medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Dear Andrea,
it no. IX of the Advent Lyrics, or Christ I at the beginning of the Exeter book, or at least part of it. Your section can be found in lines 275-300.
It begins:
Eala žu męra middangeardes
seo clęneste cwen ofer eoržan
žara že gewurde to widan feore,
hu žec mid ryhte ealle reordberend
hataš ond secgaš, hęleš geond foldan,
bliže mode, žęt žu bryd sie
žęs selestan swegles bryttan.
Burlin in his monograph 'The Old English Advent', translates it on page 141 as:
You, most renowned, O greatest on earth,
Throughout the world the purest queen
Of those that have been from time's beginning,
How rightly they name you, all bearers of speech,
Joyful in spirit, men in all nations,
And rightly declare that you are the bride
of the most noble Prince of the sky.
Lovely poems.
All the best,
Carolin
medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Does anyone recognize this? I'm thinking it's a
translation from Welsh or Anglo-Saxon, but need
chapter and verse - and especially date.
Thank you for any help.
O most sublime of women, purest
Wife the world has known or will ever
Know, how rightly our words praise you,
We whose tongues can speak, telling
Your glory and calling your name everywhere,
Rejoicing that the noblest Prince of Heaven
Chose you for His bride. And even Christ's
Blessed servants, the faithful who dwell
With Him, proclaim you,celebrate you, lady,
And our Lord's holy might in making you
Mistress of that Heavenly Host. All worldly
Ranks praise you, and prisoners in Hell -
You alone among women, who yearned
So boldly, craved God so well, that you brought Him
Your pure body, offered it without
Sin. No jewel-adorned bride
Walked the earth so wonderfully bright,
Presenting a shining sacrifice, offering
Herself to Heaven, her heart as pure
As her body. You alone brought us
God's sacred servant, the angel Gabriel,
Hurrying with our Maker's word, flying
To announce His Son's coming and the majesty
Of that birth, a divine Child born
Of a virgin, all men's merciful Saviour,
And you, Mary, forever spotless.
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