Elene; Judith; Athelstan, or the Fight at Brunanburh; Byrhtnoth, or the Fight at Maldon; and the Dream of the Rood Anglo-Saxon Poems

Excerpt

I. Constantine sees the vision of the rood.
II. Constantine is victorious, the sign is explained, and he is baptized.
III. Helena sets out on her journey in search of the cross, and arrives at Jerusalem.
IV. Helena summons an assembly of the Jews learned in the law, and addresses them.
V. The Jews consult apart, and Judas states the object of the Empress.
VI. Judas gives the Jews the information derived from his father and grandfather.
VII. The Jews at first refuse to act, but finally deliver up Judas to the Empress.
VIII. Judas stubbornly denies all knowledge of the matter, but after imprisonment without food consents to speak.
IX. They proceed to Calvary, and Judas offers a prayer for guidance.
X. A smoke arises, Judas digs and finds three crosses. Test of the true cross.
XI. The fiend laments that he is overcome. Judas replies to him.
XII. Helena announces the discovery to Constantine, who orders a church to be built on the spot. Judas is baptized.
XIII. Judas is ordained bishop of Jerusalem, and his name is changed to Cyriacus. Helena longs to recover the nails. Judas prays, digs, and finds them.
XIV. The nails are made into a bit for Constantine's horse. Helena admonishes all to obey Cyriacus and returns home.
XV. The writer reflects on his work, records his name; and refers to the future judgment.