Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Guthlac A
Prologue*
There will be the fairest of joys when they meet at the beginning,
an angel and a blessed soul! When she gives up this earthly joy
and forsakes these loaned pleasures—when she is parted from her body. (1-3)
Then the angel speaks, since its holds the elder order, one spirit greets
the other and announces God’s embassy: “Now you may venture
to where you have striven for a long time, again and again.
I shall lead you myself — for you
the waves will be pleasant
and revealed is the splendorous light of glory.
You are now a fated-farer on your way to the holy home. (4-10a)
“There the carrion’s regret* will never come, its seeking beyond the hedge*
on account of its miseries—but instead there will be an ecstasy of angels,
peace and beatitude, and the couch of souls where they may always rejoice
to their furthest moment, rejoicing with their Lord, when they have performed
his judgments here on earth. God will keep perpetual recompense for them
in the heavens, where the Loftiest of All, the King of Kings, governs the cities.
Those are buildings that do not decay, nor will life fail for those that abide
therein through wretchedness, rather it will become better for them the longer
it goes on. They will enjoy youth and the mercies of God. (10b-21)
“To that place the souls of the soothfast may come after death, those that teach
and perform Christ’s law here, and uprear his praise; those that subdue accursed
spirits and obtain for them the repose of glory, that place where the heart of man
must climb, before or after, when he attends his solitary and sublime spirit,
so that these good souls will be allowed, immaculate, to come into God’s possession.” (22-9)
There are, throughout middle-earth, many orders of men beneath the heavens,
those who rise up in the number of the holy. We can rightfully heed any one,
if we wish to keep the holy commandments. The wise man now can take advantage
of the opportunity of good hours, and his spirit can venture, desiring the way.
The world is perturbed — love for Christ cools, and many temptations have arisen throughout middle-earth, just as the prophets of God have said wordfully in former years and through their divination declared all just as it is happening now. (30-42)
All earthly abundance elders and from their beauty fruiting things fade—
at such a late season each of its seeds will become weaker in power.
Therefore a man needs not think much upon this world for its improvement,
but that God will bring us a delight more fair over these evils that we now
endure, before the ending of all creation, which he established in six days,
when he brings forth now these orders under the heavens, both great and small. (43-53a)
So this middle-earth is shared out into halves. The Lord watches where they dwell that keep his law—he sees his judgments decline every day and stray from the worldly law that he established by his own word. He finds many, but few will be selected. (53b-9)
Some desire to clothe themselves in the glory of their estate by words alone¬,
but do not perform their own station. For them earth-weal over the Life Eternal
is their highest expectation, that which must become estranged from all fold-dwellers. Therefore they now condemn the heart of saints, those who have confirmed
their thought in the heavens, who know that their true homeland will endure
perpetually for the multitudes who throughout middle-earth serve the Lord
and through their good works desire that precious home. (60-70a)
So these world-treasures will be exchanged for a good more renowned
when they yearn for it, those for whom the fear of God bends over their heads.
They will be rebuked by that highest majesty, they profit by their life according
to his commandments and wish and hope for the better one hereafter.
They procure glory— they give alms and comfort the wretched. They are generous
with their rightful possessions. They show their love with gifts to those that own less.
Daily they serve the Lord, and daily the Lord observes their deeds. (70b-80)
Some dwell in desert places. They willingly seek out and occupy homes
in the shadows. They await their dwelling among heaven’s-kind. Often
one drives loathsome terror upon them, he who would snatch away life.
Sometimes he reveals terrifying thoughts to them, sometimes idle glories—
the killer, wise in woven lies, has both skills, and persecutes the sole-dweller.
Before these men stand angels, armed with ghostly weapons; they are mindful
of their well-being and keep the spirits of saints, who know their joy is with
the Lord. These are the proven champions that serve the King, who never
refuses recompense for those that endure in his love. (81-92)
We can now relate what was recently revealed to us through by a holy order,*
how Guthlac stretched out his heart to the delight of God, rejected all wickedness
and his earthly honors, mindful of what lies above, his home in the heavens.
His expectation was upon that place, after he that readies the life’s way for souls illuminated him, and gave him angelic gifts, so that he alone began to inhabit
a mountain-home, and through humility sold all his proper possessions,
which he in his youth must have applied to the joys of this world.
A holy warden from the heavens held him close, who eagerly strengthened
Guthlac’s pure heart with goodness of spirit. (93-107)
There will be the fairest of joys when they meet at the beginning,
an angel and a blessed soul! When she gives up this earthly joy
and forsakes these loaned pleasures—when she is parted from her body. (1-3)
Then the angel speaks, since its holds the elder order, one spirit greets
the other and announces God’s embassy: “Now you may venture
to where you have striven for a long time, again and again.
I shall lead you myself — for you
the waves will be pleasant
and revealed is the splendorous light of glory.
You are now a fated-farer on your way to the holy home. (4-10a)
“There the carrion’s regret* will never come, its seeking beyond the hedge*
on account of its miseries—but instead there will be an ecstasy of angels,
peace and beatitude, and the couch of souls where they may always rejoice
to their furthest moment, rejoicing with their Lord, when they have performed
his judgments here on earth. God will keep perpetual recompense for them
in the heavens, where the Loftiest of All, the King of Kings, governs the cities.
Those are buildings that do not decay, nor will life fail for those that abide
therein through wretchedness, rather it will become better for them the longer
it goes on. They will enjoy youth and the mercies of God. (10b-21)
“To that place the souls of the soothfast may come after death, those that teach
and perform Christ’s law here, and uprear his praise; those that subdue accursed
spirits and obtain for them the repose of glory, that place where the heart of man
must climb, before or after, when he attends his solitary and sublime spirit,
so that these good souls will be allowed, immaculate, to come into God’s possession.” (22-9)
There are, throughout middle-earth, many orders of men beneath the heavens,
those who rise up in the number of the holy. We can rightfully heed any one,
if we wish to keep the holy commandments. The wise man now can take advantage
of the opportunity of good hours, and his spirit can venture, desiring the way.
The world is perturbed — love for Christ cools, and many temptations have arisen throughout middle-earth, just as the prophets of God have said wordfully in former years and through their divination declared all just as it is happening now. (30-42)
All earthly abundance elders and from their beauty fruiting things fade—
at such a late season each of its seeds will become weaker in power.
Therefore a man needs not think much upon this world for its improvement,
but that God will bring us a delight more fair over these evils that we now
endure, before the ending of all creation, which he established in six days,
when he brings forth now these orders under the heavens, both great and small. (43-53a)
So this middle-earth is shared out into halves. The Lord watches where they dwell that keep his law—he sees his judgments decline every day and stray from the worldly law that he established by his own word. He finds many, but few will be selected. (53b-9)
Some desire to clothe themselves in the glory of their estate by words alone¬,
but do not perform their own station. For them earth-weal over the Life Eternal
is their highest expectation, that which must become estranged from all fold-dwellers. Therefore they now condemn the heart of saints, those who have confirmed
their thought in the heavens, who know that their true homeland will endure
perpetually for the multitudes who throughout middle-earth serve the Lord
and through their good works desire that precious home. (60-70a)
So these world-treasures will be exchanged for a good more renowned
when they yearn for it, those for whom the fear of God bends over their heads.
They will be rebuked by that highest majesty, they profit by their life according
to his commandments and wish and hope for the better one hereafter.
They procure glory— they give alms and comfort the wretched. They are generous
with their rightful possessions. They show their love with gifts to those that own less.
Daily they serve the Lord, and daily the Lord observes their deeds. (70b-80)
Some dwell in desert places. They willingly seek out and occupy homes
in the shadows. They await their dwelling among heaven’s-kind. Often
one drives loathsome terror upon them, he who would snatch away life.
Sometimes he reveals terrifying thoughts to them, sometimes idle glories—
the killer, wise in woven lies, has both skills, and persecutes the sole-dweller.
Before these men stand angels, armed with ghostly weapons; they are mindful
of their well-being and keep the spirits of saints, who know their joy is with
the Lord. These are the proven champions that serve the King, who never
refuses recompense for those that endure in his love. (81-92)
We can now relate what was recently revealed to us through by a holy order,*
how Guthlac stretched out his heart to the delight of God, rejected all wickedness
and his earthly honors, mindful of what lies above, his home in the heavens.
His expectation was upon that place, after he that readies the life’s way for souls illuminated him, and gave him angelic gifts, so that he alone began to inhabit
a mountain-home, and through humility sold all his proper possessions,
which he in his youth must have applied to the joys of this world.
A holy warden from the heavens held him close, who eagerly strengthened
Guthlac’s pure heart with goodness of spirit. (93-107)
Guthlac A I
I.
So, we have often heard that the holy man in his earliest age loved many perils.
The time yet came for the judgment of God, when He gave an angel
unto Guthlac and his understanding so that his desires for sins could be assuaged.
The time was at hand; and two guardians kept watch over him, fighting each other
in a contest—an angel of the Lord and a fearsome specter. Their counsels
could be not any less alike, which they bore many times into his heart’s reason. (108-18)
One of them said that all things of earth were fleeting in the wind, and praised
the enduing good in the heavens, where the souls of the holy recline
in victor-glory upon the joys of the Lord. He renders frankly recompense
for their deeds, to those who would give thanks for his gifts and who
would utterly give up the world instead of eternal life.* [see 62] (119-27)
The other incited him to seek by night the assembly of criminals
and by malicious acts may acquire worldly goods, as do wrack-men,
who mourn not for the souls of men* who bring plunder to their hands,
save that they may direct spoil by them. (128-32)
And so they exhorted Guthlac on either side until the Lord of Hosts decreed
an end to the struggle in the angel’s favor. The enemy was routed. Afterwards
the Comforting Spirit dwelt within Guthlac for his help, held him dear
and instructed him the more eagerly the longer it went on,* so that he came to cherish the land’s joys, his home on the hill. Often there came terror, frightful and uncouth,
the malice of the old foe, so cunning in artifice. They revealed their own faces
to Guthlac. They had held many seats there previously, but had since withdrawn themselves, deprived of glory, thence into wide wandering, flapping on the breeze.
(133-46a)
That plot of land had been concealed before the eyes of men until the Creator
revealed a hill within the woods, when the builder arrived and reared there
a holy home. Guthlac cared nothing for life-wealth loaned through covetousness,
but pleasantly protected his goods after that champion of Christ subdued the enemy.
There he was tried within the time of remembering men, who yet worthy him
for his ghostly wonders and hold dear the report of his wisdom, which that holy
servant exercised with strength, when he rested alone in that secret place. (146b-59a)
There he unfolded and uplifted the praise of the Lord. Often by speech he declared
to those who adored the martyrs’ custom God’s embassy, the sagacity of life
which the spirit had revealed to him. So that he denied his body-house all things
of pleasure and world-bliss, a softer seat and feast-days, likewise from the vain
delights of the eyes and proud clothing. His fear of God was greater in his thoughts
than he desired to devote himself to satisfaction in mortal glory.* (159b-69)
So, we have often heard that the holy man in his earliest age loved many perils.
The time yet came for the judgment of God, when He gave an angel
unto Guthlac and his understanding so that his desires for sins could be assuaged.
The time was at hand; and two guardians kept watch over him, fighting each other
in a contest—an angel of the Lord and a fearsome specter. Their counsels
could be not any less alike, which they bore many times into his heart’s reason. (108-18)
One of them said that all things of earth were fleeting in the wind, and praised
the enduing good in the heavens, where the souls of the holy recline
in victor-glory upon the joys of the Lord. He renders frankly recompense
for their deeds, to those who would give thanks for his gifts and who
would utterly give up the world instead of eternal life.* [see 62] (119-27)
The other incited him to seek by night the assembly of criminals
and by malicious acts may acquire worldly goods, as do wrack-men,
who mourn not for the souls of men* who bring plunder to their hands,
save that they may direct spoil by them. (128-32)
And so they exhorted Guthlac on either side until the Lord of Hosts decreed
an end to the struggle in the angel’s favor. The enemy was routed. Afterwards
the Comforting Spirit dwelt within Guthlac for his help, held him dear
and instructed him the more eagerly the longer it went on,* so that he came to cherish the land’s joys, his home on the hill. Often there came terror, frightful and uncouth,
the malice of the old foe, so cunning in artifice. They revealed their own faces
to Guthlac. They had held many seats there previously, but had since withdrawn themselves, deprived of glory, thence into wide wandering, flapping on the breeze.
(133-46a)
That plot of land had been concealed before the eyes of men until the Creator
revealed a hill within the woods, when the builder arrived and reared there
a holy home. Guthlac cared nothing for life-wealth loaned through covetousness,
but pleasantly protected his goods after that champion of Christ subdued the enemy.
There he was tried within the time of remembering men, who yet worthy him
for his ghostly wonders and hold dear the report of his wisdom, which that holy
servant exercised with strength, when he rested alone in that secret place. (146b-59a)
There he unfolded and uplifted the praise of the Lord. Often by speech he declared
to those who adored the martyrs’ custom God’s embassy, the sagacity of life
which the spirit had revealed to him. So that he denied his body-house all things
of pleasure and world-bliss, a softer seat and feast-days, likewise from the vain
delights of the eyes and proud clothing. His fear of God was greater in his thoughts
than he desired to devote himself to satisfaction in mortal glory.* (159b-69)
Guthlac A II
II.
Guthlac was a good man. He bore in his soul heavenly expectation that he would
attain the salvation of eternal life. An angel, a faithful peace-guard, was near him,
one of a very few that dwelt in that march-land. There he became an example
to many in Britain, after that warrior, blessed and battle-stern,* had ascended
the mountain. He prepared himself with spiritual weapons. He blessed the plain,*
which the Rood of Christ had just recently raised for him as a war-camp, where
that champion had subdued many perils and many of God’s martyrs were made bold. (170-182a)
We thus ascribe to the Lord the precious portions of Guthlac. He gave him victory
and prudent-craft, his mighty protection, when enemy multitudes roused their feud
against him with far-flung arrows. They could not abandon their enmity, but drove
many temptations at Guthlac’s soul. Assistance was near him—
the angel strengthened him with courage when they whipped up wrath
and the horrible welling of fire at him. They stood about him in infantry-bands,
saying that he must burn upon that hill and the flame would swallow his body-house;
that misery and mind-trouble would befall absolutely his kinsmen, if he would not
turn away from the fight’s flash-point and apply himself to human joys,
perform willingly and with greater skill his family duty among man-kind,
and allow this conflict to still. (182b-99)
And so he raged, that one who spoke for all the multitude of fiends—
and not a bit more fearful was Guthlac’s soul. God had given him courage
against the terror so that the shoal of these malign old-foes suffered shame.
These wrong-workers were filled with agony. They said that Guthlac alone,
save God himself, had wreaked the most misery upon them, since he,
overweening in the wastes, had broken the mountains where they,
wretched enemies, were previously able to brook an abode after their torments
for a time, when they had come to rest, weary from wanderings,
from the currents of time* and rejoice in the repose
that was permitted them for a little while.* (200-14)
That secret space stood high in the thoughts of the Lord, though abandoned
and man-devoid, far from any land-claims, waited for the petition of
a better guardian* to those the elder-foes harbored a hatred, and so they suffer
perpetual sorrow. These devils may not enjoy an abode on earth, nor will the breeze
slumber them into the limb’s repose. Rather they will suffer shelterless of home,
calling out their cares, longing for death, desiring the Lord manifest for them,
through the pangs of death, an end to their tribulations. (215-25)
The demons were neither allowed to harm Guthlac’s soul, nor separate soul
from body with a painful blow, but they heaved up harm-songs with cunning
falsehoods, cast aside their laughter and sighed their sorrow, when a greater guardian
overcame them on the plain. Mourning the wrack-kin had to abandon
their green mounds. They nevertheless, deniers of God, spoke vicious verses yet
and fiercely promised that Guthlac should suffer the division of death if he endured
their more loathly assembly any longer, when they with a greater crowd
would come that felt little anxiety for his life. (226-38)
Guthlac addressed them, saying that they needed not to boast of their deeds
against the Lord’s might. “Though you have promised me death, the Lord,
he that dominates over your hardships, will preserve me from your hates.
There is but one Almighty God, that can shield me easily, cherishing my life.
I wish to speak many truths to you all. I can alone oppress you all
while on my rump without much hardship.* I am not so destitute as I stand
before you, lacking a host of men but no small portion of sacred soul-mysteries
indwells and increases within me, and they hold me up like a staff. (239-49)
“I shall build myself, readily and alone, a house and couch here. The lessons
within me belong to the heavens. It seems not a little unlikely that an angel
will conduct unto me to the spectacular success of all my deeds and words.
Now begone, accursed ones and weary-minded, from this ground here where
you stand! Fly into the far-way! I desire to seek peace for myself with God,
nor shall my spirit endure error among you all. Instead the Hand of God acts
as my guardian with its might. Here shall be my earthly homeland—
It is no longer yours in any wise.” (250-61)
Guthlac was a good man. He bore in his soul heavenly expectation that he would
attain the salvation of eternal life. An angel, a faithful peace-guard, was near him,
one of a very few that dwelt in that march-land. There he became an example
to many in Britain, after that warrior, blessed and battle-stern,* had ascended
the mountain. He prepared himself with spiritual weapons. He blessed the plain,*
which the Rood of Christ had just recently raised for him as a war-camp, where
that champion had subdued many perils and many of God’s martyrs were made bold. (170-182a)
We thus ascribe to the Lord the precious portions of Guthlac. He gave him victory
and prudent-craft, his mighty protection, when enemy multitudes roused their feud
against him with far-flung arrows. They could not abandon their enmity, but drove
many temptations at Guthlac’s soul. Assistance was near him—
the angel strengthened him with courage when they whipped up wrath
and the horrible welling of fire at him. They stood about him in infantry-bands,
saying that he must burn upon that hill and the flame would swallow his body-house;
that misery and mind-trouble would befall absolutely his kinsmen, if he would not
turn away from the fight’s flash-point and apply himself to human joys,
perform willingly and with greater skill his family duty among man-kind,
and allow this conflict to still. (182b-99)
And so he raged, that one who spoke for all the multitude of fiends—
and not a bit more fearful was Guthlac’s soul. God had given him courage
against the terror so that the shoal of these malign old-foes suffered shame.
These wrong-workers were filled with agony. They said that Guthlac alone,
save God himself, had wreaked the most misery upon them, since he,
overweening in the wastes, had broken the mountains where they,
wretched enemies, were previously able to brook an abode after their torments
for a time, when they had come to rest, weary from wanderings,
from the currents of time* and rejoice in the repose
that was permitted them for a little while.* (200-14)
That secret space stood high in the thoughts of the Lord, though abandoned
and man-devoid, far from any land-claims, waited for the petition of
a better guardian* to those the elder-foes harbored a hatred, and so they suffer
perpetual sorrow. These devils may not enjoy an abode on earth, nor will the breeze
slumber them into the limb’s repose. Rather they will suffer shelterless of home,
calling out their cares, longing for death, desiring the Lord manifest for them,
through the pangs of death, an end to their tribulations. (215-25)
The demons were neither allowed to harm Guthlac’s soul, nor separate soul
from body with a painful blow, but they heaved up harm-songs with cunning
falsehoods, cast aside their laughter and sighed their sorrow, when a greater guardian
overcame them on the plain. Mourning the wrack-kin had to abandon
their green mounds. They nevertheless, deniers of God, spoke vicious verses yet
and fiercely promised that Guthlac should suffer the division of death if he endured
their more loathly assembly any longer, when they with a greater crowd
would come that felt little anxiety for his life. (226-38)
Guthlac addressed them, saying that they needed not to boast of their deeds
against the Lord’s might. “Though you have promised me death, the Lord,
he that dominates over your hardships, will preserve me from your hates.
There is but one Almighty God, that can shield me easily, cherishing my life.
I wish to speak many truths to you all. I can alone oppress you all
while on my rump without much hardship.* I am not so destitute as I stand
before you, lacking a host of men but no small portion of sacred soul-mysteries
indwells and increases within me, and they hold me up like a staff. (239-49)
“I shall build myself, readily and alone, a house and couch here. The lessons
within me belong to the heavens. It seems not a little unlikely that an angel
will conduct unto me to the spectacular success of all my deeds and words.
Now begone, accursed ones and weary-minded, from this ground here where
you stand! Fly into the far-way! I desire to seek peace for myself with God,
nor shall my spirit endure error among you all. Instead the Hand of God acts
as my guardian with its might. Here shall be my earthly homeland—
It is no longer yours in any wise.” (250-61)
Guthlac A III
At that moment arose a clamor. The exiled family surrounded the mountain
in a band, their speech climbing up, an anxious shout. Many demon advocates
called out, vaunting their crimes: “Often we have observed between the two seas
the habits of humans, the prideful force of those that control their life by chance.
We have never found a greater arrogance in just one man throughout middle-earth.
You have vowed that you will occupy our home in our very midst?
You are God’s poorling! And though you possess this land, by what shall you live?
No man will nourish you here with meals—hunger and thirst shall be your harsh
adversaries—should you go forth like a wild animal, alone from your homeland.
There is nothing to this venture! Give up your refuge! No man can give you
better counsel than all this horde brings you! We will be loyal unto you if you
will heed us, else we will seek you again ill-prepared for our greater strength—
so that we need not strike you with hands, nor fell your corse with weapons’ wounds.
We can beat down this hut with our feet—our folk with both cavalry force and foot soldiers will trample it. They will be swollen in rage when they strike you down—
pounding you and paining you, and wreaking upon you their violent rage.
They will carry you away with bloody footprints if you think to resist us.
We will assault you with malicious deeds. Start desiring sanctuary for yourself—
flee to where there is hope for friends, if you care about your spirit!” (262-91)
But Guthlac was prepared — God had made him strong of answer, strong of courage.
He did not quail at these words, but spoke sorrow to his contrary-opponents,
knowing full well the truth: “Wide is the wilderness—there are many wrack-homes
here, secret ground for wretched ghasts. They are pledge-breakers that inhabit these houses. Though you have congregated all these devils, and you each labor
for a wider strife, you will draw out a victory-less journey in pursuit of rage-wrack. (292-302a)
“I do not intend to bear sword, a worldly weapon, against you with a rage-swollen.
This good country shall not become inhabited through bloodshed, but I think to satisfy my lord Christ with a dearer sort of battle-play.* Now I have ascended this land,
you have offered me many other lands with idle words. My breast-core is not afraid or
appalled, but he that wields all power over his work keeps me in peace over mankind. (302b-12a)
"There is not a speck of love due to you, nor may you do the tiniest part of evil.
I am the servant of the Lord, he often comforts me through an angel.
Therefore longings little greet me, and rarely sorrow. Now a soul-kindred shepherd preserves me. My hope is with God—I do not care for anything of earth-weal
for my own use, nor do I yearn for much with my heart. Instead every day
the Lord sends me what I require by hand of men.” (321b-322)
So exulted he that stood against the many, the glory’s worthy warrior supported by the strength of angels. The entire multitude of fiends departed thence. The time
was not great that they intended to grant Guthlac. He was brave and
humble-hearted: he dwelt on the dale—his desired home—forsaking the longings
for loaned pleasures. He did not separate himself from the mercy of men,
but asked for the health of every soul, when in the desert he lowered his face
to the ground. His inner-heart became incited with a joyful spirit. (323-35)
Often, with an angel near him, he meditated upon how he might least need to brook
the joys of this world. He did not doubt the truth for terror of wretched devils, nor
did he defer the time that he should endure for his Lord, so that neither sleepy slumber
nor sluggish spirit would deprive him of the strength to rise up.* Thus a warrior
should always campaign for God in his heart, and often bear his soul into hatred of him
that wishes to prosecute every soul wherever he can betray them. (336-47)
Always the demons found Guthlac stout in God’s will, whenever the wild-fliers came
through the darkness of night, they who occupied secret dwellings, seeking whether
his delight in that plain had decreased. They desired that a sorrow for human love
should invade his heart, so that he would make a journey again to his homeland. (348-55a)
There was no such enterprise: when the angel in the wasteland approached Guthlac
most eagerly and gave gifts him so that yearning could not hinder him for the will
of God. Instead he remained in covenant with his instructor. Often he asserted:
“Indeed! It behooves that the Holy Spirit directs him into determination and bolsters
his works, inviting him with gentle words, promising life’s repose, so that he heeds
the teachings of the Leader and does not allow the Olden-Foe misturn his mind
from his Maker. How shall my spirit come to safety, unless I give to God
my handsome heart in order that my inner thoughts to him […]* (355b-68)
in a band, their speech climbing up, an anxious shout. Many demon advocates
called out, vaunting their crimes: “Often we have observed between the two seas
the habits of humans, the prideful force of those that control their life by chance.
We have never found a greater arrogance in just one man throughout middle-earth.
You have vowed that you will occupy our home in our very midst?
You are God’s poorling! And though you possess this land, by what shall you live?
No man will nourish you here with meals—hunger and thirst shall be your harsh
adversaries—should you go forth like a wild animal, alone from your homeland.
There is nothing to this venture! Give up your refuge! No man can give you
better counsel than all this horde brings you! We will be loyal unto you if you
will heed us, else we will seek you again ill-prepared for our greater strength—
so that we need not strike you with hands, nor fell your corse with weapons’ wounds.
We can beat down this hut with our feet—our folk with both cavalry force and foot soldiers will trample it. They will be swollen in rage when they strike you down—
pounding you and paining you, and wreaking upon you their violent rage.
They will carry you away with bloody footprints if you think to resist us.
We will assault you with malicious deeds. Start desiring sanctuary for yourself—
flee to where there is hope for friends, if you care about your spirit!” (262-91)
But Guthlac was prepared — God had made him strong of answer, strong of courage.
He did not quail at these words, but spoke sorrow to his contrary-opponents,
knowing full well the truth: “Wide is the wilderness—there are many wrack-homes
here, secret ground for wretched ghasts. They are pledge-breakers that inhabit these houses. Though you have congregated all these devils, and you each labor
for a wider strife, you will draw out a victory-less journey in pursuit of rage-wrack. (292-302a)
“I do not intend to bear sword, a worldly weapon, against you with a rage-swollen.
This good country shall not become inhabited through bloodshed, but I think to satisfy my lord Christ with a dearer sort of battle-play.* Now I have ascended this land,
you have offered me many other lands with idle words. My breast-core is not afraid or
appalled, but he that wields all power over his work keeps me in peace over mankind. (302b-12a)
"There is not a speck of love due to you, nor may you do the tiniest part of evil.
I am the servant of the Lord, he often comforts me through an angel.
Therefore longings little greet me, and rarely sorrow. Now a soul-kindred shepherd preserves me. My hope is with God—I do not care for anything of earth-weal
for my own use, nor do I yearn for much with my heart. Instead every day
the Lord sends me what I require by hand of men.” (321b-322)
So exulted he that stood against the many, the glory’s worthy warrior supported by the strength of angels. The entire multitude of fiends departed thence. The time
was not great that they intended to grant Guthlac. He was brave and
humble-hearted: he dwelt on the dale—his desired home—forsaking the longings
for loaned pleasures. He did not separate himself from the mercy of men,
but asked for the health of every soul, when in the desert he lowered his face
to the ground. His inner-heart became incited with a joyful spirit. (323-35)
Often, with an angel near him, he meditated upon how he might least need to brook
the joys of this world. He did not doubt the truth for terror of wretched devils, nor
did he defer the time that he should endure for his Lord, so that neither sleepy slumber
nor sluggish spirit would deprive him of the strength to rise up.* Thus a warrior
should always campaign for God in his heart, and often bear his soul into hatred of him
that wishes to prosecute every soul wherever he can betray them. (336-47)
Always the demons found Guthlac stout in God’s will, whenever the wild-fliers came
through the darkness of night, they who occupied secret dwellings, seeking whether
his delight in that plain had decreased. They desired that a sorrow for human love
should invade his heart, so that he would make a journey again to his homeland. (348-55a)
There was no such enterprise: when the angel in the wasteland approached Guthlac
most eagerly and gave gifts him so that yearning could not hinder him for the will
of God. Instead he remained in covenant with his instructor. Often he asserted:
“Indeed! It behooves that the Holy Spirit directs him into determination and bolsters
his works, inviting him with gentle words, promising life’s repose, so that he heeds
the teachings of the Leader and does not allow the Olden-Foe misturn his mind
from his Maker. How shall my spirit come to safety, unless I give to God
my handsome heart in order that my inner thoughts to him […]* (355b-68)
Guthlac A IV
[The manuscript resumes in the middle of Guthlac’s speech]
“…early or late there may come an end
to when you can deceive me with your power. Nor may my body-house against
this perishing creation partake of death, but it must fail, just as the entire earth
upon which I stand. Although you carry away my flesh-home to the fire’s welling,
fierce-minded with greedy flames, you will never avert me from this word so long
as my wit endures. Although you afflict my body with pains, you can never approach
my soul—you will rather bring it into a better state. Therefore I wish to endure
what my Lord deems proper for me. (369-79a)
“There is no worry for death in me. Though my bones and blood both will be rendered
unto the increase of the earth, the perpetual part of me shall voyage into bliss, where
it may enjoy a homestead more fair. There is no home on this mountain as good
or better that befits a man who labors daily in the passion of his prince’s will.
Nor must servant of the Lord desire in his heart-case more of these earthy possessions
that his sole share, so that he may keep exculpation for his body.”* (379b-89)
Then there was, just as before, the malice of olden-foes, their quarrel brought again
to boil — there resounded a second cry, not at all small, when the clamor of care-ridden
demons mounted the breeze. Always the praise of Christ swelt and dwelt in
Guthlac’s heart for good things, and the God of Multitudes maintained him
on the mountain, as he keeps every spirit in safety, wherever he thrives in ghostly
customs. Guthlac was one of these men—he worked not after worldly things,
but instead heaved the pleasures of his heart up into Eternal Glory. Who could
have been greater than he, a lone warrior revealed within our own times,
the champion for whose sake Christ manifested more mortal wonders? (390-403)
“…early or late there may come an end
to when you can deceive me with your power. Nor may my body-house against
this perishing creation partake of death, but it must fail, just as the entire earth
upon which I stand. Although you carry away my flesh-home to the fire’s welling,
fierce-minded with greedy flames, you will never avert me from this word so long
as my wit endures. Although you afflict my body with pains, you can never approach
my soul—you will rather bring it into a better state. Therefore I wish to endure
what my Lord deems proper for me. (369-79a)
“There is no worry for death in me. Though my bones and blood both will be rendered
unto the increase of the earth, the perpetual part of me shall voyage into bliss, where
it may enjoy a homestead more fair. There is no home on this mountain as good
or better that befits a man who labors daily in the passion of his prince’s will.
Nor must servant of the Lord desire in his heart-case more of these earthy possessions
that his sole share, so that he may keep exculpation for his body.”* (379b-89)
Then there was, just as before, the malice of olden-foes, their quarrel brought again
to boil — there resounded a second cry, not at all small, when the clamor of care-ridden
demons mounted the breeze. Always the praise of Christ swelt and dwelt in
Guthlac’s heart for good things, and the God of Multitudes maintained him
on the mountain, as he keeps every spirit in safety, wherever he thrives in ghostly
customs. Guthlac was one of these men—he worked not after worldly things,
but instead heaved the pleasures of his heart up into Eternal Glory. Who could
have been greater than he, a lone warrior revealed within our own times,
the champion for whose sake Christ manifested more mortal wonders? (390-403)
Guthlac A V
God shielded Guthlac against the loathsome clutches of spirits, wretched and wracking—
they were fierce to rush upon him with greedy grasp. God did not will that his soul
should suffer bodily pain from them, he granted that the harmers may only touch
him with their hands, and that his peace was protected against them. (404-11)
Then the demons heaved Guthlac onto the high breeze, giving him power beyond
the kindred of men, so that he was shown before his eyes everything under
the dominion of holy shepherds, the bearing of men in monasteries who use
their lives in lusting, in idle possessions and arrogance, in ostentatious clothing,
as is the custom of youth where they are not checked by the fear of the elder.* (412-20)
The fiends need not have rejoiced there, rather they had too swiftly consumed
the fruits of their endeavor, only granted them for a short while. They might not
long afflict his body-house with tortures, nor be vexed by any abuse they might achieve. (421-26)
Then they conducted him from the air to his most beloved home on earth, so that
he again climbed the mountains in the grove. The killers groaned and moaned
mournsomely that a child of man had excelled them in calamities, and thus,
destitute and alone, this would come as a hardship to them, if they could not
painfully repay him a greater blow in return. (427-34a)
Guthlac set his hope in the heavens, trusting in salvation—he had endured
the fiends’ embrace with his life. The insurrection of miserable demons was
a temptation vanquished.* The champion remained, happy on the hill: his reward
was with God. It seemed in his thought that he was blessed among mankind
who protected his noble soul alone so that the Enemy’s hand at the uttermost end
hurt him not, when the Lord’s glory guides him, compelled to die at last. (434b-45)
Nevertheless yet, remembering their griefs, the blame-blabbers promised him
miseries with furious blasphemies. His faith was revealed: that God had rewarded
Guthlac courage with his favors since he struggled alone. (446-50)
An accursed demon said to him wordfully: “We should not need to toil this arduously
for you, if you had desired to readily heed the precepts of friends. When you first came,
humbled and wretched, into this flash-point, then you vowed that the Holy Ghost
readily would shield you against hardships, because the token that has turned the hand
of men away from your noble face.” (Within that mask live many men, resigned to fault—
they don’t serve God at all, but please their bodies for love of delicate food’s delights)* (451-63a)
“So you all render unto the Lord worthy memorials with a dull song.
You all hide before men many things that you conceive in your heart.
Although you practice them in secret, your deeds will not be kept hidden.
We conducted you upon the breeze, depriving you of the land’s joys,
for we desired you would see for yourself that we have brought the truth against you.
All of these torments you have endured, because you could not change this fact.” (463b-9)
Then it happened that God wished to give him favor after his suffering,
so that he esteemed martyrdom in his heart. He gave Guthlac wisdom
in his heart’s thoughts and a might-fast memory. He stood against many
old devils, emboldened by courage, and said to vex them that they,
vanquished, must abandon that green plain. (470-77)
“You are scattered! Sin weighs upon you! You know not how to beseech the Lord
of Multitudes, nor humbly seek for mercy, even though he permitted you a little
time that you were allowed to possess power over me. You were willing to accept
that with patience, but conducted me up angrily so that I could see from the air
the buildings of the land. The radiant light of heaven was revealed to me,
though I have endured your fury. (478-87)
“You set me in scorn because I suffered meekly the roomy regula and the wild hearts
of young men in God’s temples. By this you would make game of the praise of saints.
You sought the inferior, and did not judge the better by their deeds.
Yet these acts shall not be kept secret. (488-93)
“I will speak a truth refuting you all. God has shaped the youth and the delight of men,
so they cannot bear themselves with maturity in their early bloom, but instead they delight in the joys of the world, until the count of winters subdues their youngness.
Thus their spirit feels affection for the demeanor and deportment* of a more mature state,
which many throughout middle-earth appropriately serve in their ways. Men will reveal
their wisdom to other people: they lose their arrogance after their youth flees folly. (494-504)
“You do not distinguish that fact, rather you speak of the sins of the wicked,
and will not celebrate the hearts and practices of the soothfast. You rejoice
in crimes and do not look for the comfort that you may experience any
improvement in your wrack-journeys. Often you stand accused, for which comes
chastisement from heaven. That one who has sent me can reconcile us,
he that controls the length of every life.” (505-12)
So the sainted soldier shouted out—he was a martyr for mankind, sundered
from his sins. Yet he must endure his share of pain, though the Lord ruled over
his torments. Listen—that seemed some wonder to men that Guthlac would further
allow miserable demons to strike him with savage seizures, and that it happened yet! (513-20)
Greater still was that Christ sought middle-earth himself, and shed his blood
into the hands of slayers. He held dominion over both life and death
when he suffered willingly the malice of persecutors meekly on earth. Therefore
it is now fitting that we consider the deeds of law-fast men, and say praise
to the Lord for all these exempla, the wisdom that his books reveal
for our sakes through his glorious works. (521-9)
they were fierce to rush upon him with greedy grasp. God did not will that his soul
should suffer bodily pain from them, he granted that the harmers may only touch
him with their hands, and that his peace was protected against them. (404-11)
Then the demons heaved Guthlac onto the high breeze, giving him power beyond
the kindred of men, so that he was shown before his eyes everything under
the dominion of holy shepherds, the bearing of men in monasteries who use
their lives in lusting, in idle possessions and arrogance, in ostentatious clothing,
as is the custom of youth where they are not checked by the fear of the elder.* (412-20)
The fiends need not have rejoiced there, rather they had too swiftly consumed
the fruits of their endeavor, only granted them for a short while. They might not
long afflict his body-house with tortures, nor be vexed by any abuse they might achieve. (421-26)
Then they conducted him from the air to his most beloved home on earth, so that
he again climbed the mountains in the grove. The killers groaned and moaned
mournsomely that a child of man had excelled them in calamities, and thus,
destitute and alone, this would come as a hardship to them, if they could not
painfully repay him a greater blow in return. (427-34a)
Guthlac set his hope in the heavens, trusting in salvation—he had endured
the fiends’ embrace with his life. The insurrection of miserable demons was
a temptation vanquished.* The champion remained, happy on the hill: his reward
was with God. It seemed in his thought that he was blessed among mankind
who protected his noble soul alone so that the Enemy’s hand at the uttermost end
hurt him not, when the Lord’s glory guides him, compelled to die at last. (434b-45)
Nevertheless yet, remembering their griefs, the blame-blabbers promised him
miseries with furious blasphemies. His faith was revealed: that God had rewarded
Guthlac courage with his favors since he struggled alone. (446-50)
An accursed demon said to him wordfully: “We should not need to toil this arduously
for you, if you had desired to readily heed the precepts of friends. When you first came,
humbled and wretched, into this flash-point, then you vowed that the Holy Ghost
readily would shield you against hardships, because the token that has turned the hand
of men away from your noble face.” (Within that mask live many men, resigned to fault—
they don’t serve God at all, but please their bodies for love of delicate food’s delights)* (451-63a)
“So you all render unto the Lord worthy memorials with a dull song.
You all hide before men many things that you conceive in your heart.
Although you practice them in secret, your deeds will not be kept hidden.
We conducted you upon the breeze, depriving you of the land’s joys,
for we desired you would see for yourself that we have brought the truth against you.
All of these torments you have endured, because you could not change this fact.” (463b-9)
Then it happened that God wished to give him favor after his suffering,
so that he esteemed martyrdom in his heart. He gave Guthlac wisdom
in his heart’s thoughts and a might-fast memory. He stood against many
old devils, emboldened by courage, and said to vex them that they,
vanquished, must abandon that green plain. (470-77)
“You are scattered! Sin weighs upon you! You know not how to beseech the Lord
of Multitudes, nor humbly seek for mercy, even though he permitted you a little
time that you were allowed to possess power over me. You were willing to accept
that with patience, but conducted me up angrily so that I could see from the air
the buildings of the land. The radiant light of heaven was revealed to me,
though I have endured your fury. (478-87)
“You set me in scorn because I suffered meekly the roomy regula and the wild hearts
of young men in God’s temples. By this you would make game of the praise of saints.
You sought the inferior, and did not judge the better by their deeds.
Yet these acts shall not be kept secret. (488-93)
“I will speak a truth refuting you all. God has shaped the youth and the delight of men,
so they cannot bear themselves with maturity in their early bloom, but instead they delight in the joys of the world, until the count of winters subdues their youngness.
Thus their spirit feels affection for the demeanor and deportment* of a more mature state,
which many throughout middle-earth appropriately serve in their ways. Men will reveal
their wisdom to other people: they lose their arrogance after their youth flees folly. (494-504)
“You do not distinguish that fact, rather you speak of the sins of the wicked,
and will not celebrate the hearts and practices of the soothfast. You rejoice
in crimes and do not look for the comfort that you may experience any
improvement in your wrack-journeys. Often you stand accused, for which comes
chastisement from heaven. That one who has sent me can reconcile us,
he that controls the length of every life.” (505-12)
So the sainted soldier shouted out—he was a martyr for mankind, sundered
from his sins. Yet he must endure his share of pain, though the Lord ruled over
his torments. Listen—that seemed some wonder to men that Guthlac would further
allow miserable demons to strike him with savage seizures, and that it happened yet! (513-20)
Greater still was that Christ sought middle-earth himself, and shed his blood
into the hands of slayers. He held dominion over both life and death
when he suffered willingly the malice of persecutors meekly on earth. Therefore
it is now fitting that we consider the deeds of law-fast men, and say praise
to the Lord for all these exempla, the wisdom that his books reveal
for our sakes through his glorious works. (521-9)
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