the long dialogue of Andrew and the Lord at sea, mo steadily towards the end with considerable variety action. If the characterization is crude, the descriptio are vivid, the speeches are often vigorous, and the trea ment of nature is throughout charming. It seems to r eminently suited by its subject and manner to stand as a example of the Old English religious epic, an example a form of literature with which every serious student our English poetry should be familiar. For English lite ature does not begin with Chaucer. He who would unde stand it well must know it also in its purer English for before the coming of the Normans.

The Argument.

It only remains to give a brief synopsi of the poem. It has fallen to the lot o Matthew to preach the Gospel to the

cannibal Mermedonians; they seize him and his company binding him and casting him into prison, where he is to remain until his turn comes to be eaten (1–58). He prays to God for help, and the Lord sends Andrew to deliver him (59-234). Andrew and his disciples come to the seashore and find a bark with three seamen, who are in reality the Lord and His two angels. On learning that Andrew is a follower of Jesus, the shipmaster agrees to carry him to Mermedonia (234-359). A storm arises, at which the disciples of Andrew are greatly terrified; he reminds them how Christ stilled the tempest, and they fall asleep (360-464). A dialogue ensues, in which Andrew relates to the shipmaster many of Christ's miracles (465817). He falls asleep, and is carried by the angels to

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enter the city, covering him with a cloud (818reaches the prison, the doors of which fly op touch, and rescues Matthew, whom he sends awa his company (990-1057). The Mermedonians, with famine, choose one of their number by lo as food for the rest. He offers his son as a subst as the heathen are about to slay their victim interposes and causes their weapons to melt away (1058-1154). Instigated by the Devil, they seiz and for three days subject him to the most cruel (1155-1462). On the fourth the Lord comes to and heals him of his wounds. Beside the pr Andrew sees a marble pillar, which, at his comm forth a great flood, destroying many of the peop 1575). Andrew takes pity upon them and cause to cease. The mountain is cleft and swallow waters, together with fourteen of the worst of th The others are restored to life and baptized. Af ing a church and appointing a bishop, Andrew Achaia, followed by the prayers of his new conve 1722).

THE LEGEND OF ST. ANDRI

Lo! we have learned of Twelve in days gor
Who dwelt beneath the stars, in glory rich,
Thanes of the Lord, whose courage for the
Failed never, e'en when helmets crashed in
From that time when they portioned each hi
As God himself declared to them by lot,
High King of heaven above. Renowned m
Were they through all the earth, and leaders
Brave in the battle, warriors of might,

When shield and hand the helmet did protec
Upon the field of fate. Of that brave band
Was Matthew one, who first among the Jews
Began to write the Gospel down in words
With wondrous power. To him did Holy G
Assign his lot upon that distant isle
Where never yet could any outland man
Enjoy a happy life or find a home.

Him did the murderous hands of bloody me
Upon the field of battle oft oppress

Right grievously. That country all about, The folkstead of the men, was compassèd With slaughter and with foemen's treachery, That home of heroes. Dwellers in that land Had neither bread nor water to enjoy,

Who visited that island from without
They seized as food-these famine-stricken men.
This was the cruel practice of that folk,
Mighty in wickedness, most savage foes:
With javelin points they poured upon the ground
The jewel of the head, the eyes' clear sight;
And after brewed for them a bitter draught-
These wizards by their magic-drink accursed,
Which led astray the wits of hapless men,
The heart within their breasts, until they grieved
No longer for the happiness of men ;

Weary for food they fed on hay and grass.

39

When to this far-famed city Matthew came,

40

There rose great outcry through the sinful tribe,

That cursed throng of Mermedonians.
Soon as those servants of the Devil learned

The noble saint was come unto their land,

They marched against him, armed with javelins;
Under their linden-shields they went in haste,

Grim bearers of the lance, to meet the foe.

They bound his hands; with foeman's cunning skill
They made them fast-those warriors doomed to hell- 50
With swords they pierced the jewel of his head.
Yet in his heart he honored Heaven's King,
Though of the drink envenomed he had drunk,
Of virtue terrible; steadfast and glad,
With courage unabashed, he worshiped still
The Prince of glory, King of heaven above;
And from the prison rose his holy voice.