Page:The Elene of Cynewulf.djvu/15



There had passed in the turn of years, as men mark the tale of time, two hundred and thirty and three winters over the world since the Lord God, the Glory of kings and Light of the faithful, was born on earth in human guise; and it was the sixth year of the reign of Constantine since he was raised in the realm of the Romans to lead their army, a prince of battles. He was a bulwark to his people, valiant with the shield, and gracious to his heroes; and the prince’s realm waxed great beneath the heavens. He was a just king, a war-lord of men. God strengthened him with majesty and might till he became a joy to many men throughout the world, an avenger for his people when he raised aloft his spear against their foes.

And battle was brought on him, the tumult of strife. The people of the Huns and famous Goths gathered a host together; and the Franks and Hugas marched forth, men fierce in fight and ripe for war. The spears and woven mail-coats glittered, as with shouts and clash of shields they lifted up on high the standard of battle. Openly the fighters gathered all together, and the throng marched forth. The wolf in the wood howled his