De laudibus sancte crucis

This image description is editorial content. A figured poem, also known as a grid poem, from Hrabanus Maurus's work "In Praise of the Holy Cross." The text is arranged in a strict 36 by 36 character grid. Red boxes highlight an outer border consisting of the first and last lines and the first and last columns. There are also three horizontal bands across lines 15, 22, and 29, along with several vertical columns. This creates a geometric design of interlocking squares and rectangles within the layout of the poem.

The Muse, rejoicing in quick study, now desires our soul
to speak equally in song and in addresses.
The gifts of the highest Father, which He generously gave back to the world,
are the holy trophies of the King and the one high on the throne.
This holy Cross is full of the power of the Crucified One,
a venerable branch suited for all good fates.
I, poor, needy, and destitute, have attempted here with my mouth
and speech, as a servant, to give forth this fountain and thus I shall arise.
Nor do my deeds purify me, so that I might believe myself worthy
of so great a gift or so upright in mind for this task.
But the generous goodness of God is the greatest hope of my prayer,
which made me ready and gladdened me with praise.
The Ruler who holds all did not despise the rare small coins A reference to the "widow's mite" from the Gospels, suggesting that even small gifts given with devotion are valuable to God.
of the poor man and the widow, but He Himself accepted them in approval.
And ruling the world, He who ordains, the only and one,
this love has blessed all beautiful things with praise.
Indeed, it was commanded in the ancient law to all people
that they should give suitable gifts to the honorable temples of God.
One part gave silver, one part gave bright gifts of gold,
one part granted gems, and another gave dyed fabrics.
Some gave wood, oil, and precious pigments.
The great house shows many things everywhere, shining brightly.
But others had brought the offspring and the hair of goats.
Nor were these gifts despised when brought to God.
For which reason I ask that the wealthy man, rich in money,
should not wish to despise the burden here since I carry cheap things.
Even though he himself may bring immense treasures, supported by
great crowds, to load the temples of God from here.
I am not moved by these things nor troubled with a wicked face,
but rejoicing, I watch his gifts grow for himself.
I do not want him to hold my gifts as hateful,
but rather let him make these gifts of God whatever they may be.
He who fiercely despises the needy man reproaches God Himself,
to whom this needy man belongs, and to whom every man belongs.
Behold, as much as I give, Jesus my lover gave to me.
May all his deeds be pious here, and may he seize all things here.

A large red decorative initial M marks the beginning of this text section.

The Muse, rejoicing in quick study, now desires our soul

The gifts of the highest Father, which He generously gave back to the world:

The holy Cross is full of the power of the Crucified One,

I, poor, needy, and destitute, behold, with my mouth and speech

Nor do my deeds purify me, so that I might believe myself worthy

But the generous goodness of God is the greatest hope of my prayer,

The Ruler who holds all did not despise the rare small coins of the poor man and the widow

And ruling the world, He who ordains, the only and one,

Indeed, it was commanded in the ancient law to all people

One part gave silver, one part gave bright gifts of gold:

Some gave wood, oil, and precious pigments.

But others had brought the offspring and the hair of goats:

For which reason I ask that the wealthy man, rich in money, there

Even though he himself may bring immense treasures to load

I am not moved by these things nor troubled with a wicked face:

I do not want him to hold my gifts as hateful:

He who fiercely despises the needy man reproaches God Himself:

Behold, as much as I give, Jesus my lover gave to me.

The end of the preface. The first book follows.