E06916: Aldhelm's poem On the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul records the dedication of a church to the Apostles *Peter (S00036) and *Paul (S00008), presumably in Britain, perhaps at Malmesbury (south-west Britain). Written in Latin in southern Britain, c. 670/710.

Aldhelm, Carmina Ecclesiastica, 1

IN BASILICA SANCTORVM PETRI ET PAVLI
Hic celebranda rudis florescit gloria templi,
Limpida quae sacri signat vexilla triumphi;
Hic Petrus et Paulus, tenebrosi lumina mundi,
Praecipui patres, populi qui frena gubernant,
Carminibus crebris alma venerantur in aula.

Claviger aetherius, portam qui pandis in aethra,
Candida caelorum recludens regna Tonantis,
Ausculta clemens populorum vota precantum,
Marcida qui riguis umectant imbribus ora;
Suscipe singultus commissa piacla gementum,
Qui prece flagranti torrent peccamina vitae!

Maximus et doctor , patulo vocitatus ab axe,
Cum cuperes Christo priscos praeponere ritus,
Saulus, qui dictus mutato nomine Paulus
Post tenebras claram coepisti cernere lucem,
Vocibus orantum nunc aures pande benignas
Et tutor tremulis cum Petro porrige dextram,
Sacra frequentantes aulae qui limina lustrant,
Quatenus hic scelerum detur indulgentia perpes
Larga de pietate fluens et fonte superno,
Dignis qui numquam populis torpescit in aevum!


'ON THE BASILICA OF SS. PETER AND PAUL
Here flowers the renowned glory of a new church, (glory) which emblazons bright banners of a holy victory; here Peter and Paul, the lights of a darkened world, excellent Fathers who control the reins of their people, are venerated in this holy church with continual prayers.

[To St Peter]: Ethereal key bearer, you who open the gateway to the skies, unlocking the shining realms of God's heaven: listen mercifully to the petitions of these peoples praying, who moisten their withered faces with streams of tears; acknowledge the lamentations of those who bewail the sins they have committed, who with their burning prayers are cauterizing the evils of this life!

[To St Paul]: And you, great doctor, who, at the time when you were inclined to prefer pagan mysteries to Christ, were summoned from on high; (and), who previously were called Saul, with your name changed to Paul you began to see the clear light after the shadows [Acts 22:3-13]: now you open your kindly ears to the voices of those praying (to you) and, kindly guardian, in company with St Peter, extend your right hand to the fearful (crowds) who in multitudes seek the holy threshold of this church, so that eternal forgiveness, flowing from bountiful kindness and the heavenly font – which shall never grow still for those who deserve – may here be given for their sins.'


Text: Ehwald 1919, 11-12. Translation: Lapidge and Rosier 1985, 46, title lightly modified.