Page:King Alfred's Version of the Consolations of Boethius.djvu/287



That swiftly turns;    and if straight you go,

Leaving behind you    the highest heaven,

Then may you at last    in the true Light

Have your portion,    whence the sole Prince

Above the firmament    far sway holds,

And also beneath,    over every creature,

Guiding the world. A wise King He;

'Tis He that controls    through all countries

All other kings    over the world.

He with His bridle    has firmly bound

The whole compass    of heaven and earth;

With His guiding reins    well He governs

And ever steers    with mighty strength

The hastening car    of earth and heaven.

He is the only Judge,    in justice steadfast,

God unchanging,    fair and glorious.

If you should reach    by the right way

Up to that region,    that right noble place,

Though for a time    you have it forgotten,

Yet if again ever    you thither arrive,

Then will you call out    and quickly say:

'This, this only    is mine own true home,

My land and country;    from here am I come,

Here was created,    by the Craftsman's might.

From here will I never    take me away,

But pleasantly here    it is my purpose,

The Father willing,    firmly to stand.'

If to you after it    shall ever befall

That you will, or may    to this murky world

Come once more,    you will quickly see

That all the unrighteous    rulers