Page:The Mabinogion.djvu/521

492 An angelic hand

From the high Father,

Brought seed for growing

That Eve might sow;

But she then did hide

Of the gift a tenth,

And all did not sow

Of what was dug.

Black rye then was found,

And not pure wheat grain,

To show the mischief

Thus of thieving.

For this thievish act,

It is requisite,

That all men should pay

Tithe unto God.

Of the ruddy wine,

Planted on sunny days,

And on new-moon nights;

And the white wine.

The wheat rich in grain

And red flowing wine

Christ's pure body make,

Son of Alpha.

The wafer is flesh,

The wine is spilt blood,

The Trinity's words

Sanctify them.

The concealed books

From Emmanuel's hand

Were brought by Raphael

As Adam's gift,

When in his old age,

To his chin immersed

In Jordan's water,

Keeping a fast,

Moses did obtain

In Jordan's water,

The aid of the three

Most special rods.