Part 4

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 art 815 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 kingdom 820 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 twenty 830 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 old 835 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[1] 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,[2] Courageous in heart. The queen rejoiced In the depth of her soul, and then gan ask 850 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 third 855 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 await 865 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 had 870 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 there 875 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 awaited 885 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 uplifted 890 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.

[1] Lit., 'joy-wood.'

[2] Lit., 'knee.'

XI.

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[1] From the homes of the damned. 'Gainst thee will I rouse Another king[2] 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[3] so bright she perceived, The glorious gift in the breast of the man.

[1] So Z.; 'rebellion for this,' W. See W.'s note.

[2] Julian the Apostate, suggests Gn.

[3] 'That,' relative, though it may be taken as conjunction, as Z.

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.[1] 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[2] eternal, The Creator, was mild, God, Ruler of might.

[1] So Z.; 'The noble wood,' Gm. and Gn.

[2] Latin, _rex_.

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,[1] 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[2] 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[3] 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[4] 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.[5] 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.

[1] So Z.; 'With pomp of array,' Gn.

[2] Lit., 'coming.'

[3] Same expression as in 1054.

[4] Lit., 'will-giver,' i.e., the queen.

[5] i.e., her ornaments of gold.

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[1] 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_.[2]

[1] Gn.'s emendation.

[2] Here properly ends the legend of the Finding of the Cross. The last canto contains reflections of the poet.

XV.