JUDITH. Then wás to the people in the depth of their souls 895 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 turned 915 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 Saviour 920 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 find 925 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 dead 945 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 time 960 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. XII. Thén was made known among that folk, Throughout that nation widely proclaimed, The great morning-news for a grievance to many 970 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 before 975 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 queen 980 '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-sign 985 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-leaders 995 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 prepare 1000 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 work 1020 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 stones 1025 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. XIII. 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 office 1055 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 named 1060 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's 1065 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 earth 1080 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 God 1100 With all humility, prayed Warden of angels To open to him the unknown fate In his new distress, where he the nails Upon the plain Best need expect. Then caused he the token, where they were looking, 1105 The Father, hope's Spirit, in form of fire Upwards to rise, where they most noble By means of men [47] had once been hidden With secret cunning, the nails in the earth. Then suddenly came brighter than sun 1110 The playing flame. The people saw To the giver of their will [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 beneath 1115 Brilliantly glittered. The people rejoiced, The glad-minded host, spake glory to God With one accord all, though ere they were By the devil's deceit long in error, Estranged from Christ. Thus did they speak: 1120 "Ourselves now we see the token of victory, True wonder of God, that before we opposed 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 had 1130 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 fulfilled 1135 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 learnt 1140 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. XIV. Then eagerly gan she with secrets of soul Seek in her spirit by soothfastnéss The way to glory. Now God of hosts 1150 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 happened 1155 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 best 1165 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 command 1170 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 bridle 1175 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-fight 1185 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 present 1200 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 queen 1205 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 all 1220 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 mightiest 1235 Ruler of all with arm protected. Finit . [51] XV. 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 well 1240 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 found 1255 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 seek 1280 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 flame 1300 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 spot 1310 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 have 1320 Of the King of glory for ever and ever. Amen. [1] Prince's. [2] MS. ' Huns ,' but Z. reads ' Hugs .' Cf. W. [3] 'O'er land of Burgundians,' Gn. [4] Z. has no point, W. puts (;), Gn. (.) [5] 'Hurried,' Z. 3 [6] 'He,' W. [7] 'Which,' Z. [8] 'In the terrible danger,' Gn. [9] Lit. 'in like manner,' adv. [10] Add 'at the work.' [11] 'Diminished,' Gn. [12] i.e. , with precious stones. Kr. reads '(rattled strong shields).' [13] 'Gold,' Kr. 'Lord of the house,' Gn. Cf. W. [14] The Bishop of Rome. [15] Lit., 'smiths of lore.' [16] Z. supposes lacuna of one verse; W. thinks it unnecessary. [17] Lit., 'the woman.' [18] Lit., 'to the sea,' or 'sea-journey.' [19] A.-S. form retained for the sake of the accent and alliteration. [20] Lit., 'kinswoman.' The Elizabethan 'Kesar' would preserve the alliteration in this line. [21] Gn. and Z. W. omits. [22] Psalms xvi. 8, 9. [23] Isaiah i. 2, 3. [24] Gn., Z., W. [25] So W. 'Wrongs have committed,' Gm., Gn. and Z. [?] [26] W. [27] Add 'after that.' [28] Lacuna in MS., emended by Gn. [29] i.e. , 'defence, protector.' [30] Lit., 'under the lap (or bosom) of sins.' [31] MS. rex (Latin?), Z.; 'oppression of care' ( cearces ), Gn.; 'of hunger' ( ceaces ), Gm.; 'of smoke' ( rêces ), Schubert; rex = cyninges , Sievers and W. [32] Z. [33] Or, 'war,' Gn.; 'further oft,' Gm. [34] No lacuna in MS. Gn. 1 inserted one line, but Gn. 2 one word ( fêonda ), which W. prefers. Text as Z. ( fêondes ), which Sievers approves. [35] 'Mindful,' Gm. and Gn.; 'suffering,' Z. [?]. [36] Referring to the sword. [37] Gn., or 'foul,' Z. [38] Lit., 'joy-wood.' [39] Lit., 'knee.' [40] So Z.; 'rebellion for this,' W. See W.'s note. [41] Julian the Apostate, suggests Gn. [42] 'That,' relative, though it may be taken as conjunction, as Z. [43] So Z.; 'The noble wood,' Gm. and Gn. [44] Latin, rex . [45] So Z.; 'With pomp of array,' Gn. [46] Lit., 'coming.' [47] Same expression as in 1054. [48] Lit., 'will-giver,' i.e. , the queen. [49] i.e. , her ornaments of gold. [50] Gn.'s emendation. [51] Here properly ends the legend of the Finding of the Cross. The last canto contains reflections of the poet. [52] Gn.'s emendation. [53] Lit.,'appled gold.' [54] The words in italics are the names of the runes that make up the name CYNEWULF. This artificial use of words makes the interpretation obscure, and scholars differ about it. [55] Or, 'those who.' [56] Gn., Z. JUDITH. IX. * * * * * * * * [The glorious Creator's] [1] gifts doubted she [not] Upón this wide earth; then found she there ready Help from the mighty Prince, when she most need did have Of grace from the highest Judge, that her 'gainst the greatest terror The Lord of Creation should shield. That Father in heaven to her The Glorious-in-mind did grant, for thát firm faith she had Ín the Almighty ever. Then heard I that Holofernes Wine-summons eagerly wrought, and with all wonders a glorious Banquet had hé prepared; to thát bade the prince of men All his noblest thanes. Thát with mickle haste 10 Did the warriors-with-shields perform; came to the mighty chief The people's leaders going. Ón the fourth day was that After that Judith, cunning in mind, The elf-sheen virgin, him first had sought. X. They then at the feast proceeded to sit, 15 The proud to the wine-drinking, all his comrades-in-ill, Bold mailèd-warriors. There were lofty beakers Oft borne along the benches, alsó were cups and flagons Full to the hall-sitters borne. The fated partook of them, Brave warriors-with-shields, though the mighty weened not of it, 20 Awful lord of earls. Thén was Holofernes, Gold-friend of men, full of wine-joy: He laughed and clamored, shouted and dinned, That children of men from afar might hear How the strong-minded both stormed and yelled, 25 Moody and mead-drunken, often admonished The sitters-on-benches to bear themselves [2] well. Thus did the hateful one during all day His liege-men [loyal] keep plying with wine, Stout-hearted giver of treasure, untíl they lay in a swoon, 30 He drenched all his nobles [with drink], as if they were slain in death, Deprived [3] of each one of goods. Thus bade the prince of men The sitters-in-hall to serve, untíl to children of men The darkening night drew nigh. He bade then, filled with hate, The blessed maiden with haste to fetch 35 To his bed of rest, laden with jewels, Adorned with rings. They quickly performed, The attendant thanes, what their lord them bade, Mailed-warriors' prince; like a flash they stepped Into the guest-room, where they Judith 40 Wise-minded found, and quickly then The warriors-with-shields began to lead The glorious maid to the lofty tent Where the mighty himself always [4] rested By night within, to the Saviour hateful, 45 Holofernes. There wás an all-golden Beautiful fly-net around the folk-warrior's Bed suspended, só that the hateful Was able to look through, the chief of warriors, Upon each one that therein came 50 Of the sons of heroes, and on him no one Of the race of men, unless the proud some one Of the strong-in-war bade to him nearer Of warriors for counsel to come. They then to him at rest brought Quickly the cunning woman; went then the stout-in-heart 55 The men their lord to tell that the holy woman was Brought to his chamber-tent. The famous then in mind Was glad, the ruler of cities; he thought the beautiful maiden With spot and stain to defile: that Judge of glory would not Allow, the Keeper of honor, but him from that deed restrained 60 The Lord, the Ruler of hosts. Went then the devilish one, The wanton [warrior-prince], [5] with [mickle] band of men, The baleful his bed to seek, where hé his life should lose Quickly within one night; he had then his end attained [6] On earth ungentle [end], such as before he wrought for, 65 The mighty prince of men, while ín this world he was, While he dwelt under roof of the clouds. Then fell so drunk with wine The mighty [chief] on his bed, as if he knew no rede Within his place of wit; the warriors stepped Oút from the chamber with mickle haste, 70 The wine-filled men, whó the oath-breaker, Hateful folk-hater, had led to his bed For the very last time. Then was the Saviour's Glorious maiden earnestly mindful How she the terrible most easily might 75 Of life deprive before the lustful, The wanton, awoke. The wreathed-locked took then, The Creator's handmaid, a sharp-edged sword Hardened by war-strokes [?], [7] and drew from its sheath With hér right hand; then Keeper of heaven 80 By name she gan name, Saviour of all Dwellers-in-th' world, and this word she spake: "Thee, God of Creation, and Spirit of Comfort, Son of the Almighty, will I [now] pray For thine own mercy to me in my need, 85 Trinity's Glory. To me greatly now then My heart is inflamed, and my mind is sad, Sorely with sorrows oppressed; grant, Lord of Heaven, to me Victory and faith without fear, that I with this sword may be able To hew down this dealer of murder; grant [too] my safety to me, 90 Strong-hearted Leader of men; ne'er in this world had I Of thy mercy more urgent need: avenge now, mighty Lord, Glorious Giver of honor, that I am so angry in mind, So heated within my breast." Hér then the highest Judge Quickly with courage inspired, as doth he [ever] each one 95 Of dwellers here [upon earth], who him for help to them seek With rede and righteous belief. Then roomy in mind she became, The holy one's hope was renewed; then took she the heathen man Fast by his own [long] hair, with hands him towards her she drew With marks of contempt, and the baleful one 100 With cunning laid down, the loathsome man, As she the accursèd most easily might Wield at her will. Struck then the curly-locked The hostile foe with shining [8] sword, The hateful-minded, that half-way she cut 105 The [evil one's] neck, that he lay in a swoon, Drunken and wounded. Not yet was he dead, Thoroughly lifeless; struck she then earnestly, The maiden brave-minded, a second time The heathen hound, that his head rolled off 110 Forth on the floor: the foul corpse lay Lifeless behind, went the spirit elsewhere Beneath the deep earth, and there was disgraced, In torment bound ever thereafter, Surrounded with serpents, with tortures encompassed, 115 Strongly enchained in the fire of hell After his death. He need never hope, Enveloped with darkness, that thence he may go Out of that worm-hall, but there shall he dwell Ever for ever without end henceforth 120 In that dark home, of hope-joys deprived. XI.