CYNEWULF'S ELENE.

Whén had elapsed in course of years Two hundred and three, reckoned by number, And thirty alsó, in measure of time, Of winters for th' world, since mighty God Became incarnate, of kings the Glory,5 Upón mid-earth in human form, Light of the righteous; then sixth was the year Of Constantine's imperial sway, Since hé o'er the realm of the Roman people, The battle-prince, as ruler was raised.10 The ward of his folk, skilful with shield, Was gracious to earls. Strong grew the ætheling's [1] Might 'neath the heavens. Hé was true king, War-keeper of men. God him strengthened With honor and might, that to many became he15 Throughoút this earth to men a joy, To nations a vengeance, when weapon he raised Against his foes. Him battle was offered, Tumult of war. A host was assembled, Folk of the Huns and fame-loving Goths;20 War-brave they went, the Franks and the Hugs. [2] Bold were the men [in battle-byrnies, Gn.], Ready for war. Bright shone the spears, The ringéd corselets. With shouts and shields They hoisted the standards. The heroes were there25 Plainly assembled, and [host, Gn.] all together. The multitude marched. A war-song howled The wolf in the wood, war-secret concealed not; The dew-feathered eagle uplifted his song On the trail of his foes. Hastened quickly30 O'er cities of giants [3] the greatest of war-hosts In bands to battle, such as king of the Huns Of dwellers-around anywhere might, Of city-warriors, assemble to war. Went greatest of armies,—the footmen were strengthened35 With chosen bands,—till in foreign land The fighters-with-darts upón the Danube's Bank were encamping, the brave in heart, 'Round the welling of waters, with tumult of host. The realm of the Romans they wished to oppress,40 With armies destroy. Thére was Huns' coming Known to the people. Then bade the Cæsar Against the foes his comrades in war 'Neath arrow-flight in greatest haste Gather for fight, form battle-array45 The heroes 'neath heavens. The Romans were, Men famed for victory, quickly prepared With weapons for war, though lesser army Had théy for the battle than king of the Huns. [4] They rode 'round the valiant: then rattled the shield,50 The war-wood clanged: the king with host marched, With army to battle. Aloft sang the raven, Dark and corpse-gréedy. The band was in motion. The horn-bearers blew, [5] the heralds called, Steed stamped the earth. The host assembled55 Quickly for contest. The king was affrighted, With terror disturbed, after the strangers, The Huns' and Hreths' hóst they [6] observed, That it [7] on the Romans' kingdom's border 'Round the bank of the river a band assembled,60 A countless crowd. Heart-sorrow bore The Romans' ruler, of realm he hoped not For want of force; had warriors too few, Trusty comrades, 'gainst th' overmight Of the brave for battle. The army encamped,65 The earls 'round the ætheling nigh to the river In neighboring plain a night-long time, After force of their foes they first beheld. Thén in his sleep was shown to him, To the Cæsar himself where he slept 'mid his men,70 By the victory-famed seen, a vision of dream. Effulgent it seemed him, in form of a man, White and hue-bright, some one of heroes More splendid appeared than ere or since He saw 'neath the heavens. From sleep he awaked75 With boar-sign bedecked. The messenger quickly, Bright herald of glory, to him made address And called him by name (the night-veil vanished): "To thee, Constantine, bade King of the angels, Wielder of fates, his favor grant,80 The Lord of Hosts. Fear not for thyself, Though thee the strangers threaten with terror, With battle severe. Look thou to heaven, To the Lord of glory: there help wilt thou find, A token of victory." Soon was he ready85 At hest of the holy, his heart-lock unloosed, Upwards he looked as the messenger bade him, Trusty peace-wéaver. He saw bright with gems Fair rood of glory o'er roof of the clouds Adorned with gold: the jewels shone,90 The glittering tree with letters was written Of brightness and light: "With this beacon thou On the dangerous journey [8] wilt the foe overcome, The loathly host let." The light then departed, Ascended on high, and the messenger too,95 To the realm of the pure. The king was the blither And freer from sorrow, chieftain of men, In thoughts of his soul, for thát fair sight.

Bade then a likeness [9] defender of æthelings, Ring-giver of heroes, to that beacon he saw,100 Leader of armies, that in heaven before To him had appeared, with greatest haste [Bade] Constantine [like] the rood of Christ, The glorious king, a token make. He bade then at dawn with break of day105 His warriors rouse and onset of battle, The standard raise, and that holy tree Before him carry, 'mid host of foes God's beacon bear. The trumpets sang Aloud 'fore the hosts. The raven rejoiced, [10]110 The dew-feathered eagle beheld the march, Fight of the fierce cries, the wolf raised his howl, The wood's frequenter. War-terror arose. There was shattering of shields and mingling of men, Heavy handstroke and felling of foes,115 After in arrow-flight first they had met. On the fated folk showers of darts, Spears over shields into hosts of foes, Sword-fierce foemen battle-adders With force of fingers forwards impelled.120 The strong-hearted stepped, pressed onwards at once, Broke the shield-covers, thrust in their swords, Battle-brave hastened. Then standard was raised, Sign 'fore the host, song of victory sung. The golden helmet, the spear-points glistened125 On field of battle. The heathen perished, Peaceless they fell. Forthwith they fled, The folk of the Huns, when that holy tree The king of the Romans bade raise on high, Fierce in the fight. The warriors became130 Widely dispersed. Some war took away; Some with labor their lives preserved Upon that march; some half-alive Fled to the fastness and life protected Behind the stone-cliffs, held their abode135 Around the Danube; some drowning took off In the stream of the river at the end of their life. Then wás of the proud ones the force in joy; They followed the foreigners forth until even From break of day. The ash-darts flew,140 Battle-adders. The heap was destroyed, [11] Shield-band of foes. Very few came Of the host of the Huns home again thence. Thén it was plain that victory gave To Constantine the King Almighty145 In the work of that day, glorious honor, Might 'neath the heavens, through the tree of his rood. Went helmet of hosts home again thence, In booty rejoicing (the battle was ended), Honored in war. Came warriors' defence150 With band of his thanes to deck the strong shield, [12] War-renowned king, to visit his cities. Bade warriors' ward the wisest men Swiftly to synod, who wisdom's craft Through writings of old had learnt to know,155 Held in their hearts counsels of heroes. Then thát gan inquire chief of the folk, Victory-famed king, throughout the wide crowd, If any there were, elder or younger, Who him in truth was able to tell,160 Make known by speech, what the god were, The giver of glory, [13] "whose beacon this was, That seemed me so sheen, and saved my people, Brightest of beacons, and gave to me glory, War-speed against foes, through that beautiful tree."165 They him any answer at all were unable To give in reply, nor could they full well Clearly declare of that victory-sign. Thén did the wisest speak out in words Before the armed host, that Heaven-king's170 Token it was, and of that was no doubt. When they that heard who in baptism's lore Instructed had been, light was their mind, Rejoicing their soul, though of them there were few, That they 'fore the Cæsar might dare to proclaim175 The gift of the gospel, how the spirits' Defence, In form of the Trinity worshipped in glory, Incarnate became, Brightness of kings,— And how on the cross was God's own Son Hanged 'fore the hosts with hardest pains;180 The Son men saved from the bonds of devils, Sorrowful spirits, and a gift to them gave Through thát same sign that appeared to him Before his own eyes the token of victory 'Gainst onset of nations; and how the third day185 From out of the tomb the Glory of heroes, From death, arose, the Lord of all The race of mankind, and to Heaven ascended. So with cunning of mind in secrets of soul They said to the victor as they by Sylvester [14]190 Instructed had been. From him the folk-chíef Baptism received, and continued to hold it For the time of his days at the will of the Lord.

Thén was in bliss the giver of treasure, The battle-brave king. To him was new joy195 Inspired in his soul; greatest of comforts And highest of hopes was heaven's Defence. Then gan he God's law by day and by night Through gift of the Spirit with zeal proclaim, And truly himself devoted he eagerly,200 Gold-friend of men, to the service of God, Spear-famed, unfaltering. Then found the ætheling, Defence of his folk, through learned men, [15] War-brave, spear-bold, in books of God, Whére had been hanged with shouts of the host205 On tree of the rood the Ruler of heaven Through envy and hate, just ás the old fiend Misled with his lies, the people deceived, The race of the Jews, so that God himself They hanged, Lord of hosts: hence in misery shall they210 For ever and ever punishment suffer. Then praise of Christ by the Cæsar was In the thoughts of his mind [16] always remembered For that great tree, and his mother he bade Gó on a journey with a band of men215 To [land of] the Jews, earnestly seek With host of warriors where that tree of glory Holy 'neath earth hidden might be, The noble King's rood. Helena would not On that expedition be slow to start,220 Nor that joy-giver's command neglect, Her own [dear] son's, but soon she [17] was ready For the wished-for journey, as the helmet of men, Of mail-clad warriors, her had commanded. Gan then with speed the crowd of earls225 Hasten to ship. [18] The steeds of the sea 'Round the shore of the ocean ready were standing, Cabled sea-horses, at rest on the water. Then plainly was known the voyage of the lady, When the welling of waves she sought with her folk.230 There many a proud one at Wendel-sea Stood on the shore. They severally hastened Over the mark-paths, band after band, And then they loaded with battle-sarks, With shields and spears, with mail-clad warriors,235 With men and women, the steeds of the sea. Then they let o'er the billows the foamy ones go, The high wave-rushers. The hull oft received O'er the mingling of waters the blows of the waves. The sea resounded. Not since nor ere heard I240 On water-stream a lady lead, On ocean-street, a fairer force. There might he see, who that voyage beheld, Burst o'er the bath-way the sea-wood, hasten 'Neath swelling sails, the sea-horse play,245 The wave-floater sail. The warriors were blithe, Courageous in mind; queen joyed in her journey. After to haven the ringèd-prowed O'er the sea-fastness had finished their course To the land of the Greeks, they let the keels250 At the shore of the sea beat by the breakers, The old sea-dwellings at anchor fast, On the water await the fate of the heroes, When the warlike queen with her band of men Over the east-ways should seek them again.255 There wás on [each] earl easily seen The braided byrnie and tested sword, Glittering war-weeds, many a helmet, Beautiful boar-sign. The spear-warriors were, Men 'round victor-queen, prepared for the march,260 Brave war-heroes. They marched with joy Into land of the Greeks, the Cæsar's heralds, Battle-warriors with armor protected. There wás to be seen treasure-gem set 'Mid that army-host, gift of their lord.265 [Then] wás the blessed Helena mindful, Bold in her thought, of the prince's will, Eager in mind, in that shé of the Jews, O'er the army-fields with tested band Of warriors-with-shields, the land was seeking,270 With host of men; so it after befell In little while that thát force of men, War-famed heroes, to Híerusalem [19] Came to the city the greatest of crowds, Spear-famed earls, with the noble queen.275

Bade she then order the dwellers-in-city Most skilled in lore, those far and wide Among the Jews, each one of men, For council-talk in meeting to come, Whó most deeply the secrets of God280 By righteous law were able to tell. Then was assembled from distant ways No little crowd who Moses' law Were able to tell. In number there were Of thousands three of thóse [learned] men285 Chosen for lore. The lovely woman The men of the Hebrews with words gan address: "I thát most surely have learnt to know Through secret words of prophets [of old] In the books of God, that in days of yore290 Ye worthy were of the glorious King, Dear to the Lord and daring in deed. Lo! yé that wisdom [very, Gn.] unwisely, Wrongly, rejected, when him ye condemned Who you from the curse through might of his glory,295 From torment of fire, thought to redeem, From fetters' force. Ye filthily spat On hís fair face who light of the eyes From blindness [restored], a remedy brought To you anew by that noble spittle,300 And often preserved you fróm the unclean Spirits of devils. This one to death Ye gan adjudge, who self from death Many awakened 'mong host of men Of your own race to the former life.305 So blinded in mind ye gan conjoin Lying with truth, light with darkness, Hatred with mercy, with evil thoughts Ye wickedness wove; therefore the curse You guilty oppresses. The purest Might310 Ye gan condemn, and have lived in error, In thoughts benighted, until this day. Go ye now quickly, with prudence select Men firm in wisdom, crafty in word, Who yóur own law, with excellence skilled,315 In thoughts of their minds most thoroughly have, Who to me truly are able to say, Answer to tell for you hencefórth Of each one of tokens that I from thee seek." They went then away sorry-in-mind,320 The law-clever earls, oppressed with fear, Sad in their grief, earnestly sought The wisest men in secrets of words, That they to the queen might answer well Both of good and of ill, as shé from them sought.325 Then théy 'mong the host a thousand of men Found clever in mind whó the old story Among the Jews most readily knew. Then they pressed in a crowd where in pomp awaited On kingly throne the Cæsar's mother, [20]330 Stately war-queen with gold adorned. Helena spake and said 'fore the earls: "Hear, clever in mind, the holy secret, Word and wisdom. Lo! yé the prophets' Teaching received, hów the Life-giver335 In form of a child incarnate became, Ruler of might. Of him Moses sang And spake this [word], [21] warden of Israel: 'To yóu shall be born a child in secret Renowned in might, though his mother shall nót340 Be filled with fruit through love of a man.' Of him David the king a kingly psalm sang, The wise old sage, father of Solomon, And spake this word, prince of warriors: 'The God of creation before me I saw,345 Lord of victories. He wás in my sight, Ruler of hosts, upon my right hand, Guardian of glory. Thence turn I nót Ever in life my countenance from him.' [22] So it again of you Isaiah350 'Fore the people, the prophet, foretold in words, Thinking profoundly by spirit of the Lord: 'I raised upon high sons young in years, And children begat, to whom glory I gave, Heart-comfort holy: but théy me rejected,355 With enmity hated, forethought possessed not, Wisdom of mind, and the wretched cattle, That on each day one drives and strikes, Their well-doer know, not at áll with revenge Bear hate to their friends who give them fodder.360 And the folk of Israel never were willing Me to acknowledge, though many for them, In worldly course, of wonders I wrought.' [23]

"Lo! thát we heard through holy books, That the Lord to you gave blameless glory,365 The Maker, mights' Speed, to Moses said How the King of heaven ye should obey, His teaching perform. Of that ye soon wearied, And counter to right ye had contended; Ye shunned the bright Creator of all,370 The Lord [of Lords], [24] and followed error 'Gainst right of God. Now quickly go And find ye still who writings of old Through craft of wit the best may know, Your books of law, that answer to me375 Through prudent mind they may return." Went then with a crowd depressed in mind The proud in heart, as thém the queen bade. Found they five hundred of cunning men, Chosen comrades, who craft of lore380 Through memory of mind the most possessed, Wisdom in spirit. They back to the hall In little while again were summoned, Wards of the city. The queen them gan With words address (she glanced over all):385 "Often ye silly actions performed, Accursèd wretches, and writings despised, Lore of your fathers, ne'er more than now, When ye of your blindness the Healer rejected, Ánd ye contended 'gainst truth and right,390 That in Bethlehem the child of the Ruler, The only-born King, incarnate was, The Prince of princes. Though the law ye knew, Words of the prophets, ye wére not then willing, Workers of sin, the truth to confess."395 With one mind then they answered her: "Lo! wé the Hebrew law have learned, That in days of old our fathers knew, At the ark of God, nor know we well Why thou so fiercely, lady, with us400 Hast angry become. We know not the wrong That wé have done amid this nation, Chiefest of crimes [25] against thee ever." Helena said and 'fore the earls spake Without concealment; the lady proclaimed405 Aloud 'fore the hosts: "Now go ye quickly, Seek out apart who wisdom with you Might and mindcraft the most may have, That each of the things they boldly may tell me, Without delay, that I from them seek."410 Went they then from the council as the mighty queen, Bold in the palace, them had commanded, Sorry-in-mind eagerly searched they, With cunning sought, what were the sin That they in the folk might have committed415 Against the Cæsar, for which the queen blames them. Then there 'fore the earls óne them addressed, Cunning in songs (his name was Judas), Crafty in word: "I surely know, That she will seek of the victor-tree420 On which once suffered the Ruler of nations Free from all faults, own Son of God, Whom though guiltless [26] of every sin Through hatred hanged upon the high tree In days of old oúr own fathers.425 That was terrible thought. There is now great need That we with firmness strengthen our minds, That we of this murder become not informers, Where the holy tree was hidden away After the war-storm, lest máy be rejected430 The wise old writings and óf our fathers The lore be lost. Not long will it be [27] That of Israelites the noble race Over the mid-earth may reign any more, The law-craft of earls, if this be revealed:435 That same long ago mine elder father Victory-famed said (his name was Zacchaéus), The wise old man, to mine own father, [Who afterwards made it known to his, Gn.][29] son, (He went from this world), and spake this word:440 'If to thée that happen in the days of thy life, That thou may'st hear of that holy tree Wise men inquire and questionings raise Of that victor-wood on which the true King Was hanged on high, Guardian of heaven,445 Child of all peace, then quickly declare it, Mine own dear son, ere death thee remove. Ne'er may after that the folk of the Hebrews, The wise in counsel, their kingdom hold, Rule over men, but their fame shall live450 And their dominion [be glorified ever, Gn.], [28] To world of worlds with joy be filled, Who the King that was hanged honor and praise.'

"Then quickly I to mine own father, The old law-sage, answer returned:455 'How might that happen on kingdom of earth That they on the holy their hands should lay For reaving of life, oúr own fathers, Through hostile mind, if they ere knew That he were Christ, the King in heaven,460 True son of Creator, Saviour of souls.' Then to mé mine elder answer returned, Wise in his mind my father replied: 'Perceive, young man, the might of God, The name of the Saviour. That is to each man465 Unutterable. Him may no one Upon this earth [ever] find out. Never that plan that this people framed Was I willing to follow, but I always myself Held aloof from their crimes, by no means wrought shame470 To mine own spirit. To them earnestly often On account of their wrong I made opposition, When the learned-in-lore counsel were taking, Were seeking in soul how the Son of their Maker, Men's Helm, [29] they might hang, the Lord of all,475 Both angels and men, noblest of children. They might not so foolish death fasten on him, Miserable men, as they ere weened, Afflict with pains, though he for a time Upon the cross his spirit gave up,480 Victor-child of God. Then afterwards was Raised from the rood the Ruler of heavens, Glory of all glories, three nights after Within the tomb was he abiding Under the darkness, and then on third day,485 Light of all light, he living arose, Prince of angels, and he to his thanes, True Lord of victories, himself revealed, Bright in his fame. Then did thy brother In time receive the bath of baptism,490 Enlightening belief. For love of the Lord Was Stephen then with stones assailed, Nor ill gave for ill, but for foes of old Patient implored, prayed King of glory That he the woe-deed would not lay to their charge,495 In thát through hate the innocent One, Guiltless of sins, by the teachings of Saul They robbed of life, as he through enmity To misery many of the folk of Christ Condemned, to death. Yet later the Lord500 Mercy him showed, that to many became he Of people for comfort, when the God of creation, Saviour of men, had changed his name, And afterwards he the holy Paul Was called by name, and no one than he505 Of teachers of faith, [no] other, was better 'Neath roof of heaven afterwards ever Of those man or woman brought into the world, Although he Stephen with stones them bade Slay on the mountain, thine own brother.510 Now may'st thou hear, mine own dear son, How gracious ís the Ruler of all, Though we transgression 'gainst him oft commit, The wound of sins, if we soon after For those misdeeds repentance work515 Ánd from unrighteousness afterwards cease. Therefore I truly, and my dear father, After believed [in the Giver of life, Gn.], That he had suffered, God of all glories, Leader of life, painful penalty520 For mighty need of the race of men. Therefore I teach thee through secret of song, My dearest child, that scornful words, Hatred or blasphemy, never thou work, Fierce contradiction 'gainst the Son of God.525 Then wilt thou merit that thee life eternal, Best of rewards, shall be given in heaven.' Thus mine own father in days of old Me unwaxen with words did teach, Instruct with true speech (his name was Simon),530 Man wise in words. Now well do ye know What of that in your thought may seem to you best Plainly to tell, if us this queen Shall ask of that tree, now mine own mind And thought of heart ye [well] do know."535 Him then in reply the cleverest of all In the crowd of men with words addressed: "Ne'er did we hear any of men Among this folk save thee just now, Another thane, declare in this manner540 Of so secret event. Do as [best] seems thee, Thou wise in old lore, if thou be questioned 'Mong the host of men. Of wisdom has need, Of wary words and sage's cunning, Who shall to the noble one answer return545 Before such a host among the assembly."

Words waxed in speech; men counsel took On every side; some hither, some thither, Considered and thought. Then came many thanes To the people's assembly. The heralds called,550 The Cæsar's criers: "This queen you invites, Men, to the hall, that the council-decisions Ye rightly may tell. Of rede have ye need In the place of assembly, of wisdom of mind." Ready they were, the sad-in-mind555 People's protectors, when they were summoned Through stern command; to court they went Craft's might to tell. Then gan the queen The Hebrew men in words address, Ask the life-weary of writings of old,560 How ere in the world the prophets sang, Men holy in spirit, of the Son of God, Where the Prince [of the people] his sufferings bore, True son of Creator, for love of souls. Stubborn they were, harder than stone,565 Would not that secret rightly make known Nor answer to her any would tell, Anger-provokers, of what she sought, But they of each word made a denial, Firm in their minds, of what she gan ask,570 Said that in life they any such thing Nor ere nor since ever had heard of. Helena spake and angrily said: "I [now] in truth to you will say,— And of this in your life there shall be no deception,—575 If ye in this falseness longer continue With treacherous lying, who stand here before me, That you on the mountain bale-fire shall take, Hottest of war-waves, and your corpses consume, The lambent flame, so for yoú shall that lie580 To leaving of life [surely] be turned. Ye may not prove that word, which ye just now in wrong Concealed 'neath heaps [30] of sins. Nor may ye hide that fate, Obscure its deepest might." In thought of death they were Of pyre and life's end, and delivered then one585 Well-skilled in songs (to him the name Judas Was given 'fore kinsmen);—him they gave to the queen, Said of him very wise: "He may truth to thee tell, Fate's secrets reveal, as thou askest in words, The law from beginning forth to the end.590 He is before earth of noble race, Wise in word-craft and son of a prophet, Bold in council. To him 'tis inborn That he the answers clever may have, Knowledge in heart. He to thée shall declare595 'Fore the crowd of men the gift of wisdom Through mickle might, as thy mind desires." In peace she permitted each one to seek His own [dear] home, and him alone took, Judas, as hostage, and earnestly prayed600 That he of the rood would rightly teach, Which of old in its bed was long concealed, And she himself apart to her called. Helena spake to him alone, Glory-rich queen: "For thee two are ready,605 Or life or death, as liefer shall be, To thee to choose. Now quickly declare To which of the two thou wilt agree." Judas to her spake again (he might not the sorrow avoid, Avert the ire of the empress. [31] In the power of the queen was he):610 "How maý him befall who oút on the waste, Tired and foodless, treads the moorland, Oppressed with hunger, and bread and stone Both in his sight together [32] shall be, The hard and the soft, that he take the stone615 For hunger's defence, care nót for the bread, Return to want and reject the food, Renounce the better, if both he enjoys?"

To him then the blessed answer returned, Helena 'fore earls without concealment:620 "If thou in heaven willest to have Dwelling with angels and life on earth, Reward in the skies, tell me quickly Where rests the rood of the King of heaven Holy 'neath earth, which yé now long625 Through sin of murder from men have concealed." Judas replied (his mind was sad, Heat in his heart and woe for both, Whether hope of heaven with [all] his soul He should renounce, along with his present630 Kingdom 'neath skies, or show the rood): "How may I that find that long ago happened In course of winters? Now many are gone, Two hundred or more, reckoned by number; I may not recount, now the number I know not.635 Now many have since departed this life, Of wise and good who were before us, Of clever men. In youth was I In later days afterwards born, A child in years. I cannot what I know not640 Find in my heart that so long ago happened." Helena spake to him in answer: "How has it happened among this people, That ye so much in mind retain, Each one of all signs, just as the Trojans645 In fight effected? 'Twas greater terror, [33] Well-known old war, than this noble event, In course of years. Ye that can well Quickly recount, how many there were In number of men in that murderous fight650 Of throwers-with-darts fallen in death Under the shield-hedge. Ye have the graves Under the stone-slopes, and likewise the places And the number of winters in writings set down." Judas replied (great sorrow he bore):655 "That work of war, we, lady mine, Through direful need remember well, And that tumult of war in writing set down, The bearing of nations, but this one never By any man's mouth have we heard660 Made known to men except here now." The noble queen gave answer to him: "Thou resistest too much both truth and right Of the tree of life, and now little before Thou truly said'st of that victor-tree665 To thine own people, and now turn'st to a lie." To her Judas said that he spake that in sorrow And doubt extreme, worse evil expected. Him quickly answered the Cæsar's mother: "Lo! that have we heard through holy books670 Made known to men that there was hanged On Calvarý the King's free child, God's Spirit-son. Thou fully shalt Wisdom reveal, as writings tell, About the plain, where the place may be,675 That Calvarý, ere misery take thee, Death for thy sins, that I afterwards may Purify ít at the will of Christ, For help to men, that holy God, Almighty Lord, the thought of my heart680 My wish may fulfil, men's Giver of glory, Helper of souls." Her Judas answered, Stubborn in mind: "I know not the place Nor aught of the plain, nor the thing do I know." Helena spake with angry mind:685 "This do I swear through the Son of the Maker The hangèd God, that with hunger thou shalt Before thy kinsmen be put to death, Unless thou forsake these lying tales And plainly to me the truth make known."690 Then bade she with band him lead alive, The guilty one cast (the servants delayed not) Intó a dry pit, where robbed of joy, He lingered in sorrows seven nights' time Within the prison oppressed with hunger,695 Fastened with fetters, and then gan he call, Weakened by pains, on the seventh day, Tired and foodless (his strength was exhausted): "I you beseech through heaven's God, That me from these sufferings ye maý release,700 Humbled by hunger. Of that holy tree Shall I willingly tell, now longer I may not For hunger conceal it. This bond is too strong, Distress too severe, and this misery too hard In number of days. I may not endure it,705 Nor longer conceal of the tree of life, Though with folly before I was thoroughly filled, And the truth too late I myself have perceived."

When she that heard, who men there ordered, The man's behavior, she quickly commanded710 That him from confinement and out of his dungeon, From the narrow abode, they shóuld release. They hastily thát did soon perform And him with honor then led they up From out of the prison as them the queen bade.715 Stepped they then to the place, the firm-in-mind, Upon the hill on which the Lord Before was hanged, heaven-kingdom's Ward, God's child, on the cross, and yet knew he not well, Weakened by hunger, where the holy rood720 Through cunning of foe [34] enclosed in earth,721-2 Long firm in its bed concealed from men, Remained in its grave. Now raised he his voice, Unmindful [35] of might, and in Hebrew he spake:725 "Saviour Lord, thou hast power of rule, And thou didst create through the might of thy glory Heaven and earth and the boisterous sea, The ocean's wide bosom, all creatures alike, And thou didst measure with thine own hands730 All the globe of the earth and the heaven above, And thou thyself sittest, Wielder of victories, Above the noblest order of angels, That fly through the air encircled with light, Great might of glory. There mankind may not735 From the paths of earth ascend on high In bodily form with thát bright host, Heralds of glory. These wroughtest thou, And for thíne own service thém didst thou set, Holy and heavenly. Of these in the choir740 In joy eternal six are named, Who are surrounded with six wings apiece, [With them are] adorned, [and] fair they shine. Of these are four who ever in flight The service of glory attend upon745 Before the face of the Judge eternal, Continually sing in glory the praise, With clearest voices, of the King of heaven, Most beauteous of songs, and say these words With voices pure (their name Cherubím):750 'Holy is the holy God of archangels, Ruler of hosts. Full of his glory Are heaven and earth and all the high powers With glory distinguished,' There are two among these, Victor-race in heaven, who Seraphím755 By name are called. They sháll Paradise And the tree of life with flaming sword Holy maintain. The hard-edged trembles, The etched brand wavers, and changes its form, Firm in their grips. Thát, [36] O Lord God,760 Ever thou wieldest, and thou the sinful, Guilt-working foes out of the heavens, The foolish, didst cast. The accursèd host then Under dwellings of darkness was forced to fall To perdition of hell. There now in the welling765 Endure they death-pain in the dragon's embrace, Enclosed in darkness. [Thee] he resisted, Thy princely rule; therefore in misery, Full [37] of all foulness, he guilty shall suffer, Slavery endure. There may he not770 Thy word reject: he is fast in torments, The author of sin, in misery bound. If thy will it be, Ruler of angels, That he may reign who was on the rood, And who through Mary upon the mid-earth775 Incarnate became in form of a child, Prince of the angels (if hé had not been Thy Son free from sin, never so many True wonders in world would hé have wrought In number of days. Thou wouldst not from death780 So gloriously him, Ruler of nations, Have awaked 'fore the hosts, if hé in glory Through the bright [maid] were not thy Son),— Now, Father of angels, send forth thy sign. As thou didst hear the holy man,785 Moses, in prayer, when thou, God of might, Didst show to the earl at the noble time Under the hill-slope the bones of Joseph, So, Ruler of hosts, if it be thy will, Through that bright form I'll pray to thee790 That to me the gold-hoard, Maker of spirits, Thou wilt reveal, that has been from men [So] long concealed. Let, Author of life, Now from this plain a winsome smoke 'Neath heaven's expanse mount up on high795 Playing in the air. I'll the better believe, And I'll the more firmly stablish my mind, Undoubting trust, upon the hanged Christ, That hé be in truth the Saviour of souls, Eternal, Almighty, Israel's King,800 Forever may have glory in heaven, Rule without end the dwellings eternal."

Then out of that place a vapor arose Like smoke 'neath the heavens. Thére was rejoiced The mind of the man. With both his hands,805 Happy and láw-clever, upward he clapped. Judas exclaimed, clever in thought: "Now I in truth myself have known In my hardened heart that thou art the Saviour Of [this] mid-earth. To thee, God of might,810 Sitting in glory, be thanks without end, That to me so sad and so full of sin Thou revealed'st in glory the secrets of fate. Now, Son of God, to thee will I pray, Will-giver of peoples, now I know that thou art815 Declared and born of all kings the Glory, That thou no longer be of my sins, Those which I committed by no means seldom, O Maker, mindful. Let mé, God of might, Amid the number of thine own kingdom820 With the army of saints my dwelling have In that bright city, where is my brother Honored in glory, for that faith with thee He, Stephen, kept, though with handfuls of stones He was pelted to death. War's meed he has,825 Fame without end. There are in books The wonders he wrought, in writings, made known." Then gan he glad for the tree of glory, Constant in zeal, delve in the earth Beneath the turf, so thát at twenty830 Feet by measure he found far concealed, Down in the depths hidden in the earth 'Neath cover of darkness,—there found he three Of roods together within the sad house Buried in sand, as in days of old835 The host of the wicked covered with earth, The folk of the Jews. 'Gainst the child of God Hatred they raised, although they should not, If the lore they'd not heard of the father of lies. Then wás his mind greatly rejoiced,840 His heart was strengthened by that holy tree, His spirit inspired, when the beacon he saw Holy 'neath earth. With his hands he clasped The cross [38] of glory, and it raised 'mid the crowd From its grave in the earth. The guests on foot,845 The æthelings, went on into the city. They set there in sight three victor-trees The firm-minded earls 'fore Helena's feet, [39] Courageous in heart. The queen rejoiced In the depth of her soul, and then gan ask850 On which of those trees the Son of the Ruler, Joy-giver of heroes, hangèd had been. "Lo! thát we have heard through holy books By tokens declared, that two with-him [Also] suffered, and himself was the third855 On the tree of the rood. All heaven was dark On that terrible day. Say, if thou canst, On which of these three the Prince of the angels Suffered [his doom], the Shepherd of glory." Her Judas might not (he knew not full well)860 Plainly inform of the victor-wood, On which one the Saviour uplifted had been, Victor-son of God, ere he bade them set Within the middle of that great city The trees with clamor, and there await865 Till to him declared the Almighty King The wonder 'fore the folk of that tree of glory. The victor-famed sat, their song they raised, The wise in rede, 'round the three roods Until the ninth hour; new joy they had870 With wonder found. Then came there a crowd, No little folk, and a man deceased They brought on a bier with heap of men In neighborhood [nigh] (ninth hour it was), A lifeless youth. Then Judas was there875 In thought of his heart greatly rejoiced. He bade then set the soul-less [youth], Deprived of life the corpse on the earth, The lifeless one, and up he raised, Declarer of truth, two of the crosses,880 The wise, in his arms o'er that fated house, Plunged deep in thought. It was dead as before, Corpse fast on its bier: the limbs were cold, Clad in distress. Then wás the third Holy upraised. The body awaited885 Until over it the Ætheling's [cross], His rood, was upraised, Heaven-king's tree, True token of victory. Soon he arose Ready in spirit, both together Body and soul. There praise was uplifted890 Fair 'mid the folk. The Father they honored, And also the true Son of the Ruler They praised in words. Be glory and thanks To Him without end from all His creatures.

Then wás to the people in the depth of their souls895 Impressed on their minds, as ever shall be, The wonder that wrought the Lord of hosts For saving of souls of the race of men, The Teacher of life. There the sinner-through-lies Then stied in the air, the flying fiend.900 Gan then exclaim the devil of hell, The terrible monster, mindful of evils: "Lo! whát man is this, who now again With ancient strife my service will ruin, Increase the old hate, [and] plunder my goods?905 This contest's increasing. The souls cannot, Workers of sin, longer within My power remain, now a stranger is come, Whom I ere reckoned fast in his sins, Me has he robbed of every right,910 Of precious possessions. That's nót a fair course. To me many harms the Saviour has done, Contests oppressive, he who in Nazareth Was reared as a child. As soon as he grew From childhood's years, he to hím ever turned915 Mine own possessions. I may not now In any right thrive. His kingdom is broad Over the mid-earth. My might is lessened Under the heavens. The rood I need not Joyfully praise. Lo! me the Saviour920 In that narrow home again has confined Sadly for sorrow. Through Judas before Joyful I was, and now am I humbled, Deprived of goods, through Judas again, Despised and friendless. Still can I find925 Through evil deeds return hereafter [40] From the homes of the damned. 'Gainst thee will I rouse Another king [41] who will persecute thee, And he will reject thine own instruction, And sinful manners of mine will he follow,930 And thee will he send then into the blackest And into the worst terrors of torments, That with sorrow beset thou'lt firmly renounce The hangèd King whom ere thou obeyed'st." To him then the cunning Judas replied,935 The battle-brave man (in him Holy Spirit Was firmly implanted, fire-hot his love, His wit was welling with warrior's craft), And this word he spake with wisdom filled: "Thou need not so strongly, mindful of sins,940 Sorrow renew, and strife uprear, Sin-maker of murder, for thee mighty King In the depths beneath will thrust thee down, Worker of sin, to miseries' bottom Deprived of glory, who many of the dead945 With his word awaked. Know thou the readier, That thou with folly didst once renounce Brightest of lights and love of the Lord, The fairest joy, and in bath of fire, Surrounded with torments, didst afterwards dwell,950 Consumed with flame, and there ever shalt, Hostile in mind, punishment suffer, Misery endless." Helena heard How the fiend and the friend contests aroused, The blest and the base, on both their sides,955 The sinner and the saint. Her mind was the gladder For that she heard the hellish foe [The fiend] overcome, the worker of sins, And then she wondered at the wit of the man, How hé so truthful in so little time960 And so untaught ever became With wisdom inspired. [Then] thanked she God, The King of glory, that her wish was fulfilled Through the Son of God of each of the two, Bóth for the sight of the victor-tree,965 Ánd of the faith that [42] so bright she perceived, The glorious gift in the breast of the man.

Thén was made known among that folk, Throughout that nation widely proclaimed, The great morning-news for a grievance to many970 Of those who God's law wished to conceal, Announced in the towns far as waters embrace, In each of the cities, that the rood of Christ Once buried in earth had been discovered, Brightest of beacons, which since or before975 Holy 'neath heavens had been upheaved; And it was to the Jews the greatest of sorrows, Unhappy men, most hateful of fates, That they 'fore the world were unable to change it, The joy of the Christians. Then bade the queen980 'Mong the host of earls heralds to hasten, Quickly to journey; they should of the Romans O'er the high sea the lord seek out, Ánd to that warrior the best of tidings Say, to himself, that the victor-sign985 Through Creator's favor had been recovered, Found in the earth, which ages before Had been concealed for sorrow to saints, To Christian folk. Then was to the king Through the glorious words his spirit gladdened,990 His heart rejoicing. Then was of inquirers 'Neath golden garments no lack in the cities Come from afar. To him greatest of comforts It became in the world at the wished-for tidings,— His heart delighted,—which army-leaders995 Over the east-ways, messengers, brought him, How happy a journey over the swan-road The men with the queen successfully made To the land of the Greeks. The Cæsar bade them With greatest haste again prepare1000 Themselves for the way. The men delayed not As soon as they had the answer heard, The words of the ætheling. Bade he Helena hail, The war-famed greet, if they the sea-voyage And happy journey were able to make,1005 Brave-minded men, to the holy city. Bade also to her the messengers say Constantínus, that she a church On the mountain-slope for gain of both Should there erect, a temple of God,1010 On Calvarý, for joy to Christ, For help to men, where the holy rood Had béen discovered, greatest of trees, Of those that earth-dwellers ever heard named Upon the earth. So she effected,1015 After dear kinsmen brought from the west Over the ocean many loved tidings. Then bade the queen those skilled in crafts To seek out apart, the best of all, Those who most cunningly knew how to work1020 In joinings of stones, on the open plain God's temple to build. As the Warden of spirits Her counselled from heaven, she bade the rood With gold adorn and gems of all kinds, With the most splendid of precious stones1025 To set with skill, and in silver chest To enclose with locks. There that tree of life, Best of victor-trees, has since remained In nature eternal. [43] There 'twill be ever ready A help to the sick 'gainst every ill,1030 Distress and sorrow. There soon will they Through that holy creation assistance obtain, A gift divine. Also Judas received After fixed time the bath of baptism, And cleansed became, trustful in Christ,1035 Dear to the Life-warden. His faith became Firm in his heart, when the Spirit of comfort Made his abode in the breast of the man, To repentance him urged. The better he chose, The joy of glory, and the worse he refused,1040 The service of idols, and error rejected, Unlawful belief. To him King [44] eternal, The Creator, was mild, God, Ruler of might.

Then hé was baptized who often before The ready light [had long rejected, Gn.],1045 Inspired was his soul for that better life, To glory turned. Fate surely ordained That so full of faith and so dear to God In realm of the world he should become, [So] pleasing to Christ. That known became,1050 After that Helena bade them Eusebius, Bishop of Rome, into council with her To bring for help, the very wise [man] By means of men, [45] to the holy city, That he might ordain to the sacred office1055 Judas for the folk in Jerúsalém, To be their bishop within the city, Through gift of the Spirit for the temple of God Chosen with wisdom, and him Cyriácus Through counsel of wit she afterwards named1060 A second time. The name was changed Of the man in the city henceforth for the better, For the law of the Saviour. Then still Helena's Mind was disturbed at the wondrous fate, Very much for the nails, those which the Saviour's1065 Feet had pierced through and likewise his hands, With which on the rood the Ruler of Heaven, Lord mighty, was fastened. Of these gan ask The Christians' queen, Cyriacus prayed That still for her, by the might of his spirit,1070 For the wondrous fate the will he'ld fulfil, Reveal by his gifts, and shé addressed This word to the bishop, boldly she spake: "Thou, earls' defence, the noble tree Of heavens' King me rightly didst show,1075 On which was hanged by heathen hands The Helper of spirits, own Son of God, Saviour of men. Still of the nails In thought of my mind curiosity troubles me. I would thou should'st find those which yet in the earth1080 Deeply buried remain concealed, Hidden in darkness. My heart ever sorrows, Sad it complains and never will rest, Ere for mé He fulfil, Almighty Father, Ruler of hosts, mine own desire,1085 Saviour of men, by sight [46] of the nails, The Holy from height. Now quickly do thou With all humility, most excellent man, Direct thy prayer to the heavens bright, To the Ruler of glory, pray Strength of warriors,1090 That to thee may reveal the Almighty King The hord 'neath the earth, that hidden still, Concealed from men, in secret abides." Then gan the holy one strengthen his heart, Inspired in his breast the bishop of the folk,1095 Glad-minded, went with a crowd of men Those praising God, and earnestly then Cyriacús on Calvarý Inclined his face, his secret concealed not, With might of his spirit called upon God1100 With all humility, prayed Warden of angels To open to him the unknown fate In his new distress, where he the nails Upon the plain Best need expect. Then caused he the token, where they were looking,1105 The Father, hope's Spirit, in form of fire Upwards to rise, where they most noble By means of men [47] had once been hidden With secret cunning, the nails in the earth. Then suddenly came brighter than sun1110 The playing flame. The people saw To the giver of their will [48] the wonder made known, When there out of darkness, like stars of heaven Or gems of gold, upon the bottom The nails from the narrow bed shining beneath1115 Brilliantly glittered. The people rejoiced, The glad-minded host, spake glory to God With one accord all, though ere they were By the devil's deceit long in error, Estranged from Christ. Thus did they speak:1120 "Ourselves now we see the token of victory, True wonder of God, that before we opposed With lying words. Now is come into light, Is revealed, fate's course. May glory for this Have in the highest heaven-kingdom's God!"1125 Then hé was rejoiced who turned to repentance Through the Son of God, the people's bishop, A second time. He took the nails, Disturbed with fear, ánd to the venerable Queen did he bring them. Cyriacus had1130 It all fulfilled as the noble one bade him, The woman's will. There was sound of weeping, Hot head-welling was poured o'er her cheeks, By no means for sorrow. The tears were falling O'er the plaiting of wires. [49] With glory fulfilled1135 Was the wish of the queen. She knelt on her knees With bright belief; she honored the gift, Rejoicing with joy, which wás to her brought For help in her sorrows. Then thanked she God, The Lord of victories, that the truth she had learnt1140 At that present time, that oft was announced So long before from creation of the world For comfort to the people. Shé was inspired With the gift of wisdom, and his dwelling held Holy Spirit of heaven, guarded her breast,1145 Her noble heart. So her the Almighty Victor-son of God after protected.

Then eagerly gan she with secrets of soul Seek in her spirit by soothfastnéss The way to glory. Now God of hosts1150 His help bestowed, the Father in heaven, Almighty King, that the queen obtained Her will in the world. The prophecy was By sages of old sung long before All from beginning, as it afterwards happened1155 In respect to each thing. The folk-queen began Through gift of the Spirit gladly to seek With greatest care how best the nails, And in manner most worthy, she might apply For joy to the folk, what was will of the Lord.1160 Bade she then fetch a very wise man Quickly to counsel, him who wisdom Through clever might thoroughly knew, Wise in his heart, and gan him ask What in his soul seemed to him best1165 To do about that, and his teachings she chose In respect to her conduct. Her boldly [50] he answered: "That is becoming that word of the Lord Thou hold in heart, holy counsel, Most excellent queen, and the King's command1170 Gladly fulfil, now God has thee given Success of soul and craft of wit, The Saviour of men. Bid thou these nails For that most excellent of earthly kings, Of owners of cities, put on his bridle1175 For bit to his horse. To many that shall, Throughout the mid-earth, become renowned, When with that in contest he may overcome Each one of his foes, when the brave-in-war On either side the battle seek,1180 Sword-contenders, where they strive for victory, Foe against foe. War-speed shall he have, Victory in fight and everywhere peace, In battle success, who carries in front The bridle on horse, when the famed-in-fight1185 At clashing of spears, the choicest of men, Bear shield and lance. To each one of men Against war-terror shall be invincible This weapon in war. The seer of it sang, Cunning in thought. Deep moved his mind,1190 His wit of wisdom. This word he spake: 'That shall be known that the horse of the king Shall 'neath the proud with bit be adorned, With bridle-rings. That beacon to God Shall holy be called, and that one valor-blessed,1195 Honored in war, who rides on that horse.'" With haste then that did all perform Helena 'fore earls, bade the ætheling's, Heroes' ring-giver's, bridle adorn, To her own son sent as a present1200 O'er ocean's stream the blameless gift. She bade then together those whom as best Of men she knew among the Jews, Of the race of heroes, to the holy city, To the town to come. Then gan the queen1205 The dear ones teach that love of the Lord And peace likewíse among themselves, The bond of friendship, they fast should hold Without reproach in time of their life, And they to the teacher's lore should hearken,1210 The Christian virtues that Cyriacus taught them, Clever in books. The office of bishop Was fairly made fast. From afar oft to him The lame, the sick, the crippled came, The halt, the wounded, the leprous and blind,1215 The lowly, the sad; always there health At the hands of the bishop, healing, they found Ever for ever. Yet Helena gave him Treasures as presents, when ready she was For the journey home, and bade she then all1220 In that kingdom of men who worshipped God, Men and women, that they should honor With mind and might that famous day, With thoughts of the heart, whereon holy rood Had béen discovered, greatest of trees,1225 Of those which from earth ever sprang up Grown under leaves. Then spring was gone Except six nights ere coming of summer On the kalends of May. To each of those men Be hell's door shut, heaven's unclosed,1230 Eternally opened the kingdom of angels, Joy without end, and their portion appointed Along with. Mary, who takes into mind That one most dear of festal days Of that rood under heaven, that which the mightiest1235 Ruler of all with arm protected. Finit. [51]

Thus old and death-ready in this frail house Word-craft I wove and wondrously framed it, Reflected at times and sifted my thought Closely at night. I knew not well1240 The truth of the rood, [52] ere wider knowledge Through glorious might into thought of my mind Wisdom revealed to me. I was stained with crimes, Fettered with sins, pained with sorrows, Bitterly bound, banefully vexed,1245 Ere lore to me lent through light-bringing office For help to the agèd, his blameless gift The mighty King meted, and poured in my mind, Brightness disclosed, widened with time, Bone-house unbound, breast-lock unwound,1250 Song-craft unlocked, which I joyfully used, With will, in the world. Of that tree of glory Often not once meditation I had, Ere that wonder I had revealed About that bright tree, as in books I found1255 In course of events, in writings declared Of that beacon of victory. Ay till then was the man With care-waves oppressed, a nickering pine-torch[C], Though he in the mead-hall treasures received, Apples of gold. [53] Mourned for his bow[Y]1260 The comrade of sorrow[N], suffered distress, His secret constrained, where before him the horse[E] Measured the mile-paths, with spirit ran Proud of his ornaments. Hope[W] is decreased, Joy, after years, youth is departed,1265 The ancient pride. The bison[U] was once The gladness of youth. Now are the old days In course of time gone forever, Life-joy departed, as ocean[L] flows by, Waves hurried along. To each one is wealth [54][F]1270 Fleeting 'neath heaven, treasures of earth Pass 'neath the clouds likest to wind, When before men it mounts up aloud, Roams 'round the clouds, raging rushes, And then all at once silent becomes,1275 In narrow prison closely confined, Strongly repressed. So passes this world, And likewise besides what things [55] have been In it produced flame will consume, When the Lord himself judgment will seek1280 With host of angels. Every one there Of speech-bearing men the truth shall hear Of every deed through mouth of the Judge, And likewise of words the penalty pay Of all that with folly were spoken before,1285 Of daring thoughts. Then parts into three Into clutch of fire each one of folk, Of those that have dwelt in course of time Upon the broad earth. The righteous shall be Upmost-in flame, host of the blessed,1290 Crowd eager for glory, as they may bear it, And without torment easily suffer, Band of the brave. For them shall be moderate The brightness of flame, [56] as it shall be easiest, Softest for them. The sinful shall be,1295 Those spotted with evil, compressed in the middle, Men sad-in-mind, within the hot waves Smothered with smoke. The third part shall be, Accursèd sinners, in the flood's abyss, False folk-haters, fastened in flame1300 For deeds of old, gang of the godless In grip of the gledes. To God never more From that place of torment come they in mind, To the King of glory, but théy shall be cast From that terrible fire to the bottom of hell,1305 The workers of woe. To the [other] two parts It will be unlike. They may angels' Lord, Victories' God, see. Théy shall be cleansed, Sundered from sins, as smelted gold, That is in the flame from every spot1310 Through fire of the oven thoroughly cleansed, Freed and refined. So shall each of those men Be freed and made pure from every sin, From heavy crimes through fire of that doom. Then afterwards théy may peace enjoy,1315 Eternal bliss. To them angels' Warden Shall be mild and gentle, for that théy every evil Despised, sins' work, and to Son of their Maker They called with words. Hence in beauty they shine now Like to the angels, the heritage have1320 Of the King of glory for ever and ever. Amen.