From ‘La Gran Conquista de Ultramar,’ Chapter xiii.

     TO THE MONTH OF MARY

     From the ‘Cantigas’

     Welcome, O May, yet once again we greet thee! 
     So alway praise we her, the Holy Mother,
     Who prays to God that he shall aid us ever
     Against our foes, and to us ever listen. 
     Welcome, O May! loyally art thou welcome! 
     So alway praise we her, the Mother of kindness,
     Mother who alway on us taketh pity,
     Mother who guardeth us from woes unnumbered. 
     Welcome, O May! welcome, O month well favored! 
     So let us ever pray and offer praises
     To her who ceases not for us, for sinners,
     To pray to God that we from woes be guarded. 
     Welcome, O May!  O joyous month and stainless! 
     So will we ever pray to her who gaineth
     Grace from her Son for us, and gives each morning
     Force that by us the Moors from Spain are driven. 
     Welcome, O May, of bread and wine the giver! 
     Pray then to her, for in her arms, an infant
     She bore the Lord! she points us on our journey,
     The journey that to her will bear us quickly!

ALFRED THE GREAT

(849-901)

In the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford may be seen an antique jewel, consisting of an enameled figure in red, blue, and green, enshrined in a golden frame, and bearing the legend “Alfred mec heht gewyrcean” (Alfred ordered me made).  This was discovered in 1693 in Newton Park, near Athelney, and through it one is enabled to touch the far-away life of a thousand years ago.  But greater and more imperishable than this archaic gem is the gift that the noble King left to the English nation—­a gift that affects the entire race of English-speaking people.  For it was Alfred who laid the foundations for a national literature.

Alfred, the younger son of Ethelwulf, king of the West Saxons, and Osberga, daughter of his cup-bearer, was born in the palace at Wantage in the year 849.  He grew up at his father’s court, a migratory one, that moved from Kent to Devonshire and from Wales to the Isle of Wight whenever events, raids, or the Witan (Parliament) demanded.  At an early age Alfred was sent to pay homage to the Pope in Rome, taking such gifts as rich vessels of gold and silver, silks, and hangings, which show that Saxons lacked nothing in treasure.  In 855 Ethelwulf visited Rome with his young son, bearing more costly presents, as well as munificent sums for the shrine of St. Peter’s; and returning by way of France, they stopped at the court of Charles the Bold.  Once again in his home, young Alfred applied himself to his education.  He became a marvel of courage at the chase, proficient in the use of arms, excelled in athletic sports, was zealous in his religious duties, and athirst for knowledge.  His accomplishments were many; and when the guests assembled in the great hall to make the walls ring with their laughter over cups of mead and ale, he could take his turn with the harpers and minstrels to improvise one of those sturdy bold ballads that stir the blood to-day with their stately rhythms and noble themes.