Page:The Elene of Cynewulf.djvu/45

 chosen through the grace of the Spirit for the temple of God. And in later times upon a new occasion she wisely named him Cyriacus. Henceforth the name of the man was changed for the better throughout the cities—‘The law of the Lord’.

Then again was the mind of Elene concerned about that fair mystery with regard to the nails which pierced the feet and hands of the Saviour, wherewith the King of the heavens, the mighty Prince, was bound upon the cross. The queen of the Christians began to ask concerning them. She bade Cyriacus that he, through the might of the Holy Spirit, fulfil her desire still further regarding the wondrous mystery, and that he unlock the secret by his holy grace. And she spake this word unto the bishop—boldly she addressed him:—‘O bulwark of heroes, thou didst rightly show forth unto me that noble tree, the cross of the heavenly King, whereon by heathen hands was crucified God’s own Son, the Helper of souls, the Saviour of men. Now further the longing for knowledge doth make me mindful of the nails. I would thou shouldst find those that are hidden, buried deep in the earth and shrouded in darkness. Ever doth my heart mourn, sorrow in sadness, and rest not, until the Father Almighty, the Lord of hosts and Saviour of men, the Holy One from on high, shall fulfill unto me my desire through the finding of these nails. Now with all reverence do thou forthwith, O best of mediators, send up thy petition unto that glorious Being, unto the King of majesty. Do thou pray