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The Phoenix, lines 589-677 [end]

Christ will shine above the heavenly city and the birds, the chosen ones, will follow him. They can never be harmed by the enemy because they are clothed in light, just like the Phoenix. A bright corona, adorned with jewels, will rise upon each one’s head. They will dwell in beauty with the Father and the angels.

Nothing will harm them, not strife, poverty, work, hunger thirst, disease or old age. The spirits will praise the Lord, singing “Peace be to you, etc.”

Just as God was born into the world yet remained holy, suffered death and torment on the cross but received life again, so too the Phoenix indicates the Son of God when he arises from the ashes to new life. Just as the Savior gave us help through his body, so too the bird fills its wings with sweet herbs, the fruit of the earth.

These are the words which writings tell us will go up to heaven and bring a beautiful smell of words and works as a gift to God.

[the poem becomes macaronic here, with the a-verse of each line in Old English and the b-verse in Latin]

May there be eternal praise for the Lord. He is the right King of the world and of the heavenly troop, in the glorious city. He has granted us the ability to earn joy in heaven by good deeds. There we can live in grace, look upon the Lord, and sing Him praises with the angels. Alleluia.

1 comment to The Phoenix, lines 589-677 [end]

  • I have been delighted to discover Old English recitations on the Internet and I thank you for your free downloads. I have also downloaded some of your recitations on UTube. The are very clear. I have two books of Anglo-Saxon poetry, which I have had for some decades and can follow some of the poetry with clues of names and Germanic words while listening to the recitations, but I have downloaded your modern English translation of The Phoenix. It would be nice to obtain the vernacular as well, so I am searching on the Internet.
    Thank you again very much.
    Yours sincerely,
    Sylvia Walker 4th October 2012