the Ruler of the heavens was crucified upon 205
the cross through sinful hate; even as the ancient
enemy with lying craft led astray the people, deceived
the race of the Jews, until they crucified God
himself, the Lord of hosts; wherefore they shall 210
suffer a direful curse in misery through a long-enduring
life.


7. THE JOURNEY OF ELENE.

Then was the laud of Christ in the heart of the
emperor, and he was ever mindful of that glorious
tree. And he bade his mother fare unto the Jews
upon a journey with a throng of people, and zealously 215
with her band of heroes to seek where the
holy tree of glory, the rood of the King, was hid
beneath the earth.

Nor would Elene slight such a journey, nor be 220
heedless of the word of the prince her son; but
the woman was soon ready for the welcome way,
as the bulwark of heroes and mail-clad warriors
had bidden her. And thereupon throngs of nobles 225
made ready for the voyage over the ocean. The
ships stood ready by the shores of the sea, bound
ocean-coursers resting on the deep.

And the journey of the queen was plainly manifest
when she sought the swell of the ocean with 230