125
Hours of longing. Now 'tis hope of my life
That the victory-tree I am able to seek,
Oftener than all men I alone may
Honor it well; my will to that
Is mickle in mind, and my plea for protection 130
To the rood is directed. I've not many mighty
Of friends on earth; but hence went they forth
From joys of the world, sought glory's King;
Now live they in Heaven with the Father on high,
In glory dwell, and I hope for myself 135
On every day when the rood of the Lord,
Which here on earth before I viewed,
In this vain life may fetch me away
And bring me then, where bliss is mickle,
Joy in the Heavens, where the folk of the Lord 140
Is set at the feast, where bliss is eternal;
And may He then set me where I may hereafter
In glory dwell, and well with the saints
Of joy partake. May the Lord be my friend,
Who here on earth suffered before 145
On the gallows-tree for the sins of man!
He us redeemed, and gave to us life,
A heavenly home. Hope was renewed,
With blessing and bliss, for the sufferers of burning.
The Son was victorious on that fateful journey, 150
Mighty and happy,[21] when He came with a many,[22]
With a band of spirits to the kingdom of God,
The Ruler Almighty, for joy to the angels
And to all the saints, who in Heaven before
In glory dwelt, when their Ruler came, 155
Almighty God, where was His home.

[1] _Feowere_, B.'s emendation for MS. _faegere_, 'fair.'

[2] Silken cords, or tassels, W.; sailyards, ropes, in Hall
and Sweet.

[3] _Wealdendes_, S.'s emendation for MS. _wealdes_, 'wood';
so Kl.

[4] Sty, 'mount,' common in Middle English.

[5] Here and below W. gives the corresponding verses from the
Ruthwell Cross. They will also be found in Stopford
Brooke's "Early English Literature," p. 337, q.v.

[6] Gr. changes MS. _naenigum_ to _aenigum_ and others follow;
W. as MS.

[7] _Foreth-eode_, not _for-etheode_, 'overcame,' as Sw. W.'s note
is an oversight.

[8] MS. _to