Page:Aelfric's Lives of Saints Vol 1.djvu/185

 unlike to  thee  in  nobility,

who hath  offered  me  better  adornments,

and hath  granted  me  for  a  pledge  the  ring  of  His  faith,

and hath  adorned  me  with  unimaginable  honour.

He hath  encircled  my  right  hand  and  also  my  neck

with precious  stones,  and  with  shining  gems.

He hath  set  His  token  upon  my  face

that I  should  love  none  other  beside  Him.

He hath  decked  me  with  a  robe  woven  of  gold,

and hath  adorned  me  with  exceeding  [rich]  jewels;

He hath  shewed  me  also  His  incomparable  treasures,

which He  hath  promised  me  if  I  follow  Him.

I may  not  to  His  dishonour  choose  another

and forsake  Him  who  hath  espoused  me  by  His  love.

His countenance  is  fairer  and  His  love  winsomer  [than  thine],

His bridal-bed  hath  been  now  of  a  long  time  prepared  for  me  with  joys,

His maidens  sing  to  me  with  melodious  voices.

From his  mouth  I  have  received  milk  and  honey;

now already  I  am  embraced  with  His  pure  arms;

His fair  body  is  united  to  mine,

and His  blood  hath  adorned  my  eyebrows  {lit. eye-rings).

His mother  is  a  Virgin,  and  His  mighty  Father

knew not  woman,  and  to  Him  the  angels  ever  bow.

The winsome  stars  glorify  His  beauty,

and the  sun  and  moon  also,  which  enlighten  the  earth.

By His  word  even  the  dead  are  quickened,

and by  His  touch  the  infirm  sick  are  strengthened.

His abundance  never  faileth,  nor  His  wealth  waneth.

To Him  alone  I  ever  keep  my  troth,

to whom  I  commit  myself  with  all  devotion.

When I  love  Him,  I  am  wholly  pure;

when I  touch  Him,  I  am  unstained,

when I  receive  Him,  I  am  still  a  virgin,

and there,  in  the  bridal,  no  child  lacketh.

There is  conception  without  sorrow,  and  perpetual  fruitfulness.'