Page:King Alfred's Version of the Consolations of Boethius.djvu/255



In homes under heaven. A hideous thing,

To take his pleasure    in such perilous sport.

Nought else gaining,    this only regarding,

To make his power    far over peoples

Widely renowned,    over the nations.

It likewise betided    once on a time

That this same man    sent to murder

All the rulers    of the Senate of Rome,

And all the best    by birth as well

That he could find    among his folk;

And his own brother    besides he bade,

Yes, and his mother,    be murdered with swords,

Killed with blade-edge. He himself butchered

His bride with the brand,    and ever was blither,

Gayer of mood,    the more of such murder,

Such hateful wrong,    he wrought on mortals.

Nought did he heed    whether hereafter

The mighty Master    would mete out vengeance,

Wreak on the wicked    their wrongful deeds,

But in his soul was glad    of his guile and sins,

Bloodthirsty ever. But notwithstanding,

He governed all    of this glorious world,

Where air and sea    encircle the land

And the deep sea enrings    this realm of mortals,

The seats of men,    south, east and west,

Right to the northmost    nesses of earth.

All bowed to Nero,    for need or pleasure

None was there of men    but must obey him.

When his pride was highest    ‘twas a pretty jest

How the kings of the earth    he killed and harried!