Now must we hymn the Master of heaven, The might of the Maker, the deeds of the Father, The thought of His heart. He, Lord everlasting, Established o… - Bede

Fore there neidfaerae • naenig uuiurthit
thoncsnotturra • than him tharf sie
to ymbhycggannae • aer his hiniongae
huaet his gastae • godaes aeththa yflaes
aefter deothdaege • doemid uueorthae.

It is said that one day, when some merchants had lately arrived at Rome, many things were exposed for sale in the market place, and much people resorted thither to buy: Gregory himself went with the rest, and saw among other wares some boys' put up for sale, of fair complexion, with pleasing countenances, and very beautiful hair. When he beheld them, he asked, it is said, from what region or country they were brought? and was told, from the island of Britain, and that the inhabitants were like that in appearance. He again inquired whether those islanders were Christians, or still involved in the errors of paganism, and was informed that they were pagans. Then fetching a deep sigh from the bottom of his heart, "Alas! what pity," said he, "that the author of darkness should own men of such fair countenances ; and that with such grace of outward form, their minds should be void of inward grace.

Nū þ sculan herian • heofonrices þeard,
metudes myhte • his modᵹeþanc,
þurc þuldorfæder, • sþa he þundra ᵹehþilc,
ece drihten • ord astealde;
he ærest ᵹesceop • ylda bearnum
heofon to hrofe, • haliᵹ scyppend,
middanᵹearde • mancynnes þard;
ece drihtin, • æfter tida
firum on foldum, • frea ællmyhtiᵹ.