The Rosicrucians

CANTO I

But her likely referring to Edgitha, who was mentioned on the previous page as resisting Roger's charms reason fears young Roger’s
Very graces and his spirit so light:
She smiles at his vain anger.
In this moment, to the royal procession
Alkent and Rénisthal come to join.
Odon follows them, guiding the steps
Of his timid niece; and for the beautiful Olfide
Flattering vows arise from every side.
Welcomed with kindness by the queen,
Embellished at once by a blush,
She flees from all gazes within the crowd.
Elfride Queen Elfride, often identified with the historical Elfrida or Ælfthryth, wife of King Edgar the Peaceful watches with indifference
The three friends troubled before her.
Why this trouble, this silence around them,
This coldness that resembles an offense?
Why are they isolated in the crowd?
Not all the English to the new gospel Refers to the Christian faith, which was still being established among the Anglo-Saxons
Have submitted their unruly spirits.
Many are still faithful to the gods
Whom their ancestors invoked in Saxony original: "Saxe"; the Germanic roots of the English people.
But they dreaded the outrage of the Christians,
And disavowed a clandestine cult,