Page:Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation (tr. Jane).djvu/235

 manner, as fit for the virgin's body as if it had been made purposely for her, and the place for the head particularly cut, exactly fit for her head, and shaped to a nicety.

Ely is in the province of the East Angles, a country of about six hundred families, in the nature of an island, enclosed, as has been said, either with marshes or waters, and therefore it has its name from the great plenty of eels taken in those marches; there the aforesaid servant of Christ desired to have a monastery, because, as we have before observed, she was descended from that same province of the East Angles.

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A HYMN. ON THE AFORESAID HOLY VIRGIN.

[A.D. 660]

I THINK it proper to insert in this history a hymn of virginity, which I composed in elegiac verse several years ago, in praise and honour of the same queen and spouse of Christ; and therefore truly a queen, because the spouse Of Christ; and to imitate the method of the Holy Scripture, in whose history many poetical pieces are inserted ,Which are known to be composed in metre.

Assist the numbers which my pen engage. Let Maro wars in loftier numbers sing, I sound the praises of our heavenly King. Chaste is my verse, nor Helen's rape I write; Light tales like these, but prove the mind as light. See I from on high the God descends, confined In Mary's womb, to rescue lost mankind. Behold a spotless maid a God brings forth, A God is born, who gave e'en nature birth The virgin­ choir the mother­maid resound, And chaste themselves, her praises shout around. Her bright example numerous vot'ries raise, Tread spotless paths, and imitate her ways. The blessed Agatha and Eulalia trust Sooner to flames than far more dangerous lust. Tecula and chaste Euphemia overcame The fear of beasts to save a virgin name. Agnes and sweet Cecilia, joyful maids, Smile while the pointed sword their breasts invades. Triumphing joy attends the peaceful soul, Where heat, nor rain, nor wishes mean control.
 * Hail, Triune Power, who rulest every age,