Page:King Alfred's Version of the Consolations of Boethius.djvu/244

180 He sent in secret,summoning them by God, By their former faith,forthwith to him To speed Romewards;Greek senators Should rule the Romans, their rights render Free to the folk.When he found this out, Theodoric the Amuling,the thane he had seized, Charging the bravesthat did his bidding To hold fast the hero;fierce was his heart. The chieftain dreading.Deep in a dungeon Bolted and barredhe bade them cast him. Then was the man's moodmightily troubled, The mind of Boethius.Long had he borne High state worldly;the harder it was Bravely to bearthis bitter fortune. Sad was the hero;he hoped for no mercy, Locked in prison;past all comfort On the floor he fellwith his face downwards, Wofully spread,his sorrow speaking. Hopeless utterly,ever weening He should linger in fetters.He called on the Lord Willti cheerless voice,and thus he chaunted.

Ah! many a layonce so merrily I sang in my joy.Now must I sighing, Worn with weeping,a woful outcast. Sing words of sorrow.Me hath this sobbing And this wailing dazed,so that no more ditties Can