ade
The war-hedgel work, and the war-band hold
Fast 'gainst the foes. Then fight was nigh,
Glory in battle; the time was come
That fated men should there now fall.
Then outcry was raised, the ravens circled,
Eagle eager for prey; on earth was uproar.
Then they let from their fists the file-hardened spears,
The darts well-ground, fiercely fly forth:
The bows were busy, board point received,
Bitter the battle-rush, warriors fell down,
On either hand the youths lay dead.

By consent of Ginn & Co. Translation of Garnett.

CAEDMON'S INSPIRATION

He [Caedmon] had remained in the secular life until the time when he was
of advanced age, and he had never learned any song. For that reason
oftentimes, when it was decided at a feasting that all should sing in
turn to the accompaniment of the harp for the sake of entertainment, he
would arise for shame from the banquet when he saw the harp approaching
him, and would go home to his house. When he on a certain occasion had
done this, and had left the house of feasting, and had gone to the
stable of the cattle, which had been intrusted to his care for that
night; and when he there, after a reasonable time, had arranged his
limbs for rest, he fell asleep. And a man stood by him in a dream, and
hailed him, and greeted him, and called him by name, and said: "Caedmon,
sing something for me." Then he answered and said: "I cannot sing; I
went out from the feast and came hither because I could not sing." Again
said the one who was speaking with him: "Nevertheless, thou canst sing
for me." Said Caedmon, "What shall I sing?" Said he, "Sing to me of
creation."

When Caedmon received this answer, then began he soon to sing in
glorification of God the Creator, verses and words that he had never
before heard.

* * * * *

Then he arose from sleep and he had fast in his memory all those things
he had sung in his sleep; and to these words he soon added many other
words of song of the same measure, worthy for God.

Then came he in the morning to the town-reeve, who was his aldorman, and
told him of the gift he had received. And the reeve soon led him to the
abbess, and made that known to her and told her. Then bade she assemble
all the very learned men, and the learners, and bade him tell the dream
in their presence, and sing the song, so that by the judgment of them
all it might be deter