Page:King Alfred's Version of the Consolations of Boethius.djvu/276



That earth and ocean    are all unable,

Though both cold creatures,    by any contrivance

Fully to quench    the fire within them,

Therein planted    by the Lord's power.

Now this is a property    possessed by waters,

To live upon earth    and in the clouds also,

And even on high    above the heavens.

Then the rightful    region of fire,

Its native home,    is high over all creatures

That we may behold    over this wide world;

Though it is mingled    with every member

Of world-creatures,    it cannot avail

To deal to one of them    deadly damage,

Save by the leave    of our Life-Giver,

Even the Eternal    Almighty God.

More heavy is earth    than other creatures,

More stoutly welded;    for during a space

Beneath creation    it nethermost lay,

Save only the firmament    that this broad fabric

Outside and around    each day circles,

Yet never touches    the earth anear,

Nor may it in one place    more than another

Nearer reach;    round it speeds

Above and beneath,    yet equally near.

Every creature    whereof we recount

Has for itself    its separate home;

Yet is it likewise    linked with others,

Nor may one live    lonely ever,

Though dimly seen    be their dwelling together.

Thus earth in fire    and water is found;