158

 158. Ethelwald (From St. Bede's Metrical  History of St. Cuthbert.)   BETWEEN two comrades dear,  Zealous and true as they, Thou, prudent Ethelwald, didst bear  In that high home the sway.   A man, who ne'er, 'tis said,  Would of his graces tell, Or with what arms he triumphèd  Over the Dragon fell.   So down to us hath come  A memorable word, Which in unguarded season from  His blessed lips was heard.   It chanced, that, as the Saint  Drank in with faithful ear Of Angel tones the whispers faint,  Thus spoke a brother dear:   "Oh, why so many a pause,  Thwarting thy words' full stream, Till her dark line Oblivion draws  Across the broken theme?"   He answered: "Till thou seal  To sounds of earth thine ear, Sweet friend, be sure thou ne'er shalt feel  Angelic voices near."   But then the hermit blest  A sudden change came o'er; He shudders, sobs, and smites his breast,  Is mute, then speaks once more:   "Oh, by the Name Most High,  What I have now let fall, Hush, till I lay me down to die,  And go the way of all!"   Thus did a Saint in fear  His gifts celestial hide; Thus did an Angel standing near  Proclaim them far and wide.  Littlemore .  1844.