INNO DI CÆDMON The following poem, is the oldest known example of Old English Cædmon Hymn, religious poetry. Although Cædmon was an early northern poet, the hymn is given here in a West Saxon version, in keeping with the most common form of Old English. Since the position of stress is especially important in Old English poetry, accent marks have been added. The story of Cædmon and his poem can be found in Bede’s Historia Ecclesiastica, 4,XXIV. 24. That is are bound to’ ‘we 25. that is he, the eternal Lord, established the beginning of wonder’ ‘how 26.that is earth’. ‘the 24
INNO DI CÆDMON The following poem, Cædmon Hymn, is the oldest known example of Old English religious poetry. Although Cædmon was an early northern poet, the hymn is given here in a West Saxon version, in keeping with the most common form of Old English. Since the position of stress is especially important in Old English poetry, accent marks have been added. The story of Cædmon and his poem can be found in Bede’s Historia Ecclesiastica, 4,XXIV. 24. That is ‘we are bound to’ 25. that is ‘how he, the eternal Lord, established the beginning of wonder’ 26.that is ‘the earth’. 24
INNO_DI_C3F3FDMON_28SLI29.docx