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Das Annolied
The Annolied or Song of Anno is an 11th-century poem in Early Middle High German, written as an encomium to the Archbishop Anno II of Cologne, presumably by a monk at the monastery at Siegburg, which Anno founded. The 49 sections of the poem combine a short two-part world chronicle, first sacred (1-7), then secular history (8-33), with a hagiographical life of Anno (34-49). The key to this unusual genre mix is found in the tripartite theology of the second section. The poem was published with a Latin commentary by Martin Opitz in 1639. Here I offer a diplomatic trascription of the poem from Opitz, together with my translation, taken from my edition: Graeme Dunphy (ed.), Opitz's Anno: The Middle High German Annolied in the 1639 Edition of Martin Opitz, Scottish Papers in Germanic Studies, Glasgow, 2003.
RHYTHMVS DE S. ANNONE COLONIENSI ARCHIEPISCOPO
1
VVIr horten ie dikke singen Von alten dingen, Wi snelle helide vuhten, Wi si veste burge brechen, Wi sich liebin vuiniscefte schieden, Wi riche Künige al zegiengen. Nu ist ciht daz wir dencken Wi wir selve sülin enden. Crist der vnser héro güt Wi manige ceichen her vns vure düt, Alser uffin Sigeberg havit gedan Durch den diurlichen man Den heiligen bischof Annen Durch den sinin willen, Dabi wir uns sülin bewarin Wante wir noch sülin varin Von disime ellendin libe hin cin ewin Da wir imer sülin sin.
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Often have we listened to tales of antiquity related in song; how valiant heroes battled, how powerful cities fell to them, how close friendships were broken and mighty kings brought down. Now it is time for us to consider how we ourselves shall end. How many signs has Christ, our good master given us, as He did on the hill at Siegburg in the person of that fine man, the saintly Bishop Anno, and for his sake, that we might be vigilant. For we shall yet journey from this miserable life to an eternal one, where we shall remain for ever.
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2
IN der werilde aneginne, Dü liht war vnte stimma, Dü diu vrone Godis hant Diu spehin werch gescuph so manigvalt, Dü deilti Got sini werch al in zuei, Disi werlt ist daz eine deil, Daz ander ist geistin: Dü gemengite dei wise Godis list Von den zuein ein werch, daz der mennisch ist, Der beide ist corpus unte geist, Dannin ist her na dim engele allermeist. Alle gescaft ist an dem mennischen, Soiz sagit daz Evangelium. Wir sülin un cir dritte werilde celin, So wir daz die Crichen horin redin. Zden selben erin ward gescaphin Adam, havit er sich behaltin.
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In the beginning of the world, when there was light and voice, when the holy hand of God fashioned the marvels of His so manifold creation, God divided all His work in two. This world is one part, the other is spiritual. Then God in His wisdom and skill blended the two to make a single work, the human being, who is both body and spirit, and for this reason is closest to the angels. All creation is combined in humanity, as it says in the Gospel. We should regard it as a third world, as the Greeks say. To this very honour Adam was created, had he only remained steadfast.
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3
DU sich Lucifer du ce ubile gevieng, Vnt Adam diu Godis Wort ubirgieng, Dü balch sigis Got desti mer, Daz her andere sini werch sach rechte gen. Den Manen vnten sunnen die gebin ire liht mit wunnen: Die sterrin bihaltent ire vart, Si geberent vrost vnte hizze so starc: Daz fuir havit ufwert sinin zug; Dunnir unte wint irin vlug. Di wolken dragint den reginguz: Nidir wendint wazzer irin vluz: Mit blümin cierint sich diu lant: Mit loube dekkit sich der walt: Daz wilt havit den sinin ganc: Scone ist der vügilsanc. Ein iwelich ding diu é noch havit Di emi Got van erist virgab, Ne were die zuei gescephte, Di her gescuph die bezziste: Die virkerten sich in diu doleheit, Dannin hubin sich diu leiht.
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When Lucifer turned his hand to evil and Adam transgressed God’s word, this angered God all the more as He saw His other creations follow their appointed paths: the moon and the sun which emit their light with joy; the stars maintain their courses, bringing extremes of frost and heat; fire draws upwards, thunder and wind have their flight; the clouds bear the showers of rain and the waters pour downwards; the fields adorn themselves with flowers, the forest is covered with foliage; the beasts live according to their kind and the song of the birds is beautiful. Everything would still have the order which God ordained from the beginning were it not for the two creations which he made best. These turned away to folly, and this is the source of all suffering.
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4
CUnt ist wi der vient virspun den man, Zi scalke wolter un havin. So vürter cir hellin die vünf werlt alle, Vnze Got gesante sinin sun, Der irloste vns von den sünden: Ce opfere wart her vür uns braht, Dem dode nam her sini maht, Ce hellin vur her ane sunden, Her herite si mit gewelde, Der tiuvel virlos den sinin gewalt, Wir würdin al in vrie gezalt: In der doufe würde wir Cristis man. Den Heirrin sülin wir minnan.
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It is well known how the enemy enticed the man, wanting him as a bondsman, and thus led all five worlds to Hell, until God sent his son, who redeemed us from sin. He was offered as a sacrifice for us, divesting death of its power. Sinless, he marched against Hell and took it by storm. The Devil lost his dominion and we were all declared free. In baptism we were made vassals of Christ; we have reason to love this liege lord.
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5
VP hüf Crist sinis crucis vanin, Die zueilf bodin hiz her in diu lant varin: Vane himele gaf her un diu craft, Daz si ubirwunden diu heidinscapht. Rome ubirwant Petrus, Diu Criechen der wise Paulus, Seint Andreas in Patras, In India der güde Thomas, Matheus in Ethyopia, Symon unte Iudas in Persia, Seinte Iacobus in Hierusalem, Nu is her dar in Galicia bistén; Iohannes dar in Epheso, Vili süze konder predigin, Vz des grabi noch wehsit himilbrot, Daz dekkit manigirslahte noht; Andre mertirere manige, Soiz witin ist ci sagine, Mit heiligem irin blüde Irvüldin Christis gemüde, Mit arbeiden quamen si cirin heirrin, Nu havit her si mit erin.
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Christ raised up the banner of his cross. He sent the twelve apostles to the nations. From Heaven he bestowed on them the power to overcome heathendom. Rome was conquered by Peter, the Greeks by the wise Paul. St. Andrew in Patras, In India the righteous Thomas, Matthew in Ethiopia, Simon and Judas in Persia, St. James in Jerusalem (now he is buried in Galicia) and John in Ephesus. John was a fine preacher; still today manna grows from his grave, giving relief to many kinds of pain. Many other martyrs (proclaim it far and wide!) fulfilled the plan of Christ with their holy blood. They came to their Lord suffering; now he holds them in great honour.
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6
DIe Troianischen Vranken Si sülin is iemir Gode danken Daz her un so manigin heiligin havit gesant, Soiz dar in Koln ist gewant, Dadir restit ein sülich menige Van Senti Mauriciin herige, Vnt eilf tusent megide Durch Cristis minn irslagene, Manige bischof also herin Die dir ceichin haftig warin, Als iz mer ist vane Sent Annin; Des love wir Crist mit sange.
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The Trojan Franks should always thank God that he sent them so many saints, as he did in Cologne. Here rest so many of St. Maurice's army, and eleven thousand virgins slain for the love of Christ; likewise many noble bishops who performed miracles there, as is also reported of St. Anno. For this we sing praise to Christ.
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7
CE Kolne was her gewihet bischof, Des sal diu stat iemir loben Got, Daz in der sconistir burge, Di in Diutischemi lande ie wurde, Rihtere was der vrumigisti man Der ie ci Rini biquam: Ci diu daz diu Stat desti heror diuhte Wandi si ein so wise herdum irluhte, Vnte diu sin dugint desti pertir weri Daz her einir so herin stedi plegi. Koln ist der heristin burge ein, Sent Anno braht ir ere wole heim.
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He was consecrated bishop at Cologne. For this, the city will praise God forever, that the most beautiful town ever built in Germany was governed by the most able man ever to come to the Rhine. Thus the town was rendered all the more prestigious through being illuminated by such a wise ruler, and his virtue shone all the brighter for his guardianship of such a magnificent city. Cologne is one of the greatest of cities; St. Anno made its honour complete.
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8
OB ir willit bekennin Der burge aneginne, So virnemit vmbi die grimmin heidínscapht Dannin den aldin burgin quam diu crapht. Ninus hiz der eristi man Dedir ie volcwigis bigan. Her saminodi schilt unti sper, Des lobis was her vili ger. Halspergin unti brunievn Dü gart er sic, ciih sturm Die helmi stalin heirti, Du stifter heriverti. Diu liute warin vnz andiu Vil ungeleidigete. Ir iwelich haviti sin lant, An din andirin sich niwiht ni want. Vngewenit warin si ci wige, Vili lieb was daz Nino.
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If you wish to know the origin of cities, hear now of the fierce heathens from whom the ancient cities had their might. Ninus was the first man ever to engage in warfare. He gathered shields and spears (he longed for glory) hauberks and byrnies (he girded himself for battle)
and helmets of hard steel \\ (he marched out to war). Until this time, people had suffered little. Each had his own tract of land and no-one turned against the others. They were unused to battle, which suited Ninus nicely.
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9
NInus leirti sini man Aribeiti lidin, In gewefinin ritin, Daz si vreisin gidorstin irbidin, Schiezin unti schirmin: Her niliz si nigehirmin, Vnz er gewan ci siner hant Elliu Asianischi lant; Da stiphter eine burg sint Einir dageweidi wiht, Driir dageweidi lank. Michil was der sin gewalt, Diu burg nanter nah imo Ninive Dasint der merevisch Jonam uzspe.
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Ninus taught his men to suffer trials, to ride in armour, to look danger in the face, to use bow and sword; he did not let them rest until he had conquered all the lands of Asia. There he later built a city a day's march wide and three days' march long. Great was his dominion. He named the city after himself, Nineveh. This was where the fish would later spew out Jonah.
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10
SIn wif diu hiz Semiramis, Diu alten Babilonie stiphti si, Van cigelin den alten Die die gigandi branten, Dü Nimbrot der michilo Geriht un dumplicho Daz si widir Godis uortin Einen turn worhtin Van erdin uf ce himele, Des dreif si Got widere, Dü her mit sinir gewalt Gedeilti si so manigvalt In zungin sibenzog, So steit iz in der werlti noch. Von demi gezugi des stiphtis Worti diu Semiramis Die burchmura viereggehtich, Vieri milin lank unti sescihg; Des turnis bistunt dannoch Vieri dusent lafterin hohc. In der burch sint warin Diu Küninge vili mere Da havitin ir gesez inne Chaldei die grimmin, Die heritin af der lanten, Vnzi si Hierusalem virbranten.
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His wife was named Semiramis. She built ancient Babylon from ancient bricks fired by the giants when the great Nimrod foolishly advised them against the command of God to build a tower from earth to Heaven. For this reason God in his might cast them down, dividing them utterly into seventy languages; this is still the state of the world today. From these building materials, Semiramis fashioned the walls of the city, sixty-four miles square, for the tower had stood four thousand fathoms high. The kings of this city were later very famous; it was the seat of the fierce Chaldeans, who devastated land after land until they had razed Jerusalem.
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11
IN den cidin iz gescach Als der wise Danihel gesprach, Dü her sini tróume sagiti Wi her gesin havite Viere winde disir werilte In dem michilin meri vehtinde, Vnz uz dem meri giengin Vreislichir dieri vieri. Viere winde biceichenint vier engele. Die plegint werilt allere; Die dier vier Künincriche Die diu werilt soldin al umbegrifen.
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In those days was fulfilled what the wise Daniel had prophesied when he told of his dreams, and how he had seen the four winds of this world fighting amidst the great ocean, until four terrible creatures emerged from the sea. The four winds represent four angels who have the whole world in their care; the creatures four kingdoms which would encompass the world completely.
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12
DIz eristi dier was ein lewin, Si havite mennislichin sin, Diu beceichenit vns alle Küninge Die der warin warin in Babilonia, Dere crapht unt ire wisheit Gidadun ire riche vili breiht.
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The first creature was a lioness which had human understanding. She represents all the kings who were enthroned in Babylon. Their power and their wisdom made their empires very large.
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13
DAz ander dier was ein beri wilde, her havide drivalde zeinde, Her cibrach al daz her anequam, Vnti citrat iz vndir sinin clawin. Der bizeichinote driu Künicriche Diu cisamine al bigondin grifin, Bi den cidin dü Cirus unti Darius Gewunnin Chaldeischi hus: Die zwene riche Küninge Si cistortin Babilonie.
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The second creature was a wild bear. He had three sets of teeth. He destroyed everything he came across and trod it under his claws. He represented three kingdoms which came together in the days when Cyrus and Darius defeated the Chaldean Empire. These two mighty kings destroyed Babylon.
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14
DAs dritti dier was ein lebarte, Vier arin vederich her havite; Der beceichinote den Criechiskin Alexanderin, Der mit vier herin vür aftir lantin, Vnz her dir werilt einde Bi güldinin siulin bikante. In India her die wüsti durchbrach, Mit zuein boumin her sich da gesprach, Mit zuein grifen Vür her in liuften. In eimo glase liezer sich in den se. Dü wurfin sin vngetruwe man Dié Kettinnin in daz meri vram, Si quadin; obi du wollis sihen wunter, So walz iémir in demo grunte; Du sach her vure sich vlizin manigin visc grozin, Half visc half man, Dad diuht un uili harte vreissam.
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The third creature was a leopard. He had four eagle's wings. He represented Alexander of Greece, who marched with four armies through land after land until he reached the end of the world, which he recognised by the golden pillars. In India he penetrated the desert, where he spoke with two trees. With two griffins he took to the air, and he had himself let down into the sea in a glass. Then his unfaithful vassals threw the chains out into the water. They said "If you want to see miracles, you can roll around forever on the seabed." There he saw many large fish swimming past him, half fish, half man. He thought this quite terrifying.
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15
Dü gedachti der listige man, Wi her sich mohte generian: Der wág vurt in in demo grunte, Durch daz glas sach her manige wunter, Vnz er mit einim bluote Daz scarphe meri gruozte. Alsi diu vlüt des bluotis inpfant Si warf den heirin aniz lant. So quam her widir in sin riche, Wol intfingin un die Criechen. Manigis wunderis genihte sich derselbe man, Driu deil her der werilte zume gewan.
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Then the cunning man considered how he might save himself. The current carried him along in the depths (through the glass he saw many wonders) until with a little blood he provoked the hostile sea. When the waters sensed the blood they threw the lord onto the land. Thus he returned to his realm. The Greeks gave him a splendid reception. This same man feasted his eyes on many other wonders. He won the three continents of the world for himself.
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16
DAz vierde dier ein ebir was Die cünin Romere meindi daz, Iz haviti isirne clawin, Daz ne condi nieman gevan; Isirni ceine vreisam; Wi sol diz iemir werdin zam? Wole biceichinit vns daz waltsuin Daz did riche ci Rome sal vri sin: Der ebir cin horn trüg Mit ten her sini vianti nidirslüg; Her was so michil unti vorhtsam, Ci Rome wart diu werlt al gehorsam.
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The fourth creature was a boar. It stood for the courageous Romans. It had iron claws (no-one could capture it) and terrible iron teeth (how could that ever become tame?). The wild boar clearly shows us that the Roman Empire will be free. The boar bore ten horns with which he hewed down his enemies. He was so large and frightening: the whole world paid tribute to Rome.
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17
CIn horn meintin cin Küninge, Di mit Romerin rittint ci sturme: Daz eilfti horn wus vnz an den himil, Die sterin vuhtin imi widir: Iz hat ougin unti munt, Sülich ni wart uns é kunt; Manigi wort iz widir Gode sprach, Daz her vieli schiere gerach: Daz biceichinit uns den Antichrist, Der noch in diese werlt künftig ist, Den Got mit sinir gewelti Cir hellin sal gesendin. Der troúm allir so irging, Son der engil vane himele geschiet.
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Ten horns stood for ten kings who rode into battle with the Romans. The eleventh horn grew until it reached Heaven; the stars fought it back; it had eyes and a mouth; we never heard anything like it before. It said many things against God, which he quickly avenged. It represents for us the Antichrist, who is still to come in this world, whom God in his might will send to Hell. Thus was the course of the dream as the angel from Heaven interpreted it.
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ROmere scrivin cisamine In einir güldine tavelin Driuhunterit altheirrin, Di dir plegin zuht unt erin, Die dagis unti nahtis riedin Wi si ir erin bihildin: Den volgedin die Herzogin al, Wanti si ni woldin Küning havin. Dü santin si den edelin Cesarem, Dannin noch hiude Küninge heizzint Keisere. Si gavin imi manige scar in hant, Si hiezin un vehtin wider Diutsche lant, Da aribeiti Cesar daz ist war Mer dan ein ihar, So her die meinstreinge man niconde nie biduingan. Ci iungist gewan hers al cigedinge, Daz soltin cin erin brengin.
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The Romans wrote on a golden tablet the names of three hundred senators, men of courtly conduct and good reputation, who would deliberate day and night how the honour of Rome might be upheld. All the princes obeyed them, for they did not want to have a king. Then they sent out the noble Caesar, after whom kings today are still called "Kaiser". They gave him command of many divisions and told him to wage war against Germany. There Caesar struggled for more than a year - this is true! - as he could not defeat the valiant men. In the end, he won them all over to a treaty; this was going to bring him glory.
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VNdir bergin in gegin Suaben Hiz her vanin uf haben Deri vordirin wilin mit herin Dari cumin warin ubir meri, Mit mislichemo volke Si slugen iri gecelte Ane dem berge Suedo, Dannin wurdin si geheizin Suabo. Ein liuht ciradi vollin gut Redispen genug, Die sich dikke des vure namin Daz si güde Rekkin werin, Woli vertig vnti wichaft; Doch bedwang Cesar al iri craft.
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He ordered flags to be hoisted at the foot of the mountains which lie towards the land of the Swabians, whose ancestors had once come with their armies from beyond the seas. With fighting men from many nations, they pitched their tents on Mount Suevo; this is why they are called Swabians. A people of wise counsel, thoroughly eloquent, who often distinguished themselves as intrepid warriors, marshalled and belligerent. Yet Caesar overcame all their might.
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20
Dü sich Beirelant wider in virmaz, Die merin Reginsburch her se bisaz, Da vanter inne helm unti brunigen, Manigin helit güdin, Die dere burg huhdin. Wiliche Knechti dir werin, Deist in heidnischin büchin meri. Da lisit man Noricus ensis, Daz diudit ein suert Beierisch, Wanti si woldin wizzen Daz ingemimi baz nibizzin, Die man dikke durch den helm slug; Demo liute was ie diz ellen gut. Dere geslehte dare quam wilin ere Von Armenie der herin, Da Noe uz der arkin ging, Dur diz olizui von der tuvin intfieng: Iri ceichin noch du archa havit Vf den bergin Ararat. Man sagit daz dar in halvin noch sin Die dir Diutischin sprecchin, Ingegin India vili verro. Peiere vurin ie ciwige gerno: Den sigin den Cesar an un gewan Mit bluote muster in geltan.
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When Bavaria dared to rise against him, he at once besieged the famous Regensburg. Here he found helmet and byrnie, and many bold heroes who were defending their city. The heathen books tell what kind of warriors were there: there we read "Noricus ensis", which means, "a Bavarian sword", for they believed that no other blade had a better bite, often slicing through a helmet. This was always a brave people. Their tribe came long ago from the magnificent Armenia, where Noah came out of the ark when he received the olive twig from the dove. The remains of the ark are still to be found in the highlands of Ararat. It is said that in those parts there are still those who speak German, far towards India. The Bavarians always loved to go to war. Caesar had to pay in blood for his victory over them.
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DEr Sahsin wankeli mut Dedimo leidis genug: Sor si wand al ubirwundin havin, So warin simi aver widiri. Die lisit man daz si wilin werin al Des wunterlichin Alexandris man, Der diu werlt in iarin zuelevin Irvúr uns an did einti. Dü her ci Babilonie sin einti genam, Dü cideiltin diz richi viere sini man, Di dir al dü woltin Küninge sin; Dandere vürin irre, Vuzir ein deil mit scifmenigin quamin nidir cir Eilbin, Da die Düringe dü sazin, Die sich wider un vermazin. Cin Düringin dü dir siddi was Daz si mihhili mezzir hiezin sahs, Der di rekkin manigis drügin, Damidi si die Düringe slugin, Mit untruwin ceiner sprachin Die ci vridin si gelobit havitin: Von den mezzerin also wahsin Wurdin si geheizzin Sahsin, Svie si doch ire ding ane vingen Si müstin Romerin alle dienin.
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The inconstancy of the Saxons was a cause of great trial to him: no sooner did he think he had subjugated them than they were resisting him again. It is written that they were once all bondsmen of the wondrous Alexander, who travelled the whole world to its end in twelve years. When he died in Babylon, four of his vassals divided the empire, as all of them wanted to be king. The others wandered the world until some of them came with a fleet of ships down to the Elbe, home of the Thuringians, who proudly marched out against them. It was the custom in Thuringia to call large knives "sahs". The warriors carried many of these, and slaughtered the Thuringians with them treacherously when they had met to discuss peace. From these extraordinarily sharp knives they came to be known as Saxons. Yet determinedly as they began their resistance, they all had to serve the Romans.
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22
CEsar bigonde nahin Zu den sinin altin magin, Cen Franken din edilin; Iri beidere vorderin Quamin von Troie der altin, Dü die Criechin diu burch civaltin, Dü ubir diu heri beide Got sin urteil so irsceinte Daz die Troieri sum intrunnin, Die Criechin ni gitorstin heim vindin, Want in den cin iarin, Dü si cidere sazin warin, So gehietin heimi al iri wif, Si rieten an iri manni lif; Des ward irslagin der küning Agamemno, Irri vurin dandero, Vns Vlix gesindin Der Ciclops vraz in Sicilia, Das Vlixes mit spiezin wol gerach, Dúr slafinde imi sin ouge uzstach. Das geslehte deri Ciclopin Was dannoch in Siciliin, Also hó cim poume, An dem eindo hatten si ein ouge. Nu havit si Got van vns virtribin hinnan In daz gewelde hine half India.
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Caesar now approached his old cousins, the noble Franks. The ancestors of both of them came from ancient Troy at the time when the Greeks destroyed the city, when God's judgement so fell upon both armies that some of the Trojans fled, while the Greeks did not dare to make their way home. For during the ten years they were quartered there, all their wives at home had remarried and were plotting against the lives of their husbands. Thus King Agamemnon was slain. The others became wanderers, until the Cyclops in Sicily devoured Ulysses' retinue; Ulysses avenged himself with spears with which he pierced his eye while he was sleeping. At that time the race of the Cyclopes was still living in Sicily; they were as tall as pine trees and had a single eye on their forehead. Now God has driven them away from us, to the forests which lie towards India.
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TRoieri vurin in der werilte Widin irri after sedele, Vns Elenus ein vir herit man Des Künin Ektoris witiwin genam, Mit ter da ci Criechin Bisiz sinir vianti riche. Si worhtin dar eini Troie Di man lange sint mohte scowen. Antenor was gevarn dannin ér, Dur irchos daz Troie solti eigen, Der stifted vns diu burg Pitavium, bi demi wazzere Timavio. Eneas irvaht im Wialilant, Dar diu sú mit trizig iungin vant, Da worhten si diu burg Albane, Dannin wart sint gestiftit Roma. Franko gesaz mit den sini Vili verre nidir bi Rini, Da worhtin si dü mit vrowedin eini lüzzele Troie, Den bach hizin si Sante Na demi wazzere in iri lante, Den Rin havitin si vure diz meri, Dannin wuhsin sint Vreinkischi heri, Di wurden Cesari al unterdan, Si warin imi ídoch sorchsam.
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The Trojans roamed the world far and wide in search of a home. The defeated Helenus took the widow of the bold Hector, through whom he gained the realm of his enemies in Greece. There they built a Troy which could be seen long afterwards. Antenor had left earlier, when he realised that Troy would fall. He founded the city of Padua for us, by the river Timavus. Aeneas won Italy for himself where he found the sow with thirty piglets. There they built the city of Alba, from where Rome was later founded. Francus and his men settled by the distant Rhine. There they took delight in building a little Troy. They named the stream Sante after the river in their own land; the Rhine served them as the sea. This was the origin of the Franks. They were all subjugated by Caeser.
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Dü Cesar dü widere ci Rome gesan, Si ni woltin sin niht intfan, Si quadin daz her durch sini geile Haviti virlorin des heris ein michil deil, Daz her in vremidimo lante An urlof so lange havite. Mit zorne her dü widir wante Ci Diutischimo lante, Da her hat irkunnit manigin helit vili gut. Her sante zu den Heirrin Die dar in riche warin, Her clagitin allin sini noht, Her bot un golt vili rot, Her quad daz her si wolti gern irgezzin Obir un ieht ci leide gedan hetti.
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When Caesar then returned to Rome, they didn't want to receive him. They said that his ambition had lost them a large part of the army, and that he had remained all this time in foreign lands without permission. Furiously he returned to Germany where he had made the acquaintance of many able heroes. He sent messengers to the nobles of that realm, complaining of the wrong he had suffered and offering them fine red gold. He said that he would gladly compensate them if he had caused them any hardship.
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Dü si virnamin sinin wille Si saminotin sich dar alle: Vzir Gallia unti Germania Quamin imi scarin manige, Mit schinintin helmen, Mit vestin halspergin. Si brahtin manigin sconin schiltrant, Als ein vlut vurin sin daz lant: Dü ci Rome her bigondi nahin Dü irvohtini dar manig man, Wanti si sagin schinin So breite scarin sini, Vanin ingegin burhtin, Des libis si alle vorhtin. Cato unti Pompeius rumiti Romischi hus, Alder Senatus mit sorgen vluhin si diuruz: Her vur un náh iaginta Witini slahinta, Vnz in Egypti lant; So michil ward der herebrant.
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When they heard his request, they all gathered there; from Gaul and Germania they rallied to him in droves, with shining helmets and sturdy hauberks. They brought many a fine shield. They flooded into the land. As he approached Rome, many there became afraid, for they could see his vast throngs gleaming as they bore their banners before them. They all feared for their lives, Cato and Pompey fled from Rome and the whole senate absconded in consternation. He pursued them, hunting them down and slaying them all the way to Egypt, so great was the rout.
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VVEr móhte gecelin al die menige Die Cesari iltin in geginne Van Ostrit allinthalbin, Alsi der sne vellit uffin alvin. Mit scarin unti mit volkin, Alsi der hagil verit van den wolkin. Mit minnerigem herige Genanter an die menige, Dü ward diz heristi volcwig Also diz büch quit, Daz in disim merigarten Ie geurumit wurde.
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Who could count all the hordes who rushed to meet Caesar from all the lands of the East like the snow falling on the Alps? With divisions and with armies like the hail falling from the clouds? With a smaller army he dared to face the larger one. It was to be the fiercest battle, so the book tells us, that was ever fought in this world.
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OY wi di wifini clungin, Da di marin cisamine sprungin, Herehorn duzzin, Becche blütis vluzzin, Derde diruntini diuniti, Di helli ingegine gliunte, Da di heristin in der werilte Sühtin sich mit suertin. Dü gelach dir manig breiti scari Mit blüte birunnin gari, Da mohte man sin douwen Durch helme virhouwin Des richin Pompeiis man Da Cesar den sige nam.
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Oh, how the weapons rang when the stallions leapt at each other! Battle horns blared, blood flowed in streams, the earth beneath thundered, Hell flared up to meet them as the noblest warriors in the world came at each other with their swords. Whole cohorts of warriors lay there drenched in blood. The bondsmen of the mighty Pompey could be seen dying there, their helmets hewn through, When Caesar was victorious.
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28
Dü vrouwite sich der iunge man Daz her die riche al gewan: Her vur dü mit gewelte Ci Rome sui so her wolte. Romere dü sin infiengin Einin nuwin sidde aneviengin, Si begondin igizin den Heirrin, Daz vundin simi cerin, Wanter eini dü habite allin gewalt Der é gideilit was in manigvalt: Den sidde hiz er dü cerin Diutischi liute lerin; Ci Rome deddir uf daz scazhus, Manig cieri nam her dan uz, Her gébite sinin holdin Mit pellin ioch mit golte: Sidir warin Diutschi man Ci Rome lif unti wertsam.
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Then the young man rejoiced that he had won every realm. He rode in majesty to Rome, as it pleased him. When the Romans received him, they instituted a new custom: they addressed their overlord as "ir". They invented this in his honour, as he alone now had all the power which previously had been divided among many. He ordered that the Germans should be honoured by being taught the custom. In Rome he opened the treasury and took out many valuables. He presented those he loved with furs and with gold. Ever since, German warriors have been loved and valued in Rome.
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29
Dü Cesar sin einti genam Vnte der sin neve güt diu richi gewan, Augustus der mere man Owisburg ist na imi geheizan, Diu stifte ein sin stifsun Drusus genanter, Dü ward gesant heirro Agrippa Daz her diu lant birehta, Daz her eini burg worhte, Ci diu daz in dad liuht vorte, Die burg hiz her Colonia, Da warin sint herrin maniga; Avir na selbe demo namin sinin Ist si geheizin Agrippina.
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When Caesar died and his excellent nephew, the famous Augustus, inherited the empire (Augsburg is named after him, founded by none other than his stepson, called Drusus), Lord Agrippa was dispatched to rule the land, and to build a fortified city so that the people would fear him. He named the city Colonia (since then it has been ruled by many lords); it is also called Agrippina, after his own name.
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30
CI dere burg vili dikki quamin Di Waltpodin vane Rome, Di dir oug er dar in lantin veste burge havitin, Wurmiz unti Spiri Diesi worhtin al die wili Dü Cesar dar in lante was Vnter die Vrankin unter saz Dü worhter da bi Rine Sedilhove sine: Meginza was du ein Kastel Iz gemerhte manig helit snel, Da ist nu dere Küninge wichtum, Dis Pabis senit stul. Mezze stifte ein Cesaris man Mezius geheizan, Triere was ein burg alt, Si cierti Romere gewalt, Dannin man unter dir erdin Den win santi verri Mit steinin rinnin Den herrin al ci minnin Die ci Kolne warin sedilhaft; Vili michil was diu iri craft.
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Regents from Rome came regularly to this city, men who had also previously commanded other strongholds in that country: Worms and Speyer, which they had built during the time when Caesar was in the country, locked in battle with the Franks. At that time he had built his fortifications by the Rhine. Mainz was a castle which brought forth many a brave hero; today it is the place where kings are crowned, and seat of the papal court. A vassal of Caesar, called Mezius, founded Metz. Trier was an ancient city, an adornment to the grandeur of Rome. From there, wine was sent under the earth far along stone channels to the lords who sat in Cologne, as a token of esteem; great was their power.
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31
IN des Augusti citin gescahc Daz Got vane himele nider gesach Dü ward giborin ein Küning Demi dienit himilschi dugint, Iesus Christus Godis Sun Von der megide Sente Mariun: Des erschinin san ci Rome Godis zeichin vrone, Vzir erdin diz luter olei spranc, Scone ranniz ubir lant, Vmbe diu Sunnin ein creiz stunt, Also roht so viur unti blut, Wanti dü bigondi nahin, Dannin uns allin quam diu genade, Ein niuwe Künincrichi, Demi müz diu werilt al intwichin.
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In the days of Augustus it came about that God looked down from Heaven. Then a king was born who was served by the angels of Heaven: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, born of the Virgin, St. Mary. At once, God's sacred signs appeared at Rome. Pure oil sprang from the earth and ran everywhere across the ground. Around the sun there appeared a circle, bright red like fire and blood. For a new kingdom was approaching, bringing God's grace to all of us. The whole world must succumb to it.
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32
SEnti Petir dir boto vrono Den diuvil ubirwantir ci Rome, Her rethi da uf dis heiligin crucis ceichin, Her screif diu burg ci Cristis eigine; Dannin santir dri heilige man Ci predigene den Vrankan, Eucharium unti Valerium, Der dritti geinti uffin leige; Da kerdin di zvene widere, Senti Petri daz ci clagine, Dari santer dü sinin staf, Den legitin si uffe Maternis graf. Si hizin un wider von dem tod erstan, In Senti Petiris gibote mit un ci Vrankin gan. Dü her sinis meisteris namin virnam Her ward un san gihorsam, Dü intloich sich diu molta Als iz Got wolta, Her vieng sich ci demi grasi, Schiere ilter us demo gravi: Dar vircig dagi hatti gilegin, Dü muster vircig iar lebin, Cerist si du ci Trierin lertin, Darná si Kolni bikertin, Da bischof ward derselbe man Der vane demi todi was irstantan.
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St. Peter, the sacred apostle, defeated the Devil at Rome. He set up the sign of the holy cross there; he declared the city to be in the vassalage of Christ. From there he commissioned three holy men to preach to the Franks: Eucharius and Valerius; the third died on the cliffs. The two returned to tell St. Peter of the loss. At this, he sent his staff; they laid it on Maternus' grave. They commanded him to rise from the dead and accompany them to the Franks as St. Peter instructed. When he heard his master's name he obeyed them at once. Then the dust parted as God intended it to. He took hold of the grass and quickly pulled himself out of the grave where he had lain for forty days. He was to live for another forty years. First they taught in Trier, then they converted Cologne, where the same man became bishop who had risen from the dead.
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33
Dü gewunnin si da ci Vrankin Ci Godis dienisti vili manigin man Mit beizzirimo wige Dan si Cesar gewanne wilen. Si lertin si widir sunde vehtin, Daz si ci Godi werin güde Knechte. Dere lere sint wole plagin Di bischove na hin warin Dri unti drizig gezalt Vns ane Seint Annin gewalt; Dere sint nu heilig sibine Die schinint uns von himele Als iz sibin sterrin nahtis dunt. Seint Anno lieht is her unti güt: Vntir dandere brahter sinin schim. Alsi der jachant in diz guldini vingerlin.
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There in Franconia they won over many men to God's service in a better war than that in which Caesar had previously won them. They taught them to battle against sin, so that they would be good bondsmen to God. This teaching was later practised diligently by the bishops who came after them, thirty three in all until the reign of St. Anno. Seven of these are now saints. They shine down on us from Heaven as seven stars do in the night. St. Anno is shining, noble and good. He added his radiance to that of the others like a hyacinth in a golden ring.
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34
DEn vili tiurlichin man Müge wir nu ci bispili havin, Den als ein spiegil anesin Die tugint unti warheiti wollen plegin. Dü der dritte Keiser Heinrich Demi selbin heirrin bival sich Vnti der godis willo was irgangin, Dar her ci Kolne ward mit lobe intfangin, Dü gieng her mit liut crefte Alsi diu Sunni düht in den liufte Diu in zuschin erden unti himili geit Beiden halbin schinit; Also gieng der bischof Anno Vure Gode unti vure mannen: In der Phelinzin sin tugint sülich was Daz un daz rich al untersaz, Ci Godis diensti in den gebérin Samir ein engil weri: Sin ere gihilter wole beidint halb, Dannin ward her ci rehtimi hertumi gezalt.
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Let us now take this excellent man as our exemplum; let those who wish to live in virtue and truth regard him as a mirror. When the Emperor Henry III placed his trust in this lord and the will of God was fulfilled that he should be received with honour in Cologne, he went with his entourage, as the sun does in the sky, passing between earth and Heaven, shining on both of them; thus walked Bishop Anno before God and before men. So powerful was he at court that the whole empire was subject to him. His conduct in God's service was like that of an angel. He was honoured right and left. For this reason he rated among those who were truly great.
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35
SIn güte bekanti vil un manig man. Nu virnemit Wi sini siddi warin gedan; Offen was her sinir worte, Vure dir warheite niemannin her ni vorte, Als ein lewo saz her vur din vuristin, Als ein lamb gin her untir diurftigin: Den tumbin was her sceirphe, Den gütin was er einste: Weisin unti widewin Die lobitin wole sinin sidde, Sini predigi unti sin ablaz Nimohti nichein dün baz, Also gotliche dad iz mit rehte solte lichen Allir irdischir diet. Gode was her vili liep. Selicliche stunt Kolnischi werlt Dü si sülichis bischovis warin werht.
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Few people really knew his goodness. Hear now what his custom was. His words were frank, in the face of the truth he feared no-one. Like a lion he sat before the princes; like a lamb he went among the needy. With the recalcitrant he was strict, with the righteous he was merciful. Orphans and widows praised his manner highly. His preaching and his absolution could not be bettered by any bishop, being so godly that all people on earth should by rights be satisfied. He was very dear to God's heart. The people of Cologne were greatly blessed when they were found worthy of such a bishop.
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36
SO diz liuht nahtis ward slafin al, So stunt imi uf der vili güte man, Mit luterer sinir venie Suhter münistere manige: Sin oblei her mit imi drüg, Dir armin vant her genúg, Die dir selide niht hattin, Vnt imi da ware dadin, Da diz armi wif mit demi kindi lag Der dir nieman ni plag, Dari gienc der bischof vrono, Her gebettidi iri selbe scono; So her mit rehte mohte heizin Vatir aller weisin, So harte was er in genedig; Nu havitis imi Got gelonit.
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At night when all the people were sleeping, this exemplary man would rise and seek out many churches in which to kneel and pray earnestly. He carried the offering with him. He found plenty of poor and homeless people who were waiting for him. Where the poor woman lay with her child, cared for by no-one, there the pious bishop went and personally found her a modest bed, so that he could rightly be known as the father of all orphans, so very merciful he was to them. Now God has rewarded him for this.
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37
VIli selicliche diz riche alliz stunt Dü dis girihtis plag der heirre güt, Dü her zo ci demi richi Den iungen Heinriche: Wilich rihtere her were, Das quam witini mere, Van Criechin unt Engelantin Die Küninge imi gebi Santin; So dedde man von Denemarkin, von Vlanterin unti Riuzilanti. Manig eigin her ci Kolni gewan, Di münister cierter ubiral Ci demi tiurin Gotis lobe Stiftir selbo vier münister, Diz vunfti ist Sigeberg sin vili liebi stat, Dar uffe steit nu sin graf.
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The whole empire was in a happy state when this good gentleman held court during the time when he was regent for the young Henry. Far and wide it was known what kind of ruler he was. From Greece and from England the kings sent him gifts, as they did from Denmark, Flanders and Russia. He won many vassals for Cologne. He decorated church buildings everywhere. For the precious honour of God, he himself founded four monasteries: the fifth is Siegburg, the place which he loved; his grave is now to be found there.
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38
NI avir diu michil ere Iewiht würre sinir selin, So dede imi Got also dir goltsmid düt, Sor wirkin willit eine nuschin güt; Diz golt siudit her in eimi viure, Mit wehim werki düt her si tiure, Mit wierin also cleinin Wole slift her die goltsteine, Mit manigir slahtin gigerwa Gewinnit er in die variwa: Also sleif Got Seint Annin Mit arbeidin manigin.
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However, lest this great honour should in any way tarnish his soul, God treated him as a goldsmith does. If he wishes to produce a fine brooch, he melts the gold in a fire; with great skill he ornaments it, with the finest of gold wire. Carefully he hones the topaz and, by preparing it in many ways, gives it the desired colour. In the same way God honed St. Anno with many trials.
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39
DIkki im anevuhtin di Lantheirrin, Ci iungis braht iz Got al ci sinin erin, Vili dikki un anerietin Di üne soltin bihütin, Wi dikki üne di virmanitin Di her ci heirrin braht havite. Ci iungis niwart daz niht virmidin Her niwurde mit gewefinin uze dir burg virtribin, Als Absalon wilin virtreib vater sinin Den vili gütin David. Disi zuei dinc harti si warin gelich. Leidis unte arbeite genúg Genihte sich der heirro güt, Al náh dis heiligin Cristis bilide Dü súnt iz Got van himele.
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Repeatedly the nobles attacked him: in the end God turned this to his honour. Many times he was betrayed by those who should have protected him. How many times was he derided by those whom he had elevated to lordship! In the end they did not stop until they had driven him from the city by force of arms, just as Absalom once drove out his father, the excellent David. These two events were indeed very similar. The virtuous lord suffered many trials and tribulations just like the example of the holy Christ. God compensated him for this from Heaven.
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40
DAr nah ving sich ane der ubile strít Des manig man virlos den liph, Dü demi vierden Heinriche Virworrin wart diz riche, Morht, roub unti brant Ci vurtin kirichin unti lant, Von Tenemarc unz in Apuliam, Van Kerlingin unz an Vngerin, Den niman nimohte widir stén, Obi si woltin mit truwin un samit gen, Diz stiftin heriverte groze Wider nevin unti husgenoze. Diz riche alliz bikerte sin gewefine In sin eigin inadere, Mit siginuftlicher ceswe Vbirwant iz sich selbe, Daz di gidouftin lichamin Vmbigravin ci worfin lagin, Ci ase den bellindin, Den grawin walthundin: Dü daz ni trúite bisünin Seint Anno Dü bidroz üne lebin langere.
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After this, the bitter strife arose, in which many men lost their lives, when Henry IV's Empire was reduced to chaos. Murder, robbery and arson devoured the churches and the land from Denmark to Apulia, from France to Hungary. No-one could resist it, though they would gladly have remained united in loyalty, they conducted great campaigns against their kith and kin. The entire Empire turned its weapons against its own intestines. With a victorious right hand it vanquished itself, so that the corpses of Christians lay discarded and unburied, as fodder for the howling, grey wolves. When St. Anno saw no hope of reconciliation he had no desire to live any longer.
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41
HEr reiht ci Salivelt in Düringe lant Da irbaritimi Got diu simi hant; Einis dagis ingegin none Dir himil indedde sich scone, Da sach her inne diu goteliche wunne Di her nidorsti kündin Nicheinimo weritlichim manne, Dü her uffe sinim wagene lag Vnter sinis gebeddis plag, Sülich mancraft un umbevieng Daz man sescein ros cidemo wagine spien, Dü düht hun daz her sege Suad sodor iemir künftig were; Vili harte untir quam sigis der heilige man, Dü bigondir dannin sichen.
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He rode to Saalfeld in Thuringia; there God revealed himself to him. One day around nones, Heaven opened magnificently. In it he saw the delights of God, which he dared not impart to any man in the world. As he lay on his cart and attended to his prayers, he was embraced by a mighty force as though sixteen stallions had been harnessed to the cart. Then it seemed to him that he could see everything that was to occur in the future. The holy man was greatly shaken by this; as a result he became sick.
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42
EInis nahtis der heirro dü gesach Wi her quam in einin vili Küniglichin sal Ci wuntirlichimi gesidele, Soiz mit rehti solde sin ci himele, Dü düht un in siumi troume Wiz allint halvin were bihangin mit golde, Di viuli tiurin steini liuhtin dar ubiral, Sanc unti wunne was dir groz unti manigvalt, Dü sazin dar bischove manige Si schinin also die sterrin cisamine, Dir bischof Bardo was ir ein, Senti Heribret gleiz dar als ein goltstein, Andere heirin genúg Vn was ein lebin unt ein muht. Dü stunt dir ein stul ledig unt eirlich, Seint Anno wart sinis vili gemeiht, Her was ci sinin erin dar gesat; Nu lobit hers Got dad iz also gesach. O wi gerne her dü geseze, Den libin stul wi gerner bigriffe, Dad ni woltin gelobin di vurstin Durch einin vlekke vure sinin brustin.
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One night the lord dreamt how in a hall befitting a king he came upon wondrous thrones, as should by rights be in Heaven. In his dream he perceived how it was decorated with gold on all sides. Precious stones glistened everywhere, there was great singing and rejoicing of every sort. There were many bishops seated there, shining like the stars together. Bishop Bardo was one of them, St. Heribert gleamed like a topaz, and many other lords; they acted and thought as one. One magnificent throne stood there empty. St. Anno was filled with joy: it had been placed there in his honour. Now he praised God that this had happened. Oh, how he would have loved to take his place there; the pleasant seat, how he wished he could claim it! The princes would not grant this because of a stain upon his breast.
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43
VF stunt dir heirrin ein hiz Arnolt Ci Wurmizi was her wilin Bischof, Seint Annin nam her mit handin, So quamin si dar bihalvin Mit süzir redin her un dü bistunt, Her sprach; trosti dig heirro Godis drüt, Disin vlekkin wisi hine gedun, Ci ware dir is gereit der ewigi stul, Daz sal sin in curtin stundin, So bistu disin heirrin willicumin. Vntir un nimaht tu nu blivin Wi lutir iz sal sin dad si willin lidin: Crist havit tir disi ding irougit, O wi heirro wad tir erin unti genadin volgit. Harti ginc iz Imi ci hercin Daz her widere kerin solde zir erdin. Ni werit dü ci stundin so gewant Durch alle diusi werilt ni rúmiter daz Paradysi lant, Sülich is diu himilschi wunne, Dar sule wir denkin alt unti iungin, Von demi slafe dir heirro dü gestunt, Wole wister wad her solde dun Kolnerin virgab her sini hulte, Daz her si hazzite wi groz daz warin ere sculte.
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One of the lords named Arnold stood up. Once he had been Bishop of Worms. He took St. Anno by the hand and led him aside. He spoke to him kindly and said, "Take comfort, my lord, beloved of God! Bid this stain be gone! Truly, the eternal throne is prepared for you. This will shortly come to pass, then these lords will welcome you. You cannot remain among them now. How pure a thing must be for them to tolerate it! Christ has shown you these things. Oh, my lord, what honour and grace awaits you!" It distressed him very greatly that he had to return to earth; had things not stood at that moment as they did, he would not have left Paradise for all the world, such is the joy of Heaven; we should ponder on this, old and young alike. The lord awoke from his sleep and knew well what he had to do. He granted the people of Cologne his pardon; it was entirely their fault that he had been in conflict with them.
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Dü dat cit dü bigonde nahen Daz imi Got wolte lonin, Dü ward her gikeistigit Alsi dir heiligi Iob wilin. Vane vüzin vns an diz hoibit So harti al bitoibit: So schit diu tiure sela Von mennislichimo sera, Von disimo siechin libi In das ewigi paradysi: Diz vleisc intfinc du erda, Dir geist vur up ci berga: Dari sule wir iemir nah imo deinkin Wa wir ci iungist sulin leintin.
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When the time approached when God planned to reward him, he was tormented as once the holy Job had been; from his feet to his head he was afflicted everywhere. Thus the precious soul departed from human suffering, from this ailing body, to the eternal Paradise. The earth received the flesh, the spirit soared up on high. Our thoughts should always follow him there, where we too will land in the end.
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ALser dü ci Godis antwurte quam Cin ewigin ginadin, Dü dedde dir heirro edile gemut Also dir ari sinin iungin düt Sor si spanin willit uz vliegin; Her suemit obin ce cierin, Her wintit sich uf ci berge, Daz sint dint die iungin gerne: Also woldir uns gespanin Wari wir na imi soldin varin. Her zoigit uns hinidine Wilich lebin si in himile; Ci demi gravi da sini woltin doht havin Da worhtir scone ceichin, Die sichin unti die crumbe Di wurdin da gesunte.
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When he came into God's presence, to eternal grace, the noble-minded lord did as the eagle does when it wishes to entice its young to fly. It hovers above them majestically, it circles up on high, and the young are then pleased to do likewise. In this way he wished to entice us to follow him where we should go: he showed us here below what life is like in Heaven. By his grave, where people thought he was dead, he wrought great miracles: the sick and the lame were healed there.
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ARnolt hiez ein vollin güt kneht Der havit einin vogitman hiez Volpreht, Der durch werltliche sculde Virlos sinis heirrin hulte, Dü bigonder Godi missitruwin Helphe sühter an din tiuvil, Her kós vn imi ci vogite wider Arnolde. Einis abindis ginc her einin ganc Na sinimo rosse einis veldis lanc, Da irschein imi der tiuvil offene; Her virbot imi alle Cristis é, Vnt her nimanni daz ni sagite Wi her un gesin havite. Her quad, giwuge hers eincheinim manne Her cibrechin ci stükkelini allin: Wolter avir imi volgin So hetter imi gewissin holtin. Mit drón unti mit geheizan Virleitter dü den tumbin man Daz her geliz sich cis viantis truwin: Daz ward imi sint ci ruwin.
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There was a worthy knight whose name was Arnold. As governor, he had a liegeman named Volprecht, who, by neglect of his feudal duty, had lost his overlord's goodwill. He despaired of God and sought the help of the Devil, choosing him as his governor in place of Arnold. One evening as he was walking to his horse, the length of a field, the Devil appeared openly to him, proscribed the whole Christian faith for him and forbade him to tell anyone how he had seen him. He said if he should mention it to anyone he would utterly break him to pieces; should he obey him, however, he would certainly be kind to him. With threats and with promises he lead the foolish man astray, so that he took the fiend at his word. The time would come when he would regret this.
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DEs andren tagis her mit Arnolde reiht Dis tiviulis geheizi was her vili gemeit, Mit misselichin redin her dar zu quam Daz her Godis bigonde virlouchinan, Godis heiligin bigonder lasterin, Daz niman nisolti gebaldin, Vnzi dü der vili tumbe man Bigondi lasterin Seint Annin; Her quad dad her iz al wol irkante, Iz wer al triugeheit unti scante, Anno lebit ié mit suntin, Wad ceichine her getuon solte? Dere vrebelichin schelti Müster san intgeltin; Da cistede sin ouge winister Vür imi uz als ein wazzer; Dü der ungeloubige man Ni woltt sich irkeinnin, Her niwolti Seint Annin scelten, Dü müßte hers mer intgeltin, Durch sin hoibit quam ein slag Daz her dir nidiri gelach; Als ein gescoz daz ouge ceswe Spreiz uz imi verre: Dü vil her nidir andid gras, Her schrei als imi was: Harti irquamin si sich des ubiral, Si beddítin ci Gote in cruce stal
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The following day he was riding with Arnold. He was delighted about the Devil's promise. He made various remarks in which he blasphemed against God. He went on to slander God's saints, which no-one should dare to do, and finally the enormously foolish man also slandered St. Anno. He said that he knew full well that it was all deception and scandal; Anno had always lived in sin; what miracles would he ever do? At once he had to pay for this wanton calumny. There on the spot, his left eye spurted out like water. When the unbelieving man would not come to his senses and desist from defaming St. Anno he had to pay even more dearly for it. A shock went through his head causing him to fall to the ground; like a shot his right eye squirted out far before him. Then he fell down on the grass, screaming as befitted his plight. People everywhere were very frightened by this. Lying with outstretched arms, they prayed to God.
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48
ARnolt his dradi rennnin Paffen imi dari gewinnin, So vürhtin si in ceinir kirichin, Si lertin un sini pigihti tun, Vnzi dü der seregi man Sent Annin anedingin bigan, Her bat sinir genadin, Daz her den gesunt imi virgabi: Michil wunter sagin Alli di dü da warin; In den itilin ougistirnin Wuhsin niuwe ougin widere, Daz her san ci stundin woli gesach: So scone ist diu Godis craft.
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Arnold quickly sent for priests to come and lead him to a church. They urged him to make confession, until the suffering man called on the name of St. Anno. He asked him for mercy and that he should restore him to health. All who were present witnessed a great wonder. New eyes grew in the empty sockets, and that very hour he could see properly. So marvellous is the power of God!
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49
VOn altin ewin ist daz kunt Wi sich wilin uf tedde der merigrunt Dü Moyses das liut Israel Mit trukkenim wegge leite ubir se Ci demi allir bezzistin lante Des die gütin ouch sulin waltin, Da die becche miliche vluzzin, Diz süze honig dar inzuschin, Diz olei uz eime steine sprunge, San dir bi der süze brunne, Diz brot vane himele reginete, Allis gudis si seide habiten, Mit wüntirlichin ceichinin Erete Got Moysen den heiligin, Vnz ein sin selbis suster Bigondimi sprecchin laster. O wi starche si di misilsuht bistunt, Vnz iri gewegete der brüder gut: Also gewegete Seint Anno disim man Daz her sini gesunt gewan, Ci diu daz wir virstuntin Des richin Godis güte, Wi her so lonit unti ricchit Suaz man sinin holtin spricchit, Der so süze leidit albihanten Ci demi sconin paradysi lante.
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We know from the Old Testament how once the ocean floor was opened when Moses led the people of Israel on a dry path across the sea to the best of all lands which the righteous shall also possess, where the streams flowed with milk, the sweet honey between them, the oil sprang from a stone, and right beside it a source of fresh water. Bread rained from Heaven and they had their fill of all good things. God honoured Moses, the saintly man, with miraculous signs until only his own sister spoke slander against him. Oh how terribly the leprosy afflicted her until her good brother came to her aid. Likewise St. Anno came to the aid of this man, so that he regained his health in order that we might discern the goodness of Almighty God, how he rewards and recompenses whatever is said about his favoured one, who so gently leads us directly to the beautiful land of Paradise.
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