XIII.

Then hé was baptized who often before The ready light [had long rejected, Gn.], 1045 Inspired was his soul for that better life, To glory turned. Fate surely ordained That so full of faith and so dear to God In realm of the world he should become, [So] pleasing to Christ. That known became, 1050 After that Helena bade them Eusebius, Bishop of Rome, into council with her To bring for help, the very wise [man] By means of men,[1] to the holy city, That he might ordain to the sacred office 1055 Judas for the folk in Jerúsalém, To be their bishop within the city, Through gift of the Spirit for the temple of God Chosen with wisdom, and him Cyriácus Through counsel of wit she afterwards named 1060 A second time. The name was changed Of the man in the city henceforth for the better, For the law of the Saviour. Then still Helena's Mind was disturbed at the wondrous fate, Very much for the nails, those which the Saviour's 1065 Feet had pierced through and likewise his hands, With which on the rood the Ruler of Heaven, Lord mighty, was fastened. Of these gan ask The Christians' queen, Cyriacus prayed That still for her, by the might of his spirit, 1070 For the wondrous fate the will he'ld fulfil, Reveal by his gifts, and shé addressed This word to the bishop, boldly she spake: "Thou, earls' defence, the noble tree Of heavens' King me rightly didst show, 1075 On which was hanged by heathen hands The Helper of spirits, own Son of God, Saviour of men. Still of the nails In thought of my mind curiosity troubles me. I would thou should'st find those which yet in the earth 1080 Deeply buried remain concealed, Hidden in darkness. My heart ever sorrows, Sad it complains and never will rest, Ere for mé He fulfil, Almighty Father, Ruler of hosts, mine own desire, 1085 Saviour of men, by sight[2] of the nails, The Holy from height. Now quickly do thou With all humility, most excellent man, Direct thy prayer to the heavens bright, To the Ruler of glory, pray Strength of warriors, 1090 That to thee may reveal the Almighty King The hord 'neath the earth, that hidden still, Concealed from men, in secret abides." Then gan the holy one strengthen his heart, Inspired in his breast the bishop of the folk, 1095 Glad-minded, went with a crowd of men Those praising God, and earnestly then Cyriacús on Calvarý Inclined his face, his secret concealed not, With might of his spirit called upon God 1100 With all humility, prayed Warden of angels To open to him the unknown fate In his new distress, where he the nails Upon the plain Best need expect. Then caused he the token, where they were looking, 1105 The Father, hope's Spirit, in form of fire Upwards to rise, where they most noble By means of men[3] had once been hidden With secret cunning, the nails in the earth. Then suddenly came brighter than sun 1110 The playing flame. The people saw To the giver of their will[4] the wonder made known, When there out of darkness, like stars of heaven Or gems of gold, upon the bottom The nails from the narrow bed shining beneath 1115 Brilliantly glittered. The people rejoiced, The glad-minded host, spake glory to God With one accord all, though ere they were By the devil's deceit long in error, Estranged from Christ. Thus did they speak: 1120 "Ourselves now we see the token of victory, True wonder of God, that before we opposed With lying words. Now is come into light, Is revealed, fate's course. May glory for this Have in the highest heaven-kingdom's God!" 1125 Then hé was rejoiced who turned to repentance Through the Son of God, the people's bishop, A second time. He took the nails, Disturbed with fear, ánd to the venerable Queen did he bring them. Cyriacus had 1130 It all fulfilled as the noble one bade him, The woman's will. There was sound of weeping, Hot head-welling was poured o'er her cheeks, By no means for sorrow. The tears were falling O'er the plaiting of wires.[5] With glory fulfilled 1135 Was the wish of the queen. She knelt on her knees With bright belief; she honored the gift, Rejoicing with joy, which wás to her brought For help in her sorrows. Then thanked she God, The Lord of victories, that the truth she had learnt 1140 At that present time, that oft was announced So long before from creation of the world For comfort to the people. Shé was inspired With the gift of wisdom, and his dwelling held Holy Spirit of heaven, guarded her breast, 1145 Her noble heart. So her the Almighty Victor-son of God after protected.

[1] So Z.; 'With pomp of array,' Gn.

[2] Lit., 'coming.'

[3] Same expression as in 1054.

[4] Lit., 'will-giver,' i.e., the queen.

[5] i.e., her ornaments of gold.