mid deornum scylan 
wordum and weorcum  wuldres cyninge 
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 
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, 
þe mot, hæt, oþþe wæt  ærur þingan, 
þæs þe us boca dom  þeodlic demeð. 
Gif þe þonne secgan  suþan cymene 

               bryttan Franca,  þæt þu gebann sceole 
her on eorþan  ænig healdan, 
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. 
þus he gesette  sylf ond dyhte 
þa þenunga,  þeodlareow, 
fæstendtida;  we þam forþ nu gyt 
geond Engla land  estum filiað. 
Swa he æt þæm setle  sylfa gedemde, 
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, 
þæt nu lengtentid  leoda nemnað, 
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 
            
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 
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 sylleð. 
Eft Helias,  eorl se mæra, 
him on westene  wiste geþigede, 
þær him symbelbread  somod mid wætere 
dryhtnes engla sum  dihte togeanes, 
and se 
               gestrangud wearð  styþum gyfle 
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 
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, 
hu we munt þinne  mærne gestygan. 
Sint for englas geteald  
               eorþbugendum 
            
þa þe dryhtnes word  dædum lærað. 
We þa andlifene  ofstum þycgen 
and þone deoran wist,  dryhtnes lare; 
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 
of þissum wangstede  wuldres neosian; 
hine fyren scryd  feower mærum 
wlangum wicgum  on weg ferede 
on neorxnawong,  þær us nergend Crist 
gehaten hafað  ham mid blisse, 
gif we þæt fæsten her  fyrena gelæstað 
and þone uplican  æþel secað. 
Nu wæs æt nehstan  þæt us nergend Crist, 
halig heofenes weord,  heolp and lærde. 
He hine dyppan let  deorum þweale, 
fulwihtes bæðe,  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. 
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 
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, 
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 helpað, 
gif þu dryhtnes her  dædum fylgest. 
Hæbbe we nu gemearcod  hu þa mæran iu 

               feowertig daga  fæsten hewdon, 
and we bebeodað  þurh beorn godes 
þæt manna gehwilc  þe for moldan wunað 
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, 
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 
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. 
Hwa mæg þyngian  þreale hwilcum 
wiþ his arwesan,  gyf he him ærur hæfð 
bitere onbolgen,  and þæs bote ne deð, 
ac þa æbyligþe  ealdere wrohte, 

               dæghwamlice
                dædum niwað? 
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 
            
ryhthicgennde  þe he to ræde tæchð, 
drince he him þæt drofe  
               oððe 
               þæt 
               dæghluttre 
            
wæter of wege,  þæt is wuldres lare. 
Ac ic secgan mæg,  sorgum hremig, 
hu þa sacerdas  sace niwiað, 
dæghwamlice  dryhten gremiað 
and mid æfeste 
                ælcne forlædað 
þe him fylian wyle  folces manna; 
sona hie on mergan  mæssan syngað 
and forþegide,  þurste gebæded, 
æfter tæppere  teoþ geond stræta. 
Hwæt! Hi leaslice  leogan ongynnað 
and þone tæppere  tyhtaþ gelome, 
secgaþ þæt he synleas  syllan mote 
ostran to æte  and æþele wyn 
emb morgentyd,  
               þæs þe me þingeð 
            
þæt hund and wulf  healdað þa ilcan 
wisan on worulde  and ne wigliað 

               hwæne hie to mose fon,  mæða bedæled. 
Hi þonne sittende  sadian aginnað, 

               sinne semað,  syllað gelome, 

               cweðað goddlife  gumena gehwilcum 
þæt wines dreng  
               welhwa mote, 
siþþan he mæssan hafað,  meþig þicgan, 
etan ostran eac  and oþerne 
fisc of flode  
            

326. Cædmon's Hymn, Northumbrian VersionDobbie, 1942 105; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Nu scylun hergan  hefaenricaes uard, 
metudæs maecti  end his modgidanc, 
uerc uuldurfadur,  sue he uundra gihuaes, 
eci dryctin,  or astelidæ. 
He aerist scop  aelda barnum 
heben til hrofe,  haleg scepen; 
tha middungeard  moncynnæs uard, 
eci dryctin,  æfter tiadæ 
firum foldu,  frea allmectig. 

327. Cædmon's Hymn, West-Saxon VersionDobbie, 1942 106; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Nu sculon herigean  heofonrices weard, 
meotodes meahte  and his modgeþanc, 
weorc wuldorfæder,  swa he wundra gehwæs, 
ece drihten,  or onstealde. 
He ærest sceop  eorðan bearnum 
heofon to hrofe,  halig scyppend; 
þa middangeard  moncynnes weard, 
ece drihten,  æfter teode 
firum foldan,  frea ælmihtig. 

328. Bede's Death Song, Northumbrian Version

Dobbie, 1942 107; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).

Fore thaem neidfaerae naenig uuiurthit

thoncsnotturra, than him tharf sie

to ymbhycggannae aer his hiniongae

huaet his gastae godaes aeththa yflaes

aefter deothdaege doemid uueorthae.

329. Bede's Death Song, The Hague Version

Dobbie, 1942 108; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).

Fore ðaem nedfere nenig wiorðeð

ðonosnottorra ðon him ðearf riae

to ymbhycgenne aer his hinionge

hwet his gastę godes oððe yfles

ester deaðdege doemed wiorðe.

330. Bede's Death Song, West Saxon Version

Dobbie, 1942 108; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).

For þam nedfere næni wyrþeþ

þances snotera, þonne him þearf sy

to gehicgenne ær his heonengange

hwæt his gaste godes oþþe yfeles

æfter deaþe heonon demed weorþe.

331. The Leiden RiddleDobbie, 1942 109; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Mec se ueta uong,  uundrum freorig, 
ob his innaðae  aerest cændæ. 

               Ni uaat ic mec biuorthæ  uullan fliusum, 
herum ðerh hehcraeft,  hygiðonc/. 
Uundnae me ni biað ueflæ,  ni ic uarp hafæ, 
ni ðerih ðreatun giðraec  
               ðret me hlimmith, 
ne me hrutendu  hrisil scelfath, 
ni mec ouana  aam sceal cnyssa. 
Uyrmas mec ni auefun  uyrdi craeftum, 
ða ði geolu godueb  geatum fraetuath. 
Uil mec huethrae suae ðeh  uidæ ofaer eorðu 
hatan mith hęliðum  hyhtlic giuæde; 
ni anoegun ic me aerigfaerae  egsan brogum, 
ðeh ði n/ /n siæ  niudlicae ob cocrum. 

332. Latin-English Proverbs

Dobbie, 1942 109; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).

[Ardor frigesscit, nitor squalescit,

amor abolescit, lux obtenebrescit].

Hat acolað, hwit asolað,

leof alaðaþ, leoht aðystrað.

[Senescunt omnia que ęterna non sunt].

æghwæt forealdað þæs þe ece ne byð.

333. The Metrical Preface to the Pastoral CareDobbie, 1942 110; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).þis ærendgewrit  Agustinus 
ofer sealtne sæ  suðan brohte 
iegbuendum,  swa hit ær fore 
adihtode  dryhtnes cempa, 
Rome papa.  Ryhtspell monig 
Gregorius  gleawmod gindwod 
ðurh sefan snyttro,  searoðonca hord. 
Forðæm he monncynnes  mæst gestriende 
rodra wearde,  Romwara betest, 
monna modwelegost,  mærðum gefrægost. 
Siððan min on englisc  ælfred kyning 
awende worda gehwelc,  and me his writerum 
sende suð and norð,  heht him swelcra ma 
brengan bi ðære bisene,  ðæt he his biscepum 
sendan meahte,  forðæm hi his sume ðorfton, 
ða ðe lædenspræce  læste cuðon. 

334. The Metrical Epilogue to the Pastoral CareDobbie, 1942 111; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).ðis is nu se wæterscipe  ðe us wereda god 
to frofre gehet  foldbuendum. 
He cwæð ðæt he wolde  ðæt on worulde forð 
of ðæm innoðum  a libbendu 
wætru fleowen,  ðe wel on hine 
gelifden under lyfte.  Is hit lytel tweo 
ðæt ðæs wæterscipes  welsprynge is 
on hefonrice,  ðæt is halig gæst. 
ðonan hine hlodan  halge and gecorene, 
siððan hine gierdon  ða ðe gode herdon 
ðurh halga bec  hider on eorðan 
geond manna mod  missenlice. 
Sume hine weriað  on gewitlocan, 
wisdomes stream,  welerum gehæftað, 
ðæt he on unnyt  ut ne tofloweð. 
Ac se wæl wunað  on weres breostum 
ðurh dryhtnes giefe  diop and stille. 
Sume hine lætað  ofer landscare 
riðum torinnan;  nis ðæt rædlic ðing, 
gif swa hlutor wæter,  hlud and undiop, 
tofloweð æfter feldum  oð hit to fenne werð. 
Ac hladað iow nu drincan,  nu iow dryhten geaf 
ðæt iow Gregorius  gegiered hafað 
to durum iowrum  dryhtnes welle. 
Fylle nu his fætels,  se ðe fæstne hider 
kylle brohte,  cume eft hræðe. 
Gif her ðegna hwelc  ðyrelne kylle 
brohte to ðys burnan,  bete hine georne, 
ðy læs he forsceade  scirost wætra, 
oððe him lifes drync  forloren weorðe. 

335. The Metrical Preface to Wærferth's Translation of Gregory's DialoguesDobbie, 1942 112-13; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).
                /e ðe me rædan ðance, 
he in me findan mæg,  gif hine feola lysteð 
gastlices lifes  godre biesene, 
þæt he ful eaþe mæg  upp gestigan 
to ðam heofonlican hame,  þar byð a hyht and wyn, 

               blis on burgum,  þam þe bearn godes 
sielfes hiora eagum  geseon motan. 
þæt mæg se mon begytan,  se þe his modgeðanc 
æltowe byþ,  and þonne þurh his ingehygd 
to þissa haligra  helpe geliefeð, 
ond hiora bisene fulgað,  swa þeos boc sagað. 
Me awritan het  Wulfstan bisceop, 
þeow and þearfa  þæs þe alne þrym aof, 
and eac walden is  
               wihta gehwelcre, 
an ece god  eallra gesceafta. 
Bideþ þe se bisceop,  se þe ðas 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, 
and þæt him god ællmihtig  
            
forgyu/ þa gyltas  þe he geo worhte, 
and eac resðe mid him,  se ðe ah ealles rices geweald, 
and eac swa his beahgifan,  þe him ðas bysene forgeaf, 
þæt is se selesða  
               sinces brytta, 
ælfryd mid Englum,  ealra cyninga 
þara þe he sið oððe ær fore  secgan hyrde, 
oððe he iorðcyninga ær  ænigne gefrugne. 

336. The Metrical Epilogue to MS. 41, Corpus Christi College, CambridgeDobbie, 1942 113; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).
               Bidde ic eac  æghwylcne mann, 
brego, rices weard,  þe þas boc ræde 
and þa bredu befo,  fira aldor, 
þæt gefyrðrige þone writre  wynsum cræfte 
þe ðas boc awrat  bam handum twam, 
þæt he mote manega gyt  mundum synum 
geendigan,  his aldre to willan, 
and him þæs geunne  se ðe ah ealles geweald, 
rodera waldend,  þæt he on riht mote 
oð his daga ende  drihten herigan. 
Amen.   Geweorþe þæt. 

337. The Brussels Cross

Rod is min nama. Geo ic ricne cyning

bær byfigynde, blode bestemed.

þas rode het æþlmær wyrican and Aðelwold hys beroþor

Criste to lofe for ælfrices saule hyra beroþor.

338. For Unfruitful LandDobbie, 1942 116-18; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Her ys seo bot, hu ðu meaht þine æceras betan gif hi 
nellaþ wel wexan oþþe þær hwilc ungedefe þing on gedon bið 
on dry oððe on lyblace. Genim þonne on niht, ær hyt 
dagige, feower tyrf on feower healfa þæs landes, and gemearca 
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 ðær on, and drype þonne þriwa on 
þone staðol þara turfa, and cweþe ðonne ðas word: [Crescite], 
wexe, [et multiplicamini], and gemænigfealda, [et replete], and 
gefylle, [terre], þas eorðan. [In nomine patris et filii et spiritus 
sancti sit benedicti]. And Pater Noster swa oft swa þæt oðer. 
And bere siþþan ða turf to circean, and mæssepreost asinge 
feower mæssan ofer þan turfon, and wende man þæt grene to 
ðan 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 
Cristes mæl on þone pyt neoþeweardne, cweðe ðonne: [Crux 
Matheus, crux Marcus, crux Lucas, crux sanctus Iohannes]. 
Nim ðonne þa turf and sete ðær ufon on and cweþe ðonne 
nigon siþon þas word, [Crescite], and swa oft Pater Noster, 
and wende þe þonne eastweard, and onlut nigon siðon 
eadmodlice, and cweð þonne þas word: 
Eastweard ic stande,  arena ic me bidde, 
bidde ic þone mæran domine,  bidde ðone miclan drihten, 
bidde ic ðone haligan  heofonrices weard, 
eorðan ic bidde  and upheofon 
and ða soþan  sancta Marian 
and heofones meaht  and heahreced, 
þæt ic mote þis gealdor  mid gife drihtnes 
toðum ontynan  þurh trumne geþanc, 
aweccan þas wæstmas  us to woruldnytte, 

               gefyllan þas foldan  mid fæste geleafan, 
wlitigigan þas wancgturf,  swa se witega cwæð 
þæt se hæfde are on eorþrice,  se þe ælmyssan 
dælde domlice  drihtnes þances. 
Wende þe þonne [III] sunganges, astrece þonne on andlang 
and arim þær letanias and cweð 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 
him underðeodde synt. ðonne 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 
þæt sæd, sete on þæs sules bodig, cweð þonne: 
Erce, Erce, Erce,  eorþan modor, 
geunne þe se alwalda,  ece drihten, 
æcera wexendra  and wridendra, 
eacniendra  and elniendra, 
sceafta hehra,  
               scirra wæstma, 
and þæra bradan  berewæstma, 
and þæra hwitan  hwætewæstma, 
and ealra  eorþan wæstma. 
Geunne him  ece drihten 
and his halige,  þe on heofonum synt, 
þæt hys yrþ si gefriþod  wið ealra feonda gehwæne, 
and heo si geborgen  wið ealra bealwa gehwylc, 
þara lyblaca  geond land sawen. 
Nu ic bidde ðone waldend,  se ðe ðas woruld gesceop, 
þæt ne sy nan to þæs cwidol wif  ne to þæs cræftig man 
þæt awendan ne mæge  
               word þus gecwedene. 
þonne man þa sulh forð drife and þa forman furh onsceote, 
cweð þonne: 
Hal wes þu, folde,  fira modor! 
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: 
Ful æcer fodres  fira cinne, 
beorhtblowende,  þu gebletsod weorþ 
þæs haligan noman  þe ðas heofon gesceop 
and ðas eorþan  þe we on lifiaþ; 
se god, se þas grundas geworhte,  geunne us growende gife, 
þæt us corna gehwylc  cume to nytte. 
Cweð þonne [III] [Crescite in nomine patris, sit benedicti. 
Amen] and Pater Noster þriwa. 

339. The Nine Herbs CharmDobbie, 1942 119-21; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York); Grattan and Singer, 1952 150-56; Grattan, J.H.G. and Singer, C., Anglo-Saxon Magic and Medicine, Publications of the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum n.s. 3 (London).Gemyne ðu, mucgwyrt,  hwæt þu ameldodest, 
hwæt þu renadest  æt Regenmelde. 
Una þu hattest,  yldost wyrta. 
ðu miht wið [III]  and wið [XXX], 
þu miht wiþ attre  and wið onflyge, 
þu miht wiþ þam laþan  ðe geond lond færð. 
Ond þu, wegbrade,  wyrta modor, 
eastan openo,  innan mihtigu; 
ofer ðe 
               crætu curran,  ofer ðe cwene reodan, 
ofer ðe bryde bryodedon,  ofer þe fearras fnærdon. 
Eallum þu þon wiðstode  and wiðstunedest; 
swa ðu wiðstonde  attre and onflyge 
and þæm laðan  þe geond lond fereð. 
Stune hætte þeos wyrt,  heo on stane geweox; 
stond heo wið attre,  stunað heo wærce. 
Stiðe heo hatte,  wiðstunað heo attre, 
wreceð heo wraðan,  weorpeð ut attor. 
þis is seo wyrt  seo wiþ wyrm gefeaht, 
þeos mæg wið attre,  heo mæg wið onflyge, 
heo mæg wið ðam laþan  ðe geond lond fereþ. 
Fleoh þu nu, attorlaðe,  seo læsse ða maran, 
seo mare þa læssan,  oððæt him beigra bot sy. 
Gemyne þu, mægðe,  hwæt þu ameldodest, 
hwæt ðu geændadest  æt Alorforda; 
þæt næfre for gefloge  feorh ne gesealde 
syþðan him mon mægðan  to mete gegyrede. 
þis is seo wyrt  ðe wergulu hatte; 
ðas onsænde seolh  ofer sæs hrygc 
ondan attres  oþres to bote. 
ðas [VIIII] magon 
                wið nygon attrum. 
Wyrm com snican,  toslat he man; 
ða genam Woden  [VIIII] wuldortanas, 
sloh ða þa næddran,  þæt heo on [VIIII] tofleah. 
þær geændade  æppel and attor, 
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 
earmum and eadigum  eallum to bote. 
Stond heo wið wærce,  stunað heo wið attre, 
seo mæg wið [III]  and wið [XXX], 
wið feondes hond  and wið færbregde, 
wið malscrunge  
               manra wihta. 
Nu magon þas [VIIII] wyrta  wið nygon wuldorgeflogenum, 
wið [VIIII] attrum  and wið nygon onflygnum, 
wið ðy readan attre,  wið ðy runlan attre, 
wið ðy hwitan attre,  wið ðy wedenan attre, 
wið ðy geolwan attre,  wið ðy grenan attre, 
wið ðy wonnan attre,  wið ðy wedenan attre, 
wið ðy brunan attre,  wið ðy basewan attre, 
wið wyrmgeblæd,  wið wætergeblæd, 
wið þorngeblæd,  wið þystelgeblæd, 
wið ysgeblæd,  wið attorgeblæd, 
gif ænig attor cume  eastan fleogan 
oððe ænig norðan  cume 
oððe ænig westan  ofer werðeode. 
Crist stod ofer adle 
                ængan cundes. 
Ic ana wat  ea rinnende 

               þær þa nygon nædran  
               nean behealdað; 
motan ealle weoda nu  wyrtum aspringan, 
sæs toslupan,  eal sealt wæter, 
ðonne ic þis attor  of ðe geblawe. 
Mugcwyrt, wegbrade þe eastan open sy, lombescyrse, 
attorlaðan, mageðan, netelan, wudusuræppel, fille and finul, 
ealde sapan. Gewyrc ða 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 
þæt galdor on ælcre þara wyrta, [III] ær he hy wyrce and 
on þone æppel ealswa; ond singe þon men in þone muð and 
in þa earan buta and on ða wunde þæt ilce gealdor, ær he 
þa sealfe on do. 

340. Against a DwarfDobbie, 1942 121-2; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York); Grattan and Singer, 1952 160-62; Grattan, J.H.G. and Singer, C., Anglo-Saxon Magic and Medicine, Publications of the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum n.s. 3 (London).Wið dweorh man sceal niman [VII] lytle oflætan, swylce 
man mid ofrað, and writan þas naman on ælcre oflætan: 
Maximianus, Malchus, Iohannes, Martimianus, Dioni- 
sius, Constantinus, Serafion. þænne eft þæt galdor, þæt 
her æfter cweð, man sceal singan, ærest on þæt wynstre 
eare, þænne on þæt swiðre 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 bið sona sel. 
Her com in gangan,  in spiderwiht, 
hæfde him his haman on handa,  cwæð 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 ða liþu colian. 
þa com in gangan  
               dweores sweostar; 
þa geændade heo  and aðas swor 
ðæt næfre þis ðæm adlegan  derian ne moste, 
ne þæm þe þis galdor  begytan mihte, 
oððe þe þis galdor  ongalan cuþe. 
[Amen. Fiað]. 

341. For a Sudden StitchDobbie, 1942 122-3; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York); Grattan and Singer, 1952 172-6; Grattan, J.H.G. and Singer, C., Anglo-Saxon Magic and Medicine, Publications of the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum n.s. 3 (London).Wið færstice feferfuige and seo reade netele, ðe þurh 
ærn inwyxð, and wegbrade; wyll in buteran. 
Hlude wæran hy, la, hlude,  ða hy ofer þone hlæw ridan, 
wæran anmode,  ða hy ofer land ridan. 
Scyld ðu ðe nu, þu ðysne nið  genesan mote. 
Ut, lytel spere,  gif her inne sie! 
Stod under linde,  under leohtum scylde, 
þær ða mihtigan wif  hyra mægen beræddon 
and hy gyllende  garas sændan; 
ic him oðerne  eft wille sændan, 
fleogende flane  forane togeanes. 
Ut, lytel spere,  gif hit her inne sy! 
Sæt smið,  sloh seax lytel, 
iserna,  
               wundrum swiðe. 
Ut, lytel spere,  gif her inne sy! 
Syx smiðas sætan,  wælspera worhtan. 
Ut, spere,  næs in, spere! 
Gif her inne sy  
               isernes dæl, 
hægtessan geweorc,  hit sceal gemyltan. 
Gif ðu wære on fell scoten  oððe wære on flæsc scoten 
oððe wære on blod scoten  
            
oððe wære on lið scoten,  næfre ne sy ðin lif atæsed; 
gif hit wære esa gescot  oððe hit wære ylfa gescot 
oððe hit wære hægtessan gescot,  nu ic wille ðin helpan. 
þis ðe to bote esa gescotes,  ðis ðe to bote ylfa gescotes, 
ðis ðe to bote hægtessan gescotes;  ic ðin wille helpan. 

               Fleoh þær  on fyrgenheafde. 
Hal westu,  helpe ðin drihten! 
Nim þonne þæt seax, ado on wætan. 

342. For Loss of CattleDobbie, 1942 123; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York); Grattan and Singer, 1952 182; Grattan, J.H.G. and Singer, C., Anglo-Saxon Magic and Medicine, Publications of the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum n.s. 3 (London).þonne þe mon ærest secge þæt þin ceap sy losod, þonne 
cweð þu ærest, ær þu elles hwæt cweþe: 
Bæðleem hatte seo buruh  þe Crist on acænned wæs, 
seo is gemærsod  geond ealne middangeard; 
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 
reducað]. Gebide þe þonne þriwa west and cweð þonne 
þriwa: [Crux Christi ab occidente reducat]. Gebide þe 
þonne þriwa suð and cweþ þriwa: [Crux Christi ab austro 
reducat]. Gebide þonne þriwa norð and cweð þriwa: [Crux 
Christi ab aquilone reducað, crux Christi abscondita est et 
inuenta est.] Iudeas Crist ahengon, dydon dæda þa 
wyrrestan, hælon þæt hy forhelan ne mihtan. Swa þeos 
dæd nænige þinga forholen ne wurþe þurh þa haligan 
Cristes rode. Amen. 

343. For Delayed BirthDobbie, 1942 123-4; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York); Grattan and Singer, 1952 188-90; Grattan, J.H.G. and Singer, C., Anglo-Saxon Magic and Medicine, Publications of the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum n.s. 3 (London).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, 
þis me to bote  þære swæran swærbyrde, 
þis me to bote  þære laðan 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 
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: 
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, 
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 
wæteres muð 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 
þonne heo þanan ga, and þonne ga heo in oþer hus oþer heo 
ut ofeode and þær gebyrge metes. 

344. For the Water-Elf DiseaseDobbie, 1942 124-5; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).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, 
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, 
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 
mihtum and mægenum. þas galdor mon mæg singan on 
wunde. 

345. For a Swarm of BeesDobbie, 1942 125; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Wið ymbe nim eorþan, oferweorp mid þinre swiþran 
handa under þinum swiþran fet, and cwet: 
Fo ic under fot,  funde ic hit. 
Hwæt, eorðe mæg  wið ealra wihta gehwilce 
and wið andan  and wið æminde 
and wið þa micelan  mannes tungan. 
And wiððon forweorp ofer greot, þonne hi swirman, and cweð: 
Sitte ge, sigewif,  sigað to eorþan! 
Næfre ge wilde  to wuda fleogan. 
Beo ge swa gemindige  mines godes, 
swa bið manna gehwilc  metes and eþeles. 

346. For Theft of CattleDobbie, 1942 125-6; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Ne forstolen ne forholen nanuht, þæs ðe ic age, þe ma ðe 
mihte Herod urne drihten. Ic geþohte sancte Eadelenan 
and ic geþohte Crist on rode ahangen; swa ic þence þis feoh 
to findanne, næs to oðfeorrganne, and to witanne, næs to 
oðwyrceanne, and to lufianne, næs to oðlædanne. 
Garmund,  godes ðegen, 
find þæt feoh  and fere þæt feoh 
and hafa þæt feoh  and heald þæt feoh 
and fere ham þæt feoh.  
            
þæt he næfre næbbe landes,  þæt he hit oðlæde, 
ne foldan,  þæt hit oðferie, 
ne husa,  þæt he hit oðhealde. 
Gif hyt hwa gedo,  ne gedige hit him næfre! 
Binnan þrym nihtum  cunne ic his mihta, 
his mægen and his mihta  and his mundcræftas. 
Eall he weornige,  swa syre wudu weornie, 
swa breðel seo swa þystel,  
            
se ðe ðis feoh  oðfergean þence 
oððe ðis orf  oðehtian ðence. 
Amen. 

347. For Loss of CattleDobbie, 1942 126; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).ðis man sceal cweðan ðonne his ceapa hwilcne man for- 
stolenne. Cwyð ær he ænyg oþer word cweðe: 
Bethlem hattæ seo burh  ðe Crist on geboren wes, 
seo is gemærsod  ofer ealne middangeard; 
swa ðeos dæd wyrþe  for monnum mære, 
[per crucem Christi]! And gebide þe ðonne þriwa east and 
cweð þriwa: [Crux Christi ab oriente reducat]. And [III] 
            
west and cweð: [Crux Christi ab occidente reducat]. And 

               [III] suð and cweð: [Crux Christi a meridie reducant]. And 

               [III] norð and cweð: [Crux Christi abscondita sunt et inuenta 
est]. Iudeas Crist ahengon, gedidon him dæda þa wyrstan; 
hælon þæt hi forhelan ne mihton. Swa næfre ðeos dæd 
forholen ne wyrðe [per crucem Christi]. 

348. A Journey CharmDobbie, 1942 126-8; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).Ic me on þisse gyrde beluce  and on godes helde bebeode 
wið þane sara stice,  wið þane sara slege, 
wið þane grymma gryre,  
            
wið ðane micela egsa  þe bið eghwam lað, 
and wið eal þæt lað  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, 
ac gehæle me ælmihtig and sunu  
               and frofre gast, 
ealles wuldres  
               wyrðig dryhten, 
swa swa ic gehyrde  heofna scyppende. 
Abrame and Isace  
            
and swilce men,  Moyses and Iacob, 
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 
clipige ic me to are  wið 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, 
sigerofra sceolu,  soðfæstra engla. 
Biddu ealle  bliðu mode 
þæt me beo Matheus helm,  Marcus byrne, 
leoht, lifes rof,  Lucos min swurd, 

               scearp and scirecg,  scyld Iohannes, 
wuldre gewlitegod  
               wælgar Serafhin. 
Forð ic gefare,  frind ic gemete, 
eall engla blæd,  eadiges lare. 
Bidde ic nu sigeres god  godes miltse, 
siðfæt godne,  smylte and lihte 

               windas
               on
               waroþum.  Windas gefran, 
circinde wæter  
               simble 
               gehælede 
            
wið eallum feondum.  Freond ic gemete wið, 
þæt ic on þæs ælmihtgian 
               frið 
                wunian mote, 
belocun wið þam laþan,  se me lyfes eht, 
on engla blæd 
                gestaþelod, 
and inna halre hand  
               heofna 
               rices, 
þa hwile þe ic on þis life  wunian mote. 
Amen. 

349. Against a WenDobbie, 1942 128; Dobbie, E.V.K., The Anglo-Saxon Minor Poems, ASPR 6 (New York).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. 
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, 
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. 