Ælfric

“ In the midst of these exhortations the heathen hastened
with formidable weapons to the pious company,
and slew the Christians, even as the Emperor had commanded,
with their weapons furiously, as one heweth wood;
and the servants of God hastened with gladness,
stretched out their necks to the death for Christ,
and would not with their weapons strive against them,
but hastened with emulation to the terrible swords.
After that the Emperor sent to the executioners,
and bade that they should not leave of that faithful band
one man alive who believed in Christ ”

“ Many of God's angels from heaven straightway
received their souls with great joy,
even as God's well-instructed servants sing in hymns.
Then the soldiers divided Christ's martyrs'
weapons and garments, because the bloodthirsty one bade
that each of them should have as spoil
that man's clothes whom he had killed with his weapons. ”

“ The saints whom we are honouring and their like
renounced this world, though it were merry,
whilst still in this life, because they desired the (life) eternal.
Then was there long life, and mild weather,
health of body, during long-lasting peace,
fruitfulness on earth, and sufficiency in riches. ”