Page:The Elene of Cynewulf.djvu/46

 the Glory of men that He, Almighty King, show forth unto thee the treasure beneath the earth that still lieth hidden, secret and concealed from men.’

Then the holy man, inspired in heart, the bishop of the people, made steadfast his soul, and joyfully went forth with a throng of men singing praises unto God. Zealously Cyriacus bowed his head upon Calvary, nor made he any secret of his thoughts, but through the might of the Holy Spirit he called upon God with all reverence, and prayed the Lord of angels to reveal the unknown mystery in his new trouble, where in that field he might earnestly seek out the nails.

Then the Father, the Spirit of comfort, there as they were watching, caused a sign in the form of fire to rise up where the precious nails were cunningly hid in the earth by the devices of men. Forthwith there came a leaping flame brighter than the sun. The people beheld a miracle shown forth unto their queen, where, like unto the stars of heaven or gems set in gold, out of the darkness glittered the nails brightly, gleaming from their burial-place beneath the surface of the earth. The people rejoiced, the throng were glad of heart; and they said with one accord that the miracle was of God, although hitherto they had been long in heresy and turned from Christ, through the death-wielding power of the devil. Thus they spake:—‘Now do we ourselves behold the sign of victory, the true miracle of God, whom we formerly withstood with falsehood. Now is the course of the mystery come into light and revealed. Wherefore may the God of the heavenly kingdom have glory in the highest.’