PREFACE. In preparing this edition for use in college classes, many problems have arisen the best solution of which I can hardly hope to have reached. I leave the work to stand on whatever merits it may have. It should be noted that the facsimiles of the manuscript are reduced 27 of the linear dimensions. The first is of folio 4 (1. 1 ff. of text); the second, of folio 29 a (37. 13 ff.). In the absence of any good modern English version of this work, the rather copious translations, found in the Introduction, will perhaps be pardoned. The construction of the text is somewhat of a compromise. I have generally held to the manuscript readings; but where a form was meaningless, or a scribal error was evident, I have not hesitated to emend. When such emendations have been made, the manuscript readings have always been given in the foot notes. For the paragraphing, capitalization, punctuation, and quantity-marks, I am responsible. The Notes attempt to indicate the relation of the Old English version to its Latin sources; otherwise they are merely suggestive. The Glossary is intended to be exhaustive, except for a few oft-recurring forms. My thanks are due to Mr. Andrew Keogh for looking over the proof of the Introduction, and to my wife for verifying the line-references of the Glossary. To Professor Wm. H. Hulme of Western Reserve University I am indebted for the collations of the manuscript, for reading the proof of the text, and for various helpful suggestions. To Professor Albert S. Cook I owe more than I can express. From the inception of the work until its completion, he has ever been a kindly critic, an inspiring teacher, and a considerate friend. In his ripe scholarship, in his lofty ideals, and, withal, in his camaraderie, his pupils ever have cause for joy. Yale University, April 21, 1902. H. L. H. |