Poem One #

¹ Though their forms differ, the same fervor burns within;
The weary bow their languid necks beneath the lofty God.

² Whatever serpent has infused venom into the throat,
Yet the Cross and Christ subdue the savage powers.

³ Here I sit, chanting morning hymns.
Here, in the light, I sing—though troubled.

⁴ Greet in such a way that you may be greeted in return.
This is what vines do—to avoid such great dangers.

⁵ If you wish to escape evils, beware of evil rocks.
Wretched man, you cast out your wife—one who trusted you more than she should have.
Since you often sell without me, do not make a habit of selling.

⁶ Whoever pours forth bitter tears from the heart,
Join faith to your weeping, and whatever you ask, you shall receive.

Poem Two #

¹ The Savior honors apostolic friends alike:
To one, Peter, He grants the keys; to the other, Paul, the law.

² O leaders, learn this noble precept: follow after me!
Let him who desires divinity be good in life.

³ Thus, the Author of Life destroyed death by dying,
Healing our wounds through His own wounds.

Poem Three #

¹ Saint Patrick claims this hall for himself,
Whom our people rightly revere with the highest honor.

² He revealed the gifts of the healing bath,
And here too he taught us to worship the Lord and God.

³ He commanded and guided an ignorant people to true faith.
Calpurnius begot him; gentle Britain sent him;

⁴ Gaul nurtured him; blessed Ireland holds his bones.
Both receive the rewards of the starry heavens.

⁵ Why should I recall the countless thousands of the Vermandois people,
The blessed deeds among the Frankish nations?

⁶ Or the noble exploits, proclaimed throughout the world?
This land lacks neither golden grain nor honey.

⁷ Its fields are fertile with Bacchus’ gifts and abundant harvests.
Many animals roam across the grassy plains.

⁸ From ancient times, this land was renowned for its kingdoms.
Now, this land rejoices in its pious bishop from across the sea.

⁹ Recently, the venerable abbot of Cellamus
Commanded that these verses be written in dactylic meter.