Impiously bold, he harrowed then the land,
and took the Holy Rood home to his own country.
He was so uplifted and so wicked a ruler,
that he would be God; and wrought then of silver
a high steeple in the form of stone-work,
and with shining gems surrounded all the house,
and in the upper-story he wrought his throne
all of red gold; and wonderfully drew out water
by means of pipes, for he would cause rains,
as if he himself were God. But he was nevertheless very foolish,
for the rain could not be of service to many.
He laboured then still more to manifest his power,
and bade the earth to be delved secretly with craft,
so that horses ran constantly about the house,
through the secret trenches, dinning with their feet,
for he would cause thunder. Nevertheless was he witless.
He sat then in the house as High God,
and placed the Holy Rood beside his throne,
as it were for a companion in his impiety.
He then sat there from that time forth, and to his son he assigned
all his kingdom; but Christ destroyed him.
An emperor there was in those days, named Eraclius, .
a Christian and a true believer, and undaunted in war;
and he adorned his belief with good works,
and honoured God's servants with benevolent mind.
Then came Cosdrue's son against the emperor (Eraclius),
for he desired to win his kingdom in battle.
Then it was settled between them both, that they two boldly
should go to single combat on the bridge of the river,
and he who should get the victory should wield the kingdom,
without the loss of the men who had come with them.
Then they all said that if any man should
