d, 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] Gn.'s emendation.

[2] Lit.,'appled gold.'

[3] 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.

[4] Or, 'those who.'

[5] Gn., Z.

JUDITH.

IX.

* * * * * * * *
[The glorious Creator's][1] gifts doubted she [not]
Upon 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 that firm faith she had
In the Almighty ever. Then heard I that Holofernes
Wine-summons eagerly wrought, and with all wonders a glorious
Banquet had he prepared; to that bade the prince of men
All his noblest thanes. That with mickle haste 10
Did the warriors-with-shields perform; came to the mighty chief
The people's leaders going. On the fourth day was that
After that Judith, cunning in mind,
The elf-sheen virgin, him first had sought.

[1] Gn.'s emendation to fill _lacuna_ of MS.

X.

They then at the feast proceeded to sit, 15
The proud to the wine-drinking, all his comrades-in-ill,
Bold mailed-warriors. There were lofty beakers
Oft borne along the benches, also 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. Then 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[1] well.
Thus did the hateful one during all day
His liege-men [loyal] keep plying with wine,
Stout-hearted giver of treasure, until they lay in a swoon, 30
He drenched all his nobles [with drink], as if they were slain in death,
Deprived[2] of each one of goods. Thus bade the prince of men
The sitters-in-hall to serve, until