ABSTRACT
[St.] Caedmon, St. Hilda, 3 King David, the Lord Christ. So, on the face of a cross raised, not long since, by scholars to the memory of the first great singer of English sacred song, "hard by" the spot where he "fell asleep," the figures rise, one above another; at the base the humble swineherd and singer of the great song of Creation, 4 which passed through him almost unconsciously; above him the image of that woman and saint who held over both men and women a spiritual sway which has made her a living memory for centuries, who discerned the spirits, whether they were of God, knew them under the humblest guise and assigned the holy genius of Caedmon to its place. Over her, King David the type of sacred song, and over King David with his harp, the One Source of all religious genius, the inspiration and ruler of David and of St. Hilda, of Caedmon and of all saints. It is a modern cross and still too new, despite the winds which shortly mend all sharpness; but well conceived on the old models and far enough from the sad and solemn abbey ruin to save its newness from discord.
