The Christ of Cynewulf

to the King.

Thou art the corner-stone which the builders once rejected in their work; fitting indeed is it for Thee, O King of glory, to become the head of this noble temple, and to join in bond secure the broad walls of adamantine rock, so that throughout the cities of earth all things endowed with sight may wonder evermore. Reveal then, righteous and triumphant One, through Thy wisdom, Thine own handiwork, and leave wall firm against wall. The work hath need that the Master Builder, the King Himself, should come and forthwith restore the house that beneath its roof hath fallen into ruin. He formed the body, the limbs of clay; and now is it time for Him, the Prince of life, to deliver this miserable host from their enemies, the wretched from their fears, as He full oft hath done.

O Ruler and righteous King, Thou who holdest the key and openest life, bless us with victory, with that glorious success denied unto him whose work availeth naught! Verily in our need do we speak these words: We beseech! Him who created man that He choose not to pronounce judgment upon us who, sad at heart, sit yearning in prison for the sun’s joyous course until such time as the Prince of life reveal light unto us, become our soul’s defense, and compass the feeble mind with splendor; of all this may He make us worthy, we whom He admitted to glory, when, deprived of our heritage, we were doomed to turn in wretchedness unto this narrow land. Therefore he who speaks truth may say that when the race of men was turned away [from God], He saved it. Young was the virgin, a sinless maiden, whom He chose for His mother; it was brought to pass without the embraces of man that the bride became great with child Never before or after in this world was there conception of woman like unto that; it was secret, a mystery of the Lord. All spiritual grace overspread the regions of earth; then was many a wise saying illumined by the Lord of life, such ancient teaching, prophetic song, as of old lay wrapped in darkness, when the Ruler came who magnifieth the course of their words who wisely desire to praise without stint the name of the Creator.