Classic and Contemporary Poetry
ETHELWALD, FR. METRICAL HISTORY OF ST. CUTHBERT, by BEDE First Line: Between two comrades dear Last Line: Proclaim them far and wide. Alternate Author Name(s): The Venerable Bede (beda) Subject(s): Ethelwold. Bishop (908-084); Ethelwald; Aethelwold | ||||||||
BETWEEN two comrades dear, Zealous and true as they, Thou, prudent Ethelwald, didst bear In that high home the sway. A man, who ne'er, 'tis said, Would of his graces tell, Or with what arms he triumphed Over the Dragon fell. So down to us hath come A memorable word, Which in unguarded season from His blessed lips was heard. It chanced, that, as the Saint Drank in with faithful ear Of Angel tones the whispers faint, Thus spoke a brother dear: "Oh, why so many a pause, Thwarting thy words' full stream, Till her dark line Oblivion draws Across the broken theme?" He answered: "Till thou seal To sounds of earth thine ear, Sweet friend, be sure thou ne'er shalt feel Angelic voices near." But then the hermit blest A sudden change came o'er; He shudders, sobs, and smites his breast, Is mute, then speaks once more: "Oh, by the Name Most High, What I have now let fall, Hush, till I lay me down to die, And go the way of all!" Thus did a Saint in fear His gifts celestial hide; Thus did an Angel standing near Proclaim them far and wide. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE HYMNARY: 361. ST. JOHN BAPTIST by BEDE SLANTS AT BUFFALO, NEW YORK by CARL SANDBURG THE SEALS IN PENOBSCOT BAY by KAREN SWENSON THE STARLIGHT NIGHT by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS LANCER by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN THE FACTORY; 'TIS AN ACCURSED THING! by LETITIA ELIZABETH LANDON NO SECOND TROY by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS |
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