Maxims (Old English poems)

"Maxims I" (sometimes treated as three separate poems, "Maxims I, A, B and C") and "Maxims II" are pieces of Old English gnomic poetry. The poem "Maxims I" can be found in the Exeter Book and "Maxims II" is located in a lesser known manuscript, London, British Library, Cotton Tiberius B i. "Maxims I" and "Maxims II" are classified as wisdom poetry, being both influenced by wisdom literature, such as the Havamal of ancient Germanic literature. Although they are separate poems of diverse contents, they have been given a shared name because the themes throughout each of the poems are similar. Quotes Maxims I Gleawe men sceolon gieddum wrixlan. Discerning people must exchange maxims. 4 (tr. S. A. J. Bradley, 1982) Maxims II    Ceastra beoþ feorran gesyneorþanc enta geweorc || þa þe on þysse eorþan syndonwrætlic weallstana geweorc. Cities are conspicuous from afar, those which there are on this earth, the ingenious constructions of giants, ornate fortresses of dressed stones. 1 (tr. S. A. J. Bradley, 1982) Compare: The Ruin, 1–14    Sweord sceal on bearmedrihtlic isern || draca sceal on hlæwefrod frætwum wlanc || fisc sceal on wæterecynren cennan || cyning sceal on heallebeagas dælan. The sword belongs in the lap, a lordly iron weapon. The dragon belongs in its barrow, canny and jealous of its jewels. The fish belongs in the water, spawning its species. The king belongs in his hall, sharing out rings. 25 (tr. S. A. J. Bradley, 1982) The shape of the future is obscure and unknowable; the Lord alone knows it, the Redeeming Father. 62 (tr. S. A. J. Bradley, 1982) External links "Maxims I", A Consolidated Library of Anglo-Saxon Poetry, clasp.ell.ox.ac.uk "Maxims II", A Consolidated Library of Anglo-Saxon Poetry, clasp.ell.ox.ac.uk Category:Old English literature Category:Anonymous works