Page:King Alfred's Version of the Consolations of Boethius.djvu/259



XI
There is one Creator,    we cannot doubt,

And He controls    every creature

Of heaven and of earth,    and of the high seas,

And all the things    that therein dwell,

Of those unseen,    and likewise of such

As with our eyes    we are able to see,

Of all creation;    Almighty is He.

Him humbly court    all things created

That of their service    have any knowledge,

And none the less    of those that know not

That they minister    unto the Master.

In us He created    ways and customs,

And for all His creatures    peace unaltered,

Never ceasing    in its nature,

When that He wished    whatever pleased Him,

As long as He liked    should live and last.

So it shall be,    and for ever abide;

For never they may,    the moving creatures,

Cease from their motion,    sink into rest,

Swerve from the way    that the Warden of heaven

Has appointed for all    in order unchanging.

The King of all things    has His creation

Bound with His bridle;    both has He done,

Governed each one    and guided them too,

So that they may not    against the Master's will

Ever cease moving,    nor ever again

Go any more than    the Guarder of glory