King shall hold kingdom. A castle is seen from afar,
Artful work of giants yet on earth
Wonderful wall-stone work. Wind is swiftest is sky,
Thunder betimes most loud. Many are Christís powers.
Wyrd is strongest. Winter is coldest,
Lent frostiest and longest cold,
Summer sun-brightest, when sky is hottest,
And autumn most glorious, giving to men
The yearís fruits which God sends.
Truth is clearest, treasure dearest,
Gold to each man. The greyhair is wisest,
Ancient in years, who has much endured.
Grief clings; clouds glide.
Young chief shall encourage good companions
In grim war and ring-giving.
Courage shall be in eorl, edge shall in battle
Meet helm. Hawk shall on glove
Stay wild. Wolf shall on hill
Be lone.
--From a preface to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, I don't know whose translation
Posted by eshtine at September 21, 2002 04:51 PM