Page:King Alfred's Version of the Consolations of Boethius.djvu/243

Rh For the sons of Rome.They sought right soon Help from the high one;he then vowed To give the Romansall rights olden, Safe to sojournin their wealthy dty, While God him grantedthe Goths' dominion To own and possess.All this the prince broke, Oath after oath;Arian error He loved betterthan the law of the Lord. The good Pope Johnhe judged in his anger, Reft of his head;a heinous deed! Countless wrongswere likewise wrought By the Gothic leaderon each of the good. in those days a leaderin Rome was living, A high-bom chieftain,cherishing his lord, While that the high-seatwas held by the Greeks; A man most righteous.He was 'mid the Romans A giver of treasure,glorious ever. Wise toward this world,wishful of honour. Learned in booklore;Boethius the name was That this herb had,that so highly was famed. Time after timehe turned in his mind The evil and insultby alien princes Grievously given.To the Greeks he was true, Remembering the honoursand ancient rights By his Others aforetimefully enjoyed. Their love and kindness.Then with cunning He planned and broodedhow he might bring The Greeks to his country,that once more the Caesar Might have full powero'er his people. Then to their former lordsletters of embassy Rh