Elene Translation
Another poem in progress. Elene is the story of the Invention of the True Cross.
Saturday, August 7, 2010

<h3>Elene Introduction</h3>

Elene is one of four poems attributed with some confidence to Cynewulf, a poet whose name is only deduced through a runic signature embedded in the concluding lines of the poem. Nothing more specific is known about him, and there is much disagreement about what evidence does exist. He is thought to have been composing in the early 9th century.

Elene is the fifth poetic text in the Vercelli Book (found on fol. 121a-133b), a mid- to late tenth-century religious miscellany currently located in Vercelli Cathedral in northern Italy. The story is a dramatic retelling of the legend of St. Helena, the British mother of Constantine, the first Christian emperor of Rome, who is reputed to have found the True Cross.

The poem is a eclectic combination of battles, miracles and legal procedure, rife with the virulent anti-Semitism that often accompanied medieval stories of the Crucifixion. Elene is nonetheless a compelling story of the power of religious women and provides an important picture of the relations between the Christian, Jewish and pagan worlds, as well as an image of Old English ideals of empire and the passage of history. It also provides an unsettling glance at the use of force and torture in pursuit of ideological truth that is all-too relevant in our time.

This translation, as well as the Anglo-Saxon Narrative Poetry Project and its affiliated works, are copyrighted by Aaron Hostetter, and may not be published or reproduced on any other website without my express permission. Citation for scholarly review or critique, or other uses covered by the idea of fair use, are allowed, but since this work is in progress, you should ask me first for the most up-to-date version.

If you are teaching and wish to direct your students to my pages or use parts of my translation in the class, please contact me. I would be very grateful for any comments on how the translation worked or didn't work or any other pedagogical comments that will help me shape and perfect the poem and its presentation.

I welcome and encourage any and all constructive criticism, and urge you to contact me if you find anything erroneous or improperly cited. Thank you.

<h3>Elene I</h3>

When there had passed in the circuit of years two hundred and three winters of this world, plus thirty more, accounted by numbers, in the reckoning of time, since the Sovereign God was born, the King of Glory, in middle-earth in mannish shape, the Light Sooth-Fast. Then was the sixth year of Emperor Constantine's reign, battle-first, who had been elevated into the rule of the Romans to be their leader. That man-valiant shield-protector was mercy-fast to his earls and thus the reign of that noble increased beneath the heavens. He was the rightful king, the war-guard of his men. God strengthened him with great works and power, so that he become a comfort to many men throughout middle-earth and a scourge to nations when he brandished a blade against his enemies. (1-18a)

To him was proclaimed war, the shout of warriors: the warlike Franks and Hugas had come and gathered an army of Hunnish men and the Hrethgoths. These men were stout, ready for battle: their spears were glittering, wound with linked slaughter. With words and shield-boards, the martial signal was raised. Then those hardy men were apparently united and all gathered in concord into a company of nations. The wolf in the wold chanted his war-song, not concealing the signs of slaughter. The wet-winged eagle heaved up his own song in the track of the hateful. (18b-30a)

Quickly the greatest of war-hosts hastened to the city of giants, with an army to battle, such as the king of the neighboring Huns could have commanded into combat anywhere before the greatest army of city-fighters. His infantry was augmented by bands of horsemen and it had encamped on the foreign shore of the Danube, beyond the surging water, stark-hearted and spear-playing. The army's tumult was meant to oppress the realm of the Romans, despoiling them with harriers. There the Huns' arrival became known to the city-dwellers. (30b-42a)

Then the Caesar ordered with great haste, under the arrows' flurry, his warriors be summoned unto battle beneath the heavens against the fearsome war-players, be led out for an attack. Immediately the Romans were made ready, men victory-valiant, with weapons to warfare, although they had fewer to go to battle than the Hunnish king. They rode about their renowned leader&#x2014; their shields dinned, the camp-wood resounded&#x2014; The king marched forth in a horde, an army to battle. The winging raven sang, sable and slaughter-fell. The army was on the march. The horn-bearers leapt, the heralds cried out, the horses trod the earth. The host drew together, quick to the quarrel. (42b-56a)

The emperor was afraid, affrighted by terror, after he surveyed the strangers, the army of Huns and Hrethgoths that gathered their army at the river's shore, a force uncountable on the border of the Rome-dwellers' realm. Heart-sorrow weighed upon the Roman ruler&#x2014;for the kingdom he hoped not for army-lacking&#x2014;he had too few troops, shoulder-companions to stand against the overwhelming force, bold in battle. The army camped, nobles about the prince, near the water course, about the length of a night after they had first seen their enemies' movements. (56b-68)

Then it was revealed unto Caesar himself in his sleep, where he slumbered in company, victor-strong, seeing a dreamy portent. It seemed to him beautiful in the shape of man, a white and hue-bright warrior, a someone was shown to him&#x2014; more fair than he had seen early or late under the heaven. He started up from sleep, covering himself with his boar-crest. The messenger quickly, the brilliant herald of glory, spoke and named him by his name&#x2014;the helm of night was thrown back: &#x201c;Constantine, the King of Angels has ordered that, Wielder of Fates, offers you a pledge, the Lord of Multitudes. Do not be afraid though the terror of strangers threatens you, the cruelty of battle. Look to the heavens, to the Ward of Glory, there you will find a bolster, the symbol of victory.&#x201d; (69-85a)

Constantine was instantly ready &#x2014; through that holy command, his heart-box was opened and he looked up, just as that messenger declared, the faithful peace-weaver. He saw there bright with ornaments, the beautiful tree of glory across the roof of the heavens, adorned with gold, gems were shining; The pale wood was inscribed with book-staves, bright and light: &#x201c;WITH THIS SIGN YOU WILL OVERCOME THIS TERRIBLE PERIL, AND WITHSTAND THE HATEFUL HORDE.&#x201d; Then the light departed, ventured up, the angel with it, into the crowd of the clean. The Emperor was happier for this vision and more sorrowless, the prince of warriors, in his mind for that fair sight. (85b-98)

<h3>Elene II</h3>

Likewise the shelter of noblemen ordered then, the ring-giver of warriors, just as he had seen that sign, the battle-first of his armies, that had been revealed to him, Constantine, the glory-blessed king, that token, the cross of Christ, to be wrought with the greatest haste. He commanded then in the dawning at the first of day the warriors to be roused and the weapon-clash, to heave up the sword-banners, and that holy tree to be carried before them into the crowd of their enemies, to bear the symbol of God. The trumpets sang loud before the army. The raven rejoiced these works, dewy-feathered, the eagle observed this journeying, the slaughter-cruel warriors. The wolf hove his song up, the companion of the woods. The terror of battle stood tall. (99-113)

There was the crack of shields and the pack of warriors, the harsh hand-swing and the armies' slaughtering, after they met first the spraying of missiles. Onto that fated folk the showers of arrows, spears over yellow shields onto the throng of the fearsome, the haters sword-grim, the venomous battle-darts through the power of fingers sent forth. The resolute warriors advanced, sometimes pressing forward, sometimes breaking the shield cover, piercing it with blades thronging battle-bold. Then was that plumed banner raised, the standard before the squadron, singing the cry of victory. (114-24)

The golden helmet, the spear shone on the battlefield. The heathens perished, the peaceless warriors fell. They fled forthwith, the Hunnish people, as the Roman emperor, battle-making, bade that holy tree be raised. The grim warriors were scattered. Some were consumed in battle. Some saved their lives with difficulty upon that army field. Some half-alive flew to safety, sheltering their souls beyond the cliffs of stone, in the lands they held around the Danube. Some drank down their drowning in the river-currents at the end of their lives. (125-37)

Then was the host of proud Romans desirous, harrying the foreigners from the evening unto the break of day. Their javelins flew, the serpents of battle. The throng of enemies was destroyed, the shield-troop most loathsome. Few of the Hunnish army ever arrived home again. Then it was patent that victory the Almighty King had been given unto Constantine for his day's work, judgment-worthy, the realm under the heavens, through his rood tree. (138-47)

Then departed the helm of his armies thence, exultant with plunder, honored in warfare, now that the battle was decided. Then came the shelter of warriors seeking might-bold the company of his thanes, the war-renowned emperor visiting his cities.* Then the warden of warriors ordered the wisest men quickly to council, those who had learned the craft of wisdom through ancient writings, holding the counsel of heroes with their thoughts. Then the prince began to ask of these people, the victory-bold king, across his broad army, was there anyone, old or young that could say to him, holder of the hall,* truly or reveal in speech: "What god was that, whose signal so light was revealed to me, that saved my people, brightest of tokens and gave to me glory, battle-speed against the hostiles, through that lovely tree.&#x201d; (148-65)

None of them could give an answer in reply to him, nor did they know how to speak fully and completely and clearly about that sign of victory. Then the wisest men spoke wordfully before that multitude it was the token of the Heaven-King, and of that there was no doubt. When they learned that, those that had been taught through baptism, were light of heart, rejoiced in their spirit, though there were few of them,* so that they before the Caesar might make the gift of the Gospels known, how that Helm of Souls, in threeness was worthied in majesty, was born, the King of Glory, and how he was hanged upon the cross, God's own child, before the armies in stern torments. (166-80)

This child redeemed the people from the constraints of the devil, the souls of the wretched, and gave them grace by that same object that was revealed to them in their sight, the token of victory, against the onslaught of the tribes. And how on that third day from his tomb the Glory of Warriors arose from death, the Lord of All the Kindred of Men, and climbed to the heavens. Thus wisely by means of spiritual mysteries they spoke to the victory-strong men just as they were taught by Pope Sylvester. At that moment the first of his people assumed baptism and held that faith thenceforth to the end of his days, for the sake of the Lord. (181-93)

<h3>Elene III</h3>

Then was the dispenser of treasure joyful, the battle-bold king. A new elation was granted his spirit; the Warden of Heaven's Realm was become his greatest of comforts and nearest of hopes. He began then make the Lord's law known by day and by night eagerly by ghostly grace, and the gold-friend of men applied himself truly in the service of God, quick and famed with the spear. Then the nobleman found, the protector of the people, war-stern, spear-bold, in God's books by lore-smiths where the Wielder of the Heavens through guile in envy was hanged upon the rood tree, amid the tumult of the crowd, just as the old fiend had seduced them with his lying wiles, led astray the Jewish kind, so that they crucified God himself, the First of Armies. Afterwards, in shame they must endure damnation to the width of their lives. (194-211)

Then was the praise of Christ in the heart of the emperor, henceforth mindful of that famous tree, and he ordered his mother then to fare the earth-ways with a throng of his people unto Judea, to eagerly seek out with a force of warriors where that tree of glory, holy under the earth, was hidden, the noble king's cross. Elene did not wish to be reluctant to this journey, nor did she despise the word of the will-giver, her own son, but was ready immediately, a woman on the good journey, just as the helm of armies, of armored warriors, had bidden her. (212-24)

Then speedily began the multitude of nobles to hurry to the sea. The billow-horses stood ready about the bank of the ocean, the sea-steeds moored, near to the water. Then was the woman's journey well evident, since the army's defender sought out the waves. There many proud men stood on the shores of the <em>Mare Nostrum</em>.* At times, they pressed on across the marked path, one force after another, and then they loaded the wave-stallions with battle-serks,* shields and spears, byrnied warriors, both men and women. Then they caused the brim-ship to glide across the giant's foamy wave. The deck often took on the blows of the waves across the blending of oars; the sea thundered. Never have I heard before or since that a woman led a fairer force upon the water's current, over the sea's street. (225-42)

There one could have seen, that looked upon that journey, the breaking over the bath-way, the hurrying salt-wood under the swelling sail,* the playing of the sea-horses, the wading wave-floaters. The warriors were blithe, courage-hearted&#x2014;the queen rejoiced of her journey. Afterwards to harbor the whorled prows had sailed across the water's fastness into the Greek lands. They stepped off their keeled ships at the sea-shore, beaten by the sand, old wave-houses fastened by their anchors to wait upon the ocean the fate of warriors, when she, that queen of warfare with her throng of men, might seek to journey again over the east-ways.* (243-55)

There was clearly visible upon an earl the linked mail and the tested sword, the magnificent battle equipment, many visored helmets, the peerless boar-crest. The ash-warriors were soldiers about their victory-queen, eager for the journey. Bold warband warriors, the heralds of the emperor had desired to fare into the Greek lands, the men of battle, adorned in ornaments. There was seen many a worthy gem set upon that army-throng the gift of their lord. Triumph-blessed Elene was mindful, bold in her thought, of the desire of the prince eager in her heart so that she, across the army-fields should seek the Jewish land with her band of proven shield-warriors, her group of men. Just as it since happened in a little time that the people's force the war-bold heroes came unto Jerusalem into that city in the greatest of armies, earls spear-brave, amid those nobles their queen (256-75)

<h3>Elene IV</h3>

Elene ordered then the city-sitters to be commanded, the wisest among them, broad and wide throughout Israel, every one among the men, council-talking, to come unto a moot, those that knew the deepest mysteries of the Lord through expounding correctly the Law. Then was gathered from the far-ways no small force, those that knew how to expound the law of Moses. There by number were selected three thousand of those nation to teach. Then the dear woman wordfully spoke to Hebrew men: (276-87)

&#x201c;I have understood fully through the cryptic words of the prophets in the books of God that you all in years past were precious to the Glory-King, dear to the Lord and deed-bold. Listen! Unwisely you spurned all wisdom in wrath, then you cursed him so that he through his glorious power thought to free you all from damnation, from a flaming death, and a close custody. You all with spittle spewed into the face of him that made the light of your eyes and made a cure for blindness with his own noble sputum, and who often saved you all from the unclean spirits of devils. (288-302a)

&#x201c;You doomed him to death who himself wakened from death the world in bands of men in the olden life of your own kin. So you began, heart-blind, to mix up lies for truth, light with darkness, envy with honor, with guileful thoughts wove yourselves a wrong. For that damnation harms you guiltfully. You judged that radiant power and lived that error in dark thoughts, until this day. Now go forth quickly, consider your counselors, skillful and wise-fast men, crafty in their words, those that have your law first in their noble hearts, they know how to say to me truly, to reveal an answer on your behalf for every token that I will seek of them.&#x201d; (302b-19)

Then they went away sorrow-minded, earls skilled in the law, tormented with terror, with anxiety of sorrow, eager to seek out those wisest in wordy mysteries, so that they could answer the queen whether good or evil, just as she sought from them. Then they found one thousand men in a band, wise-souled, those among the Jews that knew most completely the olden memories. Then they gathered in a group where the Caesar's kinswoman awaited in majesty upon her throne, the magnificent war-queen adorned in gold. (320-31)

Elene spoke and before those nobles said: &#x201c;Listen, wise-minded men, to holy secrets, both words and wisdom. So, you all have assumed the teaching of your prophets, how he, the Life-First, would be born in the shape of a child, the Wielder of Might. Concerning whom Moses sang, and spoke that word, Israel's guard: &#x2018;Born among you shall be a boy in secret, famous of might, so his mother with fruiting will not be conceived through men's love.&#x2019; (332-41)

&#x201c;Of him David king, of that noble lineage, sang forth, wise prophet of old and the father of Solomon, and spoke that word, the prince of warriors: &#x2018;I have looked upon the God of Beginnings before, the Lord of Victories. He was in my sight, Sovereign of Powers, upon my right hand, the Herdsman of Majesty. I will never turn my face thence forever.&#x2019; (342-49)

&#x201c;So also Isaiah the prophet spoke wordfully concerning you all, before the multitude, deep-thinking through the spirit of the Lord: &#x2018;I raised up my young children and gave birth to sons, to whom I gave prosperity, holy comfort of mind, but they despised me, hating me by fiend-ship, having no forethought, no wit of wisdom; and the wretched cattle, that one drives and goads every day, understand their benefactor, not at all by the grief-wrack do they hate their friend that gives them their fodder, and never have the folk of Israel wished to acknowledge me though I have done many wonders for them in this world.&#x2019;&#x201d; (350-63)

<h3>Elene V</h3>

&#x201c;So&#x2014;we have heard this through the holy books that the Lord gave you renown not-ignoble; the Maker gave you plenty of power. He said unto Moses how you must heed the Heaven-King, and perform his teachings. Soon this vexed you, and you had opposed the Righteous One, rejecting the Radiant Shaper of us all, the Lord of Lords, and persisting in error over the rightness of God. Now go swiftly and find again those men that best know the ancient books by craft of wisdom, your law-rights, that know how to say answers to me through their broad spirits.&#x201d; (364-76)

Then the proud-hearted went back in a band, mind-sorrowing, just as the queen ordered them to. They found five hundred prescient men, selected from among their companions, who held the most learning-craft through heart's memory, in the wisdom of their spirits. They were invited to the hall again in very little time, the wardens of the city. The queen began to address them wordfully, looking over them all. (377-85)

&#x201c;Often you have performed foolish deeds, cursed wrack-kin, and despised the writing, the teaching of your fathers, but never more than now when you rejected the cure for your blindness, and you withsake the truth and the right, that the son of the Wielder was born in Bethlehem, the only Son and King, the Greatest of Nobles. Although you know the law, the words of the prophets, you do not wish to recognize, sin-working, the truth.&#x201d; (386-95)

The wise Jews then answered her with one heart: &#x201c;Listen, we have learned the Hebrew law, which in days past our fathers have known at the Ark of God. We do not readily know so far why you are severely wrathful with us, lady. We know not what sin that we have performed in this folk-share, nor any great evil we have made against you.&#x201d; (396-403)

Elene spoke and before those earls said, the woman addressed them plainly, loud before the multitude: &#x201c;Go away quickly now, and apart seek out the wise among you, those who have the most power and mind-craft, bold enough to reveal honestly every thing that I ask them.&#x201d; (404-10)

Then they went away from the council, just as the mighty queen, bold among the cities, had commanded them do. Sorrow-minded, eagerly considering, they sought with the crafty thinkers what sin it might be that, in that people, they might have done against the Caesar, of which that queen accused them. Then there before the nobles, one spoke up, ready-wise in his songs, crafty of words&#x2014; his name was Judas: &#x201c;I know readily that she wishes to ask about that victory-tree upon which the Wielder of Nations suffered, lacking of all sins, God's own son, who guiltless of any crime, through hate our fathers was hanged on a high beam in former-days. That was a terrible thought! (411-26a)

&#x201c;Now there is much need that we firmly establish our spirits, that we do not become an informer to that murder, nor to where that holy tree was buried after the battle-strife, unless we should destroy the wise and ancient writings and forsake the teaching of our fathers. It will not be long after that that the lineage of Israel or the belief of our earls will be possible to reign any longer across middle-earth if this become known. So said my grandfather, victory-strong, he was called Sachius, a wise and aged prophet, to my own father and my father unto his son, when he departed from this world, he spoke to me this word: (426b-440)

&#x2018;If it happens to you in the days of your life that you hear wise men asking about the holy tree, rearing up strife about that victory-tree upon which the True King was hanged, the Warden of Heaven's realm, Warrior of All Peace, then you must reveal it quickly, my dear son, before killing seizes you. Never after that can the Hebrew people, deliberating counsel, hold reign or rule over the multitude, except that they shall live forever and ever filled with joy of the majesty and the lordship&#x2014; they will praise and love the hanging king.&#x2019;&#x201d; (441-53)

<h3>Elene VI</h3>

&#x201c;Then I gave answer boldly unto my father, the old law-counselor: &#x2018;How could it happen in this worldly realm that our fathers would wish to send by their hands upon that Holy One unto the soul-fire through wrathful understanding if they knew beforehand that he was the Christ, the King in the heavens, the true Son of the Maker, the Savior of Souls?&#x2019;&#x201d; (454-61)

&#x201c;Then my elder replied to me, wise of spirit, my father speaking: &#x2018;Think, young man, about the high-power of God, the name of the Redeemer. That word is unspeakable by any mortal man, nor can man discover it by oneself upon the mould-way. Never did I seek those counsels that those people wished to seek, but always did I hold myself aloof from those sins, working no shame at all in my spirit. I, often and eagerly, made contest against the unrighteous, when the wise elders held debate, seeking in their souls how they might hang up the Son of the Maker, the Helm of Men, The Lord of All, of angel and man, the Child most noble. Nor could they so foolishly afflict him with death, men accursed, as they had intended before, to beset him with wounds, although he after awhile on the gallows sent forth his soul, the Victorious Son of God.&#x2019;&#x201d; (462-81a)

&#x201c;&#x2018;Then from the cross the Wielder of the Heavens was lifted, the Majesty of All Majesties, and three nights later he was waiting in his tomb under the close of darkness, and upon the third day, the Light of All Lights arose, Princes of Angels, and before his thanes, the True Lord of Victories, revealed himself, bright of joy.&#x2019;&#x201d; (481b-89a)

&#x201c;&#x2018;Then your brother took on after a time the bath of baptism, the radiant belief. Then for the love of the Lord, Stephen was stoned to death; he yielded not evil for evil, but trouble-strong spoke for his olden enemies, begging the Triumph-King that he not set those woe-deeds upon the Jews as their punishment&#x2014;that they out of envy deprived a unguilted man of his life, free from sin, by Saul's lesson, just as he through fiend-ship judged many of Christ's folk to death. Yet again the Lord showed mercy to him, so that he became a comfort to many people, afterwards the God of Creation The Savior of Men, changed his name and he after that was called Saint Paul by name, and there was never another better law-learned man than him under the shelter of the skies ever since, born of woman or man in this world, although he bade Stephen to be killed with stones upon the hill, your own brother.&#x2019;&#x201d; (489b-510)

&#x201c;&#x2018;Now you can hear, my dear man, how honor-fast is the Sovereign of All, though we often make crime against him by the wound of sins, if we soon make remedy for our harmful deeds and desist from transgressions again. Therefore I truly and my dear father since believe that the God of All Majesties suffered, the Teacher of Life, with hateful torments for the over-need of men. Therefore I will teach you through mystery-songs, my dearest boy, so that you will never do blasphemy, envy nor wicked accusations, grim responses against God's Child. Then you will merit the eternal life that will be given to you in heaven, the best victory-prize.&#x2019;&#x201d; (511-27)

&#x201c;Thus my father in former-days taught me wordfully, ungrown, instructing me with true sayings&#x2014;his name was Simon, a man wise through anxiety. Now you all know readily what seems best to you to reveal, if this queen of ours inquires about that tree, now you know my soul's understanding and my heart-thoughts.&#x201d; (528-35)

Then the wisest among that group of men spoke in reply to Judas, wordfully: &#x201c;Never have we heard of any warrior among this nation, no other thane except you who now makes it known about such a secret event. Do what seems best, you wise in ancient-songs, if you are asked in that company of men. That man needs wisdom, sly words, and the perspicuity of a prophet, who must give answer to that noble woman before such an army at council.&#x201d; (536-46)

<h3>Elene VII</h3>

The words of speeches multiplied, and men counseled about either half, some hither, some thither, deliberating and pondering. Then came a company of thanes to that warlike assembly. The heralds called out, the messengers of Caesar: &#x201c;The queen invites you warriors to the hall, so that you may rightly relate your assembly's judgment. There is need of your advice at the moot-hall, your heart's wisdom.&#x201d; They were ready, sad-souled princes of the people, when they were invited by hard commandment; to go to the house, to prove the power of their craft. (547-58a)

Then the queen began to address the Hebrew men with words, asking the soul-weary about their ancient writings, how in the world their prophets sang before, ghost-holy men, about the Child of God, where the Prince suffered, the True Son of the Maker, for the souls' love. They were stiff, harder than stone&#x2014;they did not wish to make known that mystery nor speak any answer to her, her bitter enemies, of anything she asked them, yet they gave exception to every word, fixed in their purpose, which she asked them. They said that they had never heard, early or late, any whit of such things in their lives. (558b-72)

Elene spoke and said to them in wrath: &#x201c;I wish to speak a truth unto you all, and this will never become a lie upon my life: if you who stand before me persist longer in these lies, with shameful untruths, a blazing pyre will grasp you on the hilltop, the hottest of battle-flames, and the bouncing fires will destroy your raw flesh. Your lies must lead you unto a world's parting. Nor can you prove these words that you have for a while now unrightly covered beneath an unclean corner, nor can you conceal these deeds, nor obscure their deep power.&#x201d; (573-84a)

Then they were anticipating their deaths, their pyre and their life's end, and there they handed over one of them ready-witted of lore&#x2014; he was named Judas by his kinsmen&#x2014; him they gave unto the queen, saying that he was exceptionally wise: &#x201c;He can make known the truth to you, draw back the mystery of events, just as you wordfully ask him, the law from its beginning forth unto the end. He is on earth of noble kindred, wise of word-craft and a prophet's son, bold in assembly. It is innate to him that he has keen answers and skill in his breast. He will reveal to you before this mingling of men, the gift of wisdom, through great power, just as your mind desires.&#x201d; (584b-97)

Elene allowed everyone to seek their own homes in peace, and held Judas alone as a hostage, and then eagerly commanded him to rightfully teach her about that cross that had been long secreted in its grave, and she called him apart on his own. Elene spoke to that lone man, the glory-blessed queen: &#x201c;There are two ways ready for you, either life or death, just as whichever you prefer to choose.* Now quickly reveal to which condition you wish to consent.&#x201d; (598-608)

Judas spoke with her&#x2014;he could not avoid that sorrow nor avert the lady's malice, for he was in the queen's power&#x2014; &#x201c;How can it be for one treading the wilderness, miserable and meat-lacking in the wasteland, pressed by hunger, and then he happens upon a loaf and a stone both together in his sight, hard and soft, so that he grabs the stone as a comfort against his hunger, heeding not the bread, turning toward starvation, and renouncing the meal, scorning the better of the two, when he has both at hand?&#x201d; (609-18)

<h3>Elene VIII</h3>

Then blessed Elene plainly gave him answer before her earls: &#x201c;If you wish to have a home in heaven-realm with the angels as well as a life here on earth, victory's recompense in the sky, say to me quickly where that cross of the Heaven-King abides, holy under the soil, that you all have concealed for some time, through men of murder with evil deeds. (?) (619-26)

Judas's soul was sadder, hot about his heart, and woe was at both ends, whether he relinquished both hope for heaven's realm in his mind and this present rule under the skies, or whether he did not then reveal the Cross, as he spoke: &#x201c;How can I find what has been so long since missing in the course of winters? It is now a great number; two hundred years or more reckoned by count have hastened away. I can not relate it nor do I know that exact number. There are now many wise and good counselors that have come before us, keen-witted men. I was born in my youth in a later time afterwards, a boy-young man. I know not what I know not, nor may I find in my spirit what occurred so long ago.&#x201d; (627-41)

Elene spoke to him in reply: &#x201c;How does it happen that among this human nation that you know so fully in your memory all the individual deeds of the Trojans done through battle? That was much further ago, the open ancient struggle, than was this noble occurrence, by the course of years. You readily know how to relate it quickly, what slaughters there were in body count, what spear-playing warriors were fallen in death, under the shelter of shields. You have set it in writing the tombs beneath the stone cliffs and their location as well, and the count of winters.&#x201d; (642-54)

Judas spoke, bearing his sorrow-sadness: &#x201c;We remember, my lady, those army-works clearly out of necessity, and we have committed that warrior-strife to writing, the bearing of nations, but we have never heard of this cross through the mouth of any man, to be revealed to men except here and now.&#x201d; (655-61)

The noble queen gave him answer: &#x201c;You deny too strongly the truth and the right concerning that Tree of Life, and you said just a little while ago truly about the victory-tree among your people, and now you turn to a lie.&#x201d; (662-66)

Judas replied to her, saying that he spoke about it in sorrow and in the greatest doubt, believing that humiliating affliction awaited him. Quickly Caesar's kinswoman spoke to him: &#x201c;So, we have heard it, through the holy books revealed to men of the Prince-Child of the King who was hanged on Calvary, God's own Spirit-son. You must wholly inform this wisdom, just as the writings tell, concerning that place where the location of Calvary may be found, before a killing seize you, a death for your sins, so that I can cleanse that place afterwards, by the desire of Christ and as a service to men, so that Holy God may fulfill, the Mighty Prince, the purpose of my heart and my only desire, the Glory-Giver of Armies, the Comforter of Souls.&#x201d; (667-82a)

To her Judas spoke, stiff-hearted: &#x201c;I don't know anything about that place, and of neither the field nor the matter know I one whit.&#x201d; (682b-84)

Elene responded with an angry heart: &#x201c;I swear by the Son of the Maker, the Hanged God, that you must be killed by hunger before your kinsmen, unless you abandon these lyings and patently reveal to me the truth!&#x201d; (685-90)

Then she ordered her companions to lead him still living and shove him in his guilt&#x2014;her servants made no delay&#x2014; into a dry well, where he, lacking support, dwelt for the space of seven nights in his sorrow under the harm-closure, tortured by hunger, clung to with chains. Upon the seventh day, he began to call out, exhausted with hurts, miserable and meat-lacking; his strength was sapped: &#x201c;I beseech you by the God of the Heavens, that you allow me up from these torments, humbled from the pains of hunger. I will eagerly reveal that Holy Tree, now I can conceal it no longer out of hunger. This imprisoning is too much, this cruel compulsion so severe and this pain too harsh in my count of days. I can no longer withstand it, nor hide that Tree of Life, although I was before driven through with foolishness&#x2014; now I realize the truth myself too late.&#x201d; (691-708)

<h3>Elene IX</h3>

When Elene, wielding power over her warriors, heard of Judas's bearing, she quickly ordered that he be allowed up from the nearness and from the constraining chasm, up from that cruel house. This her men immediately carried out, and they mercifully let him up from his imprisonment, just as the queen had commanded. Then they stepped stout-hearted to that place upon the hill that the Lord had before been hanged, Heaven-realm's Warden, the God-Child, on the gallows. However, he knew not readily, humbled through hunger, where that Holy Rood, through the fiend's wiles was covered by the earth, it remained in its bed, its death-rest, for a long time, secreted fast from the people. Judas lofted up a word, revealing his courage, and he spoke in Hebrew: (709-24)

&#x201c;Redeeming Lord, you that owns power over all judgment, and you that worked through the might of your glory heaven and earth and the tempestuous waves, the embrace of the broad sea, together with all creation. And you measure out with your hands the entire firmament and the high-heavens, and you yourself sit, Wielder of Victories, over the most noble of angel-kin, who fare throughout the skies wound in light&#x2014;great is their power and majesty. Nor can the kindred of men climb up there from the earth-ways in their body-house amid the illuminated host, the heralds of glory. You have created them and set them into your service, holy and heavenly. (725-42)

&#x201c;Among them there are six orders named in perpetual joy, those who are surrounded by and adorned with six wings, shining in fairness. Among them there are four who in flight eternally observe the majestic service before the face of the Eternal Deemer, singing forevermore in glory with a clear voice the praises of the Heaven-king, the lovely spirit of songs, and they speak these words with voices unstained&#x2014;their name is the Cherubim: &#x2018;Blessed is the holy God of the High-angels, the Wielder of Armies! Filled with glory is the heaven and earth and the high-majesty is revealed in glory!&#x2019; There are two more among them, victory-kin in the sky, that men call Seraphim by name. One must hold Paradise-plain and the holy Tree of Life with a fiery sword. The hardened edge quakes, the patterned blade shivers, and it alters its shade in his terrifying grip. (743-59a)

&#x201c;These things you, Lord God, will wield forever&#x2014;and you cast out the foolish, the guilt-working, the sinful wretches from the heavens. Then that accursed shoal beneath the shadow-house must be felled to the earth, in a damnation of torments, where they now endure within the welling flame, the killing agony in the embrace of dragons, encased in the darkness. He withsook your judging sovereignty&#x2014; therefore he must suffer in miseries, foulest of all foulness, and stained endure a slave's bondage. There he cannot, cast away your word, the author of all sin, fastened in tortures, bound in pain. (759b-71)

&#x201c;Should it be your will, Ruler of Angels, that he shall govern who was hung upon the cross, who through Mary was conceived in middle-earth in the form of a child, the Prince of Angels&#x2014; and if he were not your sinless son, he never would have performed so many true miracles in this world's realm during the count of his days; nor would you have awakened him from death so gloriously, Wielder of Peoples, before the masses, if he were not the child of your glory through that illuminated woman&#x2014;do it now, Father of Angels, show forth your sign. Just as you obeyed that blessed man, Moses at prayer, so that you, God of Might, revealed unto that noble man at that seasonable time under the mountainous slope the bones of Joseph, so I wish to entreat you, Joy of Hosts, should it be your will, through that bright creation, so that gold-hoard be revealed, that was hidden long ago. (772-92a)

&#x201c;Let there rise up now, First of Life, a breeze-bouncing smoke from this blessed spot of land beneath the orbit of the heavens. I will believe in you the better the more firmly I establish my spirit, my hope unwavering upon the crucified Christ, so that he might truly be the Savior of my soul, Eternal Almighty, the King of Israel, who will rule perpetual mansions of Glory in the heavens for ever and ever without end.&#x201d; (792b-801)

<h3>Elene X</h3>

Then from that very spot a vapor arose, such a smoke beneath the heavens. There was lifted the man's breast-heart. With both hands raised high, he clapped, blessed and law-wise. Judas spoke, astute in thought: &#x201c;Now I have perceived in my obstinate mind that you are truly the Healer of Middle-earth. Let there be, God of Powers sitting in majesty, praises without end that you have revealed to me through your glory, so miserable and sin-wrought, the mysteries of fate. (802-12)

&#x201c;Now I wish to ask you, Child of God, Joy-Giver to Armies, now that I know that you were revealed and conceived the Majesty of all Kings, to be mindful of my faults no more, O Creator, which I have done no few times against you. Allow me, God of Might, to abide amid some portion of the blessed among the reckoned number of your kingdom, in their bright city where my brother is honored in glory, Stephen, who held a pledge with you, and though he was killed by stoning, he has the reward of warriors, the profit without cease. There is revealed in books of scripture the wonders that he wrought.&#x201d; (813-26)

Then joyful Judas dug into the earth, resolute in his courage, after that Tree of Glory under the covering of turf, so that at a depth of twenty feet he found the hidden treasure deep below the abyss, hidden beneath its dark coffer. He discovered there three crosses together in that sorrowful home, buried in the dirt just as they had been covered over with earth in days gone by, by a impious band, the kin of Judea. They heaved up their malice against God's child&#x2014;they never would have unless they had heeded the lessons of the Author of Crimes. (827-38)

Then was Judas's heart-thoughts greatly elated, his mind strengthened, his inner heart inspired by that holy tree, after seeing that symbol holy beneath the earth. He grasped with his hands the joy-beam of glory, and heaved it up among the army from its earthen grave. The strangers went forth on foot, nobles into the city. (839-45)

Then they set down the three victory-beams, apparent to see, before the knee of Elene, warriors resolute and courageous. The queen rejoiced in her heart's mind and inquired of them upon which of those crosses it was that the Wielder's Son, the holy Giver of Hope was hanged. &#x201c;So,we have heard it through blessed books, revealed by signs, that two others suffered with him, and he was the third himself upon the rood tree. All the heavens darkened at that cruel moment. Say, if you know, upon which of these three the Prince of Angels, suffered, the Guardian of Majesty.&#x201d; (846-58)

Nor could Judas clearly reveal to her, for he knew not readily, upon which of those Triumph-trees the Savior had been hanged, the Victorious Child of God&#x2014;not before he ordered them to be set up in the middle of that famous city, trees amid the tumult, and there waited until the King Almighty should unveil a miracle before the multitude, about the Tree of Glory. (859-66)

They sat down, the counsel-deliberators triumph-famous, and lifted up a song about the three crosses until the ninth hour, when they felt a fresh joy, an encounter with glory. Then there came no small crowd of people, a throng of men, bringing a young man upon a bier recently without spirit, having had traveled onwards. It was the ninth hour. (867-74a)

Then was Judas greatly elated in his mind. He ordered that they set down the soulless man, the body deprived of life and unstirring, upon the ground and, deep-thinking, heaved up two of those crosses, the revealer of right spirit-wise, in his embrace over that fated house. The body was still dead, just as before, a corpse fast upon its couch. His limbs cooled, covered over by that cruel necessity. (874b-83a)

Then the third cross was raised, blessed. The corpse was waiting until the beam of that Noble was reared over him, the Heaven-King's, the true Symbol of Victory. The man immediately arose, equipped with his soul&#x2014;together both together&#x2014;body and soul. There were praises sent high fair amid the folk. The Father was worthied and the True Son of the Sovereign was praised wordfully. Let glory and thanks be his eternally without end from all of creation! (883b-93)

<h3>Elene XI</h3>

Then were those miracles, which the Lord of Armies, the Teacher of Life, had wrought as a soul-saving for the kindred of humans, for the folk remembering in their spirit, as they ever must do.* Then there the deceitful fiend rose hovering on the wind. Then this hell-devil began to cry out, a terrible demon, mindful of evil things: (894-901)

&#x201c;What man is this, huh&#x2014;who again destroys my retinue through this ancient conflict, increasing the old enmity, robbing me of my possessions? This is a perpetual strife&#x2014; evil-doing souls are not allowed to dwell in my keeping for long. Now comes this stranger, who I had accounted before fixed in his sins&#x2014; now he has deprived me of all of my rights and my rents. This is no fair journey. (902-10)

&#x201c;The Savior has done me many harms, many grievous grudges, he who was reared in Nazareth. As soon as he grew from childhood, he always turned my possessions over to them. Nor may any now succeed by right. His realm is broad across middle-earth. Mine is reduced, my authority under the heavens. I don't need that cross to be praised in exultation. (911-19a)

&#x201c;Harumph! The Savior has often closed me in a narrow house, as miserable pain! I had been hopeful through a Judas before, and now I am humbled, lacking my goods also through this Judas, flecked and friendless. Immediately I know how to find redress afterwards through slanderous words&#x2014; from the houses of the accursed I will awake against you another king, who will persecute your people, and he will abandon your teachings and follow my wicked practices and then he will send you into the darkest and worst of terrible torments, so that you, afflicted with pains, renounce firmly the Hanged King, whom you once obeyed.&#x201d; (919b-33)

Wise-minded Judas answered him then, a warrior bold for battle &#x2014;the Holy Ghost was firmly commended to him, his fire-hot love wisdom welling through the wisdom of prophets&#x2014; and spoke with a word, filled with wisdom: &#x201c;You need not so strongly renew your wounds and raise a conflict, evil lord of murders, mindful of your sins, so that the Mighty King he who wakens many of the dead with one word, hurls you, sin-working and reft of glory, down into the abyss, into the ground of torment. Know more readily that you have relinquished unwisely the brightest light and the love of the Lord, that joy more fair and afterwards dwelled in a flaming bath encircled with torments and burnt with fire and there you must always, contrary-thinking, endure damnation, a misery without an end.&#x201d; (934-52a)

Elene heard how the fiend and her friend raised battle, on two sides, the glory-blessed and the wicked, the sinning and the innocent. Her heart was gladder because she heard that hell-harmer overcome, the dispenser of crimes, and then she marveled at the wisdom of Judas, how he was so full of faith in such a short time, and formerly so ignorant, now endowed with such wisdom. She thanked God the Glory-King, because her desire had come to pass through the Child of God in each of two ways both in the sight of that victory-tree and of the faith that she knew so clearly, a glory-fast gift in the breast of that man. (952b-66)

<h3>Elene XII</h3>

Then was famous in that folk's borders through that human nation widely brought, the renowned morning-news&#x2014;it was a vexation to many who wished to conceal the law of the Lord&#x2014; proclaimed through the cities, embraced by the seas, in every town, that the Cross of Christ, long since buried in the earth, had been discovered, the greatest sign of triumph was heaved up before or since holy under the heavens&#x2014;and it was the most wretched of sorrows to the Jews, men accursed, most despised of fates, for they could not turn it away for the world&#x2014;a joy to all Christians. (967-79)

Then throughout her noble forces the queen commanded messengers to hasten quickly to the journey. They must seek the lord of the Rome-dwellers themselves across the low-bottomed seas and speak to that warrior of the greatest of joyous news, that that victory's token was found through the grace of the Maker, discovered in the earth, that had been hidden many seasons, to spite blessed Christian folk. (980-88a)

Then the mind of that king was elated by that famous word, rejoicing in spirit. There was no lack in the cities of questioning men in gold-shirts carried from afar. For Constantine the greatest of comforts in the world was his at that joyous news, which the war-counselors, the messengers had brought across the east-ways&#x2014;how they had made safe journey over the swan-road, the warriors with their triumphant queen into Grecian lands. The Caesar ordered them to ready themselves for the journey again with great haste. The men delayed not after hearing his prompt answer, the word of the noble man. (988b-1002a)

He ordered that greeting be offered to war-renowned Elene, if they survived the ocean and were allowed to make safe passage, those heroes active-minded, to that holy city. Constantine also commanded the messengers to order her to build a church there on that hilly slope on the advice of them both, the temple of the Lord on Calvary for Christ's sake, as an assistance to men where the holy cross was discovered, the most famous of trees which ground-dwellers had asked about upon the earth-way. Elene performed such, after her kinsmen brought these glad tidings from the west across the fastness of the waves. (1002b-16)

Then the queen ordered them separately to seek out those best schooled in their craft, those that knew how to work most wondrously in the stone-cutter's art, to build the temple of God in that place, just as the Ward of Souls had spoken to her from the heavens. She then commanded the cross to be adorned with gold and the kindred of gems, with the most noble of precious jewels surrounded with crafty skill and locked up with a clasp inside a silver vessel. That Tree of Life, best of the Victory-beams, afterwards it abode there inviolable* in its excellence. There it will be always a ready support for the weak of health, for all torments, conflict and sorrow. Immediately they there through that holy creation will find help and the divine grace. (1017-32a)

Likewise Judas took on after an appointed period of time the bath of baptism, and was cleansed, faithful to Christ, the beloved Life-Guardian. His belief grew fast in his heart, after the Spirit of Comfort inhabited the house within that man's breast, encouraging him to repentance. He chose the better, the joy of glory, and forsook the worse, the worship of idols, and gave over heresy, the unrighteous law. For him was the eternal Rex,* the mild Creator, God, the Wielder of Might. (1032b-42)

<h3>Elene XIII</h3>

Then Judas was baptized who was at many times before prepared for the light&#x2014;* His heart was inspired into that better life, changed to glory. Indeed, fate had found that he was so full of faith and he must become so dear to God in the world-realm, so pleasing to Christ. It became well known when Elene ordered Eusebius, Rome's bishop, to be brought to the holy city, a fore-wise man, as an aid in the counsel debate with a troop of warriors, so that Judas could be established in the priest-hood in Jerusalem for his people, as the bishop within the city through the gift of spirit to the temple of God, chosen for his skills&#x2014;and she renamed him &#x201c;Cyriacus&#x201d; through wise thought. This man's name was changed afresh afterwards in the cities to that better one: &#x201c;the Law of the Savior.&#x201d; (1043-62a)

Then the mind of Elene was frequently mindful about the famous fate of those nails that pierced the Savior's feet and hands likewise, by which upon the cross was the Sovereign of the Sky, the Mighty Prince fastened. The Queen of Christians asked about them and bade Cyriacus that, yet again, by the powers of his soul he would fulfill her desire about that wonderful event, revealing those glorious graces, and that word she spoke to the bishop, boldly addressing him: (1062b-72)

&#x201c;Thou rightly showed me, shelter of earls, the noble tree, the cross of the King of the Heavens, upon which he was hanged by heathen hands, the Aid of Spirits, God's own Son, the Savior of Men. Yet an anxiety for those nails reproaches me in my spirit's heart. I wish that you would find them that are still buried deeply in the earth and hidden, concealed by darkness. Ever my woeful heart sorrows and laments, and never ceases before the Father Almighty the Wielder of Armies fulfills my desire, the Savior of Men, by the arrival of those nails holy from the heights. Now you swiftly, with all humility, best of messengers, send your prayers into that bright creation, in joy of glory. ask the Majesty of Warriors that you be revealed, the Almighty King, the treasure under the earth that still is buried, it abides secretly, hidden to the multitudes.&#x201d; (1073-92)

Then the holy one began to establish his mind, inspired within his breast, the bishop of the people. Glad-minded he went forth with a crowd of god-praising men, and then Cyriacus upon Calvary eagerly bowed his face, concealing not his heart-secrets, with the might of his soul he called out to God with all humility, begged the Ward of Angels to reveal to him that unknown event in his new constraint, where upon that plain he most likely needed to turn his mind to find those nails. (1093-1103)

Then he caused a sign to spring forth, where they were gazing the Father, the Spirit of Ease, through the hue of flame exhaled upwards where those most noble nails were hidden in the earth through the counsels of men and evil cunning. Then came at once, brighter than the sun, a bouncing flame. The people saw this miracle made known by their desire-giver, then there from the darkness, just like a heavenly star or golden gems, near to the ground, the nails from the closeness shining, light from below. The people rejoiced, a force wish-exultant: they said the glory was good, all one-minded, although they were turned away from Christ before through the devil's devastation&#x2014; for a long time in error. They spoke thus: &#x201c;Now we see the token of victory for ourselves, the true miracle of God, even though we earlier renounced it amid these lyings. Now is the coming of light revealed, the course of events. Glory be to the God of Heaven-realm on the highness!&#x201d; (1104-24)

Then was gladdened he who was turned unto the cure through the Child of God, the bishop of that people, with a renewed voice. He took up those nails, frightened by their terror, and reverently brought them to his queen. Cyriacus had fulfilled all that woman's desires, just as that noble woman had commanded. Then there was a ring of cries, poured out the hot head-welling over her face&#x2014;not at all for grief the tears fell over the wire filigree. The queen's wishes were fulfilled gloriously. She with illuminated faith set them upon her knee, honored the gift, exultant in blissfulness, that was brought to her, as help to her grief. She thanked God, the Lord of Victories, of whom she knew the truth now present that was often foretold far since from before the world's start, as a comfort to mankind. Elene was fulfilled* with wisdom's gift, and the holy and heavenly spirit kept a dwelling in her noble heart, guarded her breast just as the Almighty, the Victory-child of God, protected her ever since. (1125-46)

<h3>Elene XIV</h3>

Then Elene sought sooth-fastness eagerly with the spiritual mysteries within her heart, a way to glory. Indeed, God of Armies, Father in Heaven, you helped her, Almighty King, so that the queen achieved her desire in this world. That prophecy had seen sung before by wise men of old, all after the beginning, just as it had happened in each instance. Keenly and through grace of spirit the folk-queen sought, closely and often, to what purpose might she apply those nails, best and worthily, to be a comfort to the multitudes and what might be the desire of the Lord. She ordered then that fore-wise man be fetched quickly to converse, he who knew full well his counsel through wise power, sage in his spirit, and Elene asked him what seemed best to him in his heart to perform, and approved his advice through precept. Cyriacus boldly spoke unto her: (1147-66)

&#x201c;It is appropriate that you keep the word of the Lord, O best of queens, in your heart by holy secret, and diligently observe the commandment of the King, now that God has given you the victorious success of the soul and the skill of wisdom, the Savior of Men. Order those nails to be made into a bridle for the most noble of earthen-kings and city-owners, for his horse as a bit. It shall be famous throughout middle-earth among many peoples, when at conflict he may overcome every enemy with it, when host-strong, his sword-foes seek combat on both sides, where they struggle for victory, wrathful versus wrathful. He will have success at war, victory at strife, and peace everywhere, protection in battle, he who leads before him the bridle on his steed, when war-renowned at the spear-struggle, tested among warriors, bearing shield-board and spear-point. This will be to any man an indomitable weapon of war against wretchedness. About this the prophet sang, wise in crafty thought&#x2014; his heart ran deep, the understanding of his wisdom&#x2014;and he spoke a word:

&#x2018;It shall be known that the emperor's horse will be worthied among the battle-proud for its bit and ringed-bridle. It will be a sign, named &#x201c;Holy unto God,&#x201d; and that fortunate one, he who that horse bears shall be esteemed in war.&#x2019;&#x201d; (1167-95)

Then Elene swiftly achieved all this before her earls. She ordered the bridle of the prince to be so adorned, the ring-giving warrior, and sent it to her own son as a gift, a noble offering across the ocean's stream. She then ordered together those she knew to be the best men among the Jews, the kinsmen of heroes, to come unto that holy city, into the stronghold. Then the queen taught the throng of the beloved so that they should perform fixedly the love of the Lord and peace amongst themselves likewise, friendship, sinless in their lifetime, and they heed the precepts of their teacher and Christian customs, such that Cyriacus bade them, wise of books. (1196-1211a)

So was the bishopric established fairly. Often from far away came to him the lame, the limb-sick, the ill, the halt, the wound-sorry, the leprous and the blind, the wretched, the heart-sad, and always there they found cure and health at the hands of the bishop for ever afterwards. (1211b-17a)

Then Elene gave him yet again precious gifts, when she was ready to journey again to her homeland, and she bid all the god-praising in that man-realm, men and women, to honor with their mind and might that renowned day, with heart and thought, in which the holy rood was discovered, that most famous of trees which has grown up from the earth, thriving under its leaves. Then was springtime departed except for six nights before the arrival of summer, on the kalends of May. (1217b-28a)

Let the doors of hell be shut up for all men, and those of heaven be opened wide, and revealed the eternal realm of angels, the timeless joy, and let their portion be assigned with Mary, those who keep in their mind the dearest of feast-day celebrations, of the cross under the heavens, when he the most powerful, Over-Sovereign of All, covers them with his arms. (1228b-35) <em>And so it is finished</em>.

<h3>Epilogue</h3>

Thus I have woven with word-craft&#x2014;aged and hurrying to depart this uncertain house&#x2014;and at times I have miraculously gleaned, deliberating and sifting my thoughts in the closeness of night. I did not know the truth of that rood exactly before the capacious counsel disclosed its wisdom to me into the thoughts of my mind, by that glorious power. I was stained by my deeds, wrapped up with my sins, plagued by my sorrows, bitterly fettered, surrounded by affliction&#x2014; before he bestowed his teaching to me by the light's form as a comfort to the old ones, a noble gift the Might-King measures out and begets in the memory, the brightness disclosed, and at times extended, the bone-coffer unbound, the breast-lock unwound, verse-skill unlocked, which I have enjoyed joyfully and willingly in this world. (1236-51a)*

Not once but often have I remembered that Tree of Glory before I uncovered the miracle of the bright cross, as I found it in books, in the course of events, known in writings about that Beacon of Victory. Until then man was always tossed about by the surge of grief, a sinking torch (C) even though he received treasures in the mead-hall, appled gold.* The drinking-horn (Y) grieved for his needful (N) companion, enduring its close affliction, a narrow secret, where before him his horse (E) measured the mile-paths&#x2014; the proud ran adorned with wires. Joy (W) is diminished, delight after the years&#x2014;youth is transformed, the olden pomp. The radiance of youth was formerly ours (U). Now are the year-days departed forth, after the appointed time, life-joys departed, just as the waters (L) have fled, floods driven onwards. Wealth (F) is but loaned for all under the breeze, the ornaments of this land are departed under the heavens very much like the wind, when it rises loudly before men, when it stalks along the clouds, raging as it goes and suddenly&#x2014;silence, closely constrained in its prison again, by threats trodden under foot. (1251b-76)*

So this whole world will disappear and the hungry flame will also seize those that were born here when the Lord himself seeks out judgment with an army of angels. Every one of the voice-bearers must hear correctly there about all of their deeds through the mouth of the Deemer, and they must be held to account for all of their unwise words spoken of old, their shameless thoughts. (1277-86a)

Then he will divide into thirds all of the people, those that have ever lived across the broad earth, into the embrace of fire. The truth-fast will be uppermost in that fire, the host of the blessed, that multitude eager for judgment, as they can bear it and easily endure without torments, the strength of the proud. The Lord will moderate the burning radiance for them all just as pleases him best and will be easiest to bear for them. The sinful, humans sad-minded, mingled with wickedness, will be thrown into that hot surging, tormented in the middle, overwhelmed by the fumes. The third part, the accursed sinners, and the false man-haters, will be fastened in flame, in the abyss of welling heat, through their former deeds, a school of the impious, in the grip of gledes. Never again will they come from that murder-house into the memory of God the Glory-King, yet his bitter foes shall be thrown from that fearsome fire into hell's pit. (1286b-1306a)

It will be unlike that for the other two parts&#x2014; the Lord of Angels they will be allowed to see. They will be purified, sundered from their sins, just as smelted gold which through the furnace has been entirely cleansed, refined and melted. So all of mankind will be severed and separated from their every fault, their deepest crimes, through the flames of judgment. Then they will be allowed to brook peace and the perpetual weal of the blessed. For them the Warden of Angels will be mild and blithe, for they have renounced every wickedness, their sinful deeds, and called out wordfully to the Son of the Maker. Therefore they now shine in the face just like angels, and enjoy the inheritance of the Glory-King to the fullest extent of spirit. Amen. (1306b-21)